The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-10-10
JOHN JASPER'S HEROISM.


AT sAvANSAH-LAYING THE CORNER STONE
OF A MONUMENT GENERAL GoRDoN's ALLu-
sIoNs 10 STATE RIGHTS.
SAVANNAH. Ga. Oct. 9. 1879.
The one hundredth anniversary OF the siege OF
Savannah aud death of Sergeant Jasper COM
memorated to-day in imposing manner in
the presence OF between fifteen and twenty
thousand people. Great enthu siasm prevailed Tho
volunteer soldiery of Charleston, S. c.. Georgia and
Florida represented by over twenty com.
panies OF infantry, cavalry and artillery. The
military pageant surpassed in brilliancy and
numbers any similar affair seer in
any Southern city. The military alone. including
tho Savannah soldiery. extended over quarter of a
mile. To these were added civic societies. the JAS
per Monumental Association and Centennial Conn.,
mittee, headed by the Thirteenth United States In
fantry Band. and a company of federal troops from
the barracks ut Atlanta. The military altogether,
comprised forty companies OF infantry. four bat
teries of artillery and regiment of cavalry
The shipping in port and the public buildings made
fine display OF bunting After the parade through
the principal streets. which were blocked with peo-
pie, the procession reached Madison square the
site of the proposed monument where large stand
had been erected and was deliberately decorated the
American nag being conspicuous. The corner stone
was laid with the usual ceremonies by Captain John
Mcmahon, president OK the Jasper Monumental
Association.
GENERAL GoRDoN's ADDRESS.
General John Is. Gordon United states Senator
from Georgia. was then introduced, and delivered o
patriotic Grafton, which listened to with pro-
tonnd attention and frequently drew forth cheers
In the course his remarks the distinguished
speaker in earnest and forcible manner gave vent
the following. which elected the most vociferous
and prolonged APPLAUSE
..I.et us hope that the passions engendered by
calalnitous civil and the distrust toward the
become potential agencies for the destruc-
ton OF those principles OF government for which
Washington fought and Jasper died. Let me not be
magnify unduly the rights Of the States nor
%oua our people depllve inc genera s so1
| the constitution has conferred. We believe
that the most lasting national good as well az the
greatest national strength, to be attained by
fterng adherence to the rights OF the States tho
hand and the fullest recognition of the preroga-
tives OF the general government on the other. In
other words, under our form of government and
with vast territories and conflicting local inter-
ests the grants and limitations of the Fundamental
| law must be recognized. The constitution must be
the omnpotent arbiter from whch there is appeal
Nor do seek by reference to the South to detrac in
any degree from the credit to the able statesmen
the North for their brave defence of this colonial
| and constitutional doctrine of Free untrammelled
local government. l do not claim for the South any
monopoly of the virtues comprehended in the terms
patriotism" and ''repubicalsin. am not OF those
who believe that love of country or fidelity to the
constitution il bounded by State lines confined to
sections. Would that such obliquity Of Judgment
| and all sectional bigotry and passion and
prejudice could be banshed from this coun.
try. and that a. broad patriotism. broad
| ~ the Republic itself, could possess the
hearts Of the entire American people. Would that
the South no longer the subject OF dstrust, could
terial development OF the great West and North and
| the grand industries and achievements which con-
tribute to the high civilization OF the great East.
| Would that the West and East and North. with Q
| magnanimity and sense OF justice BETTING great
| people. could cherish. as common heritage. tho
history. the honor tho courage, the patriotism.
tine fidelity and the heroic endurance of the stricken
| South. God speed the day when the maxim. This
is my country" all my country. every section, every
State. every of soil which the flag OF the
Republic floats. shall be embraced by every Ameri;
and political fact. but as living. potential inspr-
| ing sentiment
| After the corner stone ceremonies there was .
grand review OF troops at the Park Extension by
General Gordon and General lafayette McLaws. Tho
afternoon and evening devoted to banquets aud
other festivities The city is tonight brilliantly
illuminated
The Jasper Monumental Association was organized
the 27th December, 1875 for the purpose OF erect
| ing monument to the memory OF Sergeant William
Jasper. OF Revolutionary fame On the 9TH day Of
October, 1779 Sergeant Jasper fell the attack
| Savannah The corner stone of monument to
| be erected in his memory the centennial
anniversary Of the event of the 9th day
| of October determined upon and active meas
for that purpose were ut once lnaugurated. lt
WIS considered that no occasion could be more APP
propriate than the centennial OF his DEATH place
more hitting than that whereon he fell While other
Irishmcn higher in the Colonial ranks. nond
there was who more truly represented Ireland In
America than the brave and modest Jasper.
The Jasper Monumental Association confined their
efforts to the raising OF funds for the monument.
/
exclusively to this purpose In order. however.
that the occasion should've properly commemorateds
auxiliary association known as the Citizens Gen.
tennial Committee was organized in June. 1879,
with the object OF raising funds for national cello
bration.
and the result is the imposing and magnificent
demonstration witnessed i'll savannah "Wednesday.
JAsPRus DEEDS.
It il not inappropriate here to give synopticL
sketch of Jasper. Born in Ireland. he emigrated to
America aud settled in South Carolina. The OF
the Hevo luton found him devoted patriot. and on
| the 2sth of June. 1776. he was engaged in thu
defence of Fort Moutrie His conspic gallantry
in leaping the ramparts OF the fort during
hottest OF the fight, and fixing anew the flag which
had beon shot from its staff won for him the al.
miration OF his comrades and inspired the brave
defenders OF old Moultre with . iotter heroism.
For this act he offered commission BY Gov
ernor Rutledge. who said to him. You have won
sword. sir. and must wear it." May. sir. replied
Jasper. II am not worthy Of the trust; adversely
schooimistress. / cannot IDingle with those who
are superior to mo in education aud manners with.
out exposing myself to deserved contempt Let mo
| alone. Let me serve my country in the way that
suits me best-as an humble and devoted lsborer in
| the cause OF Freedom. Governor Rutledge yielded
to this refusal. but presented him with the sword
which the Governor wore about his person.
REscuIsG rHE PRISONERS
Probably the most desperate feat Of arms Of the
Revolution was the release OF Jasper aud Newton
aud about twelve American prisoners and the cap
turo of the guard OF ten British soldiers. The cir
cuinstsnces surrounding this exploiIwere romantic
in the extreme and worthy OF the days OF chivalry.
While accommodating the british camp ~
Ebenczer. Jasper learned from Mrs Jones
that her husband, then in irons, charged with do
sertion of the royal about to be sent with
other prisoners to- savannah there to be tried aud
doubtless executed Tho Distress OF the poor
and her child touched the mpulsive freshman. aud
he formed the desperate resolve of attempting tho
rescue OF The prisoners. The guard with the
prisoners started for Savannah. Jasper and
Newton followed them unarmed until within short
distance from Jasper Spring. located at point
two miles distant IRON Savannah on the Augusta
road. Here the guard stopped for water. resting
their arms against the trees. Jasper and Newton
each seized musket shot two OF the guard down.
dashed out the brains OF two with them
clubbed guns. leapcd between the remaining six
soldiers and their other muskcts, and possessing
themselves OF the loaded weapons compelled their
surrender. released the prisoners escorted them to
the American army at perrysburg. aud SAFELY
returned Jones to his wife and cniid.
A
The death OF Jasper in keeping with his life.