The Lake Charles echo. [volume] (Lake Charles, Parish of Calcasieu, La.) 1876-1898, 1879-09-27
The Jasper Monumental Assoc.
citation OF Atlanta, Ga.


To Irishmen and the Friends Of Constellation
el Liberty:
An Association, under the name of
the "Jasper Monumental Association"
has been formed for the purpose Of
erecting monument to the memory
of Sergeant Jasper.
II will be remembered that on the
9th day of October, l779, Sergeant
Jasper fell in the attack on Savannah,
and it is the intention of this Assoeia-
tion to lay the corner stone of the pro-
posed monument on the 9th day of
October, 1879. No occasion could be
more appropriate than the centennial
OF his death; no place more fitting
than that whereon he fell. While other
Irishmen rose higher in the Colonial
ranks, yet none there were who more
truly represented Ireland in America
than the brave and modest William
Jasper.
Born in Ireland, he emigrated to
America and settled in South Carolina.
The war Of the Revolution found him
devoted patriot, and on the 2sth Of
June, l776, he was engaged in the de-
fense Of Fort Moultrie. His conspic-
uous gallantry in leaping over the ram
parts Of the fort during the hottest of
the fight and fixing anew the flag which
had been shot from its staff, won for
him the admiration of his comrades,
and inspired the brave defenders Of old
Moultrie with loftier heroism.
For this act he was offered a COM
mission by Governor Rutledge, who
said to him: "You have won sword,
sir, and you must wear it," "Nay,
sir" replied Jasper, I" i am not worthy
of the trust; adversity has been my
only schoolmaster, liberty my only |
schoolmistress. cannot mingle with |
those who are superior to me in edu-
cation and manners without exposing |
myself to deserved contempt. Let me |
alone let me serve my country in the |
way that suits me best, as an humble |
and devoted laborer in the cause of |
freedom" Governor Rutledge yielded
10 this refusal, but presented him with
The sword which the Governor wore
about his person.
Probably the most desperate feat of
arms of the Revolution was the release
by Jasper and Newton Of about twelve
American prisoners and the capture
IF the guard Of ten British soldiers.
The circumstances surrounding this
exploit were romantic in the extreme
md worthy Of the days Of chivalry.
while accommodating the British camp
It Ebenezer, Jasper learned from .
Mrs. Jones that her husband, then in
rons, charged with desertion Of the
'oyal cause, was about to be sent with
,ther prisoners to Savannah, there to
% tried, and, doubtless, executed. The
distress of the poor woman and her
;hild touched the heart Of the impul-
i've lrishman, and he formed the des-
lerate resolution Of attempting res
ne. The prisoners, under guard,
tarted for Savannah. Jasper and New
~ sOiAVWSu tHCLh uuaElucu uHbn nt
,arty arrived at what is now known as
Jasper Springs, about two miles from
'ayannah, on the Augusta road. Here
he guard stopped for water, resting
heir arms against the trees. Jasper
md Newton each seized musket, shot
wo Of the guard down, dashed out the T,
'rains Of two more with the dubbed
,uns, leaped between the remaining six
oldiers and the other muskets, and
possessing themselves Of the loaded
Weapons, compelled the surrender Of
he six, released the prisoners, escorted
hem to the American army at Purys-
'urg, and safely returned Jones TO bis
rife and child.
The death of Jasper was in keeping
nth bis life. The attack on Savannah /
1as disastrous, The French and Ameri- |
ans were repulsed; the buglc had .
ounded the retreat when the flag which
frs. Elliot had presented 20 him, and !
'hich he had promised 10 guard until (
ternity,' was seen By him trailing IN j