Morning journal and courier., 1883-06-15
Coming Charleston Guests.

Charlest0n's Ch1vnlrIc COmmand-HAs- tor1cai Sketch of the Washington Light Infantry.
 The Washington Light Infantry, or Charleston, which will be received here py the First regiment, on Thursday, June zl, IS one of the most brilliant military organiza- tious in the South, and it's history has been one of chiyaIric interest from the very in ception of the command, three-quarteTs of a century ago, to the present hour. It's birth 1 was quickened, says the historian of the command, amid the throes of na- l tional patriotism, and it spraDg into life full-armed, the noted collision of the capes of Virginia between the British frigate Leopold and the Chesapeake of the United States navy in 1907 summon ing the organization into existence. Its first commander was William Lowndes, a dis tinguished South Carolinian, the friend and associate of Calhoun, Clay and Cheves, and one of the staunchest supporters of Presl- dent Madison's administration. William Crafts the memory of whose brilliant gifts yet fingers in honored tradition in South Carolina, was the first ensign of the com mand.
 In 1924 1t was gazetted by the Governor of South Carolina with the old "Fusiliers Fran caises' as the special guard of-honor to es- cort the Marquis de Lafayette into the city. In 1927 the widow of Colonel William Wash ington, of the revolution, selected the com mand, of all the volunteer corps of Charles ton, to be the custodian of her husband battle flag, ''Tarleton's Terror"
 A PROUD CUsToDIANsHIP.
 The story of this flag by the way has a knightly charm in itself. In nasty visit from Colonel Washington during his Caro lima campaign Miss Jane Elliott, afterward Mrs. William Washington, learned that he had no flag for his troops. In moment ot inspiration Miss Elliott cut from it's place | the crimson square of silk which embellished l the back of chair near by, saying, "Let | this be your flag The simple square of l crimson brocade twenty six by th1rty-slx inches in dimensions, fired the hearts of Col | onel Washington's cavalrymen with lmpas- stoned loyalty and knighthood, and sent them l into the hottest of contests with courage and daring that never knew dishonor or de- | feat. In 1859 the command was also presented with the crimson sash which from the letter of Mir. Condy. great grand son of Colonel William Washington, twas worn throughout the revolutionary war by Colonel Washington, and it is desired hat i should be in the same custody as his regi mental flag" These two valued memorials have been carefully preserved and are
  the 22d of February.
 HONORABLE RESPONSE TO CALLS OF DUTY.
 In the intense political excitement which ragged in South Carolina over the nullifca ton question in 1880 and 1881, the command shared the fortunes of the Union party which, being in minority in Charleston caused its membership to be reduced; bu under Captain R. B. Gilchrist, af terward United States district judge fol South Carolina, the corps was sustained l throughout, and the temporary check wal more than regained in succeeding years. II | 1886 it made prompt response to the cal of the government for military aid for tht protection of the women and children of St Augustine from the torch and tomahawk o the Seminole.
 WITH SOUTH CAROLINA IN WAR.
 When the war between the States was de veloped, the Washington Light Infantr. obeyed the authority of South Carolina, il whose commission it's officers held rank anC having sufficient numbers, formed themselve into three companies, one under Cap tain James Connor, enrolled in tn, Hampton Legion Infantry; the othe two served under Captains Lloyd and Car son, in the TWenty-ffth regiment, Soutl Carolina infantry. At the close of tn, | struggle the casualties aggregated 113 dead besides many nnaimed and scared for life
 
 commissioned and dnon-commissioned officers and the whole number of the dead sums ul nearly one.third of all who had enlisted D
 In 1870 the beautiful monument of Ten nessee marble, prominent feature in Mag nolia cemetery, was erected by them in re membrance of their companions who fell il the unhappy struggle. This organization i now both military and charitable one, ant embraces a large number of member on the honorary, active and contribut ing rolls one of whom, the venerated T. Wightman, in 1875, connected that perio with the foundation of the company in 1907 while the names of several others went bac fifty odd years in membership. The revivs of the annual custom, for which the citizen of Charleston were always distinguished be fore 1860 of the public observance of Wash ington's birthday, is marked feature in tn company's past and present history.
 PENSIONS AND MONUMENTS.
 The Washington Light Infantry is the onl corps in South Carolina that issues pension to the widows and orphans of it's dead, min hundred dollars being distributed annually The cash value of the investments hell in trust for charity is $14,5OO. Tn command erected 8 monument in 1870 tt their 113 dead of the war at cost of $3, 900 It was the first southern corps that accepted the invitations to attend the Bunker Hill cen tennial, 1875, and was present on the 17tt of June. It proposed the formation of thu centennial league, one corps from each O the ''old thirteen" and paraded with tha command in Philadelphia 4th July, 1876 The New Haven Grays represented Connec ticut. It projected the Cowpens memoria column and dedicated it in 1881, on the Tooth anniversary. Congress placed bronze statue oe General Morgan on the column al 8 cost of $2O, 900. It erected in 1858 splen did monument to Colonel William Washing ton of the revolution, whose widow present ed the Eutaw flag They ''bear the name o. one Washington and the flag of the other.
 The roll of membership is one of brilliant distinction, including the names of Johr England, the first Catholic bishop of Charles ton, Samuel Henry Dickson, Rev. James Dewar Simonds, "the good soldier oi Christ" Charles Fraser. Rev. Dr. Samue Gilman, George s. Bryan, George Warrer Cross and James Lewis Petigree, names helG in reverence and love throughout South Car olina Hartford Post.