Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-03-23
SERGEANT JASPER.
The Hero of Fort Moutre as an llllterate
Soldier.

The Hero of Fort Moultre as an llterate
Soldier.
Mr.. George Armistead Leakin writes
To the Baltimore Sun as follows:
Two events associated with Sullivans
Island render that locality historical.
On September 9, 1854, when the ocean
was apparently calm, dull, contlnu-
ous sound indicated a coming storm,
and on the next day the tempest came
sweeping away the cottages and SUBJ
merging the entire island, except Fort
Moultrie, where 600 people spent the
weary night until morning reville an
nounced the retreat of the Atlantic
wave and the prospect of speedy sue
cor. Many years have passed, but the
impression of that occasion is indelh-
BILE.
On June %, 1776, Fort Moultrie, built
of Palmetto logs, was attacked by
British fleet, and in the midst or the
battle Sergeant William Jasper distln-
guished himself by recovering the flag
of the defenders, which had fallen on
the beach and was in danger of being
captured. Alone he leaped from the
ramparts and in sight Of the whole fleet
replaced it on the bastion amid the
cheers which welcomed his return.
On the next day Governor Rutledge
rewarded Jasper for his valor by pre-
senting him with his own handsome
small sword, and thanking him in the
name of his country. He also offered
him q lieutenants commission, but our
hero, who could neither read nor write
modestly refused it, saying: Il am not
fit to keep officers company; I am but
sergeant"
Subsequently engaged in successful
partisan warfare, Jasper was mortaliy
wounded on October 9, 1779, during an
assault on Savannah, described by the
historian: 1.-THE colors Of the Second
South Carolina regiment, which had
been presented by Mrs. Elliott just al
ter the battle of Fort Moultrie. were
borne by Lieutenant Bush, supported by
Sergeant Jasper. under the inspiring
leadership Of Colonel Laurens, and
planted on the slope Of the Springhlll
redoubt. At the sound Of retreat Jas
per, already sorely wounded While try
ing to place on the parapet the flag
which had already been shot down, re-
ceived his death wound. He, however,
seized the colors from the triumphant
enemy and bore them from the bloody
field"
Major Henry, who was with the SER
geant, relates the following conversa-
ton: II have got my furlough, and
(pOinting to his sword), this sword
was presented to me by Governor Rut-
ledge for my services in defending Fort
Moultrie. Give it to my father and tell
him I have worn it with honor. If he
should weep. tell him his son died in
the hope of a better life. Tell Mrs. FL
liott died supporting the colors of my
regiment"
There is some uncertainty as to Jas
per's burial. Perhaps it might be said
of him as of Corunna's Victor (once an
ensign:
Not a drum was heard or a funeral
note,
AS his corpse to the ramparts we hur-
ried;
Not q soldier discharged his farewell
shot
Ger the grave where our hero was
buried.
On February 22, 1888, there was a
double commemoration in Savannah.
The streets were thronged with resi-
dents and visitors from the country,
residents were marching to inspiring
music, the platform was occupied by
honored guests and officials, an elo-