The Savannah morning news., 1901-03-14
AN ILLITERATE HERO.
Monument to "A Man who Could Not
Read or Write.
From the Baltimore Sun

FROM tDe GdilitllOTG sun.
Two events associated with Sullivan's
Island render that locality historical. or
Sept. Q, 1854, when the ocean was appar-
emily calm, duh continuous sound indi-
Gated a coming storm, and on the next
day the tempest came, sweeping away the
cottages and submerging the entire ISL
and, except Fort Moultrie. where 600 peo-
pie spent the weary night until the morn
ing reveille announced the retreat of the
Atlantic wave and the. prospect of speedy
succor. Many years have passed, but the
impression of that occasion is indelible
on June IS, 1916, Fort Moultrie, built of
palmetto logs. was attacked 10y British
fleet, and in the midst of the battle Sergt.
William Jasper distinguished himself by
recovering the flag of the defenders,
which had fallen on the beach and was in
danger of capture. Alone he leaped from
the ramparts and in the sight of the
whole fleet replaced it on the baston
amid the cheers which welcomed his re-
turn.
on the next day Governor Rutledge re-
warded Jasper for his valor by presenting
him with his own handsome small sword
thanking him in the name OF his country
He also offered him a leutenants COM
mission. but our hero, who could neither
read nor write, modestly refused it, say
ing Il am not fit to keep officers com
pany; l am but sergeant
Subsequently engaged in successful par
tisan warfare Jasper was mortally wound
ed on oct g. l779, during an assault on
Savannah, under the following circum
stances described by the historian: The
colors Of the Second South Carolina Regi-
ment, which had been presented by Mrs.
Elliott just after the battle of Fort Moul-
trie. were borne by Lieut.. Bush, support
ed by Jasper, under the inspiring leader
ship of Coz. Laurens, and planted on the
slope of the Springhill redoubt. At the
sound of retreat Jasper, already sorely
wounded while trying 10 place on the par
apet the flag which had been shot down,
received his death wound He, however,
seized the colors from the triumphant
enemy and bore them from the bloody
field"
Maj. Horny. who was with the sergeant,
relates the following conversation: Il
have got my furlough and (pointing to
his sword this sword was presented to
me by Gov. Rutledge for my services in
defending Fort Moultrie. Give 1t to my
father and tell him l have worn it with
honor If he should weep. tell him his
son died with the hope of better life.
Tell Mrs. Elliott / 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 en-
sign:
Not a drum was heard or funeral note
As his corpse to the ramparts we hur-
ried:
Not soldier discharged his farewell
shot
Ger the grave where our hero was
buried.
On Feb. %, 1885, there was a double
commemoration in Savannah. The streets
We're thronged with residents and vs.
tors from the country, regiments were
marching to inspiring music the plat
form was occupied by honored guests and
officials, an eloquent Grafton was given
to listening crowds by Gov. John B. Cor
don, the veil was removed and there
stood in bold relief the statue of Jasper
uplifting the fallen colors
After such an occasion Clio, the muse
of history, might exclaim:
IF Jasper could not read or write he
certainly has made his mark in the
beautiful monument in Savannahs park
and in the seven counties which gladly
perpetuate his name"
George Armistead Leakin