The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1904-04-06

ihc flag outside Of the fort. Upon
This Sergeant Jasper Of the granadicrs
Of the Second regiment, leapcd over
lhe brcastworks, snatched the stars Of
liberty up wrapped them around his
arm, and leaped upon the breastworks,
fastened thcrl to his sponge staff, and
placed them again in their daring sta
lion, waving his hat at the same time
and shouting, "God save liberty and
ny country forever" He then re
!ired to his gun, where he fought
throughout the engagement.
On July 4, President Rutlcdgc
-7isited the garrison at Fort Moultrie,
Fhen he returned his thanks to them
FOR their gallant conduct in the de-
Tense Of that fortress. On this occa
sion he brought into view the heroic
behavior of Jasper in replacing the
,olors, which had been shot away
during the action; aud taking his own
sword from his side, he presented it
TO Sergeant Jasper as a reward for his
bravery. lie also offered him q COM
mission, but this Jasper absolutely
refused. II am greatly obliged to
you, governor" said he, "but had
liner net have commission. AS |
am, l pass very we'll with such com
pany as poor sergeant has any right
10 keep; if / were to get commission
l should be forced to keep higher
company, and then, as don't know
how to read, l should only be throw
ing myself in way to be laughed
At'
Three days after the battle Col.
Bernard illiott's wife presented two
elegant flags to tbs second regiment,
which had so bravely defended Fort
MoultTie. They were presented to
The brave Jasper. Mrs. Elliott, in
presenting the colors said: II make
not the least doubt under heaven
protection you will stand by these
sOlors as long as they wave in the air
Of liberty" Sergeant Jasper smiled
when he took them, and vowed he
e'would never give them up but with
his life His promise was literally
Untitled soon after at Savannah.
Jasper was as Intelligent rs ne was
brave. He possessed hot only the
aashing gallantry which he exhibited
at Fort Moultrie, but cool, calm cour-
age.
Moultrie had great confidence in
him, and gave him occasionally row.
ing commission, allowing him to take
put with him six men Of his own selec-
hon at time. He often went out in
ahis way, and sometimes returned
With prisoners before his absence was
observed. At one time he went into
the British lines at Savannah and de-
lyered himself up as deserter, COM
planning Of the i'll usage he received
In the American camp. The British
Who had heard Of his heroic conduct
and character, strange to say readily
accepted his story, and gladly receiv-
sd him. Jasper seems to have enjoy
cd their hospitality, for he remained
with them eight days, and then, hav-
Ing thoroughly informed himself Of
aheir situation, strength and intcn-
lions, quietly returned to his friends
nth the information he had obtain
I'D.
"Old Parson Weems," in his "Life
Of Marion tells us of brother of
Jasper, who joined the British and
Held the rank Of sergeant in the gar
Nson at Ebenezer. He visited him,
and his brother was alarmed, as he
feared he might be seized and hung
mp as a spy. Jasper tells his brother
that he is no longer an American SOL
der. "Well, thank God for that,
William" replies his brother, "and
now only say the word, my boy, aud
here is commission for you, With
1egimentals and gold to boot, to fight
fof his majesty" Jasper shook his
head and observed that though there
was but little encouragement to fight
Tor his country, yet he couldn't find
it in his heart to fight against her.
He stayed with his brother several
days, hearing and seeing all he could,
and then, by round about way, re-
!, turned to the camp, and told Gen.
Mncoln ali about it.
Weems also says that Jasper made
a,second' trip TO Ebenezer, this time
taking with him his particular friend,
asrgeant Newton. They spent sew
eral' days at the British fort. While
they were there 10 or IL American
.