Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1910-08-24
HIS FEATs AMONG BRAVEsr.
Writer Praises the Valorous Ser
gcant who Rescued the Flag.

George Armistead Leaken writes ms
follows in The Baltimore Sun of the
gallant Sergt. William Jasper, who
helped to make history in Charleston
harbor and finally died at Savannah,
l.supporting the colors of South
Carolina regiment:
Two events associated with Sullivan's
Island render that locality historical.
On September 8, 1854, when the ocean
was apparently calm, Il duh contiguous
sound indicated Il coming storm, and on
the next day the tempest came, sweep
ing away the cottages and sublncrgng
the entire island, except Fort Moultrie.
where 600 people spent the weary night
until the morning reveille announced
tile retreat of the Atlantic wave and
the prospect of speedy succor. Many
years have passed, but the impression
Of that ocassion is indellible.
On June 2S, l778, Fort Moultric, built
OF palmetto logs, was attacked by a
British fleet, and i'm the midst of the
battle Sergt. William Jasper distin-
guished himself by recovering the flag
which had fallen on the beach and WAS
in danger of capture. Alone he lcupcd
from the ramparts and in the sight of
the whole fleet he replaced it ON the
bastion amid cheers which welcomed
his returned.
On the next day Gov. Rutlcdge re-
warded Jasper for his vnlor by pre-
scnting him with his own hand. some
small sword, thanking him in the name
OF his country. He also offered him n
lleutcnant's commission, but our hero,
who could neither read nor write.
modestly refused it, saying: 81 am not
iit to keep officers company; ann but
Il sergeant"
subsequently engaged in successful
partisan warfare, jasper was mortnlly'
wounded ON October 8, 1779, during an
assault on Savannah, under the following
circumstances, described by historians:
The colOrS of the second South
Carolina regiment, which had lust
been presented by Mrs Elliot after
the battle of Fort Moultrie, were borne
Lieut. Bush, supported by Sergt Jasper,
under the inspiring leader Ship of Col.
Laurens and planted ON the slopc Of
Spring-hill redoubt. Al the sound of
retreat Jasper, already so.ely wound
ed while trying to place on the parapct
the flag which had been shot down, re-
ceived his death wound. He. how ever,
seized the colors from the trilmphnnt
enemy and bore them from the bloody
field"
Major Horny, who was with the
sergant, relates the following CONVEX
shtion:"l have got my furlouhgh, and
(pointing to his swort) this sword was
presented to me by Gov. Rutledge for
my services in defending Fort Moultric.
tive 1t to my ther and tell him I
have worn it with honor. If he should
weep, tell him his son died with the
hope of Il better life. Tell Mrs. Elliot 7
died supporting the colors of my
regiment"
lhere ls some uncertainty as to
Jasper's burial. Perhaps it might be
said of him as Of Corunna's Veto (oncc
an ensign:
Not Il drum was heard or n funeral notc
AS his corpse to the ramparts we hur-
ried;
Not II soldier discharged his farewell
shot
O'er the CARVE where our hero was
buried.
On February %, 1883, there was a
double commcmoration in Savannah
The streets were thronged with residents
and visitors from the country, residents
were marching to inspiring music the
platform was occupied by honored
guests and officials, an eloquent Grafton
was given to listening crowds by Gov.
John b. Gordon, 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: "Tf
Jasper could not read or write, he
certainly has made his mark in the
beautiful monument " Snvannnh's
park and in seven courtics which
gladly perpctuatc his name.
About Jack Johnson.