Historical Collections of Georgia (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 edition. Excerpt: ...Learning that a number of American prisoners were to be brought from Ebenezer to Savannah for trial, Sergeant Jasper determined to release them at all hazards. With Sergeant Newton as his companion, at this spring, about thirty yards from the main road, he waited the arrival of the prisoners. When the escort, consisting of a sergeant, corporal, and eight men, and the prisoners in irons, stopped to refresh themselves at the spring, two of the guard only remained avith the captives. The others leaned their guns against the trees, when Jasper and Newton sprung from their hiding-place, seized the guns, and shot down the two sentinels. The remaining six soldiers were deterred from making any effort to recover their guns, by threats of immediate death, and were forced to surrender. The prisoners were releaased, and Jasper and Newton, with their redeemed friends and captive foes, crossed the Savannah River and joined the army at Pu rysb.urg. In the disastrous siege of Savannah, the gallant Jasper lost his life. Shortly after the battle of Fort Moultrie, the lady of Colonel Bernard Elliott presented an elegant pair of colours to the Second Regiment, to which Jasper was attached. Her address on the occasion concluded thus: "I make not the least doubt, under Heaven's protection, you will stand by these colours so long as they wave in the air of liberty," In reply, a promise was made that they should be honourably supported, and never should be tarnished by the Second Regiment. This engagement was literally fulfilled. Three years after they were planted on the British lines at Savannah. One by Lieutenant Bush, who was immediately shot down. Lieutenant Hume, in the act of planting his, was also shot down; and Lieutenant Gray, in supporting them, received a...