Death of Pvt. Robert Sweat, Co. I, Hampton’s Legion

The Late Robert E. Sweat, of the Hampton Legion.

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To the Editor of the Charleston Mercury:

Of the many young and brave spirts, who, on the battle field of Manassas, gave up their lives to their State and, over whom she now weeps with a deep and silent grief, none deserves more her gratitude and affection than the subject of this communication.

Among the very first to leave his Parish – St. Peter’s – to take part in the great struggle for his country’s freedom, he is the first to return to her, in strict obedience to her injunction, “upon his shield.”

A member of the Washington Light Infantry Volunteers, of the Hampton Legion, he was wounded when the battle was raging at its height, and when in the very act of firing his musket, said he to his comrades – “One more round,” – and before he could finish the sentences, a ball struck and shattered his left arm, and passed out at his right shoulder. He lingered in intense pain, in the hospital at Culpeper Court House, until the 19th of August, when death ended his sufferings. His father arrived but a short time before his death, and saw the last of his brave boy. He was interred at the family burial place, at Robertville, on Saturday, 24th inst., with all due and appropriate honors. All ages and classes were present to do honor to the brave and gallant dead, and wreaths of cypress and laurel strewed the pathway to his tomb.

Immediately after the burial, a meeting was called, and a resolution was unanimously adopted to erect a monument to the first of St. Peter’s sons who had fallen on the field of battle.

The Charleston (SC) Mercury, 8/30/1861

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