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John D. Shealy  A letter from Capt. James H. Williams of the
Newberry Co. To John Dawkins respecting his nephew John D. Sheely.
Dear friends It is with pleasure that I address you but it is with the most profound regret that it should be my painful duty to inform you that your loved nephew John E. Shealy is no more. On 13 September he met his fate after having performed prodigies of valor and escaped unhurt and after the danger seem past, a random grapeshot - through his manly breast in an instant hurled him into eternity. From the day he joined my company from his manly and high-minded conduct I became attached to him. He became a favorite, not only with myself but with the whole company. From the time we arrived in Mexico until the day after his death there was not the slightest chance for distinction although he sought it on all occasions. For his gallantry at the battles of Contreras and Churubusco I promoted him as high as vacancies would permit (2nd Corp.). On the 11th a light Battalion of picked men was formed and he volunteered in this corps. The object of forming this Battalion was that it should act as a storming party. On September 12 this Battalion was ordered to protect General Quitman in reconnoitering the enemies works, they drew the enemies fire but did not suffer much on that day. On 13 September this battalion was ordered to proceed the column and storm the enemy works and this they did, but at a severe loss of life. In this desperate charge he doubly discharged himself. After the death of Major Twiggs their gallant leader the Battalion rushed on to the charge and he was one of the first to mount the enemies works and stood in the midst of the Mexicans cheering on his companions until the deadly strike was over and the works carried. After this the party pursued the enemy some distance. He was a small remnant of the Battalion (for most had perished). They were sitting down resting when a random shot struck him to the breast and killed him instantly. I cannot say too much in his praise. He performed every duty without murmur and was the bravest among the brave. Edgefield Advertisers 3/8/1848, p2, 3 Pursuant to appointment at an adjourned
meeting - a meeting of the citizens of the village and district took place
in the courthouse this day.
Whereupon B. F. Higgins Esquire have an resume the chair, the committee of five from the last meeting reported John E. Shealy had died on the battle and by disease. Whereas we deeply deplore the melancholy casualties which have thinned the ranks of our company, distinguished for its valor and chivalrous bearing in every engagement with the enemy as well as for its unassuming conduct during the service and whereas a suitable opportunity is now presented by the arrival of the remains of orbital Shealy and for giving expression to these feelings and for offering a just and becoming tribute to the memory of the one who fell among them in the hour of battle. Therefore. Resolved That the people of Newberry district warmly appreciate and admire the courage, the patriotism and the many manly qualities which belong to the character of the deceased. That they deeply lament the melancholy incident which deprived our gallant company of one of its most efficient members and the country of a brave and worthy soldier. Resolved That appropriate funeral ceremonies be performed over the remains of the deceased about the first Monday in June next be the day appointed for their performance. Resolved That a committee consisting of the Captains of the several Beat Companies be appointed to repair to Columbia at the most suitable time and convey the body to this place. Resolved That a procession be formed on the day appointed under the command of the Marshall of the Day and four Assistant Marshals and that a funeral oration be pronounced. Resolved That a committee of five be appointed whose duty it is to make a program of the order of the procession and to serve the Marshall of the day with a copy of the same and to make all other arrangements which the day and the occasion may require. Resolved That this meeting do deeply sympathize with the family of the deceased and that they be furnished with a copy of the above preamble and resolutions After addresses from Dr. W. H. Harrington, V. B. Pope, Henry Summer Esq., and A. C. Garlington Esq. the preamble and resolutions were put and unanimously adopted. Under the third resolution general H. H. Kinard was appointed Marshall of the day and Col. John Fair, Col. James Duckett, Major Teague and Col. John P. Kinard assistant marshals; and it was also ordered that Judge O'Neall be requested to pronounce the funeral oration. To carry into effect the fifth resolution the committee appointed were Drayton Nance, F. B. Higgins, E. Y. McMorris, Y. J. Harrington and David Boozer. The proceedings of the meetings were ordered to be published in the Edgefield advertiser and Columbia papers whereupon the meeting adjourned. F. B. Higgins, chairman R. Garlington secretary Edgefield Advertiser 5/24/1848, p2 The remains
of this gallant son of Newberry, having been brought to Charleston
from Vera Cruz, by way of New Orleans, reached Columbia last evening on
the cars from Charleston. They were received at the Columbia depot by a
committee of natives of Newberry District who live in Columbia and
escorted to the quarters provided for their reception there to await the
arrival of the committee who are to bear them back to his much loved
native soil in whose bosom it was the ardent wish of his heart to have
them repose.
Edgefield Advertiser 5/24/1848, p2
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