Jim Capers was an African American patriot who served as a drummer in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Born enslaved, he enlisted in the South Carolina militia and participated in key battles, including the Siege of Savannah and the Battle of Eutaw Springs. His role as a drummer was vital for communication and morale on the battlefield. Capers’ bravery earned him recognition, and after the war, he was granted a federal pension for his service—one of the few African Americans to receive such acknowledgment. His legacy highlights the courage and contributions of Black patriots who fought for independence, often without the promise of freedom, and underscores the vital role African Americans played in shaping the nation’s Revolutionary War history.
Antigua Meet, born enslaved, served as a spy for the American cause during the Revolutionary War in South Carolina. Owned by John Harleston, he worked closely with Gov. John Rutledge, infiltrating British camps and gathering vital intelligence. In 1781, Meet was captured by the British while carrying secret letters but survived. After the war, Rutledge petitioned for the freedom of Meet’s wife, Hagar, and their child, who were freed in 1783 in recognition of his service. Meet’s legacy is one of courage, resourcefulness, and sacrifice, showing how enslaved individuals contributed to the war effort and fought for their freedom.
Presented through a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Education and South Carolina ETV.
View the series on KnowItAll.org here.
The SC African American History Calendar for 2026 is now available here and for downloading here.