Jim Capers

Jim Capers was a free Black American who was born on a plantation in South Carolina. Capers served in the Revolutionary War as a Drum Major in the 4th South Carolina Regiment. Capers’ vital role as a drum major aided communication between officers and soldiers, as the music was able to heard over battle noise. He served in several battles including Savannah, Port Royal, Camden, Eutaw Springs, and Biggin Church. In 1779, Capers witnessed the fall of Charleston after the Siege of Savannah, yet he continued to serve. In 1780, he joined the partisans under General Francis Marion and bravely participated in engagements such as guerilla raids. Despite being severely wounded, Capers served until 1782 when the war reached its end.