" Papa, I'm Killed "

7th Mississippi Infantry

Brev. Brig. Gen'l
Joined
Sep 28, 2013
Location
Southwest Mississippi
During the early phases of the Vicksburg campaign, the USS Essex docked at Natchez, MS to obtain ice for its wounded. The local militia began shooting at the vessel, killing one and wounding several. The USS Essex fired back, shelling the Under-the-Hill section of the city.

Attempting to escape from the scene with her family, a seven year old girl named Rosalie Beekman was knocked down by shrapnel. When her Father called for her to get up and run she replied, " I can't Papa, I'm killed ". Little Rosalie died the following day, becoming Natchez’s only casualty during the war. Rosalie Beekman is buried in the Jewish section of the the Natchez City Cemetery.

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During the Vicksburg campaign, the U.S.S. Essex docked at Natchez, MS to obtain ice for its wounded. The local militia began shooting at the vessel, killing one and wounding several. The U.S.S. Essex fired back, shelling the Under-the-Hill section of the city. Attempting to escape from the scene with her family, a seven year old girl named Rosalie Beekman was knocked down from shrapnel. When her Father called for her to get up and run she replied, " I can't Papa, I'm killed". Little Rosalie died the following day, becoming Natchez’s only casualty during the war.” Rosalie Beekman is buried in the Jewish section of the the Natchez City Cemetery.

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Beautiful stone in a equally beautiful city. I should add what a truly sad story.
 
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I have to wonder, what was a seven year old girl doing at Natchez-under-the hill? The place was nothing but saloons, gambling houses, and cat houses. It was famous all along the river as such.

OK, just googled a bit and found out her father owned a retail store there. Apparently, the Jewish community did a thriving retail business in Under-the-Hill.
 
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Just a thought, but would a little girl actually say that after being wounded? Just seems a bit odd and fabricated...I'm not doubting her death, only what she said...
Her quote has been part of the Natchez folklore for as long as anyone can remember. Did she actually say it ? I believe its very likely, but I doubt if the primary source will ever be documented.

http://www.natchezcitycemetery.com/custom/webpage.cfm?content=Gallery&id=7

http://wherethejewsare.com/2013/04/01/natchez-mississippi/

http://books.google.com/books?id=5W...g#v=onepage&q=papa I'm killed rosalie&f=false
 
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