January 9, 1861, The Charleston Mercury
We are pained to record, that, on Monday night, shortly after 10 o’clock, as one of the sentinels at Castle Pinckney was going on is rounds, he was approached by a person at the time unknown. The sentinel presented his musket in the act of challenging him, when the piece unfortunately when off, and the stranger immediately fell. On examination, in proved to be Private R.L. HOLMES, of the Carolina Light Infantry. The ball had taken effect in the left side under the shoulder, traversing both lungs, and inflicting a wound, from the effects of which he survived only twenty minutes.
ROBERT LITTLE HOLMES was the son of WM. H. and M.P. HOLMES. He was born in this city on the 10th of February, 1830, and has thus fallen the first victim in the noble cause of South Carolina independence. He is deeply mourned by his parents, brothers and sisters, as well as by a large number of relatives and friends. His high sense of the duties of life had in no ordinary degree endeared him to those who knew him best. Is remains will rest in the cemetery of Magnolia. The funeral services will be at the Circular Church, at 10 o’clock this day (Wednesday).