News from the Camp

April 2004 Issue

http://www.bencaudill.com.

 

The last Salute

An empty chair now and forevermore shall sit at our table in remembrance of those that have gone before.

 

We welcome our guests and give a Rebel Yell to the newest members of the proud decedents of the men who rode with the 13th Kentucky Cavalry!

 

Tabby Back

 

Talking with the General

(Dave Chaltas)

 

It has been a productive month.  On the 20th, Wayne Watts, Michael Watts, Matthew Chandler, Dale Wright, Danny Wright, and the Old General represented the Ben Caudill Camp at the 6th Kentucky, Company A School of the Soldier.  The main drill was in preparation of the Hunley Funeral Procession.  All six are members of the Southern Guard and 6th Kentucky Reenactors Guild.  On the 27th the camp set 2 more stones in Johnson County, Kentucky.  One was the grave of Major Hiram F. Strong of the 13th.  On March 26-28, 2004 the 0ld General was in attendance and participated in the Battle of Bridgeport. The Southern Guard was well represented.  Flyers regarding the Battle of Leatherwood were distributed.  The reenactment was simply awesome with approximately 2,000 reenactors and 30+ cannons on the battlefield to honor those of yesterday.  An anvil shoot and mortar display highlighted the event preceding the battle.  The 5th Alabama performed brilliantly and the Ball was grand.  The most touching part of the three day event was in the closing ceremonies, honoring Phillip Tucker a long time reenactor and friend to all.  His ashes were placed into the cannons and released upon the battlefield on the command of his widow.  Each cannon in turn fired their sacred volley and was followed by 2,000 muskets.  The crowd was subdued with a sacred silence as Amazing Grace was offered as a tribute to the man.  And all the masses cried with sorrow and remembrance as this man of character settled upon the sacred ground of his ancestors.  The circle has not been broken for he is among those he wished to join.  When you walk upon the hallowed ground you can feel his spirit passing by as a soft breeze and you will feel the peace.

 

On March 29 Camp members set yet another stone in Knott County, Kentucky.   On April 2nd through the 4th Pvt. Steve Richardson and the Old General represented the camp along with the Southern Guard and 6th Kentucky by participating in a Living History held at the Confederate Memorial House (Bleak House) in Knoxville, Tennessee.  The Old General had the privilege of being the keynote speaker.  General Forrest and Sgt. Marty Marcum offered an educational display regarding cavalry.  General Doss (commander of the Southern Guard) was present along with approximately 50 others.  Chaplain James gave a stirring sermon on Sunday morning.  Several ladies were present in their period clothes.  On April 5th Okie Blair, Tim Blair, Big Tree Adams, Danny Taylor, Bob Balthis, Ross Fleming, Roger Hall, Raymond Isaacs, and the Old General attended the Jenkins City Council meeting to present the monument concept and request permission to place it at Pound Gap, near the to be built Welcome Center.  The City Council approved pending a location, which will be presented at the next meeting.  All members interested in presenting see any of the above for details.  An interview with Heritage T.V. was held and Steve Richardson attended a meeting of the Leatherwood Committee.  Richard Smith placed new flags on the flagpoles for Easter holidays.

 

On April 6th, Commander Sparkman and his sidekick, Tim Harp had another adventurous day and set 6 more stones.  On April 7th, Don Shelton, Faron Sparkman and Dave Chaltas collaborated on a news item honoring the Ben Caudill Camp for the Lost Cause.  On April 10th Faron Sparkman, Rick Baker, Steve Bowling, and Mark Carroll, along with two instructors and about nine cadets from the Cadet Leadership Education Program, and five cadets from the Breathitt High JROTC met in Whick, Kentucky to haul three stones across the Northfork, along the rail line and up a steep hill.  After setting the stones they enjoyed a light lunch on the mountaintop. Afterwards Steve Bowling gave the cadets a short history lesson on the war and Eastern Kentuckians, and highlighted the biographies of the three veterans whose graves were marked.  New total stones 636 and rising!  On April 12th, Richard Brown, Danny Taylor, Richard Smith and Ross Fleming presented the estimated cost of the monument to the Letcher County Fiscal Court.  They voted to appropriate $20,000 towards the project!  We need to thank them for their generosity and foresight into the preservation of our heritage.  Also the Adopt-a-Highway was made official and the route known as US 23 starting at the Virginia/Kentucky border will soon have a SCV Ben Caudill Camp # 1629 sign.  We need to plan a clean up day soon.  We can obtain the bags, gloves and vests from the Letcher County Maintenance Department or the County Judge’s Office.  

 

But as fantastic as all this is, everything fades in the shadow of the Hunley.  The week we will be leaving for an epic adventure, as we become the 4th and final crew of the first submarine to sink a ship.  All of America and the World will be watching.  Let us all remember that this is a funeral procession and act accordingly.  The rules are quite clear and we must represent Colonel Ben Caudill Camp well.  Remember that we are the persona of our ancestors and those rag-tag groups that wish to destroy our great heritage and Southern culture will be watching us.  Let us all go as brothers and sisters, relishing the thought that this event is unique in the annals of history and shall bring forth a surge of pride that will last a lifetime.  Through Honoring the Memory of our Ancestors, I remain The Old General

 

My Kepi & Me

(The Old General)

 

My Kepi & Me is a series honoring camp members and their ancestors.  The purpose is to share their ancestor’s history as well as the current son occupying the seat of honor.  This month let us offer a salute and tip our Kepi to our own David W. Carmony.  David was born on July 15, 1962 in Hopewell, Virginia.  His Parents are Jesse and Reginia C. Carmony.  He joined the Ben Caudill Camp in 2001 on the lineage of William Cantrell, Company D of the 7th Confederacy Cavalry.  His uncle is Joseph K. Cantrell and his grandmother is Pauline (Ice Bee) of Haymond.  He attended school at Hopewell High.  He is currently employed as a hardwood floor finisher.  He hobbies include fishing and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.  He is very War Between the States orientated.  Richard Smith stated that he has the eyes of a gunslinger!  His shooting ability is needed in our ever-growing world of reenacting and we are honored to have this man as a brother.  Ladies and gentleman let us tip our kepis and give up a hardy rebel yell for our brother David W. Carmony!

 

The Chaplain’s Corner

(Chaplain Back/Chaltas)

While reflecting upon Easter during my visit to my family cemetery, I deliberated on our ancestors.  I wondered how they must have thought of their loved ones while fighting for the cause of freedom.  I began to imagine a silent moment when one by one the men slipped away to contemplate his potential sacrifice and how he must have thought of God’s ultimate sacrifice in offering his only son to die upon an alter to set me free.  He must have thought of his possible sacrifice on the altar of freedom and wonder if this would be the day that he would be called to the cross over the Great Divide?  Did he not fall to his knees and ask for forgiveness before going into battle?  Was this to be his Resurrection Day?  Will this be yours?  With the earnest of desires that you make a decision to follow the cross, I remain the east Kentucky Brigade Chaplain.                                                                                                  Greetings!  I am both humbled and pleased to announce that on Easter Sunday I the honor of assisting in the Baptism of three individuals who had discovered the truth of Psalms 111:10 (Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom) History records that before each battle, that the troops on route to that battle field would empty their pockets of cards, dice and "off color "literature that might be in their possession, not wanting to die on the battle field with these objects and risk having to explain these things to the Lord. As we grow older we to begin to realize that there certain baggage that we need to divest our selves of, we have hopefully gained wisdom along with gray hair and also realized the truth of Psalms 111:10. I would urge you to lay any baggage aside and seek the piece offered by Trust in Jesus. Before I close I would like to add that one of the Baptisms that I assisted in was my own daughter. God be praised! Deo Vindicie!  Sincerely, Chaplain Back

Resurrection Morn

 

During the prelude of an inevitable battle, a confederate soldier, contemplating his fate, asked the parson if he would baptize him.  Recognizing the urgency of his request, he granted his wish.  The young soldier and the preacher waded cautiously into the creek, fully aware that the enemy, OLE Billy Blue, was waiting and watching from across the other shore.  Awakening to what was transpiring, his rebel comrades joined in the baptism by singing in celebration of this young man’s baptism.  The Union soldiers, once realizing the significance of this event, laid down their arms, joined as brothers in that holy moment, and bowed their heads in prayer on the Sunday of Salvation, as a rebel took off the old coat and put on the new on that great resurrection morn.  For a brief interlude, peace and brotherly love ruled the battlefield before the onset of continued carnage.

 

 
 
 
 
 
\
On Resurrection Morn

By

David Chaltas

 

 

 

The prelude to the battle

Became a time of prayer.

The distance cannons rattled;

Morning mist filled the air.

 

Time of anticipation;

Life reviews in their eyes.

The fear of annihilation

Made the bravest man cry.

 

A soldier asked the chaplain

To help him be reborn.

Amidst the cannons’ clappin’;

It’s Resurrection Morn.

 

He wanted to be baptized;

Save the immortal soul

In case his life capsized;

His crimson blood should flow.

 

His comrades joined in singing;

The chaplain bowed and prayed.

Blue and gray voices ringing;

On the ground their guns laid.

 

Emerging from the water;

New life from old reborn.

Minutes before the slaughter

On Resurrection Morn.

 

Salvation came for many

Hearts that were forlorn.

The angels would hold plenty

On Resurrection Morn.

 

Salvation on Rockhouse Creek

 

Of all the thoughts weighing heavily upon a soldier’s mind, undoubtedly his primary concern would have been the condition of his immortal soul.  This is quite evident in the memoirs of soldiers like Pvt. Sam Watkins to General Robert E. Lee.  Richard M. Smith, living local historian and past Lieutenant Commander of the Ben Caudill Camp #1629 as well as the east Kentucky Brigade, captured the essence of that struggle and sweet surrender in a poem entitled Salvation on Rockhouse Creek.  With his permission, I offer you the following story and his poetry regarding an incident that occurred in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.  But the aftermath of such incidents all across the boundaries of war must have led to prayers, repentance, and men from both camps seeking the gift of salvation from a merciful God during those dire straight days of the Civil War.

 

As a contingency of the 13th Kentucky Calvary was on patrol over in an area around the Cumberland River known for Yankee sympathizers, a man by the name of Maggard was captured and brought to First Lieutenant G. W. Houck (pronounced Hawk), of Company I.  After interrogation, it was concluded that indeed this man was a supporter of the Union.  Lt. Houck reached the decision that his life must be forfeited.  Turning to Private Talt Hall, Lt. Houck stated that since he had not drawn blood during the course of the war, the duty of executing the order fell upon him to shoot Maggard.  Pvt. Hall obeyed the order.  The dying man, jerking, bleeding, and gasping for his last breath was dragged off the road into the weeds (Coming Down Cumberland; Phillips, V.N.).  This must have weighed heavily on the hearts of the men that participated in or witnessed the execution and surely their thoughts turned to prayer and asking of forgiveness.  For war would be unbearable if not for the grace of God’s forgiveness.  Reportedly, this was the first of many killings that would later be attributed to Pvt. Hall.

 

Salvation on Rockhouse Creek

By

Richard Marion Smith

7/18/01

 

Never went and got baptized, though

I’d knowed God since my boyhood days.

But I’d never seen the bloodshed

Or knowed ‘bout military ways.

 

I guess when Hauck told Private Hall

To kill Maggard, there in the road.

We drug him, still jerkin, he wuz,

To the weeds. I guess then I knowed.

 

That the nex’ time the Chaplain come

And offered to help save my soul

They’d be one private fork his horse

And gallop fer the swimmin hole.

 

And when all this fightin’s over

Promise to turn the other cheek.

And thank God everyday I live

For salvation on Rockhouse Creek.

To Date we have located 662 Burial, set 636 stone markers, and held 132 dedications!!!!

 

 

 

 

Minutes-March 18, 2004

Meeting held at Letcher County Education Center. Parkway Plaza, Whitesburg

 

 Members Present

 

Richard Brown, Big Tree Adams, Wayne Watts, Michael Watts, Mark Carroll,  Tim Blair, Okie Blair, David Chaltas, Danny Taylor, Rick King, Raymond Isaacs, Quenton Childers, Kenny Cantrell, Travis Cantrell, Tim Harp, John Back, Leathen Whitaker, Dale Wright, Danny Wright,  Ross Fleming, Bob Balthis,  Roger Hall, Jim Adams, Terry Adams, Jim Ward

 

Opening Prayer/Dinner

Meeting called to order-Lt. Commander Chaltas

Prayer-Chaplain Back

 Pledges/ led by Lt. Commander Chaltas

The Charge-Chaltas

Scripture Reading-Chaplain Back

Minutes accepted by acclamation

Newsletter reviewed

 

New Business

 

Terry Adams discussed Adopt-a-highway program.  Stated that the camp would receive $100 per mile for the project. Voted to adopt 5 miles from the Virginia/Kentucky border.

 

Stone Report-Located Crutchfield’s burial location in St. Augustine, Fl. And Pvt. Samuel Allen, Co. F is buried in Oklahoma

 

Proposed monument discussed and approved by acclamation

 

Hunley Funeral Discussed-Adjutant Brown

 

Paintsville Drama discussed and motion made by Wayne Watts to explore potential. 2nd by Bob Baltis.  Unanimous affirmation

 

Jenkins Day discussed with marching in the Parade, dedicating the monument at that date and a possible skirmish.  Put into a motion by Tree Adams and 2nd by Roger Hall.  Roger Hall will check on dates.

 

Presentation-Stonewall Jackson by Mark Carroll

 

Adjourned by Prayer-Chaplain Back

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
April 15, 2004
Agenda

 

7:00

Call meeting to order-Sgt. Wayne Watts

Prayer-Chaplain Back

Pledge/Confederate Flag-Faron Sparkman

The Charge-Chaplain

Scripture Reading-Chaplain Back/Chaltas 

Welcome and recognition of guests

 Reading/Approval of Minutes/Newsletter

 

New Business

 

Commander’s Corner Comments: Stone Reports

Hunley Report-Richard Brown

Monument Committee Report

Status report on Adopt a Highway Report-Virginia Border on 23 to 119-Chaltas

Marking historical sites-Hazel Green Project

Memorial Salute to Colonel Ben Caudill during Wildcat (10/17/04)

Jenkins Day and Skirmish Update-Roger Hall

Battle of Whitesburg

 

Open Floor

 Power Point Presentation

Adjourn by Prayer