.…….…"News From The Camp"…….….

Colonel Ben Caudill’s Camp #1629

August 2003 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.

Commander’s Tent

Well it is time once again to dawn our uniforms and protect the flowers of the South. Reenactments are upon us. We need to set a time in which we can practice our drill and marching. We also need to plan the upcoming dedications. The biggest dedication is the one on August 30, 2003 at Hemphill Community Center. As you recall we were asked to be honor guards and dedicate the monument to the Letcher County Miners. The time is 1:00 and a huge crowd is expected. This will be a golden public relations opportunity for us and as we mingle with the crowd I foresee an opportunity to recruit new members. The dedication of Colonel Sayler’s gravesite will be during the Battle of Whitesburg. We will start placing posters and flyers of the event in the paper. A committee needs to be formed to address the day’s events of the reenactment. We must also keep in mind the dedication at Dixon Memorial Church during the Back/Bach Society Reunion in October. We are always well received by that grand family of descendents! A retention seminar will be held on September 13th at Corbin with Skip Earl. I realize that it in on the date of the Battle of Chavies but this is a must. He will discuss with the Brigade on how to retain and recruit members. We need representatives to attend this meeting. Currently we have set 582 stones, held 111 dedications, and have located over 647 13th Kentucky soldiers’ gravesites!

2nd Reenactment of the Battle of Leatherwood

(The Old General)

The Leatherwood Committee met on July 25th at the Leatherwood Fire Department to discuss issues regarding the reenactment. The registration form was given out to those present. Flyers have been created and posted within the Hazard and Whitesburg area along with a billboard at the Pizza Hut in Hazard. The shoot was discussed and the script was reviewed. Everyone present enjoyed the concept. Drill practice will begins on August 3 at the Fire Department. A band is being interviewed that will run approximately $1200.00. They are known as the Un-Reconstructed Band and come highly recommended. Line items discussed included the agenda/schedule (attached), Soldiers’ Ball, worship service, public execution, skits, crafts/sutlers, black smith and working camp. A suggestion of having a genealogy booth was approved. Tree Huggin John will post the following information about the Battle of Leatherwood:

The Battle of Leatherwood

The 141st Anniversary of The Battle of Leatherwood will occur on October 11-12, 2003. The reenactment is located on the actual battlefield (Dr. Minnard’s farm) in Perry County, Kentucky. It is nestled in the beautiful mountains of southeastern Kentucky, located at the mouth of Leatherwood in Perry County on Highway 699, just off Route 7 in Perry County. This is the 2nd annual reenactment of the event. An educational day will be held on the 10th that will entail local schools visiting an open camp as well as a weapon and cannon demonstration, living historians and skits discussing historical events. Sutlers welcome and reenactors encouraged in registering to participate in the legacy of our grand history.


For Additional Information: Contact John Peck, Coordinator (606)675-6741, johnpeck@setel.com; Union Commander Paul Taulbee, lutaul@aol.co; Confederate Commander Faron Sparkman, wsgs@mis.net. David Chaltas (General Lee) dchaltas@letcher.k12.ky.us:

The Annual Blue/Gray Shootout

Black Gold Festival

"Guess Who’s Coming to Breakfast?"

You and your messmates have been assigned the task of guarding the Regimental horse herd in a high mountain pasture three miles from the main camp. Since there’s been no sign of Yankees for over a month you all have let your guard down a little. Your three messmates chose to take a bath in the creek while you rode to a nearby farm to try to find breakfast. Only one old hen had done her thang this early in the day, though, and that one egg is precious. Suddenly, just as you dismount, you spot blue/gray in the horse herd. Tie your horse, put the egg in the skillet and take care of business.

Ÿ Rifle

D SG O O Pistol D SG

Hay

Staging: One pistol loaded with 5 rounds and holstered;

One pistol loaded with 5 rounds and staged on dummy;

Rifle loaded with one round and staged on hay bale by dummy;

Shotgun, open and empty and staged on hay bale by dummy with two +

shells on bale;

Knife, unloaded, and staged on hay bale. J

Procedure: Begin standing at the horse, holding reins in one hand, egg in the other. Shout the line, "Yankees/Rebs", and wait for the beep. At the beep, while holding the egg, tie reins to hitching post. Move to skillet, lay egg in skillet. Draw pistol and engage 2 pistol targets alternating. Holster before moving. Charge ahead to wounded enemy. Draw knife and finish him off. Retrieve his holstered pistol and engage large enemy with 5 shots. Return his pistol to hat bale. Retrieve rifle and engage farthest target with one shot. Return rifle open and empty to hay bale. Retrieve shotgun and shells, load and knockdown two shotgun targets. Targets must fall to count. As many rounds as needed may be loaded. Time ends on last shot.

Pistols must be shot with one hand.

5-second bonus if egg is not broken.

10-second penalty if reins do not remain tied to hitching post.

10-second penalty if guns are shot out of order.

My Kepi & Me

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 A. Lucas. David Anthony was born on October 21, 1948 to Esther (Collins) Lucas and John T. Lucas Jr. He was born in Haymond, Kentucky in the very same home that he currently resides. He spent his younger years in Louisville and Ohio where his father worked. His education was spent between Haymond Grade School and S. Ellen Jones and East Spring Street, both in New Albany, Indiana. He also went to Hazelwood Junior High in New Albany. David went three years at Fleming Neon High School. During his junior year he began working on a work program at the Appalachian Regional Hospital in the maintenance department. He went to work with his cousins for J. T. Butler (paint contractor) in Alexandria, Virginia. When David was 19 years old, he went to Ontario, California to be a jockey apprentice. Shortly after he was called for a physical for possible military service. On February 10, 1969 he enlisted into the U.S. Marines and served for approximately a year and received an honorable discharge. He went to Gary, Indiana where his family was living and began working at Young’s Town Steel in East Chicago, Indiana. He worked there for four months. He then worked for Inland Steel and then got a job at U.S. Steel. Upon moving back to Kentucky he worked for Adams Construction and as a night watchman for East Kentucky Housing. He continued working different jobs in the state of Kentucky. David met and married his wife Peggy Wlackie while living in Gary, Indiana. They have two sons, the oldest being David Wesley and the youngest Byron Alexander. Byron is married to Norma Monroe and they have a daughter by the name of Bella Lynn. His hobbies include the Great Conflict, art and reading (from the old west to the Bible). He attends Harvest Christian Assembly faithfully. If you want to be "amened", talk to brother David about our mighty Creator. He has been given a gift from God when it comes to art. His paintings have been exhibited at the national Museum of American Art, U.K. Museum of Art, Equador, and other places. David joined the SVC under John Dixon Caudill who married Mary Green. He is a man of faith, well traveled, pleasant to talk with, and is dedicated to the camp and serves the cause of honoring the Confederate veterans good name. Ladies and gentleman let us tip our kepis and offer a rebel yell to our friend, our neighbor, comrade: DAVID A. LUCAS!

The Chaplain’s Corner

(Brigade Chaplain)

Faith, family and friends: If we have nothing else in life and embrace these three items, we have it all. I had the privilege of speaking at the 2003 Combs Reunion on Sat. August 9, following Dr. Ramsey, President of the University of Louisville. He caught my attention when he stated that the fundamental principles that we must endeavor to offer our youth were those mentioned above. And it dawned on me that we must serve in whatever capacity the three principles postulated. Our ancestors knew about them and daily demonstrated their love towards each standard. Through faith they honored God as a great revival in which "Christ was in the Camp" swept the land. Their love of family was shown in the letters that were written with such purity and the stories of those brave hearts that laid down their lives for their friends abound in our history. But as I sit dwelling on his words it occurred to me that in essence if we serve our loving God all things would fall into place and we will have a wonderful relationship with family and friends because of our wondrous relationship with the Master. By the time I was introduced I felt the need to talk of the many examples of Christ being in the Camp and as I walked away from the podium a sense of peace permeated my being and the realization that my job as a living historian must be Christ orientated in order to touch others. Let us all pledge to be more like our Creator in all our endeavors. By honoring Him we honor ourselves as well as those of yesteryear.

The Hunley Report

Adjutant Brown is arranging a date in the month of November for us to serve as honor guards. It will be in partnership with other eastern Kentucky Brigade camps. The date for reinterment has been set for April 17, 2004.

Talking with the General

(Dave Chaltas)

I wish to express my gratitude to former East Kentucky Brigade Lt. Commander Richard Smith for his outstanding presentation on July 30, 2003. He addressed the topic of the Melungeons during the War Between the States in eastern Kentucky to a combined class of over 30 Hazard Community College Students. The students were mesmerized and several stayed after class to discuss their ancestry with Commander Smith. Through educational programs of this nature, we can instill within our people a deeper pride in their rich heritage. We are discussing having a class through SECC’s continuing education program. The topics of interest are The Melungeons, Weapons of the Civil War Era and the War Between the States in eastern Kentucky. If you would be interested in taking a course of this nature or assisting in teaching it, let one of the camp officers know as soon as possible.

The following dates are reenactments that are within our area. Saltville will be held on August 22-24. Barbourville will be held on September 5-7. We have been invited to set up a tent. To date over 300 reenactors have registered to participate! Let us rally around the flag boys! This is a great chance to get our feet wet and learn from the veterans! September 13 is the Battle of Chavies and that will be fun. The scenario is a group of "those people" are gathered at the old Eversole cabin listening to music. Confederates surprise them and after "sustained fire" Major Eversole is mortally wounded. This event has grown quite unexpectedly. Black Gold parade will be on September 20th and we have a float! Anyone wishing to assist please let me know. If we don’t work it, those other people will dominate the float and we want to be represented in the truest light possible. The Gray/Blue Shoot Out will be held immediately after the parade. There will be a large crowd to witness this event. Tentatively, the Battle of Whitesburg is planned for Sept. 21 but if we don’t see more support and others willing to assist, I do not see how we can offer it. We will participate in the annual Hills and Hollows hosted by Southeast Community College and this may be a great time to dedicate the grave of Colonel Salyer. On the 27th of September, the Dedication of the Unknown Soldier at Breaks Interstate is being planned in conjunction with the Civil War Days held at that location. The tentative date is Sept. 27 at 1:00. This will occur in conjunction with the Civil War Days held at the Breaks. The month of October offers the Battle of Leatherwood on the 11-12(living history/educational day will be on the 10th). Please remember Wildcat and that we are duty bound to send representatives to that reenactment. As you attend the reenactments, please take flyers of Leatherwood’s reenactment with you and distribute them to potential recruits that may wish to participate. It is important that we build this event into a nationally recognized reenactment. Then the season finale of Perryville! I am very excited about our possibilities and growing potential. I think of your efforts and endeavors and I am in awe of the men that so gallantly serve the cause of preservation and heritage. Ask ole Private Dale Wright about his Gettysburg adventure. I am sure he represented us well.

A special thank you for all those that have contributed to make this month’s paper so grand. Remember, this is YOUR paper and all comments and writings are greatly appreciated. My number is 633-5559 and email address is dchaltas@letcher.k12.ky.us.

With honor, I remain your obedient servant,

The Old General

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!

Update from the Ladies Aid Society

July 30, 2003

(April Nease)
  1. We have secured a band, Un-Reconstructed. They are a string band that plays traditional music and dress in period clothing. They will call the dances at the ball and be available at the campsite all weekend. I have a copy of the CD if anyone would like to listen to the music.
  2. The brochures for the Re-enactment weekend are being printed. They will be available to distribute at festivals and other re-enactments. I will bring them to the next meeting. They are 9 x 4 glossy paper. The front will feature photos from last years battle and the back is in black and white and will provide an agenda, a bit about the battle, directions and contact information.
  3. Our next Ladies Aid Society meeting to plan the Grand Military Ball will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at noon at the Grill, First Federal Center, HCC. Everyone is welcome!

We are excited about the weekend and remember we’ll need dance partners!

The prophetic words of Major General Patrick Cleburne:

(Courtesy of Captain Carroll; webmaster)

"Every man should endeavor to understand the meaning of subjugation before it is too late. It means the history of this heroic struggle will be written by the enemy; that our youth will be trained by Northern school teachers; will learn from Northern school books their version of the war; will be impressed by the influences of history and education to regard our gallant dead as traitors, and our maimed veterans as fit objects for derision. . ."

Maj. Gen Patrick R. Cleburne, CSA

(Killed, Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 1864)

Request for Assistance!

The following letter was received on August 16, 2003 from east Kentucky Brigade Adjutant Williamson. If anyone has any information, please pass it to the Commander or send it directly to Adjutant Williamson. Two more of our boys may be coming home!

Friends,

 A member of Arthur camp who lives in Middlesboro found a grave for a Walter Middleton. The stone is marked 13th KY. Cav. CO.K DOB 2-16-1847 DOD 8-31-1928. The grave is on a farm close to Kayler(?), Virginia about 10 miles from Middlesboro. The stone is old and he is in need of a new one. My question is: Is this a Caudill Cavalry man? If so we need to mark it with a new stone anyway. Also, I still need the information on Oliver Tharpe with the 13th if you all can help I would appreciate it greatly. Thanks and let me know.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ben Caudill Camp #1629

Minutes-July 17, 2003

Meeting held at Breeding’ Electric, Isom, Kentucky

24 Members Present with 21 signing

(Down by 7 from June meeting)

Tim Blair, Okie Blair, David Chaltas, Danny Taylor, David A. Lucas, Tim Harp, Ken Cantrell, Cody Adams, Dale Wright, Danny Wright, Richard Brown, Steve Bowling, William Whitaker, John Back, Randy Adams, Raymond Isaac, Quenton Childers, Rich Smith, Winston Meade, Terry Yonts, Michael Tyree, Matthew Chandler, Faron Sparkman, Mike Blair

Meeting called to order

Commander Sparkman offered Prayer

Pledges led by Commander Sparkman

Charge-Kenny Cantrell

Minutes read-Lt. Commander Chaltas

Motion to accept-Raymond Isaacs; Seconded-Carlos Brock-approved

Commander Sparkman/Lt. Commander Chaltas reviewed the June 2003 Newsletter.

Kenny Cantrell recognized by My Kepi and Me series-read by Richard Smith

New Business

Commander Sparkman discussed the dedications of Isaac Brashears and John Cook. A decision was made to have a sign up sheet with phone numbers to have an estimate of how many would be participating. This would also assist in carpooling and communication. Lt. Commander Chaltas discussed the Unknown Confederate marker at Breaks Interstate Park and that a Civil War Camp would be held on Sept. 27-28 at that location. He will contact the Breaks and camps to discuss dedication. Discussed a dedication in Knott County for Harrison Hall on Puncheon fork on July 20th at 3:00. The camp by consensus stated representatives would be there. Battle of Leatherwood discussed and the agenda is featured in the July edition of the paper. Black Gold, Blue Gray Shootout, Soldiers’ Ball, Chavies, Whitesburg were discussed and consensus on supporting reenactments with other camps’ assistance was reached. A report was given on the Georgetown Reunion and meeting (refer to July newsletter). Discussion of the skit to be presented on the Letcher County News and Views was approved. Camp Hope will be held on Oct. 3-6 for grieving children at Camp Nathaniel approved. Commander Sparkman discussed the find of Captain "Devil" Joe Atkins in Elliot County. Practice date for shooting team set for every Thursday at 6:00-contact Richard Smith. Certificate Presented to William Whitaker. Books were donated by Russell Marksberry to camp via Tim Harp. Drawing won by Tim Blair (picture),David lucas (picture) and Richard Smith (book).

Adjourned by Prayer-Lt. Commander Chaltas

Colonel Ben Caudill Camp #1629

August 2003

Agenda

Call meeting to order-Sgt of Arms Brock

Prayer-Chaplain Back

John Peck’s injury

Pledge-Dale Wright

Confederate Flag-Commander Sparkman

The Charge

Welcome and recognition of guests

Reading/Approval of Minutes

Commander’s Comments

Brigade News

Reading of Newsletter

Battle of Leatherwood/Whitesburg Update-

New Business

(Open floor)

Camp Concerns

Drill Practice for those interested in Reenacting -Sunday at Leatherwood

Isom Day

Fund Raisers-Auction/Yard Sale/Tshirts/license plates/

Recruiting (74 paid dues)

Joint Adventure with Blacksmith-Cannon

Setting up Camp Sutler Tent-supplies

Adjourn via Prayer

Raffle/Drawings*

STONE STORIES-Commander Sparkman