August 2006 Issue

http://www.bencaudill.com

Ben E. Caudill Camp #1629

Box 1102

Whitesburg, KY 41858

The Last Salute

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

Cecil Brown, Harold Cantrell, Greg Caudill, James Hamilton, Johnny C. Osborne, Jake Smith, Henry Webb, Michael Wright

The General’s Dispatch

I open this communiqué with our condolences to the family of Johnny C. Osborne. My Kepi and Me pays homage to our brother. Let us continue to remember that we are a brotherhood, representing a love of our ancestors, as demonstrated by our love for one another. "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Vision: that ingredient that sustains us must be an integral part of what we do. And God is the guiding force in that vision. A few years ago, when I had quit attending meetings and let my membership expire, my dear friend and cousin, Richard Smith, told me the camp needed me in a leadership role. I expressed to him that I envisioned a diverse camp, hosting many different activities for all. I have attempted to do so in my tenure. But there are always a few that do not have the same vision. That is why we have elections and choices. One of questions that surfaced is our book entitled, Confederate Kin. Someone asked, "Why is it not just about the 13th?" First allow me to state that past Commander Sparkman and Steve Bowling have been writing a book about that aspect for several years. Our book (as stated in our monthly newsletters) was offered to be diverse and reach more readers. By adding stories from outside the camp, along with stories regarding our courageous ladies, we can generate a larger reader population. This would ensure more sales via wider distribution and revenue for the camp. It gives our ancestors a voice beside such greats as Mrs. Jackson, generals and others that are just as much a part of our heritage. It also allowed us the opportunity of having several books in the series to address individual stories about our warriors. It is a real book with real stories of real people. The vision was and still is to spread the word of Kentucky’s role to as many people as possible. This we are doing via several avenues. As long as I am allowed to do so by a gracious God, I shall first seek his guidance, secondly think outside the circle and finally, continue the vision quest. With Sacred Principles to Maintain, I remain your obedient servant, The Old General…Laus Deo

Comments from the Lt. Commander

I am going to start this months report with a bit of bad news. After many phone calls to AEP concerning power for the Pound Gap Monument, I am sorry to say that power to the site will not be happening any time soon. Our next-door neighbor has refused to allow an easement across his property unless we are willing to bear the cost of burying the line. At this time this is well beyond the scope of our finances. Oh well, we will continue to work on this matter and with God's help we will have light there one day. Our friend and compatriot Danny Taylor is home from his hip replacement surgery and is doing quite well. Please give him a call if you get the chance I know he would appreciate hearing from any of you. The flagpole has been erected on the Confederate Hospital Cemetery. Thanks to Richard Brown and his father and brothers for their time to help erect the flagpole and especially for their efforts in keeping the cemetery mowed and cleaned.

 

It seems that another year is rapidly nearing its end. It is at this point that I like to start thinking about goals for the Col. Ben Caudill Camp for next year. It is this spirit of forward thinking that has brought the camp from relative obscurity to the leading force in all things Confederate in the state of Kentucky. We have gone from being a marginal organization to being the largest camp in the state. In this spirit let me say that I think the major project that the Camp needs to consider for the coming year is a permanent home. A place where we can hang our charter put up our flags and have a library that is accessible to all camp members. I think you will all agree that if we continue in the spirit that we have been blessed with for these past few years that the Col. Ben Caudill Camp cannot help but go on to new and even greater accomplishments. Deo Vindice Lt Commander John Back 

The Adjutant’s Desk

The Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp No. 1629 is still the largest SCV camp in the state of Kentucky with 97 members. It is now time for us to renew our membership and the cost will be $30. Please remind our fellow camp members of the renewal. The Unknown Soldier Monument has been placed at the Sandlick Cemetery along with the granite bench, stone with a note from a Confederate soldier and a flagpole. The flagpole was bought from Breeding’s Plumbing and Electric for $100. A vinyl coated steel cable was purchased for the flag to deter theft plus durability. The grass was cut this week and the site looks great. Don Brown of Dry Fork donated several marble stones that Rokie (Appalachian Monument) has agreed to engrave the southern cross of honor on for a small amount per stone. These will be placed at the graves of the unknown soldiers. Jim Freeman with WYMT TV is going to film the monument for a segment on Letcher County that will air approximately on August 26. Mountain Heritage Festival is scheduled for September 23 and may be a possible date for the dedication of the new monument. Rhonda Robertson with the Wise County Historical Society has asked if our camp would help them do a re-enactment in Wise County. The date would be July 7, 2007 on a Saturday. On Friday evening of the 6th of July, they would have a ball of which we would be invited as well. They will provide the financing and advertisement. We would help provide the soldiers and the planning for the event. The re-enactment would be re-enacting the Battle of Gladesville when Colonel Caudill and more than a hundred of his men were captured. The event would be included in Wise County’s celebration of their 150th Anniversary. It would also be the 144th anniversary of the battle. We should decide if we want to be a part of this and if so, let them know soon. The fall re-enactment season will soon be starting. The Battle of Saltville will be the weekend of August 19 and 20. I will probably go for at least one day. The Battle of Richmond is the weekend of August 26 and 27. I believe the re-enactment at Tazewell, Tennessee is Labor Day weekend. The Battle of Barbourville is the weekend of September 16 and 17. The cost for this one is $6 and is usually a good event. I will be going to this one. October will be a busy month with Perryville, Wildcat and Leatherwood. The Living History that the camp is going to do at Jenkins is on August 26. Kenny Cantrell is going to find out the particulars for the event. We hope to have at least five or six men in uniform there as well as the cannon if possible. We hope to fire off a few rounds as well. The camp’s new book, Confederate Kin, should be available soon. The cost for each book will be $20. All profit generated from the sell of the book will go to the camp. If anyone needs help writing a story about his or her ancestor for Confederate Kin Volume II, let me know and I will be glad to assist you. Adjutant Brown

The Chaplain’s Corner

First of all I would like to thank everyone who helped with the monument and flagpole at the cemetery in Whitesburg. IT"S LOOK GREAT! I was so proud.and I could feel the spirit of those soldiers as I walked across the field. It is the same spirit I have feel at reenactments. I know in my heart what we are doing is pleasing to God. God has a plan for us all and sometimes we my not understand. Moses couldn't understand why God had chosen him to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. In Exodus 3:11 the Bible states, "And Moses said unto God ‘who am I that I should go unto pharaoh and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?’" Moses was ‘slow of tongue’ and not considered eloquent in speaking. He even said to the Lord, "I am slow of speech"(Exodus 4:10). But he did as God had told him and he prospered. On the other hand, look at Jonah.  God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to cry against it. He attempted to avoid God’s will and on a ship in an effort to run from his duties. His disobedience almost cost the lives of everyone on that ship. God always has a way of getting your attention. Do you recall the big fish? That was an attention getter! We need to remember its not our will be done but God’s will be done. Please remember to pray for the sick and our camp. Let us do all things in Christ name, Amen. Chaplain Tabby Back

My Kepi & Me

My Kepi and 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 stand and offer a silent tribute to our fallen brother, Johnny C. Osborne. The following communiqué was submitted by Compatriot Atlas Hall.

"It is my sad duty to notify you of the death of a dear cousin, who was also one of my best friends, Compatriot John C. Osborne, on July 14, 2006, at his home in Miamitown, Ohio. He was born on May 2, 1928, in Knott County, Kentucky, being a son of the late Calloway Osborne and Anna Hall. John stayed with his grandmother a lot after his father was killed when he was a small boy. He was married to Joann Johnson on January 30, 1956, in Clintwood, Virginia. John attended and graduated from Wheelwright High School in Wheelwright, Kentucky in 1947. He attended and graduated from Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, in 1948. John was a 44-year member of Columbia Lodge F & FM #44, Scottish Rites, as well as a Shriner. He was of the Baptist faith, and attended it near his home. John was a former Whitewater Township (Ohio) Trustee for 8 years; a volunteer Whitewater Township Fireman for 20 years, serving 6 years as the Fire Chief. He was a retired surveyor and construction foreman for over 25 years. He was Vice President of the Ohio and Indiana Firefighters Association. John was an Army veteran of the Korean War, and was a member of the American Legion Cheviot Post. John was a member of the Clan Hall Society (a Scottish cultural group). He was an Associate Member of the Pvt. Amos S. Reed Camp #2024, Sons of Confederate Veterans, in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. He was a member of the Col. Ben Caudill Camp #1629, of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, in Whitesburg, Kentucky, becoming a member on the military record of his ancestor, Pvt. James (Stiff Jim) Hall, Company F, 13th Kentucky Cavalry, CSA. Survivors include his spouse of 50 years, Joann (Johnson) Osborne, and 3 children, Cathy Hicks, Johnnie Little, and Delzie Osborne. His wife, Joann and family are in need of your prayers and may be reached at (513) 353-2690, or by mail at 6518 River St., P. O. Box 183, Miamitown, Ohio 45041." A letter of resolution was sent to the family. Ladies and Gentlemen let us tip our kepis and offer our up a prayer for the family, as we honor one of our own, Johnny Osborne.

Questions

  1. In what southern state did the Union Army’s famous "Mud March" take place?
  2. How was the draft age extended in the Confederacy in the last months of the war?
  3. What Union general moved so cautiously in the Peninsula Campaign that he was called the "Virginia Creeper"?
  4. What were "silent battles"?
  5. What name did the Confederate soldier use for a foxhole?
  6. Where was a soldier when he was "running the guard"?
  7. What name was given to the beef preserved in brine that was part of military rations?
  8. What were the Union’s "stone fleets"?
  9. What battle in Kentucky was more than half of the 64th Virginia Mounted Infantry from Wise County captured?

10. What were at least two other names that the 10th Kentucky Mounted Rifles known as?

"Sayings of the South"

Guerrant’s Diary, Bluegrass Confederate, Friday, February 7, 1862

George Ferguson, Roberts and Company came by this morning about 9, and we all started on to Pound Gap-where we understood General Marshall’s Headquarters to be. All the troops except for Williams’ Regiment (5th Kentucky Infantry) are in Virginia in search for provisions. We followed up the Kentucky River which runs by Whitesburg, some 10 or 15 miles, crossing it about 20 times. Here it dwindles down to a good sized creek. Today I first saw the Cumberland Mountains and the grandeur of the view was obstructed by clouds which rested in sullenness around and upon their summit. We climbed the mountain for three miles before we reached the summit, called Pound or Sounding Gap. Here some rough log pens have been built and filled with rock and sand as breast works or fortifications for the defense of the gap, which is the most practicable route into Virginia. On the summit and beyond the mountain down to its foot are rude log huts constructed by the soldiers as Winter Quarters. At this post are 300 or 400 "Special Service" men under the command of Major John B. Thompson.

"I hope the day will never come that my grandsons will be ashamed to own that I was a Confederate Soldier." Private A. Y. Handy, 32nd Texas Cavalry, C.S.A.

"Those who fall in the arms of victory and success need no monuments to preserve their memories. The continued existence and prosperity of their country are sufficient epitaphs, and their names can never be forgotten. But how shall those be remembered who failed? It is their enemies who write their history, painting it with their own colors, distorting it with their calumnies, their prejudices, and their passions; and it is this one-sided version of the conquerors that the world at large accepts as truth, for in history as in the present, vae victis (woe to the conquered)…Constant repetition will give it (history) something of the authority of truth. We cannot doubt it. Our descendants will see these slanders repeated in Northern and probably in European publications; perhaps even in the very text-books of their schools (for, unfortunately, we Southerners, write too little, and they may be compelled, like ourselves, to look abroad for their intellectual nutriment). It is true that our own immediate sons and daughters will not believe these falsifications of history, but perchance their children or grandchildren may believe them. And those who are still our enemies after five years of peace rely confidently upon this result." Gen. R. E. Colston speaking to Virginia Ladies Memorial Association.

.Answers:

  1. Virginia, near the Rappahannock River, where Union general Burnside’s army waded knee-deep through mud for miles.
  2. Boys 14 to 18 were drafted for the "junior reserve" and men 45 to 60 were the "senior reserve" (cradle to the grave)
  3. General George McClellan, whose caution was his downfall.
  4. Battles involving acoustic shadow, the phenomenon of people near a battle not hearing the sounds, while people miles away could hear it. Port Royal and Perryville are two examples of this type battle.
  5. Rifle pits.
  6. Deserting or at least on unauthorized leave.
  7. Salt beef or salt horse.
  8. Old ships that were loaded with stones and sunk in southern harbors to serve as obstructions.
  9. Cumberland Gap, and unfortunately more than a hundred of these men died in Yankee prisoner of war camps.
  10. 13th Kentucky Cavalry, 10th Kentucky Infantry and 11th Kentucky Mounted Infantry.

Stone Total: 806 with 202 Dedications

Sons of Confederate Veterans

The Confederate Treasury Financial Report

Colonel Ben Caudill Camp #1629

Box 1102

Whitesburg, Kentucky 41826

Gentlemen, I have the honor of submitting the following financial report for your review, input and approval.

Camp Fund

Statement Balance from 7/20/06 to 8/17/06

Deposits 7/17/06 $30.00

Balance 7/17/06 $1,597.41

Scholarship Fund $1000.00

Total $2,597.41

Withdrawal 7/28/06 Ck #1034 Appalachian Monument Co. 600.00

7/28/06 Ck#1035 Breedings (flagpole) 100.00

8/10/06 Ck#1037 Scholarship (Adam Sexton) 250.00

8/10/06 Ck#1038 Scholarship (Brooke Cowden) 250.00

Total Withdrawal for month 1,200.00

General Fund Balance $397.41

Scholarship Fund $1,000.00

Scholarship Fund-$1000.00 has been set aside into a savings account. Four checks were written totaling $1200.00. Based on the current records that we have in our possession, (we do not have the July bank statements) we have $597.41 in our general fund and $1000.00 in the savings for scholarships! We will make a deposit of $500.00 from savings into the checking account to increase our overall general fund to $1097.41.

Minutes

July 20, 2006

Members Present: Danny Taylor, Tim Blair, Okie Blair, Faron Sparkman, Richard Brown, John P. Back, Glenn Brown, Carlos Brock, Manton Ray Cornett, Willis Strong, Larry Combs, Wayne Watts, Leathan Whitaker, Richard Smith, Danny Wright, Dale Wright, Gary Begley, Kenny Cantrell, Garland Kiser, Quenton Childers

Meeting was held at the Letcher County Extension Office at Whitesburg. Sgt. At Arms, Carlos Brock called to the meeting to order. Faron Sparkman offered opening prayer. Richard Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance. Faron Sparkman led the salute to Confederate Flag. Welcome given and recognition of visitors (Larry Combs present from New York) was offered. Ancestor roll call of members present. June meeting minutes read by Danny Taylor with motion to accept minutes Gary Begley gave update on Battle of Leatherwood and told how to form a committee to plan a re-enactment. He also discussed how to raise money for re-enactment. He said to obtain coal severance money; the event has to be three days long due to tourism standards. Discussed the cancellation of the Battle of Jenkins, a committee was formed consisting of Kenny Cantrell, Quenton Childers, John P. Back, Garland Kiser and Tabby Back to pursue a re-enactment for Jenkins area in 2007. To help make up for cancellation of re-enactment, the camp will perform a living history on Jenkins Day. This may help with recruitment as well. Kenny Cantrell will find out where to set up and call members. John P. Back announced that Stewart Robinson committee wants a one-day re-enactment conducted at the old S.R. school. Camp receptive to idea, John P. will pursue matter. Willis Strong announced that he would like to see more members of the camp help fire the cannon. Five-man crew would be great. Willis also bought the preliminary copy of Confederate Kin at auction for $18. Lt. Commander Back talked about trash pickup at Pound Gap and Garner Gap, Richard Brown will check to see if anyone else has picked it up yet. After discussion of flagpole for Sandlick Cemetery, Wayne Watts made motion to buy a cheap pole from Breeding’s (approximately $80) Seconded by Danny Wright, motion carried. Discussed having Caudill flag made, Wayne Watts will check on flag makers, members to see if they know anyone local to make some. Dedication of new monument at Sandlick Cemetery discussed, members favored scheduling for weekend of Mountain Heritage Festival. Need to check on date, either September 23 or 30. Battle of Barbourville weekend is September 16 and 17. Discussed adding Pound Gap and Brashearville to Civil War Trails of Kentucky. Wise County Historical Society wants camp to help with dedication of Gray Cemetery (several Confederate Soldiers) in fall of this year, hopes we can bring cannon. Daughters of Confederacy will help advertise and promote it. Family Day (camp picnic) tentatively set for Sunday, August 20th, date and location to be announced at the next meeting. Announced that Mike and Debbie Tyree donated another quilt for fundraiser. Financial report states $1597.41 in bank, Richard Brown announced that camp owes Appalachian Monument $1,170 on new monument. 805 stones set. Carlos Brock made motion to present certificate to members that worked on cannon. Also certificates to members for research. John P. Back to check with Stewart Robinson about barn for permanent meeting place. Next meeting will be held at Extension Office in Whitesburg, everybody likes the facility. Closing prayer by Faron Sparkman. Adjourn.

Executive Meeting

August 15, 2006

Following the guidelines of the ‘Sunshine Laws’ we submit the monthly synopsis of the topics discussed at the Executive Meeting.

Line Items Discussed

Following Camp bylaws

Confederate Kin-5th revision

Scholarship committee-review candidates/ checks written: Adam Sexton and Brook Cowden

Trash pickup-Richard Brown will call

Veterans Museum discussed and Dedication

Dedication of Whitesburg Cemetery discussed

Agenda for 8/17 developed

Dues/Recruitment Drive Begins

Wise County Event for 2007-Richard Brown

LMU-Danny Taylor

Jenkins-Kenny Cantrell

St. Robinson-John P. Back

Picnic on 8/20/06

Certificates-to be given out at Annual Dinner

Resolution for John C. Osborne

New member application

Email

 

August 15, 2006

Agenda

Prayer-Chaplain Tabby Back

Call Business meeting to order-Sgt. At Arms

Welcome-Recognition of new SCV & Associate Members

Pledges-Lt. Commander Back

Scripture Reading-Chaplain Tabby Back

Ancestral Roll Call-All members

Reading/Approval of Minutes-camp member

Commander’s Comments

Lt. Commander’s Corner-Back

Adjutant Report-Brown

Financial Report-Lt. Commander Back

New Business

State if there is a Quorum present

Follow the newly adapted Bylaws

New Monument set, flagpole at the Graveyard Holler, mouth of Sandlick

RECRUITMENT DRIVE BEGINS

Open Floor