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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!
REFLECTIONS OF CHRISTMAS PAST
This month let us reflect on all the things that we should be thankful for as we remember the sacrifices of our ancestors. Below are excerpts from actual letters of the boys in gray during the 4 Christmas seasons that they endured in the cold wintry air, some without blankets, shoes and shelter. All were longing to be home but all were cognizant that they were duty bound to fulfill a higher calling than their own personal comfort. Such was the caliber and grit of our ancient warriors.
From the diary of Private Robert A. Moore, a Confederate soldier. Tuesday, Dec 24th, 1861, camp near Swan's. "This is Christmas Eve but seems but little like it to me"
Wednesday, Dec. 25th, 1861, camp near Swan's. "This is Christmas & and very dull Christmas it has been to me. Had an egg-nog to-night but did not enjoy it much as we had no ladies to share it with us."
From the diary of Robert Watson of Key West, Florida. December 25, 1862 in Tampa, FL as an orderly sergeant of Co. K, 7th Florida Regt. "Christmas day and I was in bed all day from chills and fever. I ate nothing and as there is no liquor in the place of course I drank nothing."
December 25, 1863 at Dalton, Georgia after action at Chickamauga-"Christmas day and a very dull one but I find a tolerable good dinner. I had one drink of whiskey in the morning. There was some serenading last night but I took no part in it for I did not feel merry as my thoughts were of home..."
December 25, 1864 at Charleston, S.C. following his transfer to the Navy-"Christmas day. Turned out at 6 AM, very cold. We were ordered to hold ourselves in readiness to leave at moments warning... ...This ends Christmas day. The poorest I ever spent."
In a letter to his sister Anna Simpson, Tally Simpson wrote: Dec. 25th; My dear sister, "This is Christmas Day. The sunshines feeble through a thin cloud, the air is mild and pleasant, a gentle breeze is making music through the leaves of the lofty pines that stand near our bivouac. All is quiet and still and that very stillness recalls some sad and painful thoughts. The day, one year ago, how many thousand families, gay and joyous, celebrating Merry Christmas, drinking health to absent members of their family and sending upon the wings of love and affection long, deep, and sincere wishes for their safe return to the loving ones at home, but today are clad in the deepest mourning in memory to some lost and loved member of their circle..." "When will this war end? Will another Christmas roll around and find us all wintering in camp? Oh! That peace may soon be restored to our young but dearly beloved country and that we may all meet again in happiness."
From the Civil War diary of General Josiah Gorgas: - 1864" December 26th A despondent Christmas has just passed, yet people contrived to eat hearty and good Christmas dinners. The soldier unfortunately have not even meat, and have had none for several days. The Commissary General has singlely failed in his duties; while there is plenty of food in Georgia there is none here. There is no sufficient excuse for this. The food must be brought here, and the means to so provided and organized.."
Jasper Cockerham to His Niece (Co A 28 Reg NC) Camp of the 28th Regiment MVS
Wilmington, New Hanover County December 18 AD 1861-Dear Martha, Your letter came to hand a few days since and I am now seated to answer. I have but little news times is very dull out here yesterday was the most quiet day we have had for some time. The soldiers all look sad and lonely. We have nothing spiritual or refreshing in camp. Have not see one case of intoxification during our Christmas holiday. All is calm on the lines in front of Petersburg and Richmond, except some little picket firing on Saturday night. I have a splendid cain and am living quite comfortable at present. Rations are rather scanty. I have not heard from your Pa since he went to hospital at Staunton. I saw him on the cars, he had measles, but was getting on fine, he told me he would write to me as soon as I wrote to him. I have wrote but have not had time to get an answer. Mat - I hope you are having a good time today taking Christmas. I am passing it off writing my friends. We had drill this morning. What has become of Fannie? I have not heard from her in some time. You must offer my highest regards to all the girls. I hope I will get off home before the winter breaks. I want to come home very bad this Christmas. Tell "Tee" if I get to come home he and I will start up some Christmas--if it is only to go out and hunt rabbits and know there is a heap of squirrels and other wild game up there. Robert you must be a smart boy while your Papa is gone. How is my little namesake getting on? Is he most as large as you "Tee"? Polly, your brother Calvin is in my company well and harty, except he sometimes complaining with reumatism in his legs. He seams to be pretty well satisfied for a soldier. I hope you are well. I must close as I have nothing worth notice on hand. My love and best wishes to all the children. Remember me kindly to all who make an inquery if there be any. May heavens best blessings be always with you all. Yours affectionatly, Jasper
Dear Mother, I received a letter from you on the 14th which pleased me very much to know that you were all well and doing well. I received a letter from Cousin Martin Whitaker* on the the 6th of December stating that you had been down to see Grandmother. In your letter you had had some wood and pine hauled. Jesse Stanley will let you have his oxen to haul with. I do not want my oxen to be worked at all. I got $33.00. That is what I drew and I sent $30.00 home by Thomas Anthony. Sarah, I want my oxen to be well wintered. Do not let any person have any salt. I will want it before you get any more. I can send you plenty of paper if you cannot get it there. Mother, I found you some tobacco to chew. Smith Dobson is at home if you want to send me anything you can send it by him. We have any amount of sweet potatoes here. I have some that I brought from home to eat at Christmas. Also some sweet cakes Mrs. Gilliam sent me. John Cave has a discharge and has come home. Sarah, Uncle Silas and Mrs. Harbour. Write whether you have heard from Sian and Calvin and Nancy and Mark or not. Write to Calvin and Nancy by all means. Give Miss Susan Adeline and Sarah Stanley my best respect. Oliver, when I write home, I also write to you and family. Sarah, if William wants any money he must have it when he needs it. William I would like to see you very much. I will home sometime in the spring if I live. Mary, you spoke about some persons not agreeing very well. It has not suprised me at all. Say but little about it. Artha Bray
Greetings Compatriots! Once more we have been blessed to live to see another Holiday Season. Another year of life which we can be thankful. We have seen much take place, the Hunley Funeral which filled us all with Southern Pride, and the many reenactments we were able to participate in and most of all the many times we were allowed to gather to worship our Lord and Saviour. Which brings me to the main point my friends; "the Reason for the Season." Luke 2 1-20." The Christmas Story, the recorded birth of our Lord and Savior. The Greatest Gift ever given and given freely, the gift of Salvation. So remember that no matter how much money or time you spend on a gift, only that gift which has already been given by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is the gift that can help you find the joys of heaven and avoid the horrors of hell. So take advantage of this free pardon of sin and make this Christmas a truly blessed and Joyous Holiday. Merry Christmas and May God Bless and Keep You! Deo Vindicie
Deo Vindice (Chaplain Back/Chaltas)
In Defense of our Colors: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
December 03, 2004 Agenda 7:00 Christmas Dinner Call meeting to order-Sgt. At Arms Introduction-Commander Sparkman Prayer-Chaplain Back Pledge-Commander Spark man Salute to the Confederate Battle Flag Christmas Letters-Chaltas Scripture Reading-Chaplain Back Welcome and recognition of guests Induction Ceremony Auction New Business Mt. Vernon Parade and Dedication-11/04 Mallicoat Dedication-11/11 5th Kentucky, Company F Applications (recruitment!) Open Floor Adjourn by Prayer