http://www.bencaudill.com
An empty chair now and forevermore shall sit at our table in remembrance of those that have gone before.
Brown, Cecil; Cantrell, Harold; Hamilton, James; Webb, Henry Miles; Wright, Michael
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!
Gary Begley-Ulvah, Kentucky Bobbie Valentine-Indianapolis, Indiana-Associate Membership
Merry Christmas and Happy Holy Days. I am so thankful to a gracious God that we can still say those words without fear of reprisal. When I think of all the violations to our rights and heritage this year, I begin to worry about what is happening to our beloved country that was founded on sound Christian principles. Under God is under attack; Merry Christmas is being replaced with the words Happy Holidays and our flags are coming down one by one. But nestled under the shadow of the beautiful Pine Mountains we still remember that Christ is the reason for the season. We see our flag flying upon the mountain and we can feel proud that we still remember and carry forth the Charge with honor. We must remember who we are or be doomed to lose our identity to the great abyss that seems to be consuming everything in the name of political correctness. One thing I know: the Banner and the Bible will have to be torn from my cold dead hands as I hold them close to my heart in gratitude to my ancestors and above all, my Savior which I call Jesus Christ. This is the season of peace and I do believe Lee captured the season of peace during war better than anyone. The first letter was written to his daughter in 1861, the other excerpt was written in 1862. (1) “My Dear Daughter: Having distributed such poor Christmas gifts as I had to those around me, I have been looking for something for you. Trifles even are hard to get these wartimes, and you must not therefore expect more. I have sent you what I thought most useful in your separation from me, and hope it will be of some service…To compensate for such ‘trash’ {money} I send you some sweet violets, that I gathered for you this morning while covered with dense white frost, whose crystals glittered in the bright sun like diamonds, and formed a brooch of rare beauty and sweetness, which could not be fabricated by the expenditure of a world of money…Among the calamities of war, the hardest to bear perhaps, is the separation of families and friends.” (2) “I will commence this holy day by writing to you. My heart is filled with gratitude to Almighty God for His unspeakable mercies with which He has blessed us in this day, for those He has granted us from the beginning of life, and particularly for those He has vouchsafed us during the past year. What should have become of us without His crowning help and protection? I have seen His hand in all the events of the war. Oh, if our people would only recognize it and cease from vain self-boasting and adulation, how strong would be my belief in final success and happiness to our country! For in Him alone I know is our trust & safety.” May a peace that passeth all understanding light your path.
The Old General
As the end of the year 2005 rapidly approaches, I must pause for a moment to reflect on the events of the year. It has indeed been a momentous year for the Col. Ben Caudill Camp. The year began with a tumultuous upheaval in the ranks of our beloved SCV. Thankfully this resolved rapidly. After this "little upheaval" things moved along much more smoothly. The crowning moment of the Caudill Camp year was the dedication of the Pound Gap monument. A monument dedicated to the War Between the States as it was fought in Letcher and surrounding Eastern Ky. counties. This monument is a shining example of what can be accomplished when the cooperation of local government can be secured. Thanks must also be given to the many local businesses that donated funds to help push the project forward. All the hard work of the many Caudill members who assisted in this note worthy endeavor came to fruition when people from all over the Eastern United States came together on the mountain to witness the dedication of a monument to the brave men who fought over this hallowed ground and the equally brave women and children who suffered the privations of war on the home front. Another of the high points of the year for the Caudill Camp was the establishment of a scholarship fund. This is a way to give back to the community; to show that we are thankful for the support that has so graciously been extended to us. The scholarship will be given to the proud descendants of Confederate soldiers. As I close let me just say that I am so thankful for all my friends in the Caudill Camp, you have been more of a blessing to me then I can express in words. Merry Christmas and may you all be blessed this Holiday Season
Deo Vindice, Lt. Commander John P. Back
The camp is holding steady at 107 members per the last official register sent by the National Headquarters. Several members have not paid their dues to re-join but have not been purged yet from the register. If you know of anyone who has not re-joined, please encourage them to do so as there is strength in numbers.
The Christmas Banquet was conducted on Saturday, December 3rd at the new Letcher County Extension Office. Approximately 55 people attended and enjoyed the wonderful meal, new member induction ceremony and auction. The ladies did a wonderful job of preparing the meal and decorating the building. The auction raised a couple of hundred dollars for the scholarship that we hope to present next year. Several guests drove a long way to attend including Don Poynter from Corbin who was accompanied by Les Williamson and Ronnie Bowling. Darrel Crawford and his wife drove up from Flemingsburg. Thanks go out to all that helped make the banquet a success.
I have been in contact with Frank Caudill of Illinois who is a grandson of Colonel Benjamin Caudill. He has promised to mail me a copy of a tintype picture of Colonel Caudill setting on a campstool with a saber across his lap. This is the only picture of the colonel in uniform that is known to exist. Mr. Caudill has been sick lately and apologized for the delay in sending the picture. He is talking with his children about donating the original picture to the Letcher County Military Museum.
Faron Sparkman would like to have the camp help him clean up the old Blair Cemetery behind Childers Oil Company’s bulk plant at Ermine. This would be a great project to work on this winter. The cemetery is badly overgrown. He & I set a Confederate tombstone for Private John Blair of the 50th Virginia Infantry recently in this cemetery. This cemetery & the one at the mouth of Sandlick (where several of Caudill’s men are buried) need to be desperately cleaned up this winter. I believe it is a high possibility that the soldiers that died in the hospital at Whitesburg during the war are buried in the grown up portion of the Sandlick Cemetery. If anyone else knows of a project that they would like to see done this winter, please let us know.
My wife, Glenda, and I would like to thank all of the camp members that kept her in their prayers during her surgery. She is doing very well at the present time and was able to attend the Christmas Banquet with me. Her doctors predict that she will do fine. I would also like for the camp to remember Tabby Back and Kenny Cantrell in their prayers as they continue to fight their inflictions
Adjutant Brown
I have the privilege of reporting the following financial statement as of 12/14/05: expenditures for the Christmas dinner ran $512.44, leaving a balance of $1,762.31. Adding the current deposit of $682.00, the balance will be $2,444.31. A total of $373.00 has been earmarked for the scholarship fund (raised at the auction during Christmas dinner).
Secretary/Treasurer Taylor
We read in Luke 2:8-14 that the Angels announced the birth of the Christ child. And the Angel said unto them, “Fear not for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10 states that we must have, “On earth peace, good will toward men.” The peace that passeth all understanding is a gift from God that started at the cradle and sanctified at the cross. In John 14:27 Jesus tells us about this peace: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you not as the world giveth, give I unto you let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.” Only when you know the Lord Jesus and accept Him, as your Savior will you have this peace on earth. This is the ‘good tidings of great joy’ that Angels brought to mankind. So this Christmas let us be thankful for the birth of our Lord.
Chaplain Tabby Back Pray for Dixie
It is with great sorrow that I must inform you of the passing of our dear brother and compatriot Luther Gaddis. I received the following communiqué from East Kentucky Brigade Adjutant Les Williamson this morning and thought that it only fitting to pay tribute to Luther. “Friends, It is my sad duty to tell everyone that our dear friend, Arthur Camp 1st Lt. Luther Gaddis has passed away after a long battle with cancer. Luther was always there and ready to help in any matter concerning anything a fellow could ask. National and state SCV conventions, dedications, reenactments, parades, dinners, anything he was always there. He was always proud of the trip he made to our brothers in Wisconsin to honor one of our own Kentuckians buried there. Luther's wife Betty has already requested his uniform, sword and Kepi be next to his casket at the funeral home. He will probably be at the Corbin Presbyterian Church and the Vankirk funeral home, which is next door to the Church Friday or Saturday. I will pass along the final arrangements as I receive them.” I sent the following notice to Kentucky Division Headquarters East Kentucky Brigade on behalf of the Caudill Camp: “My heart is grieved by the loss of our brother Luther and his seat will be forever more vacant at our table. But we must rejoice in the knowledge that he now rests at the feet of our Savior; where there is no pain, no suffering, and no sorrow; only joy. I will always treasure the way my dear adjutant would shield me on the battlefield, the reunions, the dedication and the numerous stories that he shared. His love for the South was such an inspiration and his generosity yielded to none. He offered me nothing but joy and he demonstrated such silent courage. The Ben Caudill Camp offers its deepest sympathy to Ms. Betty, the family and friends. May a gracious God bless those left behind and send His Comforter to help them during this time of grieve.” Ladies and gentlemen in Luther’s honor, let us stand and have a moment of silence to pay homage to our compatriot and friend, 1st Lt. Luther Gaddis of the SCV Arthur Camp and 5th Ky..
Condolences can be sent to:
Betty Gaddis
P.O. Box 166
Gray, Kentucky 40734
The Old General
This month let us pay homage to the heroes of our hearts as we salute our own bloodline ancestors. Let us reflect upon their uncompromised principles in which they willingly gave up all their earthly belongings to answer a higher calling. We are the voices of our ancestors and we must not allow our voice to be silenced by those that would profit by the destruction of the truth. They prey upon our weaknesses and lull us with words aimed at making us feel ashamed of our brave and gallant men that fought for nothing more and nothing less than their freedom. Say their names with pride and admiration as we do our duty with honor. We are the old guard and must serve the good name of our Confederate soldier, our blood with the same courage and tenacity of spirit that won them the respect of not only the world but also their adversary. Such is the blood that courses through your veins. Such is the pride of our people as we say to our soldiers and heroes of old, well done thy good and faithful servants. To you we once pledge our undying devotion and once again cling to the flags of our fathers with tears of gratitude streaming from our eyes. Rest upon the hill and valleys for we shall stand as brothers and sisters guarding your legacy.
NEVER, EVER FORGET YOUR SOUTHERN HERITAGE OR LET ANYONE SMOTHER OUT THE MEMORIES OF OUR ANCESTORS!!
Deo Vindice
Trivia Questions
1. What was the name of the machine gun that was used only once against the Confederates during the war?
2. What was the name of the warship that the H.L. Hunley sunk in Charleston harbor?
3. What name is given to artillery shot designed to break apart on firing?
4. What was invented by a Confederate Kentuckian that was able to fire about 20 rounds per minute at a maximum range of 2,000 yards?
5. What invention did JE.B. Stuart present to the U.S. War Department?
6. What novel weapons were first deployed in July 1861 in the Potomac River?
7. What did Robert Parker Parrott invent that was so deadly?
8. What rifle was widely used by the Confederate Infantry soldier?
9. What rifle was widely used by the Union Infantry soldier?
10. What pistol was favored by Confederate Cavalry soldiers and why?
“Sayings of the South”
“Those claiming to be Confederate or Southern and who procrastinate in compromise and complacency, refusing to stand with other patriots and nationalists. When and where will you make a stand, and upon what principle? If the liberty and independence of your own people and nation is not sufficient cause, what will be required to inspire you to action? Perhaps you are at ease living in a gilded cage, built by the enemies of our nation, the Confederate States of America. Maybe there exists no moment in which you will make a stand for family, state and nation. The words Confederate and Southern are not interchangeable in their definitions, but are separate and distinct as to their meaning. While at the same time they are conjoined, so that an individual will be either both or neither. The title of Confederate and Southern are but two sides of a single coin, those who refuse to stand with us in achieving victory, should not enjoy its fruits once achieved." Haylen Greerson
"I've studied your great cities. Believe me, the South is worth saving. Against a possible day when a flood of foreign anarchy threatens the foundations of the Republic and men shall laugh at the faith of your fathers, and undigested wealth beyond the dreams of avarice rots your society until it mocks at honor, love and God - against that day we will preserve the South." John Durham
"Governor, if I had foreseen the use these people desired to make of their victory, there would have been no surrender at Appomattox, no, sir, not by me. Had I seen these results of subjugation, I would have preferred to die at Appomattox with my brave men, my sword in this right hand." General Robert E. Lee, CSA - as told to Texas ex-governor F. W. Stockdale
"Victory is for those with the persistence and fortitude to resist the temptation to withdraw or whose resolve has been tempered, when conditions worsen and the cost rises. It is not for the weak hearted, nor those who are softened by the ease and comfort of a gilded cage, provided by the enemy at the cost of liberty. It is for those who continue to fight the good fight, even after others who have gone before, having faced overwhelming numbers and firepower, found themselves unable to complete the mission." Jay Buckner
Honorable George W. Randolph, Secretary of War, resigned and General Gustavus W. Smith of Kentucky appointed Secretary Interim. If Kentucky furnishes no soldiers to the Confederacy-she furnishes brains. Witness Albert Sidney Johnson, John C. Breckinridge, Gustavus W. Smith, John Hood, Humphrey Marshall, Maury Hawes, William C. Preston, Thomas Taylor, and above all, Jeff Davis himself. Unpardonably, I omitted Simon B. Buckner, Roger Hanson and many other gallant sons of genius from old Kentucky.
Buck Allen, Henry Clay and Bro-all of General Smith’s Staff here at dinner today. Had a big dinner of a little turkey.
Confederate Rate Table:
Butter .75 per lb.
Chickens .50 per one
Turkeys $1.50 apiece
Potatoes & cabbage-beyond love or money
Jeans $5. per yard
Boots $50. @ 75. per pair
Half soling of boots by a half souled cobbler, $2.50
Answers:
1. The Gatling Gun
2. USS Housatonic
3. Case shot, invented by Henry Schrapnel
4. The Williams Gun, a repeating cannon
5. A device for attaching a saber to a cavalry belt
6. Mines called torpedoes
7. A very accurate cannon called a Parrott Gun
8. The 3 band Enfield
9. The 3 band Springfield
10. The Remington, because it’s cylinders could be exchanged quickly due to the backbone design.
STONE TOTAL: 776 with 167 dedications!
Minutes
November 17, 2005
Members Present
Members Present: John P. Back, Raymond Issac, Okie Blair, Tim Blair, Willis Strong, Manton Cornett, Tabby Back, Teddy Mullins and daughters Courtney and Saphire{Wise SCV}, Danny Wright, Richard Smith, Roger Hall.
Chaplain Tabby Back opened the meeting with prayer. Lt. Commander John P. Back then read the minutes of the previous meeting. A motion was then made by Raymond Issacs to accept the minutes as read. Okie Blair seconded the motion. The floor was then opened for discussion of new business. The 1st item on the floor was whether to call the up coming dinner a Lee-Jackson dinner or the Col. Ben Caudill Christmas Dinner. After discussion a motion to call it the Col. Ben Caudill Christmas Dinner was made by Danny Wright. Tree Adams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. The Stiller Bill Caudill dedication and the trash pickup on US 23 were discussed but both matters were tabled until the next meeting. Richard Smith discussed the cannon project and read Kepi and Me honoring Lochlain Seabrook. After general discussion was complete, an auction was held to raise money for the scholarship fund was held. Seven dollars were raised from small items brought by Richard Smith. Chaplain Tabby Back adjourned meeting in Prayer
December 15, 2005
Agenda
6:30
Call meeting to order-Sgt. At Arms
Prayer-Chaplain Tabby Back
Welcome/Recognition of Guest
Pledges-Commander Chaltas
Ancestral Roll Call-All members
Scripture Reading-Chaplain Tabby Back
Recognition of new SCV & Associate Members from Newsletter & Audience
Reading/Approval of Minutes-Sec/Treasurer Taylor
Commander’s Comments
Lt. Commander’s Corner-John P. Back
Adjutant Report-Brown
New Business
Election
Civil War Room at the Veteran’s Memorial Museum
Stamp concept-John P. Back
Gazebo pictures-Richard Brown
By Laws revision in January 2006-E. C.
Scholarship fund letter to raise funds
3rd Thursday-6:00-Meeting of 5th Ky. Company F
Dedications for January
Monument is in Phase II. Phase III-Lighting, parking, flags, rails, gazebo material Heritage Issues-HB134,
Confederate Kin-Need stories by camp members for next month. We currently have 50 pages.
RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN-13th KY CAV. for KCB!
Stone Reports-Faron Sparkman-776 set to date
Reenactments schedule for 2006 discussed: local events priority suggested.
Events Committee-plan next year’s events-schedule
Veterans Memorial Museum and Monuments
Renaming of newsletter Contest!
Open Floor
John Blair Cemetery Project & continued research for the burial site of those soldiers that died in Whitesburg’s hospital and were buried here.
Email addresses desperately needed for list server
Remember our library.
Ancestor of the Month
Leatherwood/Brashearville Update
Prayer Requests: Mark Hartsock, Ron Bowling’s mother, Atlas Hall, Luther Gaddis, John and Jean Peck, David Lucas, Cliff Howard, Ronnie, Hester and Bryan, Don Poynter, Sheila Hudson, Richard Brown’s aunt Morrison, Jim Williamson, and those in need known only to the Lord.
Trivia-Richard Brown
PRESENTATION: Barboursville Baptism!
Adjourn by Prayer