NEWS FROM THE CAMP


December 2007 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.

Mark Barger, Cecil Brown, Harold Cantrell, Greg Caudill, Vernon Cooper, Atlas Hall, James Hamilton, Johnny C. Osborne, Jake Smith, Ben Buster Taylor, Henry Webb, Michael Wright

 

The General’s Dispatch

 

Merry Christmas!  What a wonderful season in which we can reflect upon the birth of Christ.  Let us be ever mindful that there are those attempting to remove any sign of Christmas for the public eye.

 

To date we have set 107 stones and held 160 dedications!  We have honored the memory of those forgotten by establishing a cemetery for the men that died in the Whitesburg Hospital during the WBTS.  We have set two more flagpoles and 2 panels honoring our heritage.  We have written books, been published in magazines, and held radio/TV interviews to promote our cause.  We have established a ministry that is befitting the circuit riders of yesteryear and conducted 28 services to date.  We have participated in numerous reenactments, parades, living history presentations, spoken as several schools and other civil organizations.  We have built a great reputation among the leaders within our area and attend public meetings on a regular basis to update all on our progress. 

 

Gentlemen, let us be cautious not to rest on our laurels.  Let us look toward the future and clearly understand that what we do today will determine our ancestors place in history tomorrow.  During this election, be mindful of the leaders you elect, as we must not have lukewarm ‘sayers’ and not ‘doers’ in positions of responsibility.   Vote your conscience in terms of who can best lead this remnant of a grand army forward and entrench our ancestors good name within their rightful place in history.  Make no mistake about it gentlemen, we MUST have those WILLING to do all and not just play heritage but LIVE heritage because there are forces actively attempting to destroy not only our history but also our country.  Political Correctness will be our downfall if we continue to allow it to run amuck in America.  I remain your obedient servant  Laus Deo

 

Upcoming Events:- December 13, 2007-Commander Chaltas is the Keynote speaker at SCV in Blairsville, Georgia.  December 14-Christmas in the Park; Whitesburg; December 15-DEC meeting; Etown-cancelled; December 15, 2007-Secession Day; Jenny Wiley State Park Lodge; 6-9 P. M December 20-Eating Meeting-Christmas Dinner;


 

From the Adjutant’s Desk

December 20, 2007

 

The Colonel Ben Caudill Camp No. 1629 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans now has 78 members.  It has more than that shown on the roster but the purge has not occurred yet that removes members who have not rejoined for 2008.  The annual Christmas in the Park event held at the Whitesburg walking track was a great success again.  Over 1,600 treat bags were handed out.  Members Richard Brown, David Brown, and Ross Fleming represented the Caudill Camp.  These members also helped make the treat bags as well.  The event is a countywide sponsored event with many organizations volunteering their time and money.  If you didn’t make it this year, be sure you don’t miss it next time.

 

If you didn’t get your copy, the latest edition of the Lost Cause magazine featured an article on the Caudill Camp’s dedication of the monuments set in the Sandlick Cemetery.  The same information and pictures were sent to the Confederate Veteran magazine as well but I would not hold my breath to see if they run anything about it.  My thanks to Don Shelton and his staff for recognizing the huge efforts of the Caudill Camp in pulling off one of the best dedications ever.

I would like to thank Commander Chaltas, Ross Fleming, and anyone else that had anything to do with the Letcher County Fiscal Court voting to purchase the cannon from Roger Kelly (Butternut).  It is a beautiful, full scale, bronze howitzer, complete with trailer.  The only catch is that it has to be displayed part of the time at the Letcher County Military Museum.  I am sure that Willis and Manton Ray would appreciate anyone that would like to help them with the cannon this year.  I have already purchased an artillery kepi in anticipation of helping. 

 

As for the military museum, I have purchased a small display case to place artifacts from the Pound Gap area that had to do with the battle, as well as the occupation, there (such as different bullets, buckles and other stuff).  If anyone has anything to loan to place in the case, you can get the articles back at any time.  I would love to see more War Between the States displays there.  We already have a nice display, including two mannequins in uniform, saddles, belt buckle collection, sabers, flags and a picture of Colonel Ben Caudill.  Anything anybody can think of to add to it would be great.  Keep in mind that you are loaning them and can take them back at anytime.  When the weather allows, I would like to see the camp install the statue of the Confederate soldier at the Pound Gap Monument.  It would look good just below the flags, overlooking the gap.  At the base of the statue, we could place a stone with the saying on the Confederate monument at Arlington.  The statue is currently stored in the garage at R. R. Crawford Engineering.  We need to build a 2’ x 2’ base, stack four rows of blocks, set a platform (to be purchase from Deana’s Designs), and place the statue on top. 

 

As the New Year rapidly approaches, I believe the camp should start planning for a new project for the upcoming year.  Some suggestions are: work more on the Sandlick Cemetery project (clean out more of the thicket near the monument and place more unknown stones), order and place the dozens of stones for the soldiers of the 5th Kentucky Infantry that are buried at Holston Springs hospital near Webber City in Virginia, expand on the Pound Gap Monument, hold a large dedication for the 1,000 tombstone set by the camp, increase our display at the military museum and complete our display to be placed at Mosby’s Restaurant.   I would like to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (none of that Happy Holiday stuff) to each and every one of you.  If I can be of service or help to any of you, please do not hesitate to ask.  Thanks for allowing me to be your adjutant for the previous year, it has been a privilege.  Honoring the Memory of our Ancestors, I remain your Adjutant, Richard G. Brown

 

Chaplain’s Comments

As we reflect upon this wonderful year, please recall the many blessings that we have been privileged to receive.  God has richly graced us with health, friends and family.  Remember to pray for one another and offer your time to those less fortunate.  Let us raise our voice in unison to a gracious God and the greatest gift of all:  His Son.  If you have any prayer request, email them to me at the5thkycampkettle@yahoo.com   God bless Dixie, Chaplain Tabby Back

 

Prayer Line

 

Jeff Smith has been moved to Ft. Sanders Hospital in Knoxville.  Commander Chaltas visited him this past weekend.  Jeff is a living testament to the power of prayer.  He had 104 staples removed from his skull after having it reattached to his head.  Please remember him and his family in prayer.  Let us continue praying for Colonel Ronnie Robinson, General Parsons, Gary Holt, John Peck, Sheila Hudson, Margie Watts, Grady Lee, Carlos Brock, Willis Stong’s wife and family along with Manton Ray Cornetts.  We are in of prayers for little Georgianah Marie, the newborn of Commander Burrow.  She is having breathing complications.  Let us continue to pray for the three young boys that came requesting that I pray for them right then at Blue Springs.  Ask for unspoken prayers to be answered, as our God knows our needs prior to asking.  Pray for our beloved Cliff Howard (President Davis).  Remember to pray for Big Tree and his father, Mrs. Cantrell, and others that give of their time as living historians.  Pray for all the infirmed, those alone and needing the touch of the Master’s hand, as well as our troops that guard freedom’s door.  Pray for the unity of the camp and that in all things we work for the glory of God and with a humbled spirit.  Let us continue to serve the cause of Christ and pray for the Ben Caudill Ministries as we carry on the tradition of our ancestors.  Chaplains of the Confederacy

 

Trivia Questions

 

  1. Who was the first commanding officer of the original 5th Kentucky Infantry?
  2. Besides Company F being known as “Caudill’s Army”, what were two more nicknames of the soldiers from the 5th Kentucky Infantry?
  3. Where did more soldiers from the original 5th die and where were they buried?
  4. Name the two locations in Letcher County where the original 5th trained and camped.
  5. What were the two largest battles that the original 5th actually fought in? (They were at the Battle of Perryville but guarded the bridges on the Confederate flanks, and only skirmished with the Yanks)
  6. Why did Colonel Ben Caudill grow a beard at the end of his captivity in a prisoner of war camp?
  7. Besides the 10th Kentucky Mounted Rifles and the 13th Kentucky Cavalry, what was another name the regiment was called?
  8. Where was the majority of the 13th Kentucky Cavalry when word was received that General Lee had surrendered?
  9. Did all of the 13th Kentucky go to surrender at Mt. Sterling, and if not, where did the rest surrender?
  10. What was the last battle that the 13th Kentucky was involved in Virginia? In Kentucky?

     

Bluegrass Confederate-Guerrant’s Diary

Christmas Day, December 25, 1864-Saltville, Virginia

 

This used to be Christmas Day!  At home in the olden time. But now! O me! Nothing to eat, nothing to wear, nowhere to go, nobody to go with and no, no, no, nothing, but war, hunger, cold, nakedness, poverty, and war, war, war!

 

This day used to come with booming guns and blooming lasses, with jingling bells and merry faces, with candy kisses and smoking turkeys, with Kris Kringle and Santa Claus.  But now, O Me! Kris and Santa are both dead, killed in the war.  Guns, lasses, balls, turkeys, are subjects of sweet, sad, sorrowful recollections.

 

The reality I see before me: A rail shed, a smoking log heap, cornbread and beef for breakfast, dinner and supper, snow, strangers, soldiers, sore, sick, sorry—ah me!  No poor soul in camp this morning had the heart to say “Christmas gift”.  It would be like saying “Christmas gift” to a band of beggars, who have nothing but rags to give.

 

If a man had said Christmas gift to me this morning, I would, well, I don’t know what I would have done.  Given him my last corn-dodger, or pair of breeches, I reckon, because he would have been needy to say “Christmas Gift” today.  We washed our faces in snow, eat our breakfast off of a piece of cold cornbread and beef, and waited for the war to close, that’s all we have to hope for in this country.

 

Answers to Trivia Questions

 

  1. Colonel John S. “Cerro Gordo” Williams (later a general)
  2. The men of the original 5th Kentucky were known as the Ragamuffins and Sang Diggers.
  3. Dozens of the 5th Kentucky died in a military hospital at Holston Springs near Moccasin Gap in Scott County, Virginia, and were buried in the nearby cemetery. (these soldiers need Confederate tombstones)
  4. They trained and camped in Whitesburg and at the mouth of Little Colley Creek of Rockhouse Creek.
  5. The Battle of Middle Creek, January 10, 1862 and the Battle of Princeton, May 16 and 17, 1862.
  6. He had contracted small pox while a prisoner and grew the beard to cover the pock marked scars.
  7. They were listed as the 10th Kentucky Infantry and the 11th Kentucky Infantry.
  8. They were in Christiansburg, Virginia, marching to reinforce General Robert E. Lee at Richmond.
  9. No, one group went with Captain James Rogers to North Carolina to join General Joseph E. Johnston’s army and surrendered there.  Another group under Colonel Caudill stayed in Letcher County and did not surrender until after May 5, 1865, being the last organized unit to surrender in Kentucky.
  10. The last battle that they were involved in Virginia was the Battle of Wytheville, April 4, 1865.    The last battle in Kentucky was at Whitesburg on April 16, 1865.

 

Congratulations Compatriots!!

962 Stones Set with 374 Dedications

 

 

 

Executive Council Meeting

 

Conducted via email

     Richard Brown, Manton Ray Cornett, David Chaltas

December 20, 2007

 

Agenda developed

Nominations for Camp Officers

Christmas Dinner

 

Jefferson Davis Pins-2 options-250 minimum order

 

 

Purchase a Caudill Flag to donate to Mosby’s 13th KY Display that we will design

Membership Drive

Expenditures:

DUES

 

Budget for the Quartermaster & Public Relations Committee ($200 each)

 

Pound Gap Project Progress-South Carolina flagpole set

Meeting with Ms. Leslie Combs regarding funding next week

Support the following candidates for honorary membership into the Camp

Tom Bliss

 

Colors across the Commonwealth

 

Minutes

November 15, 2007

 

The monthly meeting of the Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp No. 1629 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans was held on Thursday, November 15, 2007, at the Letcher County Vocational School.  Members present were: Richard Brown, Garland Kiser, Tabby Back, Kenny Cantrell, Wayne Watts, Manton Ray Cornett, Carlos Brock, Willis Strong, Danny Wright, John P. Back and Randall Haddix. 

 

Wayne opened the meeting then led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Richard led the Salute to the Confederate Flag.  John P. Back gave welcoming comments.  Tabby Back opened with prayer.  Richard gave the Adjutant Report. Tabby gave the Chaplain’s Report and read scriptures.  Richard announced that a quorum was not present (11 members present, needed 12).  Tabby took prayer request, Kenneth Boggs (prostate cancer), Wayne’s two uncles, Joe Skeens, the Dixon boys killed in the mine, Garland and family, James Sexton (throat cancer), Richard’s mother, and Tabby (hoping to get to go to Bible College).  John led prayer.  John read Commander’s report, as Commander Chaltas was not present. He then talked about the Lincoln license plate controversy.  The Ancestor Roll Call was taken. Carlos gave tombstone report, 958 stones set, several on the ground to be set.  He then discussed the possibility of the 1,000 stone being a special event. He suggested using the William S. Smith of the 13th Kentucky Cavalry for the event.  We could use the Robinson School parking lot for parking, there are several Confederate soldiers buried beside William Smith. He also discussed help with setting the stones.  Wayne asked to be told about some stone setting in hopes that he could help.  Tabby will post the schedule on the Kettle.  Silas Callahan’s stone has been ordered (Company F, 5th Kentucky Infantry), possibly dedicate his grave next year during the Battle of Leatherwood reenactment.  Richard suggested that the camp’s Christmas dinner be held on Thursday, December 20, at the Letcher County Extension Office.  Everyone agreed and said to allow the Executive Committee to determine the specifics.  The camp will pay for the turkey and dressing from IGA at Isom.  Everyone is to bring a covered dish.  Contact Tabby and have him announce the event on the Camp Kettle on the Internet.  The Southern Cross of Honor that the camp bought was given to Carlos to place on Captain Jackson Combs grave.  Everyone expressed interest in purchasing a cross for their relatives as the cost, $35, was cheap.    The paper showing the colored Jefferson Davis pin that would commemorate his 200th birthday next year (2008) was passed around.  Everyone liked both examples.  Carlos suggested that at the next meeting, the procedure to reduce the minimum for a quorum be lowered to ten be started (amendment to bylaws).  Richard encouraged everyone attempt to go to the 200th birthday celebration of Jefferson Davis at Fairview, Kentucky, next June 7 at the Jefferson Davis Park.  The progress of the flags at the Pound Gap Monument was presented, the South Carolina flag is now flying.  John Back announced that there would be two School of Soldiers next year at the old Calvary College campus.  Richard gave out the Trivia Questions.  Danny brought two old Bibles to show that he had bought off Ebay; very impressive.  Wayne made a motion to adjourn, Danny seconded, motion passed.  The next meeting will probably be an eating-meeting at the Letcher County Extension Office on Thursday, December 20.

Agenda

December 20, 2007

 

Call Business meeting to order-Sgt. At Arms Watts

 

Pledges

Prayer-Scripture Reading-Chaplain Tabby Back

Ancestral Roll Call-All members

Welcome-Recognition of new SCV, Honorary & Associate Members

(HAND OUT:  Membership Applications)

 

State if there is a Quorum present

Reading/Approval of Minutes-camp member

Commander’s Comments

 

New Business

 

Nominations for Camp Officers

Christmas Dinner

 

Ordering Confederate Kin Proposed-number set by quorum (5 on order)

Jefferson Davis Pins-250 minimum proposed

 

Membership Drive

 

Vote on Members: 

Honorary Members recommendation

 

 

Open Floor

 

ü  Events Committee-Report on Status of 2007 events:  Mosby’s Restaurant-2/09

ü  Set South Carolina Flagpole and setting Statue on the mountain

ü  Trash Pickup at Pound Gap for 2008

ü  Confederate Kin-ISBN=ON sale for $99.00 through Christmas.

ü  Iron Cross Order

ü  Trivia-Richard Brown

ü  Auction

Adjourn by Prayer