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!
Carl Bentley-Grayson, Kentucky
Michael Watts-Roxanna, Ky-reup!
Jeremy Jones-Caudill's Branch, Ky-reup!
My congratulations go out to the men and women that gave of their time to clean up the abandoned cemetery that is located at Westwood. Also I wish to thank those people that worked on the cannon project, stamp project, serving on committees within the community and those out spreading the good news of the Confederacy. Sometimes we take for granted the things that are done but do believe that this commander is in awe of what we have accomplished. No other camp in the state and I dare say nation is so diversified yet so dedicated to the projects that have been undertaken.
This month we are working on getting a permit via the Kentucky Department of Transportation to place the electricity on the mountain. We are drawing plans for expanding parking at the monument site and will have a volunteer survey group assist. We are discussing drawing a life-size sentry from a 4x8 treated piece of plywood and place it on the rock outcropping overlooking the monument to 'stand guard' over the gap. The 5th monument will be erected on the mountain by the March meeting. It will contain more engraved names of our ancestors. Remember you can purchase a name of your ancestor simply by sending his name, rank, and unit/regiment for the low price of $20.00. An application is on line (www.bencaudill.com) for your convenience. New flags have been ordered along with a trashcan and 66 pieces of split rail fencing to finish the fencing portion of the monument project. We are continuing our research on the Whitesburg hospital as well as actively searching for the burial locations of our loved ones that served the cause with such honor. We will be speaking at local schools, churches and civic organizations as well. If you choose to speak at a Rotary Club or other public forum in your area or state, please let us know so that we can let everyone know what we are doing to preserve the good name of our ancestors. We are meeting to review our bylaws and to make amendment recommendations to the camp if needed. Ladies and gentlemen, we are making a difference in the efforts of preserving our heritage and for that I salute your endeavors. With Sacred Principles to Maintain, I remain your obedient servant,
The Old General Laus Deo
The year of 2006 has already started out as an extraordinary year for the SCV and the Caudill camp. Those of us who where lucky enough to be able to attend the Lee-Jackson Dinner given by the E.F. Arthur Camp were afforded the opportunity not only to hear a stirring speech on the Battle Flag by our own Danny Taylor but, also a rousing speech on the SCV and our Heritage from none other than our National Commander Denne Sweeney. Commander Sweeney gave us a run down on the current condition of the SCV, the condition of Jeff Davis's home after Hurricane Katrina, and inspirational statistics from government records. One, which sticks in my mind, most clearly was that 73% of U.S. military forces are from the southern states. Commander Sweeney also went on to compare this with England and Scotland saying, " We (the Confederate States) are to this country as Scotland is to England; we supply the brains and muscle for the military forces." This is indeed something to ruminate on. According to the available statistics we are the Warrior class. We are also the ones who remember the people who passed down their genes and literally made us who and what we are. In February I attended the Ky. Division meeting with Commander Chaltas. Our Ky. Division Commander Hiter stressed recruiting and retention at this meeting. Many new ideas for recruiting and retention were advanced and are being studied for possible application. The strength of the Ky. Division is currently approximately 800 men. Commander Hiter stressed that there many 1000's of Confederate descendants in Ky. and more must be done to recruit these men into the ranks. Our stone setting efforts also didn't go unnoticed either. One gentleman made the remark that perhaps the Stone Setting Award should be discontinued since no one else had a chance of winning it. This brought a chuckle from the crowd. The news of our discovery of the Whitesburg Confederate cemetery was well received and we were given many congratulations for our efforts. The Caudill Camps work will be covered in an up coming issue of the Lost Cause. As I said earlier this has indeed been an auspicious start to what promises to be an extraordinary year.
Deo Vindice, Lt. Commander John P. Back
The Colonel Benjamin Caudill Camp has 116 members listed at the present time. I am sure some of these will be purged soon as they have not paid their dues. If anyone knows someone on the list that has not rejoined, I would encourage you to approach each and ask him to rejoin our camp. I realize no camp can retain everyone but would like to see the majority rejoin.
The 2006 Kentucky Division Reunion will be held on May 5th through 7th this year in Prestonsburg. The first meeting will be held in the May House on the 5th. On Saturday, the 6th, there will be a skirmish on the actual battlefield at the Middle Creek National Battlefield. I hope everyone can participate or at least attend in support. It is not very often you get to re-enact on the actual site of a battle. Caudill's Flag will be featured.
The second day of cleanup at the Sandlick Cemetery went very good. At least 34 people showed up to help in this worthwhile venture. The Lost Cause will be featuring the cleanup and a story about the Caudill Camp in their next edition. I would like to see our camp start a fund raising campaign for the cost of a monument to place at the cemetery. The one that we have designed would cost about $2,000 and a bench about $450. We would also need to raise a flagpole to fly a Confederate flag as well. Faron has started the paper work to obtain tombstones for the known soldiers buried there. Rhonda Robertson with the Wise County Historical Society is searching for names of Virginia soldiers buried there.
On January 29th, Commander Chaltas and myself met with Rhonda Robertson and Tim Kelly of the Wise County Historical Society at the Wise County Courthouse. From there we visited the location of the old cemetery where at least 13 soldiers from the 5th Kentucky Infantry were buried. Unfortunately, the cemetery is now part of a large subdivision and is not recognized as a cemetery any longer. Only one landowner in the subdivision would even consider letting us put up a monument in honor of these soldiers. Instead of depending on staying in good grace with this landowner, Rhonda is asking the nearby Wise Cemetery board to let us place it in that cemetery. As for the old Confederate hospital, it is now a shopping center. The progress of man is not always beneficial to our southern roots. During the trip, the graves of two of Caudill's men were found. John Kelly, Sr. was located in the Richmond Cemetery at Turkey Cove in nearby Lee County and John Kelly, Jr. was in the Wise Cemetery. In addition, the graves of two more soldiers were found, Sergeant Benjamin Richmond of the 50th Virginia Infantry and General Jonathan Richmond of the Southwest Virginia Militia. Faron Sparkman will be ordering the tombstones for these soldiers.
The Jenkins City Council has asked our camp to help sponsor the Pound Gap Re-enactment on the weekend of August 12th and 13th of this summer. It would be held in the same location as last year. We need to decide if it will be a two-day event or to only have one day of battle. One of members, Sergeant Jesse Thorpe, has returned from duty in Iraq. He was featured on the Channel 57 evening news, being welcomed home by his family. Our camp is proud to have a member such as him, welcome home Jesse.
Adjutant Brown
I have the privilege of reporting the following financial statement as of 2/14/06: expenditures for dues ran $855 and the $480.50 deposit as reported on 2/15/06 gives us a total of $1,844.81. The scholarship fund will total $578 with the $105 to be deposited on 2/15 from the donations on the quilt.
Secretary/Treasurer Taylor
February is black history month. Sunday morning I was up early drinking coffee and watching it snow. I began reading my email and started thinking about these forgotten soldiers. They now know that anywhere between 60 to100 thousand colored Confederate soldiers have served the south. For some reason it seems that all these men were forgotten! I went to google.com and put in black Confederate soldier and wow, page after page of these brave came up! Each soul was fighting for their homes and family until the end. Frederick Douglass wrote in Douglas Monthly IV sept.1861 page 516. "There are at the present moment many colored men in the Confederate Army as real soldiers having muskets on their shoulders and bullets in their pockets ready to shoot down loyal troops." Lets take time and tell people about our black brothers that chose to fight for what they believed and pray that God will open the eyes of all to the truth about the War Between the States
Chaplain Tabby Back Pray for Dixie
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 offer a salute and give up a hardy Rebel yell for Jason 'Big Tree' Adams! Big Tree is known as our Kentucky Giant, being taller than most trees! He was born on October 8, 1975, the proud parents being Ray and Doris Adams. He has a sister by the name of Vanessa Joseph. He married Franka Adams, a young rebel in her own right! They live in Neon, Kentucky. He graduated from Letcher High School. His hobbies are reenacting, setting stones, dedications, living history, hunting and fishing. He loves to travel and tells of his adventures while setting stones for our ancestors. He is a jack-of-all-trades and assists in keeping the Old Indian Bottom Church grounds and building clean. He entered the camp on Daniel B. Fields (He was conscripted by the Yankees while plowing on Bull Creek. After the Battle of Lookout Mtn, he joined the 13th Kentucky in Company H. He is buried in the Mose Whitaker Cemetery, Roxanna, KY) and is a descendent of Colonel Ben Caudill. Tree is a good friend to all, always carrying a smile and having a tale to tell. He is a true southern gentleman and we are blessed to have him in our camp. Ladies & gentlemen let us tip our kepis and offer a resounding rebel yell for our compatriot and brother, Jason 'Big Tree' Adams!
The Old General
Mullins, Elijah; Private, Company C
13th Kentucky Cavalry
September 9, 1824-Septemeber 7, 1902
By Tabby and Rosetta Back
Elijah was born an Adams but was adopted by a Mullins. His first wife was Polly Johnson and they had 4 children. Geo W., James Joel, and Polly. During the turbulent times of the 1850s Elijah and Polly divorced (a rarity for the time. He married Martha Hicks (1825-1917) in 1858. This union resulted in two more children by the name of Aggy and Henry. The 1860 census (#548) have them living in Breathitt County, Kentucky. On March 28, 1863 Elijah entered the Confederate army at Whitesburg, Kentucky. His son (born in 1849-being 14 years of age) enlisted 2 days prior on March 16, 1863. He also enlisted into the 10th Kentucky Mounted Rifles. Elijah was in Company C and James was in Company I.
The war was hard on Martha and her children trying to make ends meet in the mountains during a time of war. She must have constantly worried about her husband and her stepson that she cared for as one of her own. Would they ever come home? Would a Yankee bullet end their dreams and would she be able to tend to the farm alone. Both of her loved ones returned home just to find it rundown and in need of repair due to the lack of manpower it takes to run a homestead type farm. Elijah and Martha are listed in the 1870 census. On Perry County 1880 census and 1890 he is listed as living in Buck at the head of Quicksand. He is buried in the Grassy Gap Cemetery, Little Buckhorn Creek, Lewis Fork in Breathitt County, Kentucky. Elijah Jr. is my wife Rosetta Mullins great grandfather. He married Rose Emily Maddox on the 5th of September 1891. My wife can remember when she was 3-4 years old. Rose Emily fell into an icebox and broke several bones in her skull and arm. They wouldn't let her be taken to the doctor. She died in a couple of weeks due to complications. But according to Rosetta's mother she asked to see all the small kids at her bedside. She began clapping her hand stating that the angels were coming to get her. She died with a smile on her face.
This month we are embarking on an series of honoring yet another group of 'soldiers' that were relentless in their quest for freedom. We will offer our salutations to the Ladies of the South that gave not only of their families, homes and children but also were willing to risk their lives for what they believed. This month we salute that grand Confederate spy, Belle 'La Belle Rebelle' Boyd. Belle was born on the 9th of May 1843. She was born in Martinsburg, Virginia (currently West Virginia). At the onset of the war Belle utilized her charm to gather information and used her fathers hotel in Front Royal as a base of operations. She became not only a spy but also a courier of information, riding long hours in the night with her communiqués. She would pass information to General Turner Ashby and Stonewall Jackson during the Shenandoah campaign. She also served as a courier and scout for the famous Colonel Mosby. For her efforts General Jackson promoted her to captain and made her an honorary aide-de-camp on his staff. By the age of twenty-one is was said that she had been imprisoned twice, arrested on numerous occasions and reported to the authorities repeatedly, yet she persisted in her mission. She was betrayed by a lover and was arrested on July 29, 1862. While she was a prisoner in Washington's Old Capital Prison, she would toss messages through the bars of the window to other southern sympathizers. She was released a month later but was soon arrested again for alleged spying. Released on December1, 1963, she was sent to Europe in hopes of recovering from typhoid that she had contracted in prison and with a secret mission of carrying a letter from President Davis to Europe. While heading to Europe on a blockade runner a union war ship overtook it and captured her once again. Here she the captain of the union ship by the name of Samuel Hardinge. She quickly seduced him and he let her go along with the captain of the blockade runner. Later they were married in London, England. Samuel was captured and put on trial for letting Belle go but was later released. He apparently contracted a disease while detained in jail and died a short time later.
Belle's reputation was marred by her alleged visitations to officers' tents and her friendly relationship with both blue and gray soldiers but she was undaunted in her goal of gathering information for the southern cause. After the war she became an actress and presented dramatic lectures. In 1865 a book entitled Belle Boyd in Camp and Prison was published and her popularity skyrocketed. At the turn of the century on June 11, while performing on stage in Wisconsin, she had a massive heart attack and died whilst doing what she loved. Gentlemen, let us take off our hats and bow to the South's 'Secesh Cleopatra'. (Sigaud, Louis, A., Belle Boyd, Confederate Spy, and Scarborough, Ruth, Belle Boyd.- Siren of the South) http://www.dm.net/~snyder/ladies.html-http://www.civilwarhome.com/boydbio.htm
NEVER, EVER FORGET YOUR SOUTHERN HERITAGE OR LET ANYONE SMOTHER OUT THE MEMORIES OF OUR ANCESTORS!!
Deo Vindice
Questions 1. Who murdered General John Hunt Morgan and was later promoted for the act? 2. Why did General Morgan come out of hiding in front of this soldier? 3. How many times was General Morgan buried and where? 4. What Confederate general was killed in a rainstorm wearing a white raincoat? 5. What physical handicap contributed to this general's untimely death? 6. The battle that this general was killed in had the unusual distinction of having the most different names than any other battle during the war but what is the most accepted name? 7. What controversial Virginia officer that once was in command of Caudill's Army was killed at Piedmont and buried on the field by the Yankees? 8. Who was responsible for shooting and blinding General Adam Ranklin "Stovepipe" Johnson, a Kentuckian? 9. What spunky cavalryman said, after being mortally wounded, "I had rather died than be whipped"? 10. Where was this brave general mortally wounded?
“Sayings of the South”
"True Southerners believe that our ancestors struggled valiantly to achieve a noble and just Cause, self-determination. By and large, our ancestors were motivated by and conducted themselves by Christian principals, served without avarice, personified bravery and were not primarily motivated to preserve the institution of slavery. Their conduct was so exemplary, their words so eloquent, their deeds so glorious, that it behooves us, their descendants, to rise and defend the true history, the flag, the Fields of Honor, monuments, gravesites, and tributes to their good name!"
"We had no right to burn their wheat-fields, steal their pianos, spoons or jewelry. Mr. Lincoln had stolen a good many thousand negroes, but for every negro he had thus stolen, he had stolen ten thousand spoons. It had been said that, if the South would lay down their arms, they would be received back into the Union. The South could not honorably lay down her arms, for she was fighting for her honor." Reverend Chauncey Burr of New Jersey
"Their artillery horses are poor, starved frames of beasts, tied to their carriages and caissons with odds and ends of rope and strips of rawhide; their supply and ammunition trains look like a congregation of all the crippled California emigrant trains that ever escaped off the desert out of the clutches of the rampaging Comanche Indians; the men are ill-dressed, ill-equipped and ill-provided--a set of ragamuffins that a man would be ashamed to be seen among even when he is a prisoner and can't help it; and yet they have beaten us fairly, beaten us all to pieces, beaten us so easily that we are objects of contempt even to their commonest private soldiers, with no shirts to hang out the holes of their pantaloons, and cartridge boxes tied around their waists with strands of rope." A Federal Officer after the Battle of Chancellorsville
September 24, 1864-Saltville, Virginia
"Lieutenant George Houck of the 10th Kentucky Mounted Rifles was detailed with ten men to conduct 105 Yankee deserters (under General Orders No. 65) to Colonel Prentice (7th Confederate Cavalry) at Gladesville (now Wise) to be sent across the mountains into Kentucky, to go home or wherever they chose. Poor men. They waded the Holston River and walked over the mountain tonight."
Answers:
1. Andrew Campbell of the 13th Tennessee Cavalry, U.S.A.
2. He saw that the soldier, Andrew Campbell, was wearing a brown jean cloth jacket and thought he was a Confederate soldier. Campbell had recently been a Confederate but had deserted and joined the Yankees.
3. Three times, first at Abingdon, Virginia, then Richmond, Virginia and finally at Lexington, Kentucky.
4. General Felix Zollicoffer
5. He had very poor eyesight.
6. Mills Spring
7. William "Grumble" Jones
8. His own men accidentally shot him.
9. J.E.B Stuart
10. Yellow Tavern
Stone Total: 780 with 167 dedications!
January 17, 2005
Members Present
Members Present: John P. Back, Raymond Issacs, Willis Strong, Tabby Back, Danny Wright, Richard Smith, Richard Brown, Glenn Brown, Danny Taylor, Manton Cornett, Tim Blair, Okie Blair, Leathen Whitaker, Willie Cornett, Big Tree Adams, Carlos Brock, Kenny Cantrell, David W. Lucas, Ercel Doc Slone, Wayne Whitaker, Chris Back, Quenton Childers, Bob Balthis, Dr. Gooch, Tim Hall, Dale Wright
Meeting was called to order and opened via prayer by Chaplain Back. Salutes to the flags were offered. A salute to the soldiers in Iraq was given. Introduction of those in attendance and welcome of the newest members was given. Each camp member in turn gave a name of an ancestor that they wished to honor. Secretary Taylor read the minutes and motion to accept minutes as read was placed on the floor by Lt. Commander Back. Jason Adams seconded it. Minutes approved by acclamation. Motion was placed on the floor following discussion to hold the elections at this meeting since there were not other candidates willing to serve in that capacity nor had any other person been nominated. Motion made by Willie Cornett and seconded by John P. Back. The following officers elected were as follows: Commander David Chaltas, Lt. Commander John P. Back, Adjutant Richard Brown, Sec/Treasurer Danny Taylor, Chaplain Tabby Back, SGT at Arms Carlos Brock, and Historian Faron Sparkman. Lt. Commander John Back gave his report. Adjutant Brown reviewed his report with camp members present. Secretary Taylor offered the financial statement to the camp. Chaplain spoke on prayer needs for Atlas Hall, Quenton Childer's family, Don Brown Luther Gaddis, Les Williamson, Larry Thompson and unknown prayer requests.
Open Floor: Willis Strong provided an update on the cannon project being worked on by the East Kentucky Blacksmith Association. Graveyard Holler Cemetery cleanup date set for January 28, starting at 10:00. By-laws discussed and a committee will be appointed by Commander Chaltas to draw up amendments to present to the camp for vote. The quilt donated by Mike and Deb Tyree was mentioned and chances given out to the membership. Our goal is to collect over $600 worth of donations. The gazebo pictures were discussed. Leatherwood stamp project discussed. An excellent presentation given by Richard Smith was well received. It will become part of the Confederate Kin book that the camp is working toward finishing. Richard Brown conducted trivia game and an auction yielded $46.00. Adjourned via prayer.
January 19, 2006
Agenda
6:30
Call meeting to order-Sgt. At Arms
Prayer-Chaplain Tabby Back
Welcome/Recognition of Guest
Pledges-Commander Chaltas
Scripture Reading-Chaplain Tabby Back
Ancestral Roll Call-All members
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
Civil War Room at the Veteran's Memorial Museum
Stamp concept-John P. Back
Gazebo pictures-Richard Brown
Cannon Update: Willis Strong
By Laws committee appointed-have suggested changes by March meeting
Quilt donations for scholarship fund
Dedications for March a must
Phase III-purchase orders secured for flags, rails, trash can.
Confederate Kin-Need stories by camp members for next month. We currently have 62 pages.
RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN-13th KY CAV. for KCB!
Stone Reports-780 set to date
Screening Committee Volunteers-
Events Committee-plan next year's events-schedule
Pictures for Gazebo
Renaming of newsletter Contest!
Open Floor
Email addresses desperately needed for list server
April 30, 2006-Camp Douglas Dedication
Pole light-contingent upon obtaining a permit via State Dept. of Transportation
Vicksburg Challenge
License Plates
Delaware Project-John Back
Trivia-Richard Brown
PRESENTATION:
Auction/drawing
Adjourn by Prayer