![](3D"feb08_files/image004.gif")
News of the Camp
February 2008 Issue
Ben =
E.
Caudill Camp #1629
Box =
1102
Whit=
esburg,
KY 41858
The Last Salute
Mark Barger,=
Cecil
Brown, Harold Cantrell, Greg Caudill, Vernon Cooper, Atlas Hall, James
Hamilton, Johnny C. Osborne, John Wesley Roark, Jake Smith, Ben Buster Tayl=
or,
Henry Webb, Michael Wright
The General= ’s Dispatch
My Dear Friends, this year has started with
unbelievable good news and fortune.
As you are aware, the Caudill Camp has once again offered an opportu=
nity
for yet another camp to begin from past members. Our dear brothers from Morehead ha=
ve
exploded with their vision and have demonstrated a true passion for the
preservation of our heritage. Our
prayers are with the yet to be chartered camp at Brashearville. Division Commander Hiter, Cumberla=
nd
Brigade Commander Williamson, and I not only signed off the required paperw=
ork
but also assisted in filling out the forms in order to make the camp viable=
for
consideration. This is an exc=
ellent
example/opportunity for us to continue the cause of creating Camps across t=
he
Commonwealth, with each camp having their particular agenda to meet the nee=
ds
of their community. I challen=
ge
other camps to assist in forming a camp within their region. We wish the pr=
oposed
camp nothing but success, with the realization that it will take constant w=
ork
and sacrifice to create a productive camp.=
It is time to once again dawn our gray and walk along the highways i=
n an
effort to pick up the winter’s trash. I ask that you consider a date in =
which
we can do so. Also, it would =
be a
perfect time to review what we need to do at the Pound Gap Monument in term=
s of
maintenance for the forthcoming year.
We are planning to install the ‘sentry’ and will need to
stain the gazebo. I note that=
the
rail fences need to be placed back on blocks in order to keep it from lying=
on
the ground. CONFEDERATE KI=
N II
is revised, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Book Revision Team: Manton Ray Cornett, Willis Strong,
Carlos Brock, and Richard Brown.
The Table of Contents will be the last item to organize, and once the
cover has been selected, and formatted, 5 copies will be ordered for final
proofing. Ladies and
gentlemen, our goal is being realized!&nbs=
p;
Finally, I wish to acknowledge the Hallowed Ground Monument/Stone
Setting Committee (HGMSSC) Members for their outstanding
efforts. They are made up of =
Faron
Sparkman (Chair), Carlos Brock (Co-Chair), Willis Strong, Britt Smith, Mant=
on
Ray Cornett, Richard Brown, Glenn Brown, Tim Blair, Okie Blair, and Randall
Haddix. The Co-Chairs of the
Committee, Faron Sparkman and Carlos Brock recommended their brothers in the
5th Kentucky SCV #1629 camp be made Associate Members of the Colonel Ben E.
Caudill Camp Stone Setting Crew. The 5th KY Camp members are Darrell
Crawford, Terry Kidd, Mark Patrick, Travis Erwin, =
John
Erwin, Shannon Barker, and Harold McKinney. The purpose i=
s to
honor the cooperation and brotherhood, which exists between the Ben Caudill
Camp #1629 and the 5th KY Infantry Camp # 2122. With your consent, I shall do
so. I remain your obedi=
ent
servant, the Old General Laus Deo
From the Qu= ill of the Lt. Commander:
Since our last regular camp meeting, there have =
been
a number of worthwhile events, most of which were accomplished while sitting
down. These included the Cumb=
erland
Brigade meeting at Ponderosa in Hazard on February 2, and the first Blue-Gr=
ey
meeting at Mosby’s in Wise, VA, on February 9. The meeting in Hazard was well-att=
ended
and consisted heavily of descendants from the Ben Caudill Camp. We heard appropriate messages, whi=
ch
inspired us to fly our flags, recruit new members and to support the propos=
ed
Confederate license plate. In=
Wise,
we met with other SCV camps, re-enactors, and community leaders, who extoll=
ed
the virtues of their 2008 events, with the emphasis being on reenactments.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The event was moderated by Command=
er
David Chaltas and attended by camp members Danny Taylor, Tabby Back, Willis
Strong, and Manton Ray Cornett. We
learned that all events are “alive and well” and that their
coordinators look forward to our continued support.
Elsewhere, we found that things don’t alwa=
ys
turn out as well as one might expect; sometimes they turn out even better.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> After the meeting in Hazard, the
“stone-setters” from the camp were prepared to set a Confederate
stone for Fourth Sergeant McCager Napier.&=
nbsp;
Willis and I had picked up his stone the day before, and Willis had =
the
stone and all the tools needed for the event on his truck, just waiting for=
our
meeting to convene. It was our
understanding that the stone was to be set in the Red Hill Cemetery at
Chavies. Willis and I didn=
217;t
know that Carlos had new information that had eliminated that possibility.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> After the meeting, we had another,=
but
smaller, meeting of the “stone-setters”. Faron took pen and paper in hand a=
nd
began to probe the vast regions of Carlos’ mind. After several minutes, Faron made =
the
decision; we would go to the Napier Cemetery on Grapevine Creek and, if the
site looked suitable, set the stone there. This was not a random decisi=
on, of
course; Carlos knew that McCager’s brother was buried there, with many
unmarked graves nearby. After=
the
short drive and walk to the cemetery, Faron, Carlos and I spread out over t=
he
cemetery, to consider the possibilities, while Willis, Britt, David and Dan=
ny
began to move the stone and tools toward the cemetery. Within 5 minutes, Faron found an o=
ld
headstone that was lying down on one of the old, unmarked graves, a couple =
of
rows directly behind McCager’s Unionist brother’s grave. He immediately announced that the s=
tone
had a readable inscription! W=
e all
gathered around, and after turning the stone this way and that, agreed that=
the
inscription read: “M. N.
Napier – b. May 18, 183? – d. 190?” This matched the research that Car=
los
had done to a “T”. From
my perspective, this was the highlight of the month. This meant that another of our bra=
ve men
had been properly recognized for his sacrifice, and that his recognition to=
ok a
form that would likely outlast anyone currently alive. We soon left the cemetery, feeling
completely confident that we had set the new stone where it belonged; that =
is,
immediately next to his reset, hand-inscribed, 100 year-old sandstone marke=
r. Sergeant McCager Napier’s new
stone brought the total set by the Ben Caudill Camp to 968. Eagerly anticipating the setting of
stone # 1000, I am your elected servant, Manton Ray Cornett, 1st=
Lt.
Commander
Upcoming Events: =
February 2=
2,
2008-The Shadows of Gettysburg, Playwright Commander Chaltas; Rose
Center, Morristown, TN. Fe=
bruary
22-24, 2008-Battle of Aiken, South Carolina; February 26, 2008-R=
ound
Table Discussion; 10:00; 103.9 The Bulldog! March 7-9, 2008-1st Annual Battle =
of
Oconee; West Minster, S. C.; March 13, 2008-Living History and
School Day Presentation at Clack Mountain near Morehead, KY. Kentucky Long Rifles Headquarters<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Contact [jajmechanic@yahoo.com]; <=
b>March 14, 2008=
-Two
Women: One War: Premiere =
of the
play written by D. Chaltas; 10 and 1; March 16, 2008-Play by Ray Adkins: TB=
A
From the Adjutant’s Desk
The Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp No. 1629 of the =
Sons
of Confederate Veterans has 79 members as of this time. If anyone needs a new membership c=
ard,
just let me know. Our camp wa=
s well
represented at the Cumberland Brigade meeting that was held in Hazard on
February 2. Brigade Commander=
Les
Williamson thanked the camp for arraigning the meeting site (conference roo=
m of
the Ponderosa Restaurant). Se=
veral
subjects were discussed such as recruitment, Vicksburg Monument and the
Heritage License Plate. The
Kentucky Division Reunion will be held on June 6th through 8
The Heritage License Plate seems to be gaining s=
ome
momentum, apparently from the completion of the preliminary drawing of the
plate. The prototype plate is=
very
pretty in my opinion and I believe it will be well received. The cost of the plate is $25 and if
interested, a money order or check can be made to the Colonel Ben Caudill C=
amp
(the money is being placed in our savings account). The weather has been too bad to wor=
k at
the Pound Gap Monument so far.
Hopefully it will improve soon and we can place the newest statue and
monument on the mountain. I b=
elieve
the additions will greatly enhance the beauty and the informative purposes =
of
the monument. Kentucky Divisi=
on Lt.
Commander Tommy Rector and Cumberland Brigade Commander Les Williamson want=
ed
me to inform anyone interested in joining the SCV Mechanized Cavalry
(motorcycle unit) to let them know.
The cost is a one-time charge of $100 which includes two patches that
can be sewn onto a jacket of your choosing (leather or blue jean). These embroidered patches are very
pretty and utilize the battle flag.
The organization sponsors several rides per year to sites that are of
interest to War Between the States enthusiast.
The 5th Kentucky Infantry reenacting
group will hold a School of the Soldier on the weekend of May 17 and 18 at =
the
Calvary College Campus. There=
will
be some drilling and there will also be an artillery qualification class ta=
ught
by Gene Gatts to be eligible to participate on the cannon crew. All camp members are invited and u=
rged
to attend. Honoring the Memor=
y of
our Ancestors, I remain your Adjutant, Richard =
G.
Brown
Chap=
lain’s
Comments
I wonder what kind of Valentine's Day the men in
camp had on that special day? A lot
of them carried a picture or a letter on their loved ones and no doubt look=
at
it thousand times. It was a s=
ad day
not being with your special someone.
Back home the wife and sweet heart’s tears run down their faces
because most did not even know if their loved ones where among the living.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> They just prayed to God to keep th=
em
safe. That is all they could do: pray and hope. I remember watching Cold Mountain =
and
what about what this young soldier went though to get back home to the woma=
n he
loved. I am sure love kept a =
lot of
our boys determined to make it though the war. So, give your Valentine a big hug =
and
tell her how much you love her, because there will come a day when you
can’t. Please pray for the sick and the lost. If you have any prayer request, em=
ail
them to me at the5thkycampkettle@yahoo.com
God bless Di=
xie,
Chaplain Tabby Back
Prayer Lin=
e
Continue to pray for Commander Don Poynter’=
;s
health. He is currently in re=
hab. Offer
up our prayers for compatriot Jim Lammars’ family, as he passed sudde=
nly
in the night. Pray for Les
Williamson’s family, as they go through the loss of a loved one. Remember Rex Livesay (has an inope=
rable
blood clot on the
carotid artery)
and Fred Brewer (contracted H Pilori bacteria and is hospitalized) in your prayers. Remember our beloved
‘Provost’ Charlie Hamblin as he recovers from surgery (8”=
of
his colon was removed). We seek prayers for our students who are in a war w=
ith
drugs. Please pray for the be=
st
interest of a child in a custody battle that is going on within a dysfuncti=
onal
family. Pray for our Judge Wo=
od,
who is undergoing serious health problems.=
Let us continue praying for Libby Smith, Colonel Ronnie Robinson, Wa=
yne
Watts’s Uncle-Danus Whitaker, Doug Taylor’s family, Margie Watts final
struggle and her family, General Parsons, Gary Holt, John Peck, Rex Livesay,
Sheila Hudson, Danny Blair, Craig Adams, Grady Lee, Carlos Brock, Willis
Stong’s wife and family along with Manton Ray Cornetts. Remember Michelle Brook. She has Huntington’s disease=
. Let us continue to pray for the three young boys
that came requesting prayer at Blue Springs. Ask for unspoken prayers to be ans=
wered,
as our God knows our needs prior to asking. Pray for our beloved Cliff Howard
(President Davis). Remember t=
o pray
for Big Tree and his father, Mrs. Cantrell, and others who give of their ti=
me
as living historians. Pray fo=
r 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. Ask our gracious God to bless Past=
or
Binion and his wife, Donna, as they establish their ministry within our
region. Praise God for a mira=
cle of
Jeff Smith! Let us continue to
serve the cause of Christ and pray for the Ben Caudill Ministries as we car=
ry
on the tradition of our ancestors. <=
/span>
Trivia Ques= tions
- What state capitol
building has bronze stars marking the scars made by Union cannons?
- What city has a
controversial park named after General Nathan Bedford Forrest?
- On what university
campus would you find the burial place of Robert E. Lee’s horse,
Traveler?
- What city has St.
Paul’s Church, where Jefferson Davis was worshipping when he
received word to evacuate immediately?
- In what state wou=
ld you
find Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park?
- A New Orleans cit=
y park
has an equestrian statue of Louisiana’s most famous Confederate
general, who is he?
- What city’s
enormous Hollywood Cemetery contains the graves of Jeff Davis, Jeb Stu=
art,
Fitzhugh Lee, George Pickett and other Confederate notables?
- What city has a R=
obert
E. Lee statue mounted smack in the middle of a trolley track?
- What Southern cap=
ital
has Monument Avenue, called the most beautiful street in America and
dedicated to the Confederacy?
- Where would you f=
ind a
massive chain that Rebel soldiers stretched across the Mississippi Riv=
er
to halt Union gunboats?
=
Bluegrass Confederate<=
/span>-Guerrant’s Diary=
Thursday, December 15,=
1864
Saltville, Virginia
At Saltville, Virginia, in line of battle; waiti=
ng
and watching for Burbridge whom comes after salt. General Cosby sent me with the Bri=
gade
to post it in position on the hills about Blackford’s Mill west of
Saltville. He remained to see
General Breckinridge who arrived by railroad this morning, also General
Echols. On our road to West
Saltville, I met the detachment under Colonel Giltner, or the Convalescents,
who did not go to the Valley. Our
boys (who are distinguished as “Valley Veterans”) presumed to
entertain a great contempt for these Western Virginia rebels, who never saw=
the
Natural Bridge, or Jackson’s grave, or the Shenandoah or Jubal or his
army, or the Hot Springs or a heap of things too numerous to mention. Met Arch Smith, just from Kentucky=
and
Lt. Adcock and Brainerd Bayless and many of the lately returned soldiers of=
the
4th Kentucky and the “new issue” Caudille’s
Rangers and all. Saw the
Colonel also, wrapped in a brand new big gray overcoat. An order is issued this morning fo=
r the
return of all detachments to their proper Commands. Colonel Giltner thereby assumes co=
mmand
of his own brigade and General Cosby of his. It is very agreeable to our detach=
ments,
not because they have any objection to General Cosby but prefer the old
associations of Giltner’s Brigade.
Sayings to Live By
"I
will send not a man nor a dollar for the wicked purpose of subduing my sist=
er
Southern states." Governor Beriah Magoffin
"There
is no part of the administration of government that requires extensive
information and a thorough knowledge of the principles of political economy=
, so
much as the business of taxation. The man who understands those principles =
best
will be least likely to resort to oppressive expedients, or sacrifice any
particular class of citizens to the procurement of revenue. It might be
demonstrated that the most productive system of finance will always be the
least burdensome."
Alexander
Hamilton (Federalist No. 35, 1788).
Answers to = Trivia Questions
- Columbia, South
Carolina. The capitol su=
ffered
from Union General Sherman’s cannon.
- Memphis, Tennesse=
e.
- Washington and Lee
University in Lexington, Virginia.
- Richmond,
Virginia. The church has=
plaques
commemorating Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee, who both worshipped
there. The pews they nor=
mally
sat in (No. 63 for Davis and No. 111 for Lee) are marked.
- Tennessee,
Forrest’s home state.
- P.G.T. Beauregard=
, the
“Grand Creole”.
- Richmond, Virgini=
a.
- New Orleans. The statue sits atop a tall c=
olumn
and the trolley rails actually go around the column.
- Richmond, Virgini=
a.
10. At Kentucky’s Belmont Battlefield State
Park, commemorating the Battle of Belmont.
Congratulations
Compatriots!!
969 Stones Set with 375
Dedications
Image
of the Month!
![3Dgrave](3D"feb08_files/image006.jpg")
<=
![endif]>
(Hon=
oring
a Fallen Hero)
Minutes
January 17, 2008
The monthly meeting of the Colonel Ben E. Caudil=
l Camp
No. 1629 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans was held on Thursday, January =
17,
2008, at the Letcher County Vocational School. Members attending were: Danny Tayl=
or,
David Chaltas, Manton Ray Cornett, Willis Strong, Randall Haddix, Britt Smi=
th,
Carlos Brock, Garland Kiser, Larry Kiser, Wayne Watts, Raymond Isaacs, Rich=
ard
Brown, John P. Back, Danny Wright, Tabby Back, Quenton Childers and Kenny
Cantrell.
Wayne Watts called the meeting to order then led=
the
Pledge of Allegiance. Command=
er
Chaltas led the salute to the Confederate Flag. He then thanked the camp for comin=
g and
supporting him during the death and burial of his brother, John Roark, who =
was
a member of the camp. Chaplain
Tabby Back gave an inspirational speech and gave prayer. He talked about forgiveness and re=
ad a
poem entitled “Last Meeting”.&=
nbsp;
Manton Ray read last salute and list of names of fallen comrades. Ev=
ery
member gave the Ancestral Roll Call.
Manton Ray read last month’s minutes. Richard announced that there was q=
uorum
present and camp business could be conducted. Sandy Wright displayed a beautiful=
, hand
made rug made in the form of Caudill’s Army battle flag. Raymond noted a small change in la=
st
month’s minutes (his wife’s name was wrong). Wayne made a motio=
n to
accept minutes, Carlos seconded, motion passed. Commander Chaltas talked about the
election and encouraged everyone to vote, saying both gentlemen were great =
guys
and camp was in a win-win situation.
He then announced he paid for plaques for the four oldest members th=
at
were presented at the Christmas Dinner, stating no camp funds were spent.
Richard announced that the materials to build the
platforms for the statue and stone for Pound Gap was purchase and stored at
R.R. Crawford Engineering. A
working will be scheduled when weather allows. The Commander announced that the
Lee-Jackson Dinner will be held at Corbin this weekend and that Butternut w=
ill
be bringing the cannon to be stored at Crawford’s. He has a check from the Fiscal Cou=
rt to
pay for it. He announced that=
he
and Richard would be on the Round Table at 103.9 Radio station on February =
12,
2008.
John P. Back announced that the anticipated new =
camp
(Private Ezekiel Brashears) would be started next week; the papers will be
turned in this Saturday at the Lee-Jackson Dinner. Their meetings will be on Sunday
afternoon. Commander Chaltas
congratulated the new camp, which will include the Blackey, Cornettsville a=
nd
Jeff areas. Richard gave the Adjutant Report. Quenton asked about the electricity
situation at the Pound Gap Monument.
Commander Chaltas said he had talked with Judge Jim Ward and Represe=
ntative
Leslie Combs and they will look into it.&n=
bsp;
Election officers are Raymond Isaacs and Garland Kiser. Each candidate was given five minu=
tes to
speak. Tabby and Manton both =
gave
short speeches. Raymond annou=
nced
that after the voting, Manton Ray Cornett was elected as First Lt.
Commander. All officers were =
then
sworn in by a candlelight ceremony. &=
nbsp;
Commander Chaltas presented a certificate of appreciation and a plaq=
ue
for Kenny’s mother, Pauline Cantrell, making her the Caudill CampR=
17;s
Matron of Honor. Jonath=
an
King was voted into the camp.
Tabby, Chair of Public Relations, said we should honor black
Confederates during February, maybe a small picture and article in the local
paper (maybe Hibbitts). Also,=
might
clean up the slave cemetery at Red Fox.&nb=
sp;
Carlos will ask Faron about any black soldiers that might have been =
in
Caudill’s Army. Tabby
suggested that the camp buy a battle flag to embroider the names of fallen
comrades on. He also suggeste=
d that
the camp conduct a road cleanup to raise money, hopefully in March.
Commander Chaltas appointed Wayne Watts, Willis
Strong, Carlos Brock, Manton Cornett and Richard Brown to the Confederate K=
in
II Book Review Committee. Pic=
tures
are needed for the front and rear covers of the book. Randall jokingly said to put hair =
on the
soldier shown in the artillery picture.&nb=
sp;
Wayne suggested having a School of the Soldier in April of early
May. Danny Taylor suggested m=
aking
a Jefferson Davis pin for a fundraiser.&nb=
sp;
Willis said that his sister is looking for material to make another
Caudill’s Army battle flag.
Carlos made a motion to put the iron cross scheduled for Captain Jac=
kson
Combs to Captain James Herd due to difficulties with property owners. Danny seconded, motion passed. Wayne made a motion that the stones
setters have authority to place iron crosses when needed, Danny Taylor
seconded, motion passed.
Kenny said we should pursue a date for the
reenactment at Jenkins (Pound Gap).
Commander Chaltas suggested having a Lee-Jackson Dinner in conjuncti=
on with
the Virginia camps next December.
Wayne asked the camp to hold a living history at the new Letcher Cou=
nty
Central High School; he will look into a date and will work with the history
classes. Wayne made a motion =
that
the number of members present to create a quorum be lowered from 12 to 10
(proposed amendment requires 2/3 vote by camp) next meeting if quorum is
present, Danny Taylor seconded, motion passed. Commander Chaltas gave 15-year pin=
s to
Kenny and Raymond and gave Faron’s to Carlos to give to him. Richard gave out the Trivia Questi=
ons,
and then asked everyone to be considering ordering Cross of Honor for their
ancestors. The commander will=
be in
Georgia on May 5 and can possibly pick up the crosses. It was noted that the reenactment =
at
Chickamauga scheduled for September 19 through 21 would be the event of the
decade. The Civil War Courier=
is
sponsoring the event. On the =
third
weekend of April, there will be a Living History at Buckhorn State Park,
everyone is invited. Commander
Chaltas closed in prayer; the next meeting will be on February 21.
E=
xecutive
Council Meeting
Cond=
ucted
via email
Agen=
da
developed
Jeff=
erson
Davis Pins-joint adventure with Arthur Camp?
2
options-250 minimum order
Purc=
hase a
Caudill Flag to donate to Mosby’s 13th KY Display that we =
will
design
Memb=
ership
Drive
E=
xpenditures:
Budg=
et for
the Quartermaster
Publ=
ic
Relations Committee ($200)
Book
Review Committee to be formed
Hall=
owed
Ground Gravesite Committee officially formed
Colo=
rs
across the Commonwealth
Poun=
d Gap
Project Progress-
Supp=
ort
the following candidates for membership into the Camp
Jonathon King
Jim Adams
Hono=
rary
Members
Letcher County Fiscal Court
Robert E. Lee III
Agenda
February=
28,
2008
Call Busin=
ess
meeting to order-Sgt. At Arms Watts
Pledges
Prayer-Scr=
ipture
Reading-Chaplain Tabby Back
Ancestral Roll Call
Welcome-Re=
cognition
of new SCV, Honorary & Associate Members
(HAND OUT:=
Membership Applications)
State if t=
here
is a Quorum<=
i> present
Reading/Ap=
proval
of Minutes-camp member
Commander&=
#8217;s
Comments
New Business
Orde=
ring
Confederate Kin I Proposed-number set by quorum
Vote on Members’ applications: Jim
Adams
Honorary Members recommendation:
Letcher Co=
unty
Fiscal Court
Robert E. =
Lee
III
Jeff=
erson
Davis Pins-250 minimum proposed-joint purchase with Arthur Camp
Flag=
for
Mosby’s
Membership Drive
Open Floor
Matron of Honor Nominee-Pauline Cantrell
ü Events Com=
mittee-Report on Status of 2=
008
events:
ü Public Rel=
ations
Committee-guidelines
reviewed
ü Book Review
Committee-formed
üSetting Statue on the mountain
üTrash Pickup at Pound Gap for 2008
ü Iron Cross
Order-discussion
ü Black Smith
Report
ü Trivia-Richard Brown
ü Next Month Guest- S=
peaker/Presentation
Adjourn by Prayer