http://www.bencaudill.com
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!
Jeremy Jones
Jeffery Reed Sexton
Jackie Sexton
Verl Caudill
Martin Joe Caudill
Welcome to another year in the Confederacy! This year will be a mile marker in our achievements. Our goals are the same and consistent with the charge that has been given unto us. We will always attempt in every endeavor to do our best in whatever we attempt. For we are the sons of the men that rode under the shadow of the white cross with blue background; we are Caudill’s Army! I wish to thank Mike & Debbie Tyree for the beautiful quilt that they donated. We will be selling chances for a dollar apiece and we have made up packets of $25.00 each that we ask you to take out and sell by our February camp meeting. One of the ideas that we could do has been taken from the east Kentucky Blacksmith Association. They have a growing library in which you can check out a book each month for a fee of $1.00 to read about blacksmithing. We could do the same if each of us donated or placed on loan to our library a book relating to the War Between the States. Lt. Commander Chaltas is willing to make shelves available for the book and will be responsible for checking them in and out each month. We are in need of another committee to address local events, inclusive of parades, dedications, and other happenings within our community. Our public relations within our home area are extremely important and by setting a schedule, we will insure a larger number of participants. The Lee/Jackson dinner will be held on January 22 in Corbin. Let us go support our sister camp. See Danny Taylor for details. Secretary/Treasurer Taylor and Lt. Commander Chaltas visited the Arthur Camp on 1/13/05. They were well received and our compatriots sent their warmest regards. Mike Grimes has agreed to attend the February meeting and give his presentation on Songs of the South. Spread the word! We are planning on several dedications in the future along with continued stone setting. Let us all pledge to work towards honoring our ancestors by offering our services whenever we have an opportunity. Remember your actions reflect the southern gentlemen and the heritage of our ancestors. Commander Sparkman
"...we cannot undo the past; that is forever gone; but the future is in our hands..." - Robert E. Lee Happy New Year and New Beginnings for the Caudill Camp in the year of 2005! I could not help but to begin this 2005 newsletter with the words of General Robert E. Lee. They ring ever so true in these perilous times. Now more than ever we few are the vanguard of our heritage. We few are on the front line in terms of public relations and education. We few are the persona of those men of yesteryear that were willing to give their all for what they believed, as they put aside secular things and personal differences, embracing principles, their people and prayer instead of power, politics and personalities. We few must ask are we doing all that we can in order to vindicate the good name of our ancestors? We few must take up the banner as well as the Bible and represent well their values, their causes, their beliefs or our Lady of the South, our dear mother will weep bitter tears as she fades from the memory of our youth. With sacred principles to maintain I remain your obedient servant, The Old General The Old General
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 tip our Kepi to our own Robert "Tucker" Hibbitts! I remember the first time that this fielder met our compatriot of the month. We had been communicating for quite some time and he decided that he wanted to transfer to the Ben Caudill camp in order to honor his ancestors in Kentucky. Through our conversations I discovered that he enjoyed reenacting and went to several events a year. One day on the sacred soil where our ancestors had fought I heard a voice yelling, “General Sir!” and when I turned around to see who was calling me, it was none other that ole Tucker himself. We talked and he fell in with us and immediately bonded with the boys. He is quite the Confederate soldier!
Tucker is married to Beth (Pentry) and is the proud father of Taylor "Bubba" Hibbitts, Ally Hibbitts (daughter) and has a little rebel that is due in February! He attended East Tennessee State University in 1986 and spent 6 years in the United States Coast Guard (1989 – 1995). He is employed as a Freelance Illustrator and the United States Postal Service. He is a member of Ben E. Caudill Camp, Morgan's Men Association, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, 1st Kentucky Volunteers (reenactors - North Carolina), 27th North Carolina (reenactors - North Carolina), 5th Kentucky (reenactors - Kentucky) and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. His hobbies include turkey hunting, bluegrass and mountain music, researching the Mountain warfare during the War of Northern Aggression and of course reenacting,
Tucker grew up roaming the mountains of eastern Kentucky (Pike County) and southwestern Virginia (Wise/Dickenson Counties). He has family (Hibbitts) located in the Poor Bottom area near Lookout and Ashcamp, Kentucky and in Wise and Clintwood, Virginia. He truly enjoys reenacting to both educate the public and to honor his Confederate ancestors. During the Hunley ceremony he was selected to stand guard over the Hunley crew on Friday before the funeral and was selected to be part of the 1st Company Honor Guard marching directly behind the funeral precession Saturday. He currently resides in North Carolina. He is a member of the 1st Kentucky Volunteers, which has several transplanted Kentuckians in the group and also fall in with the 27th North Carolina. As he stated during the interview with him, “2004 has been the most enjoyable year in my reenacting time. I have joined an SCV camp that is very active, I have made numerous new friends, I have traveled from North Carolina to Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and finally campaigning on "home soil" in Kentucky.” “My most memorable moments would be Fighting alongside my Kentucky brothers at Saltville where my ancestors, both Confederate and Federal, fought against each other and the other would be sleeping on the hallowed ground of Ol' Kentucky at Barbourville.”
Sometimes a person’s passion for something is expressed in writing that summates the pride and honor felt for one’s ancestors. The following letter excerpt captures the heart of the man and speaks volumes of the character of the man. “Today for the first time I watched the movie "Pharaoh's Army" and it really hit home. Having family that sided with both Confederate and Federal and being that both sides were from the mountains and hollers of eastern Kentucky and southwestern Virginia. I personally had my Hibbitts line torn apart during the War. My ggg uncle, Charles Hibbitts, had 3 boys that joined the Confederacy. They were first with French's Battalion (Home Guard) out of the mountains of Wise County, VA and Pike County, KY. Later two of the Hibbitts brothers, Richard and Joseph, sided with the Federals. They joined up with the 39th Kentucky (Federal) under Alf Killen and John Dil. The other bother, John B. Hibbitts, stayed with the 10th Kentucky Cavalry. Their aunt, Martha Hibbitts Rose, wife of John Mac Rose, had two sons that fought for the Confederacy. William G. "Bill" Rose was a Captain with the 7th Battalion Confederate Cavalry out of Wise County, VA. and Pike County, KY. His brother and my gg grandpa, Elias Jackson Rose served for a time with the Confederacy. While growing up I would ask my grandpa about the other "Hibbitts" family and he always told me that we weren't related, but through research and trial and error I have proved that all were related and this was only 4-5 years ago. My family of Hibbitts and Rose all started in the mountains of North Carolina and moved on to Wise County, Virginia and on into Pike County, Kentucky during the 1800s. It took over 100 years for the Hibbitts to finally meet each other.
“As I sat there watching the movie and watching the scene of the Federal riding up the creek and up to the cabin where the mother and son were living, it made a visual how it must have been. The one moment in the movie that made it all clear was when the Federals heard gunshots up the mountain. When they made their way to the location of the gunshots they found a burned cabin and the farmer and wife thrown down the well. Upon returning to back to the cabin they told the Federal Capt. what they found and asked the mother if she knew who they were and her response was: Mother: "Yankees" Federal solider: "No, just a farmer and his wife" mother: "They put two boys in the Union Army. Their Yankee's"
”I have two ancestors that turned their backs on their country for whatever reason, but I also have one that stayed loyal. All three were brothers. They fought against each other several times as well as against their cousins and uncles. This is why you will never see me wear the Yankee blue during a reenactment. This is why you will never see me give these Federals a memorial service no matter how many times their family request. Never. Brother against brother, family against family, neighbor against neighbor. Yep, I know a thing or two about it.
”I think this movie is way better than Cold Mountain and Gods and Generals. Maybe I'm being biased. No, I am being biased. You can always see a movie about the big battles in Virginia and Tennessee with Lee and Jackson and there's nothing wrong with that, but rarely do you see what went on in the mountains. The War that changed several families until this day.
Tucker is a true southern gentleman filled with pride of his heritage and attempts to walk in their steps wherever opportunity presents itself. We are honored to have this man as our compatriot and welcome him into our band of brothers. Ladies and gentlemen let us tip our kepis and give up a hardy Rebel yell for our brother Robert “Tucker” Hibbits! The Old General
Another year has come, bringing with it more obstacles to the preservation of our southern history. Every day we hear of another attempt to remove the name of anything Confederate from public places such as streets, roads, buildings and monuments. These are attempts by people who claim that we should keep our history to ourselves because we should be politically correct and not wanting to offend someone. What they fail to realize is that our ancestors have rights too. I hope and pray that our camp can continue to promote and educate our own relatives and neighbors about the sacrifices that our brave and noble ancestors incurred for their beliefs so long ago. I encourage each and every one of us to explain our proud heritage to at least one individual in the coming year.
On a happier note, our camp should be very proud of our accomplishments of the previous year. More Confederate tombstones dot our area than ever before due to perseverance of several of our members. Our camp was well represented in the largest Confederate funeral ever at the internment of the brave soldiers of the Hunley in Charleston, South Carolina. Members have marched in several parades and have presented living history to several schools. We have participated in and sponsored several re-enactments in our area, notably the huge success of The Battle of Leatherwood this past October. Many of our members joined the well-known re-enacting group, the 5th Kentucky Infantry, forming our own company and having our own officers. The Caudill’s Army flag flew proudly at several re-enactments in several states. We purchased and set a historical marker honoring the 5th Kentucky Infantry at Hazel Green. This was followed by a dedication by our camp and other camp members. Several grave dedications were done as well. We have purchased but have yet to install a wonderful monument to the memory of our ancestors, Union and Confederate. We adopted a portion of Highway 23 near Pound Gap to keep the litter and garbage cleaned up. We sent representation to the National Convention in Georgia. We have joined forces with the local Blacksmith Association, a wonderful and helpful organization. Several stories and articles about our ancestor’s deeds and accomplishments have been published and recorded. Our web site, www.bencaudill.com, is second to none. The monthly newsletter continues to receive good reviews. The list goes on and on but we cannot rest on our laurels but continue to put forth the same effort this year.
The forthcoming year has much promise and it is up to us to pursue our many and diverse interest. We should dedicate more tombstones and continue to search diligently for more unmarked graves of honorable Confederate soldiers, regardless of what unit or state they represented. We should continue to promote our southern history in schools, whether by plays, living histories or other methods. I would love to see the play that Richard Smith, Danny Taylor and Matt Chandler present be filmed for more audiences to see. I know all of us would like to see the Civil War Monument set this year. The litter pick up along Highway 23 should be continued. I would like to see us schedule a litter pick up there or somewhere else for a fundraiser through the Pride Program. I am sure several of us will attend several re-enactments again this year. The one at Louisa on May 21 and 22 as well as the one at Jonesville on June 4 and 5 should be good ones to go to this summer. I am very proud of our camp and wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year. Adjutant Brown
Adjutant Brown
Gentlemen I bring you the warmest greetings and happiest wishes for the New Year. This year has shown an unprecedented increase in interest in all things Confederate. A thrist for the truth has gripped the population as they search for the truth of what it means to be Southern. I believe that this surge of interest is due in no small part to the Christian character of the men and women involved in both the SCV and reenacting. This character has caused many to show interest when they meet and talk with our members and see that can learn of their ancestors and participate in reenactments without having to deal with drunkards and others of questionable character.
It is my intention to continue my work in the field this coming year for the bible tells us that the "harvest is plentiful but the laborer's are few". I would encourage all of you to tell others of Christ at every opportunity. Let your lights shine for as in so many of life’s endeavors examples mean more than words. Jefferson Davis once said "Our cause will reassert itself at another time and in another way." I say my friends that the time is now and the way is education. Through the continuation of our efforts in the various communities we represent we will educate our friends and neighbors and they will come to know the truth as we do. The Sacred principles of Christianity and the Saving Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the essence of what it means to be both Southern and Confederate.
I hope to personally to meet with as many of you as possible this year at both reenactments and camp meetings. If I can be of any assistance to you please feel free to email. Know that you my friends and compatriots are always in my thoughts and prayers. On a final note please remember to pray for the survivors of the recent disaster in Asia the death toll is truly staggering and these people need the assistance that only God can offer. Also remember all our military personnel that are stationed in Iraq and the other far flung outposts of the world. God Bless you all and Deo Vindicie. John Back, Chaplain Ben Caudill Camp 1629 and 5th Ky Infantry CSA Companies D/F Deo Vindice (Chaplain Back/Chaltas)
Sayings to Live By
"Not for fame or reward, Not for place or for rank, Not lured by ambition, Or goaded by necessity, But in simple obedience to duty as they understood it, These men suffered all, sacrificed all, dared all -- and died." ”Inscription on the monument to the dead of the Confederate States Army Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Virginia”
"Sentiment moves the world; man is nothing without it. He who feels no pride in his ancestors is unworthy to be remembered by his descendants." “Major David French Boyd, 9th Louisiana Infantry1st President of Louisiana State University”
“In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field to ponder and dream; and lo! The shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls." “Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain - October 3, 1889 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, upon receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service in the American Civil War”
"A society of sheep must in time beget a government of wolves." Bertrand de Juvenal
War Between the States Quiz!? Did you Know?
1. The greatest loss of life due to a water disaster possibly was not the Titanic, but a riverboat loaded with Civil War soldiers called the________? It was at the end of the war and occurred on the Mississippi River just outside of Memphis.
2.That General U.S. Grant had 5 indentured servants (Slaves) for his wife while he was fighting the war? What year were they freed?
3. That more lives were lost by Americans fighting the American Civil War than all the other wars this country has fought combined to date. What was the estimated total?
4. Who are the only father-son winners of the Congressional Medal of Honor?
5. In what war did Lee and Grant serve together?
6. We all know Lt. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson's nickname was "Stonewall", but his cousin, Major Gen. William L. Jackson also had a nickname… what was it?
7. What was the name of Robert E. Lee's beloved horse, now memorialized at Washington and Lee University?
8. According to the official records, there was only one song that was banned by both armies. Popular both North and South, each time this song was played desertion went up, as men grew homesick. What was the song?
9.What native of Illinois claimed to have killed 50 Confederates with 50 shots from his special rifle?
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Answers:
Sultana
1868, the year he ran for president
-Arthur MacArthur, Jr., Lookout Mountain and his son, Douglas MacArthur,
W.W.II fame. Young MacArthur planted the flag on Lookout Mountain during the
Civil War. He was 18 years of age.
618,
461
The Mexican War
-Major Gen. William L. Jackson's nickname was "Mudwall"
First called Greenbrier and then Jefferson Davis, finally Traveller by Lee due to his gait and desire to travel long distances
Lorinna
James Butler Hickok. aka: Wild Bill Hickok