NEWS FROM THE CAMP

 

 

July 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, Henry Webb, Michael Wright

 

The General’s Dispatch
  

Gentlemen allow me to express my gratitude to those that have see the vision of the camp and continue to expand our goals on a national level.  This month we have added several dedications to our list, as well as set many stones.  The Caudill banner flew proudly in the 1st on the 4th parade in downtown Gatlinburg, where an estimated crowd of 500,000 to 750,000 witnessed her place in history, as she proudly unfurled during the 3+ mile parade, never once faltering.  She held her head up high at Wise, VA, and basked in the limelight of being the center of attention, as several questions were asked regarding her lineage.  You were magnificent at Wise, where we proudly reenacted our 145-year heritage in their ‘sleeper of the year’ event.  My compliments go to all that participated for an outstanding living history and reenactment.  The School of the Soldier was a complete success.  Our thanks go out to Danny Wright, Tabby Back, and Wayne Watts that gave of their time to offer drill and training to the recruits.  The South Carolina flagpole awaits a crew to set her, as she joins the other flags honoring our heritage.

 

The National Reunion held in Mobile, Alabama is upon us.  Danny Taylor and I will be your delegates and will vote the conscience of the camp.  Remember that on August 26, we have a living history and skirmish at the Artisan Center on Hidden Drive, Jenkins, KY.  Tell our brothers and sisters from other camps and units that we need their support.  It is for our community and offers yet another opportunity to tell them the truth of our heritage.  On August 5th Darrell Crawford will be having a dedication for his ancestor.  Details are under upcoming events.  Please note that our flags across the county are up by 3, as two new flagpoles are on the mountain and one is just off 15 off Garner Mountain (as you go towards Knott County) courtesy of a family proud of their heritage.  Where is your flag?  Do you know of anyone that has land next to the road that is willing to unfurl the colors?  Ask if they would do so and get a picture.  With sacred principles to maintain, I remain your obedient servant. Old Gen Laus Deo

 

Upcoming Events:  July 25, 2007-Children’s Theatre with General Lee at LMU; July 26-29, 2007-National Reunion Mobile, Alabama; July 28-29. 2007-Battle of Cynthiana, KY Cavalry Brigade Sponsored Event; August 5, 2007-Confederate Monument Dedication for Pvt. William DeBord, 63rd VA Infantry Co.K  This will be at the 50th Jones/DeBord Family Reunion, held in Rowan County KY. Food for all.  Dedication will be at 2:00pm at the Franklin Cemetery, a short drive from the Reunion site. The road to the Cemetery is gravel, but is steep. There will be plenty of room for parking and for the service. Please contact Darrell Crawford at va63rd@yahoo.com In need of Volunteers for the Service. August 8-11, 2007-NIBROC Festival, Corbin, KY; August 14, 2007-Round Table, 103.9; August 17-19, 2007-Battle of Saltville, Saltville, VA. Contact Captain Hunt at terryhunt05@comcast.net; There will be an actual baptism again this year during the church services.  The young man is from Australia!  MAXIMUM Effort Event!

 

The Adjutant’s Desk

 

The Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp No. 1629 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans now has 81 members.  The time to pay next years dues is fast approaching.  You can pay the dues after August 1st.  The re-enactment at Wise was a great success from what I have been told.  Unfortunately, I was not able to attend but have been informed that the Camp supported the event very good.   I would like to thank everyone that participated and helped with the event.  The School of Soldier that some of the Camp members presented were well received and I appreciate them taking time out of their busy schedules to travel to Wise County to instruct the school.

 

The month of August will be a busy one for the Camp.  There will be a re-enactment at Tazewell, Tennessee, on August 4 and 5.  Later in the month, the Battle of Saltville will be re-enacted.  On August 26th, the Camp will be sponsoring a skirmish at the Little Shepherd Amphitheatre at Jenkins.  All of these events should be fun and I would encourage all camp members to attend or to participate in them.  Faron and I are still actively seeking information on the burial site of Abraham Childers, Revolutionary War Soldier.  If we find his grave, not only can we set his tombstone, two of his grandsons of Caudill’s Army that died during the war are buried beside him.  The three soldiers are reportedly buried in Letcher County but some information now points toward them being buried on Burgeys Creek in Knott County (this portion of Knott County at one time was Letcher County).  If anyone has any information on this family, please help us. 

 

The Camp’s Financial Report is as follows:  The savings account has $510.65 in it that is earmarked for scholarships.  The checking account has $1,393.55 in it at the present time.  Part of this amount will be going toward the new members that signed up at the last meeting and $140 has been sent to the National Convention for the Camp’s participation.  Honoring the Memory of our Ancestors, I remain your Adjutant, Richard G. Brown

 

Chaplain’s Comments

 

First let me say thanks to everyone who helped with the Wise reenactment. Everyday someone stops and comments about the great time they had and how great things went.  Everyone is looking forward to next year.   We are well known in the region and we must keep up the good work. We must let our light shine so everyone will see that we keep Christ in the camp as the focal point. The whole town appreciated Caudill Camp and all the living historians.  Everyone went away well pleased.  Good Job!  Let’s keep the ball rolling men! Also, if any one not on my email list please email me at the5thkycampkettle.com and I will put you on my site.  Pray for Dixie.  Chaplain Tabby Back

 

Prayer Line

 

Let us remember the family of John Peck.  Pray for Colonel Ray Adkins, David Maynard,.  Continue praying for Bill Nordan (General John H. Morgan).  He is doing well and performed brilliantly at Wise, VA.  Pray for our beloved Cliff Howard (President Davis).  Remember to pray for Gary Holt, Mrs. Cantrell, Tim Walker, Puddin and others that give of their time as living historians.  Let us remember Captain Terry Hunt, as his family mourns the loss of loved ones.  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.  Chaplains of the Confederacy

Sayings of the South by Stonewall

 

“You may be whatever you resolve to be. Determine to be something in the world, and you will be something. "I cannot" never accomplished anything; "I will try" has wrought wonders.”

 

“People who are anxious to bring on war don’t know what they are bargaining for; they don’t see all the horrors that must accompany such an event.”

 

“It is painful enough to discover with what unconcern they speak of war and threaten it. I have seen enough of it to make me look upon it as the sum of all evils.”

 

“I am in favor of making a thorough trial for peace, and if we fail in this and our state is invaded, to defend it with terrific resistance.”

 

“All I am and all I have is at the service of my country.”

 

“Once you get them running, you can stay on top of them, and that way a small force can defeat a large one every time.”

 

“Always mystify, mislead and surprise the enemy; and when you strike and overcome him, never let up in the pursuit. Never fight against heavy odds if you can hurl your own force on only a part of your enemy and crush it. A small army may thus destroy a large one, and repeated victory will make you invincible. To move swiftly, strike vigorously, and secure all fruits of victory is the secret of a successful war.”

 

“I had rather lose one man in marching than five in fighting.”

 

“I yield to no man in sympathy for the gallant men under my command; but I am obliged to sweat them tonight, that I may save their blood tomorrow.”

 

“This army stays here until the last wounded man is removed. Before I will leave them to the enemy, I will lose many more men.”

 

“So great is my confidence in General Lee that I am willing to follow him blindfolded.”

 

“Never take counsel of your fears.”

 

“What is life without honor? Degradation is worse than death.”

 

“Duty is ours; consequences are God’s.”

 

“If you desire to be more heavenly minded, think more of the things of heaven, and less of the things of earth.”

 

“My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to always be ready, no matter when it may overtake me.”

 

“Order A. P. Hill to prepare for action! Pass the infantry to the front! Tell Major Hawks....” Then the good General paused, smiled, and spoke his last words: “Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees.” Jackson’s last command-3:00 May 10, 1863

 

900+ Stones Set with 362 Dedications!!

 

Trivia Questions

 

  1. In what state did the largest cavalry battle in America take place?
  2. What famous Virginia College had its main building used as a horse stable by Union cavalry?
  3. At the war’s beginning, who was suppose to supply the horse for a cavalryman?
  4. If a Confederate cavalryman’s horse was lost or disabled, what provision was made for getting a new one?
  5. What amputee general from Kentucky had to be tied to his horse when he took to the field?
  6. What was done with horses that died in battle?
  7. Who received breakfast first, men or horses?
  8. Why did General Patrick Cleburne lead his men on foot at the Battle of Franklin?
  9. What two Border States led the country in supplying and raising horses for the Confederate cavalry (not to mention the Union cavalry)?
  10. What made Union General Phillip Kearny such an easy target for the Rebel marksmen who killed him?
  11. What animal often had to substitute for hauling as horses became scarce?  Following the lead of mounted infantry in southwestern Virginia (including the 13th Kentucky Cavalry), what Confederate general began training his cavalrymen to fight on foot as well as horseback?

 

Bluegrass Confederate

Guerrant’s Diary-Friday, April 15, 1864

 

Colonel Giltner saw General Morgan in Abingdon.  Is very anxious to be transferred (the Brigade) to him.  Intimates that somebody is going to Kentucky and c. “Red Headed” Jim Rogers is now a lieutenant in Major Chenoweth’s “Caudle’s Ommy” in with Major Chenoweth at Headquarters this morning.  Just returned from on Beaver Creek.  The others gone after Forrest who has been playing the D____ with Yankees, towns and boats in southwest Kentucky.  Today sent up more touching appeals to General Ransom in behalf of our starving horses.  It is really heartrendering to walk thro’ one of our camps, and see the poor horses beg for something to eat.  Every 3 days get about 8 pounds of corn, no hay or oats.  They were all sent out today and turned in the meadows of clover fields, to live on the young grass.  Many can hardly walk.

 

A Senator to Remember

 

During debate on Sen. Jim Webb's proposal to give a longer home stay to troops back from combat, the freshman Virginia Democrat digressed for a moment to tell about an ancestor who fought for the South in the Civil War.   It's not unusual for freshmen lawmakers to take such digressions as they make themselves better known to colleagues and constituents. The lawmaker was making a point about certain National Guard troops deploying to Iraq in September after returning only two years ago from a deployment in Afghanistan. Those troops are deploying with roughly 1,400 Virginia Army National Guard members of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, "the famous Stonewall Brigade," he said. "I would point out as an aside," Webb said, "that this is a brigade with a long history that dates back to the Civil War, and, in fact, one of my ancestors fought in that brigade during the Civil War, was wounded at Antietam, and lost his life at Chancellorsville."  Thomas J. Jackson led the original “Stonewall Brigade”.

Answers to Trivia Questions

 

  1. In Virginia at the Battle of Brandywine, where more than 20,000 horsemen fought.
  2. Washington College in Lexington, Virginia.  Now known as Washington/Lee University.
  3. The soldier himself.
  4. The soldier was given a 30-day furlough to go home and procure a new horse.
  5. General John B. Hood from Montgomery County who had lost a leg and an arm.
  6. They were usually burnt.
  7. The horses.  The bugle call for this was called “Stable Call”.
  8. He had already had two horses shot out from under him.
  9. Kentucky and Missouri.
  10. In a storm, Kearny’s horse had shied and galloped right toward the Confederate lines.
  11. Mules of course.

12. General Wade Hampton.

 

 

Welcome Compatriots!

Honorary Membership

Bill Nordan,

Laura Nordan

Marcus Nordan

116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

 

Executive Council Meeting

 

Conducted via Internet

     Richard Brown, David Chaltas & John P. Back

July 18, 2007

 

Agenda developed

Upcoming events (Dedications, living history)

Membership Drive

Scholarship for Katie

Pound Gap Project Progress

National to be held in July

Colors across the Counties

Presentation:  Kentucky’s Role in WBTS: 1862
Minutes

June 21, 2007

 

The monthly meeting of the Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp No. 1629 was held on June 21, 2007, at 6:30 P.M. at the R. R. Crawford Engineering building at Whitco.  Commander David Chaltas was out of town and due to school policy, the meeting could not be held at the school without him being present. Members present were: Garland Kiser, Leathan Whitaker, Tim Blair, Willie Cornett, Larry Kiser, Carlos Brock, Manton Ray Cornett, Raymond Isaac, Britt Smith, Danny Taylor, Willis Strong, Okie Blair, John P. Back, Tabby Back, Wayne Watts, Kenneth Cantrell, Travis Cantrell, Eric Dixon, Quenton Childers, Chuck Anderson, Gary Begley, & Richard Brown.

 

Wayne Watts called the meeting to order.  Tabby Back gave the opening prayer.  Danny Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance.  John Back led the salute to the Confederate Flag.  Lt. Commander Back welcomed guest and members.  The Ancestor Roll Call was conducted.  It was noted that there was a quorum and business could be conducted.  Richard Brown read the minutes of May 17, Willie Cornett made a motion to accept them, Okie Blair seconded, motion passed.  Lt. Commander Back discussed the State Convention in Paducah and talked about the Vicksburg Monument that would represent Kentucky.  He also discussed the National Convention being held in Mobile, Alabama.  Carlos Brock made a motion for the camp to pay the fees for someone from the camp to attend the National Convention, Wayne Watts seconded, motion passed.  It was announced that a School of the Soldier was being conducted by Company F of the 5th Kentucky Infantry at Wise on June 26 at 6:30 P.M.  Everyone is invited to attend and encouraged to help.  The Lt. Commander announced that Commander Chaltas was in Indiana.  He then discussed the dedication held on Memorial Day at the Sandlick Cemetery.  He noted that at least twenty-eight members of the camp were present.  He stated that he was very proud of the camp.  Richard Brown gave the Adjutant Report and Financial Report.  Chaplain Tabby Back read scriptures and talked about the re-enactment at Jonesville.  He apologized for the church services presented by the invited chaplain.  Several people told of their displeasure with his speech.  He stated that the Caudill Camp cannon crew performed marvelously and that he enjoyed the battle.  Tabby then took prayer request with John Back conducting the prayer.    Carlos Brock noted that Russell Hacker Combs had no official service record but was sure he had served due to General Morgan sending him home with a body to Letcher County.  His brother, George Combs, does have a service record.  Carlos will contact Wesley Callahan and ask if he would like to join the camp under George instead of Russell.  Wayne Watts made a motion to allow Wesley Callahan to join the camp, Carlos seconded, motion passed.  Richard made a motion to allow James Larry Kiser (brother to Garland) to join the camp, Leathan seconded, motion passed.  Quenton made a motion that David Eric Dixon be allowed to join the camp, Wayne seconded, motion passed.  Carlos made a motion that Britt Smith be allowed to join the camp, Manton Ray seconded, motion passed.  Carlos made a motion that Joe Trosper be allowed to transfer to the Caudill Camp, Raymond Isaacs seconded, motion passed.  Danny Taylor made a motion that Dr. Bill Mackey of Scotland be allowed to be an Associate Member of the Caudill Camp, Wayne seconded, motion passed.  Manton Ray asked that when a certificate was made for Dr. Mackie that one also be made for his brother, Harold Cornett, who had joined as an Associate Member but had never received a certificate.  Lt. Commander noted that a Public Relations Committee should be formed and anyone interested in being on it, please stay after the meeting and sign up.  Leathan suggested that the camp get someone to be the official camp photographer.  Guest speaker, Chuck Anderson of the Jenkins City Council and Jenkins Festival Committee, spoke about the upcoming skirmish that the camp has agreed to do at the Little Shepherd Amphitheatre during Jenkins Festival on Sunday, August 26.  He said that the city would link the Caudill Camp’s website to theirs to encourage people to visit it.  The committee was in the process of making a brochure telling of the skirmish and would like ideas for it.  The committee would also advertise the skirmish.  They would also take care of the garbage pickup and the Porta Potties.  He also encouraged the camp to have a concession stand at the event. He stated that the First Baptist Church in Jenkins would be willing to do the concession stand if we were not interested.  Debbie Sturgill, daughter of Don Amburgey, spoke representing the Cumberland Mountain Art Council that will be helping sponsor the skirmish.  She noted that the Council had obtained insurance that would cover the skirmish and that if anyone has questions, call Kid Sanders or Don Amburgey at 832-1453.  Chuck Anderson can be contacted on his cell phone at 634-9027.  Tabby announced that he had started an email letter to inform camp members of any activities and it would be called the Camp Kettle, after the newspaper that was printed to inform the Confederates what was going on during the war.  The camp told Lt. Commander Back to inform Commander Chaltas to obtain the ISBN number for Confederate Kin whenever he wanted to.  John Back said that 200 pages had been turned in so far for Confederate Kin II.  Raymond asked if there was any cutoff on the number of pages that could be submitted and was told there was not a limit.  The Pound Gap trash pick up was discussed but will have to be ran by the officials of Letcher County to see what needs to be done to do so under the new regulations.  Wayne Watts talked about the School of Soldier to be conducted at Wise and urged members to be supportive of the event.  Richard gave a presentation on the two skirmishes that Giltner’s Brigade had with General George Custer’s cavalry in the Shenandoah Valley near Winchester in the fall of 1864.  Danny Taylor announced that State Representative Leslie Combs was attempting to get permission for the camp to set Confederate tombstones in the Lexington and Frankfort Cemeteries.  Quenton suggested that the camp have the concession stand at the skirmish at Jenkins on August 26.  Raymond suggested that if we did, sell hotdogs and cold drinks.  Someone needed to obtain a booth.  Quenton also announced that a coworker wanted the camp to do a 21-gun salute at his wedding and attend a pig roast afterwards.  Someone suggested that Quenton ask him to do the wedding at a re-enactment such as Jenkins or Leatherwood.  Willie Cornett suggested that the camp do a motorcycle poker run to raise money for the camp.  John Back suggested that it might be tied into a tour of local Civil War sites such as Leatherwood, Sandlick Cemetery and Pound Gap.  At each stop, someone could tell the history of the site while dressed in uniform.  John suggested that anyone with ideas write them down and bring to the next meeting.  Also discussed the camp going on a trip as a group to somewhere like Bardstown, Saltville or Lexington, Virginia.  Everyone liked the idea.  Carlos asked the camp to buy an Iron Cross of Honor for Captain John Jackson Combs (about $100), saying the camp had always bought the crosses for captains in the past. Willis said that he had a cross that Faron had given him and suggested that the camp use it with Faron’s permission.  Richard and Wayne will look for new Iron Cross cost, might find one cheaper.  Tabby asked the camp to give a hand to all the new members who were present, and then he closed the meeting with prayer.    


 

Agenda

 

July 19, 2007

 

Call Business meeting to order-Sgt. At Arms Watts

Prayer-Chaplain

Pledges

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

 

National Reunion held in Mobile, Alabama

Vote on Members: 

116th Infantry Brigade (better known as the Stonewall Brigade!)

Bill Nordan, Laura Nordan, and Marcus Nordan-Honorary Membership

2nd Lt. Commander & Quartermaster Position

Appoint a Public Relations Committee

Dedication:  EVENT Calendar

 

Open Floor

 

ü      Events Committee-Report on Status of 2007 events:  August 26th, 2007-Jenkins

ü      Setting South Carolina Flagpole and Statue on the mountain

ü      Trash Pickup at Pound Gap-set date

ü      Vender Trailer

ü      Confederate Kin-ISBN=$150.00----check needed to apply…

ü      Iron Cross from S.C.!

ü      Scholarship award-Use of account for gathering of the License tag money…

ü      PRESENTATION:  Kentucky’s Role in the War

ü      Trivia-Richard Brown

ü      Book Signing in August (TBA)

ü      Adjourn by Prayer