http://www.bencaudill.com.

This has been a fabulous month for the camp! You men serve well the memory of your ancestors! Currently we have set 562 stones, held 108 dedications, located over 643 13^th Kentucky soldiers’ grave sites, 14 stones on the ground to be set and 22 more stones on order! The dedications for Andrew Wright, William Wright (cousins) and Andrew Quillen on May 24^th went well. A donation to the camp was taken up at the reunion totaling $158.50! A thank you card will be sent to the family. An interesting follow up story regarding Malon Quillen (Andrew's brother) was emailed to me by a descendent from Florida that attended the meeting. She stated that family tradition has passed down the following regarding Malon. The family legend states that during the war while near the Carr Creek area, Malon was waylaid by either union sympathizers or bushwackers and was killed. He was married to Mary Jane Hall. We will be attempting to gather more information from family members in order to expand upon the story. We participated in the dedication of a 10^th Kentucky man by the name of William Riley Hall in Floyd County.

In the last month we have located the burial sites of several more 13^th Kentucky Cavalry soldiers. Carlos Brock located two gravesites last week: Ephriam Mason Combs in Wise County Virginia and James D. Lipps in Dickenson County, Virginia. I found the grave of Joseph Sexton of the 13^th near Tacoma, Virginia and we also located the graves of Jesse B. Hylton in Clintwood, Virginia and added a new name to the 13^th: George W. Kilgore! Kilgore supplied proof of his Company B 13th service late in the war in his Virginia Pension and he is buried in the Wise City Cemetery. Our camp also treasures the discovery of rare photographs of our Confederate soldiers and in the last month we have discovered pictures of Isaac Caudill, Hatler Sexton and James Lipps of the 13^th Kentucky. Caudill Camp member Tim Harp and I set stones last week for Robert C. Combs (5^th Kentucky, Co. I) and his son James Mat Combs (5^th & 13^th). They are buried in their family plot of the old abandoned Combs Cemetery off Broadway in Hazard. This cemetery has almost completely been overtaken by dense brush, trees and weeds. Our most recent Confederate marker to be set was for Sgt. Elijah Messer, Co. C, 13^th Kentucky Cavalry who is buried in the Messer Cemetery in the head of Messer Branch of Quicksand on the Miller Brothers Coal job in Knott County. The stone was set by Caudill Camp member Okie Blair and myself. The newest find being Private William Christian (1844-1926), {13^th Kentucky, Co. A}. He is buried in the Homelake Soldiers & Sailors Cemetery in Rio Grande Colorado! That's quite a distance from his original home in Letcher County. Thanks to our member Larry Combs in New York for providing this exciting and unexpected piece of research.

The History of the Original 5^th is back on track. It is a joint effort between Jim Prichard and myself, with the research notes of John Wells. Final prepublication date is for December 2003. The Old General represented our camp well during his presentations during the Jonesville Civil War days. The biggest news is that the Confederate Cemetery at Mt. Sterling has been rediscovered after approximately 140 years! Four stones were set in remembrance of the June battle in 1864. An article is forthcoming.

2ⁿd Reenactment of the Battle of Leatherwood

(The Old General)

The New River Mercantile Sutlers (Hinton, WV 25951) has committed to attend the Battle of Leatherwood along with Al Stone (famed living historian and Robert E. Lee impersonator). He will be presenting on both days and presiding over the Soldiers’ Ball. The following SCV Camps have tentatively committed themselves to the Battle of Leatherwood and the Battle of Whitesburg: Pvt. Edward F. Arthur #1783, General Humphrey Marshall #1429, the 6^th Ky. Vol. Infantry and 37^th Tenn.! Other camps are being contacted. We also need to recruit those boys in blue! We salute our brother camps for their commitment and time. The committee met on 6/12/03 and the following items were brought to the table: agenda/schedule, Soldiers’ Ball, worship service, public execution, skit, crafts/sutlers, black smith and working camp. A suggestion of having a genealogy booth was brought forth and approved. The shoot (SASS) was discussed and Richard Smith was nominated to be in charge of that event during Black Gold. Tree Huggin John will post the flyer on the battle via Internet in the month of September.

My Kepi & Me

(Old General)

My Kepi & 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 our newly elected Adjutant, Richard Glen Brown. Richard is the son of Glenn and Fern (Caudill) Brown. He is married to the lovely Glenda (Adams) Brown and is the proud father of Chris, Richie and Chad. His brothers are Wendell and David who are members of the Ben Caudill Camp along with his son Richie. He has one sister by the name of Freda. He enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and of course his Research regarding the Great Conflict in our area! He works for R.R. Crawford Engineering and is an aspiring as well as an accomplished writer. His article on the Battle of Whitesburg was instrumental in obtaining permission from the Mt. Heritage Committee to host the 1^st annual reenactment. His latest writing regarding the Battle of Mill Cliff is destined to catch the eye of those interested in preserving our history. Recently he was nominated and was awarded the honorable status of Kentucky Colonel. Richard entered the Colonel Ben Caudill SCV Camp under the ancestry of John D. Cornett. Richard exemplifies all the characteristics worthy of a true son. He is humble, honest, chivalrous, and serves the cause of honoring the Confederate veterans good name. He is known by all as a man of character and is a friend to all. Ladies and gentleman let us tip our kepis and offer a rebel yell to our friend, our neighbor, comrade; RICHARD G. BROWN.

The Chaplain’s Corner

(Brigade Chaplain)

While attending Jonesville, I was touched by the level of brotherhood and fellowship that was demonstrated by all participates. One of the most moving moments was when a young chaplain (his name escapes me) dedicated the memorials to the Confederate and Union soldiers that had fallen during the Battle and the church service on Sunday morn. His words were eloquently simple and humble. He stated that our God was colorblind and did not differentiate between blue and gray. To me it recalled a time when a battle was imminent, and a chaplain asked if he could set up an altar and pray. His request was granted and as his voice carried across the field, the boys in blue listened intently. A few of the men feeling filled with the spirit put down their weapons and slowly walked to the altar. The men in gray moved to one side and the boys of blue on the other. Two different causes with one heart united unto the Lord and Christ was in the Camp. And for a brief period there was peace before the purging of blood. All were welcomed into the Father’s house. Though they served a different cause, both sides served the same Lord of Hosts. We must embrace one another with the recognition that we are all brothers trying to honor the memory of an ancestor. For our cause is just and the labor bears the fruit that will be harvested for generations.

The Hunley Report

Adjutant Brown is arranging a date for the honor of serving as guards over the remains of crew and ship. It will be in partnership with other eastern Kentucky Brigade camps. The date for reinterment has been set for April 17, 2004.

Talking with the General

(Dave Chaltas)

As I traveled to Jonesville for the reenactment, I was determined to stop and take a picture of the state highway markers telling of General John Hunt Morgan’s pilgrimage to that area. It is on highway 11 (heading south) approximately ½ mile out of Manchester. To my disbelief, dismay and disgust both signs were nowhere to be found. I remember the signs quite well for they had been placed there by the highway department and now they are nonexistent. I propose that we take this matter upon our shoulders and discover why they are down and get our brother camps involved in reestablishing that historical link with that community. This we do in remembrance of our ancestors lest this and future generations forget the history and heritage that has made us such a strong nation.

A small article that was published in the June edition of The Civil War Courier has generated attention by several camps. Brigade Adjutant Les Williamson suggested to other camps of conducting joint dedication to the unknown Confederate soldier buried near the Breaks Interstate Park. A Suggestion of a July dedication has been offered. We could explore the possibility of marching to the grave, placing a wreath and even a stone/flag at that site. If you are interested, see the camp officers and offer your ideas.

Adjutant Brown and the old general will be attending the Georgetown meeting on Sat. 22, 2003. We will give a written overview of the past year events and accomplishments. If you have any comments of suggestions please let us know.

Mr. Peck stated that we have 3 poles at the Leatherwood Fire Department that we can have for our flagpole project. We need to make arrangements to pick them up soon. Also, Adjutant Brown has finished his article on Mills Cliff and we are proposing to dress in our finest gray and go to the Rebel Rock and pose for a picture to be included with the article. Plans are to submit the article to Kentucky Explorer as well as national magazines. We also need to have a fundraiser to supply our booth for the reenactments. If you have any suggestions, please see the Treasurer or myself.

If you wish to offer a presentation dear to your heart, let me know and I will work you into the agenda. With each of our interests, we can all become better educated about this grand topic. If you have anything that you wish published in our monthly paper, contact the old general and I will be glad to incorporate into the newsletter. Remember, this is YOUR paper and all comments and writings are greatly appreciated.

With honor, I remain your obedient servant,

The Old General

We welcome our guests and give a Rebel Yell to the newest members of the proud decedents of the men who rode with the 13^th Kentucky Calvary!

(Hall Dedication 6/11/03)

Words of Wisdom

"...governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that, whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." United States Declaration of Independence

"The Principle for which we contend is bound to reassert itself, though it may be at another time and in another form." President Jefferson Davis, C.S.A.

"Governor, if I had foreseen the use those people designed to make of their victory, there would have been no surrender at Appomattox Courthouse; no sir, not by me.  Had I foreseen these results of subjugation, I would have preferred to die at Appomattox with my brave men, my sword in this right hand." General Robert E. Lee to Texas Governor Stockdale

I hope the day will never come that my grandsons will be ashamed to own that I was a Confederate Soldier. Private A. Y. Handy, 32nd Texas Cavalry, C.S.A.

Where Roses Go to Die

By

David Chaltas

9/23/02

It was where the river bent

That I met the elephant.

It was not an accident

Where roses go to die.

Black powder clung to the ground.

Leaded hornets buzzed around.

Terror in the field abounds

Where grown men lay and cry.

Crimson tide flowed like a river.

Horses tremble and quivered.

Burning pain made men shiver

As Johnny asked them why.

Both sides fought for their beliefs.

Some men pleaded for relief.

Others begged in morbid grief

As roses start to die.

Broken promises, shattered dreams

And is lost or so it seems.

Defenseless as the saber gleams.

When roses say goodbye.