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Brown, Cecil-Cantrell, Harold-Caudill, Greg-Hamilton, James-Smith, Jake-Webb, Henry M-Wright, Michael

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

Danny Buckner-General Stonewall Jackson-Associate Member

This month has been very busy and prosperous for the camp. Lt. Commander Back and Adjutant Brown have summated the progress quite nicely. Please note that our stone setting total has increased to 795 and we do anticipate the 800th marker to be a special moment and a great opportunity to rededicate ourselves to dedications. I would like to set a goal of having 200 dedications by the end of December under our belts. Our Confederate Kin has been formatted and I have a rough draft for those interested in looking at it. We are looking for that perfect front cover picture. If you have any suggestions, let us know. The book will contain around 150 pages. Also I wish to offer a very special presentation for the July meeting. H. K. Edgerton has graciously consented to come to our area from Ashville, North Carolina and give a presentation. The cost is approximately $600. I brought it before the Executive Committee and they endorse the proposal with financial reservations. What say ye, compatriots? It is up to the camp vote. But by offering a nationally known speaker as our guest, we could sponsor a dinner, advertise and invite other camps from the tri-state region to come meet hear him talk of the "Truth about the South" as seen through H.K.’s eyes. As General Lee would say, "There is opportunity here." Finally, allow me to express my delight in all that you do to build our camp. From the smallest contribution to the largest, we all are on the same plain. We all in our own way pay tribute to our ancestors’ memories and our hearts rest in the southland. Let us remember that we are a band of brothers. Let us all remember that Christ is in our Camp and that we are the guardians of those Sacred Principles that our forefathers cherished. Future generations must be taught the truth. You are the voice to the future. Continue the course and the cause. With Sacred Principles to Maintain, I remain your obedient servant, The Old General…Laus Deo

Greetings! Another month has passed bringing with it the usual amount of highs and lows. On the high side, the camp book Confederate Kin is now in its final stages. The book should go to press by the end of the month. To any of you that have a story that you would like to share, there will probably be a part 2 to the book so please write those stories down. On the down side of things many of our camp members and their families have suffered illness and other distress. Please remember these individuals in your prayers.

Our cemetery project continues to plod along. Adjutant Brown has been able to secure funding for the project through donations from several coal companies. I wish to extend my thanks along with the camps to Adjutant Brown and our gracious benefactors. Finally for those camp members involved in reenacting, it has already been a good season. Bean Station and Jonesville were both very good events and Georgetown promises to be their equal or better. KET will be filming at Georgetown for use in a documentary. Everyone that can do so please try to come, this may be your chance to be immortalized in film. Deo Vindicie Lt Commander John Back 

The Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp No. 1629 is still the largest camp in the state of Kentucky with 97 members. August first of this year will be the time for all members to rejoin. The new National and State prorated dues are now in effect. The new payment base upon the time period that someone joins is as follows: National -August though October, 2006, $20.00; November through January, 2007, $20 plus $15 (optional) which will run for an additional year; February through April, 2007, $20 plus $10 (optional) which will run for an additional year; May through July, 2007, $20 plus $5 (optional) which will run for an additional year. The state is set up on the same plan only with smaller amounts ($10, $7.50, $5.00, $2.50). No matter when you join, you still have to pay $20 but you have the option to pay the prorated amount to join for the next year. If you have any questions regarding the prorating of dues, just ask me.

The Unknown Soldier Monument to be located at the Sandlick Cemetery is still being worked on. There are now six Confederate tombstones set in a straight, military row. Though the grass was cut for Memorial Day, it needs to be cut again. During Memorial Day, someone placed American flags on each of the six graves. This was very thoughtful of someone, but I removed the flags and placed them on soldiers’ graves that did not have a flag. We should purchase some Confederate flags to do the same thing before next year. Rokie Frazier at Appalachian Monument said that for he could make tombstones for the unknown soldiers for $50 apiece. I believe we should raise some money to do this or the unmarked graves will be in danger of being lost again.

The Pound Gap Monument is getting several visitors from all over the United States. The grass needs to be cut again but we have requested the Prisoner Work Release Program to cut it but so far they have not. Some of us might as well volunteer to cut at least part of it. If someone will draw a cannon on a piece of plywood supplied by the camp, Glenn Brown has volunteered to cut it out and paint it black to place on the high wall across the highway from the monument. The silhouette would look realistic from that distance.

The Jonesville re-enactment was a huge success and was attended by several camp members. Most of the camp members that came participated in the event. The re-enactment at the Jenkins Industrial Site is still being considered. If the re-enactment is going to take place, we need to start helping plan it now. The preliminary date is August 12 and 13.

Willis Strong has taken a picture of the Camp’s new cannon that he and some other camp members were very instrumental in rebuilding. I believe they have done an outstanding job and should be recognized for their hard work. I visited Ben Buster Taylor this weekend and he asked about the cannon. Some of you might not be aware of it, but he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and the prognosis is apparently grim. He was the driving force behind the military museum in Whitesburg and completely supported us in any addition to the museum that we would like to do. Please remember him in your prayers. I hope that a dedication of the new museum can be planned and done before anything happens to him. He jokingly (I think) tells everyone that the Caudill Camp is going to fire the cannon at the courthouse at the dedication.

This month I ask for prayers for all those that are hurting and having problems, whether it is health, financial, personal or with ones that you love. We were commissioned by Christ to pray for one another and given the great commandment of doing unto others, as we would have them do unto you. Let us keep our covenant and remember the sick and shut in, and offer spoken and unspoken prayers. As we bow in reverence to an Almighty God, let us do so with humbled hearts. For God will answer the earnest prayers of the people. Let us do all things in Christ name, Amen. Your Chaplain Tabby Back

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 stand and offer a rebel yell to our compatriot, Michael Blackburn! He was born in Lexington but moved to Texas at the age of six. He married his wife Deanne and they have two sons, Daniel (22 years of age) and Brian (19 years of age). Both boys attend college. He played football at East Texas State University and received a Masters degree in Health Care Administration. He has been in the heath care business for over thirty years. He was the CEO of hospitals and health care organizations for twenty years and recently sold an emergency physician group that he started nine years ago. He is a consultant as CEO of Johnston Memorial Hospital in Smithfield, North Carolina until they can locate a permanent CEO. He lives in McKinney, Texas (a suburb of Dallas) and enjoys ranching. His ranch is named "Toe Jam Ranch (it is located east of Dallas on the Sulphur River) and gives you an concept of his keen sense of humor! He loves to fish, hunt, and work in his lab. He entered the Caudill Camp on Private David Day. Private Day was in Co. B of the 13^th KY Cavalry. He was captured at Gladeville and spent the rest of the war at Camp Douglas. Michael loves to research in genealogy and feels honored to have ancestors that fought for the cause in which they believe. He is a man of honor and values that supports the Caudill Camp in any capacity. Richard Smith had the privilege of spending a day with Michael a few months ago and was quite impressed with him. He is a true compatriot and we are honored to have him as a brother. Yet another state joins our circle of brothers. Ladies & gentlemen let us tip our kepis and offer a hardy rebel yell our brother Michael Blackburn!

This month we offer a salute to Private James C. Back taken from the research of Tim and Okie Blair and the writings of Richard G. Brown. It has been added to our Confederate Kin book that will be sent for publication July 1, 2006!

James C. Back was born December 15, 1843 near Jeremiah in Letcher County, Kentucky. He was the son of Henry Back and Susannah Maggard Back, some of the first settlers of Letcher County. Henry was a veteran of the War of 1812. He, like his parents, was a farmer. James first married Nancy Hampton and later married Rachel Cornett. Rachel was the daughter of Joseph E. Cornett and Sarah "Sally" Brown Cornett.

During the Southern War for Independence, James’ family definitely had southern convictions. James and three of his brothers, David, Henry and Lewis, enlisted in Company B of the 10^th Kentucky Mounted Rifles on October 12, 1862, in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Two of James’ brother in laws, John and Samuel Cornett, were in this regiment as well. In the spring of 1865, this regiment would be reorganized and renamed the 13^th Kentucky Cavalry. The 10^th was known as "Caudill’s Army" as Colonel Benjamin E. Caudill had organized the regiment. The soldiers who fought in the 10^th were nicknamed the "Yahoos".

James and his comrades camped and drilled in the large bottoms located in the west portion of Whitesburg during the first portion of their enlistment. These bottoms were owned by John A. Caudill, father of Colonel Caudill. The regiment later was transferred to southwest Virginia in the Department of Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee. While stationed in Whitesburg, the regiment was involved in several local battles and skirmishes. Some of these fights were located at Leatherwood, Whitesburg, Cumberland and Wallins Creek.

During their time in southwest Virginia, James and his comrades were given the responsibility of defending the salt works at Saltville, Virginia. Salt was a very valuable commodity and these salt works were very important to the Confederacy. James and the 10^th would follow General John Hunt Morgan on his last raid into Kentucky in June of 1864 where they would participate in the Battles of Cynthiana and Mt. Sterling. They would also be in Greenville, Tennessee with the general when he was murdered by Union troops. In the fall and winter of 1864, James and his comrades of the 10^th would participate in the Battles of Saltville and Marion. They traveled to Winchester to help repel Sheridan’s Union Army and on the return trip, stopped in Lexington, Virginia to pay their respects to General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. They were at Christiansburg, Virginia on their way to re-enforce General Robert E. Lee at Richmond when word arrived that the general had surrendered at Appomattox. The regiment returned to Kentucky and was paroled at Mt. Sterling in April of 1865. The war was now over for the ragged and starved men of the 13^th KY Cavalry.

At the end of the war, James returned to Letcher County. He and Rachel married in 1875 and raised their family on Spring Branch of Rockhouse Creek near Jeremiah. In 1912 James received Confederate Pension # 2333. James lived the rest of his life on Spring Branch and died there on January 14, 1915. He is buried in the Back Caudill Cemetery in Spring Branch. A Confederate tombstone marks his grave. James and Rachel had the following children: 1.Mary Ann Back married Leander Caudill 2.Joseph "Joe" Back married Martha Dixon 3.David Back married Luella Caudill 4.Sarah Back died as a teenager 5.Samuel Back died as a teenager.

1. Approximately how many desertions occurred from the Confederate Army during the war?
2. What warning was included in a soldier’s furlough papers?
3. What generous offer did President Jefferson Davis make to deserters in August of 1863?
4. In the Confederacy’s last proclamation of amnesty for deserters, what type of deserters was not included?
5. What did President Davis do with every Confederate deserter condemned to death that was brought to his

attention?

6. Where was a soldier when he was "running the guard"?
7. What state had more deserters than any other?
8. What Confederate General lost his army post for deserting his command?
9. What was sometimes done as a final disgrace to executed deserters?

10.True or false, most soldiers left their company to go home to attend to their families when they deserted.

"Soldiers! We have sinned against Almighty God. We have forgotten His signal mercies, and have cultivated a revengeful, haughty, and boastful spirit. We have not remembered that the defenders of a just cause should be pure in His eyes; that ‘our times are in His hands,’ and we have relied too much on our own arms for the achievement of our independence. God is our only refuge and our strength. Let us humble ourselves before Him. Let us confess our many sins, and beseech Him to give us a higher courage, a purer patriotism and more determined will; that He will convert the hearts of our enemies; that He will hasten the time when war, with its sorrows and sufferings, shall cease, and that He will give us a name and place among the nations of the earth." R. E. Lee, General, August 13, 1863 (excerpt from General Order # 83)

"We may be annihilated, but we cannot be conquered." R. E. Lee

"What do you care about rank? I would serve under a corporal if necessary!" R. E. Lee

Guerrant’s Diary-Bluegrass Confederate-Monday, July 13, 1863-Rogersville, Tennessee

Colonel Ben Caudill and one hundred of his "army" were unfortunately captured near Pound Gap (Gladesville, now Wise) by a Federal Force last week. The papers announced a great victory at Gettysburg but fearful carnage on both sides. The roads being heavy, the Captain concluded not to move today. I would have returned to Jonesville after my clothes but do not feel able for such a journey. Am now compelled to await General Morgan’s return.

1. 100,000
2. A warning to return to his unit by a specified time or be considered a deserter.
3. He requested that all absentees return to their regiments with no fear of punishment.
4. Those who deserted to the enemy.
5. Commuted his sentence. Davis had a compassionate streak.
6. Deserting or on unauthorized leave.
7. North Carolina
8. General John Floyd, he left Kentuckian General Simon Buckner to surrender at Fort Donnelson.
9. They were buried face down.

True. a 10.True: soldiers, though listed as deserters, would return to help their comrades in battle when needed. The

knowledge of their families starving or suffering was more than they could take.

Colonel Ben Caudill Camp #1629

Box 1102

Whitesburg, Kentucky 41826

May 2006

Gentlemen, I have the honor of submitting the following financial report for your review, input and approval.

Statement Balance from 4/20/06 to 5/20/06

Deposits 5/16/06-$500.00 Fiscal Court 5/26/06-$500.00 Jerry Wells $1,000.00

Balance 3/16/06 $3,642.41

Scholarship Fund $1000.00

General Fund Balance $3,616.32

Scholarship Fund-$1000.00 has been set aside into a savings account. One check was written totaling $28.09 (CK#1016-$1000.00 deposited in scholarship fund). Based on the current records that we have in our possession, (we do not have the June bank statements) we have $3,616.32 in our general fund and $1000.00 in the savings for scholarships!

Members Present: John P. Back, Richard Brown, Danny Taylor, Danny L. Wright, Sam Hatcher, Leathan Whitaker, Doc Slone, Adam Sexton, Big Tree Adams, Tim Blair, Okie Blair, Manton Cornett, Willis Strong, Wayne Whitaker, Tabby Back, Gary Begley, Garland Kiser, Carlos Brock, David Brown

Sgt. At Arms Carlos Brock called the May 17, 2006 meeting was called to order. Richard Brown and Lethan Whitaker led pledges. Tabby Back offered up the invocation, scripture reading and solicited prayer requests. Minutes were read from the April meeting and Gary Begley made a motion to accept them as read. Jason ‘Big Tree’ Adams seconded the motion and the motion was carried by unanimous vote. Ancestral Roll Call was given. The status of the Gap monument was discussed. Carlos Brock made a motion to order 1 gross of flags at $65 per gross for Memorial Day. Tree Adams seconded motion. Motion at said price was approved by vote of the members. Lt. Commander Back offered compliments to Don Shelton for his outstanding job on the Lost Cause. Sam Davis camp was mentioned but a motion was not made to offer a scholarship at this juncture. ST. Robinson’s barn was discussed and ‘Tree’ Adams brought to the floor a motion to pursue the possibility of restoration of the barn as a potential future meeting location. Seconded by Leathen Whitaker and approved by acclamation. Gary Begley gave an update on the Leatherwood Event.

Willis Strong gave an update on the Blacksmith Association meeting and the cannon project. The cannon has been ‘Christened’ with its first successful firing. A picture of the cannon has been submitted to the Lost Cause. Willis also made a motion to house the cannon at the Veterans Museum. Seconded by Gary Begley and carried by floor. A certificate on the artillery pieces will be held at Hootin’ (McKee, KY) on June 10^th. Mr. Gatts will be the instructor. Wayne Whitaker gave a demonstration on the workings of the famous ‘Williams gun’. The 2^nd reading of the Camp By-laws was presented and noted changes would be presented to Commander Chaltas for necessary corrections/editing. At the June meeting a copy of the By Laws will be presented to each member present for their records. Motion made by Carlos Brock and seconded by Raymond Isaacs. Camp voted unanimously in favor of said motion. John Back read my Kepi and Me. Camp voted to hold next meeting on the ST. Robinson campus. Meeting adjourned via prayer.

June 13, 2006

Following the guidelines of the ‘Sunshine Laws’ we submit the monthly synopsis of the topics discussed at the Executive Meeting.

Reading of corrections in Camp By Laws discussed

Reunion Delegates?

Confederate Kin

Scholarship committee giving out applications

H.K. presentation in July?

Trash pickup

License plate concepts

Veterans Museum discussed and Dedication

Agenda for 4/18 developed

Quilt donated by Mike and Debbie Tyree

Pound Gap Reenactment

Improving camp leadership and participation

Prayer-Chaplain Tabby Back

Call Business meeting to order-Sgt. At Arms

Welcome-Recognition of new SCV & Associate Members from Newsletter & Audience

Pledges-Commander Chaltas

Scripture Reading-Chaplain Tabby Back

Ancestral Roll Call-All members

Reading/Approval of Minutes-Secretary Taylor

Commander’s Comments

Lt. Commander’s Corner-John P. Back

Adjutant Report-Brown

Final Reading of Bylaws-Richard Smith

Gazebo pictures-Richard Brown

New Quilt donated by Mike and Debbie Tyree!

• Phase IV-Monument News-rail fence and mowing
• H.K. possible presentation
• St. Robinson Barn
• Reunion Expenses
• Confederate Kin-Need stories by camp members for next month. We currently have 107 pages.
• Stone Reports-795 set to date
• Events Committee-plan next year’s events-schedule
• Pictures for Gazebo-Richard Brown

Renaming newsletter Contest-Southern Sentry/Southern Nations/Caudill’s Men/Southern Times

• Concerns, comments, camp status
• License Plates-flags/General Lee in Virginia
• Trivia-Richard Brown
• PRESENTATION:
• Auction/drawing
• Adjourn by Prayer