News From The Camp
Colonel Ben Caudill’s Camp #1629
March 21, 2002
Edition #2
"Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less." R.E. Lee
Update: 482 stones set to date! 617 located and 84 dedications!
Check out the updated Website. It contains information on the Vicksburg Monument Dedication, listing of members and other new information.
On March 16, 2002 Dave Chaltas presented a soliloquy in the persona of R. E. Lee to the Pound Historical Society. The topic was Lee thanking the 64th, 50th and the 13th for their sacrifices. It was well received and served as good public relations.
The Wise County Historical Society is interested in our camp doing a dedication this spring. Contact person is Tabby Back (633-1761)
Several people have indicated a desire to become a part of our camp. Joshua Amburgey, Norm Caudill, Kevin Roark and Philip Champion are candidates looking for their ancestry.
The Round Table Program with Jenny G featured the War in Eastern Kentucky on March 19, 2002.
The course Civil War in Eastern Kentucky offered at South East Community College has been postponed until this fall semester. That will allow the Whitesburg Campus to advertise and promote our course.
On April 26, 2002, (1:00) Hazard Community College on the Lees Campus has requested us to be a featured part of their presentation on the Civil War in Eastern Kentucky. They request that we bring any item of that era. There will be a display of artifacts from the Battle of Perryville. A committee needs to be formed to develop an agenda. Requested presenters include, Steve Bowling (Breathitt County Connection), Faron Sparkman (His research), Richard Smith (Artifacts and tales), and David Chaltas (Poetry and local stories). All Camp members needed. Your ideas and what you could present are wanted…Dress in Confederate Grey requested!
The 4th/5th grade class of Neon has requested a presentation this month on the Battle of Whitesburg and Pound Gap. I will notify you regarding the dates…
I offer my apologies to all for not having the plaque in your hands for our lifetime member.
Words From Yesteryear
1. Presentations A. Premonitions
2. To draw over the left B. Any act of thievery
3. Acoustic Shadow C. Silent battles
4. Allegheny Ed D. Gen. Edward Johnson
5. Contribution E. Theft by looter/pillagers
6. Coosh F. Softened hardtack fried in bacon grease
7. Woods bird G. A person dodging Conscription
8. Dance H. The beginning of the battle
9. Dandyfunk I. Stew made from Hardtack, Molasses, and salt pork
10.A castle for worms J. Hardtack (1/4 by 3inch square biscuit of unleavened bread)
"My Spirit Passeth By"
After reading so many of the letters that Lee had written to his loved ones, I started to sense the quintessence of the man. While pondering the many illustrations of Lee and the love he possessed for his family, I felt compelled to again sit down and write my interpretations of what must have ran through the mind of the old patriot as he deliberated over the question that each of us must face. This laborious task of love and tribute was one of deep thought and reflection, as should be the question of one’s own mortality. This question has crossed the minds of millions as they waited on the roar of battle or the quiet whisper of the inevitable call of conviction to enter the secret garden. By writing about the general’s thoughts, I pray that I have captured the essence of the broken circle, the assurance that the spirit lingers around those loved and a reunion of lost loved ones will take place across the great divide.
My Spirit Passeth By
By
David Chaltas
3/05/02
Oh Mary will you miss me
When I exist no more?
And will you long to kiss me
The way you did before?
Oh, will your heart be broken
And will you start to cry?
When ere my name is spoken:
My spirit passeth by.
If I should fall while fighting
Know my love shall remain.
My love for you I’m writing
On every drop of rain.
If I should fall in battle,
I’ll feel your fingertips
Soothing my death rattle,
With you name on my lips.
My love for you in boundless
And every time you cry;
My love for you surrounds us
As my spirit passeth by.
If you have any news from the camp, please forward it to me by phone (633-5559) or email dchaltas@letcherk12.ky.us