News from the Camp



March 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

 

Let us welcome our newest members!

Antony L. Blair-Reup

 

The General’s Dispatch  

 

Greeting Compatriots!  The activities of last month have been very fruitful.  The student body at Allen Central voted overwhelmingly to keep their symbols of heritage, sending a strong message to outside agitators.  Our heritage is not for sale at any price nor will we submit to foreign interference in the form of political correctness.  We submit only to the will of God, truth, honor, integrity and the love of our country.  But the forces of change still linger in the shadows and we must be ever vigilant in our endeavors. 

 

We have met with the Letcher County Fiscal Court and presented our five-year vision.  We have submitted names to honor our military heroes to the Fiscal Court and they were approved unanimously.   We have presented at the Jenkins City Council and received their support.  We have met with the Wise County and Leatherwood Committee regarding local reenactments and living history.  We are planning a clean up at the Gap for the Adopt A Highway campaign.  Adjutant Brown dug the 3’ hole for the Virginia flagpole that will be placed upon the mountain this week.  We obtained a heritage proclamation for our county judge for the month of April.  We are working on the Stiller Bill and Dave Back dedication (an article ran in the paper).  We have been visible in three local newspapers (six total, as Columbia, Bean Station and Maryland covered some of our activities) and ran a successful ad in the 14th Region Tournament program. The Caudill Camp was represented in distant places such as Columbia, S. C., Annapolis, MD and Knoxville, TN, where the tales of our ancestors were told.  Stones have been ordered and set and two more dedications can be added to our growing list.  We are working on a specialty plate project like our sister states have.   We met with Don and Ked at the outdoor drama/artisan center field regarding the requested August 26, 2007, skirmish on the mountain. 

 

Now is the time for all of us to put aside our animosities and work for the common good of our camp and do all things to honor our ancestors.  Starting this month, let us all carry an application to another person and let our motto be:  each one, reach one.  We have so many brothers out there that need to be encouraged to rejoin.  Let us swell the ranks with men wishing to honor their heritage.  Our goal is 200.  We must beat the bushes to inspire others to join our efforts.  It is obtainable, as we are the remnants of a once glorious army.  Or shall we simply sit, talking history instead of becoming a part of it and be destined to go the way of the dinosaurs.  Let us not fade into dust, and allow the gray line of men to become so thin that it bleeds into the fading of the gray.  With sacred principles to maintain, I remain your obedient servant.  Old General…Laus Deo

 

Upcoming Events; March 16-Meet the Generals at the Rose Center, Morristown; March 17-18, -Battle of Shiloh-Shiloh, Tennessee; March 20-21, 2007-Chaplains Conference held at the Elliott Baptist Church; March 22, 2007-Wade Hampton Camp; Columbia, South Carolina; March 23-25, 2007-Battle of Charleston; Charleston, S.C.; March 24, 2007-Dedications: Stiller Bill Caudill (Caudill’s Branch-1:00) and David Back (Elk Creek-2:00); March 29, 2007-HOMEFRONT IN CRISIS: WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE CIVIL WAR, Harrodgate, TN.; March 31-April 1, 2007-Confederate Memorial Hall (Bleak House) is scheduled to host a Living History.  The Bleak House was the headquarters of General Longstreet during the Knoxville Campaign. April 1, 2007-Tour of General Lee’s personal office, and memorabilia in Lexington, Virginia, by Mary Coulin, author of Lee’s Girls. April 7, 2007-Decoration Day and Southern Cross Ceremony; Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, MD; Statutory Hall Service to be held in Washington, D.C.; April 6-8 – Virginia – 142nd Anniversary of the Battle of Little Sailor’s Creek.  Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historic State Park, Amelia; April 13, 2007-Civil War Living History in Knox County, featuring the 5th KY, Co. D, E, F.; April 14-15, 2007-Ramsey House at Strawberry Plains, Tennessee.

 

The Adjutant’s Desk

 

As of March 9, 2007, the Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp No. 1629 has seventy-five members listed on the national roster.  The long waited purge has reduced the camp’s membership.  If anyone needs a new membership card, just let me know.  The dedication for Private William “Stiller Bill” Caudill and Private David Back is still scheduled for Saturday, March 24, at 1:00 and 2:00 P.M. respectively.  All camp members are urged to attend and hopefully participate in the dedication.  Stiller Bill’s grave is on Caudill Branch (now Old Dixon Road, crossing the new concrete bridge) just below Blackey.  David’s grave is on Elk Creek.  Notifications were mailed to all local newspapers with the schedule (the Mountain Eagle ran the announcement in last week’s paper).  Hopefully, the local radio stations will announce the dedications as well.  I believe that we should attempt to obtain two small Confederate flags to place on the graves.  The dedication for the Sandlick Cemetery Monument and graves are scheduled for Sunday, May 27, at 1:30 P.M.   Faron Sparkman has indorsed the idea about the two tombstones that are ordered for the cemetery being numbers 899 and 900.  He believes that it is a very good idea.  I hope that this event is a large one and will be highly publicized.   All local news media will be invited to attend (Channel 57, Mountain Eagle, The New-Press, East Kentucky Freedom Express, radio stations, etcetera).  We hope to have good publicity of our ancestor’s flag instead of the negative ones that have occurred lately. 

 

On Sunday, February 25, several members of the camp met at the head of Kingdom Come Creek at the invitation of John Back and Richard Smith to film a few scenes for the play that Dean and Nina Cornett are filming.  The filming went very good but took most of the afternoon.  Dean said that some of the scenes would be used in the documentary that they are filming on the history of the war in Letcher County.  Mr. Cornett also informed me that a preliminary clip would soon be available for the camp to view.   The concept of a documentary of the war in our area is very exciting and I hope that we can help the Cornett’s with the project.  The Pound Gap Monument is still being visited on a regular basis as can be seen by the sign-in book.  It is amazing how many people stop to view the monument through the winter months, even with the cold wind constantly blowing through the gap.  New flags were installed this past week as the ones placed in January have started to become ragged.  The camp will have to order new flags before we can replace them again.  Hopefully the tourism commission or the fiscal court can help with the cost of the flags (Dean and Nina Cornett have donated some United States flags for the monument which will help a lot).   Also, the next time the flags are replaced, the clips on the steel cables will need to be replaced as well.  All of them have been worn thin. 

 

The Letcher County Tourism Committee has expressed interest in helping the camp buy two of the four feet tall Confederate infantry soldier statues from Deana’s Designs, one for the Pound Gap Monument and the other for the Sandlick Cemetery Monument.  If we are successful in obtaining them, we will need volunteers to build a concrete base for them to stand on.  The camp’s financial report is a follows:  As of March 9, 2007, the Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp has $508.45 in their checking account.  One hundred dollars (per the camp’s permission) was given to Faron Sparkman for the purchase of quik crete in order to be able to set tombstones.  There are no other known outstanding checks at this time.  Honoring the Memory of our Ancestors, I remain your Adjutant Brown

 

Welcome One and All!  I was going for a walk early in the morning one day last week.  I was enjoying the sounds of all of God’s creations.  The little birds were singing their spring songs, the water was bubbling a message of renewal, the frogs were singing in chorus and all was right with the world. They knew spring was coming.  If you ever need proof of the touch of the Master’s hand, simply look at nature: it is amazing!  Sometimes I try to think back in time during the War Between the States, in an effort to envision our kin looking out on a spring day and wonder how they looked at things back at home.  "Is the earth turned and the seeds ready?''  I am sure in their prays, they were always asking God to watch over their family and Ben Caudill talked to the men about God and home.  I am sure they saw him as a father figure and spiritual leader, for most of them were young and so far away from their own fathers.  Always remember to take time out for God. He’s there for you any time, any place, and thank Him for all your blessings Chaplain Back 

 

Trivia Questions

 

  1. What popular name for the war was coined by Vice-President Alexander Stephens?
  2. During the war, what was it usually called by the Northern Press?
  3. What name, harking back to 1776, was popular among Confederates?
  4. What name was commonly used by foreign writers to describe the war?
  5. What name was popular between Northern and Southern abolitionist?
  6. What name, with a “family” connection, is sometimes used for the war?
  7. What name takes its name from a key political figure?
  8. What charming name, which doesn’t use “war” at all, was popular after the war and still is?
  9. What popular name in the South suggested that the American Revolution was being fought over again?
  10. What joking name accurately describes the conflict?
  11. What name, little used now, harks back to the way the Confederacy began?

 

Sayings of the South

 

“Very few established institutions, governments and constitutions are ever destroyed by their enemies until they have been corrupted and weakened by their friends.” Walter Lippman, journalist (1889-1974)

 

"Let us be certain that our children know that the war between the States was not a contest for the preservation of slavery, as some would have them to believe, but that it was a great struggle for the maintenance of Constitutional rights, and that men who fought were warriors tried and true, Who bore the flags of a Nation's trust, And fell in a cause, though lost, still just, And died for me and you." J. Taylor Ellyson

 

Bluegrass Confederate,

Guerrant’s Diary Wednesday, December 21, 1864

Near Saltville, Virginia

 

General Breckinridge went towards Glade Spring Depot with our brigade (Giltner’s) in front and General Cosby and General Duke’s following.  --- we were ordered to halt until further orders, which we did in mud nearly knee deep, and cold nearly zero and Commissary Department nearly starvation.  The rain blowed a freezing requiem and a dirge over the dead Saltworks, which almost froze us as dead as the Saltworks were burned.  I bummed enough to keep from sharing the fate of the man who starved to death.  Made detachments from our Brigade to picket and scout towards the Saltworks. Detailed Lieutenant Smith of the 10th Kentucky Mounted Rifles and ten men to report to Captain Jenkins.  Lt. Smith and one or two men were wounded by the Yankee picket at McCall’s Gap and General Duke dispatched from Lyons Gap, that the enemy had burned the Saltworks and still occupied them, but were moving out in the direction of Heyter’s Gap.  General Breckinridge ordered us to move back and camp on the other side of Seven Mile Ford, but before moving a mile, we received orders to go into camp which we did, for it was dreadful cold, and hailing and snowing and the ground was all covered with snow today.

 

Stone Total:  858 with 218 Dedications!

 

Answers to Trivia Questions

 

  1. The War Between the States, (after the war)
  2. The War of the Rebellion since in Northern eyes, the South was rebelling against the U.S.
  3. The Second American Revolution.
  4. The Confederate War.
  5. The War against Slavery.
  6. The Brother’s War as in “Brother against Brother”.
  7. Mr. Lincoln’s War
  8. The Late Unpleasantness.
  9. The War for Southern Independence.
  10. The Uncivil War
  11. The War of Secession.

Interesting statement:  The Army of Northern Virginia was never defeated.  It merely wore itself out whipping the Yankees.  Lt. General Jubal Early, C.S.A.

  

Minutes

 

Minutes of the Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp No. 1629

February 15, 2007

 

The monthly meeting of the Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp No. 1629 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans took place at the Letcher County Vocational School in Whitesburg on February 15, 2007.  The following members were present:  Richard Brown, Michael Watts, Okie Blair, Timothy Blair, Wayne Watts, Willis Strong, Manton Ray Cornett, Willie Cornett, Garland Kiser, Danny Wright, John P. Back, Tabby Back, Chris Back, Raymond Isaacs, Kenny Cantrell, David W. Lucas, Quenton Childers and Gary Begley.

 

Wayne Watts called the meeting to order.  Tabby Back led prayer.  Richard Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance.  John P. Back led the salute to the Confederate Flag.  Tabby Back read several scriptures and explained them, then took prayer request.  Adjutant Richard Brown announced that there was a quorum present and the camp could conduct business.  Commander Chaltas was not present therefore Lt. Commander Back announced new members and began the meeting.  Richard Brown read last month’s minutes, Mike Watts made motion to accept them, Wayne Watts seconded, motion passed.  Lt. Commander Back reported on Commander Chaltas’ presentation at Ashcamp and stated that the commander hoped to present again in March.  Lt. Commander explained about the proposed SCV license plate for Kentucky and then asked all members that were interested in obtaining one to sign the sheet being passed around.  It was noted that 1,000 commitments were required.  He also announced the updates on the ongoing Allen Central problem and told about H.K. Edgerton’s protest outside of the Lexington Herald’s office in Lexington.  He also reported on the Kentucky Division meeting in Elizabethtown in which Commander Chaltas, himself and Danny Taylor attended.  He reported that the meeting was upbeat and that it was announced that the Vicksburg Monument would be in place this summer.  At the time that the proposed new by laws were to be read and voted on, Raymond Isaacs brought it to the camp’s attention that since changes had been made since the first reading was conducted, that this could not be the second reading.  Richard Brown made motion to postpone the reading of the new bylaws until the next meeting, Willie Cornett seconded, motion passed.  Richard Brown and Raymond Isaacs then went to another room to go over the proposed by laws.  Wayne Watts volunteered to keep minutes in Richard’s absence.  Lt. Commander Back announced that a dedication for Stiller Bill Caudill would be performed at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 24, then move to Elk Creek to dedicate David Back’s grave at 2:00 P.M.  All members are urged to attend.  He also announced that Commander Chaltas recommended that several men be made honorary members of our camp.  The ISBN number for Confederate Kin book was discussed, allowing book to go global.  Wayne Watts made motion for the camp to pay the $150 for the number, Tabby Back seconded, motion passed.  Confederate Kin 2 was discussed, 93 pages submitted so far.  Richard Brown is to check for a date for a road clean up.  Virginia has not set a date to set their flag pole yet.  Roger Hall reported that he had spoken to Jenkins’ mayor and that he expressed interest in the camp participating in Jenkins Day.  He recommended that someone from the camp attend the Jenkins Mountain Heritage Committee meeting on February 20.  Roger will check on date for Parks and Recreational meeting for Heritage Festival/Pioneer Day.  He also discussed historical finds on the Fincastle Trail such as cannons and gatling gun.  He also discussed the camp being active in Pioneer Days, Tail Events, etcetra.  Lt. Commander stated that the Sandlick Monument dedication is still scheduled for May 27, and that Commander Chaltas has a goal of 1,000 people present.  (might march from Veteran’s Museum). We still need to coordinate with VFW and City Council.  Richard Brown discussed Dean and Nina Cornett’s draft movie, including reenactment footage to show what can be done for a presentation or educational movie.  They will do the filming for free and give a copy to camp for their help. They also want to do a play written by Richard Smith.  Richard Brown will invite them to attend the 5th Kentucky Reenactors meeting on February 21.  Richard also informed the camp that the proposed bench with the Caudill Camp’s name would cost approximately $450 (to be placed at the new high school).  Plans to raise funds for this project need to be addressed.  Richard informed the camp that a road cleanup could be done on any state or county road if it was blacktopped.  Josh Wampler is the new coordinator for the cleanup project for Letcher County. The camp will decide up on a date for a clean up at the next meeting (March).  Richard relayed a story sent to the camp about a soldier of the 5th Kentucky Infantry, Sergeant John Rabbe.  Sergeant Rabbe was a German Jew that had studied medicine in Berlin and became a doctor. He left Germany and came to America due to persecution for his religious beliefs.  Rabbe is buried in Elliot County with only a sandstone rock for a marker.  Faron has ordered a stone for him.  His brother, Jacob Rabbe, was also in the 5th Kentucky but his grave has not been found yet.  Faron said that 863 stones have been set, with 19 more on order and 9 on the ground.  Letcher County has 128 stones set, Breathitt County 117 and Knott County 103.  Lt. Commander announced that Dr. Hiter stated that there are approximately one million descendents of Confederate soldiers living in Kentucky.  Each camp should try harder to recruit these people.   Willie Cornett suggested that the two tombstones ordered for the Sandlick Cemetery be numbers 899 and 900.  All camp members supported the idea.  Discussion for this idea will be held at the next meeting. Tabby Back suggested that since March 16 is the anniversary of the Battle of Pound Gap, that we place a wreath or do some type of dedication.  Lt. Commander Back gave the 2006 Service Award to Roger Hall, then closed the meeting with prayer.  The next meeting is March 15, 2007, at same location.

 

Executive Council Meeting

March 13, 2007

Present Richard Brown, John Back, Dave Chaltas,

Developed Agenda

Discussed dedications in March

Discussed By Laws-They will be read as written by the By Law Committee and the vote put before the members

Lead by example:  Positive Attitudes:  “Lose lips sink ships”

Discussed heritage Issues plans

Placing Sandlick Cemetery article (written by Richard Brown) on line  

Ordering flags for Confederate Memorial Day

Place dedications of the 103.9, Bulldog

Colors across KY

 

 

Agenda

March 15, 2007

 

Call Business meeting to order-Sgt. At Arms

Prayer-Chaplain Tabby Back

Pledges

Scripture Reading-Chaplain Tabby Back

Ancestral Roll Call-All members

Welcome-Recognition of new SCV & Associate Members

 (HAND OUT:  Membership Applications 2 each)

 

State if there is a Quorum present

Reading/Approval of Minutes-camp member

Commander’s Comments

Lt. Commander’s comments

 

New Business

Reading of the Bylaws-vote on each section individually after one is read-QUORUM?

Allen Central Update!  The students have spoken!

Kentucky Division Executive Council Meeting

 Form committee to update website mission/goals

Form a Public Relations Committee

Dedication:  March 24, 2007 at Caudill’s Branch-Stiller Bill Caudill, starting 1:00

Dedication March 24, 2007 at Elk Creek-David Back, starting 2:00

Battlefield Dedication date to be set

PRESENTATION: 

 

Open Floor

 

ü      Events Committee-Report on Status of 2007 events-Kenny Cantrell

ü      Setting 4x16 markers to the Unknown soldiers at Sandlick

ü      Confederate Kin-ISBN=$150.00----Confederate Kin II has 93 pages to date! 

ü      Dedication of Whitesburg Cemetery Monument-posted on website

ü      Trash Pickup and Pound Gap Flag pole-set date

ü      Trivia-Richard Brown

ü      Adjourn by Prayer