Colonel Ben Caudill Camp # 1629

November 2003 Issue

The last Salute

An empty chair now and forevermore shall sit at our table in remembrance of those that have gone before.

Commander’s Tent

Currently we have set 599 stones, held 127 dedications, and have located over 653 13^th Kentucky soldiers’ gravesites! The Caudill Camp has been engaged in a number of new research projects involving several 13th KY. Confederates including Captain James T. Rogers, Pvt. Hugh William Rogers, Pvt. James Knox Mullins, Pvt. Tandy Moore, Lt. Henry B. Anderson, Pvt. D.C. Chapman, Pvt. Willoughby Biggs and Pvt. Cornelius Moore. Steve Bowling, Larry Combs and myself have been working every day with new information that brings up one step closer to learning more about each man's individual story. I especially want to recognize the outstanding work of Larry Combs, a Caudill Camp member from western New York, and a descendant of several 13th Kentucky men. He has provided our

Camp with excellent new finds utilizing deductive research skills where you really have to read between the lines and pour over a lot of material until it all seems to fit. Among his new finds include the discovery that a name from the 13th roster - Tandy Moore of Company E - not found on any census, is in fact William Moore, a Floyd County native and brother to two other 13th men, Calvin and Edward Moore. It turns out that he was William Tandy Moore. This fact had escaped us for over ten years but Larry figured it

out. Larry also has worked on Captain James T. Rogers and Pvt. Hugh William Rogers of Caudill's Army. He was the first to discover that they were in fact brothers who were born in Paris, Kentucky but grew up in Lexington. Steve Bowling expanded on Larry's finds by discovering that Captain Rogers moved from Lexington to a small town called Ninety-Six South Carolina where he is buried. Pvt. Hugh William Rogers left Lexington and became a U.S. Marshall in Eastern Kentucky serving Bell and Harlan County and was killed in the line of duty. Larry Combs has also been working on new discoveries about other 13th soldiers including D.C. Chapman's move from his hometown of Louisa, Kentucky to Iowa and then to Milton, Oregon, Willoughby Bigg's final

resting place in Lawrence County Ohio and Lt. Henry Anderson's ties to Madison County Kentucky. Nancy and Johnny Bays have been doing research on behalf of the Caudill Camp in Texas during the past week and they have uncovered some new information about the final resting place of the 13th's Captain George Hogg as well as two of his brothers that served under Ben Caudill in the 5th Kentucky, Silas Hogg and James Hogg, all buried in west Texas. In the span of a week Steve Bowling conducted interviews with just the right descendants to determine exactly where James Mullins is buried on Hunting Creek of Quicksand in Breathitt County and where Cornelius Moore is buried at Fillmore in Lee County Kentucky. We have worked on both of those men for well over five years. Mark Carroll in addition to outstanding improvements to our camp website has taken on a significant project in the last few days of covering a big chunk of Owsley County in search of Martin Bailey's lost grave. Our total of 13th Kentucky Cavalry burial sites is now

at an amazing 653 thanks to these tireless efforts. Remember we knew of less than five 13th Kentucky burial sites when we formed this camp. I have to say, working with Larry and Steve on these individual projects every day for the past few weeks, it's so exciting and rewarding to finally unlock these hidden mysteries of the men who served Colonel Ben Caudill and the cause of the south.

I'm also excited about a special weekend coming up. On Saturday, November 22nd the Caudill Camp will observe a really special milestone, the setting of our 600th stone. At 2:00 near Sandy Hook, Kentucky in Elliott County we will also dedicate that 600th marker for a unique Confederate officer with a very special story, Captain "Devil Joe" Adkins of the 5th Kentucky Infantry. A number of people have helped the Caudill Camp tremendously in researching Devil Joe and especially in finding his "lost" burial site 138 years after he was murdered on Main Street in West Liberty. Among those are Henrietta and Harold McKinney, our stone setting friends from Morgan County, and Jim Prichard, author and historian from the State Archives in Frankfort who will be on hand for this historic occasion.

This is an exciting time to be a part of the Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp. As camp members we are all sharing in this new found research and the marking and dedication of lost and all but forgotten burial sites of very historically significant men. This work, although difficult, will provide future generations with many missing links to their Confederate heritage and

I thank each of you for playing a role in that cause.

My Kepi & Me

(The Old General)

The Chaplain’s Corner

(Chaplain Back/Chaltas)

After witnessing one of the latest debates among the Democratic Presdential hopefuls it seems that once again we must rise to the defense of our venerated symbols.  One of the candidates made the statement that the battle flag was a racist symbol that should be banned.  Can this possibly be the same political party that our ancestors followed to war?    In Proverbs 26:20 the Bible tells us "Where there is no wood there is no fire and where there is no tale bearer there is no strife."  It would seem that some of the Presidential "wanna be's" feel that by being talebearers and spreading racial falsehoods, that they can use our symbols to further their personal ambitions.  We can stop this fire by dousing it with the water of truth. We, the white and black man, whose ancestors fought for the ideals of the Confederacy, must patiently and rationally explain the truth, thereby revealing these men for the liars they are.  In Psalms 23:5 David says, " You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Brothers we are dining in the presence of our enemies.  Deo Vindice   "God will vindicate"

Talking with the General

(Dave Chaltas)

Gentlemen, you have outdone yourselves once again! Danny Wright, Dale Wright, Steve Richardson, John P. Back and several of the ladies (including the Ladies Aids Society) were in attendance at Wildcat. They participated in the drills and re-enactments over the two days. I was given the honor of addressing the troops prior to them being sent off into battle and to speak during the dedication of the Wildcat Memorial on Sunday. Private Richardson and I camped with the Southern Guard at Ft. Dickerson. Also Wayne Watts, Steve Richardson, Matthew Chandler and I completed the Soldiers’ School at Barbourville that was held on November 15, 2003. On 11/11/03 I had the privilege of offering my reflections of Lee to the McGuire Camp at Pikeville. They were gracious hosts. Information of the Hunley and the funeral procession is available on line. I have passed out a form in which you can sign if you would like to participate. The date is April 17, 2003. We have been invited to join the Laurel Home Guard to help have a voice in the Camp Wildcat Preservation efforts. The cost is only $20.00. The Southern Guard has also asked us to reenact with them and I along with Steve Richardson, Matt Chandler, Mitch Miller, Danny Wright, Dale Wright, Richard Brown have joined or are planning to their organization. They are made up of a six state area and they will join us at our events that mean more seasoned men for reenacting and education. They are a Christian based group. General Bedford Forrest rides with them along with General Claiborne (Ken Doss-he has been selected to be over the Army of Tennessee during the Hunley activities), General Tom Doss (over most of Tennessee), Chaplain James and the Old General. To date their schedule is incomplete but will be finalized on December 6, 2003. Some of their engagements include Shiloh, Tell ford, TN., Barbourville, Munfordville, Leatherwood, Jonesville, Georgetown, Wildcat, Cumberland Gap, Wartrace, Weber City, and Greenville, South Carolina. Another fine group that belongs to the Southern Guard is the 6^th Kentucky (Orphan Brigade) that some of our men march with. I do believe that the more units we link ourselves to the stronger we become. We are also linking their websites to ours.

down Main Street and up East Main street. Most activities will be in the Hazard Clinic parking lot and in Woodland Park.

 2) There will be food, drinks, live music, and open house at many of the East Main and Main Street businesses.

 3) We will walk/ ride in the carriage in the parade. We can also be involved in the 'Christmas caroling' and picture taking that will be around the horse drawn carriages. The horse rides will be around Woodland Park (the homes there will be decorated also), originating at the hotel/ apartment complex at the end of the Woodland Park Bridge!

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 Cavalry!

Travis Cantrell Dwayne Whitaker Mike Cornett Bob Balthis

J. Webber Rick King Ross Fleming Robert Cory Howard

Wayne Watts Jeffery D. Pratt Paul Miles Barry Miles

(Down by 7 from last meeting)

Richard Smith, Bob Balthis, David Chaltas, Danny Taylor, David A. Lucas, David W. Lucas, Ken Cantrell, Travis Cantrell, Randy Adams, Dale Wright, Danny Wright, Richard Brown, Mike Watts, Adam Whitaker, Jamie Griffie, Ross Fleming, Rocky Yonts, Michael Watts, Ricky King, John W. King, , John P. Back, Wayne Whitaker,

Meeting called to order-Lt. Commander

Prayer-Chaplain Back

Pledges/Charge led by Lt. Commander

Minutes read-Lt. Commander Chaltas

Minutes accepted by acclamation

Lt. Commander Chaltas reviewed the Newsletter.

Men of the Camp recognized by My Kepi and Me series

Lt. Commander Richard Smith gave a presentation on the history of the camp and an informative scramble activity. This was the first in a series.

Motion to approve minutes as read made by David Lucas; seconded by Raymond Isaacs. Leatherwood, the Ball, Sunday services, Wildcat and other reenactments discussed. Motion to make John Peck an honorary member made by Wayne Whitaker and 2^nd by Richard Smith. Motion carried. The Old Confederate Spy will by put on the website. The Wise county Historical Society dedication/book release events was put on the floor in the form of a motion by Richard Smith and 2^nd by Kenny Cantrell: approved. Date to be arranged. Chaplain Back made the motion that $500 be set back for upcoming dues and it was 2^nd by Mike Watts. Presentations will become a part of the meetings as proclaimed by the camp. Richard Smith talked of Sue Mundy and offered scramble of the 13 Ky. Cav..

Adjourned by Prayer-Chaplain Back

Colonel Ben Caudill Camp #1629

November 2003

Call meeting to order

Pledge/Confederate Flag-Commander Sparkman

The Charge-Lt. Commander Chaltas

Scripture Reading-Chaplain Back/Chaltas

Reading/Approval of Minutes

Reading of Newsletter

STONE STORIES-Commander Sparkman

Wise County Historical Society Presentation

Appalachian Quarterly Civil War Correspondents-Richard Brown/Dave Chaltas

So you want to be a soldier! Re-enacting Orientation

Dedications on 11/22-23

Hunley Update

Southern Guard

Laurel Guard

6^th Kentucky

The need for a First Sgt.

Monument Committee to be formed-Ross Fleming

(Open floor)

Camp Concerns

Links to the Web