.…….…"News From The Camp"…….….

Colonel Ben Caudill’s Camp #1629

http://www.bencaudill.com.

2002 October Issue

The last Salute

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

Commander’s Tent

Commander Sparkman has been on the road again. His latest escapades include the rediscover of the Mt. Sterling Battlefield in which General John Hunt Morgan made his last raid through Kentucky. The battle took place on June 10, 1864 and included some of the boys from the 13th. Simpson Noble is buried somewhere upon that battlefield. Commander Sparkman also shared exciting news concerning the rediscovery of Major William Minniard’s gravesite in Virginia.

The camp now has 630 13th KY. Cavalry soldiers burial sites located, 507 stones set (up by 5 from last month) and 98 dedications. The Camp has also been very active in setting stones for Revolutionary soldiers. Anthony Hall was dedicated the on Saturday October 12, 2002. It was in collaboration with the Daughters of the Revolution and local historical society members. A cross of honor and a flag was placed at the gravesite of Ray Brashears, located at the Eddie Cornett Cemetery. Those in attendance were Carlos Brock, Faron Sparkman, Okie Blair, Tim Blair, Richard Smith, Danny Taylor and the old general. Another job well done! A gravesite dedication to the Brashears brothers is scheduled for 10/19/02.

Commander Sparkman was well received at his address during the Hazard Lions Club meeting. He talked of the Battle of Little Leatherwood. He discussed current research topics and the upcoming reenactment. Dr. Minnard again invited General Lee to speak at a Lexington Round Table discussion in November. The old general kindly accepted.

Treasures of Hills and Hollows

The annual Treasures of Hills and Hollows was held on September 25 at the Whitesburg campus of Southeast Community College. The presentation was well received and has given the camp excellent public relations. Commander Faron Sparkman presented the Battle of Little Leatherwood. Lt. Commander Richard Smith discussed the battle from the viewpoint of Pvt. Henry H. Caudill. The old general (portrayed by Dave Chaltas-editor) was the master of ceremonies and demonstrated a drum roll as well as talked of the era.

My Kepi & Me

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 tip our Kepi to Danny Taylor! Danny lives on Walters Branch at Isom, Kentucky. He is the son of the late Daniel Claydus (DC) Taylor and Jane Mallicoat Taylor. He is married to Evelyn Bailey Taylor and has one son, Jimmy Dan Taylor. Dan is a retired schoolteacher and works as a Ranger at Carr Fork Lake Corp of Engineers. Dan joined the Sons on the ancestry of Pvt. Daniel Green, Company K of the 13th in 1996. He also joined the Pvt. Ingraham Camp (Chickamauga) through Pvt. Calvin Mallicoat. Pvt. Calvin Mallicoat served with the famous 1st TN that Sam Watkins wrote about in his book entitled, "Company Aytch" http://rachelpages.netfirms.com/civilwar3.html). Calvin served in Company E under Gregg and the division commander was General Johnson. He recently discovered that his grandfather (Hiram Mallicoat) was a private in the 37th TN. He served under Bates and the division commander was General Stewart! Dan and the old general took a pilgrimage to Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Look Out Mt. to discover the locations in which Dan’s ancestor’s fought. The pictures were taken where his ancestors had fought at Chickamauga. His mother was born and raised in that area. Dan is a devoted fan of the Georgia Bulldogs. Dan enjoys the dedications, helping others find their ancestral linage, and the brotherhood that is so unique among the Sons. He is currently the Secretary/Treasurer for the Camp and is assisting in the documentary being produced about a private’s prospective of the war in eastern Kentucky. He is a member of the Little Colley Regular Baptist Church and a true friend to all. Gentlemen, let us tip our Kepis to a proud Son, Dan Boy Taylor!

Battle of Little Leatherwood

October 18-19

The Battle of Little Leatherwood is now a reality. Through the practices, we are getting a better picture of the historical events that occurred on that fall day in 1862. A brief scenario of the battle entails Pvt. Henry H. Caudill (Richard Smith) foraging across the creek with 6-10 men. They are gathering watermelons and placing them into the wagon. The Republicans are along the tree line and begin advancing but are not noticed until they are approximately halfway through the bottom. An alarm is sounded and Pvt. Caudill sends the youngest member of his party to get help and sound the alarm. The young man runs into a Sgt. (Faron Sparkman) and he sends a runner to Captain D. J. Caudill (the old general). Upon hearing the first volley, the camp becomes anxious and confused. The Captain receives the runner with the dispatch (Rick Baker) and immediately calls the men to arms. The men are busy putting getting their guns (buckling their belt buckles) as the Captain shouts out to fall in, follow him and double quick. He arrives to the creek and immediately begins taking fire from the Union soldiers. He deploys his men and tells them return fire immediately, firing at will and to make breastworks out of anything available as they can. The captain sends the Sgt. (Faron) to tend to the wounded and continues shouting out orders for his men to provide cover fire for his boys as they attempt to return to the safety of the camp. Working the perimeters, the captain maintains the men as he yells to Pvt. Caudill to retreat under the safety of the fire and terrain. Captain notes that the colors have not been brought so he orders a brave private to go and bring the flag to the front. As Pvt. Caudill meanders back with the wounded, Captain Caudill encourages the men to "rally around the flag" and to "give it to em boys". Words of encouragement are yelled out as the rebel yell continues to be heard up and down the creek bank. "How are my boys, we got to help them!" he screams as the captain begins taking more chances in an effort to rally his men. All along the line there are wounded men and confusion but determination. The battle tide begins to turn as the boys begin to rally and set up a perimeter of fire to contain the Yankees. The Captain puts down his sword, unholsters his gun, stands behind a tree in an effort to provide more cover for the men who have now reached the safety of the creek back when disaster strikes. He is struck in the hindquarters by a Minnie ball and immediately falls. Cap’n Down is sounded by the men as all available go to his aide. The Cap’n yells in pain and delirium for his brother Captain Ben Caudill. Captain Hogg (Carlos Brock) assumes command after a quick discussion with the other officers and redeploys the boys in a tactical withdrawal. Pvt. (Richard Brown) and Pvt. (Okie Blair) carry The Cap’n off the battlefield by while the Lt. provides cover fire for those wounded men that have been recovered. "No one left behind!" is the battle cry as the men in gray fade into the shadows of the trees……

In the August minutes, the details of the Camp Activity Tent were discussed and approved. The selling of chances on the quilts, knives and other items will afford the camp a rare opportunity to raise money for the cemetery projects, cement, flag poles and other items necessary to maintain our camp. Let’s RALLY round the flag boys!

The Hunley Report

A date in which we can go and be a part of history will be presented soon. As discussed at the last meeting Richard Brown made contact with the lady in charge of scheduling the Honor Guard over the remains of eight crewmembers of the Hunley. Keep in mind that the Hunley sank 3 times, lost a total of 22 men and was the first submarine to ever sink a ship (record held for over 50 years!). What an honor this would be for the camp to go and participate in such a historical event. Who will rally with me to guard those true American heroes of yesteryear as they make their last mission to their final resting place?!

 

Monthly Communications

Beginning the month of October, the newsletter will be on our web page! This will allow for those members away from here that cannot attend our meeting be kept abreast as to what we are doing. Also it will offer other camps insightful glance into our organization and broaden our base of communication with the world. If you are a member living away from our immediate area, feel free to email any information that you think we need to share with the camp. Email addresses are http://www.bencaudill.com or dchaltas@letcher.k12.ky.us.

We welcome our guests and give a Rebel Yell to the new members!

Stephen A. Brooks

Evansville, Indiana

William Gibson Jr.

Shelbyville, Indiana

Jackson Campbell

Florida

John Bliss

Oakland, California

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cap’n Down!

By

David Chaltas

10/12/02

He sent us on a mission

To gather from the land.

But under one condition;

Steal from Republicans!

Our assignment was to hold

The salt works of Leatherwood.

In October’s chilling cold

We clearly thought we could.

We heard the rifles thunder

While in the melon patch.

One of the boys went under.

A bullet he did catch.

The site of blood was stunnin’

It made our anger boil

The Cap’n came a runnin’

The Yankee’s day he’d spoil!

He ordered, "Give’em cover

While they cross the creek!"

And like a gilded lover

His temper was not meek.

"Pray, rally around our flag boys!"

"My boys are needing you!"

But as his men deployed

A bullet shot him through.

They feared his wound was mortal

As he tumbled to the ground.

Retreating through a portal

They cry out, "Cap’n Down!"