http://www.bencaudill.com
An empty chair now and forevermore shall sit at our table in remembrance of those that have gone before.
We welcome our guests and give a Rebel Yell to the newest members of the proud decedents of the men who rode with the 13th Kentucky Cavalry!
John ‘Hugo’ Back-Hazard
Cecil Brown and Son-Kansas
Our successful 2004 reenactment season is winding down culminating with our big event of the year the Battle of Leatherwood at the end of this month. Members of the Caudill Camp have shown good support for our previous reenactments this year including the Battle of Chavies, Whitesburg, Perryville, and Barbourville as well as participation at Camp Wildcat as well as numerous out of state events. Since our last meeting our camp has set 12 more Confederate markers in the counties of Letcher, Breathitt, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, Morgan and Wolfe. This includes 5 of Caudill's 13th men, 5 from the 5th Kentucky and 2 from Diamond's 10th. One of the most unusual stone setting adventures ever encountered by the Caudill Camp was among these 12 stones - Pvt. Henry Taylor in Floyd County whicthat to be set by boat! Member Tim Harp assisted me along with Joe Skeens and Mickey Goble in the maiden voyage of "Caudill's Navy" on a journey across Dewey Lake near Endicott and then through the woods and up a steep mountainside to mark the grave of Private Taylor. This unusual story is well documented in words and pictures on our camp website. Our own Tim Harp, Raymond Isaacs and also SCV members Harold McKinney and Bill James assisted me in other stone setting missions over the past month. Our new total is now 691 Confederate stones set and the next milestone of 700 stones will be reached soon. We currently have 15 stones on order and one of is for the recently found Captain Archelous Hammons of the 13th Kentucky who is buried in Greenbrier County, West Virginia.
Much new research on the history of the 13th and it's men has been uncovered after I made 3 trips to Frankfort and spent considerable time at the State Archives. Jim Prichard and I are continuing to discover new finds about Caudill's Army. In particular we have been researching previously unknown material concerning members of Kash's Company, the Confederate raid in January of 1865 on Snatch Creek in Perry County, and a detailed study of the service record of Captain James C. Walker, 13th KY. Cavalry, Co.F.
We have now located 684 burial sites of the 1,141 men of the 13th Kentucky Cavalry and the research continues daily with the great help we receive from our member Larry Combs. Since our last meeting Larry Combs has provided us with new information on 13th soldiers Samuel C. Calhoun, Thomas Calhoun, John Cawood, Carr Eldridge, Ephriam Hammonds, Hiram Hatton, John W. Howerton, Isaac Plummer, and Robert Wicker. He also found John C. Roberts for us in Pretty Prairie, Kansas and already arrangements are being made for a stone and a dedication! As the leaves fall and cool weather sets in, I'm looking forward to getting into the more heavily wooded areas to search out old abandoned cemeteries in our area that have been impossible to get to until now. We have really good leads on a number of our 13th men who buried in such areas.
We've also received a lot of help over the past month from Carlos Brock, Steve Bowling, Mark Carroll and Danny Taylor. Carlos works almost every day in libraries and cemeteries helping us to track down the soldiers in our area. Most recently he has been working on the 13th's Captain James Herd in Clay County and we are very close in being able to mark his grave. Steve Bowling and I work together every day on various Confederate research projects and he has been extremely helpful in sorting out the family details with the new names from Kash's Company we've added to the roster. Mark worked for us in finding some "lost" cemeteries we were considering on Swift Creek in Wolfe and Powell County and continues to do an excellent job with the website. Danny Taylor has worked together with me several times recently with a concentration on researching Confederate soldiers in Harlan County. For all those that contribute to this ongoing effort, I want to thank you. It's what the Caudill Camp is all about.
Also our camp participated on September 25, 2004 in two Confederate dedication services in Floyd County hosted by Atlas Hall and the Reed Camp. East Kentucky Brigade Commander Don Poynter and Les Williamson as well as other men from their camp joined us.
I'm looking forward to several projects ahead of us. We will soon dedicate the 5th Kentucky disbandment sign near Hazel Green in Wolfe County. We are working with officials in the Letcher County government to see a memorial stone erected to Lafayette Bentley in the town of Jenkins as well as the large Civil War monument in Jenkins, and we are planning a John Hunt Morgan's Last Raid monument to be erected in Perry County, as we did in Knott County. Commander Sparkman
This month has been one of realization. It has seen the Caudill Camp once again thrust into national prominence by our many achievements and ongoing projects. We had the honor of attending the Battle of Whitesburg, Lexington’s Round Table, Mt. Heritage Parade, the Battle of Franklin, Perryville, and Wildcat. At Wildcat we won first prize for fielding the most muskets. I was asked to speak at the memorial and was escort to the presidents. I also spoke at several schools in the state of Virginia and had the privilege of addressing several thousand while at Franklin as General R.E. Lee. I assisted in rededicating the Cranes Nest Memorial with our brother camp, the Cumberland Mountain Rangers out of Clintwood and the 37th Virginia, Company D. I have seen the numbers grow in stone settings and dedications. But most of all I realize that this 9th letter of the alphabet really means WE. For everything WE do honors each and every one of not only our camp members but also our ancestors memory. We must serve the cause with integrity, pride and dignity and never give ‘those people’ reason to doubt the southern gentleman. Our bond; the connection between the warriors of the camp is simply amazing. I do believe that the Caudill Boys would do anything for each other, which honors the memory of our ancestors that most assuredly felt the same way.
We have been asked to assist with the Thanksgiving Food Drive this year and the Tree of Hope. Bob Damron and Glenda Brown (Migrant Workers Program-633-7546) are the contact people. They need help in packaging the food for families and distributing it to needy families. The Tree of Hope is an organization that assists children during Christmas through gifts purchased by individuals and groups. We as an organization may wish to be a part of this worthy cause.
I have the honor of being,
The Old General
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 offer another salute and tip our Kepi to our own Commander Sparkman for reaching a milestone for not only the camp but for himself. To date we have set over 691 and he has been instrumental in each adventure! He has personally been involved in setting over 400 stones! Now anyone who has ever assisted in the drudgery of carrying a military marker up the side of a mountain realizes the significance of this accomplishment! Look around at our mountainous terrain and understand that this is a man so committed to the preservation of our ancestors that he and a handful of others braves the elements during all seasons to honor the memory of someone’s ancestors. Almost single handedly he has become the guardian of our heritage and history. Through his efforts we are recognized across the Southern Nation as the Ben Caudill ‘Men of Stone’ and he has won the SCV prestigious Graves Award. Ladies and gentlemen, we owe a debt of gratitude to his leadership, drive and determination. Without a leader willing to make sacrifices for the camp, the camp fails. We are now the largest and strongest camp in Kentucky and have established ourselves on a national level as well. This was achieved not be accident but by the man of the hour and those brave men of the Ben Caudill Camp. He is a man of integrity, possessing modesty in all things and a friend to all. He is a true southern gentleman and we are honored to have this man as a brother. Ladies and gentlemen let us tip our kepis and give up a hardy Rebel yell for our brother: Commander Faron Sparkman!
As of September 21 we have 100 members and still number one in the state. I would encourage everyone to continue to recruit new members and ask old members to rejoin. I would also like to inform everyone that memberships run from August 1st to July 31st of each year with a grace period to November 1st. This grace period ran until February 1st until this year when it was changed at the national meeting. Anyone that rejoins after November 1st will have to pay an additional $5.00. Kenny Cantrell suggested that we plan the Christmas dinner at this month’s meeting. Kenny also suggested the Hemphill Community Center as one possible location. Other possible locations suggested are the Carr Fork Marina, West Whitesburg Elementary and the Shriner’s Building. All suggestions for a date and location are welcome. Also remember the annual ‘Ghost Roast’ event at Fish Pond Lake. See Kenny Cantrell for details.
I would like to thank the Camp Members for their participation in the reenactment of the Battle of Whitesburg on September 19. I was very pleased with the large number of members that attended; everyone seemed to enjoy the event. The cooking was a very nice touch with several people being fed an actual campfire meal. The Civil War Practicals that Richard Smith presented was a big hit as well. Our thanks go out to the Mountain Heritage Festival for their help in promoting the reenactment. We would also like to thank the 37th Virginia and Colonel Jerry Parsons for accepting the overall command of the field. On September 25, our camp was well represented in the Mountain Heritage Parade at Whitesburg. Several members marched with the Lions Club float that was titled the Battle of Whitesburg. Volleys fired during the march definitely got the crowd’s attention. Our thanks go out to the Lions Club for asking us to be a part of their float that was promoting our heritage. Also on October 17, at least 14 camp members reenacted as the 5th Kentucky Infantry, Company F at the Battle of Wildcat, which is about nine miles north of London in Laurel County. Some of the camp members spent the whole weekend there participating. All of us were treated great and were urged to return next year. After the battle, we proceeded to the actual battle site to view the entrenchments that still existed as well as the Wilderness Road that wound through the middle of the old battlefield.
On October 23, the 37th Virginia will be hosting a living history at Pennington Gap, Virginia. Any member that would be interested in helping them out, please ask David Chaltas for details. Please plan to attend the reenactment of the Battle of Leatherwood on October 30 and 31 at Cornettsville. On Friday, the 29th, a living history will be presented to several school systems. On Saturday night, the Civil War Ball will be at the old Dilce Combs (Whitaker) gymnasium at Jeff with the band “Unreconstructed” playing. The band is out of Alabama & is nationally known for their music, having played at the Hunley Procession to the Battle of Franklin. Whether you reenact or not, please attend to give your support to honor our ancestors. Adjutant Brown
We often think of those events of yesteryear where our ancestors fought so gallantly through the day and prayed so feverishly during the night. We often reflect upon the deeds of noble men that gave their last full measure in order to save their country. We sing their laurels and praises and wish for a simpler time in which we too can just see them as they ride by. There is no doubt that if one of us should stumble with the standards, another would proudly lift them towards the heavens. But how many of us will profess our love for Christ so proudly and openly and how many will carry His banner, as He carried our burdens upon that cross? John 16:13 states that “Greater love hath no man than to lay down his lift life for his friends.” He gave His life on the altar for the World; can we not serve the Father of our Fathers with as much devotion and allow Christ to be in our Camp? God will protect us on the battlefield of life. Deo Vindice Deo Vindice (Chaplain Back/Chaltas)
Commander Chaltas
I greatly appreciate your concerns on this matter and I appreciate the fact that the camp executive council took the time to consider this matter and correspond with me.
Let me give you a little background on this issue so you can better understand what we are dealing with. First, let me point out a misunderstanding in your basic letter. You stated, in part: "Early response from Caudill Camp members reflects much dissatisfaction with the requirement to renew membership by November ".
Technically, dues (or "per capita taxes") are due August 1. This is not very clear in the Constitution, but this is the way it has been for decades. What changed at the convention was the date at which a member becomes automatically suspended for non-payment of dues. This was moved from Feb. 1 (i.e., six months in arrears) to Nov. 1 (i.e., three months in arrears). This was done primarily because of the large amount of money (particularly for unpaid issues of the Confederate Veteran) that was being wasted on members who were delinquent and continued to receive benefits, but then did not renew when the six months period was up. Reducing the time of delinquency from six months to three months greatly reduces that cost factor. I realize this date is widely misunderstood, but the actually per capita taxes due date has not changed in many years.
Many attempts have been made over the years to "fix" the problem of dues collection. My proposed amendment at the 2004 convention to prorate the 2nd year dues was only the most recent -- I can think of at least 4 or 5 other solutions that were offered, going back to 1993. All have been voted down by the conventions. There is widespread agreement that something needs to be done to make the dues collection system more equitable, but there is no agreement on what should be done and all attempts have failed. The requirement for a 2/3rds majority to ratify any amendments is a very high hurdle and most proposed amendments fail for this reason. Many of the "old-timers" are very resistant to changes in the dues system, viewing it as an attempt to make the adjutant's job more difficult, or as a "power grab" by National. If you were at the convention this year, you heard some of these objections when my amendment came on the floor. There is another factor: many camps -- perhaps as many as 25%-- routinely vote "no" on all amendments. I have never understood this, but it is a fact.
Your suggestion for year-round recruitment, which would require central collection of dues and a "birthday" or subscription-date of collection (much as magazines do now), would be an excellent solution to the problem, but this has also been tried and failed.
What is clear is that any change to the dues system is going to require a massive "sales job," with proponents going from camp to camp and convincing members that their new system is the best and should be passed at the next convention. Right now, I don't know anyone who has the time and wherewithal to handle such an assignment.
I wish I had a better answer to the situation, but that is where we are now. Any suggestions for resolving this dilemma would be greatly appreciated.
God Save the South.
Denne A. Sweeney; Commander-in-Chief; Sons of Confederate Veteranscic@scv.org "What would General Lee want us to do?"
“It is said slavery is all we are fighting for, and if we give it up we give up all. Even if this were true, which we deny, slavery is not all our enemies are fighting for. It is merely the pretense to establish sectional superiority and a more centralized form of government, and to deprive us
of our rights and liberties." General Patrick Cleburne
"There are few, I believe, in this enlightened age, who will not acknowledge that slavery as an institution is a moral and political evil. It is idle to expatiate on its disadvantages. I think it is a greater evil to the white than to the colored race." - Col. Robert E. Lee, USA – Dec. 27, 1856
"I came here as a friend...let us stand together. Although we differ in color, we should not differ in sentiment." - LT Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, CSA, Memphis, Tennessee - July, 1875
"...before one single negro or mulatto was mustered into the U. S. service you had them organized in arms in Louisiana. You had Indians and half-breed negroes and Indians organized in arms under Albert Pike, in Arkansas. Subsequently negroes were captured on the battle-field at Antietam and delivered as prisoners of war at Aiken's Landing to the Confederate authorities, and receipted for and counted in exchange." - FEDERAL OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series
2, vol 6, Part 1 (Prisoners of War) p. 17-18
"History is the lies agreed upon by the victors." Napoleon Bonaparte
Opening Prayer-Chaplain Back
Meeting called to order-Commander Sparkman
Pledges/ led by Commander
Unknown Confederate Soldier-Adjutant Brown
Scripture Reading-Chaplain Back
Recognition of Guests
Jason Adams made a motion and seconded by adjutant Brown to accept Minutes as read Approved by acclamation Newsletter reviewed
NEW BUSINESS
Adjutant Brown gave information on the Battle of Whitesburg.
Chavies Reenactment
Upcoming Whitesburg/ChaviesWildcat reenactments & dedications discussed by Richard Brown
Camp T shirts discussed by Jason and approved
Kash’s Co. data discovered in Frankfort-Commander Sparkman
Monument report given
Morgan Monument Discussed & approved to be placed at Homeplace Clinic
New members introduced:
Adjourned with closing prayer
October 21, 2004
Agenda
7:00
Call meeting to order-Sgt. At Arms
Introduction-Commander Sparkman
Prayer-Chaplain Back
Pledge/Confederate Flag-Commander Sparkman
The Charge-Volunteer
Scripture Reading-Chaplain Back
Welcome and recognition of guests-East Kentucky Blacksmith Association
Reading/Approval of Minutes/Newsletter
Newsletter Review/My Kepi and Me-
Adjutant Report-Brown
New Business
Comments/concerns on Leatherwood
Thanksgiving Food Drive & Tree of Hope
East Kentucky Blacksmith Association update-Richard Smith/John Back
Adopt A Highway Project
Commander’s Corner Comments:
5th Kentucky, Company F Applications (recruitment!)
Marking historical sites-Hazel Green/Wolf County Projects
Monument Committee Status Report-Rokie Frazier
Open Floor
Adjourn by Prayer