http://www.bencaudill.com

I begin by expressing my desire to complete the 6^th panel on the Pound Gap monument by December of this year. I think it imperative that we get the stone engraved with the names of our brave ancestors and in place prior to that date. The great state of Virginia has voted to put up a flagpole at that location and keep the Virginia period flag flying. My dream is to continue until we have all flags of the Confederacy lining the walkway to the monument. I wish to also see the cemetery project completed by the end of my tenure. I found a wonderful website where you can post your ancestors name. It is entitled CSA Ancestor Memorial and the crest is posted on your left. The address is as follows: http://www.southernmessenger.org/ancestor%20memorial%20A-B.htm.

According to the Tennessean (dated 10/3/06), "The mayor of Franklin, Tennessee, does not want Confederate flags to be flown during a commemoration of the upcoming 1864 Battle of Franklin anniversary." The mayor called the flag an ‘anathema’ to some, and stated that, "His decision would likely be criticized by others." He is quite correct in his assumption that he would be criticized! Gentlemen, the time has come for action! On November 30, 2006, the Sons of Confederate Veterans are planning on having a rally upon the sacred soil of Franklin in support of our standards. I plan to march with Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia flag, beside others bearing their symbol of southern heritage and pride. Who will follow me to that hallowed ground where so many died with that sacred rag clutched in the hands? We must make a stand and recognize that our ancestors marched there on foot, fought and died there, while we can drive and return unscaved; but return as better men for standing up to such an injustice. Our ancestors are gone and it is up to us, the living, to brandish the banner before they banish the banner. With Sacred Principles to Maintain, I remain your obedient servant, Old General…Laus Deo

The meeting at E'town went well. The brigades have been split and several of the new commanders have been appointed. Sam Hatcher- Big Sandy Brigade, Rich Warner- North Central Brigade, Brad McAlpin- Purchase Area Brigade. The Position Of Heritage Defense Director is still open and so far no one has been nominated for the position. The Sam Davis Youth Scholarship Fund was discussed and it was decided that the Ky. Division would fund one scholarship. The 2007 Ky. Division Reunion will be held June 8^th-10^th in Paducah, Ky. at the Executive Inn. Room Rates are $63.00 per night. The number for reservations is (270) 443-8000.

On November 11, 2006 a memorial for Elizabeth Wirz will be held in Cadiz, Ky. (Trigg Co.). A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn Express. The number for reservations is (270) 522-3700. The Vicksburg Monument Project was discussed. Lt. Commander John Back

This is the last meeting before the deadline of October 31, 2006, of which to pay your dues. After October 31, the cost will be an additional $5 to join, which is then a total of $35. If you have not paid yet, I would encourage you to do so.

The dedication at Ash Camp in Pike County on Sunday, October 15, for Ananias Moore went very good. He was killed in March of 1862 by some of Colonel Garfield’s men that were on a scouting trip. He was not in an official regiment but was considered a part of the local partisan ranger group. Nine members of the Colonel Ben Caudill Camp attended and participated in the dedication. There was also a small skirmish before the dedication as well. A large number of Ananias’ family was in attendance (camp member, Quenton Childers is one of the soldier’s relatives). Many of these family members thanked our camp for attending and one asked for an application to join. I hope that we can do more dedications this winter. I know the next two weekends will be busy with re-enactments but possibly we could do one or more in November.

Appalachian Monument has nine more stones being engraved with Unknown Soldier to be placed at the Sandlick Cemetery. Rokie thought they would be ready sometime this week. I have supplied Faron Sparkman with a list of 29^th and 54^th Virginia Infantry soldiers that possibly could have been buried in this cemetery. Rhonda Robertson and the Wise County Historical Society supplied the rosters for these two regiments. The flags at the Pound Gap Monument have been taken down due to their tattered appearance. We are out of flags at the moment but I have ordered 12 cheap flags for $80 from a company in Georgia to try out. The camp will be reimbursing me for the cost. These flags will be in before the meeting and hopefully will be flying by the first of this week.

The re-enactment of the Battle of Wildcat in Laurel County will be held this weekend (October 21 & 22). This is a great re-enactment and I would encourage everyone to participate or attend. Also the following weekend will be the re-enactment of the Battle of Leatherwood. I believe the camp should support this event whole-heartedly as many of our ancestors fought there.

If anyone is interested in having a Caudill Flag made, I would encourage you to see Willis Strong. The flag that his sister made for me is of a high, professional quality. She is a very talented seamstress and you will not be disappointed. While at the dedication for Ananias Moore, one of the gentlemen portraying a Yank asked if our camp would be interested in helping Elkhorn City with a small re-enactment in May of 2007. I forgot the gentlemen’s name but his son always plays the bagpipes at Leatherwood. He said the plans are to close off some of the streets and have the fighting amongst the houses and streets of the town, similar to Cumberland Gap. I encouraged him to stay in touch and to possibly attend one of our meetings.

Christmas is approaching rapidly and if we are going to have a camp dinner, we should be planning it now. Regardless of where we hold it, we will need to have a date to schedule and reserve the room. Also do we go potluck or do we have it catered. I thought last years dinner was great. Adjutant Brown

Stone Total: 823 with 206 Dedications

Friends, it's hard to believe that it has been a month already since we last met. God gave all that attended a blessing at the church service held at McNeil Crossing. Four people were baptized and another reaffirmed her belief in Christ. That gave us a total of 47 for the year! . It was very special to me in that I had the honor of baptizing my son. I will never forget the look on his face when he came up from being submerged. What a blessing! Please keep him in your prayers, he’s been sick again and in the hospital. Someone the other day said to me, "God was a Man of His word." In other words, when God says something, he means it! How true this is. God made a promise to us in John 3:16. "For God so love the world He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." I know my God is a God of His word. My son now knows too. I am blessed among men. Chaplain Tabby Back

1. What U.S. Senator and future general joined up with the Confederacy but confided that he knew the South could not win its Independence?
2. What general almost bled to death from friendly fire he took at the Wilderness?
3. What inept professor at the Virginia Military Institute became one of the Confederacy’s greatest generals?
4. Who offered to resign after the defeat at Gettysburg?
5. What Confederate defeat so humiliated General Braxton Bragg that he asked to be relieved of command?
6. Of all Confederate generals, which one spent the most time in the North during the war?
7. In what Virginia battle did General John Breckinridge use local manpower, including military cadets?
8. In the battle at Brice’s Cross Roads, Mississippi, in 1864, what Rebel general did the Union commanders hope to capture?
9. What testy general was court-martialed by his longtime adversary, General J.E.B. Stuart?
10. Who was the last Confederate general to surrender?

"I must not forget our old flag — though torn & tattered & faded.  In the three days of fighting, although about 18 inches was torn off the end & lost — there is fifteen bullet holes through the flag & three through the staff — & besides this a large rent made by a piece of a bomb. Three color bearers were shot down & the fourth now carries it. If I should live through the war I would want no brighter monument than this faded flag to decorate my parlor walls — (Provided I ever have a parlor)."    James C. Bates CSA

"You do not propose to enter into our States, you say, and what do we complain of?  You do not pretend to enter into our States to kill or destroy our institutions by force.  Oh, no... You propose simply to close us in an embrace that will suffocate us... The day for adjustment has passed... We desire, we beseech you, let this parting be in peace... you can never subjugate us; you can never convert the free sons of the soil into vassals, paying tribute to your power; and you never, never can degrade them to the level of an inferior and servile race. Never! Never-" Senator Judah P. Benjamin of Louisiana statement on compromises

"If it is a crime to love the South, its cause and its President, then I am a criminal. I would rather lie down in this prison and die than leave it owing allegiance to a government such as yours." Belle Boyd

"The rank and file were chiefly farmers and small merchants, comparatively very few were owners of slaves; but they were all descended from ancestors whose fortunes and blood had been freely spent in the war of the revolution; they volunteered in obedience to the call of their state to resist invasion; they came with a firm determination to do their full duty." Captain William. H. S. Burgwyn, 35th Regiment, North Carolina Troops

"The Confederate flag is not a symbol of racism…the flag does not offend me personally.   I grew up in the South – in Texas, That flag doesn't represent anything other than regional pride. It's a time of our history that we just can't erase." Laura Bush 

"The Northern onslaught upon slavery was no more than a piece of specious humbug designed to conceal its desire for economic control of the Southern states." Charles Dickens, 1862

"The sole object of this war is to restore the union. Should I become convinced it has any other object, or that the Government designs using its soldiers to execute the wishes of the Abolitionists, I pledge you my honor as a man and a soldier I would resign my commission and carry my sword to the other side." General U.S. Grant  

"You have no right to ask, or expect that she will at once profess unbounded love to that Union from which for four years she tried to escape at the cost of her best blood and all her treasure. Nor can you believe her to be so unutterably hypocritical, so base, as to declare that the flag of the Union has already surpassed in her heart the place, which has so long been sacred to the 'Southern Cross.' " General Wade Hampton 

"If I ever disown, repudiate, or apologize for the Cause for which Lee fought and Jackson died, let the lightnings of Heaven rend me, and the scorn of all good men and true women be my portion. Sun, Moon, Stars, all fall on me when I cease to love the Confederacy. 'Tis the cause, not the fate of the Cause, that is glorious!"   --Major R.E. Wilson, CSA

Sorrowful Retreat out of Kentucky after Perryville

Friday, March 14, 1862

Lebanon, Russell County, Virginia

Generals Pillow and Floyd both suspended from their office on charges relating to the Fort Donelson fight. (These two generals abandoned their men) Captain Witcher (34^th Virginia) from Louisa Ford came to Headquarters today. The Federal Cavalry had come up to 8 miles of Pound Gap and killed or captured Jerry Osborne and others. (This is the fight that Ananaias Moore was killed and four of his sons captured) The incorrigible Menefee had a fight with the Federals in Floyd County also.

1. Kentuckian, John C. Breckinridge
2. General James Longstreet
3. General Thomas Jackson
4. General Robert E. Lee
5. Chattanooga, Tennessee
6. General John Hunt Morgan
7. The Battle of New Market, May 15, 1864
8. General Nathan Bedford Forrest
9. General William "Grumble" Jones

10. Cherokee General Stand Watie, June 23, 1865

Colonel Ben Caudill Camp #1629

Box 1102

Whitesburg, Kentucky 41826

Gentlemen, I have the honor of submitting the following financial report for your review.

Statement Balance as of October 19, 2006 $2,325.93

7/28/06 Ck #1042 Post Office Box 50.00

9/06/06 Ck#1043 Richard Brown (Flags) 80.00

Total Withdrawal for month $130.00

General Fund Balance $1,818.83

Members Present: David Chaltas, Richard Brown, Garland Kiser, Rhonda Robertson, Wise Historical, Nancy Clark Brown, Wise Historical, Ganell Marshall, Wise Historical, Carlos Brock, Willis Strong, Manton Ray Cornett, Quenton L. Childers, Tabby Back, Raymond Isaacs, Johnny Pearl Back, Danny L. Wright, Dale Wright, Dewayne Blair, Wayne Watts, Gary Begley, Leathan Whitaker

The August meeting was held at Letcher County Education Center, located in the Vocational Building. Carlos Brock called the meeting to order. Chaplain Back led prayer. Lt. Com. Back lead Pledge of Allegiance. Com. Chaltas lead Confederate Pledge. Ringing of bell for deceased by Lt. Com. Back. Introduction of guests, Rhonda Robertson, Nancy Brown, Ganell Marshall (Wise Historical Society) Row Call of Ancestors. Chaplain Tabby Back gave scripture reading and request for prayers. Quorum noted. Commander Comments by Com. Chaltas. John Back made motion to accept last minutes, Danny Wright seconded, motion passed. Rhonda Robertson et al told about the planned Battle of Gladeville for July 6 & 7 of 2007. The town of Wise and the county are supporting it. A Ball will be held on the night of July 6. On July 7, the Rebels will be holed up in the Courthouse and fight until captured, battle at 2:00 P.M. Possible battle of Cranesnest on the 8^th. J.J. Kelly heirs may donate plot for monument to soldiers that died in Wise hospital during the war (graves now covered by subdivision). Also dedication of Wise Cemetery, lots of soldiers buried there. They will make up 10,000 brochures to distribute, will need Yankees. Lt. Com. Back to attend Division meeting at Elizabethtown. Talked about Barbourville Re-enactment, everyone enjoyed it. Lt. Com. Back talked about Tazewell’s re-enactment. Richard Brown announced that Buford Caudill doused the Sandlick Cemetery and agreed that it was the site of the burial of soldiers. Nancy Brown donated $100 to camp in honor of her husband, John Back made motion to use money to buy additional Unknown Markers for Sandlick Cemetery, Carlos Brock seconded, motion passed. Ganell Marshall announced that a dinner would be held October 7 for a lady that had been a member of the Historical Society for 62 years and invited everyone to attend, at Mosbys in Wise. John Back read Kepi and Me. Barbourville Re-enactment sent $100 check to camp for cannon participation, John Back made motion to give the money to cannon crew for supplies, Raymond seconded, motion passed. Com. Chaltas talked about LMU’s proposal about Living History and Re-enactment, also talked about bench with camp’s name to be placed at new high school, will discuss at later meeting. Wayne Watts talked about the camp sponsoring a Living History at the school this spring, cannon, tents, soldiers, etcetra. Tabby Back suggested exploring having a monument listing names of camp members that have died, possibly setting it at Sandlick Cemetery. Leathan Whitaker announced that the family of J.E.B. Stuart was buried at Saltville, Stuart’s father, Archibald, was moved there in 1952. John Back made motion that information on website should be approved by Executive Council, Wayne Watts seconded, motion passed. Danny Wright has started a website entitled "Bugle" to have quick announcements or items for sale or trade, camp liked the idea. Radio Show (Round Table) will be held October 24. John Back, David Chaltas and Gary Begley will represent camp and Leatherwood Committee. Raymond Isaacs announced that Wallace Kincer of Mayking will be doing wedding vows dressed as Confederate soldier (Capt. Enoch Webb) and requested camp members attend in uniform. Trivia Questions asked by Richard Brown, John Back got most right. Sandy Wright invited all camp members to start bringing their spouses to the meeting and they could meet as a group in another room. Camp liked idea. Gary Begley talked about upcoming Leatherwood re-enactment. Next meeting will be held at Letcher County Vocational School at 6:30 P.M. John Back made motion to send Mark Barger’s dues in to make him member of camp posthumously, Quenton seconded, motion passed. Meeting closed by prayer.

(Cancelled-talked to members via phone)

Following the guidelines of the ‘Sunshine Laws’ we submit the monthly synopsis of the topics discussed at the Executive Meeting.

Line Items Discussed

Confederate Kin-Final corrections have been made. ISBN to be discussed on floor.

Trash pickup date-Richard Brown

Robert E. Lee essay contest

Veterans Museum service for 11/11discussed and Dedication

Dedication of Whitesburg Cemetery discussed

Agenda for 10/19 developed

Website Discussed

Dues/Recruitment Drive

LMU-Danny Taylor

Certificates Nominations Discussed

New member application

Email

Call Business meeting to order-Sgt. At Arms

Prayer-Chaplain Tabby Back

Welcome-Recognition of new SCV & Associate Members

Pledges

Scripture Reading-Chaplain Tabby Back

Ancestral Roll Call-All members

State if there is a Quorum present

Reading/Approval of Minutes-camp member

Commander’s Comments

Lt. Commander’s Corner-Back

Adjutant Report-Brown

Financial Report-Lt. Commander Back

Follow the newly adapted Bylaws

Franklin-November 30, 2006

Lee Essay Contest

RECRUITMENT DRIVE

• Wise County Reenactment Presentation
• Events Committee-Kenny Cantrell-FN-Jenkins
• LMU-Danny Taylor
• Bench at LCCHS-Chaltas
• Confederate Kin-revision-Final-ISBN=$150.00
• Stone Reports-823 set with 206 dedications to date
• Dedication of Whitesburg Cemetery Monument-set date
• Trash Pickup
• Trivia-Richard Brown
• PRESENTATION:
• Auction/drawing
• Adjourn by Prayer