News from the Camp

 

September 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

 

The General’s Dispatch

 

Gentlemen, let us take a moment and reflect upon the accomplishments of the month.  I am in awe of our endeavors.  The Jenkins event was well attended and the boys were exceptional.  Thanks to all and special thanks to all those that worked towards making the event grand.  The church service was excellent along with the dedication of the Virginia flag at the Gap was spectacular.  The event was so much fun, as brother fought brother.  All went away blessed.   Lincoln Memorial University offered a grand 1st year event honoring our heritage.  The church service was sensational as well as the venue.  The Battle of Saltville witnessed a young man from Australia that came over 17,000 miles to be baptized, commit himself to the Lord.  The Battle of Richmond was another milestone that offered yet another opportunity to share our heritage.  To date, over 5,000 stickers supporting Confederate History Month have been given to audiences.  The dedications this month have all went well and the total is up to 369.  But the wonderful news is that the stone men have been at hit, making the total jump from 906 to a total of 937!  Congratulations to all, especially Faron Sparkman, Carlos Brock, Willis Strong, Manton Ray Cornett, and Steve Bowlin!  You make us proud!   I presented to the Jenkins Council and well as the Letcher County Fiscal Court.  I have attached the letter for your review and knowledge.  I have also corresponded with state representative Leslie Combs regarding our ongoing project on the mountain.  That letter is also attached.  The South Carolina flagpole still awaits a team to set her.  The men of West Care have dug the hole.  I would like to propose that we make West Care honorary members for their outstanding dedication and work on the monument.  We also have our statue of a Confederate soldier in and we need to make a base for him to guard the gap. Danny Taylor & Quinten Childers (serving as his adjutant) will fill the position of the Quarter Master.  We need to begin looking at next year’s events and what we can obtain to sell for our camp.  T shirts, stickers, books, and/or any suggestion that you have would be appreciated. With sacred principles to maintain, I remain your obedient servant. Old General Laus Deo

 

Upcoming Events:-September 21-23, 2007-Battle of Morristown, between Morristown and Russellville on N11 (Bethesda Church), Contact Mike Beck; September 29-30, 2007-Battle of Mills Springs, Nancy, Kentucky; http://www.millsprings.net/2007nat_reenact.htm National October 1, 2007-Folk Feast, Living History, Hidden Drive- Artisan Center; Jenkins, Kentucky; contact Ked Sanders@ 855-4122 October 6, 2007-4-6:30; Dedication at Campbell’s Branch Elementary; 633-0014; 438-2582; 853-7730 pager October 12, 2007-Lee Chapel, Lexington, VA.; Middle Creek Living History: Contact: carpe_noctis05@hotmail.com; October 13-14, 2007-Battle of Blue Springs, Mosheim, Tennessee.

 

The Adjutant’s Desk

September 20, 2007

 

The Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp No. 1629 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans currently has 81 members.  It is now time to renew your membership.  The cost is $30 ($20 for Nationals and $10 for State) until November 1st, after that, the cost will be $35.  Please try to get your money in as soon as possible. The re-enactment at Saltville was considered a success though numbers were down this year.  The heat and cost of gasoline is given credit for the lower numbers.  The Caudill Camp was represented by several of its members.  I would encourage all members to attend or participate next year as most of us had ancestors that fought in this battle. 

 

The re-enactment at Jenkins was considered a success.  Though it was considered a skirmish, between 40 and 50 men showed up in uniform as well as two cannons, the Caudill Camp cannon crew and Wayne Whitaker’s crew.  The fighting from behind fences, trees and rocks depicted an accurate view of what mountain warfare would have been.  Several people that observed the skirmish stated that they enjoyed it very much.  Quenton, Kenny, Larry, Garland and everyone else who helped with the meal and with event deserve a round of thanks.  Everyone that ate could not believe what good food it was.  The donation box that Quenton made contained $90 at the end of the event.  I believe that is the most ever donated to the camp at an event.  The camp was well represented and I would like to thank everyone that attended and participated.  The hard work paid off in my opinion.  Hopefully, this fall, the camp could meet at the site and walk the portion of the old Fincastle Trail that is still surviving.  I am sure metal detectors would be a welcome commodity.   The re-enactment at Barbourville had the largest crowd since the event started.  The Caudill camp was well represented with several members present to watch or participate.  The new site is very large and event friendly.  Don’t forget that Wildcat and Leatherwood will soon be coming up in October. 

 

The grass and weeds have been cut and the garbage hauled off at the Pound Gap Monument.  The hole for the South Carolina flagpole has been dug as well.  The search for a concrete cannon to place at the monument is still going on. If anyone has any idea where to obtain one, please let me know.  The concrete Confederate infantry soldier is ready to place at the site.  A concrete pad needs to be poured and block laid to raise the soldier up high.  I believe facing him overlooking the gap would be appropriate but would like to hear other ideas as well. Maybe we could have a working at the monument where we could clean up the area, set the flagpole and set the soldier figurine.  The Wise County Library has an exhibit of photos taken during the re-enactment of Gladesville.  They sponsored a contest for best picture (different categories).  There are several that show members of the camp, especially the cannon and crew.  There are dozens of photos and all are of great quality.  Honoring the Memory of our Ancestors, I remain your Adjutant, Richard G. Brown

Chaplain’s Comments

It was so good to see so many of my brothers from the Ben Caudill Camp at the Battle of Barbourville this weekend.  It was one of the best times that I have had.  You could feel the peace of God. It was like one big happy family.  God was with us at the church service.  Anyone that missed it missed one of the best services that I have ever attended. The lord blessed us all that day.  I will never forget, Jenkins either.  It was great!  Everyone had tons of fun, and the meal was great.  My hat is off to the ladies who fixed it.  The Caudill camp is known not only in Kentucky but all over the world!  Think about it.  God bless Dixie, as we for Dixie.  Chaplain Tabby Back

Prayer Line

 

Let us remember the family of John Peck.  Let us rejoice in that Colonel Ray Adkins is cancer free!  Continue praying for Gary Holt, David Maynard, Carlos Brock, Willis Stong’s wife and family along with Manton Ray Cornetts.  “Doc” is at the UK hospital with some serious health problems.  They think he had a stroke and has a soft substance in his stomach.  Please pray for our special friend.  Mrs. Bailey Jones (Geneva) asked for prayers for their family.  She lost her mother this week.  All the family came to Barbourville after the funeral.  Please pray for a young lady named Bridgett.  She is having serious health problems and is concerned with about her two children.  As for unspoken prayers to be answered, as our God knows our needs prior to asking.  Pray for our beloved Cliff Howard (President Davis).  Remember to pray for Big Tree and his father, Mrs. Cantrell, Puddin and others that give of their time as living historians.  Let us remember Captain Terry Hunt, as his family mourns the loss of loved ones.  Pray for all the infirmed, those alone and needing the touch of the Master’s hand, as well as our troops that guard freedom’s door.  Pray for the unity of the camp and that in all things we work for the glory of God and with a humbled spirit. Chaplains of the Confederacy

 

Trivia Questions

 

  1. What popular vice was outlawed by the Virginia legislature in December of 1863?
  2. Why did Union soldiers pour sorghum syrup down the organ pipes of a church during Sherman’s march through Georgia?
  3. How did the town of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, respond when General Jubal Early demanded $500,000 not to burn the town?
  4. Why was it an important goal of the Union commanders to attack and destroy the towns of Saltville and Wytheville, Virginia?
  5. What were New Orleans citizens forced to do, under threat of being expelled from the city?
  6. What substance was destroyed by Richmond officials in order to avert total chaos in the city when it was occupied?
  7. What southern city grew from 40,000 to 140,000 in about 18 months?
  8. What city did General Jubal Early menace to draw Union soldiers away from Richmond?
  9. How many miles separated the Confederate capitol from the Union capitol?

      10.  During the war, Kentucky had two state capitols, name them.

 

Bluegrass Confederate-Guerrant’s Diary

Saturday, July 12, 1862

Base of Clinch Mountain near Saltville, Virginia

 

Started to Brigade (5th Kentucky Infantry) at 8 AM this morning.  Got to Infantry Camps (1 mile below Liberty) about 1 PM .  Found W (illegible) and Pat Ewing there.  They say the southern people of Kentucky are perfectly enslaved.  Neither talk, act nor ride about.   Boyle is a sore “boil” to them.  In the morning came up to Major Higginbotham’s and staid all night.  General Williams here to supper.   Says “he was born in Kentucky.  Defense of Virginia perfectly grand!”  Proclaimed his anathema against Kentucky!  Bought me a nice pair of sewed boots of Thos Henry, cost $20.  Shoes new cost $12 to $1

 

"A people separated from their heritage are easily persuaded". Karl Marx 5, boots $25 to $35.

 

Funny Incidents during the War

 

1.During the Valley Campaign, General Stonewall Jackson’s Confederate Brigade (Stonewall Brigade) found their progress blocked by a small river, too deep to ford.  General Jackson ordered his engineers to design and build a bridge to cross the river.  He then turned to the wagon master and informed him that it was imperative that the wagon train and army cross the river as soon as possible.  Several men were soon enlisted to gather logs, rocks, fence rails and whatever else might be fashioned into a makeshift bridge.  Shortly before dusk, the wagon master proudly reported to the general that the wagons and artillery had crossed the river.  Stonewall expressed his appreciation and asked where the engineers might be found so he could thank them.  The engineers, the wagon master replied, were still in the tent drawing up plans for a bridge.

 

2. While stationed in western Kentucky during the war, General Grant received an invitation from some of his friends that were lawyers across the river in Illinois.  The invitation noted that the lawyers were having a drinking party at a local hotel.  Grant accepted the invitation and arrived at the hotel to find the lawyers all gathered around the stove with their feet propped up to it.  One of the lawyers spoke up and said “You look like you’ve gone through hell to get here”.  When Grant agreed to the statement, another lawyer laughed and said what was hell like.  Grant looked at him for a moment and said “just like here, all the lawyers are closest to the fire”. 

 

Answers to Trivia Questions

 

  1. Gambling, which was running rampant in Richmond.
  2. The church was using the sounds of the organ to signal Confederate forces about Union activities.
  3. They could not come up with the money, so therefore, General Early burnt the town.
  4. Saltville was the prime source of salt for the Confederacy and Wytheville was the same for lead, which was used to make bullets.
  5. Swear allegiance to the U.S.  This was common practice in Union occupied areas.
  6. Whiskey, which was poured down the gutters.  People who were known to have drank out of the gutters were referred to as “gutter rats”.
  7. Richmond, Virginia
  8. Washington, D.C.
  9. Only 100 miles.

      10. Frankfort was the Union capitol and Bowling Green was the Confederate one.

 

Congratulations Compatriots! 

936 Stones Set with 369 Dedications!!

 

Welcome Compatriots!

Honorary Membership

Carol Campbell

Duane Roop

Evelyn Smith

West Care Staff and Clients

 

Executive Council Meeting

 

Conducted via Internet

     Richard Brown, David Chaltas & John P. Back

September 18, 2007

 

Agenda developed

Upcoming events (Morristown, Dedications, living history)

Membership Drive

Expenditures:

Appalachian Monument=$300.00

C.K. reimbursement=$50

Webmaster=$60.00

Donation in support of Jefferson Davis Park

 

Pound Gap Project Progress

Confederate Statue to be set

South Carolina flagpole

Letters to Fiscal Court and State Rep.

 

Support the following candidates for honorary membership into the Camp

Carol Campbell

Duane Roop

Evelyn Smith

West Care Staff and Clients

 

Colors across the Commonwealth

Presentation: Author Anthony Hawkins,  The Savage Fury

 

Minutes

August 16, 2007

 

The monthly meeting of the Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp No. 1629 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans was held on August 16, 2007, at the Letcher County Vocational School.  Members present were: Danny Taylor, Tim Blair, Leathan Whitaker, Okie Blair, Quenton Childers, Garland Kiser, Larry Kiser, Tabby Back, Roger Hall, Wayne Whitaker, Richard Brown, Danny Wright, Eric Dixon, Wayne Watts, David Chaltas, and Sam Hatcher.

 

Wayne Watts called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.  David Chaltas led the Salute to the Confederate Flag.  Tabby Back opened with prayer.  Tabby presented the Chaplain’s comments, read scriptures and took prayer request for the following people; Burl Blair (prostate cancer), Marshall Davidson family, Willis Strong and Manton Ray Cornett’s wives, Mitchell Caudill, the six coal miners in Utah, Orson Jenson, Carlos Brock’s wife, David Chaltas’ brother, John, and unspoken request.  Commander Chaltas led the prayer request.  The Ancestor Roll Call was given.  It was announced that a quorum was present and noted.  Richard read the minutes from the July meeting, which were accepted by vote.  Commander Chaltas noted that the camp had won two awards at the National Convention, stone setting and chaplain work.  Big Sand Commander, Sam Hatcher, gave a report on the National Convention.  He also told about the CSS Alabama sailor ceremony at Mobile, Ala.  The dues will increase by $10 in 2008.  The next National Convention will be held in Concord, N. C., and the registration will be $65.  The dues increase may be revisited at the Concord meeting.  He also announced that now would be the time to pay for a life-time membership as it is now $500 but will be $750 next year.  Commander Chaltas gave the Commander’s Report and encouraged recruiting.  He also encouraged the camp members to support the Jenkins Skirmish reenactment.  Wayne Whitaker announced that he would be bringing his cannon to Jenkins but would need some cannon fuses.  Roger Hall announced that at the Jenkins Cleanup Day, any organization participating would receive $400 or individual $5 per hour.  The time will be from 7 am to 1 pm (meet at the City Park).  Tabby asked what the budget for public relations for advertisements and other things associated with it.  Commander Chaltas will talk with him about that.  Danny Taylor made a motion to make the 149th MTN Warrior Infantry Regiment of the KY National Guard, Tim Kelly, Rhonda Robertson, Kathy Marshall and Ben Sewell Honorary members of the camp, Wayne Watts seconded, motion passed.  Sam Hatcher said that he had talked to the editor of the Confederate Veteran magazine and was told that there was a large backlog of pictures and articles to be put in the magazine from the Army of the TN.  He said to give any pictures to Ben Sewell for entry.  Tabby announced that when he vacationed in Gettysburg recently, he saw the 4th of July parade showing the Confederate marchers on the Chamber of Commerce TV station channel (great publicity).  Richard Brown presented the Trivia Questions.  Commander Chaltas announced that the camp owed Appalachian Monument $300.  Danny Taylor announced that the printing company said that it would cost $8 per member to make t-shirts (maybe $10 for non-members).  Tabby made a motion that the words 10th KY Mounted Rifles and 13th KY Cavalry be on any new t-shirts, Garland seconded, motion passed.  It was noted that five copies of Confederate Kin were to be ordered (the camp was to reimburse Commander Chaltas for purchasing the books).  It was noted that the camp owes Mark Carroll $60 for the website.  Danny made motion that the camp donate $60 to Jeff Davis Park in Oregon, Wayne seconded, motion passed.  Commander Chaltas will attend the Letcher County Fiscal Court to ask that the lane leading to the Gap Monument be named Davis-Lincoln Avenue.  Tabby announced that the 5th KY re-enacting group meeting scheduled for August 22 had been canceled.  Commander Chaltas closed the meeting with the showing of the documentary on the Battle of Shiloh.  The next meeting will be September 20th at the Letcher County Vocational School at 6:30 pm.

 

Agenda

September 20, 2007

 

Call Business meeting to order-Sgt. At Arms Watts

Prayer-Chaplain

Pledges

Scripture Reading-Chaplain Tabby Back

Ancestral Roll Call-All members

Welcome-Recognition of new SCV, Honorary & Associate Members

 (HAND OUT:  Membership Applications)

 

State if there is a Quorum present

Reading/Approval of Minutes-camp member

Commander’s Comments

 

New Business

 

Vote on Members: 

Honorary Members recommendation

Carol Campbell

Duane Roop

Evelyn Smith

West Care

2nd Lt. Commander & Quartermaster Position

Dedication:  EVENT Calendar

 

Open Floor

 

ü      Events Committee-Report on Status of 2007 events:  August 26th, 2007-Jenkins

ü      Setting South Carolina Flagpole and Statue on the mountain

ü      Suggestion by Wayne Watts to march in Mountain Heritage Parade

ü      Trash Pickup at Pound Gap-set date

ü      Confederate Kin-ISBN=$150.00----check needed to apply…

ü      Iron Cross from S.C.!

ü      Scholarship award-Use of account for gathering of the License tag money…

ü      PRESENTATION:  Anthony Hawkins:  The Savage Fury

ü      Trivia-Richard Brown

Adjourn by Prayer