To Honor Kent County Confederates

A Dixie Day In Columbia, SC!

On Saturday, May 5th, the South Carolina Division Sons of Confederate Veterans, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Order of the Confederate Rose, Children of the Confederacy and the Military Order of the Stars and Bars will be honoring Confederate Memorial Day in downtown Columbia, SC.

The events begin with a memorial service at the Confederate section of Elmwood Cemetery by the SC UDC at 10 A.M.

This will be followed by a 3-4 mile parade through downtown Columbia around 11 A.M. from Elmwood Cemetery to the State Capitol.

From about noon to 1:30 P.M. the SC SCV will conduct a memorial day service at the base of the Confederate Soldiers Monument in front of the capitol ending with a 21 cannon salute and volley fired by the Palmetto Battalion Confederate re-enactors.

Anyone who wants to participate in the whole ceremony should be at Elmwood Cemetery by no later than 9:30 AM dressed appropriately. If you want to be in the parade be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Those not taking part in the parade should be at the Capitol by 11 A.M. and waiting. Be sure to bring something to eat and water, it gets hot in early May in Columbia.

Following the events there is the Battle of Columbia re-enactment the same day, or take a trip to the Confederate Relic Room at the State Museum.

Hope to see Y'all there!

Brother Jamie, Always on guard!

PoP,

Here is a long due Report from Reidsville.Weather for Reidsville today was RAIN! HA HA ...I had another great time in Reidsville today playing in the rain and having a good ole time at the Monument Circle. I made some new friends and had a few interesting things happen in the circle. I got to the circle just before sunrise and it looked like it was going to be a nice cool spring day. OH WAS I WRONG! Big storms came trough around 11 this morning and OH YEAH, I got wet... But hey, so what, a good shower is refreshing while flagging! I also was asked to be added into a boxing promo video as a fighter shadow boxed in the circle with me as his background. The things that happen in that Monument Circle. I also met a new Northern friend with a Southern heart as he gave me shelter in his hotdog stand as the storms got fierce. He say's although he is from the North he supports the efforts we are making in Reidsville and that the Monument should have never been taken down. He gave me a free lunch and we had a great conversation about Southern history. The sun finally came out around two o'clock and my good friends came out to see me some more. When five rolled around it was time to pack up and head to a meeting with the HPAC officers to help plan our next steps. It was a great day and Im looking forward to the next visit.

Jamie Funkhouser 11:14pm Apr 26

By All Means Celebrate Confederate Memorial Day

There was no greater mind in the 19th century than the British philosopher and historian, Lord Acton. Acton, famous for the quote, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” was not only a great mind, but a great spirit. He rejected tyranny however “patriotic” and refused the spoils of war however enticing. Acton watched closely as the crisis built up between the old Union and the states of the South in America. He was aware of the various economic, political and moral issues—including slavery—but nonetheless, cast his lot with the South. After the war, he wrote the following to General Robert E. Lee:

"I saw in States' rights the only availing check upon the absolutism of the sovereign will, and secession filled me with hope, not as the destruction but as the redemption of Democracy...Therefore I deemed that you were fighting the battles of our liberty, our progress, and our civilization, and I mourn for the stake which was lost at Richmond more deeply than I rejoice over that which was saved at Waterloo.”

Acton saw in the South’s struggle for independence, not an attempt to save slavery or even an effort to throw off the economic yoke of the North with its American System of crony capitalism which has become so familiar to us today. Rather, he saw an effort to hold fast to the Founding Principles upon which the original Union was established and which had long since been abandoned by the ever increasing statism and centralization embraced by the North. Acton saw States’ rights as “the only availing check” on that statism and centralization. Today see the ultimate victory of the Union in the overwhelming power of Washington, D. C. Acton believed that the Confederacy was fighting for more than its own liberty, progress and civilization; it was fighting for all mankind. Indeed, in another place, he states that had the Confederacy been victorious, it would have “blessed all the races of mankind by establishing true freedom…” As Lord Acton was contemporary to the struggle, it would be ludicrous to suggest the he had been duped, elevating the cause of the South into something greater than it was.

Yet, today no such vision of that struggle or definition of that cause is even permitted to be entertained. We are told that the South fought for slavery and tyranny and that her heroes were wicked or corrupt or lacking in sufficient wit to understand the nature of the cause for which they fought. The Grand Bargain—which for so many years allowed Americans on both sides to embrace the heroes in Blue and Gray—has been repudiated and now, all things Confederate are held in contempt. Southern heritage and history including her symbols, monuments and heroes are pronounced as unfit for anything but the ash heap of history. Yet, one of the greatest minds of the time, Lord Acton, clearly thought otherwise. Furthermore, most of what people are told about the South and its cause are myths, mistakes, half-truths and outright lies. Efforts to disseminate the truth and well documented facts are shouted down by the politically correct revisionists of academia, government and the media. No attempt is made to disprove the facts. Rather the truth is simply kept from the people. Another great mind of the 18th century, the Scottish poet Robert Burns had this to say about those who feared to advance the truth:

Here's freedom to him who would speak,
Here's freedom to him who would write,
For there's none ever feared that the truth should be heard,
Except he who the truth would indict.

For those who would reject the right of Southerners to celebrate their great and noble heritage, I say that you are among those whom the poet rightly condemns. You fear that the truth would be heard because it is you and your position that the truth would indict.

Valerie Protopapas
Huntington Station NY

Confederate Constitution on Display April 26th at UGA

By Calvin E. Johnson, Jr., Chairman of the National and Georgia Division Confederate History and Heritage Month Committee, Kennesaw, Georgia

Confederate Memorial Day falls during the month of April in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas and…

April 26th, Confederate Memorial Day, has been a legal holiday in Georgia since 1874.

The annual exhibition of the Constitution of the Confederate States of America will be displayed on Thursday April 26 at the UGA New Richard B. Russell Building on the second floor gallery Special Collections Libraries from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. located at: S. Hull Street.

Civil War letters, documents, artifacts and images from 1862 will also be displayed in observance of Confederate Memorial Day on the Campus of University of Georgia.

For more information, contact the Special Collections Libraries at 706-542-7123 or http://www.libs.uga.edu/hargrett/index.shtml

Ideal Memorial Day for Atlanta Confederates. Thin lines of Gray-Clad soldiers of the sixties were met with enthusiastic applause all along the route of the parade.—April 27, 1909, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution.

The State of Georgia has officially recognized April 26th as Confederate Memorial Day since 1874....And proclamations have been signed by governors, commemorating this sacred day of remembrance.

The 150th Anniversary “Sesquicentennial” of the War Between the States ”1861-1865” is now underway through 2015 and the Confederate History and Heritage Month Committee encourages everyone to make it a family affair and learn more about this important time in our nation’s past. See Georgia Division SCV Sesquicentennial Committee website at: http://www.150wbts.org/

Confederate Memorial Day commemorates the men and women of the Confederate States of America who came from all races and religions that include: Irish-born General Patrick R. Cleburne, Black Confederate drummer Bill Yopp, Mexican born Colonel Santos Benavides, Cherokee Born General Stand Watie, Jewish born Confederate Nurse Phoebe Pember and Cuban born Colonel Ambrosio Jose Gonzales.

Mrs. Charles J. Williams of Columbus, Georgia who was among those responsible for getting Confederate Memorial Day recognized as a legal holiday in Georgia by act of the Georgia legislature in 1874. For over 100 year’s members of the Ladies Memorial Association, United Daughters of the Confederacy and Sons of Confederate Veterans have held annual Confederate Memorial day events on or near April 26th in Georgia and other states.

Passing of Real Son

The Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the world, lost its oldest living "Real Son" of a Confederate veteran yesterday with the death of Mr. Arthur John, 106 year old son of Joseph John, 1st Sergeant, Company "K", 54th Virginia Infantry Regiment.

Mr. John was a 'Life Member' and Historian of the 'William Kenyon Australasian Confederates', Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 2160 in Australia.

Sadly, after a long and eventful life, Arthur passed away peacefully in his sleep at 7.35 am Tuesday Australian time. Mr. Arthur John was also an Australian WWII veteran in his own right, being a Major in the Australian Defence Force; in charge of the re-education of Japanese civilians in Japan, under General Douglass McArthur, after the wars end.

Many thanks has been extended to all those SCV members who were in contact with Mr. John during his last few years, sending their prayers and good wishes; by his family and son-in-law Mr. Stanley McGeagh of Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia.

His funeral will take place at W. D. Rose funeral home at 221 Charman Rd, Cheltenham, Vic 3192 on May 1, 2012 at 2 PM.

Condolences can be sent to the family by email through his son-in-law, Mr. Stanley McGeagh at smcgeagh7@bigpond.com.

SCV Telegraph

Southern Cross of Honor Ceremony

General Jubal A. Early Camp 556, Tampa FL, conducted a dramatic Southern Cross of Honor ceremony in memory of Major. David Huey Thrasher, 38th TN Infantry, on April 15, 2012 at City Cemetery in Dade City FL. Major Thrasher was buried in 1890 without his grave bearing witness to his Confederate service. Following the war, he was a founding leader of Pasco County FL. His descendents came from Alabama, Georgia and Florida for the ceremony, which featured a rifle salute and the "passing of the canteen" ritual. Early Camp was assisted in the rites by the Mary and Mollie Bell Chapter 20, Order of Confederate Rose, Tampa FL. The event garnered coverage in the Tampa Tribune and Dade City News. Early Camp, covering counties in and around the Tampa Bay area, is led by Commander Michael Herring (second from left in photo).

Virginia State Flag Day

In April, 2011, York County, Virginia issued the attached proclamation, naming April 30th "Virginia State Flag Day" on the Sesquicentennial anniversary of the flag's adoption, and as a perpetual event.

A little history on how this came to be, from Billy Bearden...

"On January 28th, 2011, media reports stated that South Carolina, through legislation, celebrated it's 1st annual "State Flag Day" and it was on the occasion of it's 150th Anniversary.

On March 9th, 2011, media reports stated that Utah, through legislation, celebrated it's 1st annual "State Flag Day".

It was about this time I did a little historical research and re-discovered that the flag of my home state was on the verge of its Birthday, and felt as a patriotic Virginian it should also join the ranks of those sacred standards whose citizens and politicians honor with a special and unique "State Flag Day".

Ours is a state flag steeped deeply in Confederate History and Heritage. Her Birth was in Virginia Secession, Her 1st four years of existence was to fly over the brave Confederate soldiers and citizens of Virginia. It was Robert E Lee who gave it original luster, flying the flag made of the seal his own Father helped to create. The motto is world famous and has endured the test of time for eons. Even the beautiful Salute to the Virginia Flag was written by a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and is based directly on the Salute to the Confederate Flag.

This is a heritage and history I wish to protect, promote and preserve.

Sadly however, I did not find any official mention of such an event from Virginia. So I began to talk it up amongst my friends and connections via email and facebook. I also went as far as drawing up a rather small proposal for an official proclamation, and submitted it to various city (Hampton, Newport News, Lexington, New Kent County, James City County, Williamsburg, and York County) and state govt (Gov McDonnell) officials.

Out of all my meager efforts, only York County replied and issued a "Virginia State Flag Day" proclamation"
Fast forward to 2012 and the Virginia Flaggers are planning to celebrate Virginia State Flag Day by gathering in Yorktown on Saturday, April 28th. We will have the original proclamation on hand, and carry Virginia State Flags in recognition of the 151st anniversary of her birth, to coincide with the Sesquicentennial of the War Between the States.

We invite all to join us and be a part of the inaugural annual event that we hope will grow in scope and support each year!

Check out the Facebook event page here... http://www.facebook.com/events/224201941017805/

Contact: vaflagger@ comcast.net for more information.

SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS!

Susan Hathaway
Virginia Flaggers

The CONFEDERATE STATE of KENTUCKY

By Bob Hurst

Just over ten years ago ( February of 2002, to be exact) the Florida Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) held a dedication ceremony and flag-raising at a site just off Interstate 75 near White Springs, Florida.The large flag being raised on the 100-foot flagpole and the monuments being unveiled represented the second site in our flag placement program called "Flags Across Florida". An earlier ceremony had been held in December 1999 at a site on US Highway 27 just south of the Georgia-Florida line which was about twenty miles north of Tallahassee. This first site was smaller and not on an interstate highway so it didn't get the media attention of the White Springs site, nor of our third state site which was dedicated in April 2009 on I-75 just east of Tampa.

What I well remember about the dedication of the White Springs site was the scathing editorial that appeared in the local newspaper here in Tallahassee. Why, you would have thought from reading the editorial that our flag alongside the interstate would single-handedly wreck the Florida economy by bringing an end to tourism in the state. The editorial raved about the terrible impression the flag would make on all those northern visitors coming to Florida to enjoy our attractions and spend their money. The editorial even asked what would people think of us when one of the first things they would see upon entering the state is a Confederate flag.

I couldn't resist responding to the editorial so I sent a brief communication to the head of the editorial board stating that most of those people would likely think that Florida was a Southern state that took pride in its history and heritage. I also suggested that perhaps she should be more concerned with the impression made on the tourists by a long series of billboards that began on I-75 about twenty miles south of our flag site that featured scantily-clad or unclad young women proclaiming, "We bare all". I wondered if she had a problem with those billboards and the impression they would make on Florida's family-friendly image. I never received a response.

I thought about all this recently when I read on the internet that the Kentucky Division of the SCV was about to dedicate a park featuring a large Confederate Battle Flag flying from a tall pole on a site just off Interstate 24 near Paducah. It always thrills me when I learn of these sites where our Confederate ancestors will be honored. This will also be a very pretty spot where visitors can sit on benches to relax or just enjoy the surroundings. Kudos to the Kentucky Division!

As to be expected, though, as always happens whenever anything concerning the "C" word ("Confederate") is involved, some of the always complaining people will complain and some elected officials can be counted-upon to deliver some smarmy, politically-correct statement denouncing the flag. Some Kentucky officials didn't disappoint. The Judge-Executive (whatever that is) of the county was quoted as saying, "There are people that view that flag with disdain. It's going to be seen by travelers, and we don't need that. That's unfortunate." Not to be outdone, the Deputy Judge-Executive (?) chimed in with, "We would prefer it not being there, of course." (By the way, there was no report of what the "Assistant Deputy Judge-Executive" or the "Associate Assistant Deputy Judge-Executive", or other officials had to say about the matter.)

The nice thing is that the park is located on private property so the SCV has a First Amendment right to fly the flag. One has to wonder, however, considering recent events how much longer in this country any of us will have that right. Incidentally, there are many other sites around the South where heritage groups (primarily SCV divisions and camps) have created these sites where our beautiful battle flag is flown.

I attended the dedication ceremony several years ago for that marvelous site in Alabama which overlooks I-65 between Birmingham and Montgomery. There is also another site in Alabama, I am told, near Mobile. I understand that Georgia now has sites on I-75, I-85, I-95 and I-16. I know there is a site in Tennessee just south of Nashville and I have heard that others are planned. When I first heard of the plans several years ago for the Kentucky site, I was told that the Arkansas Division, SCV, was also in the process of locating land near an interstate highway that could be obtained and used for the creation of a park site.

I find all of this to be good news (and exciting, also) and it all shows that there are many people still willing to "ride to the sound of the guns".

Now, I imagine that some of you reading this column were confused when you read the title because you remembered those maps from your history books that showed eleven Confederate states and Kentucky was not one of them. Well, make no mistake about it, there are many reasons why Kentucky can certainly be considered Confederate.

It begins with the fact that Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, was a native Kentuckian. Yes, I know that Lincoln guy was also supposedly born in Kentucky although there are people who disagree. (Imagine that, disagreement over where a president of this country was born...hmmm.)

When Abraham Lincoln sent a telegram to the Kentucky governor, Beriah Magoffin, asking for state troops to help fight the South, the governor responded: "I will send not a man nor a dollar for the wicked purpose of subduing my sister Southern states." Lincoln recognized the strategic importance of Kentucky and was reported to have said: "I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky."

Actually, it was the desire of the state to remain neutral and both houses of the General Assembly passed declarations of neutrality on May 20, 1861. By September of 1861 both Union and Confederate forces were occupying the state. On September 7th the General Assembly (which tilted pro-Union) passed a resolution ordering the removal of Confederate troops.

In response, a group of Southern sympathizers moved to create a Confederate government for the Commonwealth. Delegates from 68 counties met in Russellville and passed an Ordinance of Secession on November 20, 1861, and designated Bowling Green as the capital of the state. George W. Johnson was elected governor. Kentucky was admitted to the Confederacy on December 10, 1861, and a Confederate State Seal was adopted by the state on January 16, 1862.

By February 1862, Union forces had overwhelmed the Confederate forces in Bowling Green and General Albert Sidney Johnston ordered his troops to abandon the capital.The government then traveled with General Johnston's army. Governor Johnson, sadly, was killed at Shiloh while serving on active duty with the Confederate Army. The government later re-entered the state but was again forced out after the Battle of Perryville.

So there you have it. Not only was there an Ordinance of Secession passed by delegates from all over the state, but Kentucky was also admitted to the Confederacy by action of the Confederate Congress and President Jefferson Davis. But there is so much more to the story of the Confederate state of Kentucky. The state supplied to the Confederacy not only one of the most celebrated units of the Confederate Army, the "Orphan Brigade", but also provided 37 Confederate generals who were natives of the state. Among these generals were names that are still legendary.

Well-known native Kentuckians who wore the sacred gray include Albert Sidney Johnston, John Bell Hood, John C. Breckenridge, Basil Duke, Simon Bolivar Buckner, Joseph Shelby, Ben Hardin Helm, Richard Taylor and Roger Hanson to name a few. Ironically, perhaps the best-known Confederate military "Kentuckian" was not a native of the Blue Grass State but became a Kentuckian by choice. This, of course, was the magnificent John Hunt Morgan.

Space does not permit an extensive biography of all the noted Kentuckians affiliated with the Confederate Cause, but I would like to thumbnail a few.

Of the 425 Confederate generals, only eight reached the rank of full general (4-star equivalent) and two of these were native Kentuckians - Albert Sidney Johnston and John Bell Hood. Although each is historically linked more closely to Texas, both were native Kentuckians with Johnston having been born in Washington, Kentucky, and Hood in Owingsville. I think it can safely be said that the loss of General Johnston at Shiloh ranks with the loss of General Stonewall Jackson after Chancellorsville as the two greatest setbacks to the Confederate military effort during the War.

John C. Breckenridge was not only a superb military commander (his victory at New Market and his role in the Washington Raid with Jubal Early are both well-established in Confederate lore) but he was also a leading political figure having been Vice-President of the United States (under James Buchanan), a candidate for president (1860) and later the Secretary of War for the Confederacy.

I have long had an affinity for Ben Hardin Helm who was married to the sister of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln. When Lincoln offered him a commission in the U.S. Army, Helm's response was that he would think about the offer and then would do what was right. He consulted with his friend, Robert E. Lee, and was told to follow his conscience and his honor. Not long afterward, Ben Helm notified Lincoln that he would be wearing the sacred gray. General Helm was mortally wounded at Chickamauga while leading his brigade, for the third time in one day, into the face of heavy enemy fire. When told later that evening that a fourth assault against the weakened enemy position had been successful, General Helm quietly said the word "Victory" and peacefully died.

Kentuckian Jo Shelby, linked closely with the action west of the Mississippi River, is often compared with Nathan Bedford Forrest for his fighting skills, audacity and effectiveness.

Simon Bolivar Buckner declined a commission as brigadier general in the U.S. Army before being appointed brigadier general in the Confederate Army. He was a superb commander who eventually reached the rank of lieutenant general. After the War, this outstanding leader was elected governor of the state.

I cannot end this article without giving special mention to John Hunt Morgan. Though born in Alabama, he became a Kentucky (and Southern) legend. Perhaps the word that would best describe the great Morgan is "bold". His raids behind enemy lines became the stuff of legend and brought fear to the Union Army. He was also adept at destroying enemy railroad lines. His exploits were so spectacular that the Southern press christened him "The Thunderbolt of the Confederacy". He was quite a man.

Well, I think it is evident that Kentucky can certainly be considered a Confederate state and that it is altogether fitting and proper for there to be a Confederate Park, with a battle flag flying, on Interstate 24 or any other highway in the Blue Grass State. Hopefully, there will be many more to come.

Before closing, let me give a shout-out to the Lt. Col. Thomas M. Nelson Camp #141 in Albany, Georgia, and its fine commander, James King. I had the pleasure, at the invitation of Commander King, to speak at the Annual Southwest Georgia Confederate Memorial Service held each April in Albany. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with the beautiful "Confederate Park" that was conceived and brought into existence by the camp. It is also maintained by those gentlemen. The day, the crowd, the setting, the artillery unit and color guard and the hospitality all made for a splendid occasion and, once again, reaffirmed to me how lucky and happy I am to be a Southerner. I was also very impresed with the fact that almost a dozen SCV camps were represented in the crowd. Altogether, just another splendid day in our beloved Southland.

DEO VINDICE

Note: Previous articles of CONFEDERATE JOURNAL are available in book form. Articles from 2005 through 2007 are in Volume 1 which can be ordered online at http://createspace.com/3540609 while articles from 2008-2009 are in Volume 2 which can be ordered at http://createspace.com/3543269.

Bob Hurst is a Southern Patriot who has special interests in the antebellum architecture of the South and the Confederacy. He is Commander of Col. David Lang Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans, in Tallahassee and 2nd Lt. Commander of the Florida Division, SCV. He can be contacted at confederatedad1@yahoo.com

The CONFEDERATE STATE of KENTUCKY

By Bob Hurst Just over ten years ago ( February of 2002, to be exact) the Florida Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) held a dedication ceremony and flag-raising at a site just off Interstate 75 near White Springs, Florida.The large flag being raised on the 100-foot flagpole and the monuments being unveiled represented the second site in our flag placement program called "Flags Across Florida". An earlier ceremony had been held in December 1999 at a site on US Highway 27 just south of the Georgia-Florida line which was about twenty miles north of Tallahassee. This first site was smaller and not on an interstate highway so it didn't get the media attention of the White Springs site, nor of our third state site which was dedicated in April 2009 on I-75 just east of Tampa. What I well remember about the dedication of the White Springs site was the scathing editorial that appeared in the local newspaper here in Tallahassee. Why, you would have thought from reading the editorial that our flag alongside the interstate would single-handedly wreck the Florida economy by bringing an end to tourism in the state. The editorial raved about the terrible impression the flag would make on all those northern visitors coming to Florida to enjoy our attractions and spend their money. The editorial even asked what would people think of us when one of the first things they would see upon entering the state is a Confederate flag. I couldn't resist responding to the editorial so I sent a brief communication to the head of the editorial board stating that most of those people would likely think that Florida was a Southern state that took pride in its history and heritage. I also suggested that perhaps she should be more concerned with the impression made on the tourists by a long series of billboards that began on I-75 about twenty miles south of our flag site that featured scantily-clad or unclad young women proclaiming, "We bare all". I wondered if she had a problem with those billboards and the impression they would make on Florida's family-friendly image. I never received a response. I thought about all this recently when I read on the internet that the Kentucky Division of the SCV was about to dedicate a park featuring a large Confederate Battle Flag flying from a tall pole on a site just off Interstate 24 near Paducah. It always thrills me when I learn of these sites where our Confederate ancestors will be honored. This will also be a very pretty spot where visitors can sit on benches to relax or just enjoy the surroundings. Kudos to the Kentucky Division! As to be expected, though, as always happens whenever anything concerning the "C" word ("Confederate") is involved, some of the always complaining people will complain and some elected officials can be counted-upon to deliver some smarmy, politically-correct statement denouncing the flag. Some Kentucky officials didn't disappoint. The Judge-Executive (whatever that is) of the county was quoted as saying, "There are people that view that flag with disdain. It's going to be seen by travelers, and we don't need that. That's unfortunate." Not to be outdone, the Deputy Judge-Executive (?) chimed in with, "We would prefer it not being there, of course." (By the way, there was no report of what the "Assistant Deputy Judge-Executive" or the "Associate Assistant Deputy Judge-Executive", or other officials had to say about the matter.) The nice thing is that the park is located on private property so the SCV has a First Amendment right to fly the flag. One has to wonder, however, considering recent events how much longer in this country any of us will have that right. Incidentally, there are many other sites around the South where heritage groups (primarily SCV divisions and camps) have created these sites where our beautiful battle flag is flown. I attended the dedication ceremony several years ago for that marvelous site in Alabama which overlooks I-65 between Birmingham and Montgomery. There is also another site in Alabama, I am told, near Mobile. I understand that Georgia now has sites on I-75, I-85, I-95 and I-16. I know there is a site in Tennessee just south of Nashville and I have heard that others are planned. When I first heard of the plans several years ago for the Kentucky site, I was told that the Arkansas Division, SCV, was also in the process of locating land near an interstate highway that could be obtained and used for the creation of a park site. I find all of this to be good news (and exciting, also) and it all shows that there are many people still willing to "ride to the sound of the guns". Now, I imagine that some of you reading this column were confused when you read the title because you remembered those maps from your history books that showed eleven Confederate states and Kentucky was not one of them. Well, make no mistake about it, there are many reasons why Kentucky can certainly be considered Confederate. It begins with the fact that Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, was a native Kentuckian. Yes, I know that Lincoln guy was also supposedly born in Kentucky although there are people who disagree. (Imagine that, disagreement over where a president of this country was born...hmmm.) When Abraham Lincoln sent a telegram to the Kentucky governor, Beriah Magoffin, asking for state troops to help fight the South, the governor responded: "I will send not a man nor a dollar for the wicked purpose of subduing my sister Southern states." Lincoln recognized the strategic importance of Kentucky and was reported to have said: "I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky." Actually, it was the desire of the state to remain neutral and both houses of the General Assembly passed declarations of neutrality on May 20, 1861. By September of 1861 both Union and Confederate forces were occupying the state. On September 7th the General Assembly (which tilted pro-Union) passed a resolution ordering the removal of Confederate troops. In response, a group of Southern sympathizers moved to create a Confederate government for the Commonwealth. Delegates from 68 counties met in Russellville and passed an Ordinance of Secession on November 20, 1861, and designated Bowling Green as the capital of the state. George W. Johnson was elected governor. Kentucky was admitted to the Confederacy on December 10, 1861, and a Confederate State Seal was adopted by the state on January 16, 1862. By February 1862, Union forces had overwhelmed the Confederate forces in Bowling Green and General Albert Sidney Johnston ordered his troops to abandon the capital.The government then traveled with General Johnston's army. Governor Johnson, sadly, was killed at Shiloh while serving on active duty with the Confederate Army. The government later re-entered the state but was again forced out after the Battle of Perryville. So there you have it. Not only was there an Ordinance of Secession passed by delegates from all over the state, but Kentucky was also admitted to the Confederacy by action of the Confederate Congress and President Jefferson Davis. But there is so much more to the story of the Confederate state of Kentucky. The state supplied to the Confederacy not only one of the most celebrated units of the Confederate Army, the "Orphan Brigade", but also provided 37 Confederate generals who were natives of the state. Among these generals were names that are still legendary. Well-known native Kentuckians who wore the sacred gray include Albert Sidney Johnston, John Bell Hood, John C. Breckenridge, Basil Duke, Simon Bolivar Buckner, Joseph Shelby, Ben Hardin Helm, Richard Taylor and Roger Hanson to name a few. Ironically, perhaps the best-known Confederate military "Kentuckian" was not a native of the Blue Grass State but became a Kentuckian by choice. This, of course, was the magnificent John Hunt Morgan. Space does not permit an extensive biography of all the noted Kentuckians affiliated with the Confederate Cause, but I would like to thumbnail a few. Of the 425 Confederate generals, only eight reached the rank of full general (4-star equivalent) and two of these were native Kentuckians - Albert Sidney Johnston and John Bell Hood. Although each is historically linked more closely to Texas, both were native Kentuckians with Johnston having been born in Washington, Kentucky, and Hood in Owingsville. I think it can safely be said that the loss of General Johnston at Shiloh ranks with the loss of General Stonewall Jackson after Chancellorsville as the two greatest setbacks to the Confederate military effort during the War. John C. Breckenridge was not only a superb military commander (his victory at New Market and his role in the Washington Raid with Jubal Early are both well-established in Confederate lore) but he was also a leading political figure having been Vice-President of the United States (under James Buchanan), a candidate for president (1860) and later the Secretary of War for the Confederacy. I have long had an affinity for Ben Hardin Helm who was married to the sister of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln. When Lincoln offered him a commission in the U.S. Army, Helm's response was that he would think about the offer and then would do what was right. He consulted with his friend, Robert E. Lee, and was told to follow his conscience and his honor. Not long afterward, Ben Helm notified Lincoln that he would be wearing the sacred gray. General Helm was mortally wounded at Chickamauga while leading his brigade, for the third time in one day, into the face of heavy enemy fire. When told later that evening that a fourth assault against the weakened enemy position had been successful, General Helm quietly said the word "Victory" and peacefully died. Kentuckian Jo Shelby, linked closely with the action west of the Mississippi River, is often compared with Nathan Bedford Forrest for his fighting skills, audacity and effectiveness. Simon Bolivar Buckner declined a commission as brigadier general in the U.S. Army before being appointed brigadier general in the Confederate Army. He was a superb commander who eventually reached the rank of lieutenant general. After the War, this outstanding leader was elected governor of the state. I cannot end this article without giving special mention to John Hunt Morgan. Though born in Alabama, he became a Kentucky (and Southern) legend. Perhaps the word that would best describe the great Morgan is "bold". His raids behind enemy lines became the stuff of legend and brought fear to the Union Army. He was also adept at destroying enemy railroad lines. His exploits were so spectacular that the Southern press christened him "The Thunderbolt of the Confederacy". He was quite a man. Well, I think it is evident that Kentucky can certainly be considered a Confederate state and that it is altogether fitting and proper for there to be a Confederate Park, with a battle flag flying, on Interstate 24 or any other highway in the Blue Grass State. Hopefully, there will be many more to come. Before closing, let me give a shout-out to the Lt. Col. Thomas M. Nelson Camp #141 in Albany, Georgia, and its fine commander, James King. I had the pleasure, at the invitation of Commander King, to speak at the Annual Southwest Georgia Confederate Memorial Service held each April in Albany. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with the beautiful "Confederate Park" that was conceived and brought into existence by the camp. It is also maintained by those gentlemen. The day, the crowd, the setting, the artillery unit and color guard and the hospitality all made for a splendid occasion and, once again, reaffirmed to me how lucky and happy I am to be a Southerner. I was also very impresed with the fact that almost a dozen SCV camps were represented in the crowd. Altogether, just another splendid day in our beloved Southland. DEO VINDICE Note: Previous articles of CONFEDERATE JOURNAL are available in book form. Articles from 2005 through 2007 are in Volume 1 which can be ordered online at http://createspace.com/3540609 while articles from 2008-2009 are in Volume 2 which can be ordered at http://createspace.com/3543269. Bob Hurst is a Southern Patriot who has special interests in the antebellum architecture of the South and the Confederacy. He is Commander of Col. David Lang Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans, in Tallahassee and 2nd Lt. Commander of the Florida Division, SCV. He can be contacted at confederatedad1@yahoo.com

Confederate Memorial Day and it’s relevance to now!

Speech by Mark Vogl

CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY
JASPER, ALABAMA
15 APRIL 2012

Good afternoon. I deeply appreciate this opportunity to visit with you today. It was probably fifteen years ago when I decided I want to make a life goal of speaking in every state of the old Confederacy. It turned out to be a great decision. Over the past fifteen years I have had the opportunity to meet and visit with groups of people like yourself, spread over thirteen states who love the values, history and legacy of the South. There are qualities about this group of people which is evident and which has made me very proud to be a part of them

Christianity is at the heart of these groups. There is an evident belief in Christ which is at the core of the character of the Southern people. While other regions of this nation would shy away from the term Bible Belt, Southerners are proud of that reputation and do not turn away from their God.

I have come to believe that the armies of Robert E. Lee, the armies of Mississippi and Tennessee were armored in Christ. I believe it was their deep faith in God, the Christian revivals which swept through these armies which were the reason for their success, their devotion to the Cause, and their ability to endure indescribable hardships while serving the Confederacy.

We all think of Robert E. Lee as one of America’s greatest military commanders. General Lee commanded forces which inflicted over a quarter of million casualties on the Yankee invaders.

Robert E. Lee was much more than a general. He was a Christian who believed God must be a part of his life, and a part of his army.

In his book “Christ in Camp,” J. William Jones, the Chaplain for Longstreet’s First Corps, Army of Northern Virginia tells a story.

On the 17 of April, 1860, at Louisa Court House, a group of men and boys gathered.

There is a young mother standing silently, repressing her want to cry. But a tear is running down her cheek. Her son and the men of his newly formed company stand in formation, preparing to move out, and join others from around the state. Her son was only 16, and had just recovered from a serious illness. He stood in the ranks, fussin’ and fidgeting with his uniform, and trying to seem at ease with the hundred or so men around him. His cap sat atop his mop of dark hair as if it were just placed there for the moment.

Someone asks the woman; Why are you crying, aren’t you willing for your son to go and serve his state?

The woman replies; “Certainly I am! I wish him to go, and would be ashamed of him if he were unwilling to go.”

The woman went on to explain that her fear was that the army would be a place where the boy would be exposed to vice, and sin, and she feared for his soul.

Before we go further, let’s consider this incident.

Normally, I guess most folks would think of Confederate Memorial Day as concerning the boy, the men in the ranks; all those men who endured the fear, the terrible wounds, the exhaustion, and death of battle.

But for moment, let’s think about the mother; her love for her son, her patriotism in offering her son. Her belief that it was right for him to face death for the South.

What about her values? Can you imagine today, an attitude like she demonstrated? Maybe here in Alabama you can. But not in this America, not across the nation. Who would say they would be ashamed of their boy if he did not go off to war?

Her real fears being for the boy’s soul. The mother’s priorities were straight. She thought of her son, and eternity, not her son and tomorrow. She was concerned with his soul, not his mortality.

These values were not created in some Ivy League college and taught en masse in public school. These values came from the Bible, and were taught in far flung homes distant from any centralized education system. The boy and the other men were standing in ranks because of the values if their mothers and fathers. These values did not have to be contrived by some distant Ph.D. These values had a source well above Harvard or Yale.

I would assert that it is this faith in God, this willingness to live life, to make decisions, to be a family on the Word of the Bible which made America great, and allowed the South to endure against a much stronger foe for as long as we did.

Later in “Christ in Camp,” Chaplain Jones attributes the religious environment within the Army of Northern Virginia to Generals Lee, Jackson, Stuart and others who saw the need for Christian teachings in the army, and made time for it, and led by example by attending the services with the men. And, they showed their Christianity in their daily actions, and treatment of one another and the men. Lee and the others were evangelists as much as they were soldiers.

It is this Christian faith which is now being tested and rejected within our nation. We have a President who publicly denied the Christian nature of the United States. No matter your politics, it’s time to sit down and consider what a denial of Christ means, a national denial.

Confederate Memorial Day provides an opportunity to consider this. In the Confederate Constitution, in the Preamble, the Southern founders called on Providence for His guidance and protection. Our Southern nation was founded on a belief in God, and said so right in the opening statement of its Constitution!

I believe Confederate Memorial Day has a second message, one that demonstrates how important just one seemingly average person can be in changing history.

Coming to you from East Texas, I would like to take a moment to share a story with you which you may not have heard. I want to tell you about a little known battle which meant nothing to the people of Alabama, at first.

It was a battle in Texas and occurred in the fall of 1863.

Texas was way out on the western flank of the Confederacy, and was only half settled when the South left the Union. Sam Houston and some others in Texas, travelled the state speaking against secession.

Unlike all the other Southern states Texas held a referendum on the question. The people would vote. Stay or leave. In the county I live in, Upshur County, the vote was 94% for secession. Across Texas it was about 75% for secession! And so Texas was the seventh state to secede.

Now Texas had a relatively small population, no rail roads to speak of, no manufacturing, and was far from the strategic centers of the war. So at first glance it would seem there should be no reason Abe Lincoln would have no serious desire to use resources in Texas. But, that’s not how it was.

Old Abe Lincoln could read a map. He saw that Texas was the only seceded state with a border on a foreign land, Mexico. And he knew the history of Texas and that Mexico would love to recapture Texas and the other lands in the southwest.

So from the very beginning of the war Lincoln put pressure on his generals to plant a flag in Texas. Lincoln wanted to warn off Mexico, that should Mexico attack Texas there would be a comeuppance to pay when the Union came to re-occupy Texas.

Though they had a whole war to fight, the Yankee generals were poked enough by the president to take measures to place a flag in Texas. The Gulf of Mexico and Yankee naval strength provided the means to plant the flag on the coast. And in October, 1862 they captured the City of Galveston.

At the time, Galveston was the largest city in Texas and the largest port west of the Mississippi River. Taking Galveston was a real victory for the north in the fight for the Trans Mississippi.

However, the Yankees applied the principle of Economy of Force in their operations around Galveston. In other words, they did not place a large occupying force in the City. They counted on a Yankee naval squadron of five ships to be the real force in holding Galveston and the bay. After all, there was no Confederate Navy out this far.

Henry Halleck, Chief of Staff for the Yankees, could relax, the President wanted Old Glory in Texas, and it was flying over Galveston. Now on to bigger things…thought Halleck.

But, an event occurred in Virginia which would change everything. General Lee had decided that Major General John McGruder had to go. And so, McGruder was sent to command the Department of Texas!

When he arrived, McGruder was bombarded with complaints from the Texas governor about the Yankees occupying Galveston, something must be done!

McGruder would focus on that problem, develop a plan, create a makeshift navy of sorts, made of cottonclads, and on New Year’s Eve, begin the movements intended to retake the city early on the morning of New Year’s Day. The fight was over before lunch, and the city was retaken. The Yankee flag was thrown out of Texas.

Lincoln was not happy. He told his generals you have lost Galveston, and I want Old Glory in Texas! Fix it.

Meanwhile in Texas, a small company of men, the Davis Guard was sent to a rough dirt fort which sat astride Sabine Pass. This group was from the Houston area and were all Irish Catholics. Fort Griffin at Sabine Pass had six canon and it was their job to hold the fort and defend the pass. The pass was a waterway from the Gulf of Mexico into Lake Sabine.

Meanwhile, in Washington and New Orleans the Yankee general staff had concocted a new plan for Texas. They would assemble a force of 5,000 soldiers at New Orleans, and move them by ship through Sabine Pass to Lake Sabine and occupy Port Neches. From there, they would march down the railroad to Beaumont, then on to Houston. Taking Houston would cut off Galveston from the rest of the state. In one move they would capture all of the south eastern coast of Texas.

Preparations were made and in September of 1863, a fleet of 22 ships left New Orleans for Sabine Pass.

Meanwhile, at Sabine Pass the Davis Guards under the leadership of Richard Dowling, a Lt., had done much. First, they had prepared the pass for a fight by placing colored aiming stakes in the water. These stakes would help them range and hit an enemy force.

Second, they developed a plan should the enemy attempt to come down the pass. Because there were less than fifty men, and their guns were inferior to the Yankees, Dowling realized he had to preserve his men’s lives long enough to inflict damage. So, in an unconventional step he told his men to load the guns aim them at the most distant stake, and then abandon the guns for the protection of the caves below the wall, where the powder and ball was stored. Dowling and one other man would stay on the walls, watching the enemies as they approached, endure the initial bombardment, and then call on the men when the Yankees were in range.

On the morning of September 7th a Yankee ship came into view in the Gulf of Mexico and the alarm was sounded in Fort Griffin. The guns were loaded and the Confederates waited to see what would happen.

The Yankee ship was the advance of the Union fleet. But the fleet sailed by the Yankee advance without seeing her, and when they arrived at Galveston realized they had gone too far, and turned around.

They arrived on the 8th. Now, the sea filled with a forrest of white masts.

A message arrived from the District headquarters. Dowling and his men were ordered to abandon the fort if they so choose. District was aware of the overwhelming strength of the Yankee fleet and proposed to fight the battle inland.

Dowling and the forty eight Irish Catholics refused to abandon the fort, and a donnybrook was set. Should the Yankees sail into Sabine pass, a fight would ensure.

Now Sabine Pass was about two miles wide, and eight miles long. Fort Griffen was set back, maybe five miles from the Gulf.

While the pass was two miles wide, only the center, about a half mile in width was deep enough to allow passage of the large Yankee ships. So the Yankees decided to form in two columns, with four warships upfront, followed by 18 transports.

The attack commenced, as the Yankee warships, two by two, entered the pass, and began their bombardment of the fort once they were in range. The Confederates did not respond.

Firing continued from the Yankees, but when the Confederates did not respond, the commanders came to believe the fort might be abandoned, and so slowed their firing while they sailed straight up the Pass.

When the ships finally came into range, Dowling called up his men, and all six guns fired in unison at the lead ship…striking it six times, once in the rudder. That ship careened off, and drove itself into the far bank.

Reloading the Irishmen focused on the second ship, firing another salvo, striking this ship six times. Again hitting the rudder, but also the steam engine, which exploded, burning and scolding a number of Union sailors. The screams were horrible as the ship lost control and drove into the bank right in front of the fort. The Irishmen pounded unmercifully.

The remainder of the fleet, seeing the carnage attempted to reverse course and panic ensued as the Irish peppered them with shot in melee of turning about!

In forty minutes, the Davis Guard of 48 men captured two Yankee warships, more than three hundred prisoners and drove the rest of the fleet back into the Gulf where they turned and headed back to New Orleans!

Texas was saved. But more than that, 48 men had defeated and run off an invasion of 5000 Yankee soldiers in 22 ships!

After the losses at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, the South seemed in a hopeless situation and then news came in from Texas of this unbelievable victory. Spirits were raised across the whole South as the story spread.

In Richmond, the Congress is reputed to have decided to cast the only medal ever awarded during the war, to the Davis Guard!

Today’s talk is intended first to remind us of a set a values long gone, but which are right to live by. We must place our trust in the Almighty God, and we must re-establish a Christian foundation for life.

Second, a few with the help of God can do miraculous things, as was accomplished at Sabine Pass by less than fifty men who would not leave their post, even when ordered to do so.

As Stonewall Jackson said, “Duty is ours, the consequences are God’s.” There is much to do if we are going to save America, but if we look to our ancestors we have been given the path to follow. Will we live to that path?

CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY TO BE MARKED IN TAMPA, APRIL 22

Who:

Judah P. Benjamin Camp 2210, Sons of Confederate Veterans and Augusta Jane Evans Wilson chapter 2640 United Daughters of the Confederacy

What:

Confederate Memorial Day Ceremony

Where:

Confederate Memorial Park, 10418 East Highway 92, Tampa FL

When:

Sunday, April 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Editor’s notes: Photo-ops will include honor guard clad in authentic Confederate uniforms and Southern ladies in 1860s period dress. Remarks by Thomas V. Strain Jr., commander of the Army of Tennessee, Sons of Confederate Veterans. By state law, April is “Confederate History Month” in Florida and April 26 is designated as “Confederate Memorial Day”.

150 Anniversary of America’s Great Locomotive Chase

By Calvin E. Johnson, Jr., Speaker, Writer, Author of book “When America Stood for God, Family and Country and Confederate History Month Chairman of the National and Georgia Division Sons of Confederate Veterans. cjohnson1861@bellsouth.net

This year marks the 56th anniversary of the Walt Disney classic movie "The Great Locomotive Chase" starring Fess Parker and Jeffrey Hunter and…..

April 12, 2012, is the Sesquicentennial-150th Anniversary of America’s "Great Locomotive Chase" that made "The General" famous.

A re-premiere showing of this family classic will take place in Marietta, Georgia on April 12th at the beautifully restored Strand Theater in Marietta’s Historic Square.

The Georgia Civil War Commission and Friends of Nash Farm Battlefield are sponsoring Walt Disney's Great Locomotive Chase, at the Ritz Theatre in Thomaston on Saturday, April 14, 2012. See more information at: http://www.pikecountygeorgia.com/archives/2873-Ritz-features-rare-film.html

It might be showing in your town!

Our nation's most famous locomotive "The General" is now home at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw, Georgia. See more at: http://www.southernmuseum.org/2012/02/southern-museum-gearing-up-for-great-locomotive-chase-sesquicentennial/

“It’s all part of a bigger story of how the Civil War transforms”, said Dr. Richard Banz, Executive Director of the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw, Georgia in a Marietta Daily Journal story entitled “Museum Marks 150 years since great chase.”

And now the story!

Jefferson Cain, an employee of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, was Engineer of The General. At 4:15 on the morning of April 12, 1862, Cain pushed the throttle of The General and drove the engine out of Atlanta, Georgia for Chattanooga, Tennessee as a cool spring rain fell on the city. During the spring of 1862, the peaceful town of Big Shanty (now Kennesaw) was paid not so peaceful a visit by Union spies led by James Andrews, who brought with him plans to disrupt Confederate supply lines. Andrews and his men boarded the train at Marietta, Georgia. They had spent the previous night at the Fletcher House now (Kennesaw House). Twenty boarded the train while two were left behind.

The next stop was the Lacy Hotel in Big Shanty for a twenty minute breakfast break. That's where The General was stolen in full view of “Camp McDonald” a drill camp and home to many Confederate officers and enlisted men. There was no telegraph there, which was one reason Andrews chose the site.

Andrews, A Kentuckian, had made a name for himself by smuggling much needed quinine through Union lines for the benefit of Confederate soldiers and civilians. There were with him three experienced engineers, William Knight, Wilson Brown and John Wilson. When asked where they were from, they replied by saying, "I am from Fleming County, Kentucky." They also said that they were on their way to join the Confederate Army.

The official plan to steal The General was approved by Union General Ormsby Michael. The plan was to take the locomotive north on the Western and Atlantic Railroad and destroy tracks, bridges and tunnels along the way. General Michael agreed that he would take Huntsville on April 11, 1862, and then would wait on Andrews before moving into Chattanooga, Tennessee.

"Someone.....has stolen my train,” William Fuller, conductor on the General said in amazement as the train was pulling away from the Big Shanty train depot. Men of the Western and Atlantic railroad almost immediately began the chase with engineer Jefferson Cain, William Fuller, and machine foreman Anthony Murphy close behind.

With no telegraph at Big Shanty, the men ran north along the railroad tracks to Moon Station and procured a platform handcar; then went on until they found "The Yonah." The next train used was the "William R. Smith."

The last locomotive used in the chase by William Fuller was the famous “Texas” that was heading South. The Texas is now housed in Atlanta, Georgia’s Cyclorama at Grant Park. With no time to spare, the Texas was run in reverse through the entire chase.

James Andrews and his Raiders were slowed down by southbound trains that had to pass before they could continue. With the telegraph out of service, Fuller was fortunate to catch telegraph operator Edward Henderson. Fuller gave the young Henderson a hand up on the train, as it was in motion, and gave him a message for General Ledbetter that Henderson sent from Dalton.

Andrews and his men failed to destroy the bridges over Georgia’s Chickamauga Creek, Etowah River and Tunnel Hill. They also failed to slow down the pursuers by setting up the cars of The General on fire and sending them back down the railroad tracks. The end came when they ran out of wood and lost power about 18 miles south of Chattanooga.

It took about two weeks for the Confederates to capture the Union spies. Some of them made it as far as Bridgeport, Alabama. Eventfully, all 20 of Andrews Raiders were captured. James Andrews and six of his men were hung in Atlanta, eight escaped, and others were paroled.

The United States Congress created the Medal of Honor in 1862 and it was awarded to some of the raiders. James Andrews was not eligible because he not a part of the military service.

William Fuller, who is buried at Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery, was recognized by the Confederate Government, Georgia Governor Joseph Brown and the Georgia General Assembly for his act of heroism.

Learn more about Confederate History Month at: http://confederateheritagemonth.com and on face book at: http://www.facebook.com/ConfederateHeritageMonth

The Southern Movement has lost another of it fiercest warriors....

I never had the pleasure of meeting Brother Rick, we did speak by phone a number of times and E-mail often. I am not the only Southron warrior that will miss his 71 years of freely given wisdom. You will be missed Old warrior!

RIP Brother, meet ya soon.



GB/PoP

Fredrick Newell (Rick) Boswell of Opp, AL passed away at his home Monday, April 2, 2012. He was 71.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. on Wednesday, April 11 at Evergreen Cemetery. The family requests donations to either the American Cancer or Diabetes Association(s) in lieu of flowers.
The oldest son of Harry Ray Boswell and Carolyn Hamm Russ (both deceased), he was preceded in death by his oldest son, Anthony (Tony) Boswell, and is survived in death by his brothers Jon Keith and Don Ray Boswell; his children, Sabrina Boswell Darley, Sean Boswell, Nicholas Boswell, Rune Boswell, Royal Boswell, and Rina Boswell; his grandchildren Lynn-James, Erin, Geordon, Brynna, Megan and Connor Darley; Angel Boswell; Patrick Boswell; Nicholas, Jackson and Aubrey Boswell; and Kallen Boswell.


Brother Rick,

Had a way with words. He did a fantistic job debating "those people." An example below:

A Mr. J. Wister Huey III posted this comment in the Baltimore Sun:

I am one Johns Hopkins alumnus who could not agree more with the university's decision to suggest the unreconstructed Confederate sympathizers take their party off campus ("A Civil action," editorial, Nov. 21).

Two of my great-grandfathers and one great-great-grandfather served as Confederate officers.

While I am eternally grateful for the role they played in producing my grandparents, parents, sister, cousins and all our descendants, the fact is that they were traitors to their country. Were it not for Abraham Lincoln’s wise decision to put the war behind us, heal our wounds and move on, they might well have been hanged, as those in more radical circles proposed to do to Confederate officers after the war.

And now, after 143 years, perhaps it is time that we put the Civil War or what some call "The War of Northern Aggression" behind us.

To the sons (and daughters) of the South, I say: You lost. Get over it.

J. Wistar Huey III
Ellicott City

This is my posted reply:

It would be preferable and less embarrassing to him if Mr. Huey studied history and assimilated some facts before expressing his "opinions".

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and the other founding fathers were, technically "traitors" yet I imagine that Mr. Huey admires and reveres them.

Secessionists were not. There was a great hue and cry from the "radical republicans" after the war to try Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and other Southern leaders as traitors but more educated legal heads who understood our Constitution prevailed.

"If you bring these leaders to trial, it will condemn the North, for by the Constitution, secession is not a rebellion. His [Jefferson Davis] capture was a mistake. His trial will be a greater one. We cannot convict him of treason." -- Salmon P. Chase, Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, 1867.

Yr. Obt. S'vnt,

Rick Boswell

Please pray for his Family and many Friends.... GB/PoP

Is politics killing the SCV? Part I

Are liberals and Democrat compatriots dividing the SCV, and obstructing the Charge?

By Mark Vogl

Boy do I know how to stir the pot! But, the question is a real one.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans has a reputation among its members for lack of zeal in defending and promoting Southern heritage. Why? Are there people in the SCV who obstruct activities that could have an impact in the Culture war? This is the first of a two part series on the political parties, and a look at how they could be responsible for an impotent group of heritage organizations. While it will focus on the SCV, the UDC has certainly been “grannified” lately. It is the UDC that has pulled down the Confederate Flag from the Confederate old soldiers home in Richmond. So they are as guilty of political correctness as the SCV.

Our first look will be the Democrats, the liberals!

The foundations of the Sons of Confederate Veterans are anathema, contrary to the principles of the modern Democratic Party. Let’s take a look at the core values of the Sons of Confederate Veterans as prescribed by the Charge;

“To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we submit the vindication of the cause for which we fought; to your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles he loved and which made him glorious and which you also cherish. Remember it is your duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations."

Above, I have highlighted in red the present tense actions held within the Charge which are the essence of the purpose of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the actions which each compatriot is to embrace as his own. These highlighted portions are the aspects of the Charge which are contrary to liberal political ideology and the precepts of the Democratic Party. So if an individual is both a member of the SCV and the Democratic Party he must find himself at the point of contradiction. Let’s look at this more closely to reveal the paradox.

The length and complexity of this article prohibits an extended discussion of the verbs emulation and perpetuation. As you read this article keep in mind that these verbs are why the SCV exists, and what members are supposed to be doing. If you emulate values, you live them. If you perpetuate values, you bring them from the past to the present.

Vindication of the cause. In Webster’s Dictionary the word vindicate is defined as:

1. to clear from criticism, suspicion, blame, 2. to defend A cause against opposition, 3. To justify. Vindication of the cause is the mission the Sons of Confederate Veterans are given. Vindication is an active verb, it means to do something.

And this something is more than marching in parades, or going to meetings, or holding ceremonies in cemeteries. While these actions certainly honor the dead, none of those actions would clear from criticism, or defend, or justify. Vindicate is something done through confrontation. Vindicate is something done through the presentation, explanation and defense in the face of opposition. And that opposition was created through Reconstruction.

But what is the Cause? This question requires a lot of thought and contemplation. Many compatriots can’t exactly put their arms around what the Cause is, or was. Many have not taken the time to consider this vitally important question. And, there is no brief authoritative answer.

Some would argue that the Cause was simply the defense of the original meaning of the Constitution as written in Philadelphia. Others would argue that the Cause is best understood by knowing the difference between the Confederate Constitution and the US Constitution. When studied it becomes quickly apparent that the CS Constitution was much more conservative than the US.

Within the CS Constitution is:

a. a call for God’s protection and guidance

b. subordination of the central government to the states

c. elimination of Congressional earmarks

d. prohibition of bail outs

e. limits on Congressional power, vis a vis the President

f. inclusion of the Bill of Rights in the original Constitution

g. limits on the central Courts vis a vis the states.

h. Citizenship, in terms of voting and holding office were based on Southern birth.

Simply put, under the Confederate Constitution, the central government could NOT have grown into the present day tyrant of the US government.

The values which the SCV are charged to defend are conservative values. Central among these values is an invitation to God to participate in the governance of the nation. Unlike the US Constitution, and the present day United States, the Confederate States of America clearly embraced its Christianity. The human secularism of today which establishes a flexible morality within the US, would not be present in a nation where God was the determiner of right and wrong.

When one considers that the Bible Belt has been the conservative core of America through its existence, the shedding of the liberal northeast would merely allow a greater expression of this Southern conservatism.

The SCV has shied from its purpose. Its purpose is NOT to be a Southern gentlemen’s club. Its purpose is not to be a large re-enactor organization. The purpose of the SCV is to vindicate the Cause. And the Cause is quintessential conservatism. And so, to limit the SCV, to distract it from its intended purpose, some working within the SCV have constructed false limitations within its governing documents.
Aggressive activity on the part of the membership to vindicate the cause is punishable by expulsion. When the South is assailed in the Culture War, when southern state governments act contrary to their own history, it is not the SCV which steps forward to lead the fight. The constitutions prohibit “political activity” cry lawyers. But they misinterpret “political activity” prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service, IRS so that they can block appropriate activities by the SCV membership.

America is spiraling out of control, rushing towards socialism because the guardians of conservatism, the original intent of the Constitution, and those charged with the vindication of the Cause are hobbled by liberals infested within the organization. Membership within the SCV refuses to climb, despite a potential base of 40 million, because Southern patriots dedicated to the cause find no real commitment within the SCV. The grannies stay, those who want to vindicate the Cause learn they can do more outside the SCV.

To prevent an open discussion of the failures of the SCV, a kangaroo justice system which provides anonymity to accuser, judge and jury rail roads out those who would publicly address the failings of the SCV. The liberals have castrated what could be a conservative goliath in the Culture War, and they will do everything possible to use “the Chicago way” to silence or discredit those who see the conspiracy.

The SCV should be on the frontlines of the Culture War. Instead it is locked in constant internal disputes. The liberals have infested not just the SCV but institutions all across the South. At the Museum of the Confederacy a battle rages which illustrates this point. A VMI grad, SCV and MOS&B member, serving as the Director of the museum prohibited the flying of any Confederate flag at the grand opening of its newest extension! The participation of the Maryland Division Color Guard at this event demonstrates just how divided the SCV is.

The liberals are not the majority within the SCV, at least not from what I have observed in travelling to camps across the South. But many of the liberals are in the governing positions of the respective divisions. The liberals are effective operators who do not show their colors often. They work together, silently, discreetly to hobble the SCV.

Mark Vogl is a graduate of THE CITADEL, and joined the SCV in 1994. He was instrumental in forming the Upshur County Patriots, has organized several historical events in Texas, including the Road to Secession. He has many awards including the Confederate of the Year in Texas in 2008. He held leadership positions at the camp, brigade and division level before being removed from office and expelled from the Texas Division for questioning manipulation of the DEC. He has three books published, and writes a column America Today at www.nolanchart.com He is also the creator of the Confederate War College, www.confederatewarcollege.com

WAR HERO AND PASCO FOUNDER TO BE HONORED APRIL 15 IN DADE CITY

Dade City FL, April 6, 2012 – Confederate Major David Hughey Thrasher, a post-war educator and founding citizen of Pasco County, will be honored April 15 during a 3 p.m. Southern Cross of Honor ceremony at City Cemetery, 38151 MLK Blvd., Dade City FL.

The event is sponsored by General Jubal A. Early Camp 556 www.tampascv.org, the Tampa Bay-area chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) heritage organization, in association with descendents of Major Thrasher and the Mary and Mollie Bell Chapter 20 of the Order of Confederate Rose.

Among Major Thrasher’s descendents to attend will be his great-great granddaughter Sandra Parrish of Polk County.

A color guard and a rifle squad composed of Early camp members in authentic Confederate attire will perform rites at the ceremony, which culminates with a cast iron Southern Cross of Honor being placed at Major Thrasher’s grave. The grave of any Confederate veteran who served honorably is eligible for placement of this symbol.

Major Thrasher, born 1832 in Morgan County GA, was an original officer in the 38th Tennessee Infantry Regiment. The 38th Tennessee fought at Shiloh, Lookout Mountain, Chickamauga, Atlanta and Franklin among its many engagements. The unit was surrendered at Greensboro NC in March 1865.

Post-war, Major Thrasher served as 1876 tax assessor and as 1881-1882 superintendent of public instruction in Hernando County. For Major Thrasher’s leadership in the newly-established (1887) Pasco County, his was saluted as among four official “founding families” in the 1998 re-dedication of the Pasco County Courthouse. Major Thrasher died in 1890.

By federal law, Confederate veterans are recognized as honorable military service members by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

By state statute, April is Confederate History Month in Florida.

The nationwide Sons of Confederate Veterans www.scv.org, founded in 1898, exists to promote the virtues and deeds of Confederate servicemen while protecting the true history of the 1861-1865 war. Membership in the organization is open to any male descendent of honorably-serving Confederate military personnel. The SCV does not discriminate based on race, religion or national origin.

The passing of a very special Brother and Friend

I just heard of the passing of a very special Brother and Friend, "Bazz" Childress.

The South will be less strong in it's defense without this great Southron ... He could really give "those people" hell!

God's speed Bazz, you will truly be missed!

Y'all pray for his Family, he would do it for you.

PoP

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From Kirk David Lyons 3:27pm Apr 6
Basil Dwayne "Bazz" Childress, 55, died peacefully last night at his home in Lexington, Kentucky. Bazz was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the only child of Sid & Geneva Childress. Bazz was a collateral descendant of George C. Childress, author of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Bazz was a graduate of the University of Kentucky and a Lexington resident since 1975.

Bazz was a member of the Board of Directors of the Southern Legal Resource Center, inc since 2008, Kentucky Division Commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and Kentucky Chairman of the League of the South.

In 2008 during the SCV National reunion in concord, Bazz was arrested for displaying a Confederate Battle flag in his hotel room window and was arrested for criminal trespass by the hotel owner.

the charges were dropped against Bazz and in 2010 he filed a malicious prosecution/breach of contract lawsuit against the Wingate/Wyndham hotel and its owner. In a display of justice typical for our day, the Judge dismissed the malicious prosecution claim, which was appealed to the Court of Appeals in Raleigh and unanimously reinstated. The case was set for mediation, discovery depositions on trial in early March.

Desperate to keep Bazz away from a Nascar town, Cabarrus County jury, the Hotel filed a Summary Judgment Motion which was heard hours before Bazz should have started picking a jury.

Despite overwhelming legal precedent (it had just come back from the Court of Appeals) and facts pointed out by Bazz' counsel, Judge Kevin Bridges dismissed the case again!

Bazz' appeal was in process when he died.

Bazz is survived by his wife Rachel, daughters Julianna and Delaney and Mother Geneva.

Funeral is tentatively set for Tuesday at Central Baptist Church in Lexington, KY. Family suggests Memorials for Lexington Habitat for Humanity 700 East Loudon Ave, Lexington, KY 40505

The SLRC Bd is also accepting donations in memory of Bazz. SLRC P.O.Box 1235 Black Mountain, NC 28711

April 1-30th 2012 is Confederate History and Heritage Month throughout the USA!

By Calvin E. Johnson, Jr., Chairman of the National and Georgia Division Confederate History and Heritage Month Committee, Kennesaw, Georgia

The Confederate History Month Committee of the National and Georgia Division Sons of Confederate Veterans proudly recognizes and appreciates the signing of proclamations by Southern governors, mayors and county commissioners since 1995 designating the month of April as "Confederate History and Heritage Month."

In 2009, the Georgia General Assembly approved Senate Bill No.27 and was signed by past Governor Sonny Perdue, officially and permanently designating April as Confederate History and Heritage Month in Georgia.

In 1999, Texas Senate Resolution No. 526 passed designating April as Confederate History and Heritage Month in the “Yellow Rose” State of Texas.

The 150th Anniversary “Sesquicentennial” of the War Between the States ”1861-1865” is now underway through 2015 and the Confederate History Month Committee encourages everyone to make it a family affair and learn more about this important time in our nation’s past. See Georgia Division SCV Sesquicentennial Committee website at: http://www.150wbts.org/ and National SCV committee at: http://confederate150.com/

Confederate History Month commemorates the men and women of the Confederate States of America who came from all races and religions that include: Cuban born Confederate Colonel Ambrosio Jose Gonzales, Irish-born General Patrick R. Cleburne, Black Confederate drummer Bill Yopp, Mexican born Colonel Santos Benavides, Cherokee Born General Stand Watie and Jewish born Confederate Nurse Phoebe Pember who was the first female administrator of Chimboraza Hospital in Richmond, Virginia where she served until the end of War Between the States.

The Confederate History Month Committee salutes the women of Old Dixieland that includes: Sally Tompkins of Richmond, Virginia who was commissioned a Captain by President Jefferson Davis and who financed and ran the Robertson Hospital in Richmond, Virginia during the war and....

Mrs. Charles J. Williams of Columbus, Georgia who was among those responsible for getting Confederate Memorial Day recognized as a legal holiday in Georgia by act of the Georgia legislature in 1874. For over 100 year’s members of the Ladies Memorial Association, United Daughters of the Confederacy and Sons of Confederate Veterans have held annual Confederate Memorial days on or near April 26th. Other states celebrate Confederate Memorial Day on May 10th and June 3rd--the birthday of Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

See more about Confederate History Month at: www.confederateheritagemonth.com.