ARMY OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS

Transcription

1 ARMY OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS Volume XI. Issue 5. May 2009 General Albert Pike Camp #1439, Wichita - General Lewis A. Armistead Camp #1847, Salina Colonels Lewis & Harrison Camp #1854, Topeka General William Steele Camp #1857, Leavenworth Major Thomas J. Key Camp #1920, Kansas City South Kansas Camp #2064, Wichita The Battle of Chancellorsville was a major battle of the American Civil War, fought near the village of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, from April 30 to May 6, The battle pitted Union Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker's Army of the Potomac against an army half its size, Gen. Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. It is known as Lee's "perfect battle" because of his risky but successful division of his army in the presence of a much larger enemy force. Lee's audacity and Hooker's timid performance in combat combined to result in a significant Union defeat. The Chancellorsville campaign began with the crossing of the Rappahannock River by the Union army on the morning of April 27, Crossing the Rapidan River via Germanna and Ely's Fords, the Federals concentrated near Chancellorsville on April 30 and May 1. Heavy fighting began on May 1 and did not end until the Union forces retreated across the river on the night of May 5 6. However, the Confederate victory was tempered by the mortal wounding of Lt. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson to friendly fire, a loss that Lee likened to "losing my right arm." Although the General was not killed at the time, he died of complications of pneumonia eight days later. His death was a severe setback for the Confederacy, affecting not only its military prospects, but also the morale of its army and of the general public. At the Battle of Chancellorsville, the Army of Northern Virginia was faced with a serious threat by the Army of the Potomac and its new commanding general, Major General Joseph Hooker. General Robert E. Lee decided to employ a risky tactic to take the initiative and offensive away from Hooker's new southern thrust he decided to divide his forces. Gen Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson and his entire corps were sent on an aggressive flanking maneuver to the right of the Union lines. This flanking movement would be one of the most successful and dramatic of the war. While riding with his infantry in a wide berth well south and west of the Federal line of battle, Jackson employed Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry to provide for better reconnaissance in regards to the exact location of the Union right and rear. The results were far better than even Jackson could have hoped. Lee found the entire right side of the Federal lines in the middle of open field, guarded merely by two guns that faced westward, as well as the supplies and rear encampments. The men were eating and playing games in carefree fashion, completely unaware that an entire Confederate corps was less than a mile away. What happened next is given in Lee's own words: So impressed was I with my discovery, that I rode rapidly back to the point on the Plank road where I had left my cavalry, and back down the road Jackson was moving, until I met "Stonewall" himself. "General," said I, "if you will ride with me, halting your column here, out of sight, I will show you the enemy's right, and you will perceive the great advantage of attacking down the Old turnpike instead of the Plank road, the enemy's lines being taken in reverse. Bring only one courier, as you will be in view from the top of the hill." Jackson assented, and I rapidly conducted him to the point of observation. There had been no change in the picture. I only knew Jackson slightly. (continued on page 4) INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1, Another Memorial Day in May 2, Commander s Corner 3, Around the Division 4. Memorial Day (conclude 5. Recruitment 6. Convention Registration 7. Councilman removes flags 8. Camp Information 1

2 My Fellow compatriots One often thinks about what would happen if we lost someone or something we really cared for. Someone very close to you as a parent, spouse, or child that you have such a love for that it cannot be explained with mere words. Perhaps something material that was given to you from someone who has now passed on and thought so much of you they wanted you to have that special gift. Have you ever been given something that meant so much that when you misplaced it or lost it you actually wept? Just consider for a moment how our Ancestors felt when they learned the war was over and they were not successful in their fight for Southern rights. Remembering they fought for honor of their forefathers, freedoms for their children, and love of the customs they become accustomed too. Can you see that ancestor crying? I may be telling my age here, but I recall years ago a Television Commercial, depicting a Native American Indian looking over a body of water and seeing the debris floating by that had been tossed by some careless uncaring person. As the man turned around one was focused on a tear coming from his eyes. I would like to ask. Am I one of a few that feel s this same way when someone desecrates a flag of the Confederacy, or the name of the Confederate soldier? If not, then why do we not work harder to recruit members in to the oldest Confederate hereditary organization known? Why is it that so many are afraid to express their true feelings about their Confederate Ancestry? I was taught to believe that action comes from numbers. In another way of speaking, the more in a group the better chance of surviving. It is also true that I hear every day that if that statement is true, then why the minority in the most powerful country in the world has more power than the majority in getting things done to their satisfaction. I cannot answer that question, as I do not know myself. However, I do know that that my ancestors fought for something they believed in so hard that they gave their life in doing so. They later accepted the change as they had no other choice, but they never forgot that time of life when they did all they could to protect their family. We as there decedents have the responsibility of telling the truth and keeping those morals for which they fought alive and well. Not to cause succession from the country for which we now live and bring about another war as did the Union Army, but rather let it known that history has not been kind nor truthful in tell the whole story. We need to keep as mementoes and historically preserve those things, which the Confederate soldier held dear to his heart. We need to hold true to the understanding of the Confederate Soldiers cause. Each person that comes to this United States from another part of the world is presently allowed to keep and display the flag of the country for which they came. Moreover, they are given privileges to have Holidays for that country and their ancestry as well. Yet those of us with hereditary decent of a Confederate Veteran are denied those same privileges. Our flags are considered racist and disgraceful because of ignorance to history. Graves of these soldiers are desecrated and vandalized in several different ways. Tee shirts with Confederate emblems and words are prohibited in schools and public places. Yet these same brave soldiers lived, worked, and paid taxes in this country before the war began, and many continued after the war ended. They were called traitors simply because they brushed off a moral and corrupt government and founded their own legally within their constitutional rights. Those same individuals who make these claims of calling them traitors had ancestors who came to this country from another for the same reason for which the Confederate soldier fought himself yet call others traitors. The time has come for us to stand up proud and with our loudest voice to say we are here, and we are proud to be decedents of a Confederate Veteran. Its time we band together and gather all those who will heed our calling to respectfully build not only the oldest but also the largest ever, hereditary organization in the world today. Please do your part and invite a friend or relative to your next camp meeting. Invite them to the Division Convention taking place in Emporia June 20 th. Show your Confederate heritage by placing a flag on a veteran s grave and flying the Confederate flag of your choice on the known Confederate holidays. Speak free and loud that I am a member of the Sons of confederate Veterans and I m proud of it. May God bless our southern Heritage. Denver L Erickson Ks. Div. Cmdr. 2

3 May Meeting Agendas B.G. Albert Pike Camp # 1439 April 09th no Report No Report-Reg. Business Meeting Lewis A. Armistead Camp # 1847 April 09 th Fort Riley Cemetery and tour the post. Col s Lewis & Harrison Camp #1854 May 21 st Steve Dodson JEB Stewart the man and the General William Steele Camp# 1857 April 14 th no Report No Report- Reg. Business Meeting Maj. Thomas J. Key Camp # 1920 April 05 th Jim Feagins "Archeology at the Lone Jack Battlefield". South Kansas Camp # 2064 April 7 7h no Report No Report-Reg. Business Meeting The Division sends its respects to the Albert Pike Camp for the passing of Compatriot Boris N. Bulatkin who heard last roll call on 15 April Boris was a long time member of the camp until transferring to the HQ Camp. Beginning Thursday May 21, The Cols Lewis & Harrison Camp #1854 will be meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 19:00hrs Until September. John Edward Price completed the academic phase of pharmacy school at the University of Kansas receiving his pin and white lab coat at the school's annual "White Coat Ceremony" last week. The ceremony held at the K. U. Student Union in Woodrow Auditorium on April 21 Up coming Events B.G. Albert Pike Camp # 1439 Lewis A. Armistead Camp # 1847 Col s Lewis & Harrison Camp #1854 William Steele Camp# 1857 Maj. Thomas J. Key Camp # 1920 South Kansas Camp # 2064 Key Camp did two Confederate headstone dedications on Saturday 25 April in honor of Confederate Memorial Day. The headstones are in Oak Grove Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Key Camps Mine Creek Spring Workday is scheduled for Saturday May 9 For Information Added To This Page. Please Contact the Division News Letter Editor No Later Than One Week Before Publication at derickson18@cox.net To Assure Printing. 3

4 (continued from front page) I watched him closely as he gazed upon Howard's troops. It was then about 2 P.M. His eyes burned with a brilliant glow, lighting up a sad face. His expression was one of intense interest; his face was colored slightly with the paint of approaching battle, and radiant at the success of his flank movement. To the remarks made to him while the unconscious line of blue was pointed out, he did not reply once during the five minutes he was on the hill, and yet his lips were moving. From what I have read and heard of Jackson since that day, I know now what he was doing then. Oh! "beware of rashness," General Hooker. Stonewall Jackson is praying in full view and in rear of your right flank! While talking to the Great God of Battles, how could he hear what a poor cavalryman was saying? "Tell General Roads," said he, suddenly whirling his horse towards the courier, "to move across the Old plank road; halt when he gets to the Old turnpike, and I will join him there." One more look upon the Federal lines, and then he rode rapidly down the hill, his arms flapping to the motion of his horse, over whose head it seemed, good rider as he was, he would certainly go. I expected to be told I had made a valuable personal reconnaissance saving the lives of many soldiers, and that Jackson was indebted to me to that amount at least. Perhaps I might have been a little chagrined at Jackson's silence, and hence commented inwardly and adversely upon his horsemanship. Alas! I had looked upon him for the last time. Jackson immediately returned to his corps and arranged his divisions into a line of battle to charge directly into the oblivious Federal right. The Confederates marched silently until they were merely several hundred feet from the Union position, and then released a bloodthirsty cry and full charge. Many of the Federals were captured without a shot fired, the rest were driven into a full rout. Jackson pursued relentlessly back toward the center of the Federal line until dusk. Darkness ended the assault. As Jackson and his staff were returning to camp on May 2, they were mistaken for a Union cavalry force by a Confederate North Carolina regiment who shouted, "Halt, who goes there?," but fired before evaluating the reply. Three bullets, two in the left arm and one in the right hand hit Jackson. Several other men in his staff were killed in addition to many horses. Darkness and confusion prevented Jackson from getting immediate care. He was dropped from his stretcher while being evacuated because of incoming artillery rounds. Because of his injuries, Jackson's left arm had to be amputated by Dr. Hunter McGuire. Jackson was moved to Thomas C. Chandler's 740 acres (3.0 km 2 ) plantation named "Fairfield." He was offered Chandler's home for recovery, but Jackson refused and suggested using Chandler's plantation office building instead. He was thought to be out of harm's way, but unknown to the doctors, he already had classic symptoms of pneumonia, complaining of a sore chest. This soreness was mistakenly thought to be the result of his rough handling in the battlefield evacuation. The plantation office building where Stonewall Jackson died in Guinea Station, Virginia Lee wrote to Jackson after learning of his injuries, stating, "Could I have directed events, I would have chosen for the good of the country to be disabled in your stead." Jackson died of complications from pneumonia on May 10, On his deathbed, though he became weaker, he remained spiritually strong. Jackson's words were "It is the Lord's Day; my wish is fulfilled. I have always desired to die on Sunday." Dr. McGuire wrote an account of his final hours and his last words: Upon hearing of Jackson's death, Robert E. Lee mourned the loss of both A friend and a trusted commander. The night Lee learned of Jackson's death, he told his cook, "William, I have lost my right arm" (deliberately in contrast to Jackson's left arm) and "I'm bleeding at the heart." As Jackson lay dying, General Lee sent a message to Jackson through Chaplain Lacy, saying "Give General Jackson my affectionate regards, and say to him: he has lost his left arm but I my right. His body was moved to the Governor's Mansion in Richmond for the public to mourn, and he was then moved to be buried in the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, Lexington, Virginia. However, the arm that was amputated on May 2 was buried separately by Jackson's chaplain, at the J. Horace Lacy house, "Ellwood", in the Wilderness of Orange County, near the field hospital. Military historians considered Jackson to be one of the most gifted tactical commanders in United States history. His Valley Campaign and his envelopment of the Union Army right wing at Chancellorsville are studied worldwide even today as examples of innovative and bold leadership. 4

5 If you have an article you would like printed in the News Letter. Contact Denver at Editing may be done in the sence of letter size and extraction of some pictures depending on the size. Be a Recruiter and help gain membership in a Confederate organization Be assured there are numerous benefits to being a member of the SCV. Chief among them is the pride you will feel from being a member of the oldest, most creditable, and best-known confederate hereditary organization in existence. The sons of confederate Veterans was formed in 1896 back in a time when it was nothing unusual to see confederate veterans in the streets of Americas towns and cities Proudly remembering and celebrating their confederate heritage until that time the 18 veterans of the war came together as members of the United confederate Veterans. The SCV was formed, as a direct Arror to the United Confederate Veterans the First Commander in Chief was Jeb Stuart Jr. The Son of Confederate cavalry hero Major General Jeb Stuart. The SCV Exist to preserve the History and legacy of its heroes so future generations can understand the events and circumstances that motivated our ancestors to resist tyranny and fight for Southern independence just as their ancestors did when they fought the British. The SCV is not affiliated with any other group and rejects any group whose actions tarnishes or distorts the image of the Confederate soldier or his reason for fighting. If you know of someone who may be a descendent of a confederate Veteran, and do not feel you are knowledgeable enough to recruit them properly. Contact The Division Brigade Commanders for Assistance. The Border Brigade Under the Command of Robert Super (785) The Indian Brigade under the Command of Heath Booth (316) Kansas Division Color/Honor Guard Available Compatriot Gerald V. Spaur of the BG Albert Pike Camp #1439 is suited and ready for the occasion. Gerald is prepared for the opportunity to be present as a Color Guard for your event, or to take on the responsibility of Honor Guard for the passing of a family member, friend or compatriot where an honor Guard is needed. Gerald will go anywhere in Kansas and be available for any and all Military services for compatriots, family members, and friends. Feel free to contact Gerald at 2947 Walnut Wichita Kansas Phone:

6 11th Annual Kansas Division Convention Sons of Confederate Veterans June 20, 2009 Best Western Motel 3021 W. Highway 50 Emporia, KS REGISTRATION FORM: (Required *) *NAME *TITLE/POSITION *SCV CAMP NAME *Number *PERSONAL ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP *HOME PHONE ( ) WORK PHONE ( ) ADDRESS CELL PHONE ( ) SPOUSE NAME (For Badge) GUEST NAME GUEST NAME COST FOR CONVENTION IS $10.00 PER PERSON Included in the Registration: Convention book, lunch, lots of camaraderie, and excellent presentation from our guest speaker. Ancestor Memorials: Have your ancestors name listed in the convention booklet. Cost is $10.00 and must be submitted no later than May 30, (Up to 16 names for $ Please include rank, Name, company, and unit on separate sheet of paper). Registration: Qty. x $10.00 = $ Ancestor Memorials: Qty. x $10.00 = $ Total= $ Featured convention presenter will be. Author Historian Debra Goodrich. Her topic called Sisters of Sorrow is an excellent comparison of Varena Davis first Lady of the Confederacy and Mary Todd Lincoln First lady of the Union. Deb promises to give an extraordinary presentation to the members of the Kansas Division. Lunch will be provided by the Motel DEADLINE TO MAIL IN REGISTRATION FORMS Is Saturday May 31, 2009!!! MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: KANSAS DIVISION SCV Kansas Division Adjutant Paul Honaker 4109 SW 29th Topeka Kansas

7 Councilman removes Confederate flags from graves KATIE STALLCUP Published: April 23, 2009 Mary Norman was shocked Thursday afternoon when Auburn Councilman Arthur L. Dowdell pulled up a Confederate flag placed on her great-grandfather s grave, and snapped it in half. She said Dowdell, who denies snapping the flag, said Thursday he was picking up his daughter from Auburn Junior High School near the cemetery when several people told him they had a problem with the flags. He drove to the cemetery and started pulling up flags, he said. It s offensive to me, he said. To me, it represents the Ku Klux Klan and racism. The United Daughters of the Confederacy placed the flags earlier this week, as they have done for 50 years, in preparation for a celebration Sunday of Confederate Memorial Day, Norman said. Confederate Memorial Day will be celebrated as a state holiday in Alabama Monday. I really didn t know exactly how to respond to him, she said. I happen to be a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy. I was very surprised, especially (as he is) a city councilman. I was amazed. Norman was not personally involved in placing the flags. I m a historian, she said. We re not about hate, we re not about anything like that. We just want to honor our state s rights, and I ve got Confederate ancestors, and I feel we should have the ability to do that. Pine Hill Cemetery in Auburn Auburn Councilman Arthur L. Dowdell poses with Confederate flags that he removed from graves at Pine Hill Cemetery in Auburn. Norman and a friend were taking inventory of graves at Pine Hill Cemetery in Auburn when Dowdell drove up and asked who put up the flags, she said. One of the flags had been placed on my great-grandfather s grave, who was a Confederate soldier, Norman said. He just got very upset, and he went over to my great-grandfather s grave, picked up the flag and broke it in two. She said Dowdell did not know the plot she stood on was her families. The flags were placed on soldiers graves as a mark of respect, she said. He pulled up Confederate flags from other soldiers graves, too, she said. 7

8 Dowdell said in his years as council member, that he had never seen so many Confederate flags in one place. I m going on the record that this will never happen again, Dowdell said. This will never happen again as long as I m on the city council. Dowdell denied intentionally snapping the flag. It might have snapped itself, he said. If it did, then so what? If I had my way, I would have broke them all up and stomped on them and burned them. That flag represents another country, another nation. Auburn Mayor Bill Ham said he was unaware of any incidents at the cemetery but said he talked with Dowdell Thursday afternoon. Ham said his understanding was that all city cemeteries have covenants governing how and what types of decorations can be placed on graves, except for Pine Hill because it is so old. Ham said he believed Dowdell asked an assistant city manager to look into making policies equal for cemeteries across the city. The bottom line is those grave plots are deeded property, Ham said. We sell those. So they are sold to the family of the individuals, and I think (plot owners) have a right to do exactly what they did, according to the city attorney. Ham said in his conversation with Dowdell, the council-man suggested the flags be placed on the graves for a shorter period of time, perhaps for 24 hours before the event. For now, the remaining flags will stay on the graves because of the lack of covenant governing Pine Hill, Ham said. That could change in coming years. I certainly think we need to be consistent in all the cemeteries with whatever the policy is, not only with this, but with everything, Ham said. The council has got to make that decision. CAMP MEETINGS GEN. ALBERT PIKE CAMP #1439 MAJOR THOMAS J. KEY CAMP #1920 LOCATION: Ryan s Steak House LOCATION: Zarda Bar-B-Q 3323 North Rock Road. Wichita, Kansas W 87 th St. Lenexa, Kansas. DATE: Second (2 ND ) Saturday each month DATE: First (1 st ) Thursday each month TIME: 11:30 am fellowship 12:30 Meeting TIME: 6:30 pm. fellowship, 7:00pm. Meeting COLONELS LEWIS & HARRISON CAMP #1854 SOUTH KANSAS CAMP #2064 LOCATION: Westside Christian Church, LOCATION: Rockwell Branch Library Meeting 432 SW Lindenwood, Topeka, Kansas E 9 th Street, Wichita, Kansas. DATE: Third (3 rd ) Thursday each Month DATE: Second 2 nd Thursday each Month TIME: 19:00hrs. TIME: 6:00 pm. GEN. LEWIS A. ARMISTEAD CAMP #1847 GEN. WILLIAM STEELE CAMP #1857 LOCATION: Public Library Technical Conference Ctr. Rm. LOCATION: Village Square Restaurant. 301 East Elm, Salina, Ks. Leavenworth, Ks. DATE: Second (2 nd ) Saturday each Month DATE: Second (2 nd ) Thursday each Month TIME 1:00-1:30 fellowship, 1:00-2:30 Meeting TIME: 6:00 pm. Fellowship 7:00 pm. Meeting 8

9 The Kansas Division Sons of Confederate Veterans 190 NW Hawthorn St. Topeka, Kansas COMPATRIOT 9