Christmas Greetings from Commander Jon. Pyle. December 14, 2011 Next SCV Meeting The Stephen Dill Lee Charge! Camp Calendar Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp Urquhart-Gillette Star Sons of Confederate Veterans Historic Mahone s Tavern 22341 Main Street Courtland, Virginia 23837 A monthly publication for the Urquhart-Gillette Camp #1471, Incorporated Tommy Simmons, Editor December 2011 Merry Christmas! Inside this issue: 1 2 Season s Greetings To All: This year ending 2011, was a very successful one for our Urquhart Gillette Camp. I m happy to report that our members and the Tavern s Board achieved it s Fundraising Goal of $10,000.00 for Matching Funds from the National Sons of Confederate Veterans. We have worked very hard to accomplish this challenge. Each one of you in the camp should be proud of our SCV camp s accomplishments Meeting Minutes Treasure s Corner By Volpe Boykin 1862 Confederate Christmas by Greg Bell November s Meeting Attendance Suffolk s Tom Smith dedicates Confederate Monuments Camp s Prayer List. Give a Gift this Christmas to Tavern. Sesquicentennial Exhibit Pictures Lee-Jackson Banquet Forms 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 This is the time of the year we should be thankful for what we all have. I am thankful for my family, my health, my home, and my friends and my heritage. I am also thankful we have a very generous camp that cares about giving something back to it s community for our future generation to hold onto. In doing so, we understand and remind ourselves and others in the community that indeed our forefathers gave up, sacrificed,everything they had to keep their Southern ways of life. Don t forget the Annual Lee - Jackson Banquet at the Sebrell Community Center January, 14, 2012. The tickets are now on sale for $20/ adult and $10/ child under 12. Please support this event. We have a great program and entertainment in store for you again this time you won t want to miss. Banquet Reservations 287-3309 Mr Chris Meekins is our December Speaker. He is from the North Carolina Office of Archives and History. This should be very interesting! I look forward to seeing you on December 14 th at the tavern. Remember, it s 6pm Social, and Eat at 6:30pm. Bring a friend. This is also our Camp s birthday! Lastly, Beverly and myself would like to wish you and all of your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! With SouthernPride Beverly and Jon Merry Christmas!
Page 2 U rquhar t- Gille tte December 20 1 1 General Stephen Dill Lee 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 of the Confederate soldiers 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. General Stephen Dill Lee, Cmdr. General, United Confederate Veterans New Orleans, La 1906 To You, Sons of Confederate Veterans Important SCV Dates to Remember December3,2011 Memorial Illumination 6PM Antietam National Battlefield Sharpsburg, Md. 23,000 candles lighted tour December 10, 2011 Olde South Ball Greenville, South Carolina 5:30 til 11:30 $65/person Greenville Marriott deadline is December 6th visit: www.oldesouthball.com December 14, 2011 Happy Birthday Meeting at Mahone s Tavern Social 6PM Eat 6:30PM Speaker Mr. Chris Meekins, North Carolina Office of Archives and History- Raleigh January 14, 2011 Annual Lee-Jackson Banquet in Sebrell, Va. Entertainment Southern Horizon: Eat at 7PM Tickets on sale now for $20/person, $10/ child under 12 yrs old. For Reservations or information Contact Treas. Volpe Boykin at 757-287-3308 at 28359 Walters Highway Carrsville, Va. 23315 February 3 and 4, 2011 Stephen Dill Lee Institute in Savannah Georgia The Cost of Lincoln s War July 11th-14, 2012 117th SCV 2012 National Reunion in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Sponsored by SCV Camp #33 Make Reservations now! Go to this events website online:http://tennessee-scv.org/2012reunion/ March 2012 Grande Opening of New Confederate Museum in Appomattox, Va w/ CEO Waite Rawls March 30th -31st 2012 Virginia Division SCV Convention to be held at Virginia Beach Convention and Conference Center needs donations for planned Silent Auction Check this website out: http://www.scvva.org/odv/odv1101.pdf The Old Dominion Voice
December 20 1 1 U rquhar t- Gille tte Minutes From November s Meeting Page 3 Welcome was given by Commander Jon D. Pyle. The Blessing was given by Adjutant Volpe Boykin. Pledges to the flags was led by Color Sergeant Dennis R. Whitby. This meeting was dedicated by Past Color Sergeant, Kreig O Bryant to John Thomas Meeks who fought in the 38th Virginia Company C. Meeks was wounded 5 times during the WBTS. The CHARGE was read by Compatriot Jay Bradshaw. Guest introduced and welcomed was Mrs Connie Day of the Jerusalem Chapter of the UDC. New Member sworn in was Mr Alvis Earl Johnson. After a delicious meal, The Commander welcomed everyone in attendance again. Past Comdr Warren A Simmons was presented/ recognized with the Virginia Division Life Membership. Commander Pyle introduced the program by first speaking and reporting to the camp with regards to the October Trip to Sharpsburg, Maryland Battlefield. Compatriots Phillip Wood and Volpe Boykin also spoke about the trip where the three placed a plaque in memory of Major Charles Fox Urquhart. The business meeting: The October minutes were accepted and voted unanimously. The Treasurer s Report was given as $6,088.99 by Tres. Boykin, voted and accepted. Old Business: Flag pole, to fly the First National Flag, at Courtland Confederate Monument was approved by Southampton s Board of Supervisors. The Annual $500 Christmas Fund money was appropriated. Announcements: Sausage Sale to be Saturday November 12th. Need members by 10 am to help pack sausage ; Remember Sesquicentennial WBTS Mobile Exibit at Southampton Fairgrounds Nov. 14-16th; W. Simmons reports the Tavern is finalizing legal paperwork in order to satisfy SCV National quidelines for their Matching Funds offer. The Camp forwarded another $2,400 over to Simmons for the Tavern project. Lee-Jackson Banquet is Saturday January 14, 2012 in Sebrell again Eat at 7PM, will be $20.00/person; $10/child under 12. New Business: Camp New Officers for 2012-2013 voted on and elected by unanimous vote were: Commander Jon Pyle, 1st Lt Cmdr. Peter Griffin, 2nd Lt Jay Bradshaw, Adjutant Greg Bell, Treasure Phillip Wood, Chaplain Wayne Cutchins, and Color Sgt Dennis Whitby. The camp decided on a bulletin board for announcements. Door prize drawing winner was Hubert Bridges. Chaplain Wayne Cutchins gave the benediction. Dixie sung by all! Treasure s Corner by Treasure Volpe M. Boykin December 2011 This newsletter is one of my last correspondence as Adjutant/Treasurer except for the banquet when the new officers are sworn in. It is time for our Annual Lee Jackson Banquet again. It will be held on January 14, 2012 at the Sebrell Community Center at 6:30PM. The cost is $20.00 per adult and $10.00 for children 12 and under. The entertainment will be very good again this year. The period band Southern Horizon from Richmond will be playing all period music. I would ask that members of our camp attend. In the past the attendance of our own camp members was pitiful even with the first class entertainment and food we have. If not for members of other camps who realize what a quality program we put on, we would have almost no attendance. We need attendance or this event will cost the camp money we cannot afford to lose. You need to support your camp. For those that wish to attend send me the required fee with the number of people who will attend and what name you want the reservation under. My address is 28359 Walters Hwy, Carrsville, VA 23315. I am ending my 10 years as an Officer in the Camp and sincerely appreciate Compatriots Wood and Bell who are willing to take on the positions of Treasurer and Adjutant. I have enjoyed my time as a camp officer but feel it is time for new people with new ideas to take over these positions for the betterment of our camp. I thank everyone for the assistance they have given me over the years, it is much appreciated. I intend on being more active in our camp, not less, just doing other things to keep the Cause in the forefront. It takes much more than paying dues and putting a certificate on our wall to keep this organization going. Southern heritage is in jeopardy and we are all that is left to save it. Sincerely, Volpe Boykin
December Urquhart-Gillette Star Page 4 By Greg Bell A Confederate Christmas in 1862 During the closing days of 1862, Stonewall Jackson s Second Corps finally settled down in their winter quarters surrounding Moss Neck which was the beautiful plantation owned by the Corbin family along the banks of the Rappahannock River. Jackson s foot cavalry was exhausted by the bloody fighting and hard marching they had endured throughout the year beginning with the Valley campaign where they won worldwide fame and their commander became the hero of the young Confederacy. There was no time for celebrating the series of victories in the valley as Jackson s men were desperately needed to help defend Richmond from McClelland s army during the Seven Day s battles, followed by Cedar Mountain, Second Manassas, Sharpsburg and finally Fredericksburg in December. The fighting in the eastern theater had been particularly brutal this year and nearly all of the battles had been victories but at an extremely high cost. The Corbin family invited General Jackson to make his headquarters in their house but he declined as he did not want to impose. Instead, he elected to use one of their outbuildings and quickly began a special relationship with one of the young Corbin daughters. Little six year old Janie Corbin won the heart of the general and he delighted in her daily visits every afternoon. He would find some sort of treat for her each day such as piece of fruit or candy. One day, he could not find anything to give her so he cut off the ornamental gold braid from one of his caps and fastened it among her curls. She was delighted with her new friend and adored his attention. Jackson s officers and men could not believe their eyes when they saw Old Jack play with Janie as they had only seen the gruff, stern, hard-driving disciplinarian in the past. He did have a soft side to him that his men had never seen before and Jackson seemed to change instantly when the little girl was around him. He gave her his undivided attention and became very attached to her over the winter months. Jackson had also been homesick as he had not been able to see his wife for several months due to the constant campaigning so Janie brought him great joy. Christmas at Moss Neck was very special as Generals Lee and Stuart came to celebrate Christmas dinner with Jackson and the Corbin family. It must have been quite a site to have seen the beautiful, stately southern mansion decorated for Christmas and to have the most prominent men there for the occasion. Stuart and Jackson were very close friends despite them being polar opposites in personality and demeanor. Jackson was quiet, very reserved and serious while Stuart was full of personality, boisterous and always the center of attention. The two men complimented each other perfectly and their stars had risen dramatically in 1862 along with their chief General Lee. Stuart could not let the opportunity pass to tease Jackson about his selection of such a grand headquarters at Moss Neck and Jackson is said to have blushed several times throughout dinner. Jackson enjoyed Stuart s company immensely and the teasing culminated when a dish of butter came out of the kitchen with a rooster emblem stamped on the top of the butter. Stuart proclaimed to the dinner party that the fighting cock must be General Jackson s coat of arms and everyone laughed as Jackson s face quickly turned red. At the end of the year, serious shortages of supplies, clothing, food and animal forage were reaching critical levels for the Army of Northern Virginia. Many of the men did not have shoes and there were not enough coats and blankets needed for the cold winter months and many of the horses were skin and bones. However, during Christmas foraging parties were sent out and found some beef and hams so that the soldiers could celebrate with a Christmas dinner. At Moss Neck, the officers were treated with a bountiful dinner including ham, oysters, breads and pies. The army was finally able to take a deep
December Urquhart-Gillette Star Page 5 Cont d from page 4 by Greg Bell..Confederate Christmas breath and enjoy Christmas despite the many hardships. A large portion of the men participated in revivals and Bible studies and nobody was more pleased with this than General Jackson who was a deeply religious man himself. The ranks had been greatly depleted had everyone knew the year to come would bring more of killing and suffering and yet the morale of the ANV was very high. What it must have been like to have witnessed the Christmas scenes of Moss Neck in 1862 with the three most prominent southern generals at that time all together. I am sure the veterans never forgot the scenes of that happy and grand Christmas. The famous Mort Kunstler painted several paintings around Moss Neck including Lee departing after the Christmas dinner with his staff and another with Stonewall and Janie in front of a Christmas tree. Little did they know that this would be the last Christmas the three generals would ever spend together again nor that they were very near the high water mark of the Confederacy. With the first warming days of early spring, the army began moving to meet the threat of the advancing union army in 1863 culminating with the great victory at Chancellorsville. As the second corps pulled out of the area around Moss Neck, little Janie Corbin was very sick with scarlet fever. When the shocking news of her death met Jackson, the stern warrior s heart shattered and he wept openly with some reporting that he fell to his knees in prayer. In just a few weeks, Jackson too would be lost from wounds suffered at perhaps his greatest battle at Chancellorsville where his legions routed the enemy and his friend Stuart took over command of his corps and finished the job splendidly the next day. A year later, the great cavalry commander was lost as well at Yellow Tavern, Virginia. The ANV never regained its offensive capabilities after the passing of Jackson and many believe that when he died so did the hopes of southern victory. At this most joyous time of the year, please remember the true meaning of Christmas and what it must have been like in December 1862 at Moss Neck. Just imagine. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Compatriot Greg Bell Adjutant - Elect 2012-2013 Our Brunswick Co. neighbors recently celebrated 100 years of their Confederate Monument. In the picture to the left is the Monument, decorated with flags graced with fall foliage. Our friend, Commander Tracy Clary, of the Old Brunswick Camp, speaks to a crowd of patriotic onlookers.
December 2011 Urquhart-Gillette Star Page 6 Sesquicentennial News Hundreds visited here during November s 3 day WBTS Sesquicentennial Event. Compatriot Jim Beale gives a talk on various rifles used during the War. His collection along with others from our Camp proved to be the most popular Exhibits during the three day event held back in November as part of the Library of Virginia s History Mobile In this picture eagerly listening to Beale are: Jackie and Theresa Applewhite with grandsons Jaden and Grant Applewhite. In the background is Merritt Raiford with Rod Phelps. Last Month s News November s meeting attendance Mahone s Tavern Courtland, Va. These 21 attended November s meeting. Kreig O Bryant, Jim Beale, Volpe Boykin, Jon Pyle, Phillip Wood, Wayne Cutchins, Jimmy Gray, Jim Hart, Dennis Whitby, Peter Griffth, Warren Simmons, David Day, Hubert Bridges, Jay Bradshaw, Greg Bell, Craig Williams, Ed Williams, Charles Butler, Lemuel Brown,Sr. and Lemuel Brown, Jr. The Camp welcomed into the SCV one New Member, Compatriot A. Earl Johnson and one guest, Mrs Connie Day. Everyone enjoyed the meeting, including the food and fellowship! On Nov. 12th, our neighbors at the Tom Smith Camp in Suffolk and UDC, dedicated a new Confederate Monument at Suffolk s Historic Cedar Hill Cemetery
November 2011 Page 7 Urquhart-Gillette Camp #1471 Sons of Confederate Vete ran s Cam p Urquhart-Gillette Camp #1471 Urquhart-Gillette Star Post Office Box 1 Courtland, Va. 23837 Deadline to Editor: 20 the of the month Deadline to submit articles is the 20th of each month Fax: 757-653-9228 or e-mail The Star at: sandryrunmkt@wmconnect.com Facebook: Compatriot Steve Johnson manages our Official Facebook page. We re on the web: Urquhart-Gillette. org Webmaster is Travis Covington Christmas Open House Historic Rochelle-Prince House An 18th Century Christmas Saturday December 10, 2012 1-4 PM Contact : Compatriot Jeff Hines at 757-234-3395 jahines@cox.net Give a Gift this Christmas to Mahone s Tavern As we enter this Christmas Season, the season for giving, have you considered a gift to Mahone s Tavern and Museum, Inc.? Perhaps your Employer or Company offers matching funds when being donated to the preservation of historic properties such as Mahone s Tavern and Museum Inc. The Tavern is a 501 c-3 tax exempt charitable entity. During this season of giving, please consider how you can help the Urquhart-Gillette Camp by mailing your contribution today to: Mahone s Tavern P. O. Box 565 Courtland, Va. 23837 or give it to Tavern Treasurer Robert B. Bob Edwards Important Contact Information Camp Commander Jon D. Pyle 757-651-4971 ; rebyank@gmail.com Camp Treasure Volpe M. Boykin 757-287-3309; vboykin@breitdrescher.com Tavern Chair - Warren A. Simmons 757-653-2613 shampton51@truevine.net Please Welcome New Member A Earl Johnson Civil War Sesquicentennial Mobile Enjoyed Here Pray for those who are ill and for those who have lost a friend or family member: Cathy/Jim Hart Family- death of her mom Joe and Jerry Everette homebound ( Joe is Major Gillette s great grandson) The Beale Carter family several illnesses W. Simmons family ( Warren s dad has remained hospitalized and in close care) Rhonda Copeland (Jimmie s wife) Charter Members Lemuel Brown, Sr. and Jim Beale of Franklin, Va. were at the Southampton Fairgrounds exhibiting their WBTS Artifacts Janet Kitchen s family-death ( gr gr granddaughter of Pvt David Kitchen- 18th Va. Hvy. Artl.
December 2011 Page 8 Urquhart Gillette Star At the Library of Virginia s Mobile WBTS Exhibit recently was Briggs Simmons with Supervisor Walt Brown Rod Phelps from Hunterdale shows an artillery shell from the 1863 Battle of Carrsville,Va
December 2011 Page 9 Urquhart Gillette Star 2012 Annual Lee Jackson Banquet Reservation Form Saturday January 14, 2012 Social : 6:30 Dinner: 7 PM Sebrell Community Center River Road Courtland, Va. # Tickets X $20.00/person = Total # Tickets X $10.00/Child ( 12&under)= Total Entertainment by Southern Horizons Total Make Check payable to Urquhart-Gillette Camp #1471 and Mail to : Treasurer Volpe Boykin28359 Walters Highway Carrsville, Virginia 23315-5025 For more information, you may Call or Contact 757-287-3309. DON T DELAY! SEATING IS LIMITED. DEADLINE 1/3 Lee-Jackson Banquet January 14th 2012 Robert E. Lee Stonewall Jackson We should never forget these two great Confederate Generals.