Minutes for the John Hunt Morgan Camp Meeting, July 17, 2010

Meeting was held at 1030 hrs at the South Park Country Club.  In attendance were the following members: David Harbolt, Bill Hayes, Ben Kennedy, Harold Sneed, Jim Hicks, Mayanrd Poythress, Bennett Young, Bill Trent, Jr., Danny Davis, and representative of the Orphan Brigade, David Maddox.

 

Old Business:

 

a.  Pewee Valley ceremony was a huge success.  All agreed that it was the best attended and presented ceremony in the last 10–15 years.  Many thanks go out to the Pewee Valley Historical Society, the City of Pewee Valley, and the United Daughters of the Confederacy who all helped to make this an outstanding event that gave appropriate recognition to the brave veterans who lived and died at the home.

 

b.  The picnic that was held at West Point Veterans Memorial Park after the funeral of John Rayburn (past commander of the Hines camp) had good attendance and was an appropriate final gathering to honor John Rayburn.  Thanks go out to Gene Wood and David High who did most of the organizing of the picnic.

 

c.  The Pewee Valley CSA Cemetery Historical Marker that was destroyed by an auto accident earlier this year has been replaced with a new marker.  The new marker is the newer bronze type marker and it was set a little farther away from the road than the previous marker.  Thanks to the city of Pewee Valley for their persistence in requesting the marker be replaced.

 

New Business:

 

a.  The camp picnic that was tentatively scheduled for mid August has been canceled in view of the recent picnic at West Point and the oppressive heat that we usually experience in August.  We will take a look at a meeting/picnic in the Sep/Oct time-frame.

 

b.  Dues statements have been sent out to all members.  They were mailed on Monday, July 12^th, and already the adjutant has received 21 payments as of Friday, July 16^th.  Current camp membership is 56 members and 5 cadets.  An updated address, phone, and Email roster will be forthcoming.

 

c.  Discussions were held concerning the upcoming National Reunion and the proposed amendments to the SCV Constitution and Standing Orders.  Recommendations were provided to Commander Hayes, who will be the camp delegate at the convention next week in Anderson, SC.

 

d.  The adjutant provided a funds report, and dues will be collected and the KY Div portion will be sent to Sam Hatcher, the Ky Div Adjutant.

 

e.  All members are reminded of David Harbolt’s upcoming wedding.  All members are invited.  The ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 2, 2010, at the Ellers Memorial Baptist Church, 446 Cogar Ave., Harrodsburg, KY 40330.  Additional details will be provided in Sept.  Please make plans to attend and let’s help David make this a day to remember.

 

f.   The Massing of the Colors was a huge success last year and we will participate again this year.  If you have a period costume or uniform you are welcome to be part of the platoon that represents the Confederacy during the ceremony.  If you don’t have a period costume or uniform please plan on attending as a spectator and enjoy the ceremony.  It is an honored military tradition that is always scheduled on or close to Veterans Day in November.  This year it will be held on Saturday, Nov 6^th.  It will be held in the hangar of the old Kentucky Flying Service at Bowman Field.  More to follow closer to the date.

 

g.  A letter was sent to a gentleman who was criticized for displaying a Confederate Battle Flag below a United States flag on his property.  WHAS-TV did a piece on the flag that was televised.  The camp commander delivered the letter of support to the individual and offered assistance and information on the SCV.  To date, no response has been received from the individual, but he certainly has our support to express his constitutional right to display our sacred Southern symbols on his private property.

 

h.  David Harbolt gave a good rundown of the candidates for election at the upcoming National Reunion.  Thanks to David for his expertise on the individuals and the positions.

 

i.  The next meeting will be held on Aug 21^st to discuss the results of the National Convention.

 

j.  David Maddox of the Orphans Brigade gave details of the upcoming reunion in Franklin, KY.  More to follow.

 

All questions or concerns can be addressed to:

 

Bill Hayes

Lt. Bennett H. Young's Medal of Honor Finds a Home

Congratulations are in order for Past Commander, John Suttles, and the members of the General Lloyd Tilghman SCV Camp #1495 and the Mechanized Cavalry who sponsored the framing and mounting of the Confederate Medal of Honor for Lieutenant Bennett Henderson Young.

These sons of Confederate veterans gave of their time and money to honor a Kentucky Confederate soldier who was not a native of their own town as SCV Camp #1495 is located in Paducah, Kentucky, while Lieutenant Young was born in Nicholasville and lived much of his life in Louisville, Kentucky.

Some of you may be aware that Lieutenant Young was selected many years ago by the SCV Medal of Honor Committee to receive a Confederate Medal of Honor. His medal was presented to the Military Museum in Frankfort, Kentucky, and it has disappeared or political correctness got a hold of it.

John Suttles wasted no time after he was informed of details about the missing medal. Due to his efforts, southerners can be confident that the Lieutenant Young Medal of Honor will be preserved for posterity.

The medal is on display at the SCV-owned General Lloyd Tilghman Home Museum, 631 Kentucky Avenue, Paducah, Kentucky 42003. The museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon until 4 p.m. except during winter months. The museum telephone number is (270) 575-5477.

Make plans for a day trip to western Kentucky and enjoy the museum artifacts and view the photograph of Lt. Bennett Young and his shiny Medal of Honor. This medal is newly designed and truly a delight to the eyes. Paducah is a town that has a lot to be proud of and is well worth a day of sightseeing. Don’t miss a drive down to the river front plaza and the marvelous flood wall murals.

Again, “thanks” to John and Camp #1495 for an outstanding accomplishment by establishing a permanent place for the only Kentucky recipient’s SCV-recognized Confederate Medal of Honor.

Nancy Hitt

"Oh Bobby Lee" by Ben Kennedy

Did you really know what you were doing when you sent those
boys up that hill to die? And what gallant boys they were at that
since they fought not for fame or fortune but for the
inalienable rights that all men should have.

Oh Bobby Lee, could you not foresee
the terrible disaster that your order would bring.
Not only for the grandsons of patriots
but for everyone for over a hundred years hence.

Oh Bobby Lee, the tears you must have cried
when you left behind the best and the bravest.
The same kind of tears are now shed by so many
today who understand what was really lost that bloody day.

Oh Bobby Lee, maybe you did not know
that the constitution was in your hands that day.
Not only did your boys die in that ill-fated charge
but so did the rights of every state that was free.

Oh Bobby Lee, what a wonderful faith
and Love for God that you must have known.
But had you not read where it is written?
"Do not test the Lord your God"

Oh Bobby Lee, you went to your reward
knowing that you left it in His hands.
It was not meant to be that day only because
the Lord did not wish it to be so.

Take heart Bobby Lee, for the flame has not
gone out and the gallantry is not forgotten.
For in His time there will be freedom once again
in this great nation because His will is always done.

Deo Vindice!

Commander Hayes' Letter to Lyndon Resident

Dear Sir:
 

First of all, on behalf of all the members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans we would like to welcome you to the Louisville area if you are moving here from another city.  We deeply regret that some of your neighbors seem to be upset by your traditional display of the Confederate Battle Flag.  We are always concerned when we see people who only think of the battle flag as a symbol of hate or racism.  The Sons of Confederate Veterans stand ready to assist any citizens who experience a prejudicial encounter because of their Southern heritage and the right to express that heritage in any form that is protected by the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
 

One of the major goals of our organization is to educate the public as to the causes of the secession of the Southern States and the resultant conflict known as the War Between the States, or as it is commonly misnamed, the Civil War.
 

If we can be of any assistance to you in this matter please contact us.  If you are a descendant of a Confederate soldier we would welcome you to join our local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.  I have enclosed a brochure with membership information.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.  Please visit our camp website at: http://johnhuntmorgan.scv.org.
 

Sincerely,
William M. Hayes
Commander, John Hunt Morgan Camp 1342
Sons of Confederate Veterans

WHAS11.com: "Residents in Lyndon Concerned About How Neighbor is Portraying Area"

Click image to enlarge.

Click here to view original article.

Oldham Era: "City Honors Confederate Veterans"

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The Confederate Soldier's Prayer

Discovered folded in the pocket of a fallen Confederate soldier

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among men, most richly blessed.

Recited by JHM Camp Chaplain Ben Kennedy at the Annual Confederate Memorial Day Service held at the Pewee Valley Cemetery, June 5, 2010

Courier-Journal: "Confederate Memorial Day Will Honor Town's History"

Click images to enlarge.

Cave Hill Memorial Day Service

The Memorial Day service at Cave Hill was well attended.  U. S. Congressman John Yarmuth was in attendance not only at Cave Hill, but also at the major Memorial Day service at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery latter that day.  Again this year, the VA authorized the John Hunt Morgan Camp to decorate the graves of the CSA soldiers buried within the National Cemetery with CSA battle flags.  Lee Squires, the superintendent of Cave Hill, also authorized the camp to decorate the CSA graves  in the private section of the cemetery.  The main speaker was Colonel Leopoldo Quintas, the Regimental Commander of the 16th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Knox, who gave a very touching address.

Bill Hayes

Commander

Confederate Heritage Projects in England

Our dear friends in England and Europe are working hard to locate the graves of our Confederates and their families. Many thanks are due to Bob Jones of Liverpool for this valuable addition to our history. Bob and others have blazed a Confederate Heritage Trail across that great city, home of the CSS Alabama. Like all of us, these folks study, record and even fight for our flag in England, all with only a "thank you" as their reward. Unfortunately, even the British have become bigoted against our flag, as I have learned from our friends in England.  

Nancy Hitt

Below are excerpts from Bob Jones' e-mails:

Did I ever mention to you that the grave of the first wife of Captain John Low, CSN, was located last year by John Hussey?  It seems that everyone thought that she had died in Savannah in 1864, but I have a copy of her death certificate and she died in 6 Elizabeth Street with John Low in attendance.  It would appear that she had read in the papers of the sinking of the CSS Alabama on 19 June 1864, and she knew her husband was on that vessel from the time she sailed out of the river Mersey.  She was not, however, aware of the fact hat he had been put in command of the CSS Tuscaloosa until she was later seized by the authorities in South Africa.  John returned eventually to England but in her haste to find out what had happened to him, she immediately ran the blockade to get to Liverpool.  Low was not listed on any of the reports of those killed, drowned, missing or injured and in hospital, or those rescued.  She must have been frantic with worry, and on arriving in Liverpool she would have made straight for the offices in Rumford Place, where she would have probably met John standing large as life.

. . . 

As I say she was living at 6 Elizabeth Street which is at the junction of Pembroke Street and Crown Street which is at the back of the New Royal Hospital in Liverpool.  Mary Elizabeth Low died 20 November 1864, having arrived in Liverpool in early August 1864.  I have attached the death certificate to show the cause of death.

Credit for finding Mary Elizabeth's grave must go to John Hussey, as he was looking for the grave of a British sea captain and noticed this grave of Mary Low and took a photo of it for me.  He was on Radio Merseyside his morning talking about his book Cruisers, Cotton and Confederates.  John did a lot of hard work on the graves of Irvine Stephens and James Dunwoody Bulloch prior to the re-dedication of Irvin's grave last 18 July.

I have added some shots of John  placing a Georgia flag on the Wyly children's grave, sitting in the Liver Hotel under the Battle flag on the wall and with other items linking this establishment with the Confederacy, and working hard to plant the Southern Cross of Honour to the Bulloch Brothers as well as helping to clean up James' headstone. The blue primulas were planted on Mary Low's grave by John last year, and they have survived the harsh winter and flowered this year.

Confederate Grave Decoration at Cave Hill

Many thanks to the group that helped set the 300+ flags on CSA veteran's graves at Cave Hill Cemetery.  The cemetery is beautiful this time of year. Every year the VFW sponsors a very nice Memorial Day service to honor all of the veterans who gave their life in defense and service to their country.  May they rest in peace knowing that they will be remembered for the ultimate sacrifice that they gave.

Bill Hayes

Commander

SCV Candidates For Office

Below is a list of the national candidates for office in the elections to be held at the 2010 SCV reunion in Anderson, SC (the ANV and ATM department candidates have been omitted):

Commander-in-Chief

• Lt. CIC R. Michael Givens (unopposed)

Lt. Commander-in-Chief

• AOT Commander C. Kelly Barrow http://barrowscv.net/
• ATM Councilman Paul C. Gramling, Jr. http://www.gramling-scv.com/

Army of Tennessee Commander

• AOT Councilman Thomas V. Strain, Jr. http://scv-strain.com/
• Past AOT Councilman Edward M. Butler  http://edbutlerscv.info/

Army of Tennessee Councilman

• Historian-in-Chief Larry A. McCluney, Jr. (unopposed) http://mccluney2010.homestead.com/

Kentucky Bloodletting (DVD)

I have made a two part DVD of about 2.5 hours in length, covering the 1864 and 1865 reprisal executions that took place in Kentucky under the direction of Union General Stephen Gano Burbridge and his inhuman Order No. 59. This order directed the lives of four innocent Confederate prisoners of war to be executed at the site of any murder of a Union civilian. These reprisal executions took place across the state of Kentucky.

In this DVD, I have documented many of the executions and burial sites of those Confederate martyrs. I made use of research out of the book entitled, The Atonement of John Brooks, by James Head and Stewart Cruickshank.

The title of my DVD is Kentucky Bloodletting. It sells for $15, which includes postage. I did the video work on my own. (I hope you will not expect an award-winning Hollywood production!)

Thank you,

Nancy Hitt

hunleyhitt@earthlink.net

(Note: Contact Nancy at the address above for ordering instructions.)

Kentucky Vicksburg Monument Dedication

It was a spectacular occasion to which adequate words of description fail to come easily. There were over 200 people in attendance, basking in the Mississippi sun and in the heritage of their ancestors. Later in the day, a few of us who had been touring the park arrived at the Kentucky monument as the sun was setting, glistening warmly and magnificently off the bronze battle flag on top, looking even that much better than it does in these photos during the dedication. The Providence of God is at work, even when it is hard for those of us toiling in the day-by-day to see it. The Kentucky Confederate Monument is right on the auto tour road - one of the few monuments with a detailed inscription which could be read from the vehicle (or as Curt Carter put is so well, "We'll even get the lazy Confederates!").

Don Shelton

My Old Confederate Home: Saturday, June 5 in Pewee Valley

Dear Friends,

Pewee Valley is one of my favorite places in Kentucky.

Just sixteen miles east of Louisville, Pewee Valley still appears much as it did at the start of the twentieth century: a quiet village of well-bred estate homes in the Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles, unpretentious stone church buildings and polite residential lanes more suited for strolling than driving. The Kentucky Confederate Home operated there from 1902 to 1934.

The folks of Pewee Valley have designated Saturday, June 5 “Confederate Day”, and they’ve planned a full day of historical events to help mark publication of my book, “My Old Confederate Home: A Respectable Place for Civil War Veterans”.

Co-sponsored by the City of Pewee Valley, the Pewee Valley Historical Society, University Press of Kentucky and others, the event includes a memorial service, uniformed reenactors, cannon fire, a craft sale, catered luncheon, tours of historic homes, a guided walking tour of the old Kentucky Confederate Home grounds, period costumes, a Louisville Dulcimer Society concert, homemade lemonade and more. (The city has arranged for a free shuttle bus service and remote parking.)

I’ll be speaking at the memorial service and signing books throughout the day. (The City of Pewee Valley has posted the day’s full schedule here: http://www.peweevalleyky.org/cd2010.asp)

I hope you’ll join me in celebrating publication of “My Old Confederate Home: A Respectable Place for Civil War Veterans” (University Press of Kentucky, ISBN: 978-0-8131-2582-4) at Pewee Valley on Saturday, June 5.

Also, you may be interested in reading my article about the Kentucky Confederate Home in the latest issue of “Kentucky Humanities” magazine. If you can’t find it on the newsstand, you can download it here: http://www.kyhumanities.org/images/files/KH_Spring%202010.pdf

Though the official publication date for “My Old Confederate Home: A Respectable Place for Civil War Veterans” is later this month, the book is currently available for pre-order from your favorite bookseller.

Cordially,

Rusty Williams

Author's Blog: http://myoldconfederatehome.blogspot.com/

Minutes for the John Hunt Morgan Camp Meeting, May 15, 2010

Meeting was held at 1030 hrs at the South Park Country Club.  In attendance were the following members:  Bill Cherry, David Harbolt, Bill Hayes, Ben Kennedy, Larry Powell, Noble Roberts, Harold Sneed, Gene Woods, and friend of the camp Mike Hundley.

Old Business: 

1. The Ky Div List Server was discussed and noted that Bill Hayes is now the “owner”  and “moderator” of the Ky Div Yahoo List Server.  Dick Bedwell turned the ownership over to Bill Hayes within the last few weeks.  New guidance was sent to all Ky Div List Server members by the moderator in hopes of keeping the  group directed toward the appropriate use of the site. 

2. Mark Hiland has resigned as adjutant and those duties have been assumed by Bill Hayes until the election in October when it is anticipated that Bill Hayes will continue as adjutant when a new commander is elected.  All past due dues has been submitted to SCV National and Ky Division.  Membership cards have been mailed to the 55 members of the JHM camp.  All member will be current on National dues through July 31, 2011.

New Business:

1. The first event in May will be the decoration of graves at Cave Hill Cemetery for traditional Memorial Day.  This year graves will be decorated on Sat, May 29^th at 0900 hours.  Flags will be left on the graves until approx 1600 hours on Monday, Memorial Day, May 31^st.  Bill Hayes will send appropriate letters to the VA and Cave Hill requesting permission to decorate graves.  Since the camp had asked and received permission for the last several years, no problems are expected.  All are encouraged to attend the Memorial Day service at 1100 hours on Monday May 31^st at Cave Hill.

2. The major upcoming event will be the Confederate Memorial Day service at Pewee Valley Cemetery at 1100 hours on Saturday, June 5^th

Bill Hayes:  Rent sound powered  PA system for use by keynote speaker.  Print programs for cemetery event, bring three flags for color guard, bring 300+ flags to decorate graves. Provide mailing to camp member reminding them of upcoming events and schedule.

Harold Sneed: Bring chairs, and podium for event.

Larry Powell:  Donation of funds for gunpowder for firing battery (Gracey’s Battery), provide logistics for flags that John Bersot will provide for cemetery event. Coordinate with Gracey’s battery leader, Brian Newton.

Jim Hicks:  Confirm VIP’s in attendance at cemetery ceremony and provide into to Bill Hayes for inclusion in program. Provide biography of Rusty Williams for introduction. Liaison between camp and UDC and Bea Murphy for event coordination.

John Bersot:  provide four Kentucky unit flags for display around the cemetery monument.  Logistics for flags and poles to be coordinated with Larry Powell.

Gary Davis:  Provide reenactor color guard from 2^nd Ky Inf, CSA.  Coordinate other reenactor units at cemetery event and other venues throughout the day.

All other camp members:  Please plan to arrive at the cemetery around 0930 hours to help with setup for the event.

3.  The Ky Division Reunion will be held in Corbin, KY Friday June 18^th and Saturday June 19^th.  Members are encouraged to attend.  The basic meeting and elections will take place on Saturday.  Info is posted on the Ky Division Web Site and on the Ky Div List Server.

4.  There will be a picnic at the West Point Park on Sat, June 26^th from 1100 hours until ??.  All members, friends, family are invited.  It will be a pot-luck type of event with the camp donating $50 for meats and other items.  Make plans to attend.  The park is a great location overlooking the Ohio River with lots of shade.

5.  Members are reminded that the National Reunion is July 21^st – 24^th in Anderson, SC.  Bill Hayes will be attending.  Others are encourage to attend if possible.  Info can be found on the SCV National Web Site.

6.  There will be no formal meeting in June, due to the numerous events already scheduled.  The next scheduled meeting will be on Sat, July 17^th at South Park Country Club.  The major discussion of the July meeting will be National Reunion issues.

7.  Ben Kennedy will assume responsibilities as Camp Web Master.  Ben had received info from Mark Hiland about modifying the website and keeping it up to date.  Many thanks to Ben for taking on this responsibility in addition to serving as camp chaplain.

Confederate Memorial Day Service at Pewee Valley

Compatriots,

This is a digital copy of the poster that they are having made for the Confederate Memorial Day Service at Pewee Valley on Sat, June 5th. I'll be looking forward to seeing you there for the 11:00 AM service.

Bill Hayes

Commander

Welcome to the New John Hunt Morgan Camp Blog!

If you're reading this, welcome!  You've found the "blog" (that's short for "Web log") of the John Hunt Morgan Camp 1342, Sons of Confederate Veterans, located in Louisville, Kentucky!

We'll use this as a space for the camp officers and others to post relevant news about upcoming and past meetings and events, as well as other topics of interest.  Members will also have the opportunity to post comments.

So, please check back often, and don't forget to visit the JHM Camp website.