For the first time in recent memory, the speakers were not
university PhD’s, but specialized in a certain field of endeavor or topic. Mr. Crick was the first speaker relating that
the widow of R E Rodes (for whom the Tuscaloosa SCV camp is named) burned all
his papers after his death because “he was a Southern gentlemen” and so didn’t
need anyone judging him when he wasn’t there to defend himself. This makes research on Rodes difficult but he
is recognized as one of the best division commanders in the ANV.
Mr. Stocker
provided details of the 26th Alabama Brigade which was at the forefront of the
great victory at Chancellorsville. Mr.
Stocker, from PA, apologized for being a Yankee who had a great-grandpa in the
153rd PA Regt. One interesting detail he
gave is that Union soldiers and their leadership at Chancellorsville reported
hearing Confederate troops moving in around them, but were ignored by higher
authority—thus the big surprise when the attack came.
Professor Rhone
of UA did the JCC Sanders presentation and read a verse from an inspiring poem
dedicated to the cadets who fought in the WBTS.
He said U of Ala started in 1831 as just another academy, but became a
military training school in order to instill more discipline in the (male)
students. Cadets wanted to quit school
and go join the Confederate Army, but President Davis urged that they stay and
complete their training, since the Confederate Army needed officers.
The last speaker presented a long, fascinating slide show,
the last part of which was in 3-D (with glasses). Visit The Center for Civil War Photography website -
https://museums.ua.edu/event/22nd-annual-j-c-c-sanders-lecture-series/. Even the refreshments and the lunch were good all thanks to Mr.
Paul “Bear" Bryant Jr. and the UA staff.
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