Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Meeting for November 2025 - The Raid on St. Albans VT

The Dragoons of SCV Camp 1524 held their monthly meeting on Thursday evening November 13th at the Masonic Lodge in downtown Prattville.  The meeting started at 6:45 with Commander Grooms lead the pledges and salutes to the flags and reciting the SCV Charge.  Grooms then covered camp business including upcoming events.  One highlight of the meeting was the addition of a new member to the Camp 1524 ranks. Carson Abbott was officially sworn in as a Prattville Dragoon.  Dale Hamilton from Montgomery was recognized as a guest and for his recent electrical work at the I-65 Battle Flag site to illuminate the new banner billboard.  Next a few Alabama State Division awards were presented by Brigade Commander Waldo to members who have gone above and beyond in service to our great cause. Commander Harold Grooms was presented a Commendation Medal of Service. Adjutant Doug Butler was also presented a Commendation Medal for Service, and longtime compatriot Tyrone Crowley was given the Meritorious Award for Service.  Each award included a medal. 

 A very interesting presentation was made by Ret. Col. Jayson Altieri on The Raid on St. Albans, Vermont, which was the northernmost land battle that took place during the War Between the States, on October 19-20, 1864.  Col. Altieri classified it more so as a battle because militia were involved and shots fired.  By 1864, the Confederate forces and Jefferson Davis' strategy to defend the entire border were in dire straits.  The federal forces were advancing on Mobile and Sherman on Atlanta with Mead moving south toward a siege of Petersburg and Butler toward Richmond from the east. Tennesseee and the Mississippi River were largely under Union control after teh fall of Vicksburg.  Vermont contributed 34000 soldiers to the Union forces from a population of 350,000; VT actually replenished fallen soldiers with new recruits from the state.  Even today one in eight Vermont citizens has served in the military.  

Montpelier is the capital of VT and is a railroad junction/hub.  St. Albans is in the NW corner of VT near the Canadian border and the railroad runs from Montreal down thru St. Albans to Montpelier. St. Albans was something of a banking center at the time also.   As a Private in the 8th KY Cavalry, part of John Hunt Morgan's cavalry, Bennet Henderson Young was captured in 1863 but escaped and fled to Canada.  There, in Montreal he approached the office of Confederate official Jacob Thompson with his plan to raid federal banks in NY and VT. Young also hoped that these attacks would divert federal troops to a northern theatre and away from the attacks on the Southern states. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the CSA. 

On October 11th 1864, Young traveled to Philipsburg Canada, just north of the border and there over the next week twenty men met Young to form the 5th Company CSA Retributors, gathering for the raid, dressed in civilian clothes and posing as vacationers. On October 19th they advanced south across the border and into St.Albans where Young fired his gun in the town center and announced they were taking over the town.  They robbed the three banks there and made some of the tellers swear allegiance to the Confederacy.  They took over $200,000 which would be over $4M in todays dollars. There in the area was a Union offcier Capt. Conger who was on leave and he quickly rounded up a number of local men into a militia to come to defense.  Shooting ensued and one man on each side was wounded. Young and his men escaped and retreated back north to Canada destroying several covered bridges on the way.   Conger and his men surrounded the hotel in Canada where Young's raiders were staying but the Canadian and British authorities intervened.  After a hearing, the Confederates were released and $88000 from the heists was returned.  

As a direct result of this incursion, officers and cadets from Norwich University (the oldest military academy after West Point) were dispatched to Newport VT to defend the state from what they thought would be additional Confederate raids.  A book and an 1954 movie, The Raid starring Anne Bancroft were made based loosely on Young's raid on St. Albans.  As an additional educational point, we learned that Vermont in the 1980’s had a larger cow population, than citizens!

Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 Chaplain's Column for November 2025 - No Vision

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." 

Proverbs 29:18  

Whenever we go to see the eye doctor they have to dilate our eyes. I know it must be done this way, but I hate it because for hours we must sit with sunglasses on and not be able to see well. Our vision is blurred and we become frustrated because we cannot see our phones, a menu, or anything like that. During that time we are effectively blind. 

Our lives are much the same way without direction from the Lord. When we do not seek God's word, we lose the vision that He has for our lives. The Bible is our owner's manual, our "how-to live" our lives. We often complain that we do not hear from God, but I would contend that you do not hear or see God if your Bible remains closed.

In Proverbs 29:18, we find a powerful statement about the importance of vision and guidance in our lives. The verse speaks to the idea that without a clear understanding of God’s direction, people can easily lose their way. It suggests that vision, especially a godly one, is crucial for leading lives full of purpose and fulfillment.

The phrase “where there is no vision” can be interpreted in various ways. It might refer to a lack of understanding of God’s will, a personal ambition that has become lost, or an absence of effective leadership within a community. When people do not have insight into what God wants for them or what is right, they often flounder in confusion, making poor decisions that lead to negative consequences.

Contrasting this bleak scenario, the verse offers a hopeful note: “but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” This section emphasizes the blessings that come from adhering to God’s guidelines. Following God’s commandments provides a moral compass, helps maintain clarity in our lives, and leads to genuine happiness. Our obedience to God’s law allows us to experience joy amidst uncertainty, and it helps us remain focused on our ultimate goal: glorifying Him and serving others. 

As we reflect on this verse, we might ask ourselves what vision we are following. Are we allowing God’s revelations to guide our lives? Or are we simply trying to find our way on our own? Recognizing that we need God’s direction is the first step toward finding peace and happiness. 

Amen.

Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots

From the Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 Dispatch Newsletter

Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots 

Battles for the Armory – Friday-Sunday, November 7-9th, Tallassee AL

Dragoons Camp Meeting – at Prattville Masonic Lodge on Thursday November 13th at 6:45pm

Autauga Interfaith Care Center – Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday Nov 18-20th for food donation, downtown Prattville

Prattville Christmas Parade – Friday, December 5th, 7pm, Court St and Main St, Prattville AL

Dragoons’ Christmas Social – Saturday, December 6th, 6-9pm, SCC, Wetumpka AL

CofC Christmas in the South and Santa’s Post Office – Saturday, December 13th, 10am CMP Chapel, Marbury AL

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Fall Muster

Friends and family and members of the SCV Camp 1524 Prattville Dragoons gathered on Saturday morning October 25th for their annual fall muster.  The event was held again at compatriot Philip Edward's home which he and his wife graciously opened to allow us to use.  The event includes a picnic lunch and shotgun clay target shooting.  Soon after 10am the shooting began out in back of Philip's house in his expansive property overlooking his pond.  Hand throwers and electric throwers provided a range of trajectories and speeds for the clay targets for plenty of challenge.  At 11am the food was blessed by former camp chaplain Bill Branch.  The ladies present led the charge thru the line which had smoked pork butts, Conecuh sausage, potato salad, cole slaw, beans, corn casserole, chips, and desserts including blackberry crisp, banana pudding, earthquake cake, frosted cake, brownies, key lime pie, cherry dump cake and sweet potato pie.  Too much good food.  Folks present included Commander Grooms, Brigade Commander Waldo and his children, 1st Lt Spears, 2nd Lt Wade and his friend Ed Willett along with his friend, Quartermaster Myrick and his wife Peggy who brought canopies as well as world famous baked beans and the smoked butts pulled, Treasurer Dennis and his wife who showed up first thing and helped set everything up along with Philip and his wife and their friend, compatriot Todd Rogers and his grandson Carson, Tyrone Crowley, Bill Branch and his girlfriend, compatriot Driver, and guests including the Huntzingers from the UDC, guest and prospective new member Samuel Johnson (who proved to be a very good marksman), and Alex Hollon who also brought a friend interested in forming a Clanton SCV camp in the Brigade.  It was a beautiful clear cool (at least started that way) early fall day and a very enjoyable muster.  

New Lighting Installed for Alabama Division Sons of Confederate Veterans Banner Signage at I-65 Battle Flag Site

Dale Hamilton of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Semple Camp installed new flood lighting to illuminate the Alabama Division SCV Banner Signage at the I-65 Battle Flag site near Marbury AL.  A support structure to raise and better display the banner was previously erected by members and friends of the Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524. Dale's great work provides lighting so this banner can be readily seen by passers-by on Interstate 65 where the mega-Battle flag is flown.  Great work by compatriots to enhance this flag site which is much appreciated by travelers driving north and south on the freeway there. 

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 at the Autauga County Fair

The Autauga County Fair was held Tuesday October 7th thru Saturday October 11th and it was a great success. All the attendees passed by the Dragoons information/recruiting booth as they entered the fairgrounds thru the entrance building.  Dozens of mini-Battle flags and SCV coins were handed out to passers-by and a number of items were sold from the Quartermaster's store to raise money for the camp treasury.  At least two contacts were made who may result in new SCV camp members.   Camp 1524 members who helped at the booth included David Brantley, Adjutant Doug Butler, Tyrone Crowley, Comms Officer Eric Davis, Treasurer John Dennis, Jonathan Driver, CMDR Harold Grooms, Lee James, Color SGT Billy Leverette, QM Bill Myrick, Scott Roberson, Todd Rogers and Grandson Carson, 1LTCMDR Larry Spears, Mike Thomas, Louis Turner and SWCBCMDR Waldo and of course 1st Lt Karl Wade was there eac shift and helped coordinate the entire effort.  Perhaps the best worker who made the most positive impression on fair-goers was Scott's Newfoundland puppy who had everyone stopping to pet his head.  Without the hard work of all these compatriots and dedication to this project, it would not have been the successful community outreach it was. 

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Meeting for October 2025 - WBTS Reenacting

The Dragoons of SCV Camp 1524 held their monthly camp meeting on Thursday evening October 9th at the Prattville Masonic Lodge.  Commander Grooms opened the meeting with an Invocation and Treasurer Dennis then led everyone in the pledges and salutes to the flags.  Commander Grooms then recited the SCV Charge and highlighted upcoming events including the fall muster and canned food drive and Christmas Social.  New camp member Dale Dellegar was then sworn in and presented with his certificate, a real cuase for celebration.   

Camp Adjutant Doug Butler gave a presentation on WBTS reenacting.  Doug has been involved with reenacting for 30 years and is a Colonel in the SCV Reenacting Division.  He brought his collection of just about everything one needs to be a reenactor.  Center were valuable Enfield and Springfield rifles including one with an engraves Confederate flag on the receiver.  He also had period sabers and bayonets. He showed a box of homemade blank rounds and explained the packing and use of those. He has not only bought period appropriate clothing like jackets and boots and equipment, but he has made many of the articles he uses in the field. He had numerous canvas and cloth ditty bags which held all sorts of miscellaneous things from medicine to string to games including checkers and cards.  He presented period correct canteen, kettle, lantern, stove, tent, skillet, cups, and leather holsters. He made and showed a couple of haversacks and wooden ammunition boxes. Cheats used in a reenactment encampment and hidden from view during the living history or reenactment event included a shovel, hammer, first aid kit, flashlight, lighter, fan, swiss army knife, sleeping bag with air matress and cot and baby wipes which he indicated were especially appreciated.  An amusing portion of the presentation was when he recounted some of the funny questions he has been asked by schoolchildren at living history reenactments including, "Is the fire hot?", " Do you sleep in there (tent)?", "Does it hurt when you get shot (by blanks)?", "Is that gun real?", "Do you get paid for this?", "Is that food real?", "Did you kill that chicken you're eating?" and women are commonly asked, "How do you go pee?".  Good stuff. 

Doug’s enthusiasm and expertise was captivating and inspiring. He made each camp member want to suit up and charge the enemy!

Prattville Dragoons Chaplains Column for October 2025 - Seasons of Life

"The truth is, of course, that what one regards as interruptions are precisely one's life."  

C.S. Lewis 

Ecclesiastes 3:1

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Life is never dull. We all seem to be going through something right now or recently. And sometimes it feels like unfortunate events never stop. 

I have recently gone through some stuff with family dealings and conflict, some of which the cuts are old and deep. More recently, I have gone through philosophical and spiritual disagreements with an organization in which I have membership. I have lost some friends recently, what I can only call a "culling" that the Lord is doing in my life. I trust in His vision and path for my future on this. 

All this to say, so what? The C.S. Lewis quote above caught my eye recently and turned me introspective. I have always viewed "something I'm going through" as a "season" or a temporary interruption. But as Lewis points out, what if this is just life? 

We can see in the Bible that many men went through what they thought would be temporary inconveniences- Job, Jonah, Daniel, Moses, and David, just to name a few. But many went through rough times for the bulk of their lives. The Apostles were hated for spreading the Gospel and all but John was martyred. But God redeemed them every time they suffered. All went on to the glory of God. 

The above verse in Ecclesiastes is well-known. There was even a famous song about it in the 60's. It inspires us to get through the "season" we are going through whatever that might be. However, when we look at the calendar every season is merely a continuation of life. Spring and Summer brings us new life and a new energy. Autumn and winter will bring cooler temperatures (praise be!), leaves falling, and shorter, colder days. While we suffer through the cold, dark days of Winter, we yearn for the warm breeze and vitality of Spring! 

And so it is with life. The constant theme through, not merely a period of it, is that Christ walks with us. I have the famous "Footprints" poem in my office to remind me that while God does not promise an easy life, but He does promise to walk beside us, and yes, sometimes even carry us during the darkness in our life. 

What a joy to think about everyday! Every day is a blessing because we have a Savior who loves us and even came and defeated death for us and our Sins! 

Let us remember that in the good days and the bad and then when unfortunate events occur in our lives we know that whatever happens that God is with us in this life and has promised a new life with him beyond death. 

Amen.

Dragoons’ Reenactor in Color Guard for Alabama Division UDC Convention

Prattville Dragoons’ Adjutant Doug Butler along with Reenactment Brigade Commander Jeremy Booth and Trace Johnson of the Tuscaloosa Ploughboys SCV Camp 2312 provided a color guard for the UDC Historical Banquet which was a part of the annual Alabama Division UDC Convention at the Prattville Marriott Sept 11-13th.  The color guard posed with UDC banquet attendees before the program and then posted colors as part of the processional which started the evening’s agenda.  SCV SWC Brigade Commander Waldo’s daughter also brought greetings from the Children of the Confederacy during the recognition of guests.  Alabama Division Commander Jimmy Hill was in attendance representing the SCV and former Commander Carl Jones brought greetings from the SCV and was the recipient of a UDC award recognizing US Armed Forces service members.  Brion McClanahan of the Abbeville Institute gave the keynote speech presenting on modern progressive activist historians contrasting them to historians of the early 20th century who recognized the legitimate contrasting perspectives and positions of those who fought that War. 

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 September Meeting

T he Dragoons of SCV Camp 1524 held their monthly camp meeting on Thursday night September 11th at the Masonic Lodge in downtown Prattville.  Commander Grooms led the attendees through the camp business and upcoming events.   Following, the guest speaker was Compatriot Bob McClendon, a member of the Troy SCV camp, Life Member of the SCV and Commander for the Southeast Alabama Brigade. Bob is a living history Reenactor of more than 40 years and author of several articles and books, including "The Definitive History of the 53rd Alabama Cavalry". Autauga County Confederate soldiers, including some Dragoons, were part of the 53rd. He gave a moving presentation on Company K of the 53rd Alabama regiment and reminisces of members from that unit. After the presentation he answered questions and had some of his books available for sale.

SCV Camp 1524 Dragoons Attend McKeithen Cemetery Historical Marker Dedication

Saturday, September 6, 2025, a historical marker was unveiled at the Alexander McKeithen Cemetery, located on Hastings Hollow, in the Columns Subdivision in Millbrook, Alabama. 

Extended family was on hand to witness the unveiling of the marker, which was presented by Larry Caver, from the Old Autauga Historical Society. 

The cemetery dates back to at least 1862 when the location was still a part of Autauga County. The oldest grave is for Thomas McKeithen who was killed in action at Malvern Hill in Virginia in 1862. He was the brother of Dr. A. S. McKeithen, a surgeon in the Prattville Dragoons during the war, and afterward, a physician in Prattville until his death. 

Prattville Dragoons SCV members. Tyrone Crowley, Eric Davis, and 1st Lieutenant Larry Spears were on hand to support the presentation. 

Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots

                Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots 

Dragoons Camp Meeting – at Prattville Masonic Lodge on Thursday September 11th at 6:45pm

Alabama UDC Convention – Friday-Saturday September 12-13th in Prattville

 

Raid on Little General’s Farm Reenactment – Friday-Sunday, September 19-21st , Gallant AL

Beauvoir Fall Muster – Friday-Sunday, September 17-19th, Biloxi MS

Autauga County Fair – Tuesday- Saturday, October 7-11th, Autauga County Fairgrounds, Prattville AL

Dragoons Fall Muster – Saturday October 25th 10am-2pm at Philip Edward’s home – BBQ lunch and clay shooting

Battles for the Armory – Friday-Sunday, November 7-9th, Tallassee AL

Prattville Christmas Parade – Friday, December 5th, 7pm, Court St and Main St, Prattville AL

Dragoons’ Christmas Social – Saturday, December 6th, 6-9pm, Eclectic AL

CofC Christmas in the South and Santa’s Post Office – Saturday, December 13th, CMP 

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Dixie Butt Fundraiser

Members of SCV Camp 1524 held their annual Dixie Butt fundraiser to generate proceeds for the camp treasury.  Members were asked to " Buy One and Sell One" and a number of compatriots went above and beyond selling many to friends and neighbors.  Saturday August 16th Quartermaster Myrick went by Smokin S BBQ in Wetumpka to pick up the quanitity of hot and cold butts for distribution that morning to purchasers. Smokin S has prepared the butts for the last several years for the camp and they also provide catering services for the camp's Christmas Social.  Delicious product.   2nd Lt Karl Wade and compatriots Darrell Haywood and Wayne Sutherland helped bag the butts for transport.  Treasurer John Dennis and his wife kept the books, accounting for the butt tickets distributed and the monies paid, a lot of commendable work to keep straight. Camp 1524 1st Lt Larry Spears, Adjutant Doug Butler, and Color Sgt Billy Leverette worked the distribution for most of the morning there also greeting camp members and friends of the SCV who arrived to pick up their butts.  Brigade Commander Waldo took a quantity of butts to deliver...compatriot Philip Edwards visited for quite a while with everyone... brand new member Blake Dickinson brought his two beautiful children to the event for a while... Skip Ward who always donates a few butts for later camp events drove thru... Allen Herrod whose facility was used for the distribution point stopped in to pick up a couple butts.... Earl Edmondosn and Danny Smythe came in and chatted with the compatriots under the canopy for a while.  It was a great opportunity to see members and friends of the camp this morning and proved to be another successful fundraising campaign.