Camp Sumter

Attended a family reunion in south central Georgia the weekend of June 25-26th.  As I was in the area, I took the opportunity to go by the Andersonville National Historic Site.  This was the site of Camp Sumter where "over fourty five thousand Union soldiers were confined (as prisoners or war) at the prison (and) almost thirteen thousand died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding and exposure to the elements." This according to the National Park Service's brochure.  Toured the POW museum there which was an amazing couple of hurried hours.  One could spend many more hours in the museum combing over the collection of POW artifacts and presentations.  What was interesting was the manner in which the museum was laid out with different sections explaining different aspects of life as a POW including clothing or uniforms, games and means to pass the time, religion and how they managed to practice their faith, diaries and communications with family and the outside world etc.  The sections were not divided by time period but by these topics and it struck me how POWs from the time of the Revolutionary War thru to the Vietnam War and Desert Storm all confronted similar hardships and trials.  While the museum presented the dire conditions in which the prisoners or war at Camp Sumter lived and died, they did also mention at least the truth about one of the main reasons why there was such overcrowding which led to the poor santitation, disease and malnutrition, that the North refused to release Confederate POWs in a swap for these Union troops held at Camp Sumter and elsewhere.  In what has been described as one of the most shining testaments to the fighting courage and tenacity of the Confederate soldier, General Grant stated, "It is hard on our men held in Southern prisons not to exchange them, but it is humanity to those left in the ranks to fight our battles. Every man we hold, when released on parole or otherwise, becomes an active soldier against us at once either directly or indirectly. If we commence a system of exchange which liberates all prisoners taken, we will have to fight on until the whole South is exterminated. If we hold those caught, they amount to no more than dead men. At this particular time to release all rebel prisoners in the North would insure Sherman's defeat and would compromise our safety here."  What was not as thoroughly explained was that the shortage of medicine to treat the diseased and sick at Camp Sumter was caused largely by the Union blockade and refusal to allow medicine thru to the Southern States.  Similarly, the shortage of food especially once General Sherman's pillage commenced caused hunger and malnutrition among the Confederate soldiers and civilian populations also.  The terrible conditions and high death tolls at Union POW camps was largely a footnote and certainly the graves of the thousands of Confederate soldiers who died interned as Union prisoners of war are not similarly honored at those sites north of the Mason Dixon line.  All in all, a stark reminder of the horror of war when one gazes at the thousands of tombstones lined in countless rows in the cemetary there.

July 4th

While July 4th one hundred and fourty eight years ago was a dire time in the survival of the Confederacy with the fall of Vicksburg and the carnage at Gettysburg, Independence Day should be remembered and celebrated by compatriots for the birth of the United States of America and the pure principles which our founding fathers envisioned for foundation of our nation and particularly in the cornerstone Constitution.  If the Jeffersonian ideals which had been the framework of the Constitution had been adhered to in 1861 and the period leading up that (as well as in today's day and time), the struggle for States Rights and the attempt to reign in a tyrannical overreaching overbearing Federal government would not have resulted in the travesty of hundreds of thousands of casualties in the War Between the States and the world today may have been a much different place. Truly, the Confederate States of America may have grown to be "the shining city upon a hill whose beacon light guides freedom loving people everywhere" as Ronald Reagan stated.  Today, the debate is alive as to whether America is still or can continue to be such a shining example but a return to the founding principles is our only hope.  So when you celebrate Independence Day this July 4th, reflect on the great struggle, the founding of the Confedearet States of America and the War for Southern Independence which was fought to preserve those founding father's vision.  The Prattville Dragoons will be marching in the city of Prattville's July 4th parade to celebrate American Independence gained in the eighteenth century, to honor the World War II veterans who fought to preserve democracy and defeat the Axis powers in the twentieth century, and to remember those who fought in the War for Southern Independence in the nineteenth century. 

Upcoming Events for the Prattville Dragoons

Prattville Dragoons EC Meeting on Monday the 6th highlighted upcoming events for the camp.  The monthly camp meeting held at the Shoneys in Prattville on Cobbs Ford Road was held on Thursday evening.  July 4th the Dragoons plan to participate in the Prattville Independence Day parade with a cart with riders including Donald Wheeler, a World War II veteran, step father of 2nd Lt Commander Stuart Waldo.  The theme for the parade will be honoring these veterans of WW II.  The Dragoons banner will also be carried by walkers.  If you wish to participate, the parade starts promptly at 9am, Monday July 4th.  The Sons of Confederate Veterans annual reunion conference will be held Wednesday July 13th thru Sunday 17th.  Details and a registration can be found on the SCV national and Alabama division websites.  Before June 15th the registration is $45 and escalates to $60 after that date.  The Prattville Dragoons will co-host the Old Alabama Town tours on Friday afternoon.  Unfortunately for this golfer, the Wednesday June 13th captains choice golf tournament has been cancelled but 2nd Lt. Stuart Waldo can be contacted if interested in golf at the beautiful Robert Trent Jones facility as a small informal get together golf outing is still tentatively planned.  This is the Confederacy Sesquicentennial reunion event, a great milestone and a huge event is anticipated complete with tours, meetings, and banquets and even river boat cruises on the Harriett II on the Alabama River. 

Rebel Yell

For those who like a sip of bourbon now and again, one which may be of interest is Rebel Yell.  On-line reviews favor the taste and value of this bourbon made by the Luxco company in Louisville KY.   I had been looking for a bottle for some time but it is fairly scarce.  I wanted to see what tribute they paid to the Confederacy from whence their name was given.  Unfortunately, while there is no Confederate Battle Flag or any other on the bottle, there are two small Confederate cavalry figures in full gallop.  The label on the back of the bottle though has a nice blurb, "The rebel yell is one of the enduring legends of the War Between the States.  Just as the rebel yell's heritage remains true, so does that of the namesake - Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey."  Nice reference to the War Between the States.  I saw one post on the web which claimed that even though the brand was established in 1849, it ceased production but was brought back in 1961 to commemorate the Centennial of the Confederacy and the War Between the States.  Nice.  I took the opportunity to write an email to their regional manager to inquire whether they will be producing any Sesquicentennial commemorative products or labels.  I would imagine that such might be a collectible by many including some members of the Son of Confederate Veterans and I hinted as such.  Stay tuned.  But, I purchased a bottle on a trip up that way this weekend and brought it back to Alabama so that we could partake during the Prattville Dragoons EC meeting tomorrow evening and on. 

Real Sons and Daughters

A most amazing revelation for me at the Alabama Division convention was the attendance of a Real Son who I believe was Mr. Dean.  A Real Son I came to understand is an actual son of a Confederate Veteran. Some number of Confederate Veterans married at advanced ages of 80 and older to younger women of childbearing age who had found security with a veteran receiving a government pension during the stark poverty years of the Great Depression.  Amazing that as we celebrate the Sesquicentennial, 150 years after the start of the War for Independence, that there are first generation progeny of Veterans of this War still alive.  With the attention the Sesquicentennial is receiving, some of these men of living history are making headlines.  Here is one article - http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/05/real_son_of_confederate_vetera.html .  Interesting that this son, Tyus Denney, indicates that his father rarely spoke of the conflict and he is living his life in relative anonymity in small town Tarrant Alabama.  Henry Gober of the Prattville Dragoons residing in Millbrook is another of these fast dwindling numbers of Real Sons.  The recent May/June edition of the Confederate Veteran magazine shows a photo on page 33 of Real Daughter Margaret Elizabeth Lane of NC.  These people are living breathing historical records of the period of the Confederacy that their parents lived and fought thru.  I trust they are being encouraged to document in memoirs stories of their childhood when their Confederate Veteran father was still alive.  Oral histories from them would be priceless recollections only one generation removed from those who lived in the era, providing a glimpse into the Road to War, the War for Southern Independence and the post-war period of Reconstruction.  They and their parent’s lives have spanned over 150 years during the most important periods in our country's history.   Amazing stuff.  It gave me pause to think that my youngest boy will be 50 years old at the Bicentennial with his great great great grandfather having been a veteran of War Between the States.   I didn't know but one of my grand parents and thankfully she did pen her memoirs which I happened to use this very family history as one source of documentation for my qualifications to join the Sons of Confederate Veterans. 

Alabama Division Reunion - SCV Accomplishments

As was previously reported, members of the Prattville Dragoons attended the annual convention of the SCV Alabama Division in Birmingham on May 21st.  The Commanders report provided a synopsis of the Sesquicentennial celebrations/events including the April inauguration reenactment and Confederate Memorial Day remembrance in Montgomery.  Just some of the additional Division activities included a $6000 check  provided to the Alabama Division to the State Archives for flag preservation.  The SCV Wheeler Camp dedicated a memorial at the site where the last two Confederate veterans had met some half century before in Alabama.  In recognition of the tragic loss of life and property in the recent rash of tornadoes, the Commander alerted everyone to the availability of grants to help provide relief for those requiring assistance to help get back on their feet.  Division funds were also provided to the Decatur and Tallassee reenactors to continue their good work portraying historical events from the War Between the States.  Two of the three annual recipients of the Divisions scholarships were in attendance having both received a one-time $1500 scholarship to further their academics.  Support for high school living history days as well as numerous Sesquicentennial support activities like the funding of the Road to War newspaper inserts was also highlighted.  The Adjutant declared a quorum with 26 camps represented at the convention of 55 in the state (with a membership of 1600).  The 1st and 2nd Lieutenants also reported specifically regarding involvement with Sesquicentennial events and recognized Tyrone Crowley of Camp 1524 and Ann Tidmore of the Confederate White House for their invaluable work and support in Sesquicentennial events throughout the first half of the year.  Copies of the Alabama Confederate Division quarterly newsletter magazine are sent to local schools who request them and an effort will be conducted to provide these to all Alabama legislators to promote the work of the SCV and the Division especially in this important Sesquicentennial period.  The business portion of the convention included votes on Division Constitution Amendments and Resolutions.  Finally, Division and Brigade commendations and meritorious service awards were announced.  It was a great day recognizing all of the important work being done by the SCV in this most important Sesquicentennial anniversary of the founding of the CSA and the War for Southern Independence.

Alabama Division Reunion - Stand for Truth and Righteousness

Last Saturday, May 21st, members of SCV Camp 1524 attended the annual convention of the Alabama Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.  In attendance were Chris Booth, Tyrone Crowley, Tom Snowden, Bill Myrick and Stuart Waldo.  After colors were posted and pledges stated, prior to the business portion a representative from the United Daughters of the Confederacy spoke and encouraged wives to join that group, a parallel organization to the SCV.  A "Real Son" was introduced to those assembled, ninety year old Mr. Dean.  Amazing that this SCV member is an actual son of a Confederate Veteran - I will blog further about those dwindling numbers of Real Sons who provide a glimpse into 19th century and Confederate history on future posts.  A presentation was made of one of the flags which was raised at the state capital at the Sesquicentennial celebration for the inauguration which was held in Montgomery in April.  Gen.S.D.Lee's charge was recited.  The Division Chaplain then reported encouraging everyone to stand for the truth against the media citing Isaiah 6, "Do not call evil good and good evil."  Although most would find the institution of slavery to be abhorrent, it is not evil or sinful as the Bible neither condemns nor endorses it. He provided the analogy that although mistreatment of slaves existed, so do beatings and cruelty in bad marriages and yet no one would condemn the entire institution of marriage for what a few despicable people do.  Interestingly, some today question the legitamcy and worth of the family unit but one can perhaps coincidentally recognize the fall from greatness with which our country is imminently faced.  He closed in saying that God vindicates righteousness and that although the South may have lost the War, God takes the long view.  There was a revival in the South during these War years and many tens of thousands of soldiers were saved.  Of course great Christian men like Generals Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee provided legendary role models for the entirety of the Confederacy to espouse and admire.  This legacy endures today as the South is still referred to as the Bible Belt and the social mores of the Southern culture contrasts with that of the liberal secular North (and Pacific coast).  The Chaplain recommended Lee on Leadership as suggested reading.  Following posts will provide further details on the convention.