Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Letter to Chief Gilmore, Lake City, Florida

Lake City, Florida
Chief Gilmore,

On behalf of the Lt. F.C. Frazier Camp 668 & Laura Wesson Chapter 5 of High Point, we would like to express our appreciation for your courage and stand for what is right against all of those who do not and fail to want to understand our heritage which we are blessed from our forebears.

I've attached newsletter I think you will enjoy and photo of HK and I with our beloved Real Daughter of Confederate Veteran Mattie Clyburn Rice. She is blessing and we enjoy sharing wonderful times with her each month in our meetings. She is also a hero who stood for what is right and had the courage to honor her father despite all of those who said she was crazy and no way any black man fought for the Confederacy. Guess they are just victims of Reconstruction and believe the propaganda.

God Bless You and remember they only attack those who stand for what is right...

Ron Perdue
Commander
Lt. F.C. Frazier Camp 668

Monday, July 30, 2012

10th Alabama marker

10th Alabama marker
Gentlemen,

The upcoming marker dedication service for the 10th Alabama at Bristow Station, Virginia will be held on September 22nd at 10 AM EST. To update everyone, the stone is in place, the plaques have been delivered and are being installed on the stone. Cosmetic work is being done in the marker area.

The bus trip to Bristow fell through due to the lack of support but I am hopeful that Alabamians will still make the trip own their own to help honor these Confederate heroes. The recommended hotel is the Hampton Inn at Manassas.

One of the areas we need help with is in the collection of Alabama soil. One part of the program will have us spreading soil from the counties the men of the 10th represented. We already have a 5 gallon bucket from St. Clair County. We need buckets from DeKalb, Calhoun, Shelby, Talladega and Jefferson Counties. There were 10 companies total so we need 10 buckets. We need 2 from Talledega, 1 from Shelby, 1 from Jefferson, 3 from Calhoun, 1 from Dekalb and 1 more from St. Clair county.

We also will need volunteers to spread the soil in Virginia as part of the program. I need to provide a list to the person in charge of the program no later than August 5th so if you know you are going to Bristow and would like to be one of the 10 men to spread the soil over the graves of these men please let me know.

Jimmy Hill
1st Lt. Commander
Alabama Division, SCV

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Greetings from Pine Mountain, Georgia... e-mail from H.K. Edgerton

Greetings from Pine Mountain, Georgia...

Chief Gilmore, (Miss Argatha)

I am so proud of you! After reading my e-mail from H.K. Edgerton I am smiling, beaming like unto a opossum! The scandalous attempt to replace you, one who has proved that she stands on principals and honesty in the political world that we live in today has slain the Dragon. Or at least you applied a full measure of goose egg on the face of the Dragon!

I am retired after 35 years of law enforcement and public service and know how difficult it is to do what you and your loving supporters have done. Sometimes those who resist a good person doing good work in public service are just plain evil. Other times they are just misinformed and miss guided by those who have an agenda that flies in the face of progress to close the gap between Blacks and Whites who without their interference would for the most part live in harmony and love each other as God intended. You are a good example of how hearts and spirits can be connected only by our mutual understanding and the knowledge that, Black or White, we think alike. Our hearts are always reaching out and we are happy when we cross paths with someone of like mind and spirit. We do not always agree on everything but we are heading in the same direction for a good purpose.

When I read of H.K. I had the same feeling of kindred spirit. Now I must add you to my list of Heroes. My children and my grandchildren will know your names and learn your stories of standing alone if need be for right and the good of all those you serve.

I pray that you will accept this small letter as a gigantic vote of confidence and  an expression of love from one who is thinking of you as you walk up the steps of the "Ivory Tower" in Lake City, Florida with your head held high knowing if "God be for you, who can be against you!"

With all my admiration and love I am, John Anderson
(Retired Ranger, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Norris White marches at Texas State Capitol in CSA uniform

Norris White marches at Texas State Capitol in CSA uniform
Compatriots,

Not any of us who know Norris White, Jr. saw this coming, but I am sure once you read the attached statement and view the photos, you will be proud of Mr. White of Palestine, Texas for taking a stand at the Texas State Capitol in Austin this past Saturday in Confederate uniform giving a voice to Black Confederate, Randolph Vesey, and other men like him who proudly served in the Confederate States Army. I feel optimistic that Norris' courageous efforts and future efforts will be fruitful and that the true history of all CSA soldiers be respected and honored by more and more people across the state and country. Norris White is currently traveling Texas, giving presentations to SCV camps, UDC chapters, and other groups as he continues his research on the Black Confederates from Texas for a book on said subject he is in the process of writing. Mr. White is a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Desert Storm conflict and his very close to completing his Master's degree in History at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.  Mr. White, who also serves on the board of the Museum for East Texas Culture in Palestine was asked in January of 2011 if he would be interested in making a historical presentation to the John H. Reagan Camp 2156, SCV on March 12, 2011 on the subject of Black Confederates. At the time, he knew very little about the subject, but readily accepted the offer anyway. He then began his research for his presentation. Due to this research for the presentation and learning more and more facts about these Confederate veterans of color, it sparked a fire in him to do more and more research. Eventually his research, in which much so much primary documentation was found, led Norris to a decision to write a book solely about the Black Confederates from Texas using only the primary sources of documentation.  I can't wait for this book to be published some day in the future.

I placed the information and photos provided by Norris White on our camp website at the link below:

http://www.reaganscvcamp.org/Press_Releases/Norris_White__Jr__at_Texas_State_Capitol__July_21__2012.pdf

Deo Vindice!   

Marc Robinson
John H. Reagan Camp #2156
Palestine, Texas

Friday, July 27, 2012

SCV Telegraph- Budget and Finance Deadline

   Sons of Confederate Veterans
SCV  Telegraph
 

Compatriots,
The Budget and Finance Committee will review funding requests prior to the GEC (General Executive Council) Fall meeting. Those requests must be received no later than September 1, 2012 to be considered at that time!    
It is preferred that requests and supporting documentation be sent as attachments to an email message directed to Adjutant-in-Chief Ritchie (aic@scv.org) and Executive Director Sewell (exedir@scv.org).

If you send the request and supporting documents in hard-copy format, they should be sent to AIC Ritchie, Executive Director Sewell and Army Commanders Earnest, Strain and Owens, who also serve on the Budget and Finance Committee. Mailing addresses can be found on the National Committee page at:
http://www.scv.org/committeeView.php?cid=BFf.

Those requesting funds should read the Funding Proposal Guidelines found on the Forms and Documents page of scv.org at:
http://www.scv.org/pdf/FundingProposalGuidelines.pdf

The form to be used to make a Funding Request is also on the Forms and Documents page at: http://www.scv.org/pdf/SCVFundRequests.pdf

The information requested on the form is the minimum that is needed to consider a request. Those making requests are encouraged to submit supporting information if it helps clarify the purpose and other particulars of the project.

If you have any questions regarding the guidelines, form or process please contact me.

Stephen Lee Ritchie
Adjutant-in-Chief
aic@scv.org
(765) 759-8038

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Va Flaggers Update 7-24-12: Flagging the VMFA

Va Flaggers Update 7-24-12:  Flagging the VMFA

Greetings!  We apologize for the lack of updates recently, as we have been making changes to our email account and website.  Please note that all updates and information will now come from this new account, info@vaflaggers.com.
July has been another busy month for the Va Flaggers at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.  As has been the case since October 1, we have had a presence on the Boulevard at least twice a week, every week.  The weather has presented a challenge, as temperatures soared as high as 105 degrees on some days, but shade, lots of water, and the determination to see this battle through and honor our ancestors kept the Flaggers forwarding the colors in spite of the severe weather. 
Saturday June 30th was HOT FOLKS! The temperature was over 100 degrees but 12 Flaggers made their way to the boulevard to continue to protest the VMFA illegal actions! The intense heat did not stop very special guest SCV National Lt Commander In Chief Kelly Barrow from joining the Flaggers on the boulevard to stand and flag!  We were honored to have Kelly join us, and appreciated his taking the time out of a family vacation to forward the colors!
Traffic was light but we did get a few good conversations in.  One involved some folks from the middle east who pulled up in a car out in front of the VMFA . They were curious why we were out there with our flags. We had a nice conversation with them, and the VMFA security must have been interested, too, because they came out and video taped the whole thing! 
Thursday, July 5th:  10 Flaggers in extreme heat!  On this evening, a Jewish man, who said our flags were equivalent to the Nazi flag, felt compelled to call the Richmond Police and report us for "hate speech".  When the officer arrived, he spoke with us for a few brief moments, then proceeded to tell us that we are well known among the Richmond Police and the city administration for our outstanding record of being polite, courteous, and respectful to others and that they considered us, by far, the most considerate and well respected protestors in the city.   He thanked us and went on his way. 
Saturday, July 7th:  10 Flaggers on the Boulevard on a balmy July in Richmond.  Museum Security decided the new rule this week would be that we could no longer place our flags in the hedges for a few minutes, as we had been doing since October if we needed to use the facilities, or just take a few minutes' break.
Thursday, July 12th, saw 12 Flaggers on the Blvd.  The temperature  was a bit cooler then the previous week. We had a lot of good convos with people walking by the museum.  We had a really good conversation with some Japanese students visiting Richmond.  They were definitely on our side!  Laura, a teacher from Lynchburg and visiting the VMFA, chatted with us and wanted to see the Chapel.  She teaches the War with a CSA flag & USA flag in the classroom.  She chatted with us for an hour.  She told us she was coming back Friday to visit the Chapel & tell the VMFA she wants the Flags back on Our Chapel.
Saturday, July 14th saw 10 Flaggers on the Boulevard.   They stood in inclement weather, until lightning forced them off the Boulevard early, for safety's sake!
Wednesday, July 18th:  11 Flaggers on the Boulevard.  Very interesting evening with an especially good conversation with a group of South Africans who had been talking with the museum about having an exhibit there.  They were very sympathetic to our position and were eager to hear more about the removal of the flags and why we wanted them returned.
Saturday, July 21st:  Weather was overcast which kept the temps down! 6 flaggers made their way to the boulevard to protest the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.  We had a lot of traffic with a lot of good conversations.  One individual said that they would come back next Saturday to flag with us.  Car traffic was heavier than usual, with people pulling up wanting to know what was going on.   One young lady said she had seen us out here for a really long time and wanted to finally stop and ask why. A good conversation led to her promising to call the museum to tell them to return the flags!  More positives then negatives kind of day!
NEW PETITION!  We now have an online petition, asking the VMFA to return the flags.  PLEASE sign the petition and forward to ANYONE who might be interested in taking a few minutes to help us honor our ancestors.  The petition is available here...
Join us on the Boulevard!  Our next flagging will be THIS THURSDAY, July 26th, 3:00 p.m. - Dusk.  If you cannot be there, please call or email the VMFA and tell them to honor our ancestors and return the Battle Flags to the Confederate War Memorial.    Call 804.340.1500 and ask to speak to the Director, Alex Nyerges, or email him at alex.nyerges@vmfa.museum.  Be polite, be courteous, but be firm!  Tell them to RETURN the flags and RESTORE the honor! 
Upcoming Events! 
August 3-5:  Sesquicentennial of the Battle of 2nd Manassas.  Va Flaggers will attend the activities on Saturday, August 4th, and forward the colors at the National Park and re-enactment events in Manassas.
September 15:   9th Annual Richard "Dick" Poplar Day at 11:30 a.m.  Memorial Hill, Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, Virginia
September 22:  10TH Alabama Marker Dedication Ceremony, 10:00 a.m. Bristoe Station
Look for more details soon on these and many other Confederate events planned in the coming months! 
More info. can also be found on our public FaceBook page, "Confederate Flaggers:  Stand, Fight, and Never Back Down". 
http://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfederataeFlaggers/
RETURN the flags!
RESTORE the honor!

   *****************

Va Flaggers Update 7-24-12 Hanover Tomato Festival
On July 14, the Virginia Flaggers participated in the Hanover Tomato Festival, a long standing tradition in Hanover County and one of the biggest events of the year.
We set up a booth and handed out Va Flagger literature and information, and gave away over 850 Confederate Battle Flag to festival participants. 
It was a beautiful sight to see the battle flags carried all over the festival grounds!  We had the opportunity to talk to hundreds of people, and our information (and especially the free flags) were very well received! 
Most of you know that  defending attacks on our Heritage and our flags is the main purpose of the Flaggers, but it is important to realize that education and forwarding the colors to the public is another part of what we do, and is something that is desperately needed at county festivals and fairs all across the South!  
At the same time the Flaggers were at the Hanover Tomato Festival AND Flagging the VMFA, the Sons of Confederate Veterans were holding their National Reunion in Murfreesboro, TN.  We were thrilled to learn that many of our own Va Flaggers received recognition for their work over the past year, including:
Commander-in-Chief's Award:  Everette Ellis
Commendation Award:  Jamie Funkhouser
Heritage Defense Medal:  Billy Bearden, Jamie Funkhouser
Meritorious Service Medal:  Everette Ellis, Bob Harris, Ashleigh Moody, Mike Pullen,  and Tracy Wright
Distinguished Service Medal: Billy Bearden, Matthew Heimbach, Grayson Jennings, Tommy Thomas, Capt. Tucker, Willie Wells
Commander-In-Chief's Ladies Appreciation Award:  Susan Hathaway
Upcoming Events!  
August 3-5:  Sesquicentennial of the Battle of 2nd Manassas.  Va Flaggers will attend the activities on Saturday, August 4th, and forward the colors at the National Park and re-enactment events in Manassas.
September 15:   9th Annual Richard "Dick" Poplar Day at 11:30 a.m.  Memorial Hill, Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, Virginia
September 22:  10TH Alabama Marker Dedication Ceremony, 10:00 a.m. Bristoe Station
Watch for more details soon on these and many other Confederate events planned in the coming months! 
More info. can also be found on our public FaceBook page, "Confederate Flaggers:  Stand, Fight, and Never Back Down". 
http://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfederataeFlaggers/

   ******************

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

SCV Telegraph- Aug 25th SCV Leadership Conference



   Sons of Confederate Veterans
                                 SCV  Telegraph
SCV National Leadership Workshop
As we process through the challenging years of the Sesquicentennial, leadership training has become even more important to the defense of our Southern heritage. In an effort to insure that our members better understand the challenges of leadership roles and to aid our leaders in acquiring the knowledge to better perform their duties, the SCV has scheduled a Summer National Leadership Workshop.
This year's event will be held August 25, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Express, 1855 Aeroplaza Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80916. It will be hosted by the Colorado Division. A tentative schedule for the day is posted below along with registration and lodging information.
Please note that this event will include relevant presentations and individual workshops for more specialized training for Commanders and Adjutants; however, ALL members are invited to attend!
___________________________________
8:00 - 8:15 Welcome & SCV Protocol Div. Cmdr. Patrick Gerity
8:15 - 8:30 Introductions & Overview Lt. CIC Charles Kelly Barrow
8:30 - 9:15 Commanders & Command CIC R. Michael Givens
9:15 - 9:30 BREAK
9:30 - 10:15 Adjutants & Administration AIC Stephen Lee Ritchie
10:15 - 10:30 BREAK
10:30 - 11:15 Recruiting & Retention Lt. CIC Charles Kelly Barrow
11:15 - 12:30 DINNER
12:45 - 1:30 Public Relations & Communications Curt Tipton
1:30 - 1:45 BREAK
1:45 - 2:30 Commander's & Adjutant's Workshops CIC, Lt. CIC & AIC
2:30 - 2:45 Concluding Remarks & Discussion Lt. CIC Charles Kelly Barrow
Benediction
Registration is $10 each and will be handled through our General Headquarters at Elm Springs. You may mail a reservation with a check or call 1 (800) 380-1896 ext 209 (Cindy) or email accounting@scv.org with credit card information (MC, VISA or AMEX)
___________________________________
Holiday Inn Express (Host) Super 8 Motel America's Best Value Inn
1855 Aeroplaza Drive 1790 Aeroplaza Drive 1780 Aeroplaza Drive Colorado Springs, Colorado 80916 Colorado Springs, Colorado 80916 Colorado Springs, Colorado 80916
(719) 380-8516 (719) 570-0505 (719) 574-7707
SCV Workshop rate: King or DQB $99 $69.99 + tax $49.99
Free shuttle to/from airport 5am-11pm
Registration Sheet
Name________________________ Address____________________________________________
_____________________________ Email address_______________________________________
Camp number_________________ Check enclosed ( ) or
Credit Card (MC, VISA, or AMEX) Number __________________________ Expires _________


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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

SCV Telegraph-News and results from the 2012 Reunion


   Sons of Confederate Veterans 

                                 SCV  Telegraph

News and results from the 2012 Reunion

Proposed constitutional amendments one and two pertaining to allowing camps to secede from their divisions were defeated. Proposed constitutional amendment three dealing with a minor wording change to section 13.4 dealing with discipline was approved.

Proposed standing order amendment number one was withdrawn by the author, and proposed standing order amendment number two, clarifying language dealing with the prohibition of SCV members, camps and divisions from filing lawsuits without prior express consent of the GEC, was approved.

A paper ballot was used to select Richmond, Virginia as the 2015 site of the 120th SCV Annual General Reunion.

Officers elected for 2012-2014

Commander in Chief- R. Michael Givens
Lt. Commander in Chief- C. Kelly Barrow

ATM
Commander- M. Todd Owens
Councilman- Charles E. Lauret

AOT
Commander- Thomas V. Strain, Jr
Councilman- Larry Allen McCluney

ANV
Commander- Britton Frank Earnest ,Sr
Councilman-Randall B Burbage

Also selected to serve on the General Executice Council

Chief of Staff- Charles L. Rand III
Adjutant in Chief- Stephen Lee Ritchie
Chief of Heritage Defense- Eugene G Hogan II
Chaplain in Chief- Mark W. Evans
Judge Advocate in Chief- Roy Burl McCoy

2012 National Awards

Dr. George R. Tabor Award is presented to the most distinguished camp in the SCV. The winner of this prestigious award, which is an extremely close competition every year, is the Finley's Brigade Camp 1614 of Havana FL, Graham F. Smith, Commander.

Scrapbooks-

Dr. B. H. Webster Award for the best Scrapbook for camps with fewer than 50 members was not awarded in 2012 as no entries were received.

Judah P. Benjamin Award for the best Scrapbook for camps with 50 or more members is the Robert E. Lee Camp 239 of Fort Worth TX, James B. Turnage, Commander.

Dr. James B. Butler Award for the best historical project was won by Litchfield Camp 132, Conway, SC, James E. Graham, Commander.

General Stand Watie Award winner for the camp making the largest contribution to the Stand Watie Scholarship Fund was not awarded in 2012.

Best Web Site- General Samuel Cooper Award for the best website is the William Kenyon Australian Confederates Camp 2160, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. http://www.scvau.com/ James M. Gray, Commander.

Newsletters-

Dr. Paul Jon Miller Award winner for the best newsletter among camps with fewer than 50 members is The Round Mountain Report which is produced by the COL Daniel N. McIntosh Camp 1378, Tulsa OK, Kenneth H. Cook, Editor.

S.A. Cunningham Award for the best newsletter among camps with 50 or more members is The Louisiana Tiger which is produced by the LTG Richard Taylor Camp 1308, Shreveport LA, Bobby G. Herring, Editor.

Dewitt Smith Jobe Award for the best Division newsletter is a tie and two awards were given to The Carolina Confederate, North /Carolina Division, Ron Perdue, Editor and the Palmetto Partisan, South Carolina Division, Bill Norris, Editor.

Recruiting-

Edward R. Darling Award for the top recruiter in the Confederation is awarded to
Kyle Sims, a member of the COL Middleton Tate Johnson Camp 1648, Arlington
TX. Compatriot Sims recruited 37 new members.


Membership-

General Nathan Bedford Forrest Award for the camp with the greatest gain in membership (plus 39 net) goes to COL W. M. Bradford/COL J. G. Rose Camp 1638, Morristown TN, Michael L. Beck, Commander.

New Camps, Division- General A. P. Hill Award is a tie with five new camps each, and is awarded to the North Carolina Division, Thomas M. Smith Jr, Commander and the Georgia Division, Jack Bridwell, Commander.

New Camps, Army- General Albert Sydney Johnston Award for the Army with the greatest gain in new camps, a total of 12, goes to the Army of Trans-Mississippi, W. Danny Honnoll, Commander.

Individual Awards

Hoover Law and Order Medal was presented to Sheriff Larry Dever, Cochise
County, AZ.

Rev. J. William Jones Christian Service Award is presented to Reverend Eric Gray
Rudd (NC), Reverend David Andrew Taylor (AR), and a posthumous award to
Reverend Jack Ray Griffin (AZ) all three of whom have emulated and perpetuated
the orthodox Christian faith demonstrated by the soldiers and citizens of the
Confederate States of America.

Robert E. Lee Gold Medal, the second highest award which can be given to a SCV
member, has been presented to Eugene G. Hogan II (SC), B. Frank Earnest Sr.
(VA), and Thomas Y. Hiter (KY) for their exceptional contributions and service to the
SCV.   
Jefferson Davis Chalice has been presented to Bragdon R. Bowling Jr. (VA).  This is
the highest award which may be bestowed on a member for service to the SCV and
consists of an engraved silver chalice, a medal and a certificate.

Non Member Awards

The S. D. Lee Award, the SCV's highest award for nonmembers of the SCV was
presented to Pam Trammell of Arkansas.

The Horace L. Hunley Award, the SCV's second highest award for nonmembers was
presented to Allen Roberson of South Carolina.

The Dixie Defender Award, the SCV's third highest award for nonmembers was
presented to Sarah Mosley of South Carolina.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Fw: Charleston, SC Short Stories -- full of TRUE Southern history



Southrons,

Good fiction is one of the best ways to illustrate true Southern history, and Charleston Athenaeum Press has just published a fiction eBook for the Kindle FULL of the truth of Southern history, not the politically correct version. There is an excerpt below that will convince you quickly. The book is 126 pages with 31 beautiful images, mostly color photographs of Charleston that relate to the stories and enhance them. If you don't have a Kindle, you can put a color Kindle on your computer, FREE, from Amazon. THANKS, and if you'd like, please leave reviews on Amazon before the Yankees get a hold of me!

Gene Kizer, Jr.
Click picture to go straight to Amazon
ISBN 978-0-9853632-0-8 (eBook)

 
Excerpt from
first story
 

A More Perfect Fifty-Dollar Bill
 
"If I thought this war was to abolish slavery, I would resign
my commission and offer my sword to the other side."
 
Gen. Ulysses S. Grant
 
THE CAMPAIGN was dismissed, at first, as "those Charleston Crazies at it again," but it grew legs and took off and now was the talk of the country. It appeared Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's days on the fifty-dollar bill were, indeed, numbered.
It was Saturday, April 4th, 2020, and Marion Square was jam packed with TV cameras and reporters as the debate was about to begin. A huge stage was set up on the north side of Marion Square close to Embassy Suites. A huge TV screen was set up on the south side at the back of John C. Calhoun's statue.
The Cooper River Bridge Run, with 75,000 runners, now the largest 10K in the world across the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, had ended on Marion Square the weekend before. The place had been swarming with people, but this crowd was twice, maybe three times as large, and was getting boisterous.
"May I have your attention please," blared out a deep male voice that sounded like Trace Adkins. "Welcome to democracy and freedom of speech in ACTION!"
At that, the crowd erupted and everybody cheered loudly interspersed with shrill whistling and Rebel Yells.
"I'm John G. Gailliard of the Political Science Department of Charleston College, your moderator, and we are sponsoring this nationally broadcast event!"
There was another round of hooting, hollering, whistling and clapping as Fox News Network, CNN and others panned the crowd.
"As most of you know, negotiators for the three parties debating today have hammered out the rules, and the congressional delegations of every Southern state have agreed to introduce legislation in Congress supporting the position of the winner of this debate . . ." he paused then yelled right into the microphone, "and it's WINNER TAKE ALL!"
The crowd erupted again!
Earlier, the Post and Courier had published an entire section on the debate spelling out the positions of each of the three sides.
First, there was the genealogical group that had started the whole thing, the Sons and Daughters of the Confederate South, who were descended from Confederate soldiers. They were demanding that Ulysses S. Grant's picture be removed from the fifty-dollar bill and replaced with Gen. Robert E. Lee's, since Grant was a slaveowner throughout the War Between the States and Lee was not. Lee had freed his slaves and did not believe in slavery, unlike Grant, who just about had to have his slaves forcibly removed after the war.
At first, the public was skeptical about claims that the greatest Confederate general was not a slaveowner during the war, while the Yankee general, supposedly fighting to free the slaves, had sworn he'd join the Confederacy before he'd let his slaves go. Did Ulysses S. Grant actually own slaves during the War Between the States? It just didn't make sense to a lot of people, especially those who rely on public education and CNN for their information.
The second position was taken by Yankees who have felt so good about themselves for supposedly ending slavery that they were willing to overlook the fact that Grant was definitely a slaveowner, that Sherman had no problem with slavery, that five slave states fought for the North, and that Lincoln himself, before the fighting, supported the first 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which would have protected slavery forever and placed it even beyond the reach of Congress.
This second group called itself, Brothers United to Limit Lee, or B.U.L.L. They were feeling so God-awful good, they never even thought about the million casualties in the War Between the States out of a total population of 33 million. They did not care that old Honest Abe Lincoln was so racist he'd make a Ku Klux Klansman blush, nor did they care that Lincoln, his whole life, favored sending blacks back to Africa. This second group just didn't care about any of this stuff because they won and could walk around feeling good about themselves.
The third position, put forth by Scholars for Justice, had come about in sort of a logical way. These folks reasoned that Grant was not the only slaveowner on American money. Washington, Jefferson, all of them had been white men who owned slaves, so what we really needed to do was put a black man who owned slaves on the fifty-dollar bill. That would make things fair. Then we wouldn't have to disturb any of the other slaveowning presidents on our money, which would happen if we put the non-slaveowning Robert E. Lee on the fifty-dollar bill. With a black slaveowning man on American money, everybody would be represented except Hispanics, but they were not significant players in the War Between the States, and the Indians were all Confederates, thus they'd be covered by Gen. Lee.
William Ellison, the famous cotton gin maker from Sumter, immediately came up because he was one of the largest slaveowners in South Carolina, and he was black. The Sons and Daughters of the Confederate South supported this position on a secondary basis because it only seemed fair. BULL was flat-out against it.
The concept that blacks willingly fought for the Confederacy -- because to Southern blacks, the South was home -- is another concept that people who rely on public education and CNN have a hard time believing, though these same people will sometimes believe that blacks fought in the American Revolution for America and back then every American colony was slaveholding. The reason they believe blacks fought in the Revolution for America is because they know stories like Crispus Attucks, a black man and great American patriot, who was the first man killed by the British in the Boston Massacre in 1770, God rest his soul.
The night before, a fight had broken out in the courtyard of the Blind Tiger on Broad Street between one of the Sons and Daughters, and a member of BULL. There was a table full of members of the Sons and Daughters of the Confederate South drinking and talking and having a good time in their gray Confederate coats, next to a table full of BULL drinking and talking and having a good time in their blue Yankee coats, next to a table full of Scholars for Justice drinking and talking and having a good time in their stylish black coats that looked sort of like tuxedo coats but had brown elbow pads on the sleeves.
Things started out with civility and fun, but the War Between the States was only 159 years ago, and that might as well have been yesterday, so it's understandable that emotions are always high.
"Why would you people glorify the side that wanted to destroy America?" said a member of BULL in jest, his chest poking out proudly.
"We don't. We just wanted to be left alone to govern ourselves, like the Colonies in 1776 wanted Great Britain to leave them alone so they could govern themselves," said a Confederate Son.
"That's hardly the same thing," said the BULL member.
"Oh yea, your Horace Greeley said it was exactly the same thing. If it was OK in 1776 for three million colonists to secede from Great Britain, it was certainly OK in 1861 for nine million Southrons to secede from the federal Union. That's what your Greeley himself wrote in his New York Tribune before the war."
"But that was treason. They had no right," said the member of BULL.
"Au contraire, they most certainly had the right. The right of secession was never questioned by the Founding Fathers. In the beginning, even Yankees didn't question it. You ever hear of the Hartford Convention of New England during the War of 1812?"
"Yea, but they didn't actually secede."
"True, but they sure as hell wanted to. They talked about seceding for weeks, non-stop, then sent delegates to Washington and the ONLY reason they didn't secede was because the Southerners in New Orleans whipped the British and the War of 1812 ended."
The member of BULL had picked the wrong Son to argue with, but he grabbed his mug of beer and continued on. "Don't you think we are a great nation today? Why would you people want to destroy that?"
"We would have been two great nations, even greater. Eight hundred thousand people didn't have to die to prove it. We would have been friends, North and South, and all fought Hitler together and traded together and things would have been fine."
"Including your black slaves, huh."
"Well, you Yankees brought them all here and made huge fortunes in the process. You built the entire infrastructure of the Old North on profits from the slave trade."
"Yea, but if there had not been a market for slaves in the South, we never would have done that."
"True, but there were slaves in the North until massive white immigration from Europe made it cheaper to hire a white man than buy a black. Only then did Northern states phase out slavery."
"At least we did phase it out."
"Let me ask you this. Every Northern state used gradual, compensated emancipation. There were still slaves in the North when the war started. Many Northerners waited until just before a slave was due to be emancipated, like just before his 21st birthday, then sold him back into slavery in the South. Not a pretty record." . . .



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Sunday, July 22, 2012

SCV Telegraph- THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION: SOUTHERN VIEWS

   Sons of Confederate Veterans
                                 SCV  Telegraph
 


THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION: SOUTHERN VIEWS

It is my pleasure to announce the scheduling of the 2013 Stephen Dill Lee Institute in St. Augustine, Florida, at the Renaissance Hotel on February 1-2.

Hosting the event will be the Florida Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. It is the aim of the Institute to examine the ramifications of the Emancipation Proclamation from an academic perspective which truly differs from prevailing contemporary mainstream dogma..

We are pleased to announce that the following speakers have agreed to speak in St. Augustine.

1. Donald Livingston -- " How the North Failed to Respond to the Moral Challenge of Slavery"
2. Colonel Jonathan White -- "Forty Acres and a Mule: Miscarriages of Justice in Post-Emancipation Federal Policy"
3. Kirkpatrick Sale --Emancipation Hell: The Disaster the Emancipation Proclamation Wrought"
4. Marshall De Rosa --"Emancipation in the Confederacy: What the Ruling Class doesnt want you to know and why"
5. Kent Masterson Brown -- To be Announced


Please join us and our outstanding faculty for a one of a kind academic experience on February 1-2, 2013. We will soon have our website, www.StephenDillLeeInstitute.com up and running with event and hotel information. Thanks for supporting our efforts.

Brag Bowling
Director
Stephen Dill Lee Institute

Saturday, July 21, 2012

The Telegraph - Mechanized Cavalry: Lake City FL Heritage Response Report

From: Kevin Stone 
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 1:13 PM
Subject: The Telegraph - Mechanized Cavalry: Lake City FL Heritage Response Report



 GENTLEMEN

WE HAD A HERITAGE VIOLATION THAT OCCURRED IN FLORIDA WHERE A BLACK FEMALE POLICE CHIEF TOOK A PICTURE WITH OUR BOYS ATTENDING THE PARADE AT OLUSTEE. SHE ALSO FIRED SOME OFFICERS AS PART OF HER JOB AND EVIDENTLY ONE SENT THE PIC TO THE NAACP CLAIMING WE WERE THE KLAN AND SHE SUPPORTED US! THEY CALLED FOR HER BEING FIRED AND MONDAY A CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS HELD WHERE OUR REP WAS CAPTAIN COLSON. HIS EXCELLENT ACTIONS AND REPORT ARE BELOW. HAT'S OFF TO CAPTAIN COLSON, FLORIDA, AND THE SCVMC FOR A JOB WELL DONE! WE NEED TO MAKE A COMMAND PRESENCE NEXT YEAR TO SHOW OUR SUPPORT SO PLEASE KEEP IT ON YOUR MINDS.

RIDE AS YOU WOULD WITH FORREST!!!
KEVIN STONE
COLONEL SCV MECHANIZED CAVALRY, COMMANDING


From: Mark Simpson
Subject: RE: Lake City Heritage Response Report
Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:07:02 -0400


What an outstanding letter of response and representation! My hats off to Ron Colson!  Please forward my regards and respect.
Sincerely
Mark A. Simpson, Commander
South Carolina Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
HP: 864-576-4561
Office: 864-576-1224
Mobile: 864-680-2514
From: Kevin Stone 
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 1:24 PM
Subject: Lake City Heritage Response Report
COMMANDER

THIS IS WHAT MY SECOND IN COMMAND SENT REGARDING OUR DEFENSE OF THE POLICE CHIEF AND OUR HERITAGE! THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I LIKE TO SEE THE SCVMC USED FOR! WE ARE ALWAYS DOING THE GOOD WORKS OF CLEANING ROADSIDES, CEMETERIES, AND BATTLEFIELDS AS WELL AS INITIATING PROJECTS LIKE MEGA FLAGS OR MUSEUMS BUT THIS STIRS THE MEN AND BUILDS BROTHERHOOD. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON THIS AND FOR ALL YOU DO IN THE FULFILLMENT OF THE CHARGE!

RIDE AS YOU WOULD WITH FORREST

KEVIN STONE
COLONEL SCV MECHANIZED CAVALRY, COMMANDING
Kevin,
This is Ron Colson's report of the Council meeting in Lake City last night.  A good report with good results.
When I get back home I'll be able to complete the April, May, and June issues of the Confederate War Horse.  So, if you have any comments and articles that you'd like to put in then please prepare them.
Thanks,
Greg Kalof on his way back home to Miami (sleeping in Alexandria, LA Tuesday night)

From: Ron Colson
Sent: 7/17/2012 10:34:09 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Lake City Heritage Response Report
Men, I apologize for the delay, but today's storms resulted in the loss of internet service until late into the evening.
As many were aware, a situation existed in Lake City, Florida which culminated with a council meeting at City Hall Monday night, July 16th.  While varying descriptions of the situation were floating around, the reality turned out to be a couple of disgruntled ex-police department officers calling on the NAACP & SCLC to come in with lies and baseless accusations to remove a respected and effective police chief.  In an effort to garner media attention and public support (from any who might have their head in the sand), they accused the chief of having met with & had her photo taken with a group of clansmen, at a KKK community event.  You men would recognize it as the photo she had taken with SCV Mechanized Cavalry members while they waited to participate in the 2012 Olustee Re-enactment parade, in Lake City.
Having learned of the hearing, while participating in the 117th SCV Reunion, I made plans to attend in support of the Chief and, in doing so, let Lake City and the world know who these men really were.  (The Chief was someone I knew personally, as she had retired from the Tallahassee Police Department three or four years ago and taken this job.)
On Monday afternoon I drove over to Lake City, arriving early enough to meet up with any attending members, reread my presentation, and make contact with others I'd learned of who would be also supporting the Chief.  My first contact was with HK Edgerton.  HK had traveled down, from South Carolina.  Though we were Facebook friends and I had known of his extensive efforts in support of our cause, I had never had the pleasure of meeting him.
I first encountered HK outside of the Police Department, where I had hoped to see the Chief.  He explained that she was in a meeting with the City Manager & Mayor and that there was little chance of seeing her before the meeting.  Therefore, we talked as we walked the few blocks necessary to arrive at the city hall and went in to confirm the time & location of the meeting.  Having time on our hands, I suggested we go somewhere and get something to drink.  (Throughout our time together, I was able to get to know HK and learn (first hand) of his true devotion to the cause and knowledge of historical facts.)
Once outside the city hall, we talked for a time and noticed Ruppert's Bakery & Café, across the street.  Though the signage indicated it had closed just before our arrival, the owner met us outside, learned of our purpose, and he invited us in.  A few close friends (of the owner) were sitting about the few tables inside, chatting away as you'd expect in a small town.  All were quick to make us feel welcomed.  HK ordered a sweet tea and piece of cake and I had a diet coke & oatmeal cookie.  We continued to have a pleasant conversation, speaking of the subject at hand, Confederate things in general, and of Confederate ancestors of one of the local folks.  Upon finishing our conversation, drinks, food, and an additional piece of an experimental dessert the café owner had made and offered to us, we walked back to the park and continued our visit. 
Shortly after arriving back in the park, a reporter approached us.  Seeing the Mechanized Cavalry logo on my shirt and the flags on HK's baseball cap, I suppose the reporter's keen senses told him we were there concerning the same matter he was.  He asked if he could interview us (on camera) and we consented.  For whatever reason, I agreed to go first.
The reporter was Chris Gilmore and his camera indicated he was from Channel 20, WCJB. (I later learned that the station is out of Gainesville.)  Though Chris seemed extremely friendly and unbiased (at the time), I've learned to ignore that as a disarming tactic.  However, before the evening was over and clearly after seeing his piece broadcast, I do believe him to be a friendly and trustworthy reporter.  I felt more comfortable with his interview than any I can remember.  HK was next, and being the seasoned interviewee he is, his interview lasted awhile.
During HK's interview, another gentleman of color approached and asked if I was "Ron".  I responded that I was "a Ron".  It turns out that this gentleman was Dr. Lorenzo Dixon.  Originally from the Lake City area, Dr. Dixon serves as a member of the rodeo association, in the Arcadia area, and has for the past five years.  I had spoken with him on Sunday and was, therefore, aware of his plans to attend in support of not only the Chief, but of us as well.  It seems that he's had considerable contact with our folks for several years and stated that we've never been anything but polite and respectful to him.
After speaking with Dr. Dixon for a time, we were approached by a reporter from Channel 6, here in Tallahassee.  The reporter wanted an interview and I could see that Dr. Dixon wasn't noticeably eager.  However, knowing that he was supportive of us (and seemingly not unsupportive of our cause) I encouraged him to accept, and he did.  During his interview, I noticed a plain-clothed officer depart city hall and approach a nearby vehicle.  I called out to him and he responded.
Walking over to meet with him, I introduced myself and solicited his opinion of the Chief.  Acknowledging that he does not agree with everything she does, but pointing out that he doesn't agree with anyone on every issue, he explained that she was doing a great job and that he was glad she was there.  He went on to explain the situation of the dismissed officers and identified one of them whom I had personal knowledge of.  Approaching time for the meeting, we walked back to city hall and I displayed my credentials since I was carrying a weapon.
The City meeting, concerning utilities, had not concluded when we arrived upstairs, but the area was filling up in preparation for the "main event".  In time, the utilities meeting ended and we began to file into the chambers.
Inside the chambers, I sought out the person with request-to-speak forms and got mine completed & returned as quickly as possible.  The time dragged by and the room filled to capacity and overflowed two rooms out before the meeting was called to order.  (I found it quite unusual to recite the pledge of allegiance without following it up with Dixie.)  After an opening prayer, the meeting began.
For whatever reason, all of those seeking the resignation or firing of the Chief were called upon to speak first.  Some did so with eloquence, and some did so without.  What I later was able to confirm was that all of them spoke without the truth.  (That's a fact, not an opinion.)  Ironically, when all had spoken in favor of her demise, they simply left.  Later, it became apparent why!
Next, a citizen arose to speak in support of the Chief.  It was apparent that she was a regular to the meeting and she expressed her amazement at the large crowd in attendance.  I was next!
While giving my name and address, as required, I also passed out copies of my presentation to all of the council members, the Mayor, and the City Manager.  Up to that point, all but one of the cameras were a little to the right of where the speakers, including me, were speaking from.  Quite obviously due to the Mechanized Cavalry logo on the left side of my chest, it seemed quite hilarious as they all scurried over to better film my shirt.  Sticking to my script, until it was completed, I spoke with pride & sincerity to the council.  Upon finishing my material, I added that, in doing as she had on the day of the parade, the Chief had not endorsed our cause or philosophy.  She had done as any good ambassador would have, in that, she welcomed guests to their city.  I declared that I hoped she was actually representing their values & character when she did so.  (I am most pleased that each broadcast & newspaper account I've seen of my involvement has started with or included the remark that our members "are first, good American citizens!")
As I departed the podium, and later as I re-entered the room, I was thanked by black and white citizens (alike) for coming over and saying what I did.  After it was all over, police officers and more citizens thanked me for participating.
While so many spoke in her favor, it was clear that my appearance was important & beneficial.  I don't know whether it was, in any way, pivotal.  But, as Chief Gilmore asked in her presentation (and emphasized in her PowerPoint), "did anyone ask these men who or what they were?"  I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to answer that question for the council, for the citizens, and for the media.  I truly believe that we have even more allies in Lake City than we had before.  These folks already knew the value of attracting visitors to the area for the Olustee Reenactment & festivities.  They now know more about the Sons of Confederate Veterans in general, and the Mechanized Cavalry specifically.  They already knew the character of their police chief and now they know that we participated in helping to keep her.
At the close of the meeting, a councilman was apparently compelled to offer up a motion to express their support for the Chief.  It passed unanimously!!
On a side note, there was a speaker there (on her behalf) who was , a few years back, standing before them in an effort to have the Confederate Battle Flag removed from the city seal.  In addition to supporting Chief Gilmore, he acknowledged acceptance of the fact that our flag remains on the city seal, but now alongside the USA flag.  (I have to believe the CBF is on their seal to stay, and it should be there for those to witness when our bicentennial is celebrated.)
Gentlemen, the only other MC member who was able to attend was Bob Whitaker #1068.  I plan to express my appreciation to his employer for allowing him off, at the last minute, to attend.  I also plan to present a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Lorenzo Dixon for all of his effort and support in this matter.  Both will, hopefully, be presented in Lakeland at our August event.
Additionally, I'll be working with Commander Davis and C-I-C Givens to determine an appropriate expression of support for Police Chief Argatha Gilmore.  I'll keep you all in the loop as this progresses.
I want to express my gratitude for all of the support shown in this situation and I want to make it clear that I understand how it was impossible for the rest of you to drop what you were doing and travel to Lake City, especially with such short notice.  In retrospect, I believe it really worked out in our best interest that we did not show up in force to the meeting.  However, next February, I want to see every motorcycle we can muster in Lake City for that parade.  The city leaders have demonstrated their integrity and I want us to show them how continuing to help us preserve our heritage is good for business!
Captain Ron Colson #1050
SCV-MC, Company D, 3rd Battalion
ps. I've attached a copy of the letter I delivered to the Lake City Council, both orally and in hard copy.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Presentation To Lake City, Florida City Council - 07-16-12



From: hk.edgerton@gmail.com
                                                                  
Presentation To Council
Mr. Mayor, Honored members of Council, and members of the Public. I am HK Edgerton, President of Southern Heritage 41, Chairman of the Board of Advisers Emeritus of the Southern Legal Resource Center, and hold numerous Honorary and Associate  memberships in the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a 501C3  non-profit Heritage organization, and am bound by oath by its Charge to defend the Confederate soldiers good name.
After having read the comments made by individuals acting in their capacities as officials of the NAACP, posted in the Columbia Observer July 3, 2012 in an article title: "The Stars and Bars won't go away". Comments we at the Center deem to be slanderous, and filled with libelous innuendos directed towards the Sons as an organization, individual members, and your very own Police Chief, the Honorable Aratha  Gilmore.
Having said, after speaking with Chief Gilmore and expressing a desire to come before you and this community; I am bound by her request not to come here to lambaste those individuals or the organization they represent, but to offer a message to you and this community to ponder that would lead to a healing process between all concerns .
Thereby, I direct you to pages 26, 31, 47, 67, and 83 of the Pictorial Journal authored by Terry Lee Edgerton, titled , " The March Across Dixie Pictorial Journal, and ask that you also view the Dixie OutFitter apparell placed before you as well. I believe that these pages address Andora Nweze President of the Florida NAACP concerns that a Police Chief or Policeman in uniform would take a picture like the one in the Observer taken by your Chief in her capacity not only as a law enforcement officer, but also as an Ambassador of Goodwill as she greeted these very honorable men at the Olustee Festival.
NAACP President John Mayo voiced concern about a jacket that read "Ride With Forrest, and that the Honorable General Nathan Bedford Forrest founded the Klan, and that everybody knows that the Southern Cross is known by everybody to be a hate symbol. While General Forrest did head up the Klan, his leadership help break the back of so called reconstruction in the South, and the criminal activities of the Union League and Carpetbag rule that heaped terror especially upon the women of the South, in lieu of their race or social status. I also point out that 40 plus Black men rode with Forrest, and as quoted on the Dixie OutFitter apparell; "These boys stayed with me ...and better Confederates did not live."
Lastly, and most compelling for this community to ponder is that this man who was exonerated by Northern officials from charges related from his actions at Ft. Pillow, would be asked by the Jubilee Pole Bearer to give a speech at its dinner meeting. It is important to note that this group was a forerunner to Civil Rights organizations of today, and that Forrest was the first White man to be asked. A reporter of the Memphis Avalanche was sent to cover the event, and writes: Miss. Lou Lewis, daughter of a Pole Bearer member, was introduced to Forrest and she presented the former General a bouquet of flowers as a token of reconciliation, peace and good will. (July 5, 1875.)
Forrest speech: Ladies and gentlemen, I accept the flowers as a memento of of reconciliation between the White and Colored races of the Southern States. I accept it particularly as it comes from a Colored lady, for if there is any on God's earth who loves the ladies, I believe it is myself. (Immense applause and laughter) I come here with jeers of some White people, who think that I am doing wrong. I believe I can exert some influence, and do much to assist the people in strengthening fraternal relations, and shall do all in my power to elevate every man, to depress none. (applause)
I want to elevate you to take positions in law offices, in stores, on farms, and wherever you are capable of going,. I have not said anything about politics today. I don't purpose to say anything about politics. You have a right to elect whom you please: vote for the man you think best, and I think, when that is done, you and I are free men. Do as you consider right and honest in electing men of office. I am not of a speaker, and my business prevented me from preparing myself. I came to meet you as friends, and welcome you to the White people. I can serve you, I will do so. We have but one flag, one country, let us stand together. We may differ in color, but not in sentiment. Many things have been said about me which is wrong, and which White and Black persons here, who stood by me through the war, can contradict. Go to work, be industrious, live honestly, and act truthfully, and when you are oppressed, I'll come to your relief. I thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for this opportunity you have afforded me to be with you, and to assure that I am with you in heart and hand. (prolonged applause)
Nathan Bedford Forrest thanked Miss Lewis for the bouquet and then gave her a kiss on the cheek. Such a kiss was unheard of in the society of those days in 1875, but it showed a token of respect and friendship between Forrest and the Black community and did much to promote harmony among the citizens of Memphis.
In conclusion, many Sons and loyal subjects of the South thank Chief Gilmore for the same. And thank President Obama for sending a wreath of flowers to the Confederate Monument in Arlington on Confederate Memorial Day, in lieu of threats not to vote for him if he did so. God bless you, and thanks for allowing me to speak.       
                                                                                                     
HK Edgerton                                                                                                      
President                                                                                                      
Southern Heritage 411
www.southernheritage411.com