Saturday, May 31, 2014

Defense of the Same Sacred Principles of Liberty


From: bernhard1848@gmail.com

Though abolitionists found much of their strength in New England, Democrats in that region sided with the South in its determination of be free of the North. After this editorial of the Bangor Democrat appeared, a pro-Lincoln mob burned the news offices and printing presses. The editorial was re-printed in the New York Evening Day-Book of 18 April 1861.

Bernhard Thuersam, Chairman

North Carolina War Between the States Sesquicentennial Commission

"Unsurpassed Valor, Courage and Devotion to Liberty"

www.ncwbts150.com

"The Official Website of the North Carolina WBTS Sesquicentennial"

Defense of the Same Sacred Principles of Liberty

"Throughout the broad land of the fair South, the rising sun is no longer welcomed with the cheerful song of the husbandman wending his way to the toil of his peaceful field, but is greeted with the drum-beat that summons to arms the gathering hosts of war.  From Carolina to the Rio Grande all is hasty preparation for a fearful conflict of arms.

There, to-day, are no peaceful, happy and quiet homes, for the invader is on their soil, and the government which was created to protect and defend them, has ruthlessly turned its guns against their altars and firesides.

Gray-headed fathers, stout-hearted husbands, and fair-cheeked youths, are taking a tearful adieu of their wives, their children, their mothers and their sisters, and buckling on their armor, and hastening away to the battle-fields  from which many, many may never return to gladden their homes again.

This, reader, is no fanciful picture; it is a stern reality.  To-morrow, in thousands of homes, wives, mothers, daughters, and little children will gather in mournful silence around the family board no longer cheered by the presence of their natural guardians and protectors.

Why is all this?

It is because that old Tory party, which under a multitude of names and disguises, first resisted the independence of America, and after its Government had become an established fact, has been unceasing in its efforts to get possession of it, and after having gained possession of it, by hypocritically assuming the garb of freedom, it has undertaken to convert the Government into an instrument of tyranny, and to use all its powers to overturn the very bulwarks of liberty itself – the Sovereignty of the States.

Yes, Abraham Lincoln, a Tory from his birth, is putting forth all the powers of government to crush out the spirit of American liberty.  Surrounded by gleaming bayonets at Washington, he sends forth fleets and armies to overawe and subdue the gallant little State which was the first to raise its voice and arm against British oppression.

DEMOCRATS OF MAINE!  The loyal sons of the South have gathered around Charleston as your fathers of old gathered about Boston, in defense of the same sacred principles of liberty – principles which you have ever upheld and defended with your vote, your voice and your strong right arm. Your sympathies are with the defenders of the truth and the right. Those who have inaugurated this unholy and unjustifiable war are no friend of yours – no friends of Democratic Liberty.  Will you aid them in their work of subjugation and tyranny?

When the Government at Washington calls for volunteers or recruits to carry on their work of subjugation and tyranny under the specious phrases of "enforcing the laws," "retaking and protecting the public property," and "collecting the revenue," let every Democrat fold his arms and bid the minions of Tory despotism [to] do a Tory despot's work.  Say to them fearlessly and boldly in the language of England's great Lord, the Earl of Chatham, whose bold words in behalf of the struggling Colonies of America in the dark hours of the revolution, have enshrined his name in the heart of every friend of freedom, and immortalized his fame wherever the name of liberty is known – say in his thrilling language:

"If I were a Southerner, as I am a Northerner, while a foreign troop was landed in my country, I would never lay down my arms – never, never, NEVER!"

(Abraham Lincoln: A Press Portrait, Herbert Mitgang, editor, UGA Press, 1989, pp. 256-257)

Friday, May 30, 2014

The Tiring Flag ControversyS


From: cwipaulk@earthlink.net
Dear Mr. Ruscio,

I am writing in regard to the "committee" on your campus that is making demands about the removal of the Confederate flags from the tomb of General Robert E. Lee.  They threaten "civil disobedience" if their demands are not met.  Fine. Let them be "disobedient" and kick them off campus.  Our Southern history and heritage has been under attack for many years and has gotten worse in recent times.  We must not give in to those who believe in and preach rewritten history and besmirch our good ancestors.  Cultural genocide is what it is and we must stand firm and not back down.  To give even a fraction of ground to these people serves only to strengthen their resolve and encourage more attacks against us.  Many of these people have no clue about our real history.  Also, many of them do know our real history, but do not want the truth to be told.  They wish to continue our nation down the path of mythology and lies.  If these reprobates do not approve of the flags on campus, then they are free to attend any other university they choose.  The flags should remain right where they are.

Respectfully,
Jeff Paulk
Tulsa, OK

Cold, Cruel and Calculating Enemy



From: bernhard1848@gmail.com

It should be remembered that Grant, with the approval of Lincoln, refused to exchange prisoners of war to ease their suffering as both engaged in a war of attrition against Americans in the South.  They knew that their released prisoners would return home and fight no more; the released Southerner, though weak and emaciated, returned to the ranks.

Bernhard Thuersam, Chairman

North Carolina War Between the States Sesquicentennial Commission

"Unsurpassed Valor, Courage and Devotion to Liberty"

www.ncwbts150.com

"The Official Website of the North Carolina WBTS Sesquicentennial"

Cold, Cruel and Diabolical Enemy

"I began, now, to find that the Yankee masters, mates, and sailors rather liked being paroled [after their ships were captured]; they would sometimes remind us of it, if they thought we were in danger of forgetting it.  It saved them from being conscripted [upon their return home], unless the enemy was willing first to exchange them; and nothing went so hard with the enemy than to exchange a prisoner.

With cold-blooded cruelty, the enemy had already counted his chances of success, as based upon the relative numbers of the two combatants, and found that, by killing a given number of our prisoners by long confinement – the same number as being killed by us, by the same process – he could beat us!

In pursuance of this diabolical policy, he threw every possible obstacle in the way of exchanges, and toward the latter part of the war put a stop to them nearly entirely. Our prisons were crowded with his captured soldiers. We were hard pressed for provisions, and found it difficult to feed them, and we were even destitute of medicines and hospital stores, owing to the barbarous nature of the war that was being made upon us.

Not even a bottle of quinine or an ounce of calomel was allowed to cross the border, if the enemy could prevent it. With a full knowledge of these facts, he permitted his soldiers to sigh and weep away their lives in hopeless captivity – coolly "calculating," that one Confederate life was worth, when weighed in the balance of final success, from three to four lives of his own men!

The enemy, since the war, has become alarmed at the atrocity of his conduct, and at the judgment which posterity will likely pass upon it, and has set himself at work, to falsify history, with his usual disregard for truth.  Committees have been raised, in the Federal Congress, composed if unscrupulous partisans, whose sole object it was, to prepare the false material, with which to mislead the future historian.

Fortunately for the Southern people, there is one little record which it is impossible to obliterate. More men perished in Northern prisons, where food and medicines were abundant, than in Southern prisons, where they were deficient – and this, too, though the South held the greater number of prisoners."

(Memories of Service Afloat, Raphael Semmes, LSU Press, 1996/original 1868, pp. 266-267)

Thursday, May 29, 2014

This "journalist" wants to ban Confederate Memorial Day.

This is what results when you combine Revised History, an altered Education System via Nationalization, and Advance an Ideology that has been in play for over 175 years allowing for the CREATION of IDEOLOGUES who HATE ANYTHING pre-dating their birth which remotely 'Connects the Dots' that once made them accountable & responsible...    
SOVEREIGNTY was once the cornerstone of the Republic's Foundation.
It was forged in God's image but 'Those People', as General Lee referred to them, are intent are destroying EVERYTHING thru Alteration & Deception.
Their 'nocturnal dalliance' with their own self-grandeur using Political Ideology as a bridge to further their Deception', created over decades and particularly ever since 1865, has allowed them the province to place many Americans upon a Stool of Guilt;  built from False Proxy's the likes of which appear in this article written by the Idiot whose 'thoughts' are every bit the same as those in Washington whose 'Kabuki 2-Step' is used to assail & further destroy the ramparts upon which OUR Republic was built.
This is what Ignorance begets- Arrogance!
And Arrogance in turn has spawned the current plague that has contributed to Foolish Appeasement allowing Those People the province to further themselves and their Ideology at the Country's expense & ours!
What's sadder is that America and her People were ALL once Confederates within a Republic whose Confederation was Sovereign above all else, but they have been so dumbed down, they DON'T KNOW IT!
And on this side of the Mason-Dixon we have an SCV Hierarchy who, equally, has run away from the charge they were given to defend, at ALL COSTS, what our ancestors represented!
So, and in closing, I will remind ALL AMERICANS once again that if YOU believe in the Jeffersonian Principles of Government, NO matter where YOU live, then that makes YOU a Confederate!
Idiots who write articles such as the one herein are as hopeless as they are hapless because they have drunk the Kool Aid and haven't a clue about their History but would force
Their Way upon One and All alike!
What's sadder yet, is that People like them couldn't Exist without us … after all, who would fight their Wars and provide them with the Freedom to express themselves while using OUR Money to support & sustain their sorry Political Pestilence of an Ideology?
Only a CONFEDERATE knows this because we fought a War to PREVENT THIS MADNESS!
I will remind Our Brothers within the SCV Camps that have aligned with us, as the Hierarchy has become an ego-centric extension much the same as Washington, THIS:
Aside from Stephen Lee's Charge, consider this as well: "Never Stand and Take a Charge….Charge Them Too!" - General Nathan Bedford Forrest

The Appeasement displayed by the SCV Hierarchy is as Shameful as it is Disgraceful and is a blight upon every Christian Confederate Soldier who ever shouldered a rifle or manned a RAMPART OR REDOUBT!
They have turned a Deaf Ear and a Blind Eye to You and ANY man-jack who has the gonads to declare themselves a Confederate and who is NOT afraid to so declare themselves, must stand up and be counted!
The Hierarchy hasn't stopped running since the NAACP issued their 1991 Proclamation!
Had they 'returned' Those Peoples' Charge, we would Not be in the damn predicament we are Today.
Remember that the next time y'all see the Christian Cross, Our Battle Flag, or are forced to read LIES like the one herein or are FORCED to have your children REMOVE their Confederate attire because it 'DISPLEASES' 'some' while theirs is…..Politically OK!
Y'all remember that!
'A Country that knows Not of Its Origin, NOR THE CREATOR WHOSE IMAGE IT WAS BUILT UPON, is like a Ship without a Rudder- Sooner or Later It Will Destroy Itself on the Reef of Stupidity!'
We MUST Separate and Restore the Government of the Confederation that was Never Surrendered.
Craig Maus,
President, The Confederate Society of America
www.deovindcie.org
Now in Our 22nd year of this Fight!

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Get the Flag Flying at Higginsville!

Gentlemen,
 
The media hype has run its course for the most part, and we know the flag still isn't flying at Higginsville.  The politicians are probably hoping we just go away at this point.  We are still hopeful that we get to meet with DNR, but who knows what will come from that?  So with all this in mind, I am asking for you, the membership to take on a "personal sign" campaign if you can.  All of our camps will most likely be at various events in the coming months, and that gives us an opportunity to have booths, etc.  At these booths and events, it would be beneficial to have signs that read "Put the flag back at Higginsville", or something of that nature.  If nothing else, it will hopefully generate questions from the public and may even generate new members in the process.
 
I would also ask that you make calls to the Governor's office --- not just once, but on a regular basis, weekly perhaps.  If we continue to flood the Governor's office with phone calls and email, we might get a meeting with him, time will tell.  This is important, continued pressure via communicating with the Governor's offices is one way to get a message through.
 
Again, based on past history, I am cautiously optimistic at best.  But it is our duty to try, and try we will.
 
We need to call out the dogs, please share with your camp memberships.
 
Confederate Regards,
 
Darrell Maples - Commander
MO Division - SCV

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

2014 Confederate Memorial Day at Higginsville, Missouri

This is set in stone UNLESS you contact someone listed below with your suggestion.
CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY 2014
115th Anniversary of Supporting our Confederate Veterans
Lest we forget.”

WHEN - Saturday, June 7, 2014, four days after Jefferson Davis’ Birthday. Let’s make the old Veterans proud! 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please bring your own lunch. You will need to eat a little earlier than usual. Lightning, fierce rain or a tornado will be the only reasons to move into the Chapel.

WHAT - The annual Missouri Confederate Memorial Day observance, with emphasis on the 800 souls who are buried in the Confederate Memorial State Historical Site. This year we will also be emphasizing the 150th Anniversary of many Civil War battles including Price’s Raid.

WHERE - Just north of Higginsville, MO at the Confederate Memorial State Historical Site. From I-70 go north on 13 Hwy, through Higginsville to AA and turn right (east). This site is under the control of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Allow extra time to see the new National Veterans Cemetery adjoining this site.

WHO MAY ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE - Any man, woman, or child who wishes to sincerely pay their respects to the Confederate soldiers and their families that are buried here. These 800 Southerners represent all those who participated in the “late, great unpleasantness”. They all suffered and sacrificed a great deal. The Memorial is open to all races, genders, creeds, religions, and residents from all states. It is respectfully requested that Northern state flags not be used. The American flag and all Southern flags, including the misused and misunderstood “Battle Flag” may be used. The more flags the better. We have had a great response from those wishing to participate but we want YOU. Call the coordinator as soon as possible. If you know of any children who might be interested in joining the Children of the Confederacy call Velma Cole, 660-343-3622(H) OR 660-221-5056 (C). Everyone in attendance will be given a flower in memory of their ancestor.

WHY - Memorial Day is meant to be more than a three day weekend. The State of Missouri does not have an official Confederate Memorial date. The men at the Home tried to use the Sunday closest to Jefferson Davis’ birthday on June 3th. We are trying to carry on that tradition but are using the Saturday closest to Davis’ birthday. The Sons and the Daughters of Confederate Veterans are charged with “NOT FORGETTING”. Our Missouri site, which is in the top three in the country, is unique, special, and better preserved. Let’s take advantage of this great facility. The 800 souls here deserve one day of our attention. If those of us with Southern heritage do not care WHO WILL?

RULES -
  1. All final decisions will be made through Jim Rehard, Northern Missouri Historic District Supervisor.
  2. This is a MEMORIAL SERVICE not a forum for politics or political correctness.
  3. The DNR does not allow black powder, ammunition or modern weapons of any kind on these grounds. ALL weapons are subject to inspection by Jim Beckner or any DNR employee. Do not let children of any age under 16 handle any kind of weapon. Cannon are welcome but cannot be fired so do not bring the ammunition.

Wade Ankesheiln - Site Administrator for the Confederate Memorial State Historical Site - 660-584-2853 FAX 660-584-5134 or 573-489-6415
Don Aprill - CMFA President - 660-584-2094: 1704 North Main, Higginsville, MO 64037
Jim Beckner - Coordinator/ MC - 816-322-3736 - jandjrnch@hotmail.com FAX 816-322-3736
Children of the Confederacy / Velma - 660-343-3622
Mary Bess Green - Missouri UDC president - 573-999-9450
Darrell Maples MO SCV Division Commander – 573-635-8815
Janae Fuller - Administrator, Battle of Lexington and Confederate Memorial Sites - 660-259-4654

RESPONSIBILITIES:
CMFA – Permission to use flag plaza, all flags up, publicity, information on Bed & Breakfasts/motels/RV parking, information booth, and all monies go through their treasury.
DNR - Grounds mowed, 50 chairs, speaker system, restroom facilities, security, handicapped parking, and checking those who wish to have information booths or sell items by May 20, 2014.
COORDINATOR & MC - Marketing, public relations, setting final program, period music, getting sponsors, the Color Guard, TAPS, and securing flowers.
WADE – Shares responsibility of the DNR, program printing, and three stories of the old inmates.
CW Reenacting Units that wish to set up tents and/or do living history and recruiting are welcome.
CHILDREN OF THE CONFEDERACY - laying of wreath, handing out flowers, and helping in any other way needed.

BOOTHS AND SPONSORSHIPS:
Those wishing to have informational booths or sell items should check with Wade Ankesheiln by May 20, 2014.
To be listed as a sponsor on the program the cost is $15.00. Individual chapters and camps can list themselves separately, individuals and other related organizations may also be sponsors. The money will help to defray expenses. Any funds left over will go to the CMFA. Please make checks to CMFA and send to CMFA, PO Box 332, Higginsville, MO, 64037.
If you wish to be a sponsor send your money by May 20, 2014.





Dear Darrell and Mary Bess,
We are very hopeful that this year each unit and chapter will be a sponsor as well as the Missouri State Divisions. We are also trying to involve more historical organizations such as the County Historical Society and the Higginsville Historical Society both of which Wade is going to contact. Jim will contact all the Round Tables and Harold will contact fringe groups such as the Younger Association. LET’S MAKE THIS THE BEST YEAR EVER!







CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY 2014
Lest we forget.
CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM


9:00 A.M. - Children of the Confederacy, MO State Meeting in Married Couple’s Home
10:00 - Need a meeting time?/ Visit Vendors, friends, look at displays, Period Music.
10:30 - Chapel – Don Ross “The Story of the Confederate Brazil”
11:00 - Chapel – Wade Ankelsheiln “Naval History”
11:30 - Lunch - bring your own lunch
12:15 P.M. - Parade to the Cemetery
12:45 - Confederate Memorial Day Service - Parade enters
1:00 - Color Guard presents Colors, Pledge, Salute, & Charges
1:10 - Welcome
1:15 - Invocation
1:18 - Recognition of Groups
1:21 - “Why we Gather”
1:23 - 3 Stories of real Confederate Heroes
1:35 - Responsive Reading
1:40 - Commander’s Comments
1:45 - President’s Comments
1:50 - Children of the Confederacy Comments
1:54 - Recognition of Confederate Ancestors - everyone
2:00 - “Dixie”
2:02 - Closing
2:04 - Benediction
2:06 - Retire Colors

STAY AS LONG AS YOU WANT AND PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY GOING HOME.








DETAILS FOR CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY AT THE CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL STATE HISTORICAL SITE
  1. Responsible for grounds keeping, chairs, program printing, speaker system, and restroom facilities – Department of Natural Resources.
  2. DNR and Jim Beckner will be responsible for coordinating all the entities.
  3. Anyone interested in participating in the program itself should immediately inform the program coordinator, Jim Beckner at 816-322-3736.
  4. The Program Coordinator has volunteered to be the Master of Ceremonies for 2014.
  5. The CMFA and the DNR will be responsible for placing the 800 flags and local publicity.
  6. The Friends Association will run all funds through their treasury. PC will be responsible for obtaining the flowers and wreath.
  7. Every attempt will be made to keep the program traditional and meaningful. The final decisions on the program will be made by Jim Rehard, Northern MO Historic Dist. Supervisor; Janae Fuller; Wade Ankesheiln; and the program coordinator.
  8. Civil War Reenacting Units that wish to set-up tents, and/or do living history and recruit are welcome.
  9. To be listed as a sponsor on the program the cost is $15.00. Please make check to CMFA and mail to: CMFA, PO Box 332, Higginsville, MO, 64037
  10. It is hoped that the Missouri Division of SCV and the UDC will be sponsors as well as individual camps and chapters throughout the state.
  11. Individual chapters and camps will be listed separately.
  12. Individuals and other related organizations may also be sponsors.
  13. The money goes to defray expenses. Any funds left over will go to the CMFA.
  14. All deadlines must be met by May 20, 2014.
  15. Every person in attendance will be given a flower in memory of their ancestor to be placed on a grave or the Memorial Lion.
  16. The color guard will be under the control of the Missouri SCV Color Guard officer.
  17. The responsibility for inviting the Governor/other politicians to attend and/or speak will be up to the DNR.
  18. The near-by fair grounds will be available for RV parking.
  19. Call Arlene at the Friends Association – 660-584-2031 - for Bed-and-Breakfasts and motels in the area.
  20. Jim Beckner will provide period musicians to play before and during the program.
  21. Those wishing to have informational booths or sell items should check with Wade Ankesheiln, 660-584-2853, before the deadline of May 20, 2014.
  22. Please do not park in spaces reserved for the Handicapped.
  23. IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS TO MAKE THIS A BETTER PROGRAM PLEASE CONTACT JIM BECKNER IMMEDIATELY.

Monday, May 19, 2014

CALIFORNIA BANS SALE OF CONFEDERATE FLAG

This month opened with the disturbing news that California had banned the sale of the Confederate flag on State property.  I guess it surprised no one that such a move would come out of that great western bastion of liberalism. California sent troops to the War Between the States and they hold re-enactments there. Yet,  the tired old line that the flag represents or has ties to slavery persists as if the U.S. flag were guiltless.
  
I often wonder just where the rights of Southern Americans figure into the equation of cultural rights. Are we to erase every vestige of our beloved Southern heritage just because some folks don't like it?  How many people do you think there are in this world who hate the American flag?
  
California Assemblyman Donald Wagner maintained that they were not "stifling free speech" (yeah, right) but banning "a symbol so vile" … that they did "not want to be associated with it."  The fact is, they do not want anyone "associated with it".  Actions against symbols of the Confederacy are always based on deliberate lies and the ceaseless prejudice against anything Southern. I could not care less what California does, except for the fact that I know everyone out there is not so ignorant of the true facts of history nor so blindly biased by political correctness.  I also wonder which other States just might follow California's malevolent lead.
John Wayne Dobson
Macon, GA

   ******************

California Assembly Moves To Ban Sale Or Display Of Confederate Flag
Well folks,
It looks like the granola State (the land of fruits and nuts) has finally figured out the poison causing all its woes. All this time I thought it was their liberal / Marxist policies.  
What I find amusing is that the amended bill reads, in part, "The State of California may not sell or display the Battle Flag of the Confederacy, also referred to as the Stars and Bars..." Many of you know that the Battle Flag and the Stars and Bars are two distinctly different flags. For those unaware, the Battle Flag was the Confederate soldiers flag used in the field for identification, also known as the "starry cross" as taken from the Scottish flag. The Stars and Bars was the National Flag of the Confederacy, closely resembling the US flag. 
But who cares about that silly little detail? After all, California is the land of Hollywood, a place where so many, unfortunately, learn their history by way of the movie screen. For example, Tom Hanks as "Forrest Gump" states in that movie he got his name from Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, who started the Ku Klux Klan. Though purely mythical, most people believe it and perpetuate that myth because they are conditioned to accept nonsense from inconsequential sources.   
In the spirit of "Gump", I believe a famous quote from the movie is appropriate regarding this flag ban: "Stupid is as stupid does."
JW 

Sunday, May 18, 2014

MORE ABOUT WASHINGTON AND LEE

By Gail Jarvis
For those of you who may not know, what is now Washington and Lee University, was created almost 30 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. It was originally called Augusta Academy, and was founded by the Presbyterian Church to provide classical instruction for young men. During his presidency, George Washington made an endowment to help the finances of the struggling institution. As a result, the name was changed to Washington College, and its religious affiliation was ended.
It is historically significant that the first black to graduate from college in the United States, matriculated at this institution. That black student, John Chavis, a native of North Carolina, continued his collegiate studies in New Jersey, in an institution that would become Princeton University. Chavis became a prominent Presbyterian minister as well as a teacher who spent his career in North Carolina, instructing both white and black students. Washington and Lee honors his memory with Chavis House, a dormitory and gathering center primarily for minority students.
For a few years, Robert E. Lee served as the institution's president, and it was renamed Washington and Lee University. General Lee expanded its curriculum, which attracted a greater number of students. Lee is buried underneath Lee Chapel on the university's campus. The Chapel contains a statue of a reclining General Lee, surrounded by relics of his military career, including Confederate Flags.
This private liberal arts university currently has a student enrollment of roughly 2,100 and less than 3% of its students are black. But only seven of that 3% were offended enough to present a list of demands to the Board of Trustees. Their demands include the removal of Confederate flags from the memorial to the General in Lee Chapel. (Can you imagine the reaction from Morehouse College Trustees if seven white students demanded that the statue of Martin Luther King be removed from the campus because they are offended by some unfavorable aspects of King's career?)
Even though its black enrollment is minuscule, the university agreed to implement a program of African-American Studies four years ago. Washington and Lee already honors Martin Luther King Day, but undergraduates still attend classes and that has been deemed unacceptable by these seven black students.
Trustees, and other students, should make it clear to the hostile seven that they would probably be happier at another college, possibly Howard University or Spelman College. If they want to remain in the State of Virginia, there are at least five accredited primarily black colleges for them to choose from. Refunding all or part of the tuition, of these seven who are not on scholarships or grants, should be considered.
Some students have come to believe that their college years must involve finding something to protest. And, to get the media attention they crave, what is protested must correspond with one of the liberal establishment's pet causes. These students will cherish the relics of their media coverage for the rest of their lives, valuing them more than a college degree.
The majority of Washington and Lee students, both black and white, are not complaining, but trying to get an education – that is more important to them than Photo Ops. Surely the University Trustees will not consider any changes to traditions without conducting a referendum to get the opinions of the student body and contributing alumni.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Help Save Four Battlefields!


Civil War Trust

Civil War Trust
Save Four Battlefields

Save Four Battlefields

In Spring of 1864, newly appointed General-in-Chief Ulysses S. Grant had just one aim in mind: ending the war. To achieve this end, Grant ordered all Union armies to press the Rebels in every quarter of the Confederacy. Confederates in Virginia, Georgia, and Louisiana fought hard to resist the Yankee onslaught, exacting a fearful toll in blood as they parried Federal thrusts into the Southern heartland. By April of 1865, however, when Grant and Lee met at Appomattox, the long-sought end of the war had finally come.
The Civil War Trust now has the opportunity to save 306 acres at four battlefields that figured prominently in the last 12 months of the Civil War. With the help of a remarkable $10-to-$1 match, we are working to preserve land at Mansfield, Bentonville, Petersburg, and Appomattox, thus adding to hallowed ground we have already saved at these key battlefields from the war's final year.
Video
Article
Photos
Map
Copyright © 2014 Civil War Trust
1156 15th Street N.W. Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20005
p 202-367-1861 | e info@civilwar.org


Friday, May 16, 2014

Platte County History Illustrated

I know a lot of you are interested in learning more about how Lincoln's war impacted our local area – as well as the state and beyond.
So I thought you might enjoy learning about a graphic novel history book I just finished up. This has been a big project, but one that I hope will prove to be a great educational tool for people regarding an accurate and unique look into the history of our communities.
The book is 70 pages, and is sized at 8.5 by 10, with full color illustrations on each page. While it discusses the settlement, growth and prosperity of a community in Missouri, it also discusses the Border War and Lincoln's War in great detail – and the terrible impact the war had on the people who lived here. The source material comes from W.M Paxton, a man who wrote in great detail about these events, and was in many cases an eye-witness. His 1100 page "Annals of Platte County" were published in 1897.
If you'd like to learn more, I just finished up a website for the book. It has a Frequently Asked Questions Section, About Section, Trivia section, and more.
Don't miss the animated banner ad and video (with sound!), that also tells a little bit about it.
I've attached an updated flyer reflecting the new website where the book can be ordered.
I think this could be a valuable resource for people who would like to help their children or grandchildren learn more about this important time period. I'm sure I will be around at various events if you'd like to get one from me in person – but if you'd like to order one off the website, that would be fine too.
Thanks as always!
Matthew
By the way, I do presentations on local history (have artifacts and play guitar)
Also, please forward to anyone who might like to learn about this!




Sunday, May 4, 2014

Confederate Memorial Day



You are cordially invited to join us for

Confederate Memorial Day

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Fishing Creek Presbyterian Church
3087 Fishing Creek Church Road
Chester, South Carolina 29706

Living History Demonstrations and Historical Group Displays Fishing Creek Presbyterian Church Grounds
9:00am until 11:00am
(Cannon demonstrations, Historic Church Tours, Rifle demonstrations, etc…)

Remembrance Service Fishing Creek Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
11:00am
Memorial Service Fishing Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery

Lunch on the Grounds Noon
(Please bring a covered dish or dessert to share)

Sponsored by

Ann White Chapter #123, UDC
Brig. Gen. Micah Jenkins Camp #1569
Lucy Holcombe Pickens Chapter #2700, UDC
Sixth SC Volunteers, Co. C, Palmetto Battalion Living History Group
Caroline Jamison Jenkins #7, OCR
Fishing Creek Presbyterian Church Historical Committee 

For more information, contact:
Kimberly Herndon, breezeinsc@hotmail.com 

Message From Commander Maples


We are in the final stages of going forward with the billboard along I-70.  The location of the sign can be better for just a few extra dollars, and a few of us are going to chip in, but we could use about $200 or $300 more to get the prime location.   If we could electronically "pass the hat", we will have a much better location and not hit our Division treasury as hard.

Many thanks for all who donate.  If you would like to donate online you can use the donate button below setup by Hughes Camp, or you can send your checks to me made out to the MO Division.  I will be chipping in and the Price Camp already donated $250 by the way.  Any extra received would just go toward offsetting the overall cost.


Darrell Maples - Cmdr.
MO Division - SCV

Saturday, May 3, 2014

NC WBTS Sesquicentennial Commission Members Address academy students


Commission members Thomas jolly of tabor city and Bernhard Thuersam of Wilmington spoke to the history students of Megan Weaver at the Columbus Career and College Academy in Fair Bluff, North Carolina on 16 April.

Both presenters were in uniform and spoke on a variety of topics related to the various causes of the war between the states, why north Carolina withdrew from the union of states, black soldiers in the southern army, and how the war's result is connected to many issues we face today in America.

All students were encouraged to view the past with perspective and through the eyes of its participants -- and ponder why a peaceful solution to the perplexing question of slavery was not promoted by the north instead of war.

This program is part of the sesquicentennial commission's continuing outreach to North Carolina schools, and follows the recent living history program presented to students of a Duplin County High School.

To bring commission members to speak at schools near you, simply email Bernhard Thuersam at bernhard1848@gmail.com


North Carolina War Between the States Sesquicentennial

"Unsurpassed Valor, Courage, and devotion to liberty"   www.ncwbts150.com

"The Official Website of the North Carolina War Between the States Sesquicentennial Commission"

Friday, May 2, 2014

Helpful Yankee Artillerist


From: bernhard1848@gmail.com

The North had a very large population of foreign-born (nearly 3.4 million compared to 233,650 in the South) to draw bounty-enriched recruits from -- and the language of virtually every European country was heard in Northern army camps. Native-born Northerner soldiers often derided them as being the off-scouring of Europe rather than Americans.

Bernhard Thuersam, Chairman

North Carolina War Between the States Sesquicentennial Commission

"Unsurpassed Valor, Courage and Devotion to Liberty"

www.ncwbts150.com

"The Official Website of the North Carolina WBTS Sesquicentennial"

Helpful Yankee Artillerist

"As a result of [General Matthew C.] Butler's scouting report, [General Wade] Hampton noted that [the enemy's] left flank was "in the air." He suggested that if the infantry attacked the Yankees from the west, holding them in position at Ream's Station, he could come up from the south to drive the Federals away from the [Wilmington & Weldon] railroad and back to their lines.  [General Robert E.] Lee agreed with the plan.

The next morning, shortly after sunrise . . . Butler drove the Yankee skirmishers back toward their lines, then waited for the infantry attack.  The enemy, of course, was uncomfortable with Butler on their flank, so they opened an artillery barrage toward his ranks. "They are disposed to be rather familiar this morning," Butler observed calmly to [General Thomas] Rosser.

[After Gen. A.P. Hill's assault about 3PM], Butler dismounted his men . . . to approach his adversary from the rear.  "The enemy, taken on the front and flank, fell back pell mell," one stated, "through trees cut down, fence rails, breastworks of every kind . . . thrown up as a defense against us."

The Rebels captured the [enemy] artillery, but no one knew how to fire the pieces. An enemy prisoner saw the problem. "If you boys will allow me," he called, "I can mow those Yankees down."

The astonished Confederates moved aside, and the Union gunner quickly opened a devastating fire on his former friends (many of whom were foreigners who did not speak English, some of whom had only recently arrived from overseas). "[He] seems to enjoy the sport very much," one of [Butler's] men recalled."

(Southern Hero, Matthew Calbraith Butler, Samuel J. Martin, Stackpole Book, 2001, pp. 109-110)

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Memphis Commercial Appeal

Letters - Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Letter: Forrest ended 'massacre'

David Waters has his facts wrong in his April 12 column "Families' histories illuminate Ft. Pillow."

The attack was ordered by Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest because of depredations by the fort's garrison on civilians. Although Forrest was in overall charge of the operation, Brig. Gen. James Chalmers led the attack, and when Forrest arrived on the scene, having traveled a day and a night from Jackson, the fort had already fallen.

Resistance continued, however, as the fort's garrison had fallen back to the river bank hoping to gain cover from a nearby gunboat. In their accounts, historians Shelby Foote and Robert Selph Henry both state that Forrest put a stop to the unnecessary killing when he arrived. Foote wrote that within three days of the fall of the fort, news of the "massacre" reached Washington and an investigation was ordered. W. T. Sherman undertook the investigation, but made no recommendation for retaliatory response.

Some responsibility for the garrison's high casualties was due to the fort commander's refusal to surrender in a hopeless situation and to garrison troops that rejoined the fight after surrendering. In fact, some of Forrest's troopers were killed by Federal soldiers who had surrendered.


Fort Pillow was a very small event in a big war. If Waters wants to write about the war's greatest injustice, he should write about the war W. T. Sherman waged against helpless civilians.

John W. Hollis
Bartlett

Letter: Forrest the murderer

It has been widely verified by historians, and not just Yankee historians, that there was in fact a purposeful slaughter of black troops at Fort Pillow by the Confederacy — supervised by Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. As for Forrest's Klan activity, yes, he did disband the organization in 1869 because of the violence, but it doesn't change the fact that for a long time he condoned much of the violence committed by the KKK and in 1871 defended the organization during his testimony before a Joint Select Committee of Congress. Per the published report, "It (the Klan) is a protective, political, military organization ... Its objects originally were protection from the Loyalty League and the Grand Army of the Republic." The testimony further states that Forrest claimed the South had been bankrupted by the emancipation of slaves, and that it was up to the Klan to "protect the women and children" (read: white).

The people who continue to defend Forrest and claim he was a noble man who simply fought for a cause he believed in are either fools or blind. Forrest was a murderer and a defender of the right of the South to enslave other human beings. Nothing more and nothing less.

Andrew Smith
Memphis