An Open Letter & Open Report / The Arrival

Dear Ms. Lunelle,

As I made my way up the Leicester Highway don in the uniform of the Southern soldier, with the Southern Cross in hand;  I would be stopped by a young Black man who seem to know a great deal about me. He began to tout what he deemed my most daring episodes; the Historic March Across Dixie, the Stand in Latta, South Carolina with young Candice Hardwick, the March to the Nations Capitol,  and the greatest speech that he ever read coming from a Civil Rights leader: the speech that I gave on the fairgrounds in Columbia, South Carolina on January 8, 2000.

He went on to ask if there was another great speech like that left in me. I told him that until and unless I give the Keynote Speech for Confederate Memorial Day on the Capitol steps in Montgomery, Alabama. at the Confederate Monument in Washington, D.C. , and in the Confederate  Cemetery on the campus of Ole Miss., in Oxford, Mississippi, that I would never be able to answer his question.

Shortly after this encounter, I would be stopped by yet another Black man of middle age who identified himself as a Pastor of a Church not for from where we stood. He wanted to know what message was I trying to convey? After 5 minutes, he told me he would take up the matter of me speaking to his church on Sunday morning.

And lastly on this day, a strange looking vehicle that had written on it;"World Happiness Party", would pull off the road, and a middle aged White man would exist with a very perplexed look on his face. He told me that his organization was one that passed out information about all kinds of things in the body politic that were slanted. I told him to go to my website:southernheritage411.com

And he asked that I go to his: www.worldhappinesparty.com.

As my arms began to ache from so much waving to those who would pass me by, I decided it was time to furl the Christian Cross of St. Andrew for another day. However, a long line of cars would pass, all shouting out my name, and the Rebel Yell. In the last one filled with young men both Black and White; one of the Black men would shout to me : "Way to go HK, lets Rebel up America! It had been a great day in Dixie, one that was filled with the spirits of my Southern family lifted at the site of a loyal Black subject and the symbol that distinguishes us all as Southern:" the Confederate Battle Flag"! God bless you!

                                  Your brother,

                                       HK

                                  Recipient of the H.L.Hunley Award

An Open Report & Open Letter / Clinton , Journeys, & Thanksgiving Day

Dear Ms. Lunelle,

I have come to realize that the editorial page of the so called Knoxville Sentinel is nothing more than a sounding board for those who hate the Southern Cross and who spit out such disdain against it and any who dare to express their constitutional right to carry it, wear it, or display it. And bear witness in the editorial :Confederate flag in parade insult to blacks, veterans; corpus delicti at its best. Where are the facts to substantiate the libel within the entire article?

The spectacle of a man in his stupor shouting the word treason in the ear of a man who would portray the Honorable General Robert E. Lee, and myself who would portray his Color Bearer in a timeline capsule presented by the co-sponsors of the Clinton Veterans Day parade," The Tennesseans for Living History", who had invited us, as well as the Union soldier who rode the capsule float.

I would tell this man that he was doing something that even Thaddeus Stevens who hated the South for expressing its Constitutional right to leave the Union would do; accuse the Southern people or their army of treason. Who the hell is Thaddeus Stevens, and you don't believe in God , defending treason was  his reply that he continued to yell in my ears as the people clap and cheered as we pass them by.

Had the Knoxville Sentinel cared for what the people were thinking, all they had to do was to follow any of us who carried the flag on this day, not only in Clinton, but Knoxville as well. They would have to print how the veterans and spectators, Red, Yellow, Brown, Black and White, saluted us, hugged us,  took photographs beside and with us, and most importantly praised us for being there.

On Tuesday morning, November 25, 2014, as I began to furl the Southern Cross after having strolled some 5 miles with it; a young man would identify himself as a newspaper reporter for the Black Mountain Times. He would ask if I did not feel some anxiety about carrying the Southern Cross after the decision of the Ferguson  Grand Jury? The interview would last for 2 hours, and another hour and a half the next day. I await the article.

On Thursday morning, November 27, 2014. With snow flurries abound and a bristling wind, I would don the uniform of the Southern  soldier and with his  Colors in hand, partake on a twenty mile journey around Buncombe County, listening to the shouts of the Rebel Yell, folks calling out my name , waving, clapping as they passed me by, and an occasional stop for a photograph, or to accept a Thanksgiving breakfast from the young baby girl, Bree and her grandmother who at a dead run for almost an eight of a mile before I would turn around after hearing their shouts from behind.

Bree's  grandmother would recount a time that I had spoken at the Zebulon Vance Camp 15 Sons of Confederate Veterans, and that I had given her son Daniel, Bree's dad a Dixie Out Fitter shirt with my picture on it, and that he had explained to Bree why it called me a Modern Day Confederate hero, and that I was his and many others of the South's hero. Bree who appeared to be about 6 or 7 years old would give me a big hug, and her grandmother would remark;" first the son, and now his daughter" , and another hug I would have to accept.

This scene would play out many more times before I would finally furl my flag on Thanksgiving Day. God bless you!

                             Your brother,

                                 HK

                              Recipient of the H.L. Hunley Award

Put the Southern Cross in Your Hand

Dear Ms. Lunelle,

As you know too well, all one has to do is to put the Southern Cross in hand, stand, or walk down a beaten path, and eventually you are going to pose for a picture, answer a lot about why, do a lot of waving and  uplifting of the spirits of Gods Southern people, with a few Yanks thrown into boot. The need to so do was overwhelming as the scalawag Chancellor down at Ole Miss. had defied a court ordered injunction and began to change street names that bore Confederate signage , while using Black folks as his excuse to do so.

First it had been the Mascot  Colonel Reb, now the street names, with plans to remove the Confederate dead whose final resting place lie behind the coliseum, and then to the Confederate soldiers monument that serves as a testimonial to those who stood to fight that man who would burn Oxford to the ground. And there was this:

 Rep. John F. Harris, former slave, Republican member, Mississippi House of Representatives; Representing Washington County vote on Bill to appropriate $10,000 to complete the Confederate Monument on the Grounds of the State Capitol. The Clarion Ledger , February 23, 1890:

"Mr. Speaker ! I have arisen here in my place to offer a few words on the bill. I have come from a sick bed,, and was forced to struggle up here leaning on the arm of a friend. I stand here in considerable pain. Perhaps it was not prudent for me to come.

   But , Sir, I could not rest quietly in my room, sick though I am , and allow this discussion to pass without contributing to it a few remarks of my own.

  

 I was sorry to hear the speech of the young gentleman from Marshall County. I am sorry that any son of a soldier should go on record as opposed to the erection of a monument in the honor of the brave dead.

And Sir, I am convinced that had he seen what I saw at Seven Pines and in the seven days' fighting around Richmond, the battle fields covered with the mangled forms of those who fought for their and their country's honor , he would not have  made that speech. When the news came that the South was to be invaded those men went forth to fight for what they believed , and they made no requests for monuments to commemorate their brave deeds and holy sacrifices. But they died, and their virtues should be remembered.

Sir , I went with them. I too wore the gray, the same color that my master wore. We stayed four long years, and if that sad war had gone on till now, I would have been  there yet. I know what it all meant, and I understand the meaning of my words, and when I say that I would have been with my country men still had the war continued until this day.

I want to honor those brave men who died for their convictions.

When my mother died, I was a boy. Who, Sir , then acted the part of a mother to the orphaned slave boy but my"old Missus? - Were she living now, or could she speak to me from those high realms where are gathered the sainted dead , she would tell me to vote for this bill.

And Sir, I shall vote for it. I want it known to all the world that my vote was given in favor of the bill to erect a monument in honor of the Confederate dead."

On Saturday morning, October 4, 2014, on Highway 7 South, at the Fayette County Line leading into Oxford, Mississippi , alongside the Honorable General Paul McClaren, and not to forget the Honorable Mike whose last name alludes my memory, we would post the Southern Cross. Mike in the cornfield a with a huge Flag at our backs.

On Sunday morning, October 5, 2014, alongside Mrs. Debbie Sidle, and the Mississippi Flaggers that she heads, the Sons of Confederate Veterans Mechanized Calvary, and many other concerned Southerners; General Paul and I would join in posting the Southern Cross at the Confederate Soldiers Monument and around the Court House building in downtown Oxford. The sign that Anthony Ervy, a young Black man who was don in the uniform of the Confederate soldier with Battle flag in hand, appropriately read: " Don't just
be a Rebel on game day, referring to the support shown for the Ole Miss.  Rebels who had just defeated the Alabama Tide football team. I look very much forward to making a Stand in Oxford again. God bless you!

                                     Your brother,

                                          HK

                           Recipient of the Horace L. Hunley Award
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Logan Civil War Heritage Weekend / Breach of Verbal Contract

Dear Dr. Stuart,

I write this letter to you because you serve on the Governors staff, and because I too have worked in the theater of Minority Affairs. First under the Honorable Ms. Lillian Williams, Affirmative Action Director at the University of Minnesota, and many years later help re-write the Minority Business Program for the City of Asheville, and Buncombe County North Carolina. and have come to know so many honorable people in this venue. 

 And secondly, because the Governor's name appears as a contributor to the event so named " Logan Civil War Heritage Weekend, and I want this correspondence to serve as an official complaint of the verbal contract made to myself  and those who would co-ordinate this event and especially Ms. Jackie Tomblin who identified herself as the Event Director. and have not lived up to the terms of payment to me for expenses incurred. And hope that it will make it to the Governor for his aid in the matter.

Ms. Tomblin would visit my website six months ago ( www.southernheritage411.com ), and then contacted me about speaking at this event. She told  me that she was operating on a tight budget, and if I could waive my speakers fee of $20,000 as indicated on my web page. I agreed to come to Logan for $.62 per mile X 2 ( going and return ) $100 for out of pocket expense, room accommodations for two days, and directions to the hotel and event. And further that I would allow her and her committee to choose what the pay for the Honorarium would be. And further that I was to receive the traveling expense at least one week prior to the event.

Ms. Tomblin would contact me on Thursday, September 24, 2014, asking if I was still coming? I told her that I had not received the traveling expenses, thereby, I could not make the journey. She indicated that she thought she was to give me payment after I arrived, and that she had already paid for the hotel accommodations, and that she would compensate me in cash if I would come on. I asked for the directions. She said that she had no idea and that I should try map quest. After traveling all the way to Ashland, Kentucky, I would discover that MapQuest had no idea on how to get to Logan, West Virginia .

After several more hours, I would arrive at the Holliday Inn Express in Logan, and be told by the desk clerk that she only had reservations for the re-enactors, Abraham Lincoln, and Harriett Tubman. I had been trying to reach Ms. Tomlin since 2PM, and it was now 8P;  again I tried with no luck. Finally I would ask the clerk where was the re-enactment camp, and she indicated 10 miles away. I finally found it around 9:30 PM, some 12 and one half hours after leaving home. One of the re-enactors called Ms. Tomblin's cell phone. She apologized for her mistake for not securing my room at the hotel.

Saturday morning I would return to the Chief Logan State Park, sign hundreds of autographs, pose for as many pictures, gave a speech at noon, and joined in as a Color Bearer with the Confederate Artillery, and would also fire the first artillery round.

Sunday morning would mirror the day before. With exception, I would don the uniform of the Confederate Infantry soldier, and after giving another speech would join the Confederate Infantry in battle.

After the battle Ms. Tomblin would indicate that she would settle up with me shortly. After about two hours, I would approach her with my bill that only indicated the 444 mile one way trip X 2 at the rate of $.62 per mile, $100 for out of pocket expense, and a ? for the Honorarium. She indicated to me that she couldn't afford to pay the bill. I asked her, mam what can you afford to pay me because I need to get started home. She said $300. I did not want to make a scene, I agreed to accept the three hundred dollars in cash. She had me to sign a note of acceptance. I changed clothes, and returned for the payment. She told me that she only had $100 in cash and that her son had left with the check book, and would I wait around ten more minutes for his return. I asked her if she would just send me the check. She promised that she would right away.

After two weeks and still not receiving payment, I would phone Ms. Tomblin, and ask of her if she planned on paying me? She said that she would when she got the money. Another week has passed, and now she won't answer my calls. I left her a message that because the Governor's name appears alongside mine on the Schedule of events, even though my name is spelled wrong; I would contact him for help in receiving my payment.

I hate to drag you into this, but my conscious tells me that you would help if you can. God bless you!

H.K. Edgerton

Recipient H.L.Hunley Award / Chairman of the Board of Advisors of the

Southern Legal Resource Center Emeritus / President Southern Heritage 411

                                                   
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An Open Letter & Open Report Part 1

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: HK Edgerton <hk.edgerton@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Oct 7, 2014 at 10:21 AM
Subject: An Open Letter & Open Report Part 1
To: siegels1 <siegels1@mindspring.com>

Dear Ms. Lunelle,

Alongside Commander Jim Kennedy of the Rutherford Rifles Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and several of the Camp members we would once again attend the annual Community Fair held in Ellenboro, North Carolina. We would not only answer many questions from the patrons for the five day affair who would stop to pose for pictures with us, but the Commander was in full gear as he would actively recruit potential members for the Camp.

 I would receive an invitation to speak to the students of Glenwood Christian Academy located not for from the fairgrounds. I would accept the invitation from Rev. Jason Tomey, and on Friday, September 19, 2014, before attending the Fair, Commander Kennedy and our delegation of Camp members donned in the uniform of the Southern soldier would deliver a speech to the academy, and the students would surprise us as they all stood and accompanied us in the singing of Dixie. Afterwards the students would be allowed to fire several volleys of the soldiers rifles, and would present to me a card thanking me for coming out to speak to them, and to boot give me a generous donation as well. 

The only thing that would dampen this festive five day event was to learn that the young Black man who would wrestle at the event as the Southern Avenger while donned in his Confederate Battle Flag regalia, and who we would escort to the ring each year; had been shot in the back and killed as he worked as a bouncer at a night club by an unruly customer that had been asked to leave the club. He will truly be missed , and may God bless and accept him into his kingdom.

My next stop would be the War Between the States Heritage Weekend titled Rebellion in the Hills at Chief Logan State Park in Logan, West Virginia held on September 27th - 28 , 2014 which will be part 2 of my report later this week that will be followed by the report of last weekends visit to Oxford, Mississippi where  the University of Ole Miss Chancellor would put himself above the law by disobeying a Court injunction not to change the names of the streets on campus so named with Confederate listings. God bless you!

                                   Your brother,

                                       HK  
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Nathan Bedford Forrest High School Jacksonville, Fla.

From: hk.edgerton@gmail.com

As I made my way to Jacksonville, I would be made aware of the hate filled rhetoric that the NAACP had launched the night before to members of the alumni, staff, and community about the Honorable General Nathan Bedford Forrest as they lobbied to have his name removed from the High School.

I would arrive Wednesday morning at 5 AM, December 11, 2013, change into the uniform of the Southern soldier, and because of the high volume of traffic and members of the Forrest staff already arriving; I would phone the Honorable Henry Russ, and post the Colors in the Public Easement at the front of the school at 5:45 AM.

I have posted the Colors in many places over the past decade, but nothing and nowhere I have ever done so would prepare me for the onslaught of hate filled rhetoric that would come my way from the members of the public who would pass me by on this dark morning.

By the time Mr. Russ would join me, the lights from the Police Traffic Officer were already flashing and the Vice Principal and another Black male would approach us. The Vice Principal would tell me that I would have to leave, and that he didn't care about me being in support of not changing the school name, but my Flag had to go. I told him he could forget it, and that and I was in the Public easement expressing my First Amendment Rights. He said we are going to see about that as he crossed the street and approached the Police Officer to help him with his demands to forcibly have me removed. Failing to secure help from this officer, he demanded that the Officer take his request to a higher ranking person, and came back to inform me that he was working on my removal.

I wish that I could spell the name of the young Black female who would come and hold dialogue with us alongside a Black man and the other members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans who had also now joined Mr. Russ and myself. It was a spirited debate that would last for more than three hours about not only the man who had been a true friend to the African people before, during, and after the War for Southern Independence,  but also about the Southern White man who had tried so very hard to do the same. God bless them both for their decency and willingness to hold meaningful dialogue.

We would be interviewed by several members of the press. I could not help wondering how the Principal and his Vice as Black men could take a position at Forrest High and not know or want to know about the man himself who was loved by the people of his time, be they White, Black, Red, Brown, freed or indentured, or the forty plus Black men who would ride by his side in honor during the whole duration of the war.

The NAACP brings a new meaning to hate as they have accepted the monies from the very people whose ancestors derailed the African people from the path of social vertical mobility already taking place in the South as the whole of the country moved toward the industrial revolution. The NAACP has now moved the Dream of King to the back of the bus as he had forewarned them and his own lieutenants would happen if they attacked the Confederate Flag; a Flag that belongs to the Southern people and their ancestors who are left to protect it and those who served under it.

The only reward for this treason will go to the poverty pimps and scant for their organizations, and for those who put them up to it just like their carpetbagger ancestors, a clear path for more stealing. Black folks duped again as time will show very soon for those who commit this sacrilege. God bless you.
                                         
Your brother,
                                              
HK

March Across Dixie by H. K. Edgerton

March Across Dixie

From: hk.edgerton@gmail.com

On Monday morning, October 15, 2013, I would make my way to the Honorable Zebulon B.Vance monument in downtown Asheville, give a hand salute to the Governor, pose for a dozen or more pictures and make my way down highway 25 on the Historic 10 year anniversary of the March Across Dixie. On this day, I would experience little fan fare, however I think it important to mention the young black man who would shout out for me as I made my way pass a predominately Black community called Petersburg.  He would accompany me for about a mile as we talked about the article he had read in the Asheville Tribune newspaper about the March and my journey of love and support for the South and its people, give me a hug, and tell me that he was so proud that I would represent those  Blacks either erased or forgotten who wore the Confederate grey, or labored in support of the South. The Honorable Kirk D. Lyons the Chief Trial Counselor of the Southern Legal Resource Center would greet me at the historic old courthouse in downtown Hendersonville. It had been a great day as I had received the blessings and  encouragement from so many on this day in Dixie as the peoples spirits seemed to soar at the sight of a handsome old black man donned in the uniform of the Southern soldier, carrying the Christian Cross of St. Andrew in hand.

On Tuesday morning, October 16, 2012, I would be accompanied by folks that I can only call some of my Guardian Angels," the Honorable Homer and Mrs. Judi Price" of whose help I would have never been able to make it without. We made our way down Highway# 25 ten miles to Dixie Out Post in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. I would soon find out that Homer was a woman magnet as we were stopped by so many ladies , pose for pictures, all would express their gratitude for the very positive message that we were sending to those who would pass us on this day. I must also mention the young Sheriff Deputy who would stop us and with tears in his eyes, express his gratitude for the journey that we were on that clearly marked an expression of honor for the very memory of his ancestors who fought the South, and gave us his card and told us, if we were in need of help as we made our way through South Carolina, not to hesitate in calling him. Ms. Judi and Homer would take me to a restaurant called the Junction where I almost licked the plate. It was a great day in Dixie.

On Wednesday morning October 17, 2012, with Homer and Ms. Judi still faithfully in tow, Ms. Judi would take one look at my feet ( as I had remarked to Homer the day before that my feet must feel like the mens feet at Gettysburg who made the mistake that cost the war) and told me that I was not going to walk another day with shoes leaking, and feet hurting. True to her words, I ended up with a new pair of boots, two pair of pants, several pair of wool socks, a poncho, several pair of gloves, a big hug and some preserves for my sister. And beside Homer I floated on air all the way to Dixie Lumber Company in Easley, South Carolina where we would be greeted by the wonderful staff that had greeted me twice before on this same journey both 5 & 10 years ago. Should anyone ever be in Easley; stop and ask to view the pictures in the Book of Honor. You will find Homer and I there.

On Thursday morning, October 18, 2012, with the Honorable Homer and Mrs. Judi Price still faithfully by my side, we would make our way with a great deal of fanfare from those who we passed by. Homer and I began to feel as though we were two celebrities as folks stopped us for pictures and conversation, and expressed their love. We even returned several salutes to the Clemson Police who unlike 10 years ago would stop us and almost bring the March to a halt on the outskirts of Clemson. Homer and I would spend several moments on that corner waving at those who were putting up a small ruckus as they waved and shouted out the Rebel Yell.

On Friday morning October 19, 2012, as Ms. Judi, Homer and made our way to our final destination of the week; the Confederate soldiers monument, Homer and I would be stopped by a man and his son, the Honorable Mike Baker who expressed their gratitude as many before them had done to Homer and I. We would soon after be stopped by three young ladies who told us they had seen us in Clemson the day before while they were in the hair salon getting their hair done, and had learned of our whereabouts so that they could have pictures to tell their children about. Shortly afterwards, Home and I would be stopped by a Wallahalla Policeman, who recanted to us a tale that someone had called the Police Department of Homer and I being accosted by two men and we were in trouble.  Homer and I would dispute the lie, and thank the Officer for responding and looking out for us. We made our way into Wallaha, stopped at Wrights Confederate store, hug David and his pretty sister, I stuck them up for a Mississippi State flag, we made our way to the Confederate soldiers monument, posed for more pictures from several citizens, and made our way some two hours back to the Junction restaurant where we would have lunch with Stephen and Ms. Bonnie his wife, who had driven several hours like so many had expressed they had done from their home in the mountains of North Carolina just to greet me. This just like 10 years ago was nothing less than a celebration of love between family as we experience the uplifting of the spirit of the Southern and arguably some from the North who would make an honorable Stand in Dixieland against those who would illegally invade their homeland and circumvent the Constitution and declaration of Independence in doing so, and worst of all derail the African people, freed and indentured from a course of Social vertical mobility that would have continued to be the envy of the civilized world . God bless you.

                                                              
Your brother,
                                                                  
HK

                                                      
My Schedule Continued

October 22, 2012----------Start from the River Bridge on Hwy 123 10 miles from Toccoa City Hall  at 9 :00 AM

October 23, 2012 ---------Stop 10 minutes in Gainesville, Ga. 7:00 AM, began 10 mile march into Cumming, Ga at 9:00 to the Cumming Library.

October 24, 2012 ---------Began a 10 mile march at 9:00 am into Roswell, Ga. ending at the Historic Roswell House

October 25,2012 ----------Began a 10 mile march at 9:00 AM into the Capitol Ground in Atlanta, GA

October 26, 2012----------Began a 10 mile march at 9:00 am into Fairburn, Ga. 

HK in Owensboro Ky

HK in Owensboro Ky

From: hk.edgerton@gmail.com

To: siegels1@mindspring.com

Dear Ms. Lunelle,

The more that I make these journeys to places that attack our symbols and ancestors who fought to safeguard not only their homes from an illegal invasion, but against the very intrusion of the safeguards of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence that championed their very act; the more I have come to believe that the Almighty God understood that the supposed loss of the War for Southern and American Independence and the signing of the treaty at Appomattox Courthouse was only the beginning for his chosen people in this land to guide it to thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

And though at times we of the South may look like God's Job, I believe we have been given by the sacrifice of our ancestors, a glorious opportunity to sit on the national and world stage able to embrace and define the cause of an honorable people. One that must be played out as we have come full circle in the body politic to where it all began in the greatest nation on earth whose founding was in the waters of the almighty God.

We of the South have been given a glorious opportunity to bring America to her greatness as those who attack us have open the debate. I can only thank past Commander of the Kentucky Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, The Honorable Dr Hiter, and Commander Wilhite who would prepare the Table of Brotherhood in the great State of Kentucky on this weekend in Owensboro and in Benton, Kentucky where those gathered to include a local Council member who just happened to be of the Black race came and had that debate. God bless you.

                                          

Your brother,

                                                

H

The Ellenboro Fair by H. K. Edgerton

The Ellenboro Fair

From:  hk.edgerton@gmail.com

For five days I would along side Commander Jim Kennedy and other members of the Rutherford Rifles Camp 2044 of the Sons of Confederate Veteran attend the Ellenboro Fair in Ellenboro, North Carolina for the second year running.

In September of 2011, the Sons were initially denied a booth and a presence at the Fair, because the Principal of the Ellenboro School that benefits from the Fair had so many reservations about offending his community, having the Sons and their Flag there.   After a stern conversation from the Sons attorney Kirk D. Lyons of the Southern Legal Resource Center; the powers to be would agree to allow the Sons a table and space.

The results this year would mirror the previous. We would spend a considerable amount of time posing for pictures, listening to people brag about their ancestors who had served in the Confederate army, recruiting for membership in the Sons organization, answering a great deal of questions, and accepting the love that would come our way as so many thanked us for being there once again.

As the last night of the Fair began to come to and end, I would feel somewhat sadden that I would not see so many of these wonderful folks again until next year, and then I would be reminded by Commander Kennedy that I had promised so many of these folks that I would be the guest speaker at the Camps October 11, 2012 Camp meeting, and to make things even better, at that moment, a young Black man would ask of me, could he wave my flag? I was glad that as General Lee's (the Honorable David Chaltas) Color Sgt., he was not there because I might have lost my job. And it got even better as a young baby boy would come over to me and tug at my pants and give me a big hug as the very same Principal across the way would be caught looking at this show of love. God bless Commander Jim Kennedy and the Sons for having me in the county of my dad where the Christian Cross of St. Andrew is still welcome by the people who call themselves Southern.

HK Edgerton

HK Edgerton Needs a Car and New Shoes

The Destruction of My Car

 

From: hk.edgerton@gmail.com

 

Anyone who has a copy of my brothers book on the Historic March Across Dixie knows that I need a new pair of shoes. However, I knew that my car needed repairs if it was to make it to Texas on my 10 year anniversary March. And so I made the decision to invest $424.00 on the needed repairs on Friday from my scarce coffers. However, on Saturday night, October 7, 2012, as I returned home, it would cut off 200 yards from my exist on Interstate 40, and refuse to start. I would manage to get it on the side of the road. I would return this Sunday morning and find that my car had been almost totally wiped out by a hit and run driver.

 

I am to began marching on Monday morning, October 15, 2012, however that may now be in jeopardy; now with no shoes or car, or money; I don't know what to do but pray.I am so sad this morning as I contemplate that I may now have to cancel this Historic journey back to Austin where the Testimonial Plaques of General Lee to the soldiers of Texas, and the Confederate Seal has yet to be return to their lawful place in the Supreme Court Building. And not to even forget Robert E. Lee High School that has been on my radar for months now in Midland, Texas, or that while I have been asked by some members of the Friends of Forrest to stay out of the affairs that surround the Forrest monument in Selma, Alabama, I have looked so forward to crossing the Edmund Petus Bridge again, and asking for the arrest of the State Senators wife who conspired to have that monument illegally removed on a radio broadcast that the FCC should investigate, and should remove that stations license.

 

I wish that I could report that after ten years my Southland and its honorable people had finally found vindication from all the wrong heaped upon it from those who raped, robbed, and stole its way to the so called victory in 1865. However, 150 years later in these Sesquicentennial years, my Northern family has been able to garnish from the public treasure vast amounts of monies to continue the propaganda they began with the establishment of the Public school system in 1865, with largely no funds given to Southern organizations to present the Southern side of a tale told . They now present to our Southern babies in the schools of the South exhibits that make Lincoln , a war criminal,  out to be as the Puritans presented him after the war as some kind of hero. Never mind the Corwin Amendment, the Morrill Tariff, or the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, or that he had to use almost a quarter of his army to put down insurrections in the North, or that he color coded the ballot and used this same army to force citizens to vote for him, or face whippings or death if they did not, and on and on.

 

Yes, on this highway that I march, I do tell a different tale to the many who come to hear, or even to fill my ears as their spirits are uplifted by the sight of a loyal African man who is the descendant of those Africans who earned a place of honor under the Christian Cross of St. Andrew, who now drags the Table of Brotherhood that King only could dream about, as standing room only is posted at the door. God bless you, and please tell the Honorable Attorney McCallister that I pray that the Briefs against those named officials of the NAACP who would libel the men of Sons of Confederate Veterans Mechanize Calvary in Lake City, Florida are brought to fruition soon.

 

 I also pray that Candice Yvonna Hardwick of Latta, South Carolina will receive a Presidential Pardon. I have been reluctant to ask the Governor of South Carolina because I don't believe she understands the plight of the Southern people, and has some strange bed fellows who don't like the South, its people, or our beloved Southern Cross. I could be wrong, but my rallying cry all the way to Texas was not only to replace the Plaques , but to ask all that I would meet on the way to ask for the same for Candice. God bless you.
                                                                            
Your brother,
                                                                                  
HK

10 Year Anniversary March Across Dixie Preliminary Schedule

10 Year Anniversary March Across Dixie Preliminary Schedule

 

From: hk.edgerton@gmail.com

 

Preliminary 10 Year Anniversary March Across Dixie Schedule to Biltmore Village

 

October 15, 2012 ---- Leave Vance Memorial Downtown Asheville ---- March to Biltmore Village; begin 10 mile march to Old Hendersonville County Courthouse

 

October 16, 2012 ---- Start 10 miles from Dixie Outpost on Hwy. 25 ---- March to DixieOutpost Travelers Rest, S.C. (10 miles)

 

October 17, 2012 ---- Start 10 miles from Dixie Lumber Company Hwy 183 --- March to Dixie Lumber Company Easley, S.C. (10 miles)

 

October 18, 2012 ---- Start 10 miles from Confederate monument in Walhalla, S.C --- March to Confederate monument Walahalla, S.C. (10 miles)

 

October 19, 2012 ---- Start 10 miles from downtown Clemson, S.C. ----- March to Clemson, S.C. (10 miles)

 

October 22, 2012 ---- Start 10 miles from Toccoa, Ga. City Hall ---- March 10 miles to Toccoa City Hall   (10 miles)

 

October 23, 2012 ---- Start 10 miles from Cummings, Ga Hwy 9 ---- March 10 miles to City Hall Cummings, Ga. (10

 

October 24, 2012 ---- Start 10 miles from Roswell, Ga ----- March 10 miles to Roswell Home Place (10 miles)

 

October 25, 2012 ---- Start 10 miles from 10 miles from Atlanta, Ga --- March 10 miles to Atlanta Capitol Confederate monument.  
                                                                                                                   
October 26, 2012 ---- Start 10 miles from Railroad Depot Fairburn, Ga --- March 10 miles to Railroad Depot Fairburn, Ga.

 

October 29, 2012 ---- Start 10 miles from La Grange, Ga. --- March 10 miles to La Grange, Ga. (10 miles)

 

October 30, 2012 ---- Start 10 miles from Opelika, Alabama --- March 10 miles to Opelika (10 miles) Hold Press Conference in Auburn, Alabama

 

October 31, 2012 ---- Start 10 miles from Tuskegee, Alabama --- March 10 miles to Booker T. Washington Church (10 miles) Press interview

 

An Open Report from HK Edgerton

An Open Report

From: hk.edgerton@gmail.com 

On Saturday morning, August 25, 2012, the Founding President , Mrs. Lunelle Siegel, of the Augusta Jane Evans Wilson 2640 Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy in Tampa, Florida would bring me to tears as she presented me with Christian Cross of St. Andrew that had donned the coffin of her husband and that had been presented to her by the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

I would stand before the ladies of the Chapter, and their guest on this morning to deliver the keynote speech with full knowledge that they were as their ancestors were; the heart and soul of the Southland of America, and the focal point of our strength as a people. I had come to speak, but in the end, there was nothing that I could tell these wonderful ladies, but thanks. Thanks for standing by me all across the country, and teaching me as I stumbled over the years making mistakes all along the way. And reminding me as my mom once did, listen son, listen son, and you will learn.

I have listened, and can honestly report that in the Southland of America, as long as there is breath in the body of just one lady that is deemed a United Daughter of the Confederacy, All IS WELL!

I would hope that in this election year that they would consider giving their vote to Ms. Lunelle as she seeks the office of Historian. They would do themselves proud to have her.

HK Edgerton

Waynesville County Courthouse

From: hk.edgerton@gmail.com
To: siegels1@mindspring.com 

Dear Ms. Lunelle,

After fielding concerns about my safety at the Confederate soldiers Memorial Monument in Historic Downtown Waynesville, N.C., I would return Friday, August 17, 2012, and be received with a huge precedent of love from the citizens of Waynesville and many who were just visiting the town as their voices resonated support for the Stand that I and others like the young son Ewing, and his sister, Abby, along with their father the Honorable Elder Thomas Willis, Director of the Southern Legal resource Center who on this day would join me at the monument. We would conduct an interview with a reporter of the Asheville Tribune newspaper, and call it a day.

On Sunday morning, August 19, 2012,  I would don the uniform of the Southern soldier and once again post the Christian Cross of St. Andrew at the Confederate soldiers Memorial monument in Historic Downtown Waynesville, N.C.. I would be visited by a member of the Sons Mechanize Calvary of North Carolina, and be told by him that the Mechanize Calvary would visit the Monument on Saturday, August 25, 2012, a time that will find me in Tampa, Florida.

I would pose for many pictures on this day, hold many conversations with visitors to the town , and again delight in the many who would pass expressing their support for the Stand being made at the monument. On Monday evening, August 20, 2012, the Council is expected to draft a policy governing what can be placed on monuments on the courthouse grounds. I pray that they will return the Colors of all the War Veteran Memorials that became a target for removal after the desecration at the Confederate soldiers Memorial. God bless you.
                                                                
Your brother,
                                                                    
HK

Conversations at the Confederate soldiers' monument in Waynesville, N.C.

Conversations at the Confederate soldiers' monument in Waynesville, N.C.

From: hk.edgerton@gmail.com

On Monday morning August 12, 2012, I would place a stick flag of the great State of Texas adjacent to the Confederate soldiers' monument. It didn't take long before who I believe to be the secretary of attorney Bob Clark to come and tell me that she couldn't tell me not to stand at the monument with the Battle flag, but that I needed to remove that flag, pointing to the Texas flag. However, because she was a lady, I chose to not even respond. She didn't even know what the flag was, but because it was posted beside the monument, it had to go.

Shortly after, a middle aged White lady would approach me. Sir, I drove pass, and to see a Black man standing at the Waynesville County courthouse with the Rebel flag. I said to myself, that man must not know what is going on in this county. My daughter is in court today because her friends burned a cross on my lawn because she started dating a Black man, and sir she continued, this is only the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot of hate in this county between Black and White folks. My reply to her was;" ma'am the more the reason for me to be here". This flag is a shared common heritage for all of us who are Southern. I wonder what must be on the minds of those young people who head into court for burning that cross and have to look over to me and see me standing here in support of their ancestors as well as mine. She would hug me and tell me that my point was well taken and was food for thought for her self as well.

Next to come was a middle aged Black man who would give me what is commonly referred to as the evil eye. After holding up traffic, he would tell me that I needed help. I told him that he was right, and that I had an extra flag in the car.

On Tuesday evening, my brother, Terry Lee would receive a call from my cousin Eddie Edgerton who expressed concern about my safety after having conversation with a Black resident of Waynesville about the stir I had caused strutting about with that red shirt on that depicted the flag and strutting about the town with the Battle flag. He went on to say that a White minister had called him voicing the same concerns about my safety, and the Klan who too might not like me being there. God bless them all, for I shall post the Christian Cross of St. Andrew again on Thursday morning, August 16, 2012 at the Confederate soldiers' monument at approximately 9:00am. 

HK Edgerton

Flag & Heritage Alert, Waynesville, NC/An Open Report

Flag & Heritage Alert, Waynesville, NC/An Open Report

From: hk.edgerton@gmail.com

On Tuesday morning, August 7, 2012, alongside a host of concerned citizens that included to my delight several young people, we would post the Colors of the Confederate soldier at the Confederate soldiers monument housed on the grounds of the Haywood County courthouse located in Historic Downtown Waynesville, N.C.

The Colors were being systematically removed from the War Memorial on orders from the County manager because a practicing attorney who lived in another county just happen to have guest visiting from out of town who found it offensive to see the colors posted. Never mind that similar memorials to the Korean and Vietnam veterans are housed on the grounds with the colors of those veterans posted. The county manager who would order his staff to remove the colors every time they saw them; an act of desecration of a War Memorial.

On Friday morning, August 10, 2012, at 9:00 AM, I shall again post the Colors in honor of the some 240 soldiers who gave their lives in defense of their homeland that had been illegally invaded. May God bless their souls, and may they rest in peace with the knowledge that there are those who will defend their good names, and the cause for which they laid down their lives.

HK Edgerton

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

Greetings from Pine Mountain, Georgia...

From: lostlake444@yahoo.com
To: gilmorea@lcfla.com

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)

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