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Florida Blockade Runner
Sons of Confederate Veterans - Florida Division
Volume 29, Issue 5
December 2012
Tampa Flag Site Engraving Completed
On December 8th and 9th members of the General Jubal Early Camp turned out to assist Mike Bethune and Bud
Downing in completing the final engraving of ancestor’s names at the Tampa Flag Across Florida Site. The
weather that kept the completion at bay for the past several months cooperated by providing a sunny dry weekend. A very special thanks is owed to Mike Bethune and Bud Downing (Early Camp members) for their
knowledge and expertise which made the completion of this project possible with minimal cost to the Florida Division. I also want to thank Mike Herring and the men of the Early Camp listed below for their dedication and
assistance with the project. The following individuals have worked deligently to complete the engraving are:
Butch Fox, Tom McDaniels, Houston Tucker, Jack Bolen, Greg Caulley, Wayne Sweat, Troy Sweat, David
King, Bryan Gilmore, Jerry Little and Greg Tisdale The OCR was there lending their support, and I would be
remiss if they weren’t recognized. Thank you Jan Caulley and Aimee Gilmore for your time and effort.
The Early Camp exemplifies what a Sentinel Camp should be and their efforts should be an example to us all.
Jim Davis, Division Commander
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Pictured above are several of the individuals that worked to complete the Tampa Site engraving. Note that the Judah Early
Camp that maintains this site are presently working to secure a Second National Confederate Battle Flag to display on this
flag pole. If you would like to contribute to the purchase of this new flag, please send your donations to the Judah Early or to
the SCV Florida Division. All contributions will be most appreciated.
Southern Crosses of Honor Dedications
On October 13, 2012, the F. A. Hendry Camp #1284 of Sebring, FL and the Confederate Cow Camp of Arcadia, FL dedicated
5 Southern Crosses of Honor to Confederate Veterans buried in Breah Cemetery in Polk County. The veterans honored were
Pvt. Henry R. Hill, Pvt. John B. Gunter, Pvt. Thomas A. Pollard, Pvt. Bryant R. Welch, and Pvt. Ellisas Johnson.
The history of each man was read by members of the camp. Attending, for the first ever dedication of five crosses at one time
was: SCV CiC Michael Givens, Division Commander Jim Davis, 5th Lt. Commander Bobby Smith.
The Florida Blockade Runner is mailed four times a year by the Florida Division of Confederate Veterans. Regular subscription price is
$15.00 a year. Please direct all editorial mail and advertising copy to the following e-mail address: [email protected]. This
publication assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts which are not accompanied by self-addressed mailer with return postage
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mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the
publisher. All subscription inquiries should be addressed to Jeffrey Sizemore, 1731 Woodside Court, Kissimmee, FL 34744. He can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].
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Message from the Florida Division Commander
Merry Christmas to all of my fellow Southerners, I hope the season finds you and your
family in good health and spirits. I ask each of you to say a special prayer for our beloved
Southland and your compatriots in the SCV. I also ask that we reflect on our heritage and those
traditions that make us Southern, for that is what makes us who we are.
As we close out this year let us look forward to 2013. I ask each member and Camp to set a
goal for the New Year to answer the Charge by teaching a family member, friend, another organization, at a county fair or any other opportunity what our Southern men fought for. If we
are to compete with the politically correct we must educate those who have not been taught the
truth (some Southerners and most of those not from the South). I hope to have ready for the
Division Reunion educational material that each Camp or member can use to assist in the educational process.
I have received many reports throughout the state of Camps working within their cities and counties on projects
that are in the public eye. I take my hat off to those Camps for their efforts and a job well done. These Camps
should be an inspiration to all of us.
For the second time this fall I have had to attend a funeral for one of our finest and once again he was a close
friend. Past Florida Division Commander Doug Dawson crossed the river on October 30. The cause and Division
has lost one of our finest champions. Please keep his wife Sherry in your prayers.
Respectfully
Florida Division Commander
From the Desk of Florida Division Adjutant
William H. Nicholson, Jr.
Effective January 5, 2013, any compatriot who has not paid his division
dues will be dropped. I can be contacted at [email protected].
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Upcoming Re-enactments
January 18, 19, 20, 2013: Brooksville Raid, Brooksville, Florida. Hosted by the Hernando Historical Museum Assoc. and North Pinellas
Scout Sertoma Club. Two battles (2:30 PM); one Sat. one Sun. The Raid is held at the Sand Hill Boy Scout Camp on US Hwy 50. The
battle is 10 miles West of Brooksville. The entrance is on Hwy 50. Take Hwy. 50 West. Go through Brooksville, keep going West about
10 miles, and look for the signs. Event web site http://www.brooksvilleraidreenactment.com/.
February 1, 2, 3, 2013: Battle of Bowlegs Creek Reenactment and Living History. Fort Meade, FL. Battles will take place on Saturday
and Sunday at 1:30 PM. Directions: From the east coast take I-4 to Co. Rd. 577, exit 48. Go 6 miles to Lake Alfred, turn right on 17/92
and go 18 miles to Bartow. 17/92 turns into 17, take 17 south to Ft. Meade; turn left on to U.S. 98/Co. Rd. 630 go 1 1/2 miles east the Ft.
Meade Outdoor Recreation Area will be on your right. From the East and West take St. Rd. 60 to Bartow 17/92 turns in to U.S. 17 south to
Ft. Meade; turn left on to U.S. 98/Co. Rd. 630 go 1 1/2 miles east the Ft. Meade Outdoor Recreation Area will be on your right. From the
south: Take US 17 north to Ft. Meade, turn right on to U.S. 98/Co. Rd. 630 go 1 1/2 miles east the Ft. Meade Outdoor Recreation Area
will be on your right. For more information, contact Priscilla Perry at the Historic Fort Meade Chamber of Commerce email [email protected] or check their website at www.fortmeadechamber.com
February 15, 16, 17, 2013. The Battle of Olustee reenactment, parade and Living History. Olustee Battlefield State Historic Site, Olustee,
Florida. The reenactment takes place on the actual site where the Battle of Olustee (Ocean Pond) was fought. Visit with thousands of Civil War reenactors, tour the camps, see demonstrations of all types. Best gathering of Civil War sutlers at any Civil War event with 80+
sutlers in attendance. Friday is School Day. Battles Saturday and Sunday. Full scale artillery only. The Olustee Battle Festival Parade will
begin at 10:30 AM. The battlefield is located just fifteen miles east of Lake City on Hwy. 90 from I-75 and 50 miles west of Jacksonville.
Take I-75 to Hwy. 90 exit. Go east on Hwy. 90. Drive slow, the signs at the entrance for reenactors have been small and hard to see in the
past. Contact the Olustee Battlefield Historic Site at (386) 758-0400 or email [email protected]
February 22, 23, 24, 2013. Nature Coast Civil War Reenactment. Webster, Florida. This event is sponsored by the original Nature
Coast Civil War Reenactment Committee and will be held at Webster, FL. Your favorite sutlers will be on site also. Pyrotechnics during
the battle. Webster is easy to reach from Brooksville, Inverness, and I-75. Location: S.R. 471. Additional event details will be posted on
the Nature Coast Civil War website at www.naturecoastcivilwarreenactment.com.
March 8, 9, 10, 2013. 16th Annual Crystal River Raid. This is a maximum effort Hardy's Brigade event. Civil War Battles take place at
2:00 PM Saturday and Sunday with pyrotechnic blasts for effects. A ladies tea will be held Saturday morning. Directions: Seven miles
northwest of Crystal River along US 19/98, site is on the west side of the road. Site entrance signs will be on the highway. From Dunnellon, take CR 448 west, turn north on US 19/98; or SR 40 west to Inglis, turn south on US 19/98. From Orlando, take the Florida Turnpike
north to I-75, exit at first exit at Wildwood (SR 44) to US 19, turn north to Crystal River and follow the signs. As you pass over the railroad tracks, get in the left lane. Go about a mile and turn left into the small one lane entrance road. GPS position: N28.59.281
W082.38.889 We are looking forward to seeing all of our loyal friends and appreciate your continued support. More information: http://crystalriverraid.org/
March 23 & 24, 2013. The Battle of Narcoosee Mill reenactment will take place at Chishold Park located off of SR-15 (Narcoossee Rd)
between US192 & SR-417. This year is the 20th Anniversary of this battle field reenactment. An education day is offered on Friday with
a sutlers also in attendance each day. This year’s special entertainer is Hank Mattson, a poet laurete of Florida cracker cowboy poetry.
Admission is $5.00 per adult and $3.00 per children. The battle commences at 2:00 pm both days. If you would like more information,
please go to www.JacobSummerlin.org.
April 19, 20, 21, 2013 3rd Annual Saint Andrews Bay Salt Works Raid organized by the Panama City Downtown Improvement
Board. This event will be held on the beach of Saint Andrews Bay at West Beach Drive in Downtown Panama City Florida. The event
ground is a 3.5 acre piece of private property within 200 yards of bay front beach utilized to conduct amphibious landings during the
event. Naval operations will be conducted by the Historical vessel Governor Stone, (full scale reproduction of the USS Wartoopo built
by the Crystal River Boat Builders), and reproduction steam and rowed launch owned and operated by the Pawnee Marines and National
Civil War Naval Museum. There will be pyrotechnics during the Saturday and Sunday afternoon battles in which an amphibious landing
and raid on the salt works will be conducted by Federal Marine and Navy forces and defended by the Saint Andrews Confederate Militia. For further information please contact Steve Fetherman at [email protected] Ron Boyce at [email protected] Dutch
Sanger at [email protected]
Editors Emeritus
Richard Warner
Lester Williams
Doug Dawson
Ron Thomas
Donald Lee Wehr
Jeffrey Sizemore
Mark D. Lowe
George S. Catoe
Kevin Spargur
John H. Ratliff
Dean Boggs
E. J. Stanley
John W. Adams
A. Robert Kuykendal
James S. Davis
Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division
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Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division
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MURFREESBORO
By Robert Hurst
Each year the Sons of Confederate Veterans holds a national convention to dispense with necessary business, recharge the batteries of all those in attendance and, as Southerners are prone to do, have a genuinely good time socializing with
old friends met through previous SCV events and meeting new friends at this grand affair. In admiration of, and out of respect
for, our Confederate ancestors, these large gatherings are termed "reunions" since the true Confederates held many reunions in
the decades following the War for Southern Independence and we, the descendants, gladly and faithfully maintain the tradition.
The site of the national reunion varies each year and I truly enjoy the opportunity to visit different places and experience local customs and foods. Additionally, as you might expect, each of these venues has a strong Confederate connection so
it is possible to experience some Southern history either through the tours available by the reunion or individual adventures of
your own choosing. I usually choose the latter and head out with my camera in search of any beautiful antebellum homes in
the area.
The 2001 reunion that was held in Lafayette, Louisiana, for instance, was especially enjoyable for me as I was able to
make time to travel down to the Bayou Teche area and photograph houses that I had never visited before. All of the host cities
are interesting, though, and all have something special to offer to the interested Southerner. Sites for the reunions have been
as varied as coastal cities such as New Orleans and Mobile to mountainous venues like Asheville and Dalton. Recent locations have all had a connection to the sesquicentennial (150-year anniversary) of the War with the 2010 reunion held in South
Carolina ( SC was the first state to leave the Union, seceding in 1860), the 2011 reunion in Montgomery (the Confederate
government was formed in Montgomery in 1861), and the 2013 reunion scheduled for Vicksburg (it was in 1863 that the citizens of that fine town made a gallant 47-day resistance to continuous bombardment during the siege of that river city by the
invading yankee horde).
I didn't forget about the 2012 reunion … in the attractive Southern city of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I saved it till last
because this article will be about two significant military events that occurred in 1862 (150 years ago) in Murfreesboro involving the gallant men in the sacred gray defending our Southland against invasion by those odious beings from the other
place.
Murfreesboro is a pretty town and history everywhere. The host hotel for the reunion, Embassy Suites, was conveniently located not far from the interstate which made access easy. It was also a fine facility for an event such as ours. Altogether I was very pleased with everything about my stay in Murfreesboro. Far more pleased, I'm sure, than the Union forces
who, on two different occasions, had to face the guns and the guile of the boys wearing gray in the year 1862.
The first confrontation between the two armies took place on July 13, 1862. July 13 is a date that is very special to
many Southerners and you will find out why later in this article.
First, some backgroud. At the time of this first encounter, Union forces were occupying both Nashville and Murfreesboro
which is located about 30-35 miles southeast of Nashville and about a hundred miles northwest of Chattanooga. The railroad
that went from Nashville to Chattanooga went through Murfreesboro and Union quartermasters had been stockpiling supplies
there for the Union troops in that strategic part of Tennessee.
The Union Army of the Ohio (Union armies were generally named for rivers) was commanded by Major General Don
Carlos Buell who had his sights set on making a sweep from Kentucky down to Chattanooga and taking that Southern stronghold. A Union victory in Chattanooga would create a very difficult situation for the Confederacy and even possibly bring an
end to the War.
Unfortunately for Buell, Nathan Bedford Forrest had other plans in mind. The Union garrison at Murfreesboro was
manned by the 23rd Brigade of the Army of the Ohio which consisted of regiments from Pennsylvania, Kentucky (the yankee
portion), Michigan and Minnesota. Buell had already worked his way all the way south to north Alabama and was planning
on moving eastward toward Chattanooga. Forrest, who was a colonel at the time, knew that the Nashville to Chattanooga railroad was the main supply line for Buell's forces and that he could totally disrupt Buell's advance by attacking Murfreesboro
and severing Buell's means of survival.
Forrest was also enraged when he learned of the mistreatment of many civilians in the area by the Union Army. Not
only had homes and farms been burned but as many as 400 men had been jailed and there were planned hangings for many of
these.
Forrest had his men ready to move out at 1 AM on the morning of July 13 and by 4 AM they had reached the first
units of the bluecoats, most of whom were still sleeping. Forrest had learned of the divided deployment of Union troops (the
guys from Michigan didn't like the guys from Minnesota and the guys from Minnesoat didn't like...well, you get the picture)
and had divided his own forces to take on the various groupings of Union soldiers. By early afternoon all Union forces except
those from Michigan and Minnesota had been subdued and the amazing Forrest then performed one of those feats of wizardry
that only he could pull off.
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In the afternoon his troops had skirmishes with units from both Michigan and Minnesota regiments. Forrest, the master of the ruse, then started rotating his troops in front of the Minnesotans in such a fashion as to make it appear that he had
more troops than he actually did. He then contacted the commander of the Minnesotans and convinced him that everyone else
had surrendered. Amazingly, the yankee commander quickly surrendered. When the commander of the Michigan regiment
heard of this he also quickly surrendered. This is the same tactic that Forrest would use again later in Rome, Georgia, to convince Union colonel Abel Streight to surrender to him even though Streight had four times as many troops as Forrest - he just
didn't realize it. Of course, there was only one Forrest!
After all this, Forrest and his officers retired to Oaklands, a fine mansion in Murfreesboro dating from 1813, to celebrate the birthday of Col. Forrest which happened to be that very day. Forrest received a belated birthday present eight days
later when he was promoted to brigadier general.
Oaklands still stands and there is a plaque on the grounds indicating that during this clash there were 19 Union soldiers killed, 120 wounded and 1200 captured. By the way, one of those captured was Union general Thomas Crittenden who
had arrived just the day before to assume command of the garrison. Altogether it was just a typical event for the remarkable
Forrest.
Even though this encounter was not a major battle of the War, it did have a significant impact. Forrest had his men
carry off or burn all the supplies that Buell had collected at Murfreesboro for his planned advance to Chattanooga. This prevented Buell's planned invasion of Chattanooga and later led to the loss of his command. He eventually resigned from the army. ( As an aside here, Don Carlos Buell was one of the few Union commanders that I think highly of. He was a man of high
moral character and on numerous occasions he bucked the tide by calling for punishment of Union soldiers and even officers
who were involved in committing atrocities against Southern civilians.)
Incidentally, this encounter is frequently referred to as the First Battle of Murfreesboro. The much larger battle fought
later in the year is commonly called the Battle of Stone's River, the Second Battle of Murfreesboro, or just the Battle of
Murfreesboro (especially in the South). In this article I will refer to that contest as the Battle of Stone's River.
While the July 13 confrontation was little more than a skirmish, the Battle of Stone's River was a major battle of the
War that also proved to be one of the bloodiest. There is too much to write about this clash to include an in-depth coverage in
this article ( I will likely revisit the battle later in another article), but I will give a synopsis and touch on some of the interesting elements of Stone's River.
After the Kentucky campaign, General Braxton Bragg had withdrawn his army to Murfreesboro and had prepared to
go into winter quarters. The army, which had been known as " The Army of Mississippi " , had recently been renamed " The
Army of Tennessee ". The newly created Union " Army of the Cumberland " was occupying Nashville under the command of
General William Rosecrans and was being urged by the administration in Washington to advance to Murfreesboro and attack
the Confederates there.
Rosecrans left Nashville on December 26, 1862, with his army of 44,000 troops and the intent of defeating Bragg and
his army of 37,000 at Murfreesboro. Rosecrans reached Murfreesboro on December 29 and his army settled in about two and
a half miles northwest of town near the Stone's River. The Confederates were prepared for battle and attacked at dawn on December 31. That day became the single bloodiest day of fighting in Tennessee during the entire War with a total casualty
count of more than 17,000 between the two armies. The day went strongly in favor of the Confederates but to Bragg's surprise
Rosecrans and his army did not withdraw.
There was no fighting the next day on January 1, 1863, but the following day Bragg ordered a strong ground attack
against an elevated position across the river that was fortified with more than 50 cannon. Both General John C. Breckenridge
and General Roger Hanson strongly opposed this strategy by the commander but had no option other than to obey orders. Attacking across a large, open field the Confederates sustained heavy losses, including General Hanson, and had to withdraw to
their original position. Later that day Bragg received information that Rosecrans' army had reinforcements on the way that
would raise the troop strength of the Union forces to 70,000. The next day General Bragg moved the Confederate Army south
to Shelbyville.
Of all the major battles of the War, Stone's River had the highest percentage of casualties on both sides with a combined total of more than 24,000. Although the Union Army suffered greater casualties and was unable to overrun the Confederates, the fact that Bragg withdrew his troops to Shelbyville allowed the yankees to claim a victory and get a morale boost
from the encounter.
Every battle has so many stories and there is no way to tell them all (in fact, many will likely never be known), but
there were three events that occurred during the Stone's River engagement that especially intrigue me.
The first took place the evening of December 30 and involved, of all things, the bands of the respective armies. Most
all armies had bands to provide entertainment for the troops during those long periods between actions. On the evening of the
30th the two bands were entertaining their respective armies. Since the armies were camped in close proximity, each side
could hear the tunes of the other and this soon led to a battle between the two bands as each sought to outdo the other. The
Union band would blast out tunes like "Yankee Doodle" and "Hail Columbia" and the band in gray would counter with
"DIXIE", "Bonnie Blue Flag" and other Southern favorites. I found this an interesting prelude to the bloody event that was
soon to follow.
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The second event that intrigues me involves the order given by General Bragg on January 2nd to launch an attack
across an open field against a strongly fortified elevated position. As mentioned earlier, this order was strongly questioned
and opposed by General John C. Breckenridge, the Division commander, and General Roger Hanson who was commanding a
brigade. Although Breckenridge violently opposed the strategy, he did not go so far as his friend and compatriot, Hanson,
who actually volunteered to go to headquarters and shoot Braxton Bragg. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed. Sadly, while
leading his brigade in the attack across the large field, General Hanson was wounded severely and died two days later. I wonder if he had a premonition of this as he led his men through heavy fire?
The event that intrigues me the most, however, did not involve generals, or bands, or strategies or casualty counts, or
any of the other things you so frequently read about concerning battles. This event involved a group of Mississippi troops who
can only be described as "bold and true fighters". These remarkable individuals were troops of the 44th Mississippi Regiment.
Before the battle started, smallpox struck this unit and it was quarantined along the banks of Stone's River. Their weapons
were taken and given to other units since they weren't expected to see action.
As the battle raged on the first day, however, it was determined that the Confederates needed every available man and
the Mississippians were ordered to battle. As these amazing fighters advanced on the enemy, they picked up sticks, tree
branches or anything else they could find that they might could use as a weapon. According to a letter sent to CONFEDERATE VETERAN magazine many years later by a veteran of the 44th, these unarmed Mississippians came out of the battle
with more guns than they needed - guns they had collected from fallen compatriots and fallen enemies as they advanced. I
think the words of Lieutenant General William Hardee sums up the situation well concerning these remarkable men and all
the Confederate soldiers:
my
road
" It is worthy to remark that at Murfreesborough, whenever the fight was confined principally to musketry, and the enehad no advantage in artillery, we were successful. It was only when they massed heavy batteries, under cover of railembankments, that we were repulsed. In every form of contest in which mechanical instruments ... can be used, the
Federalsare our superiors. In every form of contest in which manly courage, patient endurance, and brave impulse are
the qualities and conditions necessary to success, we have invariably been successful."
The actions of the men of the 44th Mississippi, who so honored the Cause that they were willing to go into battle unarmed, was a testament to the courage, bravery and fortitude of the Confederate soldier and just another reason why so many
of us hold our Confederate ancestors in such high esteem and always will.
DEO VINDICE
Note: Previous articles of CONFEDERATE JOURNAL are available in book form. Articles from 2005-2007 are in Volume 1 which can
be ordered online at http://createspace.com/3540609 while articles from 2008-2009 are in Volume 2 and can be ordered at http://
createspace.com/3543269.
Bob Hurst is a Son of the South who has special interests in the Confederacy and the antebellum mansions of the South. He is Commander
of Col. David Lang Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans, in Tallahassee and is also 2nd Lt. Commander of the Florida Division, SCV. He
can be contacted at [email protected] or 850-878-7010 (after 9 PM,EST).
Southern Cross of Honor
Dedication Ceremony
The men of the General Jubal A. Early Camp #556, provided the Colour Guard for the Southern Cross of Honour dedication ceremony for 5 soldiers in Bowling Green, FL. The
event was sponsored by the Cpt. Francis Asbury Hendry
Camp #1284. Also pictured are CiC Givens, FL Div. Cdr.
Jim Davis, and 5th LTC Dr. Bobby Smith, Debbie Delana
(1st on left in black), Mary and Mollie Bell OCR Ch. #20’s
“Black Rose” Aimee Gilmore (2nd from left in black), and
Ch. #20’s “Rosebud” Anabelle Gilmore (in front of
Aimee).
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Finley’s Brigade Honors Real
Daughter’s Request
In March of this year Finley’s Brigade Camp 1614 performed a headstone dedication for
Compatriot Shannon Roth’s ancestor Private W.T. Jefferies near Chipley, Fla. In attendance that day was Mrs. Bernice Forehand Peacock, real daughter of Private Jonce Forehand. At the conclusion of the ceremony Mrs. Peacock asked Marshall Carroll, 1st Lt
Cmdr. “Would your group perform a ceremony like this at my Daddy’s grave?”. On Saturday, August 18, 2012, Finley’s Brigade had the honor to grant the request of Mrs. Peacock. It was a hot summer day and we really burned up in our uniforms and period dresses, but it was worth it to grant Mrs. Peacock her request.
It was heartwarming to see the joy that our camp and its members brought to Mrs. Peacock
and her extended family. We moved indoors to the air conditioned comfort of the Church
fellowship hall after the ceremony and enjoyed refreshments and socialized with Mrs. Pea-
cock and her family members.
We were also able to observe the plaque in the church’s foyer (with battle flags) that memorializes and list the Confederate
hero’s buried in the cemetery.
It was quite a rare experience to meet and honor a real daughter of a Confederate soldier. Commander Smith presented Mrs.
Peacock with a SCV certificate and medal. Afterwards the Brigade and friends traveled to Marianna for supper and more
fellowship. The Color Guard was also joined by our newest member Chris Miller who did an awesome job.
We appreciate the Ladies of the William Henry Milton, and the Anna Jackson Chapters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy participating and showing their support in the day’s events. We also appreciate the Gentlemen of the Theophilus
West M.D., and the Washington Invincibles Camps helping us out with the “Same Canteen” ceremony, the canon salute,
and tending the Battle Flag on the large pole at the cemetery.
Top Left Photo: The men of Finley's brigade gather around Mrs. Bernice Forehand Peacock, Daughter of Private Jonce Forehand,
CSA, after presenting her with the "Real Daughter" SCV medal and the SCV "Real Daughter of a Confederate Hero" certificate.
Top Right Photo: Finley's Brigade Color Guard presents the Colors at the re-dedication of the headstone of Private Jonce Forehand of
Grantham's Holmes County Home Guard.
Bottom Left Photo: Miss Bernice proudly displays her SCV Real Daughter of a Confederate Hero certificate and SCV Real Daughter
medal (on her left collar).
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Fort Myers Cemetery Work Day Project
On September 8th, the first of the Major W.M. Footman camps Ft Myers Cemetery Project work detail was held. We worked at it hard having three crews out marking, documenting, detailing, and placing 1st national flags on all known/found graves. We had
another crew out sanding, brushing, and coating with primer the 12 Confederate Iron
Crosses located on the grounds. It was a great turnout, every corner of the cemetery had
SCV and UDC members hard at work. I would like to thank Connie Singelton and the
UDC members who joined us for quite a walkout/workout. We have much work ahead
but so far we have located 34 confederates and three Union (Yankee) soldiers. The place
has a whole new gleam to it with the flags placed allover. We still have to return to paint the crosses and the locating of the
CW vets will continue. Thanks as well to Judy Farrell of the SW Florida Historical Society who showed up for awhile her
help has been invaluable.
The three teams data will be put together and each grave will be marked on the blueprint/platte of the cemetery, this intern
will be given to the Florida Archives Department, SCV Florida Division, and other interested groups.
Thank you all for a job well done, everybody pitching in and giving up their Saturday for this venture. Our ancestors would
be very proud. The community/city would probably be proud and amazed at effort.
H.L. Hunley Replica Inaugural Voyage
After of nearly a year of fabrication, Kirby-Smith’s Camp
#1209 H.L. Hunley is finished and ready for patrol. The inaugural voyage
is The Jacksonville Veteran’s Day parade and then the North Florida Collectors Gun show in the Jacksonville Convention Center. It has also being
requested at the 2013 Olustee Battle reenactment. She serves as a tribute
to all Confederate Veterans, who paid the intimate sacrifice for their Cause
and Country. For more information about the H. L. Hunley Replica, contact Commander Calvin Hart of the Kirby-Smith Camp #1209
Marker Dedication by Members of the Finley’s Brigade
Camp #1614
Above: Jim Parrish, Marshall Carroll, Virginia
Carroll, Libby Smith, Graham Smith, and Rip
O'Steen made the 1,800 mile (round trip) journey
to the Sharpsburg/South Mountain area in Maryland for the dedication of the marker memorializing the men of the 50th Georgia Infantry Regiment.
Finley's Brigade members Jim Parrish, Marshall Carroll, Graham Smith, and Rip O'steen stand behind the marker placed by Compatriot
Parrish to honor the Confederate soldiers, including two of his ancestors, who bravely fought there almost 150 years ago. (Ancestors of
Libby Smith, Graham Smith, and Rip Osteen also fought there on that fateful day.)
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Scholarship Notice
The Order of Confederate Rose Florida Society Corp. administers a scholarship created by SCV member
James Moore Crawford of DeFuniak Springs, Fl. in memory of his wife Marie H. P. " Pilkie" Crawford. Mr. Crawford is a
member of camp # 1541, and has been a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans for over 50 years. This scholarship will
allow us to provide tuition expenses for at least one young adult to the Sam Davis Youth Camp. The winners will be selected
by their winning essay.
The topic this year is : Who is your confederate hero, why and what would you say to him or her?
The Scholarship is open to young lads & ladies from age 12 to 20. Essay competition commences on Jan.1 and runs
until March 15th. Essay winners will be announced on April 1st to coincide with Confederate History Month. Essay must be
at least 500 words in length. Essays will be judged by the General Executive Board of the Order of Confederate Rose, Florida
Society. Winners will be responsible for transportation to and from the camp.
All participates entering the competition must be sponsored by a Sons of Confederate Veterans camp in order to be
eligible to attend the Sam Davis Youth camp. The camp this year is located at SW Virginia Woodmen of the World Family
Activity Center, 1336 Simmons Mill Rd, Thaxton, VA 24174. The dates of the camp are Sunday June 16th to Friday, June
22nd, 2013.
Scholarship entries can be mailed to : OCRFS, Crawford Scholarship, PO Box 303 Quincy, Fl 32353 or you may
email to: [email protected]. All entries must be postmarked by March 15th to qualify. For further information contact our scholarship trustee; Lynda O'Neal, Past President OCRFS. [email protected]
Sons of Confederate Veterans
Induction Ceremony
Pictured above left to right: Commander Larry More, Cadet Hunter Morse., 1st Lt. Commander Max Basford, Chaplain Ted Jones, Compatriot Elijah Jones, Compatriot
Travis Morse
Pictured below left to right~ Cadet Hunter Morse, Compatriot Travis Morse, Friend of the SCV Terrie Cobart,
Compatriot Elijah Jones (front) OCR Honorary “Little
Rose Bud” Ella Morse
On September 17, 2012, SCV Camp #2212, inducted three
new members into Captain Luke Lott's Calhoun Guards and
one new member into the “Friends of the SCV.”
The SCV is the direct heir of the United Confederate Veterans and the oldest hereditary organization for male descendents of Confederate soldiers. Organized at Richmond, Virginia in 1896, the SCV continues to serve as a historical, patriotic, and non-political organization dedicated to ensuring
that a true history of the 1861-1865 period is preserved.
Male descendents of the Confederacy are urged to come and
take part in preserving “True Southern History” at it's best.
Anyone interested in participating but has no Southern Linage
is also welcome to come and show support by joining the
“Friends of the SCV.”
Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division
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Charlie B. Dickison Marker Dedication
By Don C. Young
Adapted from Andy Fillmore Ocala.com published April 28, 2012 7:39 PM
http://www.thenewgrovelandgraphics.com/Confederatememorial.html
On Saturday 28 April 2012 Florida Division 5th Brigade held a Tombstone Dedication Service at the Orange Springs
Methodist Church and Cemetery. The soldier honored was Charles B. Dickison 2nd Florida Cavalry Co. H. Dickison, 19, was
killed in a nearby battle on the Terrell Farm near Palatka. Aug. 8, 1864.
The ceremony to dedicate the recently placed Veteran's Administration headstone, replacing a small grave marker for
Confederate States of America Sgt. Charles Dickison, was held at the cemetery adjacent to Orange Springs Community
Church and had about 150 participants and spectators.
The ceremony included full military honors, with uniformed soldiers, a drummer (Commander Jerry Peacock Pvt
W.R. Milton Camp 741), cannon fire (Kirby Smith Camp 1209), a 21-gun salute, women in mourning dress and a riderless
Cavalry horse with the boots reversed in the stirrups.
On the reverse of the headstone is the inscription: "The Gallant Son of JJ Dickison."Byron Peavy, 46, of Deland, a
fifth generation Floridian, is commander of the 5th Brigade of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He spearheaded obtaining
and placing the headstone for Dickison with James S. Davis W.W. Loring Camp 1316. He also portrayed Dickison's famous
father, Capt. J.J. Dickison, who was known as the "Swamp Fox of Florida" and led the Confederate force into battle.
He said Charles Dickison was shot in the heart in fighting at Nine Mile Swamp during the battle of Palatka and his last words
to a fellow soldier were, "Joe, I am killed."
Peavy knelt next to the grave during much of the ceremony, portraying a father who had lost a son. "Capt. Dickison
used guerrilla-type tactics to fight a Federal force of 3,000 or more with 30 soldiers," Peavy said. "When his son was killed,
he sent his body to the ‘angels’ or ladies at the church in Orange Springs. Likely, Charles was hastily buried without ceremony and a few women wept."
The church, built in 1852, was "the last Confederate States Army hospital" after facilities were burned in Georgia,
according to a church history. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Church member Irene Smith pointed out a balcony in the mostly unchanged building, which may have held wounded soldiers. The church's cemetery is said to
contain a number of Confederate veterans and possibly one Union soldier.
During Saturday's ceremony Bob Lovell, Camp 741, 75, a bugler and former mayor of Leesburg, said his great-grandfather,
Confederate Cpl. Bars Lovell, who was about age 30 in 1864, fought in battle likely alongside Charles Dickison. "They were
likely friends," Lovell said. Robert Murray, Capt. JJ Dickison Camp 1387, wore a kilt, which he said was the garb used even
in battle by some Confederates of Scottish descent.
A poem written in 1869 by Charles Dickison's sister Mamie Dickison, who was about 16 at the time of his death, was
read by Division Lt. Commander and Past JJ Dickison Camp 1387 Commander Don Young who also presented a biographical
background for Dickison.
"Close the window; drop the curtain, where all the hearts are wrapped in gloom. Hearts that loved the merry glances
of those dark and laughing eyes," read Young, 65, of Merritt Island. Wayne and Pamela Counts attended the event with their
grandson Zachary Marks, 14. "It's different than TV. We're studying this period now in school and it makes the people seem
more real," Zachary said.
Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division
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Ladies in hoop skirts, hats and parasols, and townspeople, were represented by members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy Ancient City (Saint Augustine) Chapter 2232, Marion Dragoons Chapter 2311 and Gen. Robert Bullock Chapter
2420. Bob Grenier, vice mayor of Tavares, portrayed the lone Union soldier. "I seem to get more impact," Grenier said with a
smile.
Andy Sistrunk, an ordained United Methodist clergyman from Deland, chaplain for the event, closed by leading the
group in prayer, saying the ceremony was meant to "honor any veteran who has put on the uniform — the uniform of our
country, be it blue, grey, camouflage or desert tan."
A replica of Charles Dickison's sword was thrust into the ground and a kepi was hung on it at the close of the dedication, symbolizing the end of the sergeant's military service.
In Remembrance: Ron Dykes
Mr. Ronald L. Dykes, age 77, passed away Thursday, November 29, 2012. Graveside Services will be conducted Thursday,
December 6, 2012 at 11AM in Ponceanna Cemetery. A Memorial Service and Reception will be held on Thursday Afternoon at 4PM in Blake Memorial Church in Lake Helen, FL. Mr. Dykes was a lifelong resident of Florida until moving to
Milledgeville in 1991. He was the son of the late Verlon E. Dykes, Sr. and Lucille Ostean Dykes and was preceded in death
by his brother Verlon E. Dykes, Jr. He attended the University of Florida, was a 35 year Veteran of the United States Navy,
retiring as a Lieutenant Commander, and was a practicing lawyer for 20 years. Mr. Dykes was a member of the Sons of the
Confederate Veterans and First Baptist Church of Milledgeville. He is survived by his wife Millie S. Dykes of Milledgeville; daughters Glynis (Jerry) Coleman of DeLand, FL and Julie (Matthew) Neithercut of Sugar Hill; sister Vivian (Dan)
Quigley of Deltona, FL; and grandchildren Shane Coleman, Parker Neithercut and Brady Neithercut. Express online condolences at www.williamsfuneralhome.net Williams Funeral Home of Milledgeville has charge of arrangements.
Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal on December 1, 2012
35th Anniversary
Celebration
The Gen. Robert Bullock UDC Chapter
2420, Ocala, Florida celebrated its 35th anniversary (to the day) on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 with our Founder' s Day /
Anniversary luncheon and business meeting.
Guests were in attendance from several
chapters and SCV spouses, including a division officer, registrar Jan Pieroni, and Honorary President of Division, Sandy Mott; as well as William H. Nicholson, Jr., Adjutant Florida Division, SCV.
The colors were presented by the Francis Marion Military Academy honor and rifle guard. Our historian, Evelyn
Sapp, presented a history of our chapter, including information on the two founding members Juanita Sutton Aspinwall and Margaret Lyon Horton and the rest of the 27 chartering members. We recognized former presidents
and charter members in attendance, had a wonderful fried chicken and pork roast luncheon, and attended to a
very busy beginning of chapter year meeting. Dignitaries were recognized and officers for the 2012 through 2014
chapter years were introduced. We have ambitious plans for a very productive chapter year and starting out for a
terrific thirty-five years.
Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division
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Oakhill Cemetery Cleanup
Bartow, Florida
On 11/10/12 Sons of Confederate Veterans Gen E.M. Law
Camp #1323 along with the UDC Annie H. Darracott #791
chapter had a cleanup day at Oakhill Cemetery in Bartow Florida. SCV Camp #1323 just entered into an agreement
with the City of Bartow for their "Adopt-A-Cemetery" program. We had approximately 13 people show up. We were
able to reset several headstones that were either leaning or
completely off of the base. Several
headstones and iron crosses were cleaned. The overgrowth was
also trimmed and removed from the cemetery. In all it was a
very productive day. Thanks to SCV Camp #1323 and UDC
#791.
(Submitted by Shannon Roth Camp Commander SCV #1323)
Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division
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Veterans Day Parade
On November 12,2012, Kirby-Smith Camp #1209 participated in
the Veterans Day Parade that was held in Downtown Jacksonville. The H. L. Hunley Replica submarine was also on display at
this parade.
Only in Dixie –
Swamp Buggy Parade
by Charlie Hickman
On Saturday, Nov 3rd, the Naples Swamp Buggy Parade was held on US 41 and the SCV Lt.
F.C.M. Boggess Camp # 2150 hosted the Buggy and float display with Steve Markley at the
wheel. SCV camps from Ft. Myers, Port Charlotte, Marco Island and Arcadia were also noted as participating, as well as UDC members.
Tom Geffert kept the crowds alert with occasional musket fire, while float riders passed out
candy, and SCV members marching in uniform
were busy dispensing nearly 300 Battle Flags,
and additional MIA flags to the observers lined
up along 41. Unfortunately (or perhaps, fortunately!), there was much more demand for our
Flags than we came prepared for and only
about half of the demand was met. Overall, we
were very well received. A very beautiful Dixie
Day as the temperature was quite favorable for
marching.
Commander Doug
Dawson
(1945-2012)
On behalf of the SCV Florida Division, we offer
our condolences to the Dawson family in the
recent passing of Commander Doug Dawson.
Refer to the Winter 2013 Blockade Runner for a
tribute to our beloved past leader of the SCV
Florida Division
Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division
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TRAGEDY and ENIGMA
By Robert Hurst
We are constantly confronted with enigmas. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why are innocent
children born with conditions that cause either an early death or a much-diminished quality of life? Why do voters
so often seem to elect unscrupulous people to public office? Why do good things happen to bad people? On a
somewhat lesser scale is the question of why do some people with seemingly less intelligence and ability get continued promotions and praise while others, with greater favorable attributes, get passed over? This article will address that question as it relates to an accomplished and capable Confederate officer during the War for Southern
Independence.
James Henry Lane was a Virginian by birth, born at Mathews Court House in 1833 into a prosperous family.
He entered Virginia Military Institute in 1851 and was graduated in 1854 with the honor of being named "most
distinguished" academically. He continued his studies at the University of Virginia and graduated in 1857.
After a period of working as an engineer and a teacher, he returned to VMI as an assistant professor. In 1859
he took a position of professor of mathematics and commandant of cadets at West Florida Seminary (now known
as Florida State University) in Tallahassee. The next year he left to join the faculty of the North Carolina Military
Institute where the superintendent was Daniel Harvey Hill. ( D.H. Hill, of course, would eventually rise to great
fame as a Confederate general and, later, as a respected college president.)
With the outbreak of war in 1861, the 1st North Carolina Regiment was formed with D.H. Hill as colonel and
Jim Lane as major. Major Lane immediately began to prove his military and leadership abilities at the engagement
at Big Bethel where D.H. Hill credited him with being responsible for the rousing Confederate victory. After this,
the 1st North Carolina became known as the "Bethel Regiment" and James Lane picked up the nickname of "Little
Major", which was a play on his small stature.
In the Fall of 1861, Lane became colonel of the 28th North Carolina Regiment. In April of 1862, he reorganized the 28th and the regiment was assigned to the Army of Northern Virginia in General A.P. Hill's Division.
General Lawrence O'Bryan Branch was Lane's brigade commander. Only a month later, Colonel Lane received
high praise from General Branch, and even General Robert E. Lee, for his masterful handling of his troops during
the engagement at Hanover Court House, Virginia, where his forces were vastly out-numbered by the federals.
During subsequent months, Lane's troops were almost constantly in battle in Virginia at such encounters as
Seven Days, Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Cedar Mountain and Second Manassas. Colonel Lane's troops continued
to perform outstandingly during this period.
When General Branch was killed at the Battle of Sharpsburg (those in the North call it "Antietam"), Colonel
Lane was quickly promoted to command of the brigade. Citing "gallant and meritorious service", his own troops
requested his promotion to brigadier general. Lane was promoted to brigadier on November 1, 1862, upon the recommendations of generals Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson and A.P. Hill.
Shortly after assuming command of the brigade after Sharpsburg (and before his promotion to brigadier general), Lane was called to report to General Jackson, who was in command of General Lee's Second Corps, to receive special orders for the brigade. This was the first time that Jim Lane had seen Thomas Jackson since VMI
where Jackson had been an instructor. Lane recounts in his book about Jackson ( written some twenty-three years
after the War had ended) that General Jackson greeted him warmly, expressed confidence in his abilities and
called for God's blessings on Lane. Jim Lane was surprised that Jackson had even remembered him and was much
moved by the conversation. He recounts that from that point on he felt a warm attachment to Jackson and characterized their relationship as akin to that of father and son.
Jim Lane's first command as a general officer was a month later at Fredericksburg, another Confederate victory, and Lane's North Carolinians again performed admirably. Just more than four months later, however, General
Lane would fight his last battle under the command of General Jackson as it was at this encounter, Chancellorsville, that the immortal Stonewall received the wounds that would eventually cause his death ten days later.
From that point until the end of the War, General Lane's brigade covered itself with glory. From Gettysburg,
where the brigade took part in Pickett's Charge, to the "Bloody Angle" at Spotsylvania Court House, to Cold Harbor, to Petersburg and, finally, to Appomattox, Lane's North Carolinians continually distinguished themselves.
After Spotsylvania, a LONDON TIMES reporter had written that no one could forget the "Little General" as he
gave the command for the volley that checked Hancock's Corps and saved the right wing of Robert E. Lee's army.
Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division
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After Appomattox, General Lane gave a sincere tribute and compliment to his North Carolinians by reminding
them that they were "first at Bethel, highest at Gettysburg and last at Appomattox".
General James Lane performed admirably from his first encounter to his last - from Bethel to Appomattox. So
what is the enigma associated with this capable and effective leader who excelled from beginning to end? It is
simply that he was never promoted beyond the rank of brigadier general. Despite his outstanding record, he was
never promoted to major general although 72 others were and that's not even mentioning the 25 others who
achieved the ranks of lieutenant general or full general.
So, the question becomes, "why them and not him?"
To possibly answer this question we must return to the Battle of Chancellorsville. The day of May 2, 1863,
proved to be a day of great triumph and great tragedy for the Confederacy and for General Stonewall Jackson. His
famous flank march and savage attack on the Federal right is still considered one of the most effective actions ever
taken in war. The only thing that prevented Jackson's forces from completely devastating Union general Hooker's
entire line was the onset of darkness. The darkness set the stage for the great tragedy that was to occur.
Later that evening, as General Jackson was making a reconnaissance with members of his staff to survey the
situation, the group was fired upon in the darkness by troops of the North Carolina 18th Regiment under Major
John Barry. The 18th was a part of the brigade commanded by General Jim Lane. This regrettable action was obviously a result of the darkness, the confusion caused by both forces being in close proximity and the uncertainty
concerning the enemies location.
Ironically, as General Jackson and his staff were beginning their reconnaissance mission around 9:15 PM, the
group rode through the North Carolina 18th and one of the regimental officers asked Jackson if this wasn't the
wrong place for him to be. The great Stonewall called back to the officer that the enemy had been routed and the
danger was over.
General A.P. Hill and some of his staff members were on the same type mission but about 25 yards behind
Jackson's group.The Federal forces were so close at one point that one of Hill's staff actually rode into a Union
battery and was taken prisoner. Since the generals now knew the location of the Union lines they started back to
the Confederate position. The two generals and their staffs totaled more than two dozen mounted riders since
Hill's group had caught up with Jackson's.
In the darkness the group was mistaken by troops of the North Carolina 18trh to be Union forces. Shots were
fired and this caused return fire from the nearby Federals. General Hill raced about shouting to the Confederates to
cease firing but Major Barry of the 18th, thinking this to be a ruse, yelled to his men to keep firing. He did not recognize General Hill in the darkness. The mounted Confederate officers were only about twenty yards from the
Confederate ground forces when a solid sheet of rifle fire was launched by the North Carolinians. Several of the
officers were killed and more than a dozen dead horses were later found. General Jackson was wounded badly and
an arm had to be amputated as a result. He died ten days later from various complications.
When General Lane questioned Major Barry immediately after the tragedy, the major said he knew nothing of
Hill and Jackson going to the front and that, in the darkness, it was impossible to tell friend from foe so when the
horses started galloping he had thought it was Federal cavalry and had ordered his men to fire. Even though General Jim Lane had no direct responsibility for the tragic and mistaken shooting of General Stonewall Jackson, there
obviously was some malice displayed toward him since the shooting had been done by "Lane's troops".
Could this be the reason that James Lane never received the promotions that he deserved? Well, the greatest
authority on General Stonewall Jackson certainly thinks that is a possibility. The renowned Jackson scholar,
Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr., of Virginia Tech, wrote in his acclaimed biography of Stonewall Jackson that the tragedy at Chancellorsville "may explain why Lane never received promotion to major general, despite a sterling record to the end of the war." If that is indeed the case, what a shame. It is also a shame that Jim Lane has never received the credit he deserves for his outstanding service to the Confederacy.
Returning to his Virginia home after the War, Jim Lane found his family destitute, the house plundered and the
livestock and crops taken. He eventually returned to teaching and in 1869 was married. He taught at what is now
Virginia Tech for a number of years and in 1882 he took a position as Chair of Engineering at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute in Auburn, Alabama. That great school is now known as Auburn University. He would remain at
this post for 25 years and is, in fact, buried in Auburn at Pine Hill Cemetery.
As he had been an outstanding military figure, Jim Lane was also a highly respected academecian and in 1896
the University of West Virginia conferred upom him an honorary doctorate in philosophy.
Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division
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Jim Lane could never throw off the sorrow caused by the tragic mistaken shooting of Stonewall Jackson. The
longtime Superintendent of VMI, Francis Smith, commented that anytine James Lane tried to speak of it his voice
broke and tears would roll down his face. Smith also stated that he had a strong personal respect for the "ability
and solid character" of Jim Lane.
I have had a personal interest in General James Henry Lane since I first read about him some years ago. Part of
this interest is because of several common ties that we have. My undergraduate degree is from Auburn University. My graduate degrees are from Florida State University. My fraternity, Sigma Nu, was founded at Virginia Military Institute. Then, of course, there's this thing about the Confederacy. I think you understand.
Jim Lane lived an admirable life in every regard. Although he might not have received the recognition and acclaim due him, I can assure you that he will always have one big fan.
DEO VINDICE
Note: Previous articles of CONFEDERATE JOURNAL are available in book form. Volume 1 (2005-2007) can be
ordered online at http://createspace.com/3540609 and Volume 2 (2008-2009) can be ordered online at http://
createspace.com/3543269.
Bob Hurst is a Son of the South who has particular interest in the Confederacy and the antebellum architecture of
the South. He is Commander of Col. David Lang Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans, in Tallahassee and is also
2nd Lieutenant Commander, Florida Division, SCV. He can be contacted at [email protected] or 850878-7010 after 9PM EST.
Seeking Old Saddles for Worthwhile Project
Friends and Compatriots:
A call for assistance! I am advising several Eagle Scouts with their Eagle projects. One of them is for a handicap
horse stable. One of the projects discussed is a teeter-totter and making one with two or four saddles. Does anyone
have an old saddle or know of anyone with any old saddles they can donate? I will make arrangements to pick
them up. Contact Mike Mitchell, 786-543-1711 or [email protected]