December 2005
Commander’s Column - By Nick Posey
With the Christmas season upon us, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year in 2006! Take advantage of this special time of year to enjoy time with family and friends, and be thankful for God’s many blessings upon us. Let us all remember the true reason for the celebration of the Christmas holiday season, and that is the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s gift to the world. Only through the gift of salvation, made available to us through God’s Son, Jesus Christ, can our sins be truly forgiven, allowing us to receive eternal life.
As you can see in the Camp News and Events section, last month was very busy, with our members attending and participating in a number of events. Our camp members support and participate a significant number of area events each month, which gives us good exposure within and outside of the Southern heritage community. Our camp’s participation in November in a Veterans Day ceremony in the city of Augusta and another at Fort Gordon gives the SCV good public exposure in the community. And at the Barnyard Flea Market the last Saturday of November we had a Southern living history presentation along with our merchandise booth. This type interface with the public reinforces our group’s good name and image as a legitimate, valid Southern heritage organization. I’m proud to be part of a camp that contributes so much to the perpetuation of our Southern history and heritage.
There are several items of business that need to be taken care of at the meeting this Thursday. The most important item is the selection of a location for our Lee-Jackson Banquet in January, which has been narrowed down to two choices. Another very important item is the consideration of a donation to SCV National to assist them in the defense of the latest lawsuit filed by the same group that attempted an overthrow of the SCV the first part of this year. The judge that previously presided in this case has ordered the SCV to pay $38,000 in attorney’s fees to those that failed in the attempted takeover the SCV. The SCV is appealing this decision and going back to court to fight it. Camp #158 needs to support SCV National in this final legal battle, which will hopefully be the end of this litigation. These items will be voted on under New Business. At the last meeting the camp voted to march in two Christmas parades on Saturday, December 10th – Harlem at 10:00 a.m. and Hephzibah at 1:00 p.m. The time of the Harlem parade was changed to 11:00 a.m., which means that won’t give us enough time to participate in both. We need to decide which parade we’ll march in on Saturday.
Our program speaker at this meeting will be Mr. Kenny Jarrett, owner of Cowden Plantation in Jackson, SC. He’ll speak on innovations during the War Between the States and discuss the improvements made in weaponry and in other areas, which led to an industrial revolution after the War. I look forward to seeing all of you on Thursday!
Camp News & Events
Camp #158 members attended or participated in the following events:
Wednesday, November 10th & Thursday, November 11th – Magnolia Cemetery Workday
Friday, November 11th – The annual Veterans Day Observance Ceremony held at the All Wars Monument located at 4th and Broad Streets in Augusta. Camp #158 re-enactors placed a wreath and fired a black powder salute in honor of our brave Confederate ancestors.
Friday, November 11th – The annual VMI Founders Day Event was held at Mally's Bagels & Grits on 7th Street in Augusta. The speaker was '77 VMI graduate Colonel Keith Gibson, Executive Director of VMI Museum Operations. His topic of discussion was "Lives of Purpose: The New Market Cadets After VMI." He spoke about the VMI cadets who fought in the Battle of New Market, Virginia, on May 15th, 1864, and discussed what happened to these young men after the War Between the States. One of the VMI cadets that Colonel Gibson spoke about fought in the Battle of New Market, and is buried in Cottage Cemetery in Augusta.
Saturday, November 12th – Magnolia Cemetery Workday
Sunday, November 13th – Service at Ft Gordon hosted by the Military Order of World Wars honoring all service men and women who fought in the various wars throughout our country’s history.
Sunday, November 13th – Service commemorating the 100th anniversary of Lucinda Horne UDC Chapter #947 in Saluda, SC.
Saturday, November 19th – Re-enactment of the Battle of Secessionville in Charleston, SC
Saturday, November 26th – Barnyard Flea Market: Camp #158 members with the assistance of members from B/G John C. Carter Camp #207, Waynesboro, did living history presentations.
Friday, December 2nd – Christmas party at the Oakley Park house museum in Edgefield, SC, hosted by the General Martin W. Gary Camp #1532.
Saturday, December 3rd – Old South Christmas Ball held at Bell Auditorium.
Saturday, December 3rd & Sunday, December 4th - Battle of Waynesborough re-enacted at Stone Brier Plantation in Burke County.
Announcements
Thursday, December 8th – Our next Camp #158 Meeting is at Sconyers Bar-B-Que Restaurant at 7:00 p.m. Our Program speaker will be Mr. Kenny Jarrett, owner of Cowden Plantation in Jackson, SC. He will speak on innovations during the War Between the States of weaponry before and during the War. He’ll bring some museum pieces from his collection of 1800s weapons.
Saturday, December 10th – Parades
Harlem Christmas Parade - 11:00 a.m.
Hephzibah Christmas Parade - 1:00 p.m.
Note: The time of the Harlem parade was changed from 10:00 a.m. to 11: a.m.
Saturday, December 17th – Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. for Lt Thomas J. Carr, one of the Immortal 600. The service is in Maysville, Georgia, and is being hosted by Camp #158. Maysville is approximately 25 miles north of Athens. Mauriel Joslyn is the keynote speaker.
Saturday, January 21st, 2006 - Brigadier General E. Porter Alexander Camp #158 Lee-Jackson Banquet, 7:00 p.m. (Location to be announced at December 8th meeting.)
Quotes by Southerners
On the devotion and sacrifices of Southern women, 1861 - 1865…
The Southern woman’s life on a plantation was one long act of devotion – to God, her husband, children, servants, the poor, and humanity. - From Thomas Nelson Page’s (1853-1922) "Social Life in Virginia," published in 1897.
It was commonly observed at the time by foe and friend alike, and has been repeatedly noted since, that it was among the women of the South that the spirit of resistance flamed highest. – From Robert Selph Henry’s (1889-1970) "On the women of the South during the War Between the States, 1861-1865."
With their woman-natures they gave themselves wholly to the cause, and having loved it heartily when it gave promise of sturdy life, they almost worship it now that they have strewn its bier with funeral flowers. – From George Cary Eggleston’s (1839-1911) "A Rebel’s Recollections," published in 1889.
Our women were all heroines; everything like dress, amusement, or frivolity was abandoned until Providence in His wisdom decided against us. – Written by Eugenia Yates Phillips (1819-1902) sometime shortly before her death.
It may truly be said of the Southern women of 1861 to 1865 that the simple narrative of their life and work unfolds a record of achievement, endurance, and self-sacrificing devotion that should be revealed and recognized as a splendid inspiration to men and women everywhere. – Matthew Page Andrews (1879 – 1947)
The women of the South had been openly and violently rebellious from the moment they thought their states’ rights touched. They incited the men to struggle in support of their views, and whether right or wrong, sustained them nobly to the end. They were the first to rebel – the last to succumb. – From Phoebe Yates Pember’s (1823-1913) memoirs of the War, written between 1865 and 1879 and first published in 1897.
Scripture for Thought…
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7
For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1:6
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
And the Angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2: 10, 11
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17
Meeting Minutes for November 10th, 2005
Brigadier General E. Porter Alexander Camp #158
Sons of Confederate Veterans
Sconyers Bar-B-Que Restaurant - Augusta, Georgia
Camp Commander Nick Posey called the monthly meeting of Brigadier General E. Porter Alexander Camp #158 to order at 7:00 PM. 1st Lt. Commander Ron Udell gave the invocation and Camp Secretary Terry Bowers led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag. Commander Posey then led the Pledge of Allegiance to the "Real" Georgia State Flag and the salute to the Confederate Flag; he then read the "SCV Charge."
Commander Posey introduced over twenty-five guests in attendance. These included: our GA Division Commander, Jack Bridwell and his wife Faye, our 5th Brigade Commander, Michael Mull of the Ogeechee Rifles Camp #941, Statesboro, Georgia, and representatives from the Berry Benson Chapter 2584 of the UDC from North Augusta; Margaret Jones UDC Chapter 27 from Waynesboro; Maj. Gen. Ambrose Ransom Wright Camp #1914 of Evans; Wilson Tigers - Company I 48th GA Camp #245 of Hephzibah; Brig. Gen. John C. Carter Camp #207 of Waynesboro; the 2nd Georgia Regiment, Company D "Burke Sharpshooters" Re-enactors; and the 5th Georgia Infantry Regiment Re-enactors.
There being no additions or corrections, the meeting minutes of the October meeting were approved as published in the November Wig Wag.
Program Speaker - Commander Posey introduced Mr. Jack Bridwell, the evening's guest speaker. Mr. Bridwell is the commander of the Georgia Division SCV and the Army of Tennessee.
Commander Bridwell offered his insight on a multitude of topics, quickly covering: rumors and facts at Elm Springs Headquarters, the Stephen Dill Lee Institute (commented on by Past Camp Commander Richard Smith), the need for a home for the GA Division archives, the rebuilding of Beauvoir from Katrina's destruction, and the plight of the gulf coast camps who lost important records and much more. He suggested that all men, women and children should to be members of a heritage group. Where lineage is a concern, there are organizations such as the Order of Confederate Rose and Friends of the SCV now being started. The National Reunion is being shortened to its former 2-day event. The SCV is not paying the legal expenses of the disgruntled dissidents expelled from the GEC who are starting parallel organizations. Our membership retention figures indicate the SCV is not losing members to this disgruntled micro-group. He suggested we pay dues for a friend or relative to join the SCV; give membership as a Christmas present. We must tell our children and grandchildren about our Southern ancestors; they will not get the truth from schools and the news media. Finally, Commander Bridwell will support us in our efforts to save the Confederate Powder Works Chimney. He will bring up this issue at the next Georgia Division EC meeting and also at the next SCV National GEC meeting.
In appreciation of his efforts to travel to Augusta and for personally speaking to us on the state of the SCV in Georgia, Commander Posey presented to Commander Bridwell a framed Certificate of Appreciation from Camp 158, and a framed photograph of the Confederate Powder Works Chimney, taken at its 140th Anniversary in 2002.
Miscellaneous Announcements by Guests
Lt Commander Frank Lackman, Camp #207, made an announcement about the upcoming "Battle of Waynesborough."
Captain David Shockey of the 5th Georgia Infantry Regiment Re-enactors thanked the camp for helping with the re-enactment in Thomson in October and invited us to participate again next year. He then swore in Nick Posey as a member of the 5th Georgia Infantry.
Brigade Commander Michael Mull invited us to a camp organizational meeting in Millen on Sunday, 13 November. He also invited all to the next Ogeechee Rifles camp meeting in Statesboro on Thursday, 17 November where Steve Longcrier of the Ambrose Ransom Wright Camp in Evans will be the speaker. Also in mid January, the Dixie Guards Camp in Metter will have their "Generals Banquet" where Commander-In-Chief Denne Sweeney is the guest speaker. The Ogeechee Rifles will have their Lee-Jackson Banquet the following week with Donnie Kennedy as their speaker.
John Partridge, Commander of Ambrose Wright Camp #1914, reminded everyone of the "Old South Christmas Ball" on Saturday, 3 December. He then presented Faye Bridwell with the 2004 gift ornament, a Battle Flag, for her Christmas tree. He also announced that he had tentatively volunteered us to participate in a candlelight tour at the Woodrow Wilson House, on the night of November 26th, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. He stated they would like to have some ladies there in period dress and also some men in Confederate uniform.
Reports of Officers
1st Lieutenant Commander Ron Udell asked for members to attend Veterans Day Observances with him at 4th and Broad Streets in Augusta tomorrow, 11 November at 10:15 a.m.; also at the Military Order of World Wars ceremony on Sunday, 13 November at 2 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Chapel on Fort Gordon. He could use our support at the Barnyard Flea Market on 26 November where he will be manning our booth.
Treasurer Lee Herron provided the October camp financial report. Lee also invited everyone to attend a service commemorating and celebrating the 100th anniversary of Lucinda Horne UDC Chapter #947 in Saluda, SC.
Past Commander Richard Smith stated that he had two recruiting posters mounted on an A-frame available for anyone to use.
Adjutant Perry Herron reported that 81 of 88 members had renewed for the 2005-2006 SCV membership year. There will be a Fall-cleanup at Magnolia Cemetery this Saturday, 12 November at 9 a.m. David Powell's crew worked there on Wednesday.
Commander Nick Posey reported on the following:
General Comments
Philip Miller requested volunteers to contact him about working on a Powder Works Chimney Committee to seek funding to restore the structure.
New Business
A motion was made to march in two Christmas parades on the 10th of December. This passed by voice vote. The camp committed to march in the 10 a.m. parade in Harlem and the 1 p.m. parade in Hephzibah.
Discussion on conducted on locations and menus for the Lee-Jackson Banquet in January. It was decided to wait for complete details were available at the December meeting to make the final decision.
Application for Membership - None; however, verification of ancestry should be complete by December's meeting on applications recently submitted.
Announcements
Commander Posey reminded all to consult the Meeting Agenda handout for a list of upcoming events. These events as listed in the agenda are repeated here:
Door Prize Drawing - The monthly door prize drawing to provide funding to the Southern Legal Resource Center and Lee-Jackson Banquet Fund was conducted.
Adjournment - There being no objection to adjourn the meeting, it was so declared by general consent by Commander Posey. Camp Historian Ben Creech provided the Benediction; this was followed by our usual resounding rendition of Dixie.
Respectfully submitted,
Terry Lee Bowers
Conscripted Secretary
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS
Brigadier General E. Porter Alexander Camp #158
P. O. Box 3694, Hill Station
Augusta, GA 30904
"Truth crushed to the earth is truth
still and like a seed will rise again."
-- President Jefferson Davis
***** Next SCV Camp #158 Meeting *****
Sconyers Bar-B-Que Restaurant - December 8th, 7:00 pm
Come join us at 6:30 to eat Georgia’s BEST Barbeque before the meeting.
Wig Wag -
December 2005 EditionThe Official Monthly Newsletter of
Brigadier General E. Porter Alexander Camp #158
Sons of Confederate Veterans
Augusta, Georgia