Camp Commander Nick Posey called the monthly meeting of Brigadier General E. Porter Alexander Camp #158 to order at 7:00 PM. Chaplain Tony Carr gave the invocation and 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 guests in attendance. These included: our 5^th Brigade Commander, Michael Mull of the Ogeechee Rifles Camp #941, Statesboro, Georgia, SCV Field Representative Jack Marlar of the 16^th Regiment SC Volunteers Camp #36, Greenville, SC, and representatives from the Margaret Jones Chapter 27 of the UDC from Waynesboro, Georgia; Berry Benson Chapter 2584 of the UDC from North Augusta; Maj. Gen. Ambrose Ransom Wright Camp #1914 of Evans; Wilson Tigers - Company I 48^th GA Camp #245 of Hephzibah; and Brig. Gen. John C. Carter Camp #207 of Waynesboro.

There being no additions or corrections, the meeting minutes of the November meeting were approved as published in the December Wigwag.

Past Commander Richard Smith presented the Confederate History Moment. Richard spoke briefly about the Morrill Tariff. This tariff of 1860 raised the tax on items entering the US from about 15% to 39% and had a devastating economic affect on the South. Only one Southern senator voted in favor of it. It helped raise hostilities between the North and South and is considered a causative factor of the war.

Commander Posey introduced Mr. Kenny Jarrett, the evening's guest speaker. Mr. Jarrett is the owner of Cowden Plantation in Jackson, SC and the Jarrett Museum. He spoke to the camp about innovations in weaponry and improvements in other areas before and during the War Between the States.

Citing the much-used maxim that 'necessity is the mother of invention,' Mr. Jarrett quickly covered many implements of war used for the first time during the War for Southern Independence or developed during the war. These included: the Hunley submarine sinking an enemy ship, rifled cannon, impact and delayed fuses, ironclads and rotating ship turrets, superior black powder manufactured in Augusta, land mines, fixed underwater torpedoes, chlorine gas (not used), germ warfare, observation balloons, gutta-percha, telegraph, wigwag, railroads, photography, instant coffee, canned goods, Gatlin guns, rifled muskets, cartridge type pistol, Spencer repeating carbines, and the Whitworth rifle.

Mr. Jarrett had several weapons from his museum collection, which he passed around for inspection.

Commander Posey thanked Roy Williams for arranging Mr. Jarrett to speak to the camp, and presented to Mr. Jarrett, in appreciation for his efforts, a framed photograph of the Confederate Powder Works Chimney, taken at its 140^th Anniversary in 2002.

SCV Field Representative Jack Marlar announced there would be a new field representative for Georgia and that he will handle South Carolina. Al Perry of Soperton is the new Georgia SCV Field Rep. In 2006 there will be two Sam Davis Youth Camps, and one will be coed. He also had available a multitude of Southern educational material.

Lt. Commander Frank Lackman, Camp #207 thanked our camp for supporting the "Battle of Waynesborough" last weekend and helping to make the event a success.

1^st Lieutenant Commander Ron Udell reported that our camp's booth at the Barnyard Flea Market on 26 November brought in just over $100. He will set up at the Barnyard Flea Market and Living History weekend again on December 17^th.

Treasurer Lee Herron provided the November camp financial report.

2^nd Lt. Commander David Powell stated that the City of Augusta would make repairs to the fountain in the Confederate Dead Section at Magnolia Cemetery. He will lead his crew in cleaning and raking at the cemetery on Monday the 19^th of December. Also on Saturday, December 17^th, there will be a 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 hosted by Camp #158. Maysville is approximately 25 miles north of Athens. Mauriel Joslyn is the keynote speaker.

Commander Nick Posey reported on the following:

• Mentioned the possibility of installing a permanent Confederate Battle Flag on the base of the Confederate Powder Works Chimney in the near future, which would replace the temporary flag; permanent flag would be "high performance vinyl" on an aluminum sheet. This type vinyl is guaranteed not to fade for 8 years.
• Passed on to the membership that E. Porter Alexander was recently elected to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame for his ballooning work during the War. The Georgia Aviation HOF needs to raise money to pay for construction of the general's museum exhibit. The camp officers will obtain more information on this project and make a recommendation to the membership concerning a donation.
• Read a thank-you note from GA Division Commander Jack Bridwell expressing his sincere appreciation for the Southern hospitality extended to him and his wife, Faye, when they visited at our November 10th meeting.
• Pointed out to the membership that Supplemental Membership Certificates and Memorial Memberships are available through SCV Headquarters as explained on page 3 of the 2005 - 2006 SCV Merchandise Catalog.

Last meeting it was decided to march in two Christmas parades on the 10^th of December. The camp committed to march in the 10 a.m. parade in Harlem and the 1 p.m. parade in Hephzibah. Now the Harlem parade has been moved to 11 a.m. making it logistically impossible to march in both. A hand vote by those intending to march committed the marchers to the Harlem parade.

The lawsuit by the ousted Executive Council members was briefly discussed. SCV National filed an appeal against a recent judge’s ruling that ordered the SCV to pay $38,000 in legal expenses to the group that attempted to take over the SCV in the spring of 2005. Donated money is needed to fund the legal defense in the final phase of this ongoing lawsuit. Individual donations to defray SCV legal expenses incurred in fighting the suit were encouraged. A motion was made and passed by voice vote for the camp to commit $250 to this legal fund.

Details for the Lee-Jackson Banquet were discussed. The pros and cons of holding the event at Forrest Hills Country Club versus Jones Creek Country Club were presented. A show of hand committed the event to Forrest Hills. A motion was made to sell tickets for $12 and to have the Lee-Jackson Fund to make up the difference in cost of $12.70 plus the room rental of $175. This passed by voice vote.

The lawsuit against the City of Augusta for removing the historical 2^nd National flag from the Riverwalk display was discussed. The city is trying to let this die.

Tammy Herron announced a candle light tour from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 9^th at "Oakley Park," the antebellum home of General Martin Witherspoon Gary. The home in Edgefield, SC is a museum owned by Edgefield UDC Chapter 1018.

Division Commander Michael Mull announced a candle light service at Ft. Wallace Wood near Manassas, Georgia on December 10^th. Also the Ogeechee Rifles will have their Lee-Jackson Banquet in Statesboro on January 23rd; tickets are $20.

Two applications for membership in the camp were presented. Each was accepted by voice vote. The new members are:

• Robert Michael Milford through his ancestor Private Charles Stark Milford, Company F, Orr's Regiment.
• Elliot Bozeman Walker, Jr. through Private William Wallace Miller, Company C, 1^st SC Cavalry.

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:

• Saturday, December 10th – Harlem Christmas Parade - 11:00 a.m. Note: The time of the Harlem parade was changed from 10:00 a.m. to 11: a.m.
• Saturday, December 10th – Hephzibah Christmas Parade – 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 17th – Memorial Service and Headstone Dedication for Lt Thomas J. Carr, one of the Immortal 600. The service will be at 2:00 p.m. in Sunrise Cemetery in Maysville, Georgia. Camp #158 is hosting this service. Maysville is approximately 25 miles north of Athens. Mauriel Joslyn is the keynote speaker.
• Saturday, December 17th – Camp #158 members will set up a booth at the Barnyard Flea Market to sell Confederate memorabilia and recruit new members (if booth spaces are available).
• Saturday, January 7th – The next Georgia Division SCV Executive Council Meeting will be held in middle Georgia (location to be announced).
• Thursday, January 12th – Next Camp #158 Meeting at Sconyers Bar-B-Que Restaurant at 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, January 14th – SCV Camp #158’s Adopt-A-Highway Litter Pickup: Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot across the street from the Miyabi Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse Restaurant on Augusta West Parkway.
• Thursday, January 19th – Robert E. Lee Birthday Celebration at the State Capitol in Atlanta at 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, January 21st, 2006 – Brigadier General E. Porter Alexander Camp #158 Lee-Jackson Banquet, 7:00 p.m.

The monthly door prize drawing to provide funding to the Southern Legal Resource Center and Lee-Jackson Banquet Fund was conducted.

There being no objection to adjourn the meeting, it was so declared by general consent by Commander Posey. Past Lt. Commander Roy Williams provided the Benediction; this was followed by our usual resounding rendition of Dixie.

Respectfully submitted,

Conscripted Secretary

Camp Commander Nick Posey called the monthly meeting of Brigadier General E. Porter Alexander Camp #158 to order at 7:00 PM. Lt. Commander Ron Udell gave the invocation and 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 guests in attendance. These included: our 5^th 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; Maj. Gen. Ambrose Ransom Wright Camp #1914 of Evans; Wilson Tigers - Company I 48^th GA Camp #245 of Hephzibah; Sergeant Berry Benson Camp #1672 of North Augusta; and Brig. Gen. John C. Carter Camp #207 of Waynesboro. Also in attendance were representatives of the 5^th Georgia Infantry Regiment Re-enactors, and the 2^nd Georgia Regiment, Company D "Burke Sharpshooters" Re-enactors.

Commander Posey introduced Mr. Gordon Blaker, the evening's guest speaker. Mr. Blaker is Director of Curatorial Services at the Augusta Museum of History. After giving a very brief description of items, which the museum has on display related to the "Late Unpleasantness," and inviting all present to visit the museum, Mr. Blaker gave a talk and PowerPoint presentation on the history of the Confederate Powder Works in Augusta from 1862 to 1865. This presentation was excellent. Mr. Blaker's style was educational, entertaining and professional. The material presented represented countless hours of research that Mr. Blaker has expended on not only the Powder Works in Augusta, but also the Augusta Arsenal and other aspects of local history. His presentation gave us a hint of the material contained in his upcoming book, "Never for Lack of Powder," which will be available before Christmas.

Commander Posey thanked Phillip Weaver for attending to the visual display setup, and presented to Mr. Blaker, in appreciation for his efforts, a framed photograph of the Confederate Powder Works Chimney, taken at its 140^th Anniversary in 2002.

Lt. Commander Frank Lackman, Camp #207, invited all to attend their Lee Jackson Banquet in Waynesboro on Saturday, 14 January.

Adjutant Perry Herron announced that Jeanie Benson Chapter #884 of the Children of the Confederacy in North Augusta is having a Lee Jackson banquet, and encouraged parents to come and bring their children too.

Past Commander Wood Highsmith reminded everyone of the annual Alexander H. Stephens Birthday Celebration in Crawfordville. There is a barbeque at 11:00 a.m., and Mrs. Debra Denard, President of UDC Chapter #18 in Atlanta will speak at noon.

Brigade Commander Michael Mull announced that at the last Georgia Division Executive Council Meeting, Commander Bridwell was authorized to request $200, 000 in funding from the SCV National organization at the next GEC Meeting on February 11, 2006, for restoration of the Confederate Powder Works Chimney.

David Powell announced that Monday, January 16th would be a workday at Magnolia Cemetery.

1st Lieutenant Commander Ron Udell reported that our camp's booth at the Barnyard Flea Market the weekend before Christmas brought in just $84. There is a Litter Pickup this Saturday on Augusta West Parkway. Meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot across from Miyabi Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse Restaurant. Reenactors will drill after the litter pickup. The 19^th is the Lee Celebration at the Georgia Capitol. Encourage your state legislators to support HB 15 on the flag resolution.

Treasurer Lee Herron provided the December camp financial report.

2nd Lt. Commander David Powell stated that the City of Augusta would make repairs to the fountain in the Confederate Dead Section at Magnolia Cemetery.

Commander Nick Posey reported on the following items:

Past Commander Woody Highsmith reported that a response from the City of Augusta was received January 6th. It is a pure delaying tactic. We should know the court date shortly after the 16th of January.

Application for Membership - Joseph Bradley Poteet submitted application for SCV membership through his 3rd great grandfather Pvt. Wilson Poteet, 5th Tennessee Cavalry. His membership was accepted by voice vote.

New Business - Division Commander Michael Mull that past Brigade Commander David Moncus was stepping down from his duties in the Brig Gen John C. Carter Camp #207 of Waynesboro. The Carter Camp is planning to present David with a $400 shotgun in appreciation of his efforts with the camp and the brigade. A motion was made to donate $60 towards the shotgun gift. This passed by voice vote.

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:

• Saturday, January 14th – SCV Camp #158’s Adopt-A-Highway Litter Pickup: Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot across the street from the Miyabi Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse Restaurant on Augusta West Parkway.
• Sunday, January 15^th – Tour of Jarrett Museum in Jackson, SC at 2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, January 19th – Robert E. Lee Birthday Celebration at the State Capitol in Atlanta at 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, January 21st, 2006 – Brigadier General E. Porter Alexander Camp #158 Lee-Jackson Banquet, 7:00 p.m.

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,

Conscripted Secretary