February 2011 MISSISSIPPI DIVISION SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS The Defender

MAJ. GEN. WILLIAM T. MARTIN CAMP #590, NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI Sarah Anne Ellis Dorsey CAMP OFFICERS

 Allen Terrell, Commander Sarah Ann Ellis was a Dorsey at Beauvoir. novels: Agnes Graham was childhood friend of Varina Dorsey had completed her serialized in 1863 in the  Earl “Buddy” Emerick, Jr., Howell, wife of Jefferson education in England and Southern Literary Messenger Adjutant / Chaplain Davis. She was the daughter was a woman of exceptional and was published in book of a wealthy Louisiana educational standing. She form in 1869. Lucia Dare  Jason Blaney, 1Lt. Cmdr. planter who maintained his corresponded with numerous was published in 1867, home in Natchez and who Athalie in 1872, and Panola  John Boyte, 2Lt. Cmdr. also owned plantations in in 1877. Two other novels, Mississippi and Arkansas. Vivacious Castine and The Bradley Hayes, Esq., Judge  She had known Davis most Vivians were written for the Advocate of her life and often visited Church Intelligencer and in the home of his elder were never published in  James Young, Quartermas- brother, Joseph, at Hurri- book form. Her finest work ter cane Plantation on the Mis- was a biography of Governor sissippi River, south of Henry W. Allen of Louisiana,  Dr. Connell Miller, Surgeon Vicksburg. Sarah Ann mar- a close friend of the Dor-  George Hayes, Color Sgt. ried Samuel Worthington seys. This book, published in Dorsey, a native of Mary- 1866 bears the title Reflec-  Don Estes, Historian land, who managed her tions of Henry W. Allen. properties well after her Sarah Dorsey spent less Contact Information parents died. than six years at Beauvoir, Email: Sarah Dorsey purchased selling the property to Jef- [email protected] 600 acres, including James Sarah Ellis Dorsey ferson Davis on February 19, Brown's house, on July born Feb. 16, 1829 1879. Cmdr. Phone; 7,1873 from Frank Johnston, Sarah Dorsey is buried in (601) 597-3402 and after the death of her Natchez in the cemetery husband, Sarah Dorsey intellectual and literary fig- across from Dunleith on Ho- Adj. Emerick phone: made her home at Beauvoir. ures all over the world. She mochitto St. (601) 431-9440 She gave the house the even held membership, name it still bears, signifying which was rare for a woman, its "beautiful view." A in the New Orleans Academy http:// cousin, a Mrs. Cochran, of Science. She wrote many www.ritzpublications.com/ made her home with Sarah magazine articles and six sarah-ann-ellis-dorsey.html Copyright Notice In accordance with Title 17U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted material pub- Sesq uicentennial Event Held on Jan. 9th, 2011 lished herein is distributed under fair use without profit The weather was definitely The event was opened a brief history of the song. or payment to those who cold but the rain held off with a prayer by Camp #590 The song was first played in are interested in receiving until the event was almost Chaplain “Buddy” Emerick. Mississippi in the spring of the provided information for non-profit research and over. Commander Terrell gave 1861. some remarks about the A small crowd gathered The program was closed Secession Convention held in dressed for the bitter cold to with an excellent recitation Jackson in January, 1861. commemorate the 150th of Jefferson Davis’ farewell This was followed by Terry anniversary of the secession speech to the U. S. Senate Trovato and his Steamboat of Mississippi from the union by Rusty Jenkins. He did an Band playing the “Bonnie of states. excellent job. Blue Flag.” Mr. Trovato gave P a g e 2

Camp Meeting Summary from the Jan. 2011 meeting, submitted by Adjutant “Buddy” Emerick

The meeting was opened by Cmdr. Cmdr. Terrell thanked everyone 12th beginning at 1:30 PM. There will Terrell and the invocation was given for coming out to the commemora- be six headstones to be dedicated. by Chaplain Emerick. Flag salutes tion service of Mississippi’s seces- This date was chosen in hopes that were led by Color Sgt. George sion from the union of States. It we can encourage some of the reen- Hayes. The minutes were read and was cold and damp day but we actors at the Routhland event to a treasurer’s report given by Adj. held the service and even got good come and participate with us at the Emerick and accepted by the mem- coverage by the paper. dedication. bers present. The members present were re- After all the business was con- This meeting was our annual minded of some events that were ducted everyone settled in and en- Lee/Jackson banquet but before the coming up. Those being the Vicks- joyed some good food and fellowship. festivities began there was a brief burg event on February 12th, the There were several door prizes given discussion of business. UDC event on Mississippi Seces- away. 1Lt. Cmdr. Blaney gave a pro- The need to have a fundraiser was sion to be held on January 28th in gram on Gen. Lee and Gen. Jackson. discussed and 1Lt. Cmdr. Blaney and Jackson and the living history Thanks to everyone for coming out 2Lt. Cmdr. Boyte were charged with event at Routhland on March 12th. to this event and bringing some very coming up with an idea for a fund- It was also decided that we will good food and refreshment. raiser to be reported at the February hold the dedication of the Confed- See the box on the left of the page meeting. erate VA headstones on March for the next meeting date.

UPCOMING EVENTS Upcoming meeting dates: 02/12/2011 --- Reenact- 03/12/2011 —- Routhland event will start at 2 PM. ment of Jefferson Davis Living History at 9 AM until Feb. 14th, Leaving Vicksburg to go to 12:30 PM. If you plan to 06/3-5/2011 --- Mississippi 2011 Montgomery, AL to become participate please be in uni- Division SCV 116th Annual President of the Confeder- form and arrive by 8 AM. Meeting will be held in Gulf- Mar. 14th, acy to be held at the Old Routhland is located on port, Mississippi. Ramada 2011 Courthouse Museum. Time Winchester St. in Natchez. Inn Airport Hwy 49, Gulf- will be announced later. port. Reservations can be Apr. 11th 03/12/2011 —- Six Confed- made by calling 228-868- 2011 02/19/2011--- Reenactment erate headstones will be 8200, ask for the Mississippi of the inauguration of Jef- dedicated beginning at 1:30 Division, SCV convention We meet at ferson Davis as the presi- PM in the Natchez City rate of $79 + tax. A regis- 7pm at the dent of the Confederate Cemetery. tration form was included in Masonic Lodge States of America in Mont- the Winter Issue of the Divi- 04/30/2011 --- Mississippi sion newsletter. at 250 Liberty gomery, Alabama. See the Division SCV Confederate Road. December newsletter for Memorial Day ceremony will details on page 4. be held at Beauvoir. The

Charge to the Sons of Confederate V e t e r a n s "To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the cause for which we fought. To your strength will be given the defense of the Con- federate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which you also cherish.

Lt. General Stephen Dill Lee, Commander General, United Confederate Veterans, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25, 1906. February 2011 P a g e 3

Commander’s Column From the Adjutant:

I was asked by Ms. Sally Wooten to place a memorial spot Greetings Compatriots, in our Camp newsletter for Mr. Roy. While developing the Mark your calendars for all the events taking place this piece it brought back a lot of memories of a very good man year and please make them your priority. We need all the devoted to the Cause and family. I hope you will indulge me support that can be mustered for the sake of not letting as I reprint my column from 2006 in honor of Mr. Roy. our ancestors good name and principles he fought for be trampled under foot. You know well that is what those There are times in one’s life when you encounter a spirit so who write the textbooks and control the media are shoot- strong in an individual that the impact on your life is pro- ing for. Pray, too, for our country and our Southland. May found and everlasting. Almighty God favor us with victory in this battle. Pray, I can count on one hand the number of individuals that too, for the family of Compatriot Thomas Ratcliff, who have influenced me or touched me in such a manner. I do recently lost his father, and for Compatriot Holmes Stur- count Roy Wooten as one of those people. geon who also recently lost his father, Compatriot Alonzo I have only known Commander Wooten since I joined the Sturgeon, who has been a member many years and Camp here in Natchez. He and Miss Sally were at the first served the SCV in several capacities. meeting I ever attended here. For the longest I didn’t know he was not a Camp 590 member. May God bless, His knowledge and enthusiasm lit a fire in me. His pride Adj. Emerick for Mississippi, the South and the SCV struck a chord in my soul. Just being around Mr. Roy at a Camp meeting, reen- actment, or SCV gathering could inspire all those around We remember the lives of our Confederate ances- him. tors and the sacrifices they made. To pay honor His funeral on Saturday, Jan. 14 was one of the hardest I and respect to the heroes of the Southland...the have ever attended. It is hard to imagine not seeing Com- Southland that they shed their blood for...for the mander Wooten along with Miss Sally at these gatherings. I very blood that courses through our own know we all must go on with the Charge and our lives but veins...for the pride they left for us and the pride there will be a void. I believe if I close my eyes and just we have for them. (Author unknown) think back for a minute I will see Commander Wooten at these events because his spirit will always be with the things that were strong in his heart. This should bring some com- fort to his family because his family was a strong point in his heart I believe, that being so, they will always have him with them. I want to ask everyone to remember his love for Beauvoir. Please make your donations of time and/or money to help bring this monument back to its glory. If not for Jefferson Davis, do it for Commander Wooten. He did love that place so much. We owe it to him to make its rebuilding a reality. We can’t forget about the church at Rodney or any of the things he was involved in because these things are all im- portant to us as Sons of Confederate Veterans. He was not a Real Son but I don’t believe anyone will ever meet a “Truer” Son of the Confederacy. I know if Gen. Lee would have had 100 Roy Wootens then we would be sitting here in the Mis- sissippi, a sovereign state of the Confederacy. Those Yan- kees would not have not known what to do when they saw that charge coming at them. Well, I could sit here and continue to make comments and comparisons about Commander Wooten but I believe I have made my point about how special this man was to me. I will miss him and I will never forget him. You have earned it Commander Wooten. Go now and Pictured above is one of the new headstones we will be cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees. dedicating on Mar. 12th at the City Cemetery. Say hello to Jeff Davis, Bobby Lee and the other generals and soldiers as you take your place beside them all. I will be James Purviance, Jr. was a surgeon in the 1st Louisiana whistling “Dixie”. Infantry. He enlisted on Feb. 6th, 1861 and was ap- pointed assistant surgeon. He was later promoted to the I still miss “Cannonball” and I think about him whenever I rank of surgeon on July 28, 1862. He served throughout need to make a decision concerning Southern heritage and the war and was paroled on May 12th, 1865 with Gen. our big family. In the SCV we are all one big family and we Richard Taylor’s command. may have our disagreements but it is because of people like James’ father was Rev. James Purviance, Sr. and was Mr. Roy that we do our best to overcome them and unite in the president of Oakland College from 1854 to May, 1860. our common heritage and the defense of our ancestors. It He was pastor at Carmel Church down around Kingston in was and is a great honor to have known this man. 1840.

P a g e 4

Inaugural address of President Jefferson Davis at Montgomery, Alabama, February, 1861.

Gentlemen of the Congress of the Confederate nicated with foreign powers has been changed, but this States of America: does not necessarily interrupt their international rela- Called to the difficult and responsible station of Ex- tions. ecutive Chief of the Provisional Government which you Sustained by a consciousness that our transition from have instituted, I approach the discharge of the duties the former Union to the present Confederacy has not assigned me with an humble distrust of my abilities, proceeded from any disregard on our part of our just but with a sustaining confidence in the wisdom of obligations, or any failure to perform every constitu- those who are to aid and guide me in the administra- tional duty — moved by no intention or design to invade tion of public affairs, and an abiding faith in the patri- the rights of others — anxious to cultivate peace and otism and virtue of the people. Looking forward to the commerce with all nations — if we may not hope to speedy establishment of a provisional government to avoid war, we may at least expect that posterity will take the place of the present one, and which, by its acquit us of having needlessly engaged in it. We are great moral and physical powers, will be better able to doubly justified by the absence of wrong on our part, contend with the difficulties which arise from the con- and by wanton aggression on the part of others. There flicting interests of separate nations, I enter upon the can be no cause to doubt that the courage and patriot- duties of the office for which I have been chosen with ism of the people of the Confederate States will be the hope that the beginning of our career as a Confed- found equal to any measures of defense which may be eracy may not be obstructed by hostile opposition to required for their security. Devoted to agricultural pur- the enjoyment of that separate and independent exis- suits, their chief interest is the export of a commodity tence which we have asserted, and which, with the required in every manufacturing country. Our policy is blessing of Providence, we intend to maintain. peace, and [21] the freest trade our necessities will Our present position has been achieved in a manner permit. It is alike our interest, and that of all those to unprecedented in the history of nations. It illustrates whom we would sell and from whom we would buy, that the American idea that government rests upon the there should be the fewest practicable restrictions upon consent of the governed, and that it is the right of the interchange of commodities. There can be but little ri- people to alter or abolish a government whenever it valry between us and any manufacturing or navigating becomes destructive of the ends for which it was es- community, such as the Northwestern States of the tablished. The declared purposes of the compact of American Union. Union from which we have withdrawn were to establish It must follow, therefore, that mutual interest would justice, insure domestic tranquility, to provide for the invite good will and kindness between them and us. If, common defense, to promote the general welfare, and however, passion or lust of dominion should cloud the to secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our judgment and inflame the ambition of these States, we posterity; and when in the judgment of the sovereign must prepare to meet the emergency, and maintain, by States now [20] comprising this Confederacy it had the final arbitrament of the sword, the position we have been perverted from the purposes for which it was assumed among the nations of the earth. We have now ordained, and had ceased to answer the ends for entered upon our career of independence, and it must which it was established, an appeal to the ballot-box be inflexibly pursued. declared that so far as they were concerned the gov- Through many years of controversy with our late as- ernment created by that compact should cease to ex- sociates, the Northern States, we have vainly endeav- ist. In this they merely asserted a right which the Dec- ored to secure tranquility and obtain respect for the laration of Independence of 1776 defined to be inalien- rights to which we were entitled. As a necessity, not a able. Of the time and occasion for its exercise, they, choice, we have resorted to separation, and henceforth as sovereign, were the final judges each for itself. The our energies must be devoted to the conducting of our impartial and enlightened verdict of mankind will vindi- own affairs, and perpetuating the Confederacy we have cate the rectitude of our conduct, and He who knows formed. If a just perception of mutual interest shall per- the hearts of men will judge the sincerity with which mit us peaceably to pursue our separate political career, we have labored to preserve the government of our my most earnest desire will have been fulfilled. But if fathers, in its spirit and in those rights inherent in it, this be denied us, and the integrity and jurisdiction of which were solemnly proclaimed at the birth of the our territory be assailed, it will but remain for us with a States, and which have been affirmed and re-affirmed firm resolve to appeal to arms and invoke the blessings in the Bills of Rights of the several States. When they of Providence upon a just cause. entered into the Union of 1789, it was with the undeni- As a consequence of our new constitution, and with a able recognition of the power of the people to resume view to meet our anticipated wants, it will be necessary the authority delegated for the purposes of that gov- to provide a speedy and efficient organization of the ernment, whenever, in their opinion, its functions were several branches of the executive departments having perverted and its ends defeated. By virtue of this au- special charge of our foreign intercourse, financial and thority, the time and occasion requiring them to exer- military affairs, and postal service. For purposes of de- cise it having arrived, the sovereign States here repre- fense, the Confederate States may, under ordinary cir- sented have seceded from that Union, and it is a gross cumstances, rely mainly upon their militia; but it is abuse of language to denominate the act rebellion or deemed advisable, in the present condition of affairs, revolution. They have formed a new alliance, but in that there should be a well instructed, disciplined army, each State its government has remained as before. more numerous than would be usually required for a The rights of person and property have not been dis- peace establishment. turbed. The agency through which they have commu- Continued on page 8 Monthly Confederate Reading: Found on the Internet at http://docsouth.unc.edu/fpn/taylor/ P a g e 5 taylor.html

DESTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION: Personal Experiences of the Late War By Richard Taylor, Lieutenant-General in the Confederate Army CHAPTER IV. "Army of the Potomac" always recovered, showed itself a vital organism, and finally triumphed. McClellan organized OPENING OF THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN. victory for his section, and those who deem the preserva- PURSUING "the even tenor of his way," Johnston rapidly tion of the "Union" the first of earthly duties should not increased the efficiency of his army. Furloughed men re- cease to do him reverence. turned in large numbers before their leaves had terminated, I have here written of McClellan, not as a leader, but an many bringing new recruits with them. Divisions were organizer of armies; and as such he deserves to rank with formed, and officers selected to command them. Some is- the Von Moltkes, Scharnhorsts, and Louvois of history. lands of dry land appeared amid the sea of mud, when the Constant struggle against the fatal interference of politi- movement of the Federal forces in our front changed the cians with his military plans and duties separated theatre of war and opened the important campaign of 1862. McClellan from the civil department of his Government, When overtaken by unexpected calamity African tribes and led him to adopt a policy of his own. The military destroy the fetish previously worshiped, and with much road to Richmond, and the only one as events proved, noise seek some new idol in which they can incarnate their was by the peninsula and the James river, and it was his vanities and hopes. Stunned by the rout at Manassas, the duty so to advise. He insisted, and had his way; but not North pulled down an old veteran, Scott, and his lieutenant, for long. A little of that selfishness which serves lower McDowell, and set up McClellan, who caught the public eye intelligences as an instinct of self-preservation would have at the moment by reason of some minor successes in West- shown him that his most dangerous enemies were not in ern Virginia, where the Confederate General, Robert Gar- his front. The Administration at Washington had to deal nett, was killed. It is but fair to admit that the South had not with a people blind with rage, an ignorant and meddle- emulated the wisdom of Solomon nor the modesty of Godol- some Congress, and a wolfish horde of place-hunters. A phin. The capture of Fort Sumter, with its garrison of less sudden dash of the Confederates on the capital might than a hundred men, was hardly Gibraltar; yet it would put change the attitude of foreign powers. These political con- the grandiloquent hidalgos of Spain on their mettle to make siderations weighed heavily at the seat of government, more clatter over the downfall of the cross of St. George but were of small moment to the military commander. In from that historic rock. McClellan was the young Napoleon, a conflict between civil policy and military strategy, the the very god of war in his latest avatar. While this was ab- latter must yield. The jealousy manifested by the Ve- surd, and in the end injurious to McClellan, it was of service netian and Dutch republics toward their commanders has to his Government; for it strengthened his loins to the task often been criticized; but it should be remembered that before him - a task demanding the highest order of ability they kept the military in strict subjection to the civil and the influence of a demigod. A great war was to be car- power; and when they were overthrown, it was by foreign ried on, and a great army, the most complex of machines, invasion, not by military usurpation. Their annals afford was necessary. no example of the declaration by their generals that the The cardinal principles on which the art of war is based special purpose of republican armies is to preserve civil are few and unchangeable, resembling in this the code of order and enforce civil law. morality; but their application varies as the theatre of the After the battle of Chickamauga, in 1863, General Grant war, the genius and temper of the people engaged, and the was promoted to the command of the armies of the kind of arms employed. The United States had never pos- United States, and called to Washington. In a conference sessed a great army. The entire force engaged in the war between him, President Lincoln, and Secretary Stanton, against Mexico would scarcely have made a respectable the approaching campaign in Virginia was discussed. corps d'armée, and to study the organization of great armies Grant said that the advance on Richmond should be made and campaigns a recurrence to the Napoleonic era was nec- by the James river. It was replied that the Government essary. The Governments of Europe for a half century had required the interposition of an army between Lee and been improving armaments, and changing the tactical unit Washington, and could not consent at that late day to the of formation and maneuvers to correspond to such improve- adoption of a plan which would be taken by the public as ment. The Italian campaign of Louis Napoleon established a confession of previous error. Grant observed that he some advance in field artillery, but the supreme importance was indifferent as to routes; but if the Government pre- of breech-loaders was not admitted until Sadowa, in 1866. ferred its own, so often tried, to the one he suggested, it All this must be considered in determining the value of must be prepared for the additional loss of a hundred McClellan's work. Taking the raw material intrusted to him, thousand men. The men were promised, Grant accepted he converted it into a great military machine, complete in all the governmental plan of campaign, and was supported its parts, fitted for its intended purpose. Moreover, he re- to the end. The above came to me well authenticated, sisted the natural impatience of his Government and people, and I have no doubt of its correctness. * and the follies of politicians and newspapers, and for months During his operations on the peninsula and near Rich- refused to put his machine at work before all its delicate mond, McClellan complained much of want of support; but adjustments were perfected. Thus, much in its own despite, the constancy with which President Lincoln adhered to the North obtained armies and the foundation of success. him was, under the circumstances, surprising. He had The correctness of the system adopted by McClellan proved drifted away from the dominant Washington sentiment, equal to all emergencies, and remained unchanged until the and alienated the sympathies of his Government. His fall close of the war. Disappointed in his hands, and suffering was inevitable; the affection of the army but hastened it; painful defeats in those of his immediate successors, the even victory could not save him. He adopted the habit of saying, "My army," "My soldiers." Such phraseology may P a g e 6 T h e be employed by a Frederick or Napoleon, sovereigns as Manassas. well as generals; but officers command the armies of their For the first time Ewell had his division together and governments. General McClellan is an upright, patriotic under his immediate command; and as we remained for man, incapable of wrong-doing, and has a high standard many days between the rivers, I had abundant opportu- of morality, to which he lives more closely than most men nities for studying the original character of "Dick Ewell." do to a lower one; but it is to be remembered that the We had known each other for many years, but now our examples of the good are temptations and opportunities friendship and intercourse became close and constant. to the unscrupulous. The habit of thought underlying such Graduated from West Point in 1840, Ewell joined the 1st language, or soon engendered by its use, has made Mex- regiment of United States dragoons, and, saving the ico and the South American republics the wonder and Mexican war, in which he served with such distinction as scorn of civilization. a young cavalryman could gain, his whole military life The foregoing account of McClellan's downfall is deemed had been passed on the plains, where, as he often as- pertinent because he was the central figure in the North- serted, he had learned all about commanding fifty ern field, and laid the foundation of Northern success. United States dragoons, and forgotten everything else. Above all, he and a gallant band of officers supporting him In this he did himself injustice, as his career proves; but impressed a generous, chivalric spirit on the war, which he was of a singular modesty. Bright, prominent eyes, a soon faded away; and the future historian, in recounting bomb-shaped, bald head, and a nose like that of Francis some later operations, will doubt if he is dealing with cam- of Valois, gave him a striking resemblance to a wood- paigns of generals or expeditions of brigands. cock; and this was increased by a bird-like habit of put- The intention of McClellan to transfer his base from ting his head on one side to utter his quaint speeches. Washington to some point farther south was known to He fancied that he had some mysterious internal mal- Johnston, but there was doubt whether Fredericksburg or ady, and would eat nothing but frumenty, a preparation the Peninsula would be selected. To meet either contin- of wheat; and his plaintive way of talking of his disease, gency, Johnston in the spring of 1862 moved his army as if he were some one else, was droll in the extreme. from Manassas to the vicinity of Orange Court House, His nervousness prevented him from taking regular where he was within easy reach of both Fredericksburg sleep, and he passed nights curled around a camp-stool, and Richmond. The movement was executed with the in positions to dislocate an ordinary person's joints and quiet precision characteristic of Johnston, unrivaled as a drive the "caoutchouc man" to despair. On such occa- master of logistics. sions, after long silence, he would suddenly direct his I was ordered to withdraw the infantry pickets from the eyes and nose toward me with "General Taylor! What do lower Bull Run after nightfall, and move on a road through you suppose President Davis made me a major-general the county of Prince William, east of the line of railway for?" - beginning with a sharp accent and ending with a from Manassas to Orange. This road was tough and gentle lisp. Superbly mounted, he was the boldest of heavy, and crossed by frequent streams, affluents of the horsemen, invariably leaving the roads to take timber neighboring Potomac. These furnished occupation and and water. No follower of the "Pytchley" or "Quorn" instruction to a small body of pioneers, recently organ- could have lived with him across country. With a fine ized, while the difficulties of the road drew heavily on the tactical eye on the battle field, he was never content marching capacity - or rather incapacity - of the men. with his own plan until he had secured the approval of Straggling was then, and continued throughout to be, the another's judgment, and chafed under the restraint of vice of Southern armies. The climate of the South was not command, preparing to fight with the skirmish line. On favorable to pedestrian exercise, and, centaur-like, its two occasions in the Valley, during the temporary ab- inhabitants, from infancy to old age, passed their lives on sence of Jackson from the front, Ewell summoned me to horseback, seldom walking the most insignificant distance. his side, and immediately rushed forward among the When brought into the field, the men were as ignorant of skirmishers, where some sharp work was going on. Hav- the art of marching as babes, and required for their in- ing refreshed himself, he returned with the hope that struction the same patient, unwearied attention. On this "old Jackson would not catch him at it." He always and subsequent marches frequent halts were made, to spoke of Jackson, several years his junior, as "old," and enable stragglers to close up; and I set the example to told me in confidence that he admired his genius, but mounted officers of riding to the rear of the column, to was certain of his lunacy, and that he never saw one of encourage the weary by relieving them of their arms, and Jackson's couriers approach without expecting an order occasionally giving a footsore fellow a cast on my horse. to assault the north pole. The men appreciated this care and attention, followed Later, after he had heard Jackson seriously declare advice as to the fitting of their shoes, cold bathing of feet, that he never ate pepper because it produced a weak- and healing of abrasions, and soon held it a disgrace to ness in his left leg, he was confirmed in this opinion. fall out of ranks. Before a month had passed the brigade With all his oddities, perhaps in some measure because learned how to march, and, in the Valley with Jackson, of them, Ewell was adored by officers and men. covered long distances without leaving a straggler behind. Orders from headquarters directed all surplus provi- Indeed, in several instances it emulated the achievement sions, in the country between the Rappahannock and of Crawford's "Light Brigade," whose wonderful march to Rapidan, to be sent south of the latter stream. Execut- join Wellington at Talavera remains the stoutest feat of ing these orders strictly, as we daily expected to rejoin modern soldiership. the army, the division began to be straitened for sup- Arrived at the Rappahannock, I found the railway bridge plies. The commissary of my brigade, Major Davis, was floored for the passage of troops and trains. The army, the very pearl of commissaries. Indefatigable in dis- with the exception of Ewell's division, composed of El- charge of duty, he had as fine a nose for bullocks and zey's, Trimball's, and my brigades, had passed the Rapi- bacon as Major Monsoon for sherry. The commissaries dan, and was lying around Orange Court House, where of the other brigades were less efficient, and for some General Johnston had his headquarters. Some horse, un- days drew rations from Davis; but it soon became my der Stuart, remained north of the Rappahannock, toward duty to take care of my own command, and General February 2011 P a g e 7

Ewell's attention was called to the subject. The General can be put up in a moment, and by stopping the weather thought that it was impossible so rich a country could be end with boughs a comfortable hut is made. The men exhausted, and sallied forth on a cattle hunt himself. Late in carried each his blanket, an extra shirt and drawers, two the day he returned with a bull, jaded as was he of Ballyrag- pairs of socks (woolen), and a pair of extra shoes. These, gan after he had been goaded to the summit of that classic with his arm and ammunition, were a sufficient load for pass, and venerable enough to have fertilized the milky strong marching. Tents, especially in a wooded country, mothers of the herds of our early Presidents, whose former are not only a nuisance, involving much transportation, estates lie in this vicinity. With a triumphant air Ewell the bane of armies, but are detrimental to health. In cool showed me his plunder. I observed that the bull was a most weather they are certain to be tightly closed, and the respectable animal, but would hardly afford much subsis- number of men occupying them breeds a foul atmos- tence to eight thousand men. "Ah! I was thinking of my fifty phere. The rapidity with which men learn to shelter them- dragoons," replied the General. The joke spread, and doubt- selves, and their ingenuity in accomplishing it under unfa- less furnished sauce for the happy few to whose lot the bull vorable conditions, are surprising. My people grumbled no fell. little at being "stripped," but soon admitted that they Meantime, the cavalry force in our front had been with- were better for it, and came to despise useless impedi- drawn, and the Federal pickets made their appearance on menta. the north bank of the Rappahannock, occasionally exchang- I early adopted two customs, and adhered to them ing a shot with ours across the stream. This served to enli- throughout the war. The first was to examine at every ven us for a day or two, and kept Ewell busy, as he always halt the adjacent roads and paths, their direction and feared lest some one would get under fire before him. At condition; distances of nearest towns and cross-roads; length a fire of artillery and small arms was opened from the the country, its capacity to furnish supplies, as well as north end of the bridge, near the south end of which my general topography, etc., all of which was embodied in a brigade was camped. Ordering the command to move out, I rude sketch, with notes to impress it on memory. The galloped down to the river, where I found Ewell assisting second was to imagine while on the march an enemy be- with his own hands to place some guns in position. The af- fore me to be attacked, or to be received in my position, fair was over in a few minutes. The enemy had quietly run and make the necessary dispositions for either contin- up two pieces of artillery, supported by dismounted horse- gency. My imaginary maneuvers were sad blunders, but I men, and opened fire on my camp; but the promptness with corrected them by experience drawn from actual battles, which the men had moved prevented loss, saving one or two and can safely affirm that such slight success as I had in brush huts, and a few mess pans. command was due to these customs. Assuredly, a knowl- The bridge had previously been prepared for burning, edge of details will not make a great general; but there Ewell's orders being to destroy all railway bridges behind can be no greatness in war without such knowledge, for him, to prevent the use of the rails by the Federals. During genius is but a capacity to grasp and apply details. the little alerte mentioned, I saw smoke rising from the These observations are not for the "heaven-born," bridge, which was soon a mass of flame. Now, this was the who from their closets scan with eagle glance fields of only bridge for some miles up or down; and though the river battle, whose mighty pens slay their thousands and their was fordable at many points, the fords were deep and im- tens of thousands, and in whose "Serbonian" inkstands passable after rains. Its premature destruction not only pre- "armies whole" disappear; but it is hoped that they may vented us from scouting and foraging on the north bank, but prove useful to the young adopting the profession of gave notice to the enemy of our purpose to abandon the arms, who may feel assured that the details of the art of country. Annoyed, and doubtless expressing the feeling in war afford "scope and verge" for the employment of all my countenance, as I watched the flames, Ewell, after a their faculties. Conscientious study will not perhaps make long silence, said, "You don't like it." Whereupon I related them great, but it will make them respectable; and when the following from Bugeaud's "Maxims": At the close of the the responsibility of command comes, they will not dis- Napoleonic wars, Bugeaud, a young colonel, commanded a grace their flag, injure their cause, nor murder their men. French regiment on the Swiss frontier. A stream spanned by a bridge, but fordable above and below, separated him from TO BE CONTINUED IN THE MAR. NEWSLETTER an Austrian force of four times his strength. He first deter- mined to destroy the bridge, but reflected that if left it might tempt the enemy, whenever he moved, to neglect the fords. Accordingly, he masked his regiment as near his end of the bridge as the topography of the ground permitted, and Go VMI! waited. The Austrians moved by the bridge, and Bugeaud, seizing the moment, fell upon them in the act of crossing In the Shenandoah Valley, at the Battle of New Market and destroyed the entire force. Moral: 'Tis easier to watch (15 May 1864) cadets from the Virginia Military Institute and defend one bridge than many miles of fordable water. (marching eighty miles in four days) joined Confederate "Why did you keep the story until the bridge was burnt?" forces under Gen. John C. Breckinridge to expel the Fed- exclaimed Ewell. Subsequently, alleging that he had small eral invaders. Ten cadets were killed (including a descen- opportunity for study after leaving West Point, he drew from dant of Thomas Jefferson), but Union general Franz Sigel me whatever some reading and a good memory could sup- and his bluecoats were put to flight and pulled out of the ply; but his shrewd remarks changed many erroneous opin- Shenandoah Valley. In memory of their gallant perform- ions I had formed, and our "talks" were of more value to me ance , cadets from VMI—where Stonewall Jackson taught than to him. and George C. Marshall graduated—reenact the march As our next move, hourly expected, would take us beyond every year. the reach of railways, I here reduced the brigade to light marching order. My own kit, consisting of a change of un- From: The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Civil War by derwear and a tent "fly," could be carried on my horse. A fly Henry W. Crocker, III found on page 88. P a g e 8 T h e

THE TYPICAL CONFEDERATE SOLDIER hangs over his back a frying pan, an invaluable utensil with which the soldier would be loath to part. Nearly thirty-three years have passed since the alarm of With his trusty gun in hand - an Enfield rifle, also cap- war called from their peaceful pursuits the citizens who tured from the enemy and substituted for the old flint- were to make name and fame as Confederate soldiers. lock musket or the shotgun with which he was originally The stirring scenes and the armed - Johnny reb, thus imperfectly sketched, stands dreadful car- nage of a memo- in his shreds and patches a marvelous ensemble - pic- rable conflict have been re- turesque, grotesque, unique - the model citizen soldier, moved by the lapse of time into the military hero of the nineteenth century. There is the hazy past, and a new gen- none of the tinsel or trappings of the professional about eration, how- ever ready it may him. From an esthetic military point of view he must be to honor those who fought appear a sorry looking soldier. But Johnny is not one of the battles of the South, is your dress parade soldiers. He doesn't care a copper likely to form its idea of their whether anybody likes his looks or not. He is the most appearance from the conven- independent soldier that ever belonged to an organized tional military type. The Confed- army. He has respect for authority, and he cheerfully erate soldier was not an ordi- submits to discipline, because he sees the necessity of nary soldier, either in appear- organization to affect the best results, but he maintains ance or char- acter. With your his individual autonomy, as it were, and never surren- permission I will undertake to ders his sense of personal pride and responsibility. He is draw a portrait of him as he thoroughly tractable, if properly officered, and is always r e a l l y ap - peared in the ready to obey necessary orders, but he is quick to re- hard service of privation and sent any official incivility, and is a high private who d a n g e r . feels, and is, every inch as good as a general. He may A face browned by expo- appear ludicrous enough on a display occasion of the sure and heavily bearded, or for some weeks unshaven, holiday pomp and splendor of war, but place him where begrimed with dust and sweat, and marked here and duty calls, in the imminent deadly breach or the perilous there by the darker stains of powder - a face whose stolid charge, and none in all the armies of the earth can claim and even melancholy composure is easily broken into rip- a higher rank or prouder record. He may be outré and ill ples of good humor or quickly flushed in the fervor and -fashioned in dress, but he has sublimated his poverty abandon of the charge; a frame tough and sinewy, and and rags. The worn and faded grey jacket, glorified by trained by hardship to surprising powers of endurance; a valor and stained with the life blood of its wearer, be- form, the shapeliness of which is hidden by its encumber- comes, in its immortality of association, a more splendid ments, suggesting in its careless and unaffected pose a vestment than mail of medieval knight or the rarest languorous indisposition to exertion, yet a latent, lion-like robe of royalty. That old, weather-beaten slouch hat, strength and a terrible energy of action when aroused. seen as the ages will see it, with its halo of fire, through Around the upper part of the face is a fringe of unkempt the smoke of battle, is a kinglier covering than a crown. hair, and above this an old wool hat, worn and weather- Half clad, half armed, often half fed, without money and beaten, the flaccid brim of which falls limp upon the shoul- without price, the Confederate soldier fought against the ders behind, and is folded back in front against the elon- resources of the world. When at last his flag was furled gated and crumpled crown. Over a soiled, which is unbut- and his arms were grounded in defeat, the cause for toned and button less at the collar, is a ragged grey jacket which he had struggled was lost, but he had won the that does not reach to the hips, with sleeves some inches faceless victory of soldiership. too short. Below this, trousers of a nondescript color, without form and almost void, are held in place by a Source: Written by G.H. Baskett, Nashville, Tenn., pub- leather belt, to which is attached the cartridge box that lished in the Confederate Veteran, Vol. I, No. 12, Nash- rests behind the right hip, and the bayonet scabbard ville, Tenn., December 1893 found at http:// which dangles on the left. Just above the ankles each www.civilwarhome.com/typicalconfedsoldier.htm trouser leg is tied closely to the limb - a la Zouave - and beneath reaches of dirty socks disappear in a pair of badly used and curiously contorted shoes. Between the jacket Inaugural address continued from page 4. and the waistband of the trousers, or the supporting belt, there appears a puffy display of cotton shirt which works and commerce on the high seas, a navy adapted to out further with every hitch made by Johnny in his effort those objects be built up. These necessities have doubt- to keep his pantaloons in place. Across his body from his less engaged the attention of Congress. left shoulder there is a roll of threadbare blanket, the ends With a constitution differing only in form from that of tied together resting on or falling below the right hip. This our forefathers, in so far as it is explanatory of their well blanket is Johnny's bed. Whenever he arises he takes up known intents, [22] freed from sectional conflicts which his bed and walks. Within this roll is a shirt, his only extra have so much interfered with the pursuits of the general article of clothing. In action the blanket roll is thrown fur- welfare, it is not unreasonable to expect that the States ther back, and the cartridge is drawn forward, frequently from which we have parted may seek to unite their for- in front of the body. From the right shoulder, across the tunes with ours under the government we have insti- body pass two straps, one cloth the other leather, making tuted. For this your constitution has made adequate a cross with blanket roll on breast and back. These straps provision, but beyond this, if I mistake not the judgment support respectively a greasy cloth haversack and a flan- and will of the people, our reunion with the States from nel-covered canteen, captured from the Yankees. At- which we have separated is neither practicable nor de- tached to the haversack strap is a tin cup, while in addi- sirable. To increase power, develop the resources, and tion to some odds and ends of camp trumpery, there promote the happiness of this Confederacy, it is February 2011 P a g e 9 necessary that there should be so much homogeneity as that FRIENDS OF BEAUVOIR the welfare of every portion be the aim of the whole. When this homogeneity does not exist, antagonisms are engen- It was a desire and hope of Past Brigade Commander Roy dered which must and should result in separation. Wooten that all members of the Mississippi Division Sons of Actuated solely by a desire to protect and preserve our own Confederate Veterans become a participating Friend of Beau- rights and promote our own welfare, the secession of the voir. The money derived from this program helps with the Confederate States has been marked by no aggression upon daily operational expenses of Beauvoir. Although Beauvoir others, and followed by no domestic convulsion. Our indus- has reopened it is still nowhere near the pre-Katrina period of trial pursuits have received no check; the cultivation of our tourist visitation. However, there are still expenses that must fields has progressed as heretofore; and even should we be be met. If you can find it within your budget I want to en- involved in war, there would be no considerable diminution in courage you to become a Friend of Beauvoir. I hope you can the production of the great staple which constitutes our ex- find it within your financial means to help fulfill a dream of ports, and in which the commercial world has an interest our late Compatriot, Roy Wooten. If you are already a Friend, scarcely less than our own. This common interest of producer I thank you but if you are not, please consider this request. and consumer can only be interrupted by external force, which would obstruct shipments to foreign markets — a Clip or copy the below information and send it to the ad- course of conduct which would be detrimental to manufactur- dress below. Share this with as many friends and family as ing and commercial interests abroad. Should reason guide you can. the action of the government from which we have separated, a policy so injurious to the civilized world, the Northern Membership categories (please check one) States included, could not be dictated even by the strongest desire to inflict injury upon us; but, if otherwise, a terrible _____ Individual $25.00 responsibility will rest upon it, and the suffering of millions will bear testimony to the folly and wickedness of our aggres- _____ Family $50.00 sors. In the meantime there will remain to us, besides the ordinary remedies before suggested, the well known re- _____ Patron $100.00 - $249.00 sources for retaliation upon the commerce of our enemy. Experience in public stations of subordinate grade to this _____ Sustaining $250.00 - $499.00 which your kindness has conferred on me, has taught me that care and toil and disappointments are the price of official _____ Benefactor $500.00 - $999.00 elevation. You will have many errors to forgive, many defi- _____ Sponsor $1,000.00 - $4,999.00 ciencies to tolerate, but you will not find in me either a want of zeal or fidelity to a cause that has my highest hopes and _____ President’s Cabinet $5,000.00 + most enduring affection. Your generosity has bestowed upon mean undeserved distinction--one [23] which I neither _____ Corporate $500.00 and above sought nor desired. Upon the continuance of that sentiment, and upon your wisdom and patriotism, I, rely to direct and ______Amount support me in the performance of the duties required at my hands. We have changed the constituent parts, not the sys- General and Contributing Membership tem of our government. The constitution formed by our fa- thers is the constitution of “the Confederate States.” In their Name: exposition of it, arid in the judicial constructions it has re- ______ceived, it has a light that reveals its true meaning. Thus in- structed as to the just interpretations of that instrument, and Names of Children (if applicable): ever remembering that all public offices are but trusts, held ______for the benefit of the people, and that delegated powers are to be strictly construed, I will hope that by due diligence in Address (Street): the discharge of my duties, though I may disappoint your ______expectations, yet to retain, when retiring, something of the good will and confidence which welcome my entrance into City/State/Zip: office. It is joyous in perilous times to look around upon a ______people united in heart, who are animated and actuated by one and the same purpose and high resolve, with whom the Telephone (Home): ______sacrifices to be made are not weighed in the balance against honor, right, liberty and equality. Obstacles may retard, but (Alternate): ______cannot prevent their progressive movements. Sanctified by justice and sustained by a virtuous people, let me reverently There are benefits such as free admission, quarterly news- invoke the God of our fathers to guide and protect us in our letter, and discounts on museum shop purchases. You may efforts to perpetuate the principles which by his blessing they contact Beauvoir at the phone number below with any ques- were able to vindicate, establish and transmit to their poster- tions about the benefits part of membership. ity, and with the continuance of his favor, ever to be grate- fully acknowledged, let us look hopefully forward to success, For additional information, please call or write: to peace, and to prosperity. (228) 388-4400 http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus% Beauvoir 3Atext%3A2001.05.0001 2224 Beach Boulevard Biloxi, MS 39531

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