SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS, DIVISION

THE JOHN H. REAGAN CAMP NEWS www.reaganscvcamp.org

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2011

CAMP MEETINGS COMMANDER’S DISPATCH 2nd Saturday of Each Month Compatriots, man all day long. 06:00 PM Light meal served at each meeting. 2nd Lt. Commander Rudy Ray Most of you have read this First Christian Church has a great historical program in January 2, 1864 quote by Ma- 113 East Crawford Street Palestine, Texas store for us at the October 8th jor General Patrick R. regular camp meeting. Major Cleburne C.S.A. before, but Turn north on N. Sycamore St. off of General John T. Furlow, U.S.A. whether you have or not, It is Spring St. (Hwy 19, 84,& 287)(across (Retired), CPA, CFE, will pre- so good, I would like to close from UP train station) travel three blocks, turn right on Crawford St., go sent a program on the 10th Tex- with its TRUTH: one block Church is on left as Infantry. I understand that he has authored a book that will be "... every man should endeav- Guests are welcome! Bring the family. published in the near future or to understand the meaning John H. Reagan about the 10th Texas Infantry. of subjugation before it is too About 1863 www.reaganscvcamp.org late. We can give but a faint Oct 8, 1818 – March 6, 1905 Last month’s program by Jerry idea when we say it means the Post Master General of the Con- Don Watt of Tatum, Texas, on loss of all we now hold most federate States of America “Confederate Guerilla Warfare” sacred ... personal property, Secretary of the Treasury CSA was outstanding! I feel that I can lands, homesteads, liberty, U. S. Senator from Texas speak for the whole camp in justice, safety, pride, man- U. S. Rep. from Texas INSIDE THIS ISSUE: highly recommending Mr. Watt hood. It means that the history District Judge for a speaker on this subject. He of this heroic struggle will be Texas State Representative Camp Events 2 is obviously an authority on Con- written by the enemy; that First Chairman - Railroad Com- 3 mission of Texas 1st Lt. Command- federate Guerilla warfare and has our youth will be trained by er’s Dispatch spent a lifetime visiting various Northern school teachers; will A Founder and President of the Texas State Historical Association museums, libraries, battlefields, learn from Northern school September Camp 4 etc., researching this subject at books their version of the Meeting NEWs every opportunity. War, will be impressed by all influences of history and edu- Mr. and Mrs. 5 Quartermaster Frank Moore cation to regard our gallant Joe Coleman "Take your history honored who is also chairman of the dead as traitors, our maimed Reagan Camp monument com- veterans as fit objects for their and teach it to your Chaplain’s Mes- 6 mittee has been diligently work- derision, it means the crushing children or others sage ing on the memorial plaza with of Southern manhood ... to will teach their his- 7-17 the help of Lt. Hatfield, Sgt. establish sectional superiority Governor tory!" Pendleton Mur- Barnhart, and Compatriot New- and a more centralized form of rah of Texas som. Our camp is blessed to government, and to deprive us by J. D. Murrah have Quartermaster Moore on of our rights and liberties." General John B. staff as he is extremely knowl- Captain Refugio 18 edgeable in construction, is a Respectfully your obedient Gordon Benevides, 33rd very fine leader and at 70 years servant, C.S.A. Texas cav. c.S.A. of age, can still work circles Membership/ 19 around any 20 year old young Marc Robinson contact info VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 2

Left: New members of the John H. Reagan Camp #2156 reciting the pledge as they are being induct- ed into the SCV. Each new member also announces the name and unit of the Confederate ancestor “DUTY IS THE in which they joined MOST SUBLIME the SCV under. From WORD IN OUR left to right: Chaplain LANGUAGE. DO Rod Skelton, Com- YOUR DUTY IN ALL patriots Brice THINGS. YOU McDonald, Vernon CANNOT DO MORE. Holliman, Bobby YOU SHOULD Francis, and Cmdr. NEVER WISH TO DO Marc Robinson LESS.”

-GENERAL PRAYER LIST ROBERT E. LEE-

  The Sovereign State of Texas The Sons of Confederate Veterans  The United States of America  The United Daughters of the Confederacy “NOTHING FILLS ME  Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Davis U.S. WITH DEEPER SAD- Army (Afghanistan). Son-in-law of Lt. NESS THAN TO SEE Cmdr. Ronnie Hatfield A SOUTHERN MAN APOLOGIZING FOR THE DEFENSE WE CALENDAR OF EVENTS MADE OF OUR IN- HERITANCE. OUR October 8, 2011, 06:00 Birthday ceremony. It will CAUSE WAS SO PM—John H. Reagan be held at the John H. JUST, SO SACRED, Camp regular monthly Reagan home site on West THAT HAD I meeting. Reagan Street outside the KNOWN ALL THAT west loop this year. HAS COME TO PASS, October Program: HAD I KNOWN MAJOR GENERAL JOHN WHAT WAS TO BE T. FURLOW, USA INFLICTED UPON (Retired), CPA, CFE ME, ALL THAT MY will present a program on COUNTRY WAS TO SUFFER, ALL THAT the 10th Texas Cavalry OUR POSTERITY (Dismounted) WAS TO ENDURE, I WOULD DO IT ALL October 8, 2011, 11:00 OVER AGAIN.” AM—Davis-Reagan Chap- ter of the UDC will host the -PRESEDENT annual John H. Reagan JEFFERSON DAVIS- President Jefferson F. Davis in later years. VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 3

FIRST LT. COMMANDER’S DISPATCH BY RONNIE HATFIELD

Compatriots, As further evidence that our beloved John H. Reagan Camp is indeed not resting on it's laurels, nor in full retreat after last April's mere "speed bump" of a setback at the County Courthouse, I have the honor to an- nounce that we have been given the oppor- tunity to again place the word CONFEDER- ATE on the Courthouse square! At the time of our ceremony on April 1st, Commander Robinson had inquired of the Anderson County Historical Commission Chairman as to why there was no historical marker in the county, save that mentioning the Salt Works west of town, acknowledging the county's contribution to the WBTS and to the Confederacy in particular, in men and resources. The Chairman's reaction was one of concern, and interest in correcting the oversight. Fast forward now to mid-September, and I munity post-war. am pleased to announce that the Commis- Upon approval by the State Historical Commission sion has approached our camp with request and receipt locally of the marker, we intend to place that we write and present the Confederate and dedicate it on the Courthouse square facing the history of the county, along with the impact site of the old Hunter Hotel, where many of our an- post-war, of our local Confederate ancestors cestors waved goodbye to Palestine and their fami- in the development and enrichment of Pales- lies for the last time between 1861 - 1865. tine and the county, into the community we I am extremely proud of this opportunity afford- all call home today. ed our camp, and look forward to yet another long The written overview will be presented to overdue acknowledgement of our county's Confed- the Commission in story format, and will erate heritage! also include suggestions for the text inscrip- tion on the official marker. Some of the data Forward the Colors! offered for inclusion will contain the local Ronnie Hatfield units formed here in the county, and names 1Lt. Commander of former local Confederates who served John H. Reagan Camp 2156 honorably both in the Cause and in our com- SCV VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 4

THE JOHN H. REAGAN CAMP #2156 REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING—SEPTEMBER 10, 2011

Left: Three new members inducted into the John H. Reagan Camp 2156. From left to right, Chaplain Rod Skelton, Compatriot Brice McDonald, Compatriot Vernon Holliman, Compatriot Bobby Francis, and Commander Marc Robinson. Confederate ancestors of these three compat- riots are: Brice McDonald: Pvt. Francis Marion Free- man, Co. C, 24th Texas Cavalry Vernon D. Holliman: Pvt. Green T. Morgan, Co. I, 32nd Georgia Infantry Robert Tucker Thurman Francis: Corporal Lewis Sherwood Camp, Co. A, Georgia 40th Infantry

Above left and right: Mr. Jerry Don Watt presents a program on 1861-1865 Confederate Guerrilla Warfare He is a retired public school teacher/coach with 35 years experience. Mr. Watt was born and raised in Tatum, Texas. All of the Mr. Watt’s wife is also a retired teacher/librarian with 35 years expe- branches of his family moved to Rusk County in the 1840s rience. They have two sons. Their oldest son has 19 years in the and 1850s. He has over 100 relatives who were in the Army. He is now serving in South Korea. Their youngest son is on Confederate Army. Most of them were from Rusk Coun- the athletic staff at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. ty. One ancestor was in the Union Army. Mr. Watt is currently completing a 3-volume study of guerrilla war- He graduated from Tatum High School and received his fare 1861-1865 after 35 years of research. He has given over 30 pro- bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and a grams in the last 10 years to 11 SCV camps in Texas. master’s degree in history from Stephen F. Austin State Mr. Watt’s program was EXCELLENT!!! He had so much knowledge University. Mr. Watt’s master’s thesis was titled An Exer- to share and it was our loss that we had to hold him to a little over 30 cise in Futility: Federal Counter-Insurgency 1861-1865. minutes. VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 5

MR. AND MRS. JOE COLEMAN HONORED AT REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING—SEPTEMBER 10, 2011

Above: Joe and Anne Coleman, center, holding a plaque and surrounded by the Reagan Camp officers are honored at our September monthly meeting for their generous donation of a lot to build the Anderson County Confederate Memorial Plaza. The plaque presented to Mr. and Mrs. Coleman has a SCV logo at the top and his engraved with the following: The John H. Reagan Camp #2156 Sons of Confederate Veterans Acknowledges and expresses it’s eternal and profound gratitude to

Joe and Ann Coleman

In recognition of their boundless generosity and dedicated as- sistance in the creation of the

Anderson County Confederate Memorial Plaza.

Presented this day, 10 September 2011, by the members of Camp 2156 in remembrance of the Confederate Veterans this plaza will honor. Above: The very nice lot donated to the Reagan Camp #2156

Charles Marc Robinson SCV for use as a Confederate Veteran Memorial Plaza in Anderson Commander, Camp 2156 County Texas.

The John H. Reagan Camp #2156 cannot begin to ex- press the gratitude and appreciation we feel toward Mr. and Mrs. Joe Coleman. Their generous donation will honor Confederate Veterans for many, many years. PAGE 6 THE JOHN H. REAGAN CAMP NEWS

CHEAP WHISKEY! BY BRO. L.E. "LEN" PATTERSON, THD. SCV CHAPLAIN, ARMY OF TRANS-MISSISSIPPI

There's a line from a movie I saw some years many pulpits by self-serving clergy every ago that I will never forget. The man who Sunday. It's called deceit. It's called lies. It's had been sheriff as long as anyone could re- called going along to get along. It's called member was in a heated contest for reelec- looking out for number one regardless of tion. But, he had helped a man avoid the what is true and right. But, the sheriff simp- F.B.I. and continue on his mission. Now the ly called it, cheap whiskey. old sheriff found himself locked in his own jail charged with Obstruction of Justice. His In Revelation 22: 14, we are told that if we deputy came to visit him with a bottle of are obedient to Christ we may enter the gate whiskey, and as they sat in a cell drinking, of the city and have right to the tree of life. the deputy asked, "Why'd you do it?" The old The next verse warns, "For without are dogs sheriff answered, "Because the man told me (not the animal), and sorcerers, and whore- the truth." Then he looked down at his glass mongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and of amber liquid and continued, "And when whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." you've heard the truth, everything else is cheap whiskey." As Christians, we love and seek truth. As loyal Southerners and members of the Sons As an elected official, the old sheriff dis- of Confederate Veterans, we study and pro- played a rare and all but extinct quality. In- mote truth. And Jesus said, in John 8: 32, stead of being politically correct and self- "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth serving, he chose to do what was right. He shall make you free." Then in verse 36, He had the courage to take the moral high continues, "If the Son therefore shall make ground and the strength to stand by his con- you free, ye shall be free indeed." Free! Free victions regardless of the consequences. Un- of sin. Free of fear and death. Free of lies like so many politicians and would-be lead- and deception. Free of cheap whiskey. ers today, his actions were a result of hearing the truth, and not cheap whiskey. Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D. Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi Of course, the rotgut (or better, rot-brain) the sheriff was referring to doesn't come in a bot- tle. It's not bought in liquor stores or poured in bars, and it wasn't affected by prohibition during the early twentieth century. It's pro- “IN ALL MY PERPLEXITIES AND DISTRESSES, moted from Washington in great quantities. THE BIBLE HAS NEVER FAILED TO GIVE ME It's continually served to our children and LIGHT AND STRENGTH.” young people in schools. It's blasted out from televisions. And yes, it's proclaimed from -GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE- VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 7 Governor Pendleton Murrah of Texas By Jeffrey D. Murrah Delivered to the Houston Civil War Roundtable 15 February 2007

Early Life synonymous with the current views of Some of the stands for the Confeder- salvation. In those days church mem- ate cause were not fought with guns, bership was a serious matter.) After but with words and laws. Governor joining, he was baptized. He was later Pendleton Murrah of Texas was one educated by a Baptist charitable socie- who fought with words and laws. ty. The society saw his potential and Pendleton was probably born in South paid for his education. He began at- Carolina in 1827. The Murrah family tending the University of and story is that one of the young Murrah eventually graduated from Brown girls came up pregnant. Since that is University in 1848 (an Ivy League not proper Christian behavior for school, behind Harvard and Yale). someone of Scottish Presbyterian be- After graduating, he returned to Ala- liefs, she gave the child up for adop- bama. In Alabama, he studied for and tion to avoid bringing dishonor on the passed the bar. After a bout with tu- The portrait of Pendleton Murrah family, which was attempting to estab- berculosis (aka Consumption) he that hangs in the Texas Capitol lish itself in . Keep in moved to Texas in 1850. He believed mind that orphanages were used for that the move would improve his was defeated by the Know-Nothing orphans and for illegitimate births. health. These immigrants from Scotland still candidate. During this time period, fervently held to reformed Christian After moving to Texas, he opened a the Know-Nothings and associated beliefs and looked down on illegitima- law office in Marshall, Texas. Marshall ‘Unionism’ were at the height of their cy. The young child was placed in an was a new city, founded in 1841. The influence, playing on the fears of Irish orphanage with a name tag attached to city was named by Isaac Van Zandt Catholics taking over American poli- him, identifying his name as Pendleton after Justice John Marshall. [Van tics. (The Know Nothings often used Murrah. Although initially in the or- Zandt admired Marshall, who was the the saying “I Know nothing but my phanage, he maintained associations Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at country, my whole country and noth- with the Murrah family and kept the that time]. By 1850, it was already the ing but my country”.) The Know- family name. seventh largest city in the State. There Nothings spread a fear of outsiders he met Sue Ellen Taylor, daughter changing the nature of America. In After growing up in the orphanage, he of a prosperous local cotton planter. response to that fear, they were moved to Alabama. As a young man, The two were soon married, on Octo- against immigrants and strongly sup- he lived there for a period of time, ber 16, 1850. They shared the legacy ported the Union. becoming a Christian and joining the of both hailing from South Carolina. Ebenezer Church (which was a Baptist Undaunted, Murrah ran again in 1857 Church) of Bibb County, Alabama in Murrah ran for office in 1855 as a and won, representing Marshall and 1841 (Joining a church back then was State legislator. In that election, he Harrison county in the State Legisla- VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 8 Governor Pendleton Murrah of Texas By J. D. Murrah

ture. By that time, the city of Marshall ing his health, he served briefly as a continued growing as a social, cultural quartermaster officer in the Four- and economic hub in the State. By teenth Texas Infantry in 1862. The 1860, it was the fourth largest city in regiment was attached to a new divi- Texas, along with being a port and the sion commanded by General John major entry point for Texas from the George Walker being organized in United States. Marshall was the coun- Arkansas. Walker’s division later ty seat of the richest county in Texas. gained notoriety as “Walker’s Grey- With the economic boom, the city hounds” due to their swift marching became a center of secessionist politics abilities. The 14thTexas Infantry soon with notable lawyers and politicians. distinguished itself in battles around Part of the reason for the secessionist Little Rock, Arkansas. Murrah’s con- policies was as a backlash against the tinued health problems forced him to Unionism driven by the Know- resign his commission. After resign- Pendleton Murrah, Confederate Nothings. When the vote for secession ing, he returned to Marshall. His for- . Photo courte- occurred, the city voted unanimously mer compatriots in Walker’s Grey- sy of Texas State Library for the measure. hounds went on to distinguish them- selves in the Vicksburg and the Red Standing on Confederate Princi- ous runs for Governor. ples River campaigns. Murrah believed in the Confederate The next year, 1863 Pendleton recov- Pendleton won that summer’s election ideals and vision. Among these were ered enough to allow him to run for by a large number of votes, which the preservation of State authority and governor that summer. Murrah, like provided him the public support for local control. He believed that Texans Vice-President Alexander Stevens his policies. He won by more than knew best how to run Texas rather persevered despite poor health (At 5,000 votes. (The previous Governor than politicians miles away in Rich- that time people looked at a candi- won with a margin of 125 votes). As mond, Virginia. dates’ ideas, and convictions rather with all elections, the political pundits claim that the vote was a squeaker and Once the Confederate government than their health or attractiveness). more of a rejection of Chambers than formed in Montgomery he announced Several candidates entered the race. In an endorsement of Murrah. Chambers his candidacy for the Confederate a strange turn, several candidates received less votes in this election than Congress. Although he was willing, his withdrew, leaving Murrah and . he had in the previous election of health interfered. He withdrew before Thomas Jefferson Chambers 1861. Given the endorsements he re- the election due to a relapse with his Newspaper editors and party leaders ceived, I am inclined to see the victory TB. (TB often effects many body or- endorsed Murrah. Chambers was an as an endorsement of Murrah. Win- gans, sapping one’s energy.) Murrah experienced politician, with the politi- ning an election at that time, before was not one to sit idle. After recover- cal connections of having three previ- VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 9 Governor Pendleton Murrah of Texas By J. D. Murrah

electronic voting machines or chits international relations with French and with 5,000 votes (17,511 total). This Mexican authorities. At that time was quite an accomplishment, espe- France and Mexico were fighting for cially in view of the total 31,036 votes control of Mexico. Since France was a cast for Governor. Percentage wise his major player, whose recognition was victory was the same percentage sought by the Confederacy, the nego- (56%) that had in 1859 tiations had political ramifications. and that Elisha Pease had won with in This was a touchy assignment consid- 1855. It was not the squeaker that ering that some French politicians some political revisionists make it ap- were advising Texas to leave the Con- pear. federacy and ‘go it alone’. Murrah was well aware that Texas retained its As Governor elect, he attended the rights of sovereignty as a nation and second Marshall meeting in August of chose to join with the Confederate 1863. After the fall of Vicksburg, the States. [France maintained a consul in city became a vital hub, and State Cap- Richmond, Virginia-The capitol of the itol of Missouri. The Marshall meeting Confederacy and vice-consuls in Gal- decided what would be done in the Proclamation by Governor Murrah veston, Texas and Matamoras, Mexi- Trans-Mississippi, since Vicksburg’s co. Although the French government inauguration wearing a homespun suit. fall cut Texas, Arkansas and Eastern adamantly denied any plans on formal- For the inauguration dinner, cornmeal Louisiana off from the rest of the Con- ly recognizing the Confederacy or cakes were served rather than the usu- federacy. The Confederacy also sought trying to lure Texas away from the US al while flour ones. Such actions sent a reassurances from Texas leadership or the South, their actions of maintain- message to the people that we are in that Texas would remain supportive of ing these offices suggest otherwise.] this together. their cause. Since Texas had nullified annexation, they were a free political Murrah also appointed his brother-in- Murrah's Administration agent in many regards. Former Presi- law by marriage (John Burke) as Murrah was progressive, selecting dent Houston and other politicians adjutant general of Texas. Burke had Colonel James Kemp Holland for knew this at that time and attempted served in Hood’s Texas brigade and as a member on his staff. Holland was political gambits related to it. a Confederate spy in New York City half black, which made his position prior to his appointment. By the time of the conference, the city unique. Although some sources claim was designated the civil capitol of the the highest ranking black was a ser- As governor, Murrah inherited a fi- Confederacy west of the Mississippi. geant, Holland’s status raises questions nancial train wreck from Francis Murrah was chosen to head the com- about scholarship on this issue. Mur- Lubbock. Lubbock was in tight with mittee authorized to negotiate with rah also attended his November 1863 the Davis administration, and upon VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 10 Governor Pendleton Murrah of Texas By J. D. Murrah

leaving office joined General John B. the laws and courts to preserve local (“Prince John”) Magruder. Initially he power, while Magruder used his mili- served on Magruder’s staff and later tary rank and position to force policies went to Richmond to serve as an advi- on the people. sor for President Davis. The taxes On taking office Murrah implemented were extremely high, and the State limitations on the impressment. Mur- was in debt. Pendleton believed that rah insisted that there be limits on Texas should be on solid financial impressment and that the military footing, and he began turning around would have to contract for the labor previous policies. rather then impress it.The impress- Before taking office, General John B. ment was not limited to slave labor. Magruder tested Murrah’s authority Magruder also sought impressment of by issuing an appeal to Texas farmers men (known as conscription) to fill and planters to use their slave labor in ranks in the army. Murrah quickly General John Bankhead Magruder, constructing fortifications without responded to Magurder’s actions by the commander who had many compensation in December 1863. pushing legislation (Frontier De- conflicts with Governor Murrah Murrah responded quickly, insisting fence Act) through that exempted that he was not going to allow the mil- from regular conscription all Texans Department. itary to have a free hand in matters of serving in the state in efforts against Kirby Smith’s controlling behaviors impressments. Magruder and Murrah the Indians. led the Department of the Trans- had differing opinions on whose au- His actions put him on a collision Mississippi to be called “Kirby- thority took precedence. Murrah be- course with the military commanders. Smithdom”. In the early days of the lieved that it was essential that civil The situation could be termed a show- war, he refused surrendering to Texas authority needed preservation, espe- down between civil and military law. State troops to serve under the author- cially in the light of the Confederate His stand on impressment began a ity of Texan, Benjamin McCul- principles of government. He did not series of complicated conflicts with loch. Kirby Smith was a 'by the book' want to replace the tyrants in Wash- Gen. John B. Magruder. Magruder West Point graduate who often took ington with the ones in Richmond. was then the Confederate military the approach that only West Point Rather than the allowing the central commander of the Texas district. Ma- graduates were capable of command- government to override the States, it gruder’s star was on the rise again ing and conducting a war. Officers was essential, if the Confederacy was subsequent to his victory in the Battle who had not graduated from West going to survive for local and State of Galveston that January. Magruder’s Point were inferior in his mind. Kir- authority to be respected. Murrah not boss was Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith, by's attitudes had changed little since only talked States Rights, he put them commander of the Trans-Mississippi that time, firmly believing in central- into practice. Governor Murrah used VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 11 Governor Pendleton Murrah of Texas By J. D. Murrah

ized military authority. Murrah be- States in the State Courts and policies men were subject to conscription. The lieved in the sovereignty of Texas and existing in Texas. Comanche tribes in the Llano Estacado de-centralized confederated govern- area alone had thousands of men led The next serious disagreement con- ment. Magruder and Smith believed in by the renegade chief Little Buffalo. cerned the conscription of troops and highly centralized government, and The Cheyenne, Kiowa and Kiowa using Texas State troops outside the that military authority trumped civil Apache were also both threats at that state. Murrah argued that those men authority. The differences of opinion time. Murrah was well aware that the enrolled in the state militia, particular- led to several show downs between Indian raids had been increasing in ly in frontier counties, were not sub- the military commanders and the civil- frequency and number of warriors as ject to conscription by Confederate ian authorities. Murrah was resolute in the war continued. The violent brutal- government. He believed they were preserving civilian rule in Texas. ity of the Indian fighting made it a con- under the authority of the Texas. He cern with the Murrah administration. Murrah experienced difficulties with claimed “Texas called these troops both men, especially when they dou- into being under the sovereign will of Magruder believed that Confederate ble teamed him. One of his opponents the state; as such, the militia should be laws had superiority over state legisla- was a male prima donna, the other an seen as a volunteer aid to the Confed- tion. It was if ‘Prince John’ and Gen. overly controlled West Point military eracy and Magruder had not right to Smith were practicing a “same govern- type who did not respect State author- assume command over them unless ment different flag” approach by ap- ity or non-West Point commanders. the government of Texas gave him plying Unionist views to Confederate Pendleton Murrah knew that Free- that right”. Pendleton believed that governments. The very principles of doms are won both on the battlefield the troops on the frontier were need- the Confederacy and States Rights and legislative arenas. Murrah soon ed to maintain peace against bandits were under fire, and Murrah stood his had to fight for what he believed in. It and Indians. Confederate troops from ground. Murrah believed that if States was one thing to talk about States Texas followed the news concerning rights were to mean anything, he Rights and quite another to fight the this issue with intense interest since needed to stand on them, otherwise central authority for them, since many of them came from 59 ‘frontier” they become mere words. Even the fighting for them carried a high price counties. high power lawyer, William Pitt tag. Ballinger opposed him in this matter Since Texas still had a frontier, he [1]. (Ballinger had been a US Attorney He believed in the Confederate cause believed it had unique needs not un- and staunch Unionist until the start of (States Rights and de-centralized au- derstood by the Confederate authori- the war. Ballinger was also the person thority) and fought for those beliefs. ties. Confederate authorities in Rich- who received seized enemy property Had the Confederate States of Ameri- mond maintained that one cavalry reg- and sold it). Murrah and Smith even- ca maintained its integrity, his policies iment was all that was needed to tually met face to face in dealing with would have been viewed as founda- maintain order and protect the fron- the matter. In February, Murrah, tional in preserving the rights of the tier. Richmond believed the remaining Smith and Magruder met face to face VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 12 Governor Pendleton Murrah of Texas By J. D. Murrah

to work out a compromise. The mili- by his principles, insisting that Con- Texas winning. tary commanders allowed Texas to federate authorities had to give The situation changed when Gen. Na- control its militia, with the proviso ground. When Magruder persisted, thaniel Banks invaded up the Red Riv- that in an emergency, the military Murrah authorized the State courts to er in the spring of 1864. This time, it could step in. The State troops would go lax on prosecuting men impressed was not a matter of crying ‘wolf’, the continue being designated State troops into Confederate service, since the wolf was at the back door of Texas. rather than being considered Confed- central government did not have the Magruder became frantic that April erate troops used to fill the ranks legitimate power to force men to vol- when Yankee troops were 60 miles throughout the Confederacy. unteer against their wishes. Many of from Texas. Marshall, then a military the Texans stood behind Governor [1] The law practice began by Ball- center, major port and capitol of Mis- Murrah, including lawyer and Gen- inger is still in operation as Mills souri was threatened by this invasion. eral, Thomas Harrison of Terry’s Tex- Shirley, LLP in Galveston. The military commanders discovered as Rangers. (Ironically, James Love, that many of the men were reluctant Black History Trivia and Thomas McKinney Jack of the to serve outside of the State without Colonel James Kemp Holland was Rangers were related to Ballinger). orders from the Governor. the highest ranking black serving in the Magruder countered the Governor by Confederate military forces. He also served frequently expressing alarm and con- Gen. Kirby Smith sought and enlisted as a Captain during the Mexican War, and cern over potential invasions. Every Pendleton’s help by asking him to or- as a US Marshall for East Texas prior to potential threat was met with a letter der the Texas troops to Louisiana. the war. He also made the first report to filled with alarm concerning possible Since an invasion was imminent, the the Texas Legislature concerning the Uni- invasions. Magruder’s alarms were impressment of men was finally al- versity of Texas at Austin. His actions were also sent to other Confederate leaders. lowed by the Governor, provided they the first in a long line of innovations of the In one letter Magruder wrote “If the were commanded by Texans and University of Texas at Austin. Governor’s chasm cannot be served only in their Texas units. Texas Trivia bridged, I will leap it.” Smith or- (Recall that a similar situation oc- Governor Pendleton Murrah is the der the troops into service, Murrah curred with Governor Brown in Geor- only Governor of Texas whose grave countermanded that order. Murrah’s gia with the use of State troops) . location is unknown. firm resolve proved fruitful. His order Murrah saw the danger and reluctantly that no State troops be allowed to yielded to Magruder’s requests. He Fighting with Military Com- cross the Sabine held firm. General manders over Principles responded, “I shall be forced, in view Smith finally backed down on his hard Magruder disliked the compromise of the dangers surrounding the State line stance, allowing the State to keep and circumvented Murrah. He at- and country, to co-operate with you in control of many of its men. Murrah tempted enrolling all eligible men in organizing [the militia] under the re- dealt with the question of who has the Confederate service. Murrah openly cent law of Congress. I shall take upon authority of Texas State troops with criticized Magruder's tactics. He stood myself the responsibility …of calling VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 13 Governor Pendleton Murrah of Texas By J. D. Murrah

upon the State troops to look no long- ed the state. The people believed that to obtain their goods by impressing er to an organization under State Texas had given its fair share and then the cotton. Smith had been cut off laws.” Murrah’s agreement led to sev- some. The courts reflected this by from other supplies and monies so he enty-five companies of troops tempo- going lax on prosecutions. The Davis was going to control the cotton. Being rarily transferring to Confederate ser- administration complained and wanted cut off, he had to create opportunities vice, which made a significant impact Murrah to step in and take action to keep the military alive. The original at the Battle of Sabine Pass against the courts. Murrah refused, plan was that Texas would transport (Masnfield). insisting that “An independent judici- the cotton to the border, and the Con- ary was the only hope of freedom in federacy would be allowed to pur- The Texas troops soon returned to times of passion and violence.” Murrah chase some of it (under law, cotton in Texas after the battle. The three most even enlisted a Texas Supreme Court transit belonged to Texas and could vocal States rights governors were justice in stating the opinion that it not be impressed). With Murrah’s Governor Joseph Brown of was “Sheer nonsense to say that Con- plan, the farmers were paid a fair mar- Georgia, Governor Zebulon gress can use force or require the Ex- ket price payable in State bonds. Vance of North Carolina and Gov- ecutive Department to use force to ernor Murrah of Texas. Once the cotton reached the border, compel a citizen voluntarily to enlist”. the owners could sell up to half of it as Pendleton went so far as to grant ex- A newspaper editorial at the time stat- he wished, with the remaining half emptions from conscription to men in ed that “a watchful eye must be kept going to either the Confederate gov- those 59 counties threatened by Indian on the military, especially during ernment or Texas. The rub came activity along with having some of the wartime, for an army can be as when the farmers preferred State frontier battalions provide services to dangerous as it is useful”. There bonds, paying 7% interest rather than indigent soldiers and their families. were rumors that the military was Confederate cash. The farmers had The soldiers of Texas cared for their considering the overthrow of civilian more faith in the ability to Texas to own back then. There was no Veter- authority. The military authorities pay than the ability of Richmond to an’s Administration to assist anyone. distrusted Republican institutions (e.g. pay them. By March of 1864, half of General Smith pulled rank, taking the elected officials). all the cotton on the border was being matter to President Davis. The grant- purchased by Texas. By May of 1864 ing of exemptions alarmed President Governor Murrah and Confederate the currency situation was so bad, Davis, who intervened by writing to authorities soon clashed on other is- Governor Murrah proposed an act for Governor Murrah regarding the mat- sues concerning taxes and duties. Kir- the withdrawal of Confederate money ter. by Smith established a Cotton Bu- from Texas. reau at the 1863 Marshall meeting. President Davis’s re-authorization of This was a form of central control. (In 1863, cotton went for .70/ the suspension of habeus corpus, cre- The bureau bought and sold cotton pound , by 1864 it was $1.90/ ated further resistance to conscription. along the border, at times using force pound. With the average bale being The attitude of “Texas First” permeat- VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 14 Governor Pendleton Murrah of Texas By J. D. Murrah

500 pounds, this was from $350/bale changed for the new issue, and to $950/bale. Currently cotton goes taxes gathered in the new, with for $48.00 a bale. A 500 lb bale now sufficient expedition to meet the goes for $24,000). wants of the government, is a matter for your immediate in- It was 5 cents to the gold dollar. Giv- quiry.” en the amount of gold in the dollar, it worked out to about $500 confederate Murrah’s cotton action, like conscrip- dollars pre ounce. Inflation had grown tion, began a series of threatening let- so bad that gold went for $500.00 for ters between Texas and the central an ounce. (Consider that in 2007 authorities of the Confederate States USD it is was $651.00 for an ounce government. Although Confederate of gold). authorities in Richmond were cut off from Texas, like current congress crit- On May 11, 1864 he spoke on the ters, they persisted in meddling (in Governor Murrah fought with the money issue.. “Congress owned this case, micro managing) in Texas military leaders on how Texas the fact that the confederate affairs, passing a measure stating that troops fighting under many differ- currency was almost worthless, all cotton sales had to be approved by ent flags should be used. and provided for its withdrawal President Davis. Here again Murrah from circulation. The act was dealt with the question of “who has the bold, if not approved by wisdom figures (Texans sold about $2 million final authority over Texas agricultural and good faith. It was an act of worth for their own purposes), Rich- products, Texas or the Central Con- financial destruction, if not of mond’s actions had little effect on federate government?” The sentiment financial skill. They created, Texas. Murrah was angered by the in Texas was one of “Texas First”. they destroyed. I have no com- action of the “Richmond usurpers” , ments to make. I shall deal with By mid-1864, French authorities had responding by authorizing the State to the legislation of congress as it seized control of Matamoras. Alt- pass penalties against the cotton bu- affects the finances of the State.” hough controlled by the French, Yan- reau. He passed legislation authoriz- Later in the same speech, he kee agents, and military recruiters ing, the suspension of its operations, added, “The State, so soon as the filled the streets of the border town. along with fining those complying necessary measures can be put in with the old Bureau and confiscate Smith soon began impressing cotton operation, should cease to pay their cotton. Smith became enraged, again after the Confederate Congress out this currency. After the first referring to Murrah’s actions as approved a measure, prohibiting the of July, if it can be avoided, no “duplicity and betrayal”. Murrah was sale of cotton or tobacco without payment should be made with it. persuaded to relent to Confederate President Davis’ approval in February Whether the old can be ex- pressures and the men finally met. In of 1864. As can be seen by the sales VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 15 Governor Pendleton Murrah of Texas By J. D. Murrah

July, the two men met in Hempstead The Texas Governor's mansion is re- The ANV surrendered. The armies and worked out their differences. On ported to be haunted by the nephew of under Joseph Johnston and Richard July 19, 1864, Murrah appealed to Governor Murrah who killed himself Taylor remained in the field. Several Texans rather than using force to sell at the residence in Austin. The neph- Confederate raiders are still at large their cotton to the government agents. ew killed himself after being rebuffed on the high seas. Galveston remained The ironic twist is that the govern- by a female who he proposed to. opened as a port, and trade continued ment agents representing the US al- along large portions of the border. The Grave Location Mystery ways outbid the Europeans for the The office of Governor brought many One of the mysteries surrounding cotton that was sold in Mexico. Since heartaches with his 19-year old neph- Governor Murrah has been identifying the CSA/Texas farmers and Texas ew committing suicide in the north- the location of his grave. The graves of agents all wanted the top dollar for west bedroom of the Governor’s man- all the other governors have been lo- their cotton, the US became the major sion after being rebuffed by his wife’s cated, with the exception of Pend- purchaser of Southern cotton. Presi- niece on a Sunday afternoon, a fire leton Murrah. Murrah died in a local dent Davis was often livid over this destroying portions of the mansion, hotel in Monterrey and was interred in situation, since he wished the US be his health worsening and with he and the city cemetery. During one of the totally deprived of Southern cotton. Sue Ellen remaining childless. He had times of unrest, the locations of the given his all to the cause he believed Even though he fought with Confeder- graves were scrambled. When the in. During these dark times, he ad- ate authorities, Murrah supported decision was made to move all the dressed the People of Texas. Magruder and Smith in their efforts at former inhabitants of the city ceme- continuing the war. In an address to tery, they were collected and mixed Executive Department Austin April 27th the people on January 14, 1865, Mur- together into an "Osario" and relocat- 1865 rah urged Texans to put aside personal ed to the Monterrey Civil Cemetery. My countrymen -- ambitions and make sacrifices in de- The Last Days of Murrah's Ad- fense of their liberty. During this ministration Disaster has befallen our arms in Virginia. time, the Hampton Roads Peace The Confederate position weakened Our chosen chieftan Robert E. Lee, victori- Conference occurred, where the with their armies being pushed back in ous on so many glorious fields is a prisoner two governments considered how the 1865 campaign. With the weaken- of war and a portion of his army has sur- they could make a peace with each ing of the central government, many rendered. other. The peace conference ad- believed that a stand could be made in dressed Southern states rejoining the Texas and began traveling for it. It was These unforeseen calamities impose addi- Union, maintaining many of their during this time that Murrah ad- tional responsibilities on the state of Texas. rights and the cancellation of the dressed the people of Texas. My object now is briefly to point you to the Emancipation Proclamation. path of duty, to exhort you by all the con- Murrah considered the situation: Lin- siderations which make life desirable or Texas Trivia coln had recently been assassinated; existence tolerable to pursue that path VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 16 Governor Pendleton Murrah of Texas By J. D. Murrah

without faltering or flinching.Your faith, rendering them available for our de- and Missouri met at Marshall a second your honor and your manhood are pledged fence. time to discuss the situation with Gen- to your brethren east of the Mississippi. For eral Smith. Murrah was ill as his TB "Freedom's battle once begun" "Be greater four years they have fought your battles continued worsening, so a representa- from bleeding son to son" "Though baffled and stood, a wall of fire, between you and tive went in his stead. In the meeting, aft is ever won" the invader. Their cause is your cause. when Smith exhibited some hesitancy, I again urge the importance of our people General Jo Shelby threatened him Their fate is inseparably yours. They look remaining a unit. Without this we can with arrest if he did not continue the now with eager eyes and anxious hearts to neither make successful war nor honorable war. the people and armies of this department peace. I have attempted to point out the for rescue and deliverance. Pendleton and Magruder cooperated path in which duty and patriotism would on one of their last acts, the appoint- They will not -- they must not look in lead us. Rugged and thorny though it be I ment of commissioners to represent vain. shall follow it with you fearlessly to the Texas in negotiating a peace. The two end. With God's blessing it may yet be the proud agreed on and Wil- privilege of Texas, the youngest of the Con- I believe with God's blessing we are able to liam Pitt Ballinger as the commis- federate sisters to redeem the cause of the defend our own state and to render glorious sioners. Ballinger was a premier law- Confederacy from its present perils. In ex- service to the Confederacy such service as yer and Smith was an expert interna- tent and resources Texas constitutes an history will gladly record for the encour- tional negotiator (and later President empire in herself. Favored of nature, she is agement of the friends of freedom and hu- of the University of Texas). The inaccessible to her enemies her soil is unsul- manity in all time to come. two men attempted obtaining a cessa- lied by the fear of an invading army. Her tion of hostilities between the United It behooves us to ponder and meditate great resources, if prudently husbanded and States and Texas. on the words of Governor Murrah. In wisely applied are equal to any emergency. the light of his circumstances, these Holding true to his principles and be- Acceping in their full significance the facts were true words. These were an ex- liefs that government derived it power of our situation there is no reason for yield- pression of what he believed and lived. from the people. He called a special ing even to a momentary panic, still less for In many ways, he was the embodiment session of the Texas legislature to con- giving way to unmanly despair. Be firm of the Confederate cause. Despite fer all the Confederate property in and true to yourselves, above all things be poor health, financial problems, per- terms of food and clothing supplies united. Drive with scorn and contempt, sonal tragedies and conflicts with oth- back to the citizens of Texas. His ac- from your midst the crawling demagogue ers, he stayed true to the cause. Can tion illustrate the true source of pow- who would array one class of the communi- we, in the 21st century do the same? er. ty against another. He is your worst enemy Two weeks after that proclamation, When it was obvious that Union forc- who would sow dissentions and divisions the Governors of Arkansas, Louisiana es would occupy the state, he vacated among you and of those resources and to his office, leaving Lieutenant Gover- VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 17 Governor Pendleton Murrah of Texas By J. D. Murrah

nor Fletcher Stockdale in charge on name of Maximillian’s wife). Included on the words of Governor Murrah. In June 17.The pattern of Yankee occu- in the group were Governor Henry the light of his circumstances, these pation had already burned several state Allen of Louisiana and Governor were true words. These were an ex- capitols to the ground. General Thomas Reynolds of Missouri. In the pression of what he believed and lived. Granger was en route to Texas at that aftermath of the party’s departure, In many ways, he was the embodiment time backed up by 50,000 troops some ruffians broke into the Texas of the Confederate cause. He did not (contrast with 133,000 American treasury and stole an unspecified bow to every whim of Davis, but ra- troops in Iraq and 19,000 in Afghani- amount of monies that were left prior ther held firm to Confederate princi- stan). Reports of what the Yankee to being discovered. ples concerning the authority of the troops had done to other State Gover- State. Despite poor health, financial The passing of that military escort was nors and their capitols concerned problems, personal tragedies and con- the last organized Confederate force as Murrah. He joined other Confederate flicts with others, he stayed true to the it departed Texas at Eagle Pass. The leaders including Shelby traveling to cause. Can we, in the 21st century do men buried a Confederate banner in Mexico.The men had secured an am- the same? the Rio Grande, which has been called ple amount of Confederate supplies, the “Grave of the Confederacy Inci- End including the gold and silver in the dent” on July 4, 1865. The long trip treasury in Austin, which was ru- More information can be found at: was too much for Murrah, who con- mored to be about $30,000 dollars. http://jdmurrah.hubpages.com/hub/ tinued suffering from tuberculosis. He Governor-Pendleton-Murrah-of-Texas They assembled at the Menger Hotel was confined to bed upon reaching in San Antonio. He was joined by Monterrey. He died there on August ***Editors note: Mr. Jeffrey Dixon Generals Magruder and General Kirby 4, 1865. The remainder of the party Murrah has written an excellent book Smith. (At that time, Smith was trav- continued to Mexico City. [Rumors on Texas History titled, “ Texans Al- eling under an alias) He was also around the Governor’s mansion in ways Move Them,” A True History of joined by his brother-in-law, John Austin are that the building is haunted Texas. Burke, whom Robert E. Lee termed by Murrah’s nephew’s ghost and his as www.texansalwaysmovethem.com his “favorite spy”. On this final march, well.] The expeditions’ leaders finally the three were finally in agreement. met with Maximilian who did not ac- Another member of the military join- cept their military offers. The mem- ing the party was his former com- bers then attempted establishing Con- mander, from his days in the military federate colonies in Mexico at Carlo- service, General John George Walker. ta, Veracruz, where Sterling Price presided or continued on into South The party hoped to offer their services America. to Emperor Maximilian and establish the Confederate colony of Carlota (the It behooves us to ponder and meditate VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 PAGE 18 CAPTAIN REFUGIO BENAVIDES 33rd Texas Cavalry, C.S.A. One of many Hispanic Confederate soldiers that do not need to be forgotten...

BENAVIDES, REFUGIO (1821–1899). raiders. They crossed the Rio Grande into Laredo city charter. He José del Refugio Benavides, politician and Mexico and tracked them to Mesquital Leal- easily led an entire slate Confederate officer, was born on July 6, eño, near Camargo, where they were of candidates to victory 1821, at Laredo, Texas, the oldest child of camped in a large corral. Without hesita- in the next year's elec- José Jesús and Margarita (Ramón) Be- tion, the captain ordered an attack. With tion and was elected navides. He was also the great-great- Benavides in front, the Tejanos were said to for a third time in grandson of Tomás Sánchez de la Barrera y have "boldly stormed" the enclosure, 1875, although this last Garza, who had founded Laredo in 1755. "tearing down the gate amid a hail of bul- election was unsuccess- Benavides first rose to political prominence lets, in the midst of which three horses fully contested in in Laredo politics in the decade following were killed and two men wounded." In the court. In 1876 Benavides decided not to the Mexican War. In one of the first munic- fight eighteen of the raiders were killed, seek reelection. In 1874 he raised a compa- ipal elections under American rule, on June fourteen were wounded, and several were ny of rangers at Laredo to combat the grow- 28, 1850, he was elected alderman. The taken captive. Benavides lost two of his ing bandit and Kickapoo Indian threat on Benavides family also played an important men. He and Santos Benavides helped de- the border. When he was given authority to role in secession and the Civil War in South fend Laredo on March 19, 1864, from a cross the Rio Grande into Mexico, if neces- Texas. John S. (Rip) Ford wrote that the Union cotton raid in what became known as sary, the Mexican government filed a for- Benavides family "broke ground in favor of the battle of Laredo. A federal expedition mal protest with Washington. Although it secession" and "did the Confederacy an from the lower Rio Grande valley had remains unclear whether Benavides did immense favor by declaring for her." Dur- pushed upriver to Laredo hoping to burn cross into Mexico, the matter was never ing the war on the border, Refugio Be- the 5,000 bales of cotton stacked in St. successfully resolved. navides rose to the rank of captain in com- Augustine Plaza. After three hours of Benavides was married twice, to Teresa mand of a company in the Thirty-third Tex- fighting, the bluecoats were "repulsed by Pizaña, with whom he had five children, as Cavalry. Later, a regiment raised by Col. the vigorous fire of my gallant men," Santos and to Anastacia García, with whom he had Santos Benavides was simply known as Be- Benavides wrote. Refugio Benavides next one son. He died of chronic diarrhea at the navides' Regiment. saw action with Rip Ford in the Confeder- home of his son in the Heights section of ate Rio Grande expedition. Moving down- Laredo on June 29, 1899, and was buried in Refugio Benavides first saw action in the river from Laredo, Benavides's company the Old Catholic Cemetery. During World battle of Carrizo (at the site of modern-day was utilized on a number of occasions by War II his remains were moved to the Her- Zapata) on May 22, 1861, when he joined Ford for scouting purposes because of the rera family plot in the newer Catholic Cem- Santos in an attack on the forces of the Tejanos' familiarity with South Texas. On etery. Mexican revolutionary Juan Cortina. Be- June 25, 1864, Benavides was in the battle navides had raced sixty miles through the at Las Rucias, upriver from Brownsville. BIBLIOGRAPHY: night down the Mexican side of the river Ford, by using an "obscure trail through the Stanley Cooper Green, Laredo, 1755–1920 and was able to avoid Cortina's pickets at chaparral" was able to "get within a few (Laredo: Nuevo Santander Museum Com- the crossing near Carrizo and to tell Santos hundred yards of the enemy before being plex, 1981). Gilberto Miguel Hinojosa, A that reinforcements were on the way from discovered." Benavides was sent in a flank- Borderlands Town in Transition: Laredo, 1755– Laredo. After the arrival of the Laredo rein- ing movement to attack the federal force 1870 (College Station: Texas A&M Univer- forcements, the Benavides brothers led an but was stopped twice by a small lagoon. sity Press, 1983). John Denny Riley, Santos attack on Cortina that drove the revolution- He was able, however, to join Ford for a Benavides: His Influence on the Lower Rio aries across the river into Mexico. In April final attack that overran the federals. In his Grande, 1823–1891 (Ph.D. dissertation, 1862 Benavides mustered into the Confed- report of the battle, Ford singled out Be- Texas Christian University, 1976). Jerry erate States Army an eighty-five-man com- navides for his gallant conduct during the Don Thompson, Laredo: A Pictorial History pany of Mexican Texans. In December battle. (Norfolk: Donning, 1986). Jerry Don 1862 three of his men were killed by Mexi- On December 8, 1873, Refugio was elected Thompson, Sabers on the Rio Grande (Austin: can revolutionaries near Roma. Other raid- mayor of Laredo once again. His admin- Presidial, 1974). Jerry Don Thompson, ers attacked a Confederate wagontrain near istration provided one of the first public Vaqueros in Blue and Gray (Austin: Presidial, Rio Grande City and even raided into Zapa- schools, the Esquela Amarilla, constructed 1976). ta County, where they hanged the county the first sewers in the city, established a judge, Ysidro Vela. With fifty-five men, number of ordinances in an effort to main- Source: http://www.tshaonline.org/ Benavides went in pursuit of the Mexican tain law and order, and helped rewrite the handbook/online/articles/fbe76 PAGE 19 THE JOHN H. REAGAN CAMP NEWS

The citizen-soldiers who fought for the Confederacy personified the best qualities of America. The preservation of liberty and freedom was the motivating factor in the South's decision to fight the Second American Revolution. The tenacity with which Confederate soldiers fought under- scored their belief in the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. These attributes are the underpinning of our democratic society and represent the foundation on which this nation was built. Today, the Sons of Confederate Veterans is preserving the history and legacy of these heroes, so future generations can understand the JOHN H. REAGAN CAMP motives that animated the Southern Cause. #2156 The SCV is the direct heir of the United Confederate Veterans, and the oldest hereditary organization for male descendents of Confederate c/o Daniel Dyer, Adjutant/Treasurer soldiers. Organized at Richmond, Virginia in 1896, the SCV continues P.O. Box 913 Palestine, Texas 75802 to serve as a historical, patriotic, and non-political organization dedi- E-mail: [email protected] cated to ensuring that a true history of the 1861-1865 period is pre- Phone: (903)391-2224 served. Membership in the Sons of Confederate Veterans is open to all Charles “Marc” Robinson, Commander male descendants of any veteran who served honorably in the Confed- E-mail: [email protected] erate armed forces. Membership can be obtained through either lineal Phone: (903) 676-6069 or collateral family lines and kinship to a veteran must be docu- Newsletter Editor and Webmaster mented genealogically. The minimum age for full membership is 12, but there is no minimum for Cadet membership. Friends of the Please visit our website @ SCV memberships are available as well to those who are committed to upholding our charge, but do not have the Confederate ancestry. www.reaganscvcamp.org

CHARGE TO THE SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS

"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 Confederate 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 Camp meetings: 2nd Saturday of Each Month - 06:00 PM cherish." Light meal served at each meeting. First Christian Church Lt. General Stephen Dill Lee, Commander General, 113 East Crawford Street Palestine, Texas

United Confederate Veterans, Turn north on N. Sycamore St. off of Spring St. (Hwy 19, 84,& 287) travel New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25, 1906. three blocks, turn right on Crawford St., go one block Church is on left