THE GILMOR BLADE Those who allow the surrender of their history, also surrender their future! Official Newsletter of THE COL. H.W.GILMOR CAMP, No. 1388, SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS

Commander’s Corner: March , 201 4 NOW WHAT ??? WHERE DO WE of the national corporation STEI and GO FROM HERE?? was the #2 player in the cemetery With last month's meeting being business. Many months ago CEI, the cancelled by bad weather, we are #1 player bought #2 and with it “The Charge” hopeful that our March meeting will Loudon Park was sold. There's even "To you, Sons of come off as planned. The Gilmor more intrigue, but I can't go into it Camp will be meeting at our usual all in this space. Confederate Veterans, we time and place [7:30 PM, Baltimore submit the vindication of County Historical Society] for our You need to be at the meeting! You the Cause for which we March camp meeting. As I men- need to have a voice in our decis- fought; to your strength tioned in this space last month, the ions! Come out and help us go in the topics to be covered make this an right direction. will be given the defense important meeting. You should be of the Confederate aware that there is the potential of And if that is not enough and on a soldier's good name, the some changes to somethin g we have more upbeat note, I hope to present taken for granted to some degree another SCV War Service medal. guardianship of his and that is the support of Loudon Our March meeting will include the history, the emulation of Park for our efforts on behalf of all presentation to Compatriot Tom his virtues, the of the Confederate Veterans there. Cox. We will be discussing the latest perpetuation of those updates after my discussions with See you Wednesday, March 12th, principles he loved and the current Director of Operations 7:30 PM at the Baltimore County which made him glorious for STEI in Maryland. For some Historical Society. and which you also background, Loudon Park was a part -- Mike Williams cherish. Remember, it is “Emerald Guards” for the South : Irishmen in Gray your duty to see that the Just Google the words “emerald Manassas to this place one of its true history of the South guards civil war” and you will companies (Company E) arrived in is presented to future discover that many Confederate camp near here without any officer, generations." groups adopted this name in honor in consequence of its first lieutenant of their ancestral homeland. (T.C. Fitzgerald) having absented himself without leave. In conse- The 33 rd Virginia Volunteer Infan- quence of Colonel Cummings Inside this issue: try Regiment, part of the Stonewall having reported to me that he could Brigade, contained Company E, not undertake another march with known as the Emerald Guard. This the company, as it was composed of Cobb and his 2 company included men primarily unmanageable Irishmen…" Legion from Shenandoah County. (Source: Wikipedia) Confederate 3 Jackson, in his official report, The 8 th Co. I, also known humor, Pt. II provided the following account of as the Emerald Guard, was formed th the rowdy Irishmen. "...While the in Mobile, AL and composed 10 VA Heavy 5 Thirty-third Regiment Virginia mostly of Irish immigrants as well. Artillery ancestors

Volunteers was en route from See “Emerald Guards, “p . 4

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An Irish Confederate & his Legion: Th omas R.R. Cobb March, 2014

The information in this article was The artillery battery was known as drawn from a variety of sources in the Troup Artillery, and was Wikipedia, the online encyclope- eventually assigned to the Artil- dia. lery Battery of Longstreet’s Corps.

The Legion is first known Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb to many of us as Ashley Wilkes’ (April 10, 1823 – December 13, WBTS posting in Gone With the 1862) was an American lawyer, Historic T.R.R. Cobb House Wind —“Cobb’s Legion.” In the author, politician, and Confederate fell through. Then, it was transported movie, Gods and Generals , it is officer. back to Athens where it was identified as “Brigadier General reassembled and underwent an Thomas R.R. Cobb’s Irish Regi- During the Civil War Cobb served extensive restoration. The house is ment, Georgia, CSA.” in the Confederate Congress, now an operational museum. The where for a time he was chairman house also has gardens planted with Thomas R. R. Cobb formed the of the Committee on Military historical plants. The house is owned Legion and served as its Colonel Affairs. He was also on the com- by the Watson-Brown Foundation. until his promotion to brigadier mittee that was responsible for the general in the fall of 1862. drafting of the Confederate The Role of the Legion at The Battle constitution. of Crampton’s Gap In April 1862, the infantry battal- From a uthor and historian Timothy ion of the Legion totaled 660 Cobb also served on the first Reese: electives, lost 43 percent of the Georgia code commission of 1858 The great tragedy of Crampton’s Gap 292 engaged at Crampton’s Gap, and drafted what became the is that Cobb’s brigade was in the act and had four killed, 39 wounded, private and penal law portions of of taking position above and behind and two missing at Sharpsburg. It the Georgia Code of 1861, which Col. Thomas Munford’s line of battle sustained 36 casualties at Freder- was the first successfully enacted just as it gave way. Holding the ex - icksburg, reported 14 killed and 73 attempt at a comprehensive codi- treme right, the Cobb Legion Infantry wounded at Chancellorsville, and fication of the common law any- was quickly surrounded and nearly of the 303 at Gettysburg, 17 per- where in the United States. annihilated by the New Jersey Bri- cent were disabled. Many were gade. Within twenty minutes the captured at Sayler’s Creek and The T. R. R. Cobb House, built in Legion suffered 72 percent casualties, only four officers and 56 men 1842, is an historic octagon house many taken as prisoners of war. surrendered on April 9. 1865. where Thomas Cobb and his wife

Marion lived. On June 30, 1975, In this horrible predicament the it was added to the National Reg- Legion likely would have followed ister of Historic Places. Munford’s men in panicked retreat up

the mountain. But its lieutenant colo- Originally located at 194 Prince nel, Jefferson M. Lamar, held them to Avenue in Athens, Ga, it is now a their impossible work until he had house museum across Prince been twice shot, once mortally. By Avenue from its original location. holding on to the last possible moment In1985 this house was almost lost Lamar bought time for to the advancement of Athens and to assemble a last-ditch stand in the A picture of Thomas Cobb during was transported 60 miles to Stone gap, further forestalling Union pene- the War. Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, tration into Pleasant Valley where it The cavalry battalion was event- Georgia, where it was partially would compromise Gen. Robert E. ually designated as the 9 th Georgia reassembled about 1990. Stone Lee’s tenuous hold on South Mountain Cavalry, but continued to be Mountain Park had hoped to and with it the Confederate expedition known as “Cobb’s Legion.” restore the house, but the project into Maryland.

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March, 2014

Humor from our Confederate Ancestors: Part II

This is the “rest of the story” begun Texans entreated the Tarheels who colonel was firm: "You are not in the February issue. "stuck" during the War to a dif- Jesus Christ; that is not an ass; you By Vicki Heilig ferent action when the War ended. are not on your way to Jerusalem; Historian General, U.D.C. A North Carolina unit passed and the sooner you restore that homebound Lone Star boys and horse to its owner, the better it will RIVALRY AND REPARTEE asked if the Texans had any bacon. be for you." Rivalry between the two sides The answer was negative, but they could sometimes turn to compass- mused that if they could find Sometimes the religious teaching sion and an opportunity for frat- some, the Tarheels could "grease did not hit its mark. Wilson's ernization. When a Federal soldier up and slide back in to the Union." Zouaves, a company, in the Petersburg trenches dressed a heard a visiting chaplain who was ramrod in his hat and shirt and THE WIT OF CLERICS unaware that their unit understood lifted it above the trench, the The clergy assigned to the army very little English. After the ser- Confederates across the way yelled: were often a source of humor. On mon, Captain Wilson addressed "It won't do, Yank, your neck is too July 16, 1862, James Warnell of the company: skinny! Place your head under the the 5th Georgia Cavalry recorded Boys, I want you to remember hat and we'll accommodate you!" in his diary: what the minister has told you. It Preaching at 4 o’clock by the Rev. is all for your good. Take his General D. H. Hill of North Caro- Mr. Paine. Sermon not very con- advice and follow it, for there is lina was guilty of fostering a rivalry soling to the friends of those who no knowing but what in less than between the infantry and the cav- has fell on our battle field. After six months every one of you will be alry. He is reported to have stated role call Mr. Paine made a in hell! that he never saw a dead soldier speech, I suppose, on the criciss of A voice roared: "Three cheers for wearing spurs. Hill stood up for the day in which he informed us hell!" Loud yells came from the infantry on another occasion when that he would have been a capt. in unit. The chaplain was mystified he denied a musician's request for the confederate army if he would and asked for an explanation. furlough with the cryptic notation: & his health would have admitted, Wilson was matter-of-fact in his "Shooters before tooters." also that he was willing to be on answer: the confederate servis for 20 years The boys don't know much about Good-natured rivalry also existed rather than be subgated. How Scripture. They think hell is among the troops of the Southern unfortunate it is so many Patriots somewhere between Montgomery states. Because North Carolinians are in such bad health. and New Orleans and they are boasted that they lived "in a valley damned anxious to get down in of humility between two mountains Another man of the cloth took that neighborhood. of conceit," the Virginians delight- advantage of a Virginia farmer to ed in calling their southern neigh- increase his own comfort by com- GENERAL HUMOR bors "Tarheels." Once, when an mandeering the farmer's horse. Even the dour and strait-laced Old Dominion regiment passed a When he re-joined his regiment, Stonewall Jackson was occa- North Carolina unit, the men the colonel asked him where he sionally capable of humor. One shouted: "Any more tar down in got the horse. "Down the road instance came at the expense of the Old North State boys?" "No, there," the chaplain answered. General J. E. B. Stuart. Much not a bit," was the reply. "Old Jeff's Suspecting the truth, the regiment- respect and affection existed bought it all up." "Is that so? What al commander was explicit in between the two warriors. When is he going to do with it?" Back ordering the chaplain to return the Stuart arrived at Jackson's head- came the North Carolina response: horse. Just as strongly, the chap- quarters one night after Jackson "He's going to put it in you'ns heels lain argued that "Jesus Christ, had gone to bed, the cavalry chief to make you stick better in the when he was on earth, took an ass climbed into his bed without fight." whereon to ride to Jerusalem." The See p. 4, “Confederate Humor”

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Emerald Guards Continued from p. 1 March, 2014

The 8th was the first Alabama became indignant and “tore their regiment to enlist in the Confed- battle-flag into shreds to retain as erate army, and fought in just mementos.” about every major battle of the (Source: http://irishamericanwar war. At the start of the war, this veterans.blogspot.com/2011/04/iri group even wore green berdan sh-units-in-confederacy.html uniforms. Company E of the 9 th Louisiana Infantry was composed of, as

Wheat’s Tiger Rifles were, mostly Flag of the 33 rd VA Company E, Irish Americans. Company E also (Source: http://8thalabama.org) Emerald Guard called itself the Emerald Guard. Image courtesy of (Source: Wikipedia) Their banner was unique as well. iris hbrigadegiftshop.com

On one side was a Confederate First National flag ("Stars and Bars") on one side with a full- Confederate Humor Continued from p. 3 length figure of George Washing- ton in the center. On its opposite removing anything but his sword. escaping from the Federals. The side was a green field, with a harp The next morning, when Jackson squirrel would not stay in its cage, surrounded by a wreath of sham- emerged from his tent, Stuart and on occasion it bit its captors and rocks, and the slogans, "ERIN GO greeted him pleasantly: "Good their friends. Lee was amused by BRAGH!" (Ireland Forever!) and morning, General Jackson. How are the letters from his daughters. He "FAUGH A BALLAGH!" (Clear you?" appreciated the animal's antics, yet The Way!). his advice for the girls—"Squirrel

Jackson's answer was somber: soup thickened with peanuts. Custis An enlistment banner for the unit "General Stuart, I am always glad to Morgan in such an exit from the at that time pro-claimed: “Men of see you here. You might select stage would cover himself with the Auld Sod! Sons of Erin! The better hours sometimes, but I am glory"—was rejected. After six deep green uniforms of Company always glad to see you." Jackson months, perhaps expecting the gen- I, 8th Alabama Emerald Guard rubbed his shins as if in pain, then eral not to be as understanding as should be seen again on the Field added: "But, General you must not the girls, Custis Morgan escaped of Honor! Good men of Irish get into my bed with your spurs on through a window and was never origin or ancestry are needed to and ride like [you were on] a seen again. com-mand and fill the ranks. cavalry horse all night!" Bibliography March under the green banner Collection of soldiers' letters at the once again. Contact Major Though General Robert E. Lee led Virginia Center for Civil War Michael Kelley for information.” the Army of Northern Virginia Studies at Virginia Tech. Robertson,

through the whole war, he found Jr., James I. Soldiers Blue and At the Battle of Frazier’s Farm time to write family members and Gray. Columbia, SC: they engaged Meagher’s Irish comment on their daily lives. In University of Press, Brigade. The 8 th Alabama fought 1864 when the doldrums of wartime 1988. Various soldiers' memoirs. in some of the bloodiest and most Richmond increased, daughter Wiley, Bell I. The Life of Johnny savage battles of the Civil War - Mildred decided the family needed Reb: The Common Soldier of the Sharpsburg (Antietam), 2 nd Battle a pet. She caught and tried to Confederacy. Garden City, NY: of Manassas (Bull Run), Gettys- domesticate a squirrel that she Doubleday, 1971. burg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania named Custis Morgan—Custis for Reprinted with the permission of and Cold Harbor. When rumors of her brother and Morgan for John the author from The U.D.C. surrender reached them they Hunt Morgan, who was a master at Magazine - August 2003

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March, 2014 My Ancestors in the 10 th Battalion, Virginia Heavy Artillery

By Steve Smith The final member of the 10 th that I have traced is Pvt. James W. Of the Confederate veterans I have Leftwich, also of Co. B. His 2x so far connected to my family tree, Great-Grandfather, Augustine the 10 th Virginia Heavy Artillery is Leftwich, Sr., was my 6x Great- rd one of the most well represented Grandfather. James was my 3 units. I have traced seven ancest- cousin, 4 times removed. ors who served in Allen’s Battalion (10 th ) Virginia Heavy Artillery.

The 10 th was organized into five companies on April 4, 1862, on Jamestown Island. The battalion’s When Richmond fell on April 3, th first commander was Major William 1865, the companies of the 10 Allen. He resigned four and a half joined the retreating columns of months later. Major James O. Lee’s army, sharing the army’s Hensley commanded the battalion fate at Sailor’s Creek and Appom- for the remainder of the war. attox Courthouse. The battalion surrendered at Appomattox with The 10 th left Jamestown Island in 103 officers and men. early May 1862 with General J.E. th Johnston’s army to reinforce the All my 10 Virginia ancestors defenses of Richmond. The served in Co. B. Robert Burwell battalion remained there for the next Claytor was the Captain of Co. B. three years, manning the guns of the His Grandfather was Samuel capital’s defenses. The 10 th helped Claytor, my 4x Great-Grandfather. st to throw back the Kilpatrick- Robert was my 1 cousin, 4 times Dahlgren Raid in March 1864. It removed. Attention, readers:

also served in the defenses at If you are still getting The Blade His brothers, Sgt. David Mitchell Drewry’s Bluff. Like most heavy via US Mail, isn’t it time you th Claytor, Pvt. James Harvey artillery units, the 10 drilled as switched to the email version? Claytor and Pvt. John Pope infantrymen and could handle rifles Don’t you want to see pictures in Claytor served along side of him as well as heavy cannon. They color? in Co. B. Pvt. John Pope Claytor were also proficient engineers. Don’t you want to be able to died of unknown causes on access live web links? September 11, 1864 at Bainbridge, Don’t you want to receive The Georgia, aged 29. Blade as soon as it is published?

Send an email to the editor at: Cousins of these Claytor boys [email protected] were Pvt. Jesse M. Claytor and We’ll save the Camp the postage, Sgt. Samuel Graham Claytor, both st and you will be able to fully enjoy my 1 cousins, 4 times removed. The Blade! They also served in Co. B.

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TTTHETHE GGGILMORGILMOR BLADE Bruce and Nancy Null 2600 Masseth Avenue Baltimore, MD 21219

The Gilmor Blade is the monthly publication of the Col. Harry W. Gilmor Camp #1388, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Subscriptions are available for non-members for $6.00 per year. Any individual interested in a subscription should send a check payable to Col. H.W. Gilmor Camp #1388, SCV to Nancy Null, Editor, at the address above.

SAVE THE DATE: March Camp meeting 3/12/14