Summer 2013 - Florida Division SCV

Florida Blockade RunnerSons of Confederate Veterans - Florida DivisionVolume 30, Issue 3 Summer 2013Sesquicentennial of the War Between The StatesThe 43 rd Annual Florida Division Reunion UpdateOcala, Florida – May 31 - June 2, 2013Pictures of this Florida Division Convention were taken and provided to this publication by Jim Kimbough

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 243rd Florida Division ReunionUpdate - 2013The 43 rd , Florida Division Reunion, Sonsof Confederate Veterans was held at the HolidayInn and Suites, located at 3600 SW 38 th Ave.,Ocala, Florida.The prelude to the reunion commencedwith the registration of Compatriots at 4:00pm onMay 31 st . This was followed by two hours of fellowshipsocial whereby all enjoyed a deliciousvariety of finger foods, provided by the ladies ofthe Order of Confederate Rose, Florida society.The opening ceremony commencedpromptly at 8:30am on June 1 st . Greetings andwelcoming messages were delivered by: FloridaState Representative Dennis Baxley, Major DonMaines (Marion County Sheriff’s Department),AOT Commander Tom Strain, Mrs. Sylvia Darby,Florida president of the OCR, and U.D.C.state president Ms. Dianna J. Byther.Representatives from 31 camps of theDivision were represented when Division CommanderJim Davis opened the business sessions.During the morning session, two important proposedamendments to the Division Charter werediscussed and passed.The assembly was also afforded valuableinformation about issues of Heritage Violationsby Eugene Hogan, National Chief of HeritageDefense.During the awards luncheon, guest speakerMr. Randy Bailey, gave a very interesting programabout the life and career of CSA GeneralGeorge Pickett.During the afternoon session, CompatriotJack Marlar (National SCV Field Representative)gave a presentations on recruiting and retention ofmembers and our Division Adjutant William Nicholsonheld a workshop on the new manual forcamp Adjutants.The Graves Committee provided a presentationon the status of Florida Confederate CemeteryLocation Project.At 4pm, Captain David King held the MechanizedCavalries breakout.During the evening banquet, Mr. DaleCox (Florida’s own author) gave a griping programabout Florida’s Alamo, the intense battle ofMarianna, Florida.Cmdr.Jim Davis called for a General ExecutiveCouncil meeting, convening at 8:30am, June 2 nd .The meeting was concluded at 10:30am, thusbringing to a close a very successful 43 rd annualFlorida Division Reunion.

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 3Commander Douglass Dawson MemorialThe Florida Division has created a memorial fund in the memory of Past Florida DivisionCommander Doug Dawson. The memorial fund will purchase a bench to be placed at theWhite Springs Flag Site to honor his memory.Doug Dawson commanded the Florida Division from 2004 till June 2012 and during thattime he constantly promoted the division and our Southern Heritage. No division commanderhas impacted the division in as many areas as Commander Dawson did. Help us preserve hismemory.Donations and questions concerning the memorial should be directed to Larry Powell at; E-mail Red-ShirtCSA@aol.com or via telephone at 561-795-9494US mail: 13295 80 th Lane N. W.Palm Beach, FL 33412Checks Should Be Made To The Florida Division SCV2013 - 2014 Annual Dues Renewal ReminderAt this time, we remind all members that the annual dues are to be submitted to your respective Camp Adjutant. As voted onat the Florida Reunion, the Florida Division dues are now $15.00. Note that your membership on the local level also requiresNational and Chapter dues. All must be submitted to their respective parties by October 31st. Otherwise, a late fee will berequired. Please consider renewing your annual dues in a timely manner.Contribution RequestWhen submitting in your yearly dues for the 2013-2014 period, we ask all members to also consider making some contributionto the following projects:1. Flags Across Florida Fund - This fund was created to maintain and upkeep the various Flags Across Florida Memorialslocated in White Springs, FL, Tampa, FL and near Tallahassee, FL2. Flag Restoration Fund - This fund was created to restore various regimental flags carried into battle by our ancestors asthey fought during the War Between the States. These restored flags are on display in Tallahassee, FL.3. Sam Davis Youth Camp Sponsorship Fund - This fund was created to offer scholarships to our youth so that they canlearn more about the War Between the States. The Sam Davis Youth Camp is a yearly event that is held every Summer. Its location is announced the beginning of each year.4. Heritage Defense Fund - This fund was created to recruit and hire attorneys to fight the various attacks on our heritagefrom time to time and to fight to make sure our ancestor’s memorial monuments are not removed, vandalized, or destroyed.Your contributions are greatly appreciated for these worthwhile causes.The Florida Blockade Runner is mailed three times a year by the Florida Division of Confederate Veterans. Regular subscriptionprice is $15.00 a year. Please direct all editorial mail and advertising copy to the following e-mail address: flblockaderunner@gmail.com.This publication assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts which are not accompanied by selfaddressedmailer with return postage affixed. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this issue or portions thereof inany form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage andretrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher. All subscription inquiries should be addressed to JeffreySizemore, 1731 Woodside Court, Kissimmee, FL 34744. He can be contacted via e-mail at flblockaderunner@gmail.com.

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 4Editors EmeritusRichard Warner Ron Thomas Mark D. Lowe John H. Ratliff John W. AdamsLester Williams Donald Lee Wehr George S. Catoe Dean Boggs A. Robert KuykendalDoug Dawson Jeffrey Sizemore Kevin Spargur E. J. Stanley James S. Davis

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 5Rifles, Rails & History: Steam Back to the North and Southby Bob GrenierAn exciting new event will take place on September 27-29, 2013, at Wooton Park on the shore of beautiful Lake Dorain Tavares, Florida. The Florida Division Sons of Confederate Veterans are proud to be a sponsor of “Rifles, Rails & History:Steam Back to the North and South” living history encampment.Rifles, Rails & History will provide the sons and daughters of the Confederacy a center stage to showcase our SouthernHeritage. One of the unique aspects of the event is that it will not be held in a distant field, but right in the heart of downtownTavares – the capital of Lake County. Popular for its famous water-themed events and national fishing tournaments,Tavares is a community that honors its southern history and builds upon its rich heritage. It was founded in 1880 by Confederateveteran, Maj. Alexander St. Clair Abrams, and before that, the area was home to Confederate cavalry captain, MeltonHaynes.One of the “star” attractions during this three-day event will be the Orange Blossom Cannonball "movie train" featuredin the miniseries “North and South Part I & II” and “The Blue and the Gray”, as well as appearing in many feature films, including“True Grit” and “3:10 to Yuma.” Participants, visitors, and guests will have an opportunity to be part of movie historyaboard the 1907 steam locomotive #2, and ride in the coaches where famous stars such as Robert Redford, George Clooney,Patrick Swayze, and Jodi Foster once posed.The schedule of activities will include a parade down Main Street, artillery, cavalry, infantry, and navy demonstrations,sutlers, a ladies tea and fashion show, an historic walking tour, a Friday night “cocktails and rails” party on the OrangeBlossom Cannonball, a formal Saturday night ball, and many exhibitors. Kirby-Smith Camp 1209 of Jacksonville will makethe voyage to Tavares with their replica of the H. L. Hunley, the 12 th Brigade will host a booth focusing on Florida during thewar and the Jubal Early Camp 556 are going to man the Florida Division Recruiting and Information booth. Special guests includeGen. Robert E. Lee portrayer, Mr. Al Stone, who portrayed General Lee in the History Channel’s documentary April1865 and has portrayed General Lee at Stratford Hall for several years.Please mark your calendars for September 27-29 to visit and participate in this exciting new event, “Rifles, Rails &History: Steam Back to the North and South.” For more information visit the event website at www.riflesrailsandhistory.com.For more information on the “movie train” visit www.orangeblossomcannonball.com.New Member InstallationsGeorge W. Perry Camp #471Miami, FL14th Brigade Commander Mike Mitchell installs new camp members of the GeorgeW. Perry Camp 471 in Miami Florida on March 21. On the left is Greg Kaloff, Adjutant,and on the right is Ray Hatfield, Commander.Lt. General Stephen Dill Lee, Commanding General,United Confederate Veterans, 1906:“To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we submit the vindication of the Cause for which we fought; to your strength willbe 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, he loved and which made him glorious and which you cherish. Remember, it is yourduty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations.”

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 6Executive Council MeetingMinutes of June 2, 2013Commander Davis opened the meeting at 8:30 A.M. Chief-of-Staff Richard Lee took minutes of the meeting. The followingDivision Officers were present for the meeting;Commander Jim Davis1st Lt. Commander Calvin Hart 2nd Lt. Commander Robert Hurst3rd Lt. Commander Don Young 4th Lt. Commander Harry Hurst5th Lt. Commander Dr. Bobby SmithBrigade Commanders1st Kenneth Daniel3rd Kelly Crocker6th Chris Bunton8th Chuck Kadel10th Larry Rowe14th Mike Mitchell2nd Charles Morse5th Byron Peavy7th Clement Lindsay9th Phil Walters12th Wesley Frank15th Tom FyockNon-voting members present were Chief-of-Staff Richard Lee and Chaplin Andy Sistrunk. The Division had a quorum.Commander Davis discussed the Tavares Rifles, Rails and History event scheduled for the last weekend in September.The items discussed were:Division Booths for:‣ FL DIV Information & Recruiting‣ Florida’s Railroads During the War‣ Florida During the War‣ Black Confederates‣ Camp 556 said they would provide the information and recruiting booth and the 12thBrigade will host the booth for Florida During the War.‣ A motion was made by Don Young and seconded by Mike Mitchell for the Division to pay $100.00 to be a sponsor Rifles,Rails and History event. The motion passed.Commander Davis discussed a Leadership Workshop that would take place the first weekend in November 2013, at LakeCity.‣ 3rd Lt. Commander Don Young will have 1 ½ hours for the Best Practices presentation. David McCallister gave an updateon the Dixie County Case and informed us that the cased is settled and the Division will be receiving a deed for thesmall piece of property.The Division Chaplin explained the process on having sympathy cards sent to deceased members family. Commander Davisproposed that the Division Co-Sponsor some events with local Camps. These events should be limited in number and in differentareas of the state.‣ Events identified during the meeting were Olustee and Natural Bridge.‣ A motion was made by Harry Hurst and seconded by Mike Mitchell that the final version of a request form for Camps torequest their event be Division Co-Sponsored, could be approved via e-mail. The motion passed.

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 7Don Young presented several proposed Florida specific recruiting handouts which will be e- mailed to each DEC member fortheir review and comments.The Flags Across Florida Sites were discussed. The two topics of discussion were: (1) No published mission statement or policyconcerning their purpose and use, and (2) The placement of memorials to deceased SCV members on Flags Across FloridaProperty.‣ A motion was made by mike Mitchell and seconded by Harry Hurst that a monument be erected to Past Commander DougDawson at the White Springs Flag site. The motion passed.‣ A motion was made by Phil Walters and seconded by Harry Hurst that the Sentinel Committee develop a mission statementand policy (to include that all previously approved additions to FAF sites be grandfathered in) to be presented to theDEC for approval.The meeting was adjourned at 10:31 A.M.Florida DivisionLegionnaire of the YearArticle submitted by David McCallisterLegionnaire Al McCray of the JudahP. Benjamin Camp 2210 has a distinguishedservice record in living the “Charge” anddefending his Southern heritage against verytall odds. He has done so with distinction byactions that have reflected upon and influencedMILLIONS.Al is well known and respected withinTampa Bay’s political and media circles,founding and owning “Tampa Bay News &Talk” an internet based mass communicationsbusiness. He’s a former Tampa chapterNAACP member and active on many communitybased councils.Al introduced himself to our“Cause” during the 2008 defense of Tampa’sConfederate Memorial Park serving upon theGeneral Jubal A. Early camp’s Heritage Offensiveteam, (along with myself, DavidMcCallister, Bart & Lunelle Siegel and MarionLambert) which was heavily engaged inlocal, state and national media during thesummer of 2008 defending Tampa’s new“Confederate Memorial Park” (ie: The Flagsite)from attacks. Al’s primary role he created was of defining the history of the South & it’s symbols as Honorable, diverseand inclusive of minorities while expounding upon President’s Lincoln’s true opinion and actions as anti minority and historicallyre-written in modern times. Al’s area of our total plan resulted in destroying the lies perpetrated by the local NAACP,drawing them out to the point where we had solid grounds for a libel & slander lawsuit with Mr. McCray as plaintiff, theTampa chapter president was reprimanded by the national chapter for poor actions, ultimately resulting in the resignation ofsaid President. To date, we have little opposition from the local NAACP chapter concerning any of our projects.

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 8Al has lead the way with dialog for Confederate topics within the area’s black community by prominently and steadfastlyprojecting his Southern heritage. This has opened many doors including those of County Commissioners, State representatives,heads of government agencies along with community activists producing interactions including mass media stories,radio shows, internet interviews and video productions.One noteworthy example of legionnaire McCray’s ability to influence and advance true history was his rebuttal in2011 to syndicated Miami Herald columnist Leonard Pitt’s vicious attack upon our Heritage. Al responded with fact, antidoteand passion in a reply that was nearly as widely published as Mr. Pitts lies. Publications included most of Florida’s largestnewspapers such as the Tampa Tribune, St. Pete Times, Miami Herald, Tallahassee Democrat and many others with readershipexposure into the millions.Participation in our camp’s many parades is routine. Same for generating publicity for our events such as the 150 thSesquicentennial of the Battle of Tampa or the re-enactment of the Military Presentation of the Color’s to Tampa’s “SunnySouth Guards,” events where he serves as a media point man for information and interviews. So dedicated is he to parades, inill health and facing major surgery (5 hours under the knife a week after the parade) Al made the 300 mile round trip to DixieCounty to participate with the Benjamin camp in Cross City’s annual Martin Luther King Day” parade.As a disabled American veteran, Al particularly enjoys veterans parades. Unfortunately, our camp’ s first appearancein the Town & County Veterans Day parade (Tampa) resulted in the camp withdrawing from the parade less than an hour beforestep off. This situation occurred because a parade official who witnessed an overzealous Southerner (LegionnaireMcCray) hanging from the window of the camp’s “ Capt. Dickison Grey Ghost” ’71 Javelin proudly waving the CS Battleflag in the staging area prompted the official to ban the Battle flag in the parade. With our camp’s zero tolerance of such discrimination,we immediately rerouted our contingency of members, float and vehicles to the Ruskin parade, greatly increasingour presentation there and generating acclaim and a trophy. The following week, dialog with the Town & Country officialsbegan. Initially, parade organizers did not reciprocate communications with our camp. When Al initiated contact with themthey greatly warmed up for conversation as Al request their position as to why they violated a disabled Vet’s Civil Rights bykicking him & his contingency out of the Veterans parade for a story he was writing for publication in Tampa Bay News &Talk. This misunderstanding was promptly solved with the Benjamin camp invited to attend the 2014 parade WITH OURFLAGS………Additionally, legionnaire McCray’s accolades include being a founding member of the Judah P. Benjamincamp 2210 SCV and founding Board member of the Tampa Bay Sesquicentennial Commission. He’s been the keynotespeaker at Confederate Memorial Day events and at camp meetings. Most importantly, he has a burning desirein his heart to dispel revised Southern history before a very large audience. While small in stature, LegionnaireMcCray is large in courage, determination and heart. This nomination request was submitted by Phil Waters, FirstLt. Commander and Acting Adjutant for the Judah P. Benjamin Camp # 2210It is with real honor that the Florida Division recognize Al McCray as Legionnaire of the Year for the SCV FloridaDivision.I believe that the world never produced a body of men superior in courage, patriotism, and enduranceto the private soldiers of the Confederate armies. I have repeatedly seen these soldiers submit withcheerfulness to privations and hardships which would appear to be almost incredible; and the wildcheers of our brave men when their lines sent back opposing hosts of Federal troops, staggering, reeling,and flying, have often trilled every fiber of my heart. I have seen with my own eyes ragged, barefootedand hungry Confederate soldiers perform deeds which if performed in days of yore by mailed warriors inglittering armor, would have inspired the harp of the minstrel and the pen of the poet.Lt. General Jubal Anderson Early, CSA

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 9

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 10Our Confederate Prisoners of WarBy William H. Nicholson, Jr.I have pondered for some time the subject on the War Between the States, and inparticular our brave young lads who died in those horrible Yankee Prison Camps. Whenone hears of those (POW) camps, it seems only one ever come up. “Andersonville”, Andersonvilleand those dirty rebels treated, starved and murdered those poor Union boys.No one ever got the facts right and an innocent and brave Major Wirz was hanged forcrimes he did not commit, if fact he had been seen the tears streaming down his face whenin the hospitals watching the suffering of those men. Not a man ever died that he did not see that his grave was distinctlymarked so that his mother could come and claim that body. But yet he was hung even after prisoners from the camp werewilling to come and testify in his behalf, be their testimony was not accepted by the Federal authorities. Everything that occurredat Andersonville And Andersonville lives on in history.But why haven’t we heard of what happened to our young brave lads in Northern Prison Camps,Why hasn’t the story of Camp Douglas been so splashed and rubbed into the public conscience.My thanks to the History Channel for producing and airing ’80 Acres of Hell’ and Chicago attorney/historianGeorge Levy, without whom Camp Douglas would be portrayed forever as the Chicago Hilton. Eighty Acres of Hell is abouta 90 minute presentation about Camp Douglas. Also thanks goes to Wikipedia for the extremely accurate facts and attentionto detail in covering the topic of Camp Douglas. And my personal thanks to Evelyn Sapp of Ocala, Florida for her researchin this article.What I’m about to put in writing are excerpts of that airing of ’80 Acres of Hell’. Neither side thought the war wasgoing to last long so Prisoner of War camps were not a priority. We also tend to look at the past through the eyes of the present.Most people were accustomed to a level of hardship that we today would find unbearable. And, unfortunately, thatkind of brutality continues still today. “The Union eventually, wrote General Order 100 which set up guidelines of humanetreatment but no one at Camp Douglas observed them. Total Power over other human beings brings about total corruption.Camp Douglas was originally a recruiting camp located 4 miles south of downtown Chicago, surrounded by swampyprairie, near Lake Michigan and the Illinois Central Railroad.The site was a poor choice because of its wet, low-lying location. The camp originally lacked sewers and the prairieon which it was built could not absorb the waste from thousands of humans and horses. It was estimated that 3000 gallonsof urine a day was produced by the men, 20, 000 gallons of urine and 15 tons of manure a day by the horses. The prairie justcould not absorb it. It flooded with each rainfall. In the winter it was a sea of mud when the ground was not frozen. Whenthe camp opened, only one water hydrant worked. There was a severe shortage of latrines and medical facilities from thetime of the camp’s initial use through the incarceration of the first group of Confederate prisoners in mid-1862.By November Camp Douglas housed about 4222 volunteer Union soldiers. In an ominous preview of the effects of living atthe camp on the future prisoners, the recruits, who were in better physical condition than the later prisoners, suffered 42deaths from disease by February of 1862.Colonel James A. Mulligan was in charge when about 7000 Confederate POWs were sent to Camp Douglas in Februaryof 1862 where they were housed along with the Union recruits who left on February 23, 1862. Since it was more of acamp than a prison, POWs would avail themselves of the sights of Chicago and then be recaptured. No prisoners or escapeeswere ever accused of improper behavior towards ladies or civilians, unlike Union recruits who abused pass privilegeswith drunk and disorderly conduct.Chicago wanted the war. With ten thousand dollars a month of Federal money coming in, it soon became a wealthytown accompanied with all the vices that came with it. To make matters worse, an enterprising civilian built a viewing platformwhere Chicagoans, for a dime, could look at the Confederate POWs from a safe vantage point as if they were view animalsin a cage. One Confederate Soldier stated “We hated it and we resented it! What are we, animals in a zoo? That iswhat it made us feel like. We were men, soldiers, proud of our cause. They had already treated us rudely, so some of uswere rude back!”

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 11Smallpox breaks out. A pest house is set up, but patients were sent back to barracks with open sores. Hordes of flies,contaminated water, diphtheria and dysentery kill 1 in 8 prisoners.British Volunteer, Henry M Stanley {of Dr. Livingston fame} was a prisoner at Camp Douglas and recorded his observationson the dysentery: “Exhumed corpses could not have presented anything more hideous than these half dead men,who oblivious to weather, hung over latrines or lay extended along the open sewer with only a few gasps intervening betweenthem and death. One man insanely damned his vitals and his constitution because his agonies were so long protracted!”Colonel Hoffman, Commissary General of the Union, considered success measured by how little money he spent onthe up keep of Confederate POWs. On the spring of 1862 he ordered Mulligan to cut rations to the Confederates with theexcuse that they will get fat off their rations since they weren’t doing anything. Ironic since with dysentery they could notkeep any food down anyway.The cut in rations coincided with the defeat at Shiloh and the population swelled to 9000 Confederates. In June of1862, Colonel Joseph Tucker takes command of the camp. He is disgusted by what he finds.The prisoners are striving, the death rate is 36 a week and his guards are corrupt. When 25 prisoners escape, he arrestedseveral citizens and declared martial law for the surrounding area, to include Chicago University.He hired local policemen to come in and do a search of the camp, and action that caused much lasting animosityfrom the prisoners. William Barrow, a Confederate prisoner, wrote: “The yanks came with the police from Chicago andwent around in the prisoner’s quarters. They took watches, money, rings, cigars and cloths. The police came through ourranks and searched us, taking pocket knives and money”.That was not all they found. Several wives of soldiers who had been there for 8 weeks were also discovered.They had been discovered before but requested to stay with their husbands.Colonel Hoffman, who had a reputation as a merciless jailor, made them an offer: The colonel offered to transportthe women to the end of the Union lines, but they refused. He then tried to get them to stay in boarding houses in the Chicagoarea until kin their kin were released. They said no as well to that. Finally, he said they could stay in the camp as nursesto the sick and as laundresses. They agreed. It was hard, but at least they could be with their loved ones and help when theycould. The ladies stayed in that situation until the last prisoners left.During this time Colonel Tucker applied for more sewers to be built, but Hoffman told him to be more concernedwith prisoner security than with prisoner comfort.By the end of June 1862, 500 Southerners (Confederates) had died and word had reached Washington of the deplorableconditions. Henry Bellow, head of the Sanitary Commission visited Camp Douglas and reported the following: “Sir, theamount of standing water, un-policed grounds, of foul sinks, of unventilated and crowded barracks, of general disorder, ofsoil reeking miasmatic accretions, of rotten bones and emptying of camp kettles, is enough to drive a sanitarian to despair. Ihope that no thought will be entertained of mending matters. The absolute abandonment of the spot seems to be the onlyjudicious course. I do not believe that any amount of drainage would purge that soil loaded with accumulated filth or thosebarracks fetid with two stories of vermin and animal exhalations. Nothing but fire can cleanse them.”Even though Hoffman had requested improvements, he kept Bellows reports secret. A prisoner exchange emptiedthe Camp by fall of 1862 but not before 980 Confederate prisoners and 240 Union army trainees had died, all from disease.The Chicago Tribune had no sympathy for the departing soldiers. An editorial read: It is no wonder they died so rapidly. It isonly a wonder that the whole 8000 of the filthy hogs did not go home in pine boxes instead of on their feet”.In September of 1862 Brigadier General Tyler relieved Tucker and Camp Douglas once again became a holding areafor union soldiers. This time they were waiting for exchanging formalities to be completed. Conditions they thought werefine for Confederate prisoners were unacceptable to the Yankee soldiers. Here is what one had to say: “Oh, how dirty andfilthy the conditions were. Here we got our first introduction to the greyback and plenty of ‘em! We got what the boys called“lousy” for good. It was a fearful place to put us in”.

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 12Conditions were so bad the Union army parolees became mutinous, set fire to the barracks and fences, and destroyed1/3 of the camp. General Tyler brought in regular US Troops to stop the riots and soon the parolees were being treated likeprisoners until the exchanges were completed in November 1862. The detainees left camp and so did Tyler. However, amember of the sanitation board was ecstatic. He commented: “The immense destruction of animal life in the form of lice waswonderful. Had less of the filthy and rickety quarters been spared, greater sanitary effects would have been the result”.Corruption and bribes went as high as the oval office. With President Lincoln’s knowledge a Commander Browningset up an industry where if a family sent 250.00 to him (Browning) he would get Lincoln to sign a pardon. Business got to beso busy he started bypassing Lincoln and going directly to Colonel Hoffman. A law firm in Kentucky with ties to Lincolnwas doing the same thing. I don’t think that part was in the film “Lincoln” recently put out.January 6 1863 under Brigadier General Ammen, 4300 Confederate POW’s started pouring back in. In February of1863, 387 of 3884 prisoners died. This was the highest mortality rate in any Prisoner Of War camp for any month of thewar. Prisoners, some of who were nearly naked and starved to death, had to endure the record -20 degree winter. Nevertheless,when Colonel Hoffman sends an inspector in March, he receives a glowing report of how the barracks had been rebuilt,food plentiful, the hospital well supplied and the Confederate prisoners as comfortable as regular troops. This, despite smallpox,typhoid and pneumonia reported throughout the barracks. Smallpox was later spread to Virginia and other northern citiesthrough prisoner exchanges where there were infected Confederates.A few days later a group of Chicago physicians visit the camp and are horrified at what they find. They send a reportto Secretary of War Edwin Stanton that said: “Wretched inmates without a change of clothes, covered in vermin, lie in cotswithout mattresses or mattresses provided by private charity. Without sheets or bedding of any kind except for blankets whichare in rags, in wards reeking of filth and foul air. It will be seen that 260 of the 3800 prisoners have died in 21 days, a rate ofmortality that if continued, would see their total extermination in about 320 days.”At this point the hospital quit recording deaths to cover up the high mortality rate. Even the Chicago Tribune, who sostaunchly backed the administration, said the death rate was ridiculous. The death rate climbs as another smallpox outbreakoccurs. One Confederate prisoner described the scene: “The sight of 4 solemn men, dressed in butternut, bearing the corps ofa comrade to the death house was almost and hourly spectacle. They looked as though they were clothed in sackcloth andashes, doing penance for their sins.”Corrupt burial contractors do a very brisk business in supplying cadavers to Northern medical schools. Far more bodiesare dumped into Lake Michigan, only to wash on shore later.In March and April of that year 1863, they mercifully parole the prisoners in an exchange to avoid more blame for thedeaths. The camp once again returns to a union recruiting camp until victories for the North brought in new prisoners.Colonel Charles DeLand, a former POW in the South, was in command when 558 of General John Hunt Morgan’sguerilla raiders were brought in. A young black Confederate ( slave) that had been with the raiders from the beginning wasshot dead upon entering the camp as guards had an unspoken rule that any black Confederate was to be shot on sight when onfree soil. The raiders were appalled that the Yankees would do such a low down dirty thing.As you can see, the things that were done to our young lads were way far more horrible, despicable, cruel and in today’sterms crimes against humanity. But all we hear when POW Camps are talked about during the War Between the Statesis Andersonville. The brutality, murder that took place at Andersonville was done by the Yankee prisoners on each other andas for the food and clothing etc. (We) the South just did not have the supplies to give. Whereas in Northern camps everythingwas withheld from our Confederate prisoners because the feeling was as one Chicago Tribune editorial read: “It is no wonderthey died so rapidly. It is only a wonder that the whole 8000 of the filthy hogs did not go home in pine boxes instead of ontheir feet”.We should never forget our heritage and what our ancestors suffered for us. We have been handed a very importanttorch from them. It’s called {Our Southern Heritage Torch} it can’t be seen, because it’s in every Southern heart and souland as long as we stay true to our Southern Heritage we will never be stopped, as long as we keep the fire of our heritageburning in our hearts and soul as did our ancestors.

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 13JROTC - Implementing the ChargeCamp Commander Rene Marders presents to CadetAlexander Pintovidal at West Broward H.S.Camp Adjutant Brian Turner presents to CadetDamien Joseph Michel of Stoneman Douglas H.S.Camp JROTC Coordinator Joe Motes presents toCadet Cory Hock at Western H.S.Camp 1st.Lt. Commander William Hardy presents toCadet Mark Cabey at Charles Flanagan H.S.

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 14JROTC - Implementing the ChargeBy William N. HardyThe William H. Harris Camp 1395 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL is active in an Official SCV Program that promotes ourheritage, and that recognizes youth achievement. Three years ago a random phone inquiry started a chain of events that hasresulted in 24 JROTC Cadets receiving the prestigious H.L.Hunly Award in the South Florida area.National JROTC innovator and Coordinator “Trip” Wilson had a nomination for the Hunley Award to a 2nd year Cadet,from a local High School Senior Commander. Thinking it would be appropriate for a local SCV member to present the award,Trip contacted Harris Camp acquaintance, Compatriot Rob Jones for assistance. Rob collected the relevant details and passedthem on to camp Adjutant Bill Hardy. At the next camp meeting Compatriot Mike Mitchell was available, and willing topresent the award.Mike attended the JROTC Award Ceremony in period uniform, presented the award, and was warmly received andwelcomed. He happened to meet another presenter, Joe Motes, who informed him he was a past SCV member of the HarrisCamp.Joe Motes was promptly contacted by Adjutant Hardy, and just as promptly reinstated as an active SCV member. Andwhat a fortuitous encounter that was. Joe, a member of the Marine Cops League, and other service and heritage groups, was inregular contact with the 29 JROTC programs of the Broward County School Board.The Broward County School district is unique in that it has active JROTC programs in each of it!s 29 area high schools,making it the 3rd largest JROTC sponsor in the nation, serving over 7,000 cadets. Hardy and Motes wasted no time inproviding the 19 Senior Commanders with promotional information about the SCV H.L. Hunley Award.Normally sponsoring groups pay the $ 30 to obtain the Medal and ribbon / certificate and folder. However, as the 24member Harris camp could not financially commit to pay for so many awards, the program commanders were advised theywould have to offset the cost with Booster Club funds. Not withstanding that limitation, the first year implementation garnered6 Hunley Awards presented by Harris Camp Compatriots at JROTC Award Ceremonies.The second year saw recipients grow to 8 in area High Schools. In the year just concluded, 9 Cadets received the prestigiousH.L. Hunley Award. Further, more Cadets and Program Commanders now recognize the award, and several havecommented, “it is the handsomest award they bestow”.Beyond the growing popularity of the award among Cadets, an added bonus is the gratification Harris Camp membersexperience as presenters. The Award Ceremonies are impressive occasions, highlighting the outstanding nature of the variousCadets. With their families present, it is also a positive experience where SCV folks can meet with Mom and Dad, and siblings.It provides a great educational opportunity.The several photos that appear on page 13 are to show, not only recent Cadets, but also four named Harris CampCompatriots as they presented the H. L. Hunley Awards to proud JROTC Cadets. These occasions are truly a rewarding experiencefor all involved, the Senior Commanders, the Cadets, and their families, and last, but not least the Compatriots of theWilliam Henry Harris Camp 1395, who presented this year.Capt. Luke Lott’sCalhoun HomeGuardCamp #2212PresentationsCommander Larry Morse, Inductedinto the “Ranks of Honor” Compatriot'sBill Cloud and Jim McIntosh onMay 20 th 2013.“Special Appreciation Recognition” for Calhoun County Local LawEnforcement during the Week of May 12-18. Commander Larry Morsepresented Calhoun County Sheriff Glenn Kimbrell and Altha Police ChiefJames Baggett a Certificate of Appreciation for their Honorable Serviceto Calhoun County Citizens and the Community.

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 15CONFEDERATE STATUE "SGT FRANKLIN"SET IN BUCKINGHAM CEMETERY, FLOn May 27, 2013, a 46 inch high 385 pound statue of a ConfederateSoldier was placed in the historic Buckingham Cemetery. Thestatue named Sgt. Franklin will overlook, guard, and forever will be areminder of the sacrifice of the CSA soldier and to the 11 soldiers buriedin the cemetery.The statue was donated by Dr Jack Abel and his wife Jane,who brought the statue to Ft Myers from Macon Georgia, and given tothe Major W M Footman Camp #1950 Sons of Confederate Veteransand the Ft Myers United Daughters of the Confederacy under the stewardshipof Commander Robert Gates. Mrs Abel, as well hand painted"Sgt. Franklin".Tom Fyock and Eric Smith of the Major W.M. Footman Campbuilt a pedestal, using 18 bags of concrete. The pedestal was perfect inevery way. Robert Gates, Sean McFall and Weyman Edmunson deliveredthe statue and set him in place. The fit was beyond perfect. Thepictures do not do the new statue justice. It truly brightens the cemeteryand does so with honor. A plaque has been ordered and will eventuallybe installed as well.A special thanks goes out to each and everyone who assisted inthis project, a special thanks to the Abels for giving us Sgt. Franklin.(Submitted by Commander Robert Gates)Living History Weekend at the Florida Agricultural Museum/FarmBryon Peavy (5th Brigade Commander) in the backgroundand Bob Talton (Camp Member) in the forefront.Bob Talton doing some cooking at the campfire and Jim Edwards(camp 1316 adjutant), on the right . You can also seein the background little Evan Stroud, Bob's grandson.

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 16Bob Talton and Jim Edwards and two wellestablishedre-enactors, William and DonnaCobb. William and Donna are in the background.Top Picture: From left to right, Jim Edwards,Bob Talton, Bryon Peavy, and JimDavis. We are all preparing dinner.Left Picture: A group of us greeting visitorsto the Agricultural Museum/Farmand explaining the life during the period.Marsha Pomar, woman on the leftwith her back in the picture, is a memberof the Ancient City UDC Chapter2232. She just so happens to be littleEvan's mother and Bob Talton's daughter.This was one weekend of nothing but pure fun for our St. Augustine SCVCamp. The Living History Eventwas featured at the Florida Agricultural Museum/Farm, where riding tours were provided to guest throughout themuseum/farm by the agricultural staff. One of their stop-offs was our location, the farmhouse called the ClarkHomestead, where we greeted visitors and explained the history of the farm and its surrounding buildings. Thehouse was constructed in the 1890's and was built of yellow pine and cypress, (both woods being native to Floridaand extremely resistant to rot and insects). Today the house has a tin roof in the same that was put on the homeduring the early 1900's. The outbuildings were placed as they were originally, which included a chicken coop,smokehouse (our brigade commander did a lot of cooking in there), outhouse, corn crib, pole barn, sugar canecooker, and sugar cane press. The original syrup cooling house was converted into a small blacksmith shop and,during our weekend there, we actually had a blacksmith making items for sale. The present live stock consisted ofFlorida Cracker cattle, hens and rooster, and a piney rooter pig that went by the name Sweetpea. The garden crops,located behind the kitchen, varied with the seasons.Overall, everyone had a great time and our camp is looking forward to returning during the Pellicer CreekRaid event, scheduled on 12-13 Oct 2013, and once again performing at the Clark Homestead.

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 17A HeroBy Bob HurstWar can bring out the best in some people and the absolute worst in others. It can present a stage uponwhich the character and nobility of some can be recognized while revealing in others the total absence of these twotraits.An event that occurred in New Orleans early in 1862 allowed both sides of this phenomenon to be welldemonstrated.The War for Southern Independence produced many heroes and I have written about a number of these magnificentindividuals during the years I have been writing this column. There have been, of course, articles about outstandingmilitary leaders such as Nathan Bedford Forrest, Robert E. Lee, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, JEB Stuart,Pat Cleburne, Turner Ashby, Joe Wheeler and others. There have been articles about those whose realm was of thepolitical nature - Jefferson Davis and the "fire-eaters" come quickly to mind. Some of the Confederate heroes chronicledin this series were quite young like John Pelham, Richard Kirkland, Dewitt Jobe and more. The distaff sidehas also received attention in articles about Confederate heroes (or should I say "heroines") like Rose O'Neal Greenhow,Belle Boyd and Sally Tompkins.This article will be different from all those previous articles, however, because this hero (the subject of thisarticle) did not wear a uniform, was not a spy, was not involved with the government and, in fact, was not officiallyinvolved with any part of the war effort. William Mumford, you see, was a civilian who rose to the occasion,demonstrated great bravery and, in my opinion, should be recognized as a Confederate hero.Mumford's story begins on the morning of April 25, 1862, when a federal fleet steamed into the port of NewOrleans. David Farragut, commander of the fleet, sent a message to the mayor of New Orleans directing him to removethe Confederate flags that were flying atop city hall, the mint and the customs house in the city and replacethem with U.S. flags.The mayor politely refused to do so.The next day a small crew from a union ship went ashore and raised a Stars and Stripes to the top of theflagpole atop the mint after first removing the Confederate flag that had been flying there. They then warned acrowd of New Orleanians who had been watching that if the federal flag was removed the city would be fired upon.Soon after the union sailors departed to return to their ship, a small group of men, led by William Mumford,made their way to the roof of the mint and removed the Stars and Stripes that had just been raised by the yankeesailors.True to their word, a union ship unleashed cannon fire on the mint and, during this process, William Mumfordwas injured.Two days later, federal land troops under the command of Major General Benjamin Butler reached the city.{A brief not here about Ben Butler: He was a corrupt individual and an ineffective military leader who was relievedof several commands because of his incompetence. This was not unusual for politically-appointed generals. He hadthe nicknames "Beast" and "Spoons" - "beast" because of his scandalous and wicked behavior toward civilians, and"spoons" because of his penchant for stealing personal items of civilians in occupied areas, especially their silverware.Not surprisingly, after the war this reprobate was elected governor of Massachusetts.}In a meeting with Farragut, Butler was briefed on the events concerning the flag at the mint and he vowed tofirst capture Mumford and then hang him.New Orleans city officials surrendered the city on April 29 and two days later federal troops began arrestingprominent citizens. Many were sent to prison and many others had their personal property confiscated by the Beastand his troops.

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 18William Mumford was quickly arrested and charged with high crimes and misdemeanors and sent in chainsto a location where he was held prisoner for the next month. He was then sent before a military commission (eventhough he was a civilian) where he pleaded "not guilty" to the charges. Only three witnesses were allowed to testify(all for the prosecution) and no mention was allowed that Mumford's actions had taken place before the city hadbeen surrendered to the feds and, thus, was still under Confederate jurisdiction when his "crime" occurred.William Mumford was found "guilty" by the commission and Butler issued an order for him to be executed.Many citizens of the city (those that Butler had not yet had arrested), Mumford's wife and even some union officerspetitioned Butler to suspend his execution order.The "Beast", of course, would have none of that.On the day of the scheduled hanging (June 7), William Mumford was taken to the site of the deed which wasthe courtyard of the mint. The crowd that had gathered there was estimated to be in the thousands.Mumford was allowed to address the crowd from the gallows. He spoke calmly and indicated that he hadindeed taken down the Union flag but had no regrets for his action because it was driven by his patriotism and lovefor the Confederacy. He continued by saying that as a veteran of the Seminole War and the Mexican-AmericanWar, both as a Union soldier, he had a love for the "Stars and Stripes" itself , but a hatred for its uses under"Northern tyranny".At this point, the trapdoor was opened and his execution was completed.Eleven days after the hanging, Governor Thomas O. Moore of Louisiana made an address to the people ofthe state concerning William Mumford in which he stated that his murderers had offered to suspend the execution ifhe would "abjure his country and swear allegiance to her foe". The governor then continued:"He spurned the offer. Scorning to stain his soul with such dishonor, he met his fate courageously and transmittedto his countrymen a fresh example of what men will do and dare when under the inspiration of fervid patriotism."As might be expected, news of this hanging was greeted throughout the South with anger and calls for retributiveaction directed at Butler. President Jefferson Davis issued a proclamation declaring Butler to be a felonand ordering that if Butler was captured that the commanding officer of the capturing force "...cause him to be immediatelyexecuted by hanging."General Robert E. Lee contacted the Union General-in-Chief demanding an explanation to why a Southerncitizen was executed for an act performed before the city was occupied by Union forces.The Charleston MERCURY newspaper editorialized that Butler should receive no quarter from any Southernman and that if captured he should be hanged and if not captured either poisoned or carved up well with a knife.Although not well-recognized as a Confederate hero, William Mumford displayed courage, character andnobility in choosing death with honor over compromising his beliefs and his patriotism toward the Confederacy.Even though he never wore the sacred gray, his internal strength and his unquestioned devotion to the Causemake him, in my opinion, one of the bright stars in the galaxy of Southern greatness.DEO VINDICENote: Previous articles of CONFEDERATE JOURNAL are available in book form. Articles from 2005-2007 are inVolume 1 and can be ordered at http://createspace.com3540609/. Articles from 2008-2009 are in Volume 2 and canbe ordered at http://createspace.com3543269/.

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 19Footman SCV Camp Updates Flags in CemeteryRobert Gates and Bill Ludlow of the Footman SCV Camp replaced and added new CSA First National flags at the Fort MyersCemetery.Submarine at theChimney LakesElementary SchoolOn May 17th 2013 the replica ofthe H.L. Hunley Submarine sailedinto Chimney Lakes ElementarySchool in Jacksonville Florida forhistory day. Manning the subwere Kirby-Smith Camp 1209compatriots Chuck Stokes. ChrisBunton,Calvin Hart, Jake Newmanand Jim Shillingslaw. TheCamp 1209 crew members tookadvantage of the opportunity totell the kids the true History ofthe war and a good time was hadby all.Help Restore Florida's 1st Confederate MonumentThe Walton County Heritage Association has committed itself to the restoration of the Walton County ConfederateMonument. This simple monument, as you probably know, was Florida's first Confederate monument!I hope you will join me in supporting and helping them in this noteworthy and much neededproject. Whether you can donate $5 or $500, they desperately need the help. You can read more andlearn how to donate in person, by mail or online here:http://civilwarflorida.blogspot.com , http://www.waltoncountyheritage.org Dale Cox

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 20Support Camp 1209 Leasing Jacksonville Historic ArmoryAfter three years working with the inside city on this proposal it is finally making the city council sponsored by a blackcouncil woman. The media just now has seen the proposed resolution (they are so dumb they did not get our name correct),we need as many positive comments about the proposal and the Sons of Confederate Veterans as we can get tocounter any negative comments. We have flanked them, but this opening battle is one of public opinion.Commander Calvin Hart, Kirby-Smith Camp #1209 SCV Jacksonville, Fla.(904) 730-0343http://www.news4jax.com/news/sons-of-confederacy-want-to-lease-city-building/-/475880/20538746/-/ca7e9nz/-/index.htmlJACKSONVILLE, Fla. -A city councilwoman wants to let the Sons of Confederate Veterans lease the old Duval County Armory on MarketStreet downtown for $1 per year in exchange for repairs and maintenance. Councilwoman Kimberly Daniels sponsored anordinance that give the group a 10-year lease on the building constructed in 1915-16, with the option for two five-year renewals.The agreement would have the group provide repairs and improvements, general maintenance, including mowingand landscaping, and providing insurance coverage as in-kind contributions in lieu of rent. DOCUMENT: Ordinance 2013-384.The group is survivors of veterans of the Civil War who say they are not a racist group -- they have both whiteand black members and do community work around town.Dave Nelson, who runs a Civil War shop on the Southside, is the past commander of the local chapter of thegroup. Nelson said the group is a civic origination and its goal is to maintain and defend Confederate heritage."There is no white supremacy there," Nelson said. "Our members are all good Americans andwe do lots of good things, civic things for the city."Nelson points to recent work at the old city cemetery, where the group was repairing grave markers for confederatesoldiers and for others, black and white. Nelson said the group would help keep the historic armory from falling into decay."We would have our meetings there," he said. "We would have exhibits there and it would be all militia pertaining toFlorida as well as the U.S. It would not be all Civil War. We would also have World War II and so forth."The idea is still troubling to some. “I want that for any other organization but that," GregoryWilliams said."It has political connotation," Claire Castellino added. Some have concerns because the group's logo includes theconfederate flag.“We have no plans to put a Confederate flag (at the armory), but if we did, I don’t see that as a problem for thosethat understand what the Confederate flag is, Nelson said. “It’s not a symbol of racism. It is not the symbol of the Ku KluxKlan. It's the battle flag of the soldier during the war carried. It's the cross of St. Andrew. It's a holy symbol. And what othershave done to it, we condemn that."

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 21Daniels has not responded to Channel 4's request for an interview. Council President BillGulliford says he has no problem with the group, but will look into the $1 lease agreement as the ordinance advancesthrough council committees. He said it's very interesting that a black councilwoman introduced the measure. "I don't thinkthat is the big issue," he said. "I think the big issue is what is the city policy on allowing other entities using city propertyat no cost.In 1914 a $150,000 bond issue was floated to construct the Duval County Armory. Upon its completion in1916, the armory was reported to have Florida's largest military drill hall. This fortress-like building was built to replacean armory destroyed in the 1901 fire. It has battlemented towers and parapets, and a carved stone shield with theemblem of the Florida National Guard tops the central pavilion.Memorial Day Parade in Rockledge, FloridaCapt. J. J. Dickison SCV Camp # 1387 participated in the Rockledge Memorial Day parade onSunday the 26th of May. We had a very good contingent that included a color guard, RickDebord's 1967 Mustang, the SCV Mechanized Calvary, and of course Tim Cobb's scooter. Aspecial thanks goes out to June Still for taking pictures. Thanks again for everyone’s help duringthis event.

Florida Blockade Runner - SCV Florida Division Page 22Back on the Track!!Stock Car #97 is proudly displaying SCV Colors in the S.W. Floridaracing scene thanks to the UTZ Missouri Camp #1815, The Florida MechanizedCavalry, and the individual fund-raising efforts of compatriot Rojer Snyder.Racing in S.W. Florida at Full Throttle Speedway east of Sarasota/Bradenton every Saturday night this team turns in consistent heat & featurewins. Young 29 year old driver Christopher Scott, who grew up racing karts,and his father Alan have repeatedly demonstrated their dominance in the sportat area speedways.After watching this winning team rout their competitors for the past fewseasons and noting the confederate battle flag proudly displayed on the roof oftheir car, compatriot Rojer Snyder of the UTZ Camp 1815, Missouri divisionapproached them in late June following a feature win offering possible SCV/Camp/Division sponsorship.The following days saw intense phone activity as David King of theFlorida Mechanized Cavalry came aboard with sponsorship funds and compatriotSnyder continued to outsource funding.Compatriots King & Snyder met with the Scott family at their workshopin early July with graphics & monetary support, which is now almost history…exceptduring a search of their ancestral lineage Alan & Chris uncoveredtheir 51 ST Georgia Infantry Regt. Confederate roots!While relating this story to Gene Dressel of the Missouri division hewas able to see the potential for this excellent exposure and brought his campaboard with generous additional support.The highly modified ’81 Malibu producing nearly 400 h.p. and dominatingthe short track asphalt circuit in S.W. Florida is now proudly displayingS.C.V./UTZ Camp 1815/Missouri division colors and ….Alan & Chris Scottalong with other members of their crew including confederate historian andcrew chief David Hazeltine will soon be inducted as full members of that camp!Hooray for Dixie!!Any and all contributions from around the confederacy to help in ourefforts to campaign this car and grow the S.C.V. would be most gratefully appreciated.Please contact compatriots Gene Dressel in Misssouri @ 636-488-3344, Rojer Snyder in Florida @ 941-473-1371, or David King in Florida @confederatevet@verizon.net.Article byRojer “Earthman” SnyderRojer Snyder, UTZ Camp 1815, Mo Div & Fla Mech Cavalry