Post on 11-Sep-2020
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.
CSS Alabama (1862-1864) CSS Alabama , a 1050-ton screw steam sloop of war,
was built at Birkenhead, England, for the Confederate
Navy. After leaving England in the guise of a merchant
ship, she rendezvoused at sea with supply ships, was
outfitted as a combatant and placed in commission on 24
August 1862. Commanded by Captain Raphael Semmes
, Alabama cruised in the North Atlantic and West Indies
during the rest of 1862, capturing over two-dozen Union
merchant ships, of which all but a few were burned.
Among those released was the mail steamer Ariel , taken
off Cuba on 7 December with hundreds of passengers on
board.
Alabama began the new year by sinking USS Hatteras
near Galveston, Texas, on 11 January 1863. She then
moved into the South Atlantic, stopped at Cape Town in
August, and went on to the East Indies, seizing nearly 40
more merchantmen during the year, destroying the
majority and doing immense damage to the seaborne
trade of the United States.
The Confederate cruiser called at Singapore in Dec 1863,
but soon was back at sea to continue her commerce
raiding. However, Alabama was increasingly in need of an
overhaul and only captured a few ships in 1864. Captain
Semmes brought her to Cherbourg, France, for repairs. On
11 June 1864, Alabama arrived in Cherbourg, France and
Captain Semmes requested permission to dock and
overhaul his ship. Pursuing the raider, the American sloop-
of-war USS Kearsarge arrived three days later and took up
a patrol just outside the harbor.
On 19 June, Alabama sailed out to meet Kearsarge . As
Kearsarge turned to meet its opponent, Alabama opened
fire. Kearsarge waited patiently until the range had
closed to less than 1,000 yards. According to survivors,
the two ships steamed on opposite courses moving
around in circles as each commander tried to cross the
bow of his opponent to deliver a heavy raking fire. The
battle quickly turned against Alabama because of the
poor quality of its powder and shells, while Kearsarge
benefitted from the additional protection of chain cables
along its sides. A little more than an hour after the first
shot was fired, Alabama was reduced to a sinking wreck,
causing Semmes to strike his colors and send a boat to
surrender. According to witnesses, Alabama fired 150
rounds at its adversary, while Kearsarge fired 100.
When a shell fired by Kearsarge tore open a section at
Alabama 's waterline, the water quickly rushed through
the cruiser, forcing it to the bottom. While Kearsarge
rescued most of Alabama 's survivors, Semmes and 41
others were picked up by the British yacht Deerhound
and escaped to England.
B.G. Albert Pike Camp #1439 Gen Lewis A Armistead Camp # 1846 Cols Lewis & Harrison Camp # 1854 Gen William Steele Camp # 1857 Major Thomas J. Key Camp # 1920 South Kansas Camp # 2064
Volume XV. Issue 04
April 2013
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WE HAVE A NEW CAMP!!! "Brigadier Generals
Buckner and Chilton Camp" has signed the Charter
and awaiting the return from HQ and presentation from
Commander Erickson. See photos and more info on
page 4 of this issue
Major Thomas J Key Camp #1920 has a New meeting start
Time at 6:30 p.m. rather than 7:00
.
Confederate Enlistment
New Recruits
B.G. Albert Pike Camp # 1439 None
Lewis A. Armistead Camp # 1847 None
Col’s Lewis & Harrison Camp #1854 Logan Sanders Joins under
Pvt. Richard M. Snider - Co K, 36th Alabama Infantry
William Steele Camp# 1857 None Maj. Thomas J. Key Camp # 1920 Walt McKenzie joins under
Captain Fountain S. McKenzie, Company. B, 1st Cavalry
Regiment, 6th Division, Missouri State Guard
Thomas C. Hill joins under
Private Spotswood Critzer, Company I, 46th Virginia Infantry
South Kansas Camp # 2064
June Camp Agendas
B.G. Albert Pike Camp # 1439
April 13
Lewis A. Armistead Camp # 1847 April 13
Col’s Lewis & Harrison Camp #1854
April 20 Cmdr Denver Erickson speaking on the SCC
Alabama
William Steele Camp# 1857 April 9
Maj. Thomas J. Key Camp # 1920
. April 4. Speaker is Mike Calvert and his subject is
"Jabez Smith: Jackson County's Largest Slaveholder".
South Kansas Camp # 2064
April 11, group discussion recognizing and honoring our
camp members' ancestors for Confederate History Month
and a general roundtable type discussion..
Neal Handley was invited to a SUV meeting in Lawrence to
listen to a briefing on the Great Locomotive Chase. Attached ON
PAGES 5-6 are the flyers presented, and the briefer Robert Jones
comes to Kansas often and would be more than glad to give this
and many other briefings. All he asks is to be able to sell his
books after the briefing.
Major Thomas J. Key Camp #1920 will have a Living history
display, weapons and relic display, musket and cannon firing
demonstrations from 10:00 to 5:00 on Satruday April 6 at the
Alexander Majors Historic Home at 8201 State Line Road,
Kansas City, MIssouri.
Dispatches from the Front
Intelligence from
the Wire… Events
in Kansas Division
Why not cross this
fence and join the SCV
brother?
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Red Letters Generals Blue Letters Camp Meetings Black Letters Camp Members
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1.
B-Day Lewis &
Harrison Camp
LG Simon B Buckner
DOB 1823 Hart Co
KN
2.
Mike Smith
B-Day Key Camp
Gen Albert Johnston
DOD 1862 Tennessee.
MG Hennry Benning
DOB 1814 Georgia
LG Ambrose P. Hill
DOD 1865 Petersburg
3.
4.
BG Geo. Anderson
DOD 1901Aalabama Camp #1920
5.
6.
MG John Wharton
DOD 1865 Texas
7.
BG James Kemper:
DOD April 1895
V.A
8.
9.
Camp #1857
10.
Steve Crawford
B-Day Key Camp
L G Leonidas Polk
DOB 1806 Raleigh NC
11.
BG Wade Hampton
DOD 1902 S.C.
Camp #2064
12.
L.G. Richard Taylor DOD 1879 NY, NY
GenAlbert Johnston
DOD 1862 T.N.
13.
B.G. Joe Kershaw
DOD 1894 Camden
Camp #1439
Camp #1847
14.
BG Harry T. Hays
DOB 1820
15.
16.
MG Edward Johnson
DOB 1816 Virginia.
17.
Greg Miller
B-Day Key Camp
18.
19.
20.
Dr. John Bolton
Bob Whitaker
B-Day Key Camp
MG Samuel French
DOD 1910 Florida Camp #1854
21.
Kevin Makel
B-Day Key Camp
22.
23.
24.
Gavin Weir
B-Day Key Camp
25.
26.
BG. Almbrose Wright
DOB 1826 GA
27.
28.
BG. Fitz Hugh Lee:
DOD 1905 WA.
29. 30.
Gen Albert Johnston: Gen Simon Bolviar Buckner Lt. Gen. Ambrose P. Hill Lt. Gen Leonidas Polk Lt. Gen Richard Taylor Maj. Gen. Hennry L. Benning:
Maj. Gen Samuel French Maj. Gen. Edward Johnson Maj. Gen. John Wharton B.G. George Anderson B.G. Harry T. Hays B.G. Wade Hampton
B.G. Joseph B. Kershaw B. G. James L. Kemper B. G. Fitz Hugh Lee B.G. Almbrose R. Wright
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Thanks to the dedicated work of Camp Commander Kevin Ivey and Lt Div Cmdr Dick Croft we do
have the paperwork submitted for the chartering of the new camp in Dodge City. The Dodge
City camp members voted to name the camp "Brigadier Generals Buckner and Chilton" after
Simon Bolivar Buckner and Robert Hall Chilton. Both have ties to the area, as both men were
stationed at Fort Atkinson during its existance 1850-1854, approx 2 miles west of present day Dodge
City.
Bellow are photos of some of the meetings.
Also in attendance at the second meeting was Mike Spurgin, who submitted his application and dues later
that week, and also Ruby Ivey was at both meetings, who helped us out and provided refreshments
Feb 11 Meeting #1 Group photo
Back row: Gary Bennett, James Bennett, Don Raney, Wade Hampton,
Jeffrey Dodson Front Row: Gary White, Russ McBee, Kevin Ivey (Not
shown is Dick Croft, who took the pic) (Don Raney is still having his
line researched, and Gary White has not joined as of yet.)
Feb 11 Meeting #1 Wade Hampton was inducted and received his membership certificate
March 25 Meeting #2 Tate Bartlett was inducted and received his membership certificate
March 25 Meeting #2 Loren Ashlock was inducted and received his membership certificate
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These photos were sent and taken by
Compatriot John Weir of the Major
Thomas J Key Camp #1920. The
photos were taken at the Jefferson
Davis Presidential Library building
dedication at Beauvior.
John and his son Cameron were the
Kansas delegation at the ceremony.
More photos are available through
John if requested weirami@gmail.com
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CSS ALABAMA CONTINUED
During its two-year career as a commerce raider, Alabama caused disorder and devastation across the globe for United
States merchant shipping. The Confederate cruiser claimed more than 60 prizes valued at nearly $6,000,000.
Her wreck was located by the French Navy in the 1980s.
Officers
Officer Post
List of Officers Of The Confederate States Steamer
Alabama
As They Signed Themselves.[14]
Raphael Semmes Commander
John Mclntosh Kell First Lieutenant And
Executive Officer
Richard F. Armstrong Second Lieutenant
Joseph D. Wilson Third Lieutenant
John Low Fourth Lieutenant
Arthur Sinclair Fifth Lieutenant
Francis L. Galt Surgeon And Acting
Paymaster
Miles J. Freeman Chief-Engineer
Wm. P. Brooks Assistant- Engineer
Mathew O Brien Assistant-Engineer
Simeon W.
Cummings[A]
Assistant-Engineer
John M. Pundt Assistant-Engineer
Wm. Robertson Assistant-Engineer
Becket K. Howell Lieutenant Marines
Irvine S. Bulloch Sailing-Master
D. Herbert Llewellyn Assistant-Surgeon
Wm. H. Sinclair Midshipman
E. Anderson Maffitt Midshipman
E. Maffitt Anderson Midshipman
Benjamin P.
Mecaskey Boatswain
Henry Alcott Sailmaker
Thomas C. Cuddy Gunner
Wm. Robinson Carpenter
Jas. Evans Master’s Mate
Geo. T. Fullam Master’s Mate
Julius Schroeder Master’s Mate
Baron Max. Von
Meulnier Master’s Mate
W. Breedlove Smith Captain S Secretary
Career
Name: CSS Alabama
Builder: John Laird Sons &
Company
Laid down: 1862
Launched: July 29, 1862
Commissioned: August 24, 1862
Decommissioned: June 19, 1864
General characteristics
Displacement: 1050 tons
Length: 220 ft (67 m)[2]
Beam: 31 ft 8 in
(9.65 m)
Draft: 17 ft 8 in
(5.38 m)
Installed power: 2 × 300 HP horizontal steam
engines, auxiliary
sails
Propulsion: Single screw
propeller
Speed: 13 knots (24
km/h)[2]
Complement: 145 officers and
men
Armament: 6 x 32 lb (15 kg)
cannons, 1 x 110 lb
(50 kg) cannon, 1 x
68 lb (31 kg) cannon
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If you have an article you would like printed in the News Letter. Contact Newsletter Editor at Denver L. Erickson
coffincounter@att.net . or send by US mail to 3511 SE 35th Topeka, Kansas. 66605
Editing may be done in the sense of letter size and extraction of some pictures depending on the size
Kansas Division Color/Honor Guard Available
Compatriot Gerald V. Spaur of the BG Albert Pike Camp #1439 is suited and ready for the occasion.
Gerald is prepared for the opportunity to be present as a Color Guard for your event, or to take on the
responsibility of Honor Guard for the passing of a family member, friend or compatriot where an honor
Guard is needed.
Gerald will go anywhere in Kansas and be available for any and all Military services for compatriots, family
members, and friends. Feel free to contact Gerald at 2947 Walnut Wichita Kansas 67217-3128
Phone: 316-524-2555
TRIVIA FOR MARCH
Who wrote the song Dixie?
There is a great song of the south composed by an Ohioan. It has been around for a long time actually, 137 years.
It is a simple tune written on a dreary, rainy autumn Sunday in a cheap hotel flat in New York City. Created to be remembered easily and
whistled in the streets, it became a rallying cry of the Confederacy. And, strangely so, because authored by a northerner, no less.
Answer
The composer, Daniel Decatur Emmett, was producing chanty numbers for the minstrel shows, one-time popular stage-performing entertainment,
when he was approached by Jerry Bryant, manager of the minstrel troupe to which Emmett then belonged. 4. "Write me a 'walk-around', a 'hooray
song' about the old plantations," Bryant requested. "It must have a good tune. It doesn't matter so much what the words are like, but the melody
must be catchy." It was a Saturday night, and the song had to be done by Monday morning. Emmett complained there was not enough time.
However, his wife Catherine urged him to take a stab at it anyway. She promised him one room all to himself on Sunday in which to concentrate.
On Sunday morning he picked up his violin, peered out of the window and viewed the carriage traffic passing along a cold, wet street. Slowly the
words and the music fell into place, coming from an expression oft-times made by fellow showmen wishing in the wintertime to be somewhere
other than up north. Emmett, who submitted the piece on Monday, was later surprised how his plaintive offspring caught on, becoming to the
South what the "Marseillaise"( Mar·seil·laiseis) to France. After all, Emmett was a staunch northerner whose father was taking an active role in
helping southern slaves escape their bondage.
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15th
Annual Kansas Division Convention
Sons of Confederate Veterans
June 21st & 22nd, 2013
Best Western Motel
3021 W. Highway 50
Emporia, KS 66801
620-342-7587
REGISTRATION FORM: (Required *)
*NAME _________________________________________ *TITLE/POSITION _________________________
*SCV CAMP NAME _______________________________________________*Number ________________
*PERSONAL ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________
CITY _______________________________ STATE __________________ZIP ________________________
*HOME PHONE (________) _____________________ WORK PHONE (________) ___________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS ______________________________CELL PHONE (________) ___________________
SPOUSE NAME (For Badge) _________________________________________________________________
GUEST NAME __________________________________ GUEST NAME ____________________________
COST FOR CONVENTION IS $10.00 PER PERSON
Included in the Registration: Convention book, lunch, lots of camaraderie, and excellent presentation from our guest
speaker. James Speicher topic is the H.L. Hunley Friday Evening Entertainment: We will begin Friday evening at 6:30 with a DVD feature presentation of Outlaw Jose Whales.
Followed by our Oratory contest at 8:00. This year’s Topic coming soon Ancestor Memorials: Have your ancestors name listed in the convention booklet. Cost is $10.00 and must be submitted
no later than May 23, 2013. (Up to 16 names for $10.00). Please include rank, Name, company, and unit on separate
sheet of paper).
Registration: Qty. ___ x $10.00 = $ _______
Friday Evening Gala: Qty. ___ x $ 5.00 = $ _______
Ancestor Memorials: Qty. ___ x $10.00 = $ _______ Total: $ _________
In honoring of the Sesquicentennial, our featured convention presenter will be. Col James Speicher of the Thomas J Key
Camp #1920. His topic of discussion will be the H.L.Hunley from beginning to present. He promises to give an extraordinary
presentation to the members of the Kansas Division. Lunch will be provided by the Motel
DEADLINE TO MAIL IN REGISTRATION FORMS
Is Monday May 31, 2013!!! Also find online at http://www.ksscv.org
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
KANSAS DIVISION SCV
Kansas Division Adjutant
Paul Honaker
4109 SW 29th
Topeka Kansas 66614
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Confederate History Month is a month annually designated by six state governments in the Southern United States for the purpose of
recognizing and honoring the history of the Confederate States of America. April has traditionally been chosen, as Confederate
Memorial Day falls during that month in many of these states.
Although Confederate Memorial Day is a holiday in most Southern states, the tradition of having a Confederate History Month is not
uniform. State governments or chief executives that have regularly declared Confederate History Month are as follows:
Alabama, Florida (since 2007), Georgia (by proclamation since 1995, by legislative authority since 2009), Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas
(since 1999), Virginia (1994–2002, 2010) Four states that were historically part of the Confederacy, Arkansas, North Carolina, South
Carolina, and Tennessee, do not have a tradition of declaring a Confederate History Month.
Some local governments in the above states also frequently approve an independent declaration for the same larger purpose. This is
also true in states where the larger legislative body does not officially recognize Confederate History Month. Some examples include:
Missouri, Prestonburg, Kentucky, City of Columbia, Tennessee, Putnam County, Tennessee Lee County, Florida passed a resolution on
April 6th, 2006 proclaiming April as Confederate Heritage Month. This is forever in effect.
Confederate History Month and related celebrations have been controversial due to the contentious place of slavery in the history of the
United States. When Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell issued a proclamation resurrecting Confederate History Month in 2010,
controversy arose due to the proclamation's omission of slavery. McDonnell later announced, "The proclamation issued by this Office
designating April as Confederate History Month contained a major omission. The failure to include any reference to slavery was a
mistake, and for that I apologize to any fellow Virginian who has been offended or disappointed. The abomination of slavery divided
our nation, deprived people of their God-given inalienable rights, and led to the Civil War. Slavery was an evil, vicious and inhumane
practice which degraded human beings to property, and it has left a stain on the soul of this state and nation.". McDonnell has indicated
that he will not issue a proclamation in future years. In 2007, the Virginia General Assembly approved a formal statement of “profound
regret” for the Commonwealth’s history of slavery.
On April 11, 2010, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour defended McDonnell on CNN's State of the Union, calling the controversy
raised by McDonnell's proclamation "just a nit". "It's trying to make a big deal out of something that doesn't matter for diddly,"
Barbour said. Unlike the Virginia proclamation, the 2010 Alabama proclamation noted, "our recognition of Confederate history
also recognizes that slavery was one of the causes of the war, an issue in the war, was ended by the war and slavery is hereby
condemned."
CAMP MEETINGS
GEN. ALBERT PIKE CAMP #1439 MAJOR THOMAS J. KEY CAMP #1920
LOCATION: Egg Crate Cafe, LOCATION: Zarda Bar-B-Q
8506 W 13th, Suite 150 Wichita, Kansas 67212 11931 W 87th
St. Lenexa, Kansas.
DATE: Second (2ND
) Saturday each month DATE: First (1st) Thursday each month
TIME: 11:30 am fellowship 12:30 Meeting TIME: 6:30 pm. fellowship, 7:00pm.
COLS LEWIS & HARRISON CAMP #1854 SOUTH KANSAS CAMP #2064
LOCATION: Westside Christian Church, LOCATION: Rockwell Branch Library
432 SW Lindenwood, Topeka, Kansas. 5939 E 9th
Street, Wichita, Kansas.
DATE: Third (3rd
) Saturday each Month DATE: Second 2nd
Thursday each Month
TIME: 10:00am. TIME: 5:30-7:30pm.
GEN. LEWIS A. ARMISTEAD CAMP #1847 GEN. WILLIAM STEELE CAMP #1857
LOCATION: Public Library Tech Conf Ctr. Rm. LOCATION: Bann Thai Restaurant
301 East Elm, Salina, Ks. 301 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.
DATE: Second (2nd
) Saturday each Month DATE: Second (2nd
) Thursday each Month
TIME 1:00-1:30 fellowship, 1:00-2:30 Meeting TIME: 6:00 pm. Fellowship 7:00 pm.
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The Kansas Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
190 NW Hawthorn St.
Topeka, Kansas. 66606
COMPATRIOT