The Conquered Banner Newsletter of the

Father A.J. Ryan San Diego Camp #302

Sons of Confederate Veterans

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 5 September 2015

OUR CONFEDERATE HISTORY – BOOM OR BUST?

In recent months, the relentless attacks – ad nauseam - on our Confederate Heritage have spread like wildfire, in

newspapers, on the internet and broadcast on TV and radio. Perhaps what I’m writing here will add to that. I

started drafting an article, prior to the South Carolina Confederate Flag controversy, discussing a continuing rise,

you might say “Boom”, in Civil War interest both here and abroad.

Burke Davis, whom I often quote in “The Conquered Banner,” a native of Virginia, and author of several books

on the Civil War, mainly from the Southern perspective, talked of the Boom—the increasing interest in this

American conflict that was reaching great heights in the early 1980’s, which I believe started during the Civil War

Centennial. He mentions the vast collection of letters he has received from folks throughout America and around

the world, many of notable rank, who were fascinated with America’s Civil War and, surprisingly, Confederate

leaders and Southern life.

Here is a sampling of a few of the letters I’ve paraphrased, showing how people in all walks of life displayed their

pride and respect for these Americans and what they did during the conflict. Many are awed at how America came

back together after the war to become much stronger and united – something unheard of in other parts of the

world.

President Harry Truman wrote Burke Davis a letter, scolding him for referring to General Robert E. Lee simply as,

“Robert Lee.” Truman added reasonably enough that since our genuine heroes are so rare, their reputation should

be guarded as an underlying theme in the creation of his library in Missouri. President Eisenhower believed Robert

E. Lee should be a role model for American youth, not only for his stellar 32 year career in the U.S. Army and the

fact that Lincoln offered him command of the U.S. Army at the start of the Civil War, which he turned down

because he knew the invasion of the South was unconstitutional, illegal, and immoral. He chose to defend Virginia

and the Constitution. Lee would free what slaves he had in 1862. I wonder if the folks on the San Diego City Council

and School District thought of this when the hue and cry of a few individuals called for the name change at Robert

E. Lee Elementary.

A policeman from Leeds, Yorkshire, England, wrote that he was obsessed with visiting America for the purpose

of walking the battlefields of Virginia. Stonewall Jackson’s granddaughter upbraided Davis for writing what she

thought a caricature of the great general. A Swede wrote of his fascination with our war after reading Davis’ book,

To Appomattox, but said that the adversaries on both sides were so much alike in outlook, background and

purpose that he wondered why the North and South had fought.

(Continued on Page Three)

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 5 THE CONQUERED BANNER PAGE TWO

International Headquarters

Sons of Confederate Veterans

P.O. Box 59

Columbia, Tennessee 38402-0059

1-800-MY-DIXIE

Salute to the Confederate Flag

I salute the Confederate flag with affection, reverence and

undying devotion to the cause for which it stands.

Charge to the Sons of Confederate Veterans

“To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the

vindication of the cause for which we fought. To your strength

will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier’s good

name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his

virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and

which you love also, and the ideals which made him glorious

and which you also cherish.”

Lt. General Stephen D. Lee

Newsletter

The Conquered Banner” is the official newsletter of the

Camp and is published each odd-numbered month. Permission

to reprint material contained in the newsletter in freely given to

SCV, MOSB and UDC organizations. Commentary and articles

are solicited and should be mailed or e-mailed to the Newsletter

Editor. Deadline for submissions is the 15th of the preceding

month. Consideration of space may require editing.

Meetings

The camp meets the 2nd Saturday of each odd-numbered

month at various locations which are announced in the

newsletter.

Correspondence

Membership applications, dues renewals, changes of

address and other business should be directed to the adjutant.

Dues

Annual dues are billed each August and are $45.00 for

members. Dues include the Confederate Veteran magazine and

a newsletter. A red “X” in the following box indicates your dues

have not been received. { }

Camp officers

Commander Jim Stephens

690 Mural St.

Oceanside, CA 92057

Phone: (760) 940-8506

E-mail: jtstephens@cox.net

LCDR Dave Sanders

2nd LCDR Jim Millsap

Adjutant/Treasurer Roy Adair

334 “J” Avenue

Coronado, CA 92118

Phone: (619) 435-5235

E-mail: roy-adair@sbcglobal.net

Chaplains Ernie Powell & Gary Henson

Sergeant-At-Arms Steve Smith

Historian Gary Henson

Newsletter Editors Jim & Megan Stephens

690 Mural Street

Oceanside, CA 92057

Phone: (760) 940-8506

E-mail: jtstephens@cox.net

Minutes from the July 11, 2015 Camp Meeting

The meeting was held at Anna’s Restaurant in Lemon Grove.

The meeting was called to order at 12:50 by Camp Commander

Jim Stephens. Mike Schooling, Roy Adair, Ira Lack, Jim

Millsap, Steve Smith, David Sanders, Steve Musgrave, George

Faircloth, Steven Hughes, John Armstrong, Will Tisch, and Stu

Hoffman were in attendance. Following the Invocation by Will

Tisch, the Pledge of Allegiance and the salute to the

Confederate Flag, it was the Camp Commander’s pleasure to

welcome our guests from the Stonewall Jackson Chapter of the

UDC, Chapter President Jane Zoch, Hazel Drane and Davenia

Cray. The Treasurer’s report included comments concerning

the collection of dues for the upcoming cycle and the camp

donations made to the Heritage Fund and the California

Division flag fund drive. The current balance in the camp

treasury is $4590.22 not including money collected thus far for

dues.

Old Business The Commander announced that our prospective

guest speaker, WWII veteran and POW 1st Lieutenant Jim Reily

Sr.US Army Air Corps, had taken ill but was that it was hoped

he would fully recover and possibly speak at one of our future

meetings. It was mentioned that the Division flag donation had

been made and that all ROTC and junior ROTC award

presentations had been completed.

New Business Commander Stephens passed around a plaque

that was presented to Ernie Powell in recognition of his service

to the Division during Commander Farrell Cooley’s tenure.

Ernie was absent from this meeting due to seriously ill health.

It was confirmed that, at last, all members had received

membership cards and SCV patches from last year’s

membership drive. A lengthy discussion was held concerning

the latest attack on the Confederate Battle Flag with calls across

the Nation and through the media for its removal from public

display. It was noted that this movement is spreading out

beyond the banner to all things Confederate. There was

consensus all around that we will not give in to these demands

and that we will continue to display our pride in our Southern

Heritage in all manner that we see fit and appropriate and that

we will do so in a gentlemanly, non-confrontational way. A

motion was approved to re-name the annual Turkey Shoot as

Annual Musket Shoot, that it will be recreational in nature and

not held as a fund-raiser, and that it will be open to anyone

invited to attend by members of our camp. The date and place

is still to be determined and Adjutant Adair is tasked with

looking into setting it up. It was agreed that “Provisional”

membership cards will be sent to prospective camp members

who have established their credentials and commenced the

application paperwork. We are currently working on

applications for six new members. The Gray/Blue picnic is on

track for August 22nd and Cabana #6 at Gator Beach has been

reserved. The next VMMC Color Guard will be on April 25th

and our September 12th Camp Meeting is tentatively scheduled

for Mimi’s Café in Mira Mesa. There being no further new

business, the meeting was called to a close with the Benediction

by Will Tisch.

FROM THE COMMANDER: The attacks on our heritage is

the dominating theme in this issue. Much is to be done now and

in the future to overcome the onslaught. This issue is dedicated

to Chaplain Ernie Powell. Thanks to those who attended the last

meeting and our Blue/Gray Picnic.

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 5 THE CONQUERED BANNER PAGE THREE (Civil War History, Boom or Bust, continued from Page One)

A surprising number of Pro-Confederate messages come from the North and Midwest. A sixteen year old

Pennsylvania boy wrote, “Although a native of Gettysburg, I am a Johnny Reb in word, thought and deed. One

woman wrote of her aunt, a Virginia woman, whose husband was in Lincoln’s cabinet and of her spirited foray

across the Potomac with the vanguard of the Union Army to rescue the furnishings and equipment of Arlington,

The Lee House. This vigorous woman routed vandals to save broken dishes and saw to it that household goods

were stored for the post-war return of the Lee’s.

On the negative side, a New Yorker charged Davis with hero worship of Lee and more: “Over-emphasis upon the

Christianity of the butcher in a human slaughter business by one who was a parasitic blueblood all his life.” Davis

filed this letter under “Views of the war, Marxist.”

The comments in these letters came during the late 1900s at the height of the so-called “Boom” in Civil War

interest. However, I honestly feel that this interest still reflects the thoughts of most Americans, middle-aged and

older. Unfortunately, the younger generation is being denied (through no fault of their own) the materials in which

to study the cause and effects of America’s great conflict. This is due to several factors: educators/school districts

dropping the subject altogether because of non-interest and, what is more outrageous, the political correctness of

our times when educators and writers feel the need to re-write and distort historical facts to suit their own political

agenda even if that means maligning persons, events and symbols of our past and leaving them out of books

altogether.

Fast forward to today. The flag issue in South Carolina that recently ignited a wave of anti-Confederate emotions

around the country is unfortunately is still spreading. While disturbing, it is bound to peak out when our liberal

friends and spineless politicians, who are seeking votes from wherever and whomever they can obtain them, tire of

this nonsense and go back to doing something useful for the folks that elected them. The Deep South is taking the

greatest hit during this purge of Southern History and Heritage that is so much an integral part of American History.

You cannot separate them. The outspoken ones have demanded changes in almost every aspect of Southern

culture that relates to our Confederate History. Whether perceived or real, the demands of the radical few, are

causing our elected officials to cower and cave in. Apparently, holding on to office is more important than standing

up for the very culture they live in.

Numerous events have occurred since Charleston, trying our patience and fostering feelings of helplessness to

change the minds of those who have the power to intercede on our behalf. The lowering of the Confederate Battle

flags, defacing of the statues of our Confederate heroes, calls to sand blast our Confederate leaders off the face of

Stone Mountain in Georgia, Georgia’s Governor calling for the halt to Confederate Memorial Day (A deep South

tradition,) our Founding Fathers, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and even Progressive President Woodrow

Wilson called slavers and racists – these were men of their times.

Recently, a name change in Robert E. Lee Elementary School in San Diego was called for. We in Camp 302 have

been told we cannot march with any Confederate flag in the Veterans Day Parade, even though we can still wear

our Confederate uniforms. While all the above are not tantamount to the events that followed the Boston

Massacre, the storming of the Bastille or what the Potemkin Mutiny led up to, we are seeing our history changed

or, in some instances, ignored completely. We Americans have short memories; we are still a young country. We

cannot afford to have future generations of Americans misguided and misinformed as to their origins (in our case,

our Confederate and Southern Heritage).

Are we in a “Boom” or “Bust?” Perhaps a little of both. These are certainly times that try men’s souls. We’ll

prevail. We Sons of Confederate Veterans can see to that. Teachers, educators and writers in our midst can see to

it.

Commander Jim Stephens

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 5 THE CONQUERED BANNER PAGE FOUR

CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE

ERNIE POWELL

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

When I was a boy, there was a book of religious questions and answers called the

Baltimore Catechism. I’ve never forgotten Question 6: “Why did God make you?”

Answer: “God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world,

and to be happy with Him forever in the next.”

Our Declaration of Independence stated that all men are endowed by their Creator

with the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If “life” and “liberty,” which sound so simple, have

been the source of so much contention and confusion, what are we to make of that phrase “the pursuit of

happiness?” To us modern folks, “happiness” is a mental state of well-being characterized by positive emotions

ranging from contentment to intense joy. By this definition, we can achieve “happiness” by hugging a child,

watching a good movie, or eating a pint of ice cream. Was this what Jefferson meant?

The ancient Greeks seemed to have a word for everything, and their word for the kind of “happiness”

described in the declaration was “eudaimonia (εὐδαιμονία,) a state variously translated as ‘well-being,’

‘happiness,’ blessedness,’ and ‘human flourishing.’ In a sense, it characterizes the well-lived life, an

outcome that can be reached by practicing the virtues. Aristotle’s list of virtues included wisdom,

prudence, justice, fortitude, courage, magnanimity and temperance. In the Middle Ages, philosophers

believed the ultimate end of human existence to be “felicity” (Latin equivalent to the Greek eudaimonia,)

or “blessed happiness,” described by the 13th-century philosopher-theologian Thomas Aquinas as a

Beatific Vision of God’s essence in the next life.

In John 10:10, Jesus said “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more

abundantly.”

Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross to atone for our sins, and by believing in Him and accepting His

grace, the outcome of our “pursuit of happiness” will be nothing less than eternal union with Him. That

certainly beats a pint of ice cream!

May God Bless and Keep you all.

(Editor’s Note: This issue is dedicated to our good friend, compatriot and chaplain Ernie Powell, not

only for his inspiring messages, his dedication to the cause, but also for the fact that Ernie is now

undergoing weekly Dialysis for his ailing Kidneys while maintaining a cheerful countenance that is an

inspiration to all of us. God Bless you, Ernie. Keep it up—we’re all with you)

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 5 THE CONQUERED BANNER PAGE FIVE

STONEWALL JACKSON and the FARMER

The ladies of our Stonewall Jackson Chapter 476, United Daughters of the Confederacy and all of our fellow

SCV compatriots will enjoy this story of General Jackson, from a publication “The Grayjackets” that was published

by Jones Brothers & Co. in 1867 taken from Anecdotes of a Confederate Veteran.

There lived, in the summer of 1862, on the Mechanicsville turnpike, near Richmond, a generous, hospitable,

whole-souled Virginia gentleman, who, however, was very passionate and excitable, and who, when flurried, was

apt to mix up the reverential and the profane, the sublime and the ridiculous, in a very odd kind of way. He had given

up all his crop, pasture-fields, and everything he could spare, to the Confederate States Government; but he had

reserved one ten-acre lot of corn for his own use, and this he guarded with unceasing vigilance. One day, while on

watch, he discovered a group of horsemen approaching, and, instead of going round his fence, they took the most

direct road right through. His wrath instantly aroused, and supposing that they belonged to that class of individuals

whom a well-known French officer in our services used to call “de damn cavelree,” he rushed out in great rage.

“How dare you go through my field? Damn you, I’ll report you to President Davis.”

“We are on urgent business, and took the shortest cut,” mildly replied the leading horseman, in an old faded-gray

suit.

Gentleman. – “Do you command this company?”

Horseman - “Yes, sir.”

Gentleman - “I’ll teach you not to ride through my field, damn you! What’s your name?”

Horseman - “My name is Jackson.”

Gentleman - “What Jackson?”

Horseman - “T.J. Jackson.”

Gentleman - “What is your rank?”

Horseman - “I am a Major-General in the Provisional army!”

Gentleman (raising his hat). – “Bless my soul! You ain’t Stonewall Jackson?”

Horseman – “I am sometimes called by that name.”

Gentleman (rushing eagerly up to him and shaking his hand). – “God bless you, General Jackson! I am so glad

to see you! Go back and ride all over my field, damn you, ride all over my field! Get down, and come into my house.

I am so glad to see you. Rid all over my field, all over it-all over it! Bless your soul, I’m so glad to see you.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE

For our friends and members who missed the last camp meeting, this is the certificate Camp 302 has been

awarded the past two years for our participation in the Lakeside Western Days Parade. We’ll look forward to

next year. Thanks to Compatriot Will Tisch for his efforts in arranging this annual event.

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 5 THE CONQUERED BANNER PAGE SIX

CAMP 302 EVENTS

UDC’s Jane Zoch, Camp 302’s Adjutant Roy Adair and Compatriot Will Tisch performing Color Guard

duty at the VMMC, Balboa Park, July 25, 2015. Compatriot Ernie Powell not pictured.

Father A.J. Ryan Camp 302 and Stonewall Jackson Chapter 476, UDC members gather at Anna’s Café, Lemon Grove for July 11, 2015 camp meeting

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 5 THE CONQUERED BANNER PAGE SEVEN

TRIBUTE TO CAMP 302’S FOUNDING MEMBER AND 1ST COMMANDER

Camp 302 learned in July of the death of Mr. Roy Eugene Harper. Adjutant Roy Adair received a phone call from Mr.

Harper’s daughter of his death on April 3, 2015. Roy “Gene” Harper was among the charter members and was Camp

302’s first commander in 1993. Today, Camp 302 members Stu Hoffman and John Armstrong were members during

Gene’s tenure and were acquainted with him. John Armstrong quoted that Commander Harper made him feel welcome. It

is always sad when a camp member passes on to the last roll call. Most of us in Camp 302 today did not know Gene

Harper. He, however, will always be with us as his name is emblazoned on Camp 302’s Charter Document.

Charter Mtg. Sept 11, 1993 (L to R) Fred Ciampi, Jim Burns, Gene Harper, Bill Steger, Fred Dawes,

Ken Gilliam, Doug Pillow, Gene Armistead with Camp 302 Charter

(L to R) Commander Gene Harper, Stu Hoffman, (boys in front) Tim Stinson, Michael Youngdale, Don Cotton,

Randy Youngdale, Gene Armistead, Don Geiger, & Mike Youngdale at Ballena Cemetery April 29, 1995.

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 5 THE CONQUERED BANNER PAGE EIGHT

NEXT CAMP MEETING

Date: September 12, 2015

Time: 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Location: Mimi’s Café, Mira Mesa

Directions: From North or South County, Take I-15 to Mira Mesa Blvd. Exit West. Mimi’s is on Southwest

Corner of Mira Mesa Blvd and Westview Parkway about 300 yards from I-15. From I- 805, go East on Mira Mesa

Blvd.

(Camp 302 Events Continued)

2015 Blue/Gray Picnic at Gator Beach, Coronado, Aug 22nd

Ira, Jim Millsap, Deanne, Robert,Hazel, Jeff, Robyn, Roy & Donna. Ira and Steve discuss hot topics while Brian is deep in thought

Jim & Roy on grill duty

Donna helps at the food table

Sara & Jane show-off their UDC scrapbook Gary Henson

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 5 THE CONQUERED BANNER PAGE NINE

OUR EMBATTLED BANNER

This is the second letter I’ve written to the Civil War Times recently regarding the attacks on our

American/Southern Heritage. While it may not be published, I hope it will encourage others to keep up the

fight. If you have not read the article, I encourage you to do so. Editor

Editor, Civil War Times

19300 Promenade Drive

Leesburg, VA 20176-6500

Subj: John M. Coski’s Article: “Embattled Banner” October 2015 Issue

Coski’s article was fair enough, based on the relentless attacks we now have on our American Heritage which is all

inclusive of Southern and Confederate Heritage. My issue here is with your side-bar piece by Mr. Lars Prillaman “An

Inherited Sense of Loss.”

While he talks of his Confederate Ancestors in the 57th Virginia Infantry, he apologizes for them saying he’s sorry for

them and the cause they valiantly fought for was wrong. He also talks of removing his Battle Flag from his Civil War

Memorabilia. Mr. Prillaman claims to be a living historian. If so, he should realize that his ancestors as well as thousands

of other Southern boys went to war because their states called them to arms. The Confederate battle Flag is the banner

they fought under; they were men of their times that is simply it. Virginia was invaded; they wanted to be left alone like

their Southern neighbors.

Mr. Prillaman, no doubt, admires his Prillaman ancestors who fought and died for the cause they truly believed in

during the mid-nineteenth century. They lived then, not now. He should be apologizing to them, not for them as he has

done in this article. He should show pride in them, not shame. Place that Confederate battle Flag back with the other

memorabilia in honor of the Prillaman’s. As Father A.J. Ryan wrote in the last stanza of his epic poem, “The Conquered

Banner,” “…treat it gently—it is holy…”

Jim Stephens

Oceanside

FRIEND, COMPATRIOT, BENEFACTOR, JAMES TAYLOR

Camp 302’s bedridden compatriot, James Taylor, is entertained by a member of The Joy Givers on

one of their regular visits to the Chula Vista Veterans Home