The Fort Brooke Record

November 1998

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FIGURE THIS!

The same Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners who in April shied away from publicly acknowledging the two proclamations they had just signed for us have agreed to sign a new proclamation on the Bethlehem Cemetery dedication. Essentially the same type declaration. Commissioner Jim Normans office even made a point of contacting Commissioners Thomas Scott and Jan Platt to "test the waters" before the document was submitted for their signatures.

Remember it was Scott who stated that he was revolted by the idea (of publicly delivering the April documents) and stated to the press "I just couldn't do it." "It's almost like condoning the Confederate army, which tried to keep African-Americans enslaved," he said. And it was Platt who did her best to embarrass us by publicly withdrawing from the ceremony after she had accepted an invitation.

The office of both commissioners stated that they will sign the proclamation.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

On Thursday, November 12, at 9:00 AM in the auditorium on the 2nd floor of the County Center the commission will deliver to us, live and before the TV cameras and the world, a proclamation giving its blessings to the ceremony at Bethlehem. Mrs. Jeanie Harwell of the Bethlehem Cemetery Association, will officially accept the proclamation from the commissioners.

We need for you to help us make a statement to these politicians. Even though Mrs. Harwell is gutsy enough to stand alone in front of God and the community we do not want her to stand this day without us.

Therefore, put on your Sunday best on the morning of the 12th and come on down to Kennedy and Pierce St. to the County Center. You can park inside the County Center. The meeting begins at 9 and you will be out of there by 10. We want to stand behind Mrs. Harwell as she acknowledges us as she accepts the proclamation.

Our purpose in this is not to change the mind of the politician but to exhibit our unity and our resolve.

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NOVEMBER MEETING PROGRAM

November 17, 1998
Buddy Freddys' Restaurant - Brandon

We are very fortunate to have coming to the November meeting a person of renown.  Dr. Marshall L. DeRosa is not the ordinary college professor. He is a founding member of the League of the South and is a scholar of the legal structure of the Confederate States of America.

Marshall DeRosa was born in Fairmont, West Virginia in 1955. In that state he completed his Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia University in 1978. He was awarded his Ph.d. from the University of Houston in 1987 and today is a Full Professor of Political Science at Florida Atlantic University. He lives in Wellington, Florida, with his wife Mary and their four children, Elijah, Isabella, Abigail and Ian.

His academic areas of specialization are American Politics, Jurisprudence, and Political Theory. He has published four books including The Confederate Constitution of 1861, An Inquiry Into American Constitutionalism (The University of Missouri Press), and The Politics of Dissolution: The American Civil War and the Quest for a National Identity. His work in progress is titled The Ideological Origins of the Confederate Revolution.

Certainly the books that he has written give reason enough to stop and to listen to what this scholar might have to say. But the fulfilling ingredient in this mix is the core belief of the man. In the first paragraph of this article mention was made of his founding status in the League of the South. So not simply is this individual a scholar on the subject of a dead country and of the long gone constitution of that nation he is a proponent and a spokesman for the resurgence of Southern Nationalism.

Marshall DeRosa has been compared to such a profound thinker on the subject of the Confederate Constitution as Vice-President Alexander Stevens of the Confederacy. Such a comparison is, to say the least, sobering. It is not only wonderful to have this man working here in the state of Florida but we are truly fortunate to have him as our program speaker for this Novembers meeting.

The title of the program will be THE RULE OF LAW VERSUS THE RULE OF LAWYERS: THE CSA FOR THE PLAINTIFF.

See you on the 17th of November at Buddy Freddys!

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DECEMBER PARADES

There are two parades of note both of which will occur during the first part of December. Both of these are camp events!

PLANT CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE:

This parade will be on Friday the 4th of December. The parade begins at 6 PM and the line up is at 5 PM. The parade float, the UDC ladies, and the antique autos will be entered. The colour guard will not participate in this parade. The line up will be at South Collins and Prosser Street.

BRANDON CHRISTMAS PARADE:

Always a favourite, this parade will be held on Saturday, December 12 at 2 PM with line up at 1 PM. The parade forms up on Lumsden just east of Kings in Brandon. The parade float, the UDC ladies, the antique vehicles and the Colour Guard will be participating.

For further information on either of these parades contact Cmdr. Hayward at 685-4850.

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MOST PEOPLE LIKE...A BRASS BAND

Most people enjoy music. Some people enjoy classical music while others enjoy contemporary or country music. Still, others, heavens forbid, enjoy rock and roll. 

But almost everyone enjoys the music from an accomplished BRASS BAND. there's something about a BRASS BAND that catches your attention. Whether it's a Sousa march or the compositions of Stephen Foster, the average music lover will hum along and tap his feet.

Jim Hayward, Jake English, Marion Lambert and myself have been talking about the possibility of organizing our own CAMP BRASS BAND similar to the regimental band from St. Augustine. We would like to know if there are any BRASS MUSICIANS  accomplished or otherwise among our camp. Perhaps you haven't seen that old cornet in a few years and you can't remember where you put it. Well, dig it out, polish it up, and get your chops in shape.

If you are interested in playing in a CAMP BRASS BAND, call Compatriot Ken Murphy at (813) 689-0527.

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OUR NEW LOOK ... ON THE NET

If you are computer savvy or if you have a friend who is, it is worthwhile to access the new Lesley Camp webpage at the following address:

https://florida-scv.org/Camp1282/

Not only is it newly refurbished but because of the creative talents of a very special Legionnaire this site will be a shining public image of the Lesley Camp.

Upon accessing the site you will notice that there is a button menu on the left of the screen from which you can link to the many pages available. The buttons are titled; HOME, HELP MAKE HISTORY, THE "ON FIRE CAMP, CONFEDERATE CALENDAR, FT. BROOKE RECORD, EVENT PHOTOS, JOIN THE CAMP, OFFICERS, MEMORIAL PROJECT, BURIAL DATABASE - TAMPA BAY, CONFEDERATE WISDOM AND JOHN T. LESLEYS FAVORITES.

Please visit the site and let Lunelle know your reaction.

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A Tribute to the Chaplain

In this article I would like to raise a humble and sincere tribute to another kind of Confederate soldier - the Soldier of the Cross. A Chaplains star rises or falls in the field of battle. It was no less true of the Confederate chaplain. No matter how well he might preach in the chapel, he must prove his devotion to the men who were forced to undergo suffering in the campaign. His mere presence was a boost to morale. His good example under hardship gave his influence a much more potent factor.

In making a discerning observation on the kind of minister needed for the army, General J. E. B. Stuart noted, "I do not want a man who is not both able and willing to endure the fatigues, hardships, and privations of our rough riding and hard service, and be in place when needed, would be of no earthly use to us and is not wanted at my head-quarters."

Just such a man as this was Chaplain Thomas R. Markham, a native of Fayette, Mississippi, serving with Withers Artillery Regiment at Vicksburg; then after this unit became decimated, with Featherstons Brigade, Lorings Division. It was said of this man:

He was over at their side, he learning to know them by name and to love them, and they giving him their entire confidence and affection. They had such respect for his courage and love for them that one of them writing back home said, "We will follow anywhere our indefatigable chaplain."

Nor did the faithful Chaplain overlook the needs of his officers in the despair of failure and defeat. Typical was this report during a retreat in Tennessee. Colonel Walters, adjutant to General Bragg, was the very picture of defeat as he watched the beaten Southern forces fall back. Said the Chaplain to him, "My dear Colonel, I am afraid youve not read the Psalms for the day." "No," he answered. "What do they say?" Replied the Chaplain, "In the Lord I put my trust; how pay ye then to my soul, that she should flee as a bird unto the hill?"

There were many good and saintly men of God who faithfully ministered to the spiritual needs of the army. Their tireless efforts in seeking to bring relief to the suffering soldier and officer are contained within the pages of many a soldiers diary, and the many company and brigade records. When I think of these devoted servants who left family, home and parish behind to lay down the clerical robe and don the Chaplains mantle, the following scripture comes to mind: "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever." (Daniel 12:3)

In our upcoming January meeting, you will have an opportunity to again meet and hear a true Confederate Chaplain and Evangelist. Reverend Alan Farley of Reenacterss Mission For Jesus Christ. Brother Farley is not only a member of the SCV, but he also serves as the Virginia Division Chaplain. More information about this will be forthcoming in our January newsletter.

My prayer for you and your families is that you will have a wonderful Southern Thanksgiving. Lift up your voices in grateful praise to the One from whom all blessings flow.

"I will say to the North, Give Up; and to the South, keep not back..." (Isa. 43:6a)

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FOUR LESLEY CAMP MEMBERS
HONOURED BY UDC, CHAPTER 113

On October 8, 1998 at the Florida Division Convention of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, six Crosses of Military Service were presented to four camp members.

The Cross of Military Service is an outgrowth of the UDC Cross of Honor presented to the Confederate veterans. The Confederate government never issued any medals, although they had plans to do so. The UDC considered all Confederate Veterans heroes and thus the medals were struck, ordered and presented at the turn of the 20th century to the aged veterans. The Cross of Military Service is presented to those veterans of Confederate lineal descent, who served honourably during war time. The medal is a crusader cross, in bold relief, with the Battle Flag of the Confederacy on the obverse suspended by a ribbon reflecting the U. S. decoration for the war period. The reverse contains the name and medal number. A beautiful certificate is issued with this very prestigious award. The awards were given in a solemn ceremony presided over by Florida Division UDC President Mrs. Marilyn King. The setting was the ball room of the Bellview Biltmore Hotel in Clearwater. The guest speaker at the ceremony was CWO Jim Armitage, a U. S. Army (Retired) Cross recipient in 1990.

Those honoured were; Lt. Col. Daniel W. Hall, Jr., USMC (Retired) for his service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam; Captain George M. Schabacker for his service in Korea; Petty Officer Third Class Sherrel D. Patton, II for his service in Vietnam; and Airman First Class Walter M. Wingfield for his service in Vietnam.

The Camp Colour Guard provided the opening ceremony and were resplendent in their uniforms and drill.

Those who composed the unit were: Captain Michael Herring Sgt. Michael Bethune, Corp. Mark Lane, Corp. Leroy Rogers, Corp, Wesley Sainz, Corp. Mark Salter, and Corp. Wayne Sweat. A special thanks to Mrs. Frank Jakes, who as the Recorder of Crosses for Tampa Chapter 113, UDC, went above and beyond the call to get the necessary paper work done in a timely and correct manner. A very special motto is engraved on the top of each medal; "Fortes Creanter Fortibus" which means "The brave give birth to the brave."

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SPECIAL LADIES

On the last night of the UDC convention in Clearwater the Lesley Camp represented Chapter 113 President Kris Armitage and Secretary Paula Nunnery the SCV Ladies Appreciation Medal. Not often presented, this medal was presented to acknowledge publicly the tireless, dedicated and committed efforts of these two local champions of the South.

These are two individuals who do not have to be persuaded or counseled concerned the Cause we strive to present to the community. The Lesley Camp, in our proactive outreach in the area, has always counted on the valued friendship of these two ladies. From parades and memorial services to bringing home soldiers from far away and putting up monuments and flagpoles these ladies have been at our side.

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HERITAGE REPORT

by Walter Wingfield

The Good News and Bad News 

This month's report has a different twist than usual. It's really on the Good News side of the ledger. I believe these articles have as much to do with our heritage as the Confederate flags we are always in conflict about with someone.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLORIDA:
Nelson W. Winbush says the history of black Confederate soldiers in the Civil War is not accurately taught. To help set the record straight, Winbush shares the history of his grandfather, Louis Napoleon Nelson, a slave who fought with the Confederate forces against Union troops.

Civil War history has been reported in a one-sided manner. Winbush said, "I decided the other side needed to be told.  I could talk for two hours non-stop on the subject."

Winbush is a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in Kissimmee. He began telling about black history in 1995 and telling about his grandfather in the Civil War. His grandfather went to war at the age of 14 which was common at that time.  Winbush said residents both black and white felt an allegiance to their home state. Slaves and slave owners went to the same churches, buried their dead in the same cemeteries, and generally lived life together as families.  Winbush said, "Everyone says the Civil War was all about slavery, but it was about rights of individual states and unfair tariffs being charged to Southern states." Winbush said the yankees threatened their lives, homes, and families and asked the question, "Why wouldn't the black Southerners go fight?" Winbush's grandfather told about Confederate forces being completely integrated with more than 90,000 black men fighting for the South. He cited several regiments formed by black soldiers and supplied by their families.

Winbush said, "My grandfather went to war together with his master's two sons. They left and returned together." He recalled his grandfather's gruesome description of the Battle of Vicksburg. His grandfather called it a "bloody mess", with hundreds of bodies, Confederate and Yankee, lying side by side, in piles on top of each other. Winbush's grandfather's regiment surrendered to Union troops in Gainesville, Alabama and were all marched to Tennessee when the war ended. After being released, Winbush's grandfather returned to his master's where he stayed for another 12 years.

Winbush stated in closing that he was not trying to re-fight the war, he just wanted to make sure this part of history was told correctly to as many people as possible.

LOUISIANA:
The people of the State of Louisiana passed an amendment to their Constitution which reads as follows:

The people of this State have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves as a
free and sovereign state;  and do, and forever hereafter shall, exercise and enjoy
everypower, jurisdiction, and right, pertaining thereto, which is not, or may not hereafter
be, by them expressly delegated to the United States in Congress assembled.

The above amendment passed easily and credit for the important victory for States' rights goes to the Louisiana Chapter of the League of the South.

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Bethlehem,

Everybodys Cemetery

Bethlehem Cemetery is located around the communities of Dover and Cork in Hillsborough County. And Dover and Cork are located between Plant City and Brandon on a highway called Bethlehem Road which runs between SR 574 and Hwy 92. As you travel the 2 or so miles of Bethlehem Rd. you will come to a double dog leg which will take you around the 3 acre site called Bethlehem Cemetery.

In that plot of earth lie the remains of many of the ancestors of todays inhabitants of this part of the county. And among those ancestors are men who in their prime were soldiers of the Confederacy. Men who carried the surnames of Becton, Baker, Gavin, Fletcher, Dudley, Hardee, Simmons, Moore, Faulkner, Casey, Hawkins, Kinard, Allen, and Douglas. They came from Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and other parts of Florida. During the War they suffered wounds and privations almost too horrible to describe. They watched as 250,000 of their comrades fell forever to disease and minie balls, grapeshot, the bayonet, Yankee prisons and malnutrition. They served with Lee, Johnson, Bragg, and Hood. They "saw the elephant" at Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, and Atlanta and locally at Bayport near Brooksville, around Tampa and at Fort Meade.

Bethlehem Cemetery is just 3 acres of land. Nothing there now to let the casual passerby know that all of this history lies here in this earth. It takes a special knowledge and a special sense of the past. Some of us know because these 14 Confederate graves are so marked. Others are descendants of these soldiers of gray, they know. And to some the knowledge of this special place is theirs because their families are buried out there. So it is with Mr. and Mrs. James Harwell, they know.

Jim and Jeanie Harwell have a son named Pete buried in a family plot. She is the head of the Bethlehem Cemetery Association whose purpose is the maintenance and care of the grounds of the cemetery. And Jim is a member of the Lesley Camp.

3rd Lt. Cmdr. Mark Lane had been telling us about this wonderful plot of land and, before Jim was a member of the camp, of this wonderfully sympathetic couple named the Harwells. As soon as the Brandon Cemetery Project was behind us we focused upon this possibility.

Everything has finally come together as we are approaching the date of the dedication of the flagpole. On the 17th of October the foundation of the monument and flagpole was laid. On the 31st of October the flagpole was raised.

To everyone touched by this effort, the Harwells, the Methodist Church who used to maintain this earth, the Bethlehem Cemetery Association, the descendants of the soldiers buried there, to anybody who has a family member there, to the rural communities nearby and to the John T. Lesley Camp, this is our earth. It is sacred and it belongs to us all.

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***LATE BREAKING NEWS***

THE EDGEFIELD JOURNAL

After a mere 133 years after the close of the great subjugation (War Between the States) we in the South are blessed with a REAL Southern newspaper of great quality. Currently a monthly, this paper bills itself as "A Confederate States National Newspaper." It has colour, three sections (front, historical, and regional), editorial page, Letters to the Editor, and political cartoons. It is not a second rate effort and is well worth the reading. The Premier Edition is chock full of material extremely useful and necessary for the serious "Southron" reader. To obtain locally a free sample of this premier edition contact 2nd Lt. Cmdr. Mike Herring at 681-6922. They will be available at the meeting on the 17th of November. To subscribe for one year send $12.00 to The Edgefield Journal, 119-120 Courthouse Square, Edgefield, South Carolina 29824. Or call (803) 637-3789.

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From the Adjutants Desk

(Deputy Adjutant Dwight Tetrick)

We are pleased to welcome as members to the John T. Lesley the following Compatriots Ronald E. Jordan who joined under the service of Pvt. James M. Cannon, Co. K, 39th Georgia Inf. Jordan R. Busch who joined under the service of Sgt. Charles Hopkins, Co. D, 115th Virginia Militia. Jimmy B. Simpson who joins under the service of Pvt. Jeremiah Simpson, Co. G, 29th Georgia Inf. In addition we are pleased to welcome Philip L. Orrico to the Confederate Legion.

The Fall Raffle continues to be a great success, its what pays the bills. The October Fishfry lived up to all of the great expectations. There was plenty of fish, side dishes, deserts and entertainment. Please remember the $7.00 cover at the gate had to pay for the fish, ice, ice tea, groceries, condiments, flatware, napkins, cups, tablecloths, table & chair rental and band fee. Adding everything up to a wholesome, entertaining and inexpensive night out. The Fishfries are organized for the enjoyment of the members and friends of the camp and are not fundraisers. On the subject of fundraisers, if you have suggestions please notify me.

1999 is right around the corner; the annual membership dues letter will be mailed out very shortly. Remembering that the camp dues are insufficient to pay for the printing and postage of the monthly newsletter. Those Compatriots who want to save the envelope and postage may submit your check for $33.00 to me at the up coming meeting.

Dep. Adj. Dwight Tetrick
19126 Amelia Circle
Lutz, FL 33549
(813) 949-4746

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