The Fort Brooke Record
May 1999
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The Fort Brooke RecordMay 1999 |
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| The "Fort Brooke Record" (FBR) is the monthly newsletter of the Capt. John T. Lesley Camp 1282, Inc, a Camp of the Florida Division, SCV and of the International Sons of Confederate Veterans. The FBR is provided free of charge to members of the Camp. Editorial comments in this publication are the expressed opinion of the editorial writer and not of the Camp. Paid advertisements can in no way be considered an endorsement by this camp. Locally, for inquiries and information on coming to events, the camp maintains a full-time access phone at (813) 661-7045. |
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May Meeting Monday, May 17, 1999 Supper @ 6 PM Meeting @ 7 PM Program by: Dr. Thomas Schott (authority on Alexander H. Stephens Vice President,Confederate States of America) Program Titled Stephens, The Confederate @ Buddy Freddys 134 South Gornto Lake Rd. Brandon, FL (813) 661-6005 |
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Where a man is born some might say is irrelevant to what a man might become or how a man might mature. Dont believe it when you think of Dr. Thomas Schott. His place of birth is a little Mississippi town named Vicksburg. It wasnt the place where he lived when, as a member of the high school band, he played Dixie. That was in Baton Rouge at Catholic High School. But it was to Vicksburg that the family traveled back to to visit the roots of the familys past. As a youngster, Thomas Schott was fascinated by those trips back to those cliffs on the Mississippi River, to the little town there and the vast historical park of descriptive plaques and silent cannon that seemed to be in just every direction. That fascination was present when, after earning a B.S. degree in English from Springhill College in Mobile and a Masters in American history from LSU, Tom Schott picked as a subject for study and an eventual doctoral dissertation, Alexander H. Stephens. His "major professor" and mentor during this time was non other than Dr. T. Harry Williams, author of Napoleon in Gray and Lincoln and his Generals. His PhD was awarded from LSU in 1978. Since that time, Dr. Schott has authored and published (1988) the exhaustive work Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia, A Biography. Dr. Schott, a 1966-1970 military veteran of the US Air Force, was for a number of years employed as a Historian with the US Air Force. Today he works as the Director of Research with Special Operations at MacDill AFB and teaches classes in American history at Hillsborough Community College and at the University of South Florida. The title of the program is Stephens, The Confederate. Alexander H. Stephens was, of course, the Vice President of our Confederate States. Although much ostracized by the South after the defeat, Stephens was very much a Confederate in mind and heart. To understand Stephens the man, Stephens the principled statesman, and Stephens the Confederate is to understand the times that he lived. We are truly fortunate to have in our area an authority on this very interesting historical figure from the Confederate States government. Dr. Schott will have copies of his book available for purchase. Please do join us on Monday, the 17th at Buddy Freddys for what promises to be a wonderful program. See you on Monday the 17th.
Florida Republican Governor Jeb Bush has fallen into the tracks of his brother, Texas Governor George Bush, and has refused to sign and issue a Confederate History Month proclamation. Remember, that the Liberal Democratic predecessor in the governor's position (Lawton Chiles) signed one for years on in. Also it should be taken into account that this present sitting governor is a product of the wonderful state of Massachusetts. The following is an open letter to the men of the Florida Division from the commander of the Florida Division, Robert Young: Compatriots, The Florida Division would like to report to you on the circumstances surrounding the Confederate History Month Proclamation here in the State of Florida. For the past four years we have received a Confederate History Month Proclamation from the Governor of this State. The first of these was very weak but the past three have been used as a model for other states and municipalities. With the election of a new Governor, the Division began to push for a Proclamation from Jeb Bush. His brother in Texas had refused to sign one so we were concerned over the possibility that this could occur in Florida as well. We received mixed signals and the Legislative agenda pushed our efforts well into the month of April. It was necessary to involve more and more State Legislators in an effort to obtain this Proclamation. As Confederate Memorial Day neared the pressure was increased until the Governors office contacted your Commander directly. This began a negotiation with the Governor that led to an offer to sign a Florida Civil War Heritage Proclamation. The Governor would not sign a Confederate History Month Proclamation because he felt the word "Confederate" was to "controversial". Also he stated that he wanted to be more "inclusive" with this Proclamation. Compatriots, It was the opinion of the officers of The Florida Division that this did not do HONOR to the Confederate soldier, so the offer was turned down. We must now work for next year. We will need to educate the governor that the Confederate soldier deserves this honor and we should not bow to the few who might object. We have much to lose here in this state so we will need to work with him and not to burn any bridges. Governor Chiles did not sign any Proclamation his first term. With education an a show of resolve and respect we must convince Jeb Bush that Florida's Confederate Veterans deserve a Confederate History Month Proclamation. For Florida Governor Bush's phone 1-850-488-4441 Fax 1-850-487-0801
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Editorial Comment:
A Club or a Brotherhood??? Probably nothing irks the ears of this editor more than the casual comment by some SCV member that our organization is a club. Never have I thought that. I am not a club joiner, never have been and never will be. I, like most of you, have much better things to do with my time than to be a part of any clique that might have as its primary draw - the name recognition of the organization. But Webster does treat the term kindly. Club is defined as "an association of persons for some common object..." That much is ok, but there is much more subtle defining baggage with this name. It is very much a common name. In society at large, there is nothing significant with being affiliated with or being a member of a club. Not only is this a perceptual matter but I have is a difficulty with the term club in what is not said through common understanding and usage of the term. The SCV should not be a casual experience wherein the members have simply some common interest to experience and to share with others. Again, there is nothing wrong with having a common interest or in sharing. But in contrast to a club, I contend that the SCV is a Brotherhood. We are descendents of the noblest and bravest but, at the same time, the most vilified American soldier that ever walked on the face of this continent. Any other veteran organisation does not have to prove anything - they just remember and honour their veteran. By our knowledge of a truth of American history and of the role that the Confederate soldier played in that epic period called the War for Southern Independence, we have a special calling. When one joins the Sons of Confederate Veterans he acknowledges the past existence of his particular ancestor but he also asserts and proclaims that his Confederate ancestor was noble, honourable, patriotic and is worth memorializing in this day in time. This is, in a sense, the perpetuation of the Cause of our forefathers in gray. And for many, in this hedonistic, politically correct world that our culture has become, this is in itself, a very brave and noble personal act. By the fact that we are today embroiled in a continuous struggle and effort to vindicate our ancestors good name and to vindicate the Southern Cause and by the fact that we are united in this struggle through the bonds of this organization, because of these reasons, I would suggest that we are a "band of brothers." A Brotherhood if you will. But taken a step further, we are that Brotherhood but, by our nature, we are also A Fraternity of Southern Gentlemen.
The Florida Division Reunion Remember that the Florida Division Reunion will be held in Pensacola on May 21 - 23 at the Ramada Inn Bayview. Several members of the camp are planning to attend. Please do contact Quartermaster Jake English (971-8153) if you wish to attend and would like to coordinate with others wishing to attend. Pensacola is full of history of the War and today Pensacola is fortunate to have a very active Stephen R. Mallory Camp 1315 to host this event. The Pensacola boys are going all out to make this an event that you will not want to miss. Pensacola has Fort Pickins, For Barrancas and the largest and tallest Confederate Monument in the state. That monument, at Lee Square, sits in a very prominent area atop a hill on the major north/south road in the city. Please refer to the enclosed ad sheet for information Also, the current issue of the Florida Division newsletter, The Blockade Runner has detailed information and directions on this event.
Sabre and Rose Ball reported by Ross Lamoreaux The Sabre and Rose Ball, presented by the Society for the Preservation of Southern History, was held on April 10, 1999 at the Museum of Fine Arts in St Petersburg. An evening of Southern Music was enjoyed by the many who attended. The affair was put together through the hard work of Mrs. Kris Armitage, Mrs. Shelly Jakes, Mrs, Pam Cosentino, and many others. Our own Frank Jakes was Master of Ceremonies, with music by Georgias own The Rebelaires, with the dances called by Mr. Tim Keyes. The 1999 Debutante, Miss Heather Bethune was presented by her parents Mike and Rhonda Bethune. Other camp members seen in attendance were Jim and Kris Armitage, Mark Salter, Ross Lamoreaux, Roger, Satzer, Wayne Sweat and Tyler Jakes.
Rogers Cemetery Service reported by Ross Lamoreaux April 17, 1999 was a special day for the Lesley Camp, as we were about to honour an ancestor of camp member Leroy Rogers. Confederate Veteran James Morrison Rogers, Leroys Great-Great Grandfather, who is interred at the Rogers Family Cemetery near Wimauma, Florida was honoured with a small ceremony, complete with Colour Guard and volleys. Despite the heavy downpour of rain, there was a small respite for just enough time to hold the service. Camp members in the ceremony wee Commander Jim Hayward, Calvin Martin who rendered a wonderful version of Dixie, Colour Guard Commander Mike Herring, Sargent Mike Bethune (slightly tardy due to navigational problems), Sargent Mark Miller and Corporals Wayne Sweat, Mark Salter, Leroy Rogers and Greg Chappell. The rifle squad was commanded by Lieutenant Ross Lamoreaux. The rifle squad consisted of 1st Sargent Skip Fletcher, Corporal John Mitchell and Privates Bill Rivenbark and Frank Jakes.
County Issues Proclamation reported by Jim Armitage On April 7, 1999, ten proud Southerners attended the 9 AM meeting of the Board to receive the proclamation declaring April as Southern Heritage Month and April 26 as Confederate Memorial Day in Hillsborough County. The room was packed and filled with anticipation. We were the first of three groups to receive proclamations. Past Commander Jim Armitage spoke on behalf of our camp and received the proclamation from Jim Norman. The Board was thanked and all members were invited to attend the Confederate memorial Day service on the 25th and they were reminded of the Honour Guard Duty at the monument on the 26th. As an interesting side note, a representative of the Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg was in attendance and also received a proclamation. This man said he supported the SCV and had attended the Private Benjamin F. Deane burial ceremony in Plant City and thought it was beautiful. After viewing the beautiful proclamation, it was noticed that one commissioner had not signed - that commissioner was Pat Frank. We all walked away that morning proud to have our ancestry and heritage honoured and remembered. The commission, once again, has learned that we are members of this community, we are not going away, and just maybe they might learn to respect the Southerners here. Those in attendance were Jim Hayward, William Harden, Jim Armitage, Ross Lamoreaux, Mr. and Mrs Harold Skipper, Pam Cosentino, Robert Gates, Greg Chappell and one compatriot who got away before I could get his name.
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FLOWERS FOR A MONUMENT Thank you to the following who sent money for the mums that graced the site of the monument for the Confederate Memorial Service and for the Guard Duty on the 26th.:
Of those above, Phil Walters, S. G. Anastassion, and Diana Shuman gave generously over and above the minimum amount asked. Lee Roberts bought a beautiful wreath. Alice Arnwine provided the gorgeous arrangement set at the front of the monument At the April camp meeting those present donated $181.50 toward this effort. We had enough funds to buy the 80 five inch potted flowering mums and the wood to construct three portable eight foot three stepped displays for the mums. It is a thrill to report that these flowers along with two large 3 x 5 foot flags (Bonnie Blue and Second National) are, at this writing, still very much at the courthouse and on display. |
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A Sincere Gift The following letter, including a check for $65.00, was received by the editor on 25 April 1999: John T. Lesley Camp, SCV, Enclosed is our check for partial sponsorship of the Interbay Little League Sign. The contribution is made as the Republican Party Committeeman and Committeewoman for Precinct 109, the area between MacDill AFB and Gandy Blvd. from the bay to MacDill Avenue. As Legionnaires in the Camp, we want to demonstrate that many of todays Republicans are more aligned with the Southern independence fighters than with those wishing to destroy the Constitution of the US, by strengthening Federal rights at the expense of State's Rights envisioned by the Founders. It is our pleasure to promote the works of the camp, particularly as they can influence a positive image of Southern History in our neighborhood. Sincerely, |
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A GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT It is with the greatest and most profound disappointment that it must be announced that the Temple Terrace Historical (Society) has backed down on their commitment to co-sponsor a flagpole/monument for the Branch Family Cemetery located on Overlook Drive just off of Busch in Temple Terrace. In January of this year, we were contacted by the officers of that organization with the proposal that we duplicate the effort that we put forth in Brandon and at the Bethlehem Cemetery. To reiterate, they contacted us. Marion Lambert, Jake English and Jeannie and James Harwell met with the officers of Temple Terrace Historical in February and spelled out clearly what the plan was. There was no hesitation on the societys part. They loved the idea and told us that they would love to do it. If you will remember, we had a beautiful gravestone dedication ceremony at the Branch Family Cemetery one year ago. The problem arose when a certain Northern member of the society (who had been present for the February meeting and openly supportive of the plan) suddenly became very concerned that a Southern flag would be forever waving in her community. That element in conjunction with a politically correct Southern born type worked tirelessly through the month of March and the first of April to make life miserable for those in the society who genuinely wanted this placement and dedication to occur. In the end there was much dissention and life became totally unbearable for those good Southerners in the Temple Terrace Historical. What had been wonderful accord became anything but. What is interesting is simply that those people who had a problem with the idea did not have the courage to confront us face to face at that February meeting. Our deepest regrets we extend to the true Southerners in the Temple Terrace historical (Society). Truly it must be terribly hard to have to face and to deal with those who lack the personal courage so necessary for noble and righteous character. |
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Camp Store The inventory of the camp store continues to change. Please pay close attention to what is available. If you desire an item that is not apparent, Mike Herring will be the man to contact in order to procure those things and items that have a Southern Heritage flavour. Contact him at home (681-6922) or just come to the meetings and you will have an opportunity to see displayed what is available. Some items currently available are as follows:
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HERITAGE REPORT NATO would have favored Confederacy by Don Feder Monday, April 19, 1999 To justify Mr. Clinton's merry little war, Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic - who's unlikely to be mistaken for Father Christmas - is depicted as a monster to rival the century's most notorious ideological killers. (``The Face of Evil,'' shrills the cover story in the April 19 Newsweek.) Of what does Milosevic stand accused? Adopting brutal tactics to deal with a rebellion? Abraham Lincoln did as much. Milosevic is fighting the Kosovo Liberation Army to keep his nation intact. Lincoln went to war with secessionists to preserve the Union, which was then less than 100 years old. Kosovo has been Serbian since the 12th century. Lincoln didn't just make war on the Army of Northern Virginia. The Union Navy's blockade of Southern ports destroyed its trade and resulted in massive suffering. If C-SPAN had broadcast from the South 135 years ago, it would have shown civilians in full flight, troops burning houses and crops, and widespread looting. William Tecumseh Sherman said, ``War is cruelty, and you cannot refine it,'' then proceeded to prove his maxim. The Union general captured and burned Atlanta and Columbia, S.C., the latter out of pure spite. On his march to the sea, Sherman cut a swath 60 miles wide. Fields were stripped clean, houses were pillaged, almost every structure was burned to the ground. These terror tactics were designed to demoralize the Confederate homefront and hasten the war's end. The devastation wasn't confined to Sherman's march. The beautiful Shenandoah Valley, breadbasket of the Confederacy, was turned into a wasteland. Ulysses Grant boasted that the valley would be picked so clean that ``crows flying over it for the balance of the season will have to carry their provender with them.'' By the war's end, Southern agriculture and industry were in ruins. It's estimated the South lost two-thirds of its total wealth. Milosevic is said to be a tyrant who brutally suppresses dissent in Yugoslavia. Lincoln threw men into jail for voicing their opinions. As historian David Herbert Donald explains, Lincoln ``suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus throughout the country and authorized the arbitrary arrest of any person `guilty of any disloyal practice, affording aid and comfort to the rebels against the authority of the United States.' '' This led to the imprisonment, without trial, of hundreds of Southern sympathizers and anti-war activists, including newspaper editors and, in one case, an ex-congressman. Our 16th president believed these steps were necessary to deal with an unparalleled crisis. Lincoln insisted on unconditional surrender of the Confederacy and spurned foreign offers to arbitrate. (No Rambouillet for him.) He knew Britain and France would sacrifice American unity for peace and trade. Just as the Serbs could give up Kosovo, Lincoln could have let the South go its way. Instead, he plunged the nation into the bloodiest conflict in our history. Throughout the South, 4 percent of the population (soldiers and civilians, free as well as slaves) died as a result of the war. The analogy between the Civil War and the war in Kosovo breaks down, as analogies must. There were no mass graves in Dixie. Then again, Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis weren't drug-smuggling thugs. The foregoing is meant neither as an indictment of the Great Emancipator nor an exoneration of Milosevic. Lincoln did what was necessary to preserve the Union. America, the greatest force for good in this century, would have been reduced to a basket case if the rebellion had succeeded. Milosevic is unlikely to be mistaken for the man who urged ``malice toward none and charity for all.'' Still, the Serbs are fighting what amounts to a secessionist movement. Assuming Milosevic is guilty of war crimes, his conduct doesn't negate the Serbs' right to land that constitutes 10 percent of their country and contains one-third of its energy reserves. Had NATO been around in the middle of the last century, to promote stability in the Western Hemisphere, Lincoln would have been forced to grant the rebellious states autonomy for three years. Thereafter, Southerners would have been free to determine their future. Instead, the Land of Cotton Liberation Army was defeated. But Dixie had its revenge. It gave us Clinton. |
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From the Adjutants Desk From the Adjutants Desk: We have been very fortunate since the onset of the New Year, membership has been steadily on the climb. The camp membership roster stands at 188 Compatriots, 21 Legionnaires and 3 Associates, keeping us over the TWO HUNDRED minimum goal. The reputation of our Camps good works has spread by word of mouth far and wide. Lets keep up the fine tradition. If you have any questions concerning camp business as it relates to you or to process membership paperwork, please do not hesitate in contacting me. Adjutant Dwight Tetrick
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Confederate Memorial Service Honour Guard Duty
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