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The Fort Brooke Record
March 2001
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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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FRIED FISH, GRITS Well, get ready Its that time. And what might that time be? Fish Fry time, what else? The John T. Lesley Camp is proud to announce and honoured to invite you to its semi annual Fish Fry. It has been a camp tradition for so long that none of us can remember whenever there was not a Catfish or Mullet fry-up about this time of the year over at Commander Jim Haywards. What a tradition! A tradition that can not be topped. What do we do at the fishfry? Well of course, the main thing we do is to eat. And we eat real well. This year we will have our staple of South Florida Lake Okeechobee fresh water catfish. These fish will be swimming, free and wild, just 36 hours prior to their consumption. They will be deep fried to corn meal perfection by Jims cousin Richard Robison and Jims Vietnamese friend Nguygn using a portable fryer off of the back porch. They use the finest Corn Oil and white corn meal to cook for the 200 plus hungry mouths at a typical fishfry. We might even have hush puppies this year. For that we will all just have to wait and see. Then there is the cheese grits, a Southern tradition. Rosa Hayward and some other ladies from the UDC have the grit cooking down to an art. They do that in the house kitchen. |
At last Falls October Fishfry, Commander Bob May of the Dixie County Camp brought down a whole mess of swamp cabbage. What is that? It is the growing heart of the cabbage palm. It takes quite a bit of effort to procure it but the tasteful result of boiling with the correct amounts of secret seasoning is just something else. Maybe Bob will pay us a visit again with this delectable delight. (Bob, this a hint) But the greatest surprise at a fishfry is the wonderful covered dishes that all of us bring. Nobody ever knows what is in that dish, all covered up with tin foil and wrapped in a towel to keep it warm, until later. And what happy surprises there are when we go through the feeding line and let our eyes guide our hands to dish out somebody elses specialty. And thats talking about the main dishes not even to mention the desserts that are brought. Everybody is asked to bring a covered dish which will feed at least 6 and most do. Of course, we eat well at these events. But is that all that we do? Nope, not by a long shot. We listen to the finest bluegrass music this time performed by the talented performers with Foothill Bluegrass. What this all boils down to is a GOOD TIME! No alcohol and just good Christian fellowship, Southern style. We do hope that all of you who are reading these words can come you wont be sorry. See below for particulars.
April 4th Wednesday Morning 9 AM in the Boardroom Of the BOCC in the County Center For the past 7 years we of the Lesley Camp have gathered from the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners a proclamation proclaiming April as Southern Heritage Month and April 26 as Confederate Memorial Day in Hillsborough County. This coming April 4, we will officially receive the proclamation from the commissioners in open session in their meeting room. All of you are invited to come and be with us in this presentation. You need to come in your Sunday best. The time is between 9 and 10 AM and the location is on the 2nd floor in the Boardroom of the County Center (the pink building) located at the intersection of Pierce and Kennedy in downtown Tampa. Every year we have between 20 and 30 folks attend. This year we need to ratchet up the number. Rebmaster Lunelle Siegel will be accepting the proclamation from the commissioners. Please try to make it down there on this important morning. Guaranteed that you will be gone by 10 AM. For further information contact Marion Lambert at (813)839-5153.
Februarys Meeting
At the February camp meeting (held on the 20th) our own Rich Warner, 3rd Lt. Cmdr. and newsletter editor gave a stupendous program on the CSS H. L. Hunley. Not to overstate his effort, Rich really does the job of program giving great justice. His talk held his audiences undivided attention. We as a camp are very fortunate in having one of caliber and talent within our ranks. Flags Across Florida AN UPDATE ON THE WHITE SPRINGS SITE LOCATED NORTH OF I-10 ON I-75. By Cmdr. Marion Lambert, Florida Division Chief of Staff The good news and the bad. We are 60% to toward our goal of having raised the needed funds to go forward with the effort. Just to let you know, the 110 foot flag pole alone cost $10,000. Of course, we have considerable expense independent of that but contributions are coming in at a good and steady pace. The import of this is that there is just no way that the dedication will occur on April 7. The bad news is that April 7 is a no go but the good news is that we are very much on track to getting this done. One element which held us up was the tardiness of the first run of our ad in the Confederate Veteran Magazine. We still are hoping for a late Spring or early Summer dedication date. Keep in touch with this update and I will keep you informed. But by all means, if you desire to place your name or that of your ancestor on the monument let us know by sending in your subscription. We will soon do one more mailing to all the SCV members in the state with the subscription flyer. Archives Awareness Month Brochure Inserted in this FBR is the flyer for the Archives Awareness Month, an effort of the City of Tampa. Each year the City of Tampa supports and sponsors this program and puts out this brochure which advertises and promotes activities occurring during April, Archives Awareness Month. For the past several years the John T. Lesley Camp has contributed information for that brochure. The following is this years submittal for the brochure, which you will find inside the flyer.. ****************** THURSDAY, APRIL 26 Southern Society Has March Meeting On Monday, March 12, the Southern Society of Tampa Bay met for its planned March meeting. Represented at this meeting were the following organizations: Tampa Chapter 113, UDC; Mary Custis Lee Chapter 1451, UDC; Plant City Chapter 1931, UDC; John T. Lesley Camp 1282, SCV; Confederate Cantinieres Chapter 2405, UDC; Florida Division, SCV, and Stonewall Jackson Camp 1381, SCV. Not represented at this meeting were the following: Co A Confederate States Marines and Co K 7th Florida, Pensacola. Again this was a good representation of the local organizations. Individuals present were the following: Ruth Byther, Lunelle Siegel, James B. Hayward, Rosa Nell Hayward, Charles Pedrick, Gail Jessee, Tom Jessee, Ken Murphy, Rich Warner and Marion Lambert. Of course, all of the organizations shared their calendars for the most important time of our year Spring and Southern Heritage Month. The composite activities and dates projected for all these organizations can be seen at the Southern Society Webpage at https://florida-scv.org/Camp1282/Southernsociety.htm The sharing of information through this calendar is invaluable. Anyone, within or outside of our respective organizations, can quickly find what is transpiring in the Tampa Bay area. The technology age is definitely here. Currently, four of the member organizations have links from their sites to the central Southern Society Webpage. Hopefully all will soon be linked. The next Meeting of the Southern Society will be held at Buddy Freddys Restaurant in Brandon at 7 PM on Monday evening, May 14. Come early, if possible, to eat. The food is the best. A Joint Dedication The Worth Family Cemetery On Sunday, March 11, 2001, the John T. Lesley Camp 1282, SCV teamed up with the Winfield Scott Whitehurst Camp 1, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War to cohost the dedication of two markers at the Worth Family Cemetery in Durant, Florida. The first dual service between the two organizations came off without a hitch. The day was perfect and the 2 PM service was filmed by WTVT-13 television and was shown on the 10 PM news that evening. Unfortunately there was not enough lead time in the scheduling to make this a major event. But nevertheless, this was a fine program done with class. Dedicated were markers for Captain Frederick Worth, Co K, 8th Florida Infantry and Private Joseph P. Wood, Co B 1st Arkansas Cavalry (US). Captain Worth was severely wounded, shot through the right lung, in the campaign in Virginia in early 1864. He survived to live out his life in Hillsborough County, Florida. From the Lesley Camp, the Colour Guard was represented by Wayne Sweat and Mark Salter. Marion Lambert led the Colour Guard. Ken Murphy did a superb job in the playing of taps (tatoo) at the close of the service. Senior Vice Commander Wayne Tice, SUV, did a remarkable job eulogizing these soldiers on guitar. Jake English MCd the event and the Rev. Ken Simpson opened and closed in prayer. Zephryhills Founders Day Parade Reported by Wesley Sainz
Zephryhills is known to many in our camp as one town you have to "search far and wide to find a real Southerner." But after the Honor Guard participated in the Zephryhills Founders Day Parade, our camp members can now repeat General "Stonewall" Jackson's famous words with confidence: In Zephryhills, "We have won the day!" The John T. Lesley Camp's Honor Guard continued it's march thru the South on Saturday, March 10th, in the annual Zephryhills Founders Day Parade. And the reception was spectacular! Amidst the public standing at attention and through rolling applause, the Flags of the South' flew forever proud in the cause for Southern Heritage. Many a shout was heard from the crowd; "Hurrah for the South!." "Go get em boys." "Yeehaw, those flags are lookin good." Not to be outdone, Compatriot Lynn Petty would give a loud rendition of "DIXIE" thru the horn on Mark Salter's antique tractor and the crowd would scream in unison, YEEHAW!" Cameras flashed and video film rolled, as our procession marched on. Honor Guard Flag members: Wayne Sweat, Mark Salter, Randy Tyler, Wesley Sainz, Daryl Whitt, and Leroy Rogers led the procession in cadence to the smart leadership of 1st Lt. Commander Marion Lambert. Following closely behind were tractor driver Lynn Petty, and Camp Commander Jim Hayward with his antique cars. All in all, it was a great day for the South! Next up: The St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 17th, in Historic Ybor City. Now that, promises to be one YEE-HAW! of a celebration! See ya'll there. Beyond the Call of Duty **Zephyrhills ** Scottish Heritage Festival Reported by Colour Guardsman Wesley Sainz Saturday, February 16 was a great day for the John T. Lesley Camp and the Cause for Southern Heritage. On behalf of the gracious invitation and forethought of Mr. Wayne Sweat, Colour Guard flag-bearer and camp member, our unit set up an encampment at the first ever Scottish Heritage Festival held in Zephyrhills. This festival was a way for the public to celebrate the colourful and independent heritage of the Scots. Many thanks must go to Mr. Mark Salter for taking the time to bring the J. T. Lesley Camp trailer and all of hour historical items to be displayed. A lot of effort and work went into his labour that day. But equally, his love of his heritage went into it as well. Honour Guard members Wayne Sweat, Mark Salter, Leroy Rogers, Daryl Witt, and Wesley Sainz were present to set-up the camp and carry forth the colours during the opening ceremonies. Our honour Guard was invited to line-up behind the Regimental Scots Drum and Haggis (bagpipes) Corp, and march to the pavilion in front of over 500 excited onlookers. Wayne Sweats father, the Rev. O. M. Sweat (retired), delivered the invocation as we proudly stood at attention in honour of the Lords presence, flags spread full and all eyes were upon us. It was indeed, a sight to see! Immediately following the opening ceremony, we marched back to our encampment among dozens of cameras flashing and rolling applause. We hardly had a chance to settle down, when we immediately became engaged with the public. Dozens visited our camp within the first minutes, barraging us with praise for our flag, our interest in our heritage, and stories of their own in support of our cause. And the visits never let up throughout the day. Our own Fort Brooke Record became the hottest commodity at the festival, even though the Fried Mars Bars and Scottish Scones sold the day. We ran out of SCV pamphlets and copies of the FBR only 2 hours after we opened our encampment to the public. We even sold several items from the Camp Store, including Battleflags and window stickers. Young and old alike, were fascinated by the many antique firearms and swords which Compatriots Leroy Rogers and Wayne Sweat brought along for display. The public was held in interest as Leroy explained the history and the tragedy associated with using these type weapons during Our Great Struggle. More than one youngster asked of Leroy, Did you ever shoot anyone during the war? Looking closely at Leroy, I was not surprised by the question . . . More so than ever, I was repeatedly impressed by the professionalism and knowledge displayed by our Honour Guard in response to the questions, comments, and sometimes misunderstandings about our Southern history and the reasons for the War. But, I was even more surprised by the complete lack of negative comments or disrespect from the public. Most of whom were Northerners, i.e., Yankees, and very proud to proclaim their own heritage not that it went unnoticed as soon as they began to speak . . . All in all, it truly was a great day for the South, the John T. Lesley Camp, and those who participated, including our own Chaplain, the Rev. Calvin T. Martin and UDC representative, Ms. Diana Shuman, president of the Plant City Chapter. The camp membership can be proud of its representatives in the fields, and the heritage for which we all stand. We shall never strike the colours. Long may our Southern Flag wave over our beloved Southland. Strawberry Festival Plant City, Florida is the Winter Strawberry capitol of the world. This year we are celebrating the 66th annual Strawberry Festival. Today was parade day, and in the parade was the Color Guard and a beautiful float from the John T. Lesley SCV Camp of Tampa. My sister Jane and I watched the parade from the Grand Stands that were filled to capacity. The day was windy but sunny and bright. As the different Color Guards passed carrying the Stars and Stripes, everyone stood as they always do. Jane and I had already decided we would be standing and cheering when the John T. Lesley Camp "Color Guard" and float came by. The parade passes by a large section of the Grand Stand, then makes a turn northward and then passes a smaller section (this is where we were sitting). We could see the John T. Lesley Camp Color Guard as they entered the area just before it passes in front of the stands. I don't need to tell you the pride that filled our hearts as we saw our beloved Flags held high by the Men in Grey. Then as they proceeded in front of the stands, the people starting rising to their feet. It seemed to us that the majority of the crowd stood. This held true for the large Grand Stands and also for the smaller ones where we sat. I would be willing to say, that far more than half of this crowd are Northerners. After the parade we met one of the vendors who sells many different lapel pins. He had some of Florida and Georgia and we both bought a couple. After the sell, we talked to him for a few minutes. He told us he was from Ohio and then he proceeded to tell us how angry he was about the removal of the Georgia State flag. I guess there are more people out there with us than even we know. God Bless, Sally Camp Business LeMat Replica Revolver (J. E. B. Stuart's Revolver) To be awarded at the March Fish Fry
As a member of the premier Southern Heritage organization in the Tampa Bay area this is your chance to show your support for our Heritage, our Flag, our Culture, and our heroes. I cannot even start to share in this brief note the very many, many ways that this very On Fire camp is involved in this community. Suffice to say, that if you love our flag and all that it stands for then you will want to do what you can to assist us in this fund raiser - the pistol drawing. To be awarded at a Spring meeting the pistol is a replica CAVALRY MODEL LE MAT. General J.E.B. Stuarts sidearm. Features a lanyard ring, spur trigger guard, lever type barrel release and cross pin barrel selector. The Le Mat was probably the most romantic revolver ever manufactured. Conceived by the fertile minds of a French seafarer and brilliant military man, Colonel Le Mat and General G. P. T. Beauregard, working together, perfected the ultimate military sidearm. It was a favorite of Cavalry General J.E.B. Stuart, as well as many Confederate Naval and Infantry officers. History and First Impressions One of the most deadly and powerful handguns of the War Between the States was invented by the Southern Officer Gentleman, Doctor Jean Alexander LeMat, and General G. P. T. Beaureguard. It was named for the Doctor and to this day inspires interest in one of the most unique weapons of the war. It was the LeMat Revolver. The first models were produced by gunsmith John Krider of Philadelphia, but the demand of the Confederate ordnance purchasers was so high that European manufactures were sought. The first of these was Fredric Girard and Son. Their attempts were very poorly made and resulted in some catastrophic failures in the field. LeMat then moved the contract to Birmingham Small Arms Company in England where the quality was greatly improved. Shipments of these weapons were smuggled past the unions naval blockade and into Confederate hands. Just how many pistols made it to the Confederacy from Europe is not known for sure. The pistol weighted 4 pounds and had 2 barrels. The upper barrel was a 9 shot, .40-caliber percussion revolver barrel. A lighter .35-caliber was also produced. The lower smoothbore barrel was 28 gauge, (.63-caliber), and was loaded with buck shot in the same manner of most percussion muzzle loading shotguns of the time period. The smoothbore barrel could be fired separately by means of a hinged toggle on the hammer that redirected the striker to the nipple of the smoothbore barrel. One major problem followed the LeMat to the battlefield, the gun was designed to use a non-standard size ammunition, .36 and .44-caliber being the standard caliber for both Confederate and Union troops. The LeMat was .40-caliber and .35-caliber, this was changed in the later models, bringing it to the standard calibers. The revolver being offered is a true .44-caliber, the single shot barrel is of .65-caliber. These fine weapons are known to have been used by Confederate Calvary officers and it is hinted that artillery units were issued these handguns for massed firepower in close quarters. |
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All in the Family A Bit of "family" Trivia Did You Know...?
Heritage Alerts R. E. Lee portrait to be returned for permanent display in Georgia State Capitol As part of the Georgia flag change the Georgia Legislature have decided to place a portrait of General Robert Edward Lee in the state capitol. The portrait of Lee standing before a leafy backdrop that hung in the Capitol in 1908 should be restored and brought back to the Capitol. The portrait by Louis Kurz once hung in what was then the Old State Library on the second floor of the Capitol before it was moved to the Confederate Soldiers Home and eventually made a part of the Atlanta Historical Society's permanent collection. That's where Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman George Hooks (D-Americus), Secretary of State Cathy Cox and Kay Hightower, president of the Georgia Historical Society, found it. The three composed the committee created by a governor's executive order and charged with overseeing "the acquisition of an appropriate portrait" of Lee that would "preserve his legacy of gallantry." The State of Florida is alive with cultural bigotry. The Florida Division is currently involved on several fronts combating the forces of evil. IN THE SCHOOLS
In Alachua County the Santa Fe High School has adopted a zero tolerance on Confederate Symbols and has been suspending and expelling students this year. So far we have about 15 suspensions and two expulsions. All for doing no more than showing pride in their family history. Two of the students, Franklin JJ Scott and Nicholas Thomas are in the process, with the assistance of the Florida Division SCV and attorney Frank Jakes, of bringing legal action against the Alachua County School System. When we learned of JJs suspension and expulsion from His mother, Laura Scott, we immediately went into action. The local camp commander Bob McClendon did the initial investigation. With this in hand the Division sprung into action. We repeatedly attempted to meet with the principal, Mr. Lamar Simmons, who completely rebuffed us. We were not able to make any contact with them in order to try to reach an accommodation. JJ is currently a junior at Bucholtz High School in Gainesville. He was suspended and expelled from Santa Fe High School for flying a Confederate Battle Flag from his pickup truck. JJ is from an old north Florida family and has ancestors who fought at the Battle of Olustee. He is currently in the Navy Sea Cadets and is presently Petty Officer 2nd Class soon to be promoted to Petty Officer 1st. Class. He loves to travel with the cadets and has already seen a great part of the East Coast and traveled to California this past summer for Leadership training. JJ is an avid Deer hunter. He played Pop Warner football for several years and Babe Ruth Baseball, he was selected for the all stars several times and once his team the "Santa Fe All Stars" won the district championship. His plans after high school are to enlist in the Navy. His all time dream is to become a part of the Seal Team. Nicholas was suspended for wearing a Legends in Grey tee shirt with a Battle Flag flying above our brave solders in the field. When he speaks of the flag and what it means to him, he elucidates on Southern Culture as he knows it. Of bar-b-que get togethers, hunting and fishing, and being together with like-minded country folks. These boys are real. Nick is currently exploring his Confederate ancestry - his family oral tradition tells him that he has ancestors who wore the gray. He knows enough of the history of the War to speak on the subject with a clarity what we can all be proud of. I will keep you apprised of the Alachua situation as we proceed. Elsewhere in the schools FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE KENTUCKY DIVISION, SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS APPLAUDS DECISION BY FEDERAL 6TH CIRCUIT TO REVERSE CASTORINA DECISION AND UPHOLD DISPLAYS OF SOUTHERN HERITAGE AS FREE SPEECH March 8, 2001 - The Sixth Circuit, United States Court of Appeals today reversed and remanded a district court ruling in the case of Castorina vs Madison County School Board. In this case, the principal of the Madison Central High School had twice suspended students for wearing "Hank Williams" t-shirts bearing images of Confederate Battle Flags and other Southern icons. The parents of the students were never allowed to address the site-based council or the school board on the matter, and were left with no recourse but the courts. In a summary judgment, the district court ruled in favor of the school system, saying that the symbols on the shirts were not protected speech. The 6th Circuit flatly overturned this argument, stating "it appears that the school board enforced the dress code in an uneven and viewpoint-specific manner, thereby violating core values of the First Amendment." The court also said, "...the school board cannot single out Confederate flags for special treatment while allowing other controversial racial and political symbols to be displayed." "Persecution of Southerners and Southern heritage has increased dramatically in recent years," said Don Shelton of Nicholasville, Commander of the Kentucky Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, "it is reassuring to know that we can still turn to the courts for constitutional protection." "Every attempt was made to settle out-of-court," Shelton continued, "but now that we have gone through the legal process, this decision by the 6th Circuit creates case law which I hope school systems in Kentucky and elsewhere will respect without the need for further legal action. I also hope the media will cover this victory for the first amendment and Southern heritage as much as they covered the case initially." The Kentucky Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, has supported the case from its inception, and will continue to support it to its conclusion. The Sons of Confederate Veterans is a non-profit organization of male descendants of honorably discharged Confederate soldiers, sailors and marines. Internationally, the SCV has 30,000 members; in Kentucky there are 800 members in 31 local camps. For further information contact: Don Shelton
IN GOVERNMENT Compatriots, Thanks to the EXTRA-ORDINARY efforts of Brigade Commander Robert May, and Camp Commander Robert Tucker, WE HAVE A VICTORY IN LAKE CITY, FLORIDA! Some of you may not know this, but over the last months, the Florida Division has been waging a battle against Lake City NAACP leader Glenel Bowden, who has been trying to get the Confederate Battle Flag removed from the Lake City Logo. It has long been believed by the SCV that this was simply a stepping stone to his real goal, that being the elimination of the Olustee Festival, Parade, and Reenactment. Some of you will recall that the NAACP let slip their National Policy agenda opposing War Between the States Reenactments.
Tonight, with the prior blessing of the Florida Division, SCV, the Lake City Council voted 5 to 0 to re-design the City Logo, while retaining the Battle Flag, (in my opinion more gloriously displayed than before). Three White and two African-American City Council members voted in the new design, which had been suggested by the Florida Division as something we would be happy with. Mr. Glenel Bowden, was taken totally by surprise, and he and his escort (NAACP State President, and reigning Voodoo-witch up from Miami) were left with egg on their faces, and were last heard blubbering something to the effect of "this is not over".... Glenel, I say, "Talk to the hand, 'cause my ears ain't listenin." I want to extend my thanks to a heroic effort by Commanders May and Tucker, and also my thanks to the hundreds of SCV members and re-enactors who came to Olustee this year, and MADE A STATEMENT, and to the THOUSANDS who took time to write the Lake City Council. You know, when you win your first one of these Heritage battles, and someone says "What are you going to do next?" You want to say "I'm going to Disney World!".....Well folks, Disney will have to wait, 'cause it's ON TO TALLAHASSEE.....someone please tell "JEB" to start packing... He's next on my list! A picture of the new logo is attached. I think our Yankee Brothers will like it too...
Confederately, John W. Adams A Letter (Statement) to the Editor Written by Wesley Sainz, Legionnaire & Corporal in the Honor Guard In defence of Southern Christian Morality in Television Many of you within the camp do not know me. True, I have not made it to very many camp meetings over the years, or been there during numerous social events which are meant to bring us together in the spirit of fellowship and common Southern Heritage. It would have given us an opportunity to meet and shake hands. However, I like many others, find myself working very hard at trying to earn an honest living in a very difficult business. Many times this prevents me from attending camp activities like I should. You see, I have been working for the last six years in the Television, Print, and Film industry. I make commercials, appear in advertisements for products, and work in feature films as various characters. I've devoted a great deal to training, investment of money, time, and effort, to succeed in this extremely difficult and competitive industry. Along the way, I've had the opportunity to work with some of the major actors in Hollywood today, such as Beau Bridges, Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, Timothy Dalton, Tom Hanks, and many others too long to list here. Now, what does all this have to do with Southern Heritage and Christian values? Let me start with this statement to answer that question. Even though I earn my money from working in one element of the entertainment industry, I will not forsake, deny, or compromise two very important fundamental beliefs: My Southern Heritage or my Christian faith. As members of the same Heritage camp and as fellow Christians, I want you to consider the following words as strongly as those you hear at Sunday sermons. I urge you to turn off the T.V. and instead, turn to your family. Turn your eyes and ears and attention toward your children and your spouse. When you turn on the T.V. you are inviting another person(s) into your home that could very well not share the same values as you or your family! That is a powerful statement. Think about it. Now, if you're just not ready to stop cold-turkey, and need more time to wean yourself from the habit of television, then turn your set to channels which promote religion, history, newsworthy and responsible reporting (if there is such a thing), nature shows, education, lifestyle and health issues. Turn away from channels and programs which advocate deviancy and questionable ethics or immoral behavior. You know the channels and shows I speak of, like those found on the Major Networks, The FOX network, The Warner Brothers and UPN Affiliates, which air shows like "Ally McBeal," "The Street," "Boston Public," "Will and Grace," "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," "Normal Ohio," "Spin City," "Jerry Springer," and all those daytime sideshows, most all the Situation Comedies. The current Ethnic programs, and shows which contain characters who are either Homosexual, Culturally Racist, Anti-Christian/Religion in general. Or support or promote non family values like: Single parenthood, Teen Pregnancy, Sexual References, Violence, Criminal behavior, and Social Deviancy. Even some pro-sports fall into the excessive violence and sexual reference category. Not to even mention commercials and print ads which contain much of the same type agenda particularly aimed at degrading males, whites, the secular establishment, and anyone over 40. Most in these categories are portrayed as: Overweight, lazy, shiftless, uncoordinated, obsessed with sports, dominated by the television set, constantly drinking beer, married to domineering spouses, and have ungrateful or disrespectful children who are smarter (mouthed) that aspire to dominate the new world order. And the advertising agencies working for the big business interest continue to sell this theme to the executives as the sworn example of our society. It's Disgusting! Now that you look at it, that just about covers 90% of today's T.V. scheduling! So, why would you still feel the need to turn on the tube? Why do you think it's called "The boob-tube?" Being in "The Business" I can tell you with no uncertainty that there is an agenda coming from Hollywood that is intent upon exposing every facet of deviancy into the public domain via the television, print media, film industry, and the Internet. The sexually liberal movement is being shamefully and disgustingly portrayed as socially acceptable behavior across the spectrum of society. And nowhere is it being promoted more heavily than through the most common medium we have: The Television set in our homes! And who is it targeting? Children, teens, and young adults entering consumer age. Sex sells, violence sells, deviancy sells. It's all being portrayed as acceptable among these age groupings, and directly contradicts what (we) as parents and our churches have tried to teach our families to defend against. It is against the Laws of God, period. Critics can accuse me of being moralistic, homophobic, antisocial, against personal freedoms, and a whole host of anti themes that fail to meet the leftist-liberal agenda. But, better to fall far short of those expectations, than to fall short of our Lord's expectations. If we are to build a better culture from all of this mess called the "United States," right here in our beloved Southland, then let it begin in our own homes, and with our own families, and within ourselves. Dedicate to turn off the T.V. and instead, turn to your family! MARCH CONFEDERATE HISTORY 1861 March 4-- Lincoln's Inauguration. (the Blackest of Days) At Lincoln's inauguration the new president said he had no plans to end slavery in those states where it already existed, but he also said he would not accept secession. He hoped to resolve the national crisis without warfare. March 9 - Address of George Williamson to the Texas Secession Convention March 11 1861Provisional Confederate Constitution. 1862 March 6-8 Confederate Maj. Gen. Earl Van Dorn set out to outflank the Union position near Pea Ridge, on the night of March 6, dividing his army into two columns. Learning of Van Dorn's approach, the Federals marched north to meet his advance on March 7. This movementcompounded by the killing of two generals, Brig. Gen. Ben McCulloch and Brig. Gen. James McQueen McIntosh, and the capture of their ranking colonelhalted the Confederate attack. Van Dorn led a second column to meet the Federals in the Elkhorn Tavern and Tanyard area. By nightfall, the Confederates controlled Elkhorn Tavern and Telegraph Road. The next day, Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, having regrouped and consolidated his army, counterattacked near the tavern and, by successfully employing his artillery, slowly forced the Confederates back. Running short of ammunition, Van Dorn abandoned the battlefield. The Union unfortunately controlled Missouri for the next two years. March 6-8, Pea Ridge / Elkhorn Tavern March -- The "Monitor" and the "Virginia." In an attempt to reduce the North's great naval advantage, Confederate engineers converted a scuttled and abandoned Union frigate, the U.S.S. Merrimac, into an iron-sided vessel re-christened the C.S.S. Virginia. On March 9, in the first naval engagement between ironclad ships, the Monitor fought the Virginia to a draw, but not before the Virginia had sunk two wooden Union warships off Norfolk, Virginia. A new era of Naval warfare had been born. March 14, New Berne 1863 March-- The First Conscription Act. Because of recruiting difficulties by the Union, an act was passed making all men between the ages of 20 and 45 liable to be called for military service. Service could be avoided by paying a fee or finding a substitute often done by paying a recently arrived emigrant. The act was seen as unfair to the poor, and violent riots in working-class sections of New York City broke out in protest. March 3 Fort McAllister I 1864 March 2 Walkerton / Mantapike Hill 1865 March 4 Abraham Lincoln Second Inaugural Address March 6 Natural Bridge March 6 --Natural Bridge Federal Maj. Gen. John Newton had undertaken a joint force expedition (including 2nd U.S. Colored Infantry and 99th U.S. Colored Infantry) to engage and destroy Confederate troops that had attacked at Cedar Keys and Fort Myers and were allegedly encamped somewhere around St. Marks. The Navy had trouble getting its ships up the St. Marks River. The Army force, however, had advanced and, after finding one bridge destroyed, started before dawn on March 6 to attempt to cross the river at Natural Bridge. The troops initially pushed our brave Confederate forces back but not away from the bridge. Our Confederate forces, protected by breastworks, guarded all of the approaches and the bridge itself. The action at Natural Bridge lasted most of the day, but, unable to take the bridge, the Union troops retreated to the protection of the fleet. March 7-10 Wyse Fork / Wilcox's Bridge / Second Southwest Creek March 27-April 8 -- Spanish Fort. April 2 -- Selma. March 29 Lewis's Farm / Quaker Road / Military Road Gravelly Run From the Adjutants Desk: The 2001 Membership Dues remittance program has been completed, the John T. Lesley Camp 1282-membership roster for February 2001 stands 182 Compatriots and 20 Legionnaires. Welcome to new members of the John T. Lesley Camp; MEMBERS: John C. Hall, 4th Sgt. Benjamin D. Childs, Co B 22nd Georgia Hvy. Artillery LEGIONAIRS: Mark Schonbrun and Michael A. Ganey. Thanks to all of the members of the Winfield Scott Whitehurst Camp 1, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and John T. Lesley Camp 1282, Sons of Confederate Veterans that participated in the Graveside Service, conducted at the Worth Family Cemetery Sunday March 11, 2001. The ongoing donation program for the powerful LeMat, .44-caliber percussion revolver is still a high priority. For more tickets please contact 1st Lt. Cdr. Marion Lambert at (813) 839-5153. See you at Commander & Mrs. James Haywards residence for the Spring Fishfry Saturday March 24, 2001. If you have any questions concerning camp business or to process membership paperwork, please do not hesitate in contacting me. Adjutant Dwight Tetrick |