The Fort Brooke Record
September 2002
Volume 8, Issue 9
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The Fort Brooke RecordSeptember 2002
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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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Programme Article
"Memoria In Aeterna", 1911, is a memorial sculpture to the Confederate soldier, that has earned a unique and everlasting identity, both in Hillsborough County history, and now on the Save Our Sculpture! National Registry. Just look to the sculpture's two opposing soldiers, where its poetry is written, 'United in the Past; One in the Future." It was 90 years ago that the United Daughters of the Confederacy (U.D.C.) Tampa Chapter #113 donated "Memoria In Aeterna". 90 years later, the sculpture was restored and re-dedicated by the Chapter. Several John T. Lesley Camp members, led by Mike Bethune, assisted in this effort. Gail Lowman-Crosby will relate the motivations of the Chapter ladies who originally commissioned the monument, and will update us on the most recent improvements. Gail is active in many prestigious genealogical societies, but treasures UDC the most. Gail has documented 9 Confederate soldiers with the UDC. Two of her maternal ancestors signed the Florida Order of Secession. Another raised the First Florida Battalion in 1861, was wounded at Shiloh and taken prisoner to Huntsville, Alabama. He was on President Davis' special staff where he served until the end of the War and was on the train with Pres. Davis at the evacuation of Richmond. He also served on the staff of Gen. Braxton Bragg. Gail is Director of Patriotic Activities for the UDC Florida Division, and under her leadership, won the UDC National award last year. Let's turn out on Sept. 17th to get the details on TAMPA's Confederate monument!
DADE CITY PIONEER FESTIVAL Compatriots, A grand time was had by all this Labor Day weekend at the Pioneer Florida Museum Festival. With period music flavoring the ambience, visitors strolled from one vendor to the next. Partly cloudy skies and the shade of Live Oaks made, what would have otherwise been a hot weekend, quite comfortable. Manning the John T. Lesley Camp tent were members Mike Herring (selling the goods of Forrest Station), Dwight Tetrick, Wayne Sweat, Dean Leferink, Stan Hankins, Bart Siegel and Rich Warner and Jim Armitage. The United Daughters of the Confederacy also had a strong showing (most ladies in period attire) with Lunelle Siegel, Diana Shuman, Claudette Waddell, Carolyn Hankins, Rosa Hayward and Jamie Carpenter of the Plant City Chapter #1931. Kris Armitage and Pam Steel also attended. Furthermore, Lynn Reeves of the Order of the Confederate Rose also graced us with her presence.
A hearty thanks needs to be given to all of those who contributed to the success we've had at this event. Let us not forget the purpose of our mission. We came with the intention of selling opportunities for the rifle and Confederate bonds, raising money for Confederate causes by selling goods at Forest Station, and generating new members for the SCV and UDC. This is our second year at the Pioneer Fest, and we were every bit as successful as our first. This is a grand way to kick off the new season of parades and events. God Bless You All . Deo Vindice Dean Leferink The 107th Annual SCV Convention The 107th Annual Convention in Memphis, Tennessee was a great success. Having only been a member of the SCV for 2 years, I really had no idea what a convention of Southern patriots would be like. My ideas of what conventions are like come from some old Ray Stevens humor songs. What I found was a blend of every level of society celebrating what the Second War for Independence was all about. Being a rookie, I was saved from mistakes by the vast experience of Past Commander, Jim Hayward and 2nd Lt. Commander, Mike Herring. Being an election year, the candidates were all buzzing around Jim and Mike and they gave respectful attention to each mans plea. Mike took the active role; walking and talking, wheeling and dealing, while Jim sat and let the hummingbirds come to the flower of his wisdom. He reminded me of stories of Ben Franklin in the Congress of 1776. Enough of politics. If you have never been to a convention, you are missing a major aspect of membership in the SCV. Everyone there has a great story and everyone I met went out of their way to be friendly. Memphis has a great deal of Confederate history. On the last day, I took a bus tour of the town. Because of years of government disdain for anything Confederate, a lot of important buildings and sites were only memories punctuated by a small sign stating, On this site used to be. Used to be signs were everywhere. Well, back to the convention. Every day had something special. There was plenty of time to do things on your own during the day plus meetings on how to defend our heritage, archaeology talks, history talks, dance lessons, 1st run documentaries, free concerts, and even an oration competition (liars club). There was not a night that I was in bed before midnight. Next years convention will be in Asheville, North Carolina and the 2004 convention will be in Dalton, Georgia. I personally hope to attend every one that comes along. I hope to see you there. CSA Treasury Secy. Memminger Grandson discovered at Oaklawn!!! A recent note from Julius J. Gordon, Oaklawn's caretaker extraordinaire . Dear Commander Lambert, In my research of burials at Oaklawn Cemetery, Tampa, Florida, I recently made a discovery about one of the interments at the cemetery. There is buried in one of the single lots, an infant boy, born in 1872 and died in 1874, who was the son of Rev. Robert Withers Memminger and wife Mrs. Susan Memminger, and the grandson of Christopher Gustavas Memminger, the First Secretary of the Treasury of the Confederate States of America. The infant's name was Allard Godfey Memminger. His father was rector at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in downtown Tampa at the time of the death of the infant child. The location of the grave is just a short distance east of the John T. Lesley family plot. Going east, directly across the road-bed, there is the (1) Redbrook family lot; (2) the Robertson family lot; (3) the Madison Post family lot, (4) then the A. Godrey Memminger grave. This bit of personal information about lineages of Civil War veterans should be of interest to your camp. -Julius J. Gordon , Tampa FLORIDA CSA SAILOR MEMORIAL SERVICE (Submitted by Sally Raburn) WHO IS FIRST ASSISTANT ENGINEER, He was born in Dublin, Ireland, circa October 1827. As I understand his family came to America when he was about 3 years old. As a young man he traveled to Fernandina, Florida and on July 7, 1851 he married Virginia Papy. In early 1863 he enlisted in the Confederate Navy at Jacksonville, Fla. Was sent to Savannah, Ga and assigned to the CSS Atlanta (Fingal). He left a wife and several children at Fernandina, Florida. According to the records at Ft. Warren, Georges Island, (Boston), Mass., his family was never informed of his death, October 13, 1863. His fellow shipmates and guards bought and had a large gravestone put at the grave in his honor. At their release the other officers and men returned South and didn't contact the family. Over the years the US government saw fit (because of post closings) to move the remains from Ft. Warren, to Deer Island, to Governor's Island, and in 1939 to Ft Devens. One of the daughters began searching the federal records for her father's file and found he had died a prisoner of war in Massachusetts. In 1937 a granddaughter, Mrs. Gaskins found Mrs. Roscoe H. Chesley (the founder of the Boston Chapter United Daughters of the Confederacy). Mrs. Chesley told her she had been taking flowers to the grave for 17 years on Memorial Day. The family researched moving the remains to Florida and decided it to costly at that time. In 1993 Mrs. Debbie Mattee (a Massachusetts native, now in Georgia) was taking part in the yearly living history at Ft. Warren and again paid her respects at the marker with his name on it at the Fort. Upon returning home she told Mrs. Dana Chapman (then a member of the Ga Civil War Commission) the story. They decided to try to bring the remains South, but had no luck in locating the family. They tabled the issue when the base Commander at Ft. Devens told them he could not release the remains except to family members. In February 2002, Mrs. Chapman got an e-mail about Massachusetts Veteran's Services wanting help in finding his family. Mrs. Sally Raburn of Florida assisted in finding the family. Mr. Bob Hall, of Massachusetts Veteran's Services put Mrs. Chapman in touch with Mrs. Raburn, who put her in touch with family. Members of the Georgia Sons of Confederate Veterans, in the Albany area, offered assistance, Mr. George Hagan, Jr. (a CS Navy re-enactor) donated time and money for the move. Matthews Funeral added their expertise in the move. The Florida Division Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Florida Division United Daughters of the Confederacy are working with Mrs. Chapman (family appointed liaison) who is involved in this move to bring Edward Johnston to his final resting place. Below are excerpts taken from "The Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion" series I volumes 13 and 14, series II, volumes 1 and 2, showing Mr. Johnston's military record and the record in brief of the CSS Atlanta. The Confederate Navy reported the following about CSS Atlanta: acquisition - "formerly the English blockade-running steamer Fingal. It was converted September, 1862, into an ironclad gunboat and ram at Savannah, Ga., by Messers. N. and A. F. Taft. Captured in Wassaw Sound, Ga., at 5:30 a. m. by US Weehawken and Nahant. At the time of her capture there were on board 21 officers, 124 men, including marines. She had 16 men wounded and 1 killed." June 1, 1863 the following order was issued by Commander Webb of the CSS Atlanta, to First Assistant Engineer Johnston, C. S. Navy to proceed on special duty to Columbus, Ga., "Sir: You will proceed forthwith to Columbus, Ga., and have the main steam valve of the engine made anew at the naval works, using all dispatch. As soon as it is completed you will return to this steamer. Respectfully, your obedient servant, W. A.Webb Commanding Naval Squadron ." In a report written by Rear-Admiral S. F. Du Pont to U. S. Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Wells, dated June 17, 1863, "I have received further details of the capture of the Atlanta, sent through the kindness of Colonel Barton by telegraph from Fort Pulaski. The Atlanta, Captain William Webb, came down this morning via Wilmington River to attack our vessels in Wassaw, accompanied by two wooden steamers, filled, it is said, with persons as spectators. The Weehawken, Captain John Rodgers, at once engaged her, firing in all five shots, three of which took effect, penetrating her armor and killing or wounding the crews of two guns. Two or three of the pilots were also badly wounded and the pilothouse broken up, whereupon the vessel grounded and immediately after surrendered. The Weehawken was not hit. The armament of the Atlanta was two 7-inch and two 6-inch Brooke guns. She was but slightly injured." June 18, 1863, the following report was filed by Captain John Rodgers and Commander John Downes of the Weehawken: "The Atlanta was first discovered at early dawn, about 3 miles distant, standing toward us, coming from the Wilmington River, and rapidly approaching. At first she was mistaken for a steamer that had reconnoitered us daily at about this hour; but a few moments sufficed to show us the true character of the vessel, and ..............The Weehawken, slipping her cable, passed us, standing out seaward, at about 4:45 a. m., clearing ship for action, and in a few moments, our anchor being weighed, we followed in her wake. At this time the Atlanta fired first shot, which came close to our pilothouse. " On June 19, 1863 the officers and men able to be moved were placed on the Cimarron and Oleander, among the officers listed, Captain William A. Webb, G. K. (Edward J. K.) Johnson, first engineer and 143 other officers and crew including marines.
Contact DANA CHAPMAN-
CAMP WISH LIST The "On Fire" Lesley Camp is constantly striving to fulfill our Charge. The following items are on our 'wish list'. If you can help or know someone who can...please contact any of the officers.
CAMP BUSINESS From the desk of . Cmdr. Robert Gates 28 August, 2002 I would like to personally thank John T. Lesley Camp member Greg Chappell for driving all the way down to Fort Myers and speaking on the history of the Confederate Navy. Greg did a great job and kept the Camp well entertained at our monthly meeting with his knowledge. Greg is an asset to your Camp and the entire SCV. Thanks Greg! WANTED!!! MEN for prestiegous Colour Guard We'd like to have more men in the Colour Guard and Honour Guard. Riflemen and flag bearers are needed. Being part of the Colour Guard is a great opportunity to show the Colours and take part in honouring our heritage and our Confederate ancestors. There will be some initial expense for uniforms and equipment. Any present member of the Colour Guard will be happy to assist in acquiring necessary items. Now is a good time to get started as there will be opportunities to acquire needed items during the re-enactment season. Contact Wayne Sweat (813) 752-5042 or any member for more information.
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As you know the oft quoted scripture from Romans 8:28 " And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." KJV. Several weeks ago on the program "Beyond Belief, Fact or Fiction", I saw one of their best stories yet. It was a very rainy night as two riders were soaking wet and looking for a place to spend the night out of the rain. They came upon a loan farm house and approached it cautiously. They dismounted and went onto the porch and knocked on the door. A little old lady answered the door "My goodness you boys are soaking wet." They spoke politely and explained that they were looking for a place to stay for the night out of the rain. They asked if they could sleep in her barn. The kind lady invited them in and they exchanged a few pleasentries. The men asked her where her husband was and she explained to them that her husband had died recently and that he had built this cabin 35 years ago and that they had cleared the land and had lived their happily ever since, that is until he passed away. As she was going into the kitchen to get them something to eat they looked at each other as if to imply what each other was thinking, here she was all alone, and hmmm. When she got back with what little bit she had left she began to tell them that this was going to be her last meal in their home as the banker was coming the first thing tomorrow morning to forclose on her home. She told them that she owed $900 and that she didn't have it and the banker was not giving her any more time that he was evicting her tomorrow. Well, the fellas finished their meal and the lady said you know you look like you could wear these clothes that belonged to my husband and you young man here's some for you too. Now you boys get out of those wet clothes and put these on, cause he no longer has any use for them now. Well the lady let the boys stay in the house that night. The next morning the lady woke up bright and early and went in to wake up the two young men. They were gone. But she noticed a note on the kitchen table and an envelope. As she opened it she pulled out nine "one hundred dollar bills". She read the note. "Ma'm here's the money to pay off your mortgage. But when your banker comes and before you give him this here money you tell him that you want him to write you a receipt that says "paid in full." Tears began to well up in her eyes and then came the knock on the door. It was the man from the bank with his brief case and he was there to tell her that this was it and that she would have to get out as she was going to be evicted for not paying the mortgage. But the little lady said "sir, I believe the balance on the mortgage is $900, is that right? And he looked puzzled at her and said hesitatingly, yes. She then pulled out the bills and counted out to him one by one until she reached $900. But as he was reaching for the money, she said "I want a written receipt first." He was dumfounded but he reached into his briefcase and got out paper and wrote her the receipt. She was filled with joy and the banker rode off in his buggy. As he crossed over the ridge out of view of the cabin and on his way back to town out of the trees rode two masked men with guns drawn and said "halt and give us all your money". Boy! was he ever mad, as he yelled at them, "you won't get away with this. There will be a price put on your heads." The one man rode back up to him and took off his mask and the other man did too as the man said "you won't need to do that. We've already got one on our heads. I want you to meet my brother Frank and I'm Jesse, we're the James brothers. They then rode off as the banker dejectedly rode back into town minus $900, and oh yes, minus a paid in full receipt that one nice lady now held in her possession as she stood rejoicing in her paid off cabin. Yes folks that was a true story as it took place during the reconstruction period in the midwest in the 1870's. You see the James brothers had rode with Quantrell during the War Between the States and they did get done wrong by the Yankees during the reconstruction period and some say that they were just getting back even with those that done them wrong. But whatever you may think of them on this one occassion it looks like God used them to help one of his beloved ones. So here's a lesson for you, be careful how you treat strangers. If you show them a little kindness it will go a long way. Now, up to present day. We have in recent days lost two good men from our camp. On Aug. 16, 2002 Compatriot Kirby Halbert died at home after a 29 month battle sustained by his faith in God. Kirby was a Charter member of the Camp and he will be missed. Also on Aug. 4, Compatriot Levin Eugene Vinson passed away of a heart attack. He, too, will be missed and I want their loved ones to know that we as a camp will have them on our prayer lists. As we come up on another September and upon an occassion where our whole nation will be remembering 9-11. Let's us not forget to remember that we too here in the South do not want to forget either, that is, what happend to our beloved Southland over 130 years ago. May God be with you and may you stay close to God. I am yours in the service of the King and in the service of the John T. Lesley Camp 1282 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Rev. Calvin T. Martin
In Memory Of we will meet again on the other side of the River
We Honour One of Our Own Compatriot Kirby Halbert On Wednesday, August 21 at 11 AM our own Kirby Halbert was laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery near Bushnell, Florida. The Lesley Camp Honour Guard was present and participated in Kirbys final service. Present in the Honour Guard were Leroy Rogers, Wesley Sainz, Greg Chappell and Stan Hankins. Marion Lambert was the officer of the guard. Three volleys were fired in salute. The Lesley Camp Honour Guard was also present at the viewing, held the preceding Tuesday evening at Adams & Jennings Funeral Home. Standing guard duty at the head and foot of the casket were Wayne Sweat, Greg Chappell, Wesley Sainz, and Gregory Tisdale. Mike Herring was the officer of the guard. Of note, Kirby Halbert was an original 1965 charter member
From the Adjutants Desk: The John T. Lesley Camp 1282, Sons of Confederate Veterans Muster Roll for the month of September, 2002 registers 162 true Compatriots, 22 faithful Legionnaires and two loyal Associates. The Camp Adjutant takes pleasure in announcing a new member into our midst, Ludwell Howard McKay. His Confederate Army Ancestor was 1st Sgt. John R. Barber of KY 1st (Butlers) Cav. Co. D. I am saddened to report the passing of two of our camp members, Col. Kirby Smith Halbert, one of the Charter Members of the John T. Lesley Camp, also Levin Eugene Vinson. He too, was a long time member of the Camp. Please see adjoining articles about these Compatriots. Donation tickets are on sale for the 1858 44. Caliber Target Carbine Revolver. These donation tickets are available from Commander Marion Lambert @ 813-839-5153. If you have any questions concerning camp business or to process membership paperwork, please do not hesitate in contacting me. Col. Dwight Tetrick, Adjutant
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