COMMANDER'S COMMENTS

As I  sit  down  before  the  computer  this  hot  July  3rd
afternoon  to  write  this column, it is just past 4:30 p.m.
EDT.  Back 145 years ago in a  small  farming  community  in
Pennsylvania,  a  great  battle  had just ended, or would be
shortly - and with that quite possibly  the  Southern  Cause
that  so many brave Confederate soldiers had fought and died
for, had  begun  its  slow  and  painful  death  that  would
culminate  in the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia
at Appomattox Courthouse,  Virginia  in  April,  1865.   The
Battle  of  Gettysburg  has  probably  been  one of the most
written  about,  talked  about,  discussed  and   researched
battles  of  the  War  Between The States.  From the opening
skirmishes on the first day, to the late  afternoon  attacks
of  the  second  day, to the final all-out charge of General
George Pickett's Division on the third day - no other battle
has  been  dissected by historians, and arm-chair historians
alike.  What if Ewell had launched an all-out attack on  the
first  day  like  Jackson  would  have??   What if John Bell
Hood's forces had been allowed to attack the way  he  wanted
to  attack  on  the second day??  What if Longstreet had had
Pickett's Division on the second day-would he have  used  it
then??   What if Alexander had had better ammunition for his
cannonade on the third day-would it have made a difference??
What  if  General  Lee  had listened to General Longstreet's
suggestions on attacking??  What if - what if - what if. Our
world  is  full  of "what if's" - it was back in the 1860's,
and it still is today.                                      

The men who lined up and marched across  those  open  fields
that hot, July 3rd afternoon didn't ask themselves "what if"
because they trusted their leaders and believed in what they
were  fighting  for,  and  were  willing to pay the ultimate
sacrifice for doing what they believed to be right.  I would
dare  say that 145-years later we, as their descendents, can
look upon them proudly for what they did and the  cause  for
which  they  were fighting.  Just as a side-note - one of my
relatives was at Gettysburg and  participated  in  Pickett's
Charge.   His  name  was  William  Jackson  Aylor.  he was a
member of Company G, 7th Va.   Infantry,  Kemper's  Brigade,
Pickett's   Division.    He   survived   this   attack,  and
participated in over 11 major battles before being  captured
at  the  Battle of Five Forks on April 1, 1865.  He was sent
to the military prison at Point Lookout,  Maryland  and  was
eventually released several months later.                   

As  a  good  friend  of mine, and Longstreet X-Comm and Camp
member Preston Nuttall said in an  email  today  -  "Let  us
pause  on  this  holiday weekend to remember and honor these
men.  Many today may  question  the  cause  for  which  they
fought,  but  none can question their spirit, their bravery,
and their willingness to sacrifice all  in  defense  of  the
principles  in which they so strongly believed.  Our country
could use a dose of that spirit today,  when  despite  being
involved  in  two  wars,  the  military  cannot  find enough
volunteers to fill its recruitment quotas.                  

We are blessed to be descended from the  men  who  wore  the
grey." AMEN!!!                                              

The  upcoming Children of the Confederacy Convention will be
held in Fredericksburg on July 24th and 25th.  I would  like
to  remind everyone about this event because a number of you
expressed the desire to help out at the Convention - and I'm
sure  that Ms.  Miller will greatly appreciate your help and
support.  I will have location information with  me  at  our
camp  meeting - please be sure to ask so I'll be reminded to
mention it to everyone there.                               

We had the distinct pleasure of having Don, Karen and  Katie
Jewett  at  our June meeting at Roma's - I had seen both Don
and Katie at the Jefferson Davis ceremony  on  June  7th  at
Hollywood Cemetery and had mentioned to them about coming to
one of our meetings.  The Jewetts were  gracious  enough  to
share  with everyone there some of their memories of Chris -
especially the scrap-book that had been put together by  the
12th  Virginia  Infantry re-enactment group that Chris was a
member of, and also the quilt that members of  Don's  family
had  hand-sewn  emblems from some t-shirts that Chris always
wore all the time.  I know  that  these  were  very  special
items  and  I greatly appreciate Don, Karen and Katie Jewett
for coming and sharing these with us.                       

I look forward to seeing everyone at our next camp meeting -
July  15th.   Have  a safe and enjoyable 4th of July holiday
with your friends and families!                             

Remember -                                                   
"Longstreet is the Camp boys - Longstreet is  the Camp!"

Deo Vindice!                                                
					Mike

ADJUTANT'S REPORT

Our Camp was saddened by the June 15 passing of  Richard  V.
Faglie.   I  shall miss him particularly, because he usually
sat at the same table during our meetings, and we  had  many
pleasant   conversations.   He  was  buried  in  the  church
cemetery at Salem Baptist Church, Crozier, not too far  from
the  house  in  which he was born.  I had the opportunity to
have nice conversations with his daughter  Linda  Johns  and
her  husband  George,  residents  of  Otter  Lake, Michigan.
George said, "Even though I'm from 'up north',  I'm  partial
to the South."                                              

We  were  honored  to  have with us at our June meeting Don,
Karen, and Katie Jewett, the parents and sister of our  late
member  Chris, who passed last July.  They showed us a quilt
which had on it images of  t-shirts  which  Chris  liked  to
wear.   One  was the t-shirt design created by our Tom Vance
for the Virginia Division 2005  Convention,  hosted  by  our
Camp.                                                       

Two  other camp members, Butch Mahone and Ed Thornton passed
since last July.  The total of four is the most in  any  one
camp  year that I can remember in the approximately 20 years
that I have been a camp member.                             

Three members of our camp have transferred their memberships
to  the  Captain  John  S.  Low, CSN Camp # 2161    which is
based in England.  Jerry Wells, who will serve as  adjutant,
has  been key in the formation of this overseas camp.  Jerry
will be living part of each year in Scotland.   These  three
members  had transferred to us during this year, so there is
no net effect on our numbers of members.  The other  members
transferring,  Peter  Evans  and  Jason Fazackarley, live in
England.  You can learn more about the new camp by  visiting
its web site   http://mysite.verizon.net/wellsjerry1

Although  we are sorry to have three members transfer out of
the Longstreet Camp, the  SCV  overall  may  gain,  if  past
patterns  hold  true.  Three years ago, eight members of our
camp  living  in  the  Williamsburg  area  transferred  from
Longstreet  to form the James City Cavalry Camp .  That camp
is prospering.  Our associate member Dave Ware is commander.
Another of our associate members, Ken Parsons, has served as
commander.                                                  

On the positive side, Longstreet Camp during the year  ended
June  30  inducted  five  new  members  and  had two members
transfer to us after having  had  their  memberships  lapse.
Unfortunately, six of our members decided not to renew.     

The  sum  of  all  this  is  that  we ended the year with 78
members, only two fewer than last June 30.  We have had  net
membership gains in eight of the last ten years.            

International  Headquarters  does  not  process  new  member
applications during July because it is the last month of the
fiscal  year  and  the  staff  has  lots  of  work  to do in
preparing for the national convention.  Our camp  is  likely
to  receive  one  new  member  application  in late July for
August processing and may well have a couple of transfers.  

We all need to stay on the lookout for good men to join  our
camp.   Most who join are friends of camp members.  Many who
transfer into our camp have heard good things about us.  Let
me  know if you need applications for your friends, and I'll
see that you get them.                                      

Since this is our last "War Horse" until  September,  please
remember  that  Virginia  Division will be mailing bills for
renewal dues in August.  The remittance portion of the  bill
is to come to me with your check.  If you have any questions
about your bill, don't hesitate to call me  at  360-7247  or
email  me at wdtusnr@verizon.net.  Your prompt payment makes
everybody's job easier.                                     

We had at least four members attending the outstanding  June
7 commemoration of the 200th birthday of President Jefferson
Davis at Hollywood Cemetery.  Jerry Wells was  part  of  the
reenactor  group  which  marched the colors in and fired the
rifle salute.  That fine group is commanded by  Latane  Camp
member  Jeff Ellett.  Our Camp Commander Mike Kidd presented
the Longstreet Camp wreath.  1st LCDR Taylor  Cowardin  took
some  pictures.   It  was  hot,  but  at  least  the sun was
shining.  After the event ended, I failed to remember  where
my car was parked.  I walked over a good bit of the cemetery
until I got close enough for the horn blower  on  my  remote
car  door  opener  to  activate the horn and let me know the
location of the car.  Even that did not spoil a great day.  

I hope that the summer has been good  for  you  so  far  and
continues that way.                                         

					Walter

GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET CAMP #1247

NEXT MEETING - TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2008

ROMA'S RESTAURANT
8330 STAPLES MILL RD.
LOCATED IN "THE SHOPS AT STAPLES MILL"
TURN LEFT AT FIRST STOPLIGHT NORTH OF
THE WISTAR SHOPPING CENTER

DINNER - SOCIAL 6:00 PM
MEETING STARTS AT 7:00 PM

REMEMBER, WE DO NOT MEET IN AUGUST!!!

JULY PROGRAM

Our July Program will be given by Martin and  Mary  Schaller
on  their  book Soldiering for Glory.  This book is based on
the life and times of Mr.  Schaller's ancestor, Col.   Frank
Schaller.   Col.  Schaller had a very interesting war career
and they will share some of his experiences with us.  Mr.  &
Mrs.  Schaller will also be in period attire.               

JUNE PROGRAM

Arthur Candenquist, a retired Amtrak  employee,  opened  his
talk  about  Stonewall  Jackson's  Great  Train  Robbery  by
stating that Bud Robertson must have abandoned his assertion
in  his  Jackson  biography  that  the  Robbery  was a myth.
Robertson wrote the calendar narrative for two Mort Kunstler
paintings depicting phases of this operation.               

Art  also  compared  Jackson's  train exploits with those of
Jesse James.  Jesse relieved four  trains  of  $  30,000.00.
Jackson's soldiers appropriated 56 locomotives and 386 cars.

Colonel  (not  yet  called  Stonewall)  Jackson  in May 1861
commanded   Confederate   troops    at    Harper's    Ferry.
Approximately  120  miles of Baltimore & Ohio railroad track
ran through his area of command from Cumberland, MD to Point
of  Rocks,  MD.   The railroad dipped south into Virginia at
Harper's Ferry.  The B&O Board of  Directors  supported  the
federal  government.  Eastbound trains were hauling enormous
amounts of supplies to Union forces.  Jackson arranged  with
B&O  president John W.  Garrett to establish a curfew during
which no trains would operate at night and disturb the sleep
of  his  soldiers.   Jackson  then demanded that trains pass
through his area between 11 AM and 1 PM each day.  All  this
was  a subterfuge by Jackson to get the trains backed up and
available for plucking.                                     

Jackson sent Captain John W.  Imboden's cavalry to Point  of
Rocks,  east  of  Harper's  Ferry to stop all eastbound rail
traffic at noon.  He sent Colonel Kenton Harper and his  5th
Virginia Infantry to Martinsburg, west of Harper's Ferry, to
stop westward traffic.  Confederate soldiers  began  burning
railroad bridges.                                           

Jackson  partially  dismantled  locomotives and had teams of
horses drag them down the Valley Pike.  Confederates  burned
the   Opequon   Creek   bridge  between  Harpers  Ferry  and
Martinsburg.  Jackson went to Martinsburg  and  ordered  the
destruction  of  shops and locomotives.  He sent to Richmond
for two railroad men, Hugh Longest  and  Captain  Thomas  R.
Sharp.  They selected the best of the damaged locomotives to
be hauled to the south.  Hauling each locomotive required 32
to  40  horses.   On several occasions the locomotives broke
loose.  It was not unusual for 100 men to be needed to  move
the locomotives.                                            

The  movement  of the locomotives went on long after Jackson
had gone elsewhere.  The work  continued  throughout  summer
1862.  Captain Sharp and his men overcame many difficulties.

So well did Captain Sharp and his men do their work that the
appropriated locomotives served the  Confederacy  throughout
The  War.   After  The  War  ended, every engine but one was
returned to the B&O.  President Garrett of the  B&O  was  so
impressed  with  the  work of Thomas R.  Sharp that he hired
him to be Master of Transportation  for  the  B&O.   Art  is
doing research for a biography of Sharp, but has been unable
to find a picture of him.                                   

Writer's note: Art is leading a two-day Train  Robbery  tour
based  in Winchester August 9-10 sponsored by CWEA, web site
http://www.cwea.net I found a one-day tour interesting three
years ago.                                                  

					Walter

2005-2008 CAMP OFFICERS
LONGSTREET CAMP #1247
Commander: Michael Kidd	                     270-9651
1st. Lt. Cmdr.: Taylor Cowardin              359-9277
2nd Lt. Cmdr.: Thomas G. Vance	             282-6278
Adjutant/Treasurer: Walter Tucker            360-7247
Judge Advocate: Harry Boyd                   741-2060
Quartermaster: R. Preston Nuttall            276-8977
Chaplain: Henry V. Langford                  474-1978

PUBLICATIONS
Webmaster: Gary F. Cowardin                  262-0534
Website: longstreetscv.org                           
War Horse:  David P. George                  200-1311

LONGSTREET'S FIRST CORPS

The following is a listing of contributors to the upkeep  of
"The  Old  War  Horse" from July, 2007.  through the current
month.  As you know, our cumulative listing starts  in  July
of each year and we do not meet in August.                  

Lloyd Brooks*
Brian Cowardin*
Clint Cowardin*
Gary Cowardin
Taylor Cowardin
Ray Crews*
Jerold Evans
Kitty Faglie
Richard Faglie
Michael Hendrick
Pat Hoggard
Crawley Joyner
Michael Kidd
Peter Knowles
Lewis Mills
Conway Moncure
Robert Moore
Joe Moschetti
John Moschetti
Preston Nuttall
Peyton Roden
Bill Setzer
Rufus Sarvay
Will Shumadine
Austin Thomas
Mike Thomas
Walter Tucker*
John Vial
Jerry Wells
David Ware
Harold Whitmore
Bobby Williams
Hugh Williams 
Keith Zimmerman

In memory of Robert Mahone
Raymond Crews

In memory of Hef Ferguson and Chuck Walton
Preston Nuttall & Walter Tucker

In Memory of Ed Thornton 
Walter Tucker

In Memory of Richard Faglie 
Walter Tucker

Legend:                                    
* - Multiple contributions                 

CALENDAR OF VIRGINIA EVENTS


JULY  12-13  Spotsylvania  Court  House  Battlefield  Living
History Artillery Weekend.  Living history, artillery firing
demonstrations.  For information, (540)  373-6122  or  (540)
373-5167.                                                   

JULY 18 (ONGOING) Jefferson Davis's Richmond  Walking  Tour.
12:00  pm  -1:00  pm.   $7 members, $10 non-members.  Covers
Capitol  Square,  St.   Paul's  Episcopal  Church,   Davis's
executive  office  building,  and  the sites of the homes of
Alexander Stephens, Mary Chesnut, Matthew  Maury  and  more.
For information, dknight@moc.org or (804) 1861 ext.37       

JULY  19 "Kreigspiel" (War Games).  At MOC, !0:00 am to 4:00
pm.  Lunch Included.  $20 for members, $25 for  non-members.
For information, 649-1861 ext.  32 or llipscombe@moc.org    

Note:  for  the  complete  schedule  of  the  MOC events and
presentations, check the Museum's website, www.moc.org      

JULY 25 Home Folk & Heroes: A Walk Through  Fredericksburg's
City  and  Confederate Cemetery with Mac Wyckoff, 7 pm.  For
information,  Fredericksburg   and   Spotsylvania   National
Military Park, (540) 373-6122 or (540) 373-5167.            

AUGUST  1  Bloody Dawn: Fairview in the Maelstrom, with John
Hennessy,  7  pm.   Meet  at  Fairview,   tour   stop   #10,
Chancellorsville   Battlefield.    For   information,  (540)
373-6122 or (540) 373-5167.                                 

AUGUST 8 Lens on History: The  Photography  of  Sunken  Road
with  Stacy  Humphreys,  7  pm.   Meet at the Fredericksburg
Battlefield  Visitor   Center.    For   information,   (540)
373-6122, (540) 373-5167.                                   

AUGUST  15  Beyond  the  Big  House:  Slaves  and Slavery at
Chatham  with  John  Hennessy,  7  pm.    For   information,
Fredericksburg  and  Spotsylvania  National  Military  Park,
(540)373-6122 or (540) 373-5167.                            

Don' forget Pamplin Park and the Museum  of  the  Civil  War
Soldier!!      Contact     them     at     their    website,
www.pamplinpark.org for full information and event schedule.

THE JEWETT FAMILY VISITS US


DON, KAREN and KATIE JEWETT with MIKE



KATIE JEWETT and MIKE with the QUILT

JEFFERSON DAVIS
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

?
Our first  and  only  President's  birthday  was  celebrated
properly  by  the  Sons  of  Confederate  Veterans  here  in
Richmond at Hollywood Cemetery.  Here are some of the photos
that were furnished by our Camp Commander:                  



MORE PICTURES FROM THE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!