ADMIRAL RAPHAEL SEMMES CAMP #11
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS
MOBILE, ALABAMA
REENACTORS REPORTS FOR 2014
January 2014
I must send out a thank you to Compatriots Claude Turberville and Dustin Marshall for participating in the Blakeley Camp Lee/Jackson Banquet. On the same night, January 11th, I was in my hometown of Grenada, Mississippi, presenting a program for the General E. C. Walthall SCV Camp Lee/Jackson Banquet. On January 25th I visited the Simpson Mounted Rangers UDC Chapter in Milton, Florida. It was good to see some old friends as well as to make some new ones. Compatriot Joe Dupree has been out there as well. He did his usual good job organizing the Lee/Jackson Salute. He has also delivered a program to our local UDC chapter and will be our speaker at the next camp meeting on January 27th. A hearty thank you goes out to all of you who represent our camp at other venues.
On January18th we had our first 3rd Saturday Living History at Beauvoir for 2014. I met up there with some of our Mississippi compatriots where we had a good fellowship and met a number of good folks who appreciated the Heritage. In spite of the cool air we had gorgeous Gulf Cost day at Beauvoir.
Then on January 23rd Matilda and I went for a visit with the fourth graders at St. Luke’s Episcopal Elementary School. Now that was a blast! Compatriot Mike Riley’s wife, Susan, is a fourth grade teacher there. She and I finalized our plans for the visit at the Lee/Jackson Salute. The presentation was well received and the students were enthusiastic. It just does not get any better than that.
I must send out a thank you to Compatriots Claude Turberville and Dustin Marshall for participating in the Blakeley Camp Lee/Jackson Banquet. On the same night, January 11th, I was in my hometown of Grenada, Mississippi, presenting a program for the General E. C. Walthall SCV Camp Lee/Jackson Banquet. On January 25th I visited the Simpson Mounted Rangers UDC Chapter in Milton, Florida. It was good to see some old friends as well as to make some new ones. Compatriot Joe Dupree has been out there as well. He did his usual good job organizing the Lee/Jackson Salute. He has also delivered a program to our local UDC chapter and will be our speaker at the next camp meeting on January 27th. A hearty thank you goes out to all of you who represent our camp at other venues.
On January18th we had our first 3rd Saturday Living History at Beauvoir for 2014. I met up there with some of our Mississippi compatriots where we had a good fellowship and met a number of good folks who appreciated the Heritage. In spite of the cool air we had gorgeous Gulf Cost day at Beauvoir.
Then on January 23rd Matilda and I went for a visit with the fourth graders at St. Luke’s Episcopal Elementary School. Now that was a blast! Compatriot Mike Riley’s wife, Susan, is a fourth grade teacher there. She and I finalized our plans for the visit at the Lee/Jackson Salute. The presentation was well received and the students were enthusiastic. It just does not get any better than that.
March 2014
Compatriot Stephen Ellison and I had a fine time with Matilda during Mardi Gras. We were invited to bring her to Ladd Stadium for horse mounted police training. We fired Matilda and our muskets as the mounted officers rode their horses. The noise did not bother them but they did not like the smell of burnt powder smoke. It was an honor and a pleasure for us to be of service in this fashion to our community.
March has seen my buddy, Claude Turberville, and I burning little black powder. On the weekend of the 8th we ventured off to Gainesville, Alabama, to participate in the reenactment of the Battle for Cuba Station. We really enjoy this event as there are two memorial services in the weekend. The event is also hosted by a group of Confederate conscience families in the town. Their hospitality is truly typical of Alabama.
The following weekend we participated in a War of 1812 event at Ft. Mims in north Baldwin County. On Sunday morning there was as much as 4 inches of water standing in the fort. Some folks thought they should get their canoes and have the Canoe Fight of the Creek War. It is truly a remarkable time in history with both a sesquicentennial of the WBTS and a bicentennial of the War of 812 going on at the same time.
Compatriot Stephen Ellison and I had a fine time with Matilda during Mardi Gras. We were invited to bring her to Ladd Stadium for horse mounted police training. We fired Matilda and our muskets as the mounted officers rode their horses. The noise did not bother them but they did not like the smell of burnt powder smoke. It was an honor and a pleasure for us to be of service in this fashion to our community.
March has seen my buddy, Claude Turberville, and I burning little black powder. On the weekend of the 8th we ventured off to Gainesville, Alabama, to participate in the reenactment of the Battle for Cuba Station. We really enjoy this event as there are two memorial services in the weekend. The event is also hosted by a group of Confederate conscience families in the town. Their hospitality is truly typical of Alabama.
The following weekend we participated in a War of 1812 event at Ft. Mims in north Baldwin County. On Sunday morning there was as much as 4 inches of water standing in the fort. Some folks thought they should get their canoes and have the Canoe Fight of the Creek War. It is truly a remarkable time in history with both a sesquicentennial of the WBTS and a bicentennial of the War of 812 going on at the same time.
April 2014
It has been a busy month of Confederate Memorial services. We hope that all of you have taken an opportunity to attend a service.
The month started out with the annual service in Clarke County hosted by the Anderson Camp and the Clarke County Historical Society. Stephen Ellison, Jessie Taylor, Claude and Michelle Turberville, Art Green, and I made the trip to Amity Baptist Church for the ceremony. Our friends in Clarke County always make us feel welcomed and they always have a good turnout for the service. The best part was all of the refreshments they provided in the church fellowship hall after the ceremony. Believe me Claude Turberville knows how to eat cake!
By the way, Claude debuted the latest addition to Turberville Battery. He has mounted the tube that Darrell Neece had onto a naval carriage. Darrell will shoot me for this, but we named the piece “Little Darrell”.
On April 6th Claude and Michelle, Donovan Holifield and family, Dustin Marshall, and I attended the Blakely ceremony. Due to threatening weather we had part of the service in the local Episcopal Church and part of it at Point Clear’s Confederate Rest. Our friends at Blakely Camp 1864 did their usual exceptional job at hosting a memorable service.
Our own camp service on April13th was also a very memorable service. We offer a very special thanks to all of you who helped make this service possible. And thank you to all of our camp members and friends who attended. We were especially glad to finally meet our Wetumpka member, Shannon Fontaine. It was good to see you buddy.
By the time this edition of the Log hits the newsstands we will be making preparations for the annual Mississippi Division Confederate Memorial Service at Beauvoir.
Surrender Oak After Action Report
On Friday last Chaplain Larry Higginbotham, Ed "Top Hat" Miller and yours truly made a rendezvous at Camp Pushmataha in Citronelle, Alabama. The purpose of our gathering was to participate in the Surrender Oak Festival hosted by the Citronelle Historical Preservation Society.
We had our camp established in short order and Larry provided a lunch snack of grilled rabbit. That called for a short fishing trip to the pond. Larry earned bragging rights as he caught two and Ed let one get away. It is good we had a back up plan for supper Friday night. Larry and I provided supper and Ed cooked it for us. Once supper had been finished and the camp put to order we gathered by the fire for some fellowship. Later in the evening our friend and compatriot Dustin Marshall arrived with his friend, Uni.
Early Saturday morning we rose to the smell of coffee as Ed had gotten up to get our breakfast started. Soon we were eating sausage, eggs, and biscuits. Ed got a reprieve this time since he did not burn the sausage. Soon our friend, Compatriot Jessie Taylor, arrived.
By 0900 we were set up for the day. At that time we gathered at the historical marker for a memorial ceremony. I thanked everyone for their attendance and participation I also took the moment to remind everyone of the importance of preserving our Heritage. Chaplain Higginbotham offered the invocation and immediately afterward Dustin, Mr. Jessie, and myself did the libation ceremony followed by a volley fire. Then Mayor Al McDonald stepped up to offer a few words. Mayor McDonald then gave our benediction. It was a short ceremony but truly it was the most appropriate way to start the day's festivities. I certainly thank the CHPS for their support on this aspect of the day.
We had a steady flow of visitors during the morning. The flag display was up and that proved once again to be an attention getter. Larry and I had set up a uniform and accoutrements display. Ed stayed with the camp fire and told our visitors about camp cooking. Shortly after noon the crowd increased and more of our friends reported for duty.
At this time I have to say thank you to Claude and Michelle Turberville, Shorty Bell and family, and Kenny Smith. Only Claude Turberville would ride into camp ready to fight and mounted on a mini-scooter. I just hope his horse does not find out it was replaced by a scooter. Claude immediately joined us at our display and answered many questions about the cavalry trooper. Our young friend, J. D. Bell, had spent the morning on the blacksmith's forge with the Baldwin County Antique Tractor Club.
In the meantime Kenny an I put our heads together and came up with a scenario for a skirmish. Claude, J. D. Bell, and Kenny played the Confederate role. Of Course General Taylor had command of the Confederate troops. Dustin, Ed, and I played the role of the villains. The Yankees spotted the Confederates in the woods with the use of their scout/spy, Top Hat Miller. We immediately opened fire on them with Matilda, the Semmes Camp mortar. Sorry Camp 11, she had been captured and pressed into Yankee service. Once we had bombarded the Confederates it was time to flush them out of hiding. As the Yankees advanced the Confederates opened up with a hail of gun fire. The Yankees made a stand but to no avail. They were overwhelmed by the shear determination of the Confederate force. Soon the enemy was driven from the field. Matilda was recovered before the Yankees had time to spike the piece and she was returned to her rightful owners. Truly a glorious day for our beloved Confederate fighting men!
After the skirmish we thanked the visitors and offered a traditional reenactor's volley. Next we mingled with our visitors and received many positive comments about our effort to share the Heritage.
Once the crowd left we had time to sit around the fire and visit with some of our special guests. They included Dustin's mother and his two aunts. They were a real treat to our camp. We also had another special visitor to our camp during the day. Our friend and SCV compatriot, Randy Turlington of Virginia, was in the area on business. When Randy is on the coast for business he always finds a way to visit with us and it was good to see him.
We established a tradition last year of having our Saturday evening meal at the local catfish restaurant. Ed, Larry, Justin, and his family, and myself shared a good meal of that southern delicacy, fried catfish with all the trimmings including a spicy coleslaw. MMMMM...... After our meal we bid a fond farewell to the ladies and proceeded back to camp for a much needed night of rest.
Early on Sunday morning we broke camp and made our way back to our respective homes.
I cannot say thank you enough to all of you who attended and participated in the event. I must applaud the effort of the CHPS and the City of Citronelle. There were two city employees that made sure our every need was met. Truly Citronelle exhibits the best of Southern hospitality. I am also proud of the cooperative spirit of our regional SCV camps and reenacting units. We could not have done this with out that esprit de corps that we share.
On Friday last Chaplain Larry Higginbotham, Ed "Top Hat" Miller and yours truly made a rendezvous at Camp Pushmataha in Citronelle, Alabama. The purpose of our gathering was to participate in the Surrender Oak Festival hosted by the Citronelle Historical Preservation Society.
We had our camp established in short order and Larry provided a lunch snack of grilled rabbit. That called for a short fishing trip to the pond. Larry earned bragging rights as he caught two and Ed let one get away. It is good we had a back up plan for supper Friday night. Larry and I provided supper and Ed cooked it for us. Once supper had been finished and the camp put to order we gathered by the fire for some fellowship. Later in the evening our friend and compatriot Dustin Marshall arrived with his friend, Uni.
Early Saturday morning we rose to the smell of coffee as Ed had gotten up to get our breakfast started. Soon we were eating sausage, eggs, and biscuits. Ed got a reprieve this time since he did not burn the sausage. Soon our friend, Compatriot Jessie Taylor, arrived.
By 0900 we were set up for the day. At that time we gathered at the historical marker for a memorial ceremony. I thanked everyone for their attendance and participation I also took the moment to remind everyone of the importance of preserving our Heritage. Chaplain Higginbotham offered the invocation and immediately afterward Dustin, Mr. Jessie, and myself did the libation ceremony followed by a volley fire. Then Mayor Al McDonald stepped up to offer a few words. Mayor McDonald then gave our benediction. It was a short ceremony but truly it was the most appropriate way to start the day's festivities. I certainly thank the CHPS for their support on this aspect of the day.
We had a steady flow of visitors during the morning. The flag display was up and that proved once again to be an attention getter. Larry and I had set up a uniform and accoutrements display. Ed stayed with the camp fire and told our visitors about camp cooking. Shortly after noon the crowd increased and more of our friends reported for duty.
At this time I have to say thank you to Claude and Michelle Turberville, Shorty Bell and family, and Kenny Smith. Only Claude Turberville would ride into camp ready to fight and mounted on a mini-scooter. I just hope his horse does not find out it was replaced by a scooter. Claude immediately joined us at our display and answered many questions about the cavalry trooper. Our young friend, J. D. Bell, had spent the morning on the blacksmith's forge with the Baldwin County Antique Tractor Club.
In the meantime Kenny an I put our heads together and came up with a scenario for a skirmish. Claude, J. D. Bell, and Kenny played the Confederate role. Of Course General Taylor had command of the Confederate troops. Dustin, Ed, and I played the role of the villains. The Yankees spotted the Confederates in the woods with the use of their scout/spy, Top Hat Miller. We immediately opened fire on them with Matilda, the Semmes Camp mortar. Sorry Camp 11, she had been captured and pressed into Yankee service. Once we had bombarded the Confederates it was time to flush them out of hiding. As the Yankees advanced the Confederates opened up with a hail of gun fire. The Yankees made a stand but to no avail. They were overwhelmed by the shear determination of the Confederate force. Soon the enemy was driven from the field. Matilda was recovered before the Yankees had time to spike the piece and she was returned to her rightful owners. Truly a glorious day for our beloved Confederate fighting men!
After the skirmish we thanked the visitors and offered a traditional reenactor's volley. Next we mingled with our visitors and received many positive comments about our effort to share the Heritage.
Once the crowd left we had time to sit around the fire and visit with some of our special guests. They included Dustin's mother and his two aunts. They were a real treat to our camp. We also had another special visitor to our camp during the day. Our friend and SCV compatriot, Randy Turlington of Virginia, was in the area on business. When Randy is on the coast for business he always finds a way to visit with us and it was good to see him.
We established a tradition last year of having our Saturday evening meal at the local catfish restaurant. Ed, Larry, Justin, and his family, and myself shared a good meal of that southern delicacy, fried catfish with all the trimmings including a spicy coleslaw. MMMMM...... After our meal we bid a fond farewell to the ladies and proceeded back to camp for a much needed night of rest.
Early on Sunday morning we broke camp and made our way back to our respective homes.
I cannot say thank you enough to all of you who attended and participated in the event. I must applaud the effort of the CHPS and the City of Citronelle. There were two city employees that made sure our every need was met. Truly Citronelle exhibits the best of Southern hospitality. I am also proud of the cooperative spirit of our regional SCV camps and reenacting units. We could not have done this with out that esprit de corps that we share.
June 2014
On May 31st Compatriot Jessie Taylor and I attended the Presidential Birthday Party at Beauvoir. We got to see some old friends and made a few new ones.
One June 1st several of our Camp 11 members participated in a Confederate Memorial Service near Blacksher, Alabama. This event was hosted by the Blakeley Camp. The following camp members were present: Claude and Michelle Turberville, Shannon Fontaine, Jessie Taylor, and I. Shannon and Mr. Jessie performed the libation ceremony for the program.
On June 7th I made a trip to Chatom to visit with our UDC friends at the Pvt. Gibeon Sullivan Chapter. I shared The Simple Story of a Soldier with these dear ladies.
Compatriot Shannon Fontaine also represented the Semmes Camp at a memorial service for Commander John McIntosh Kell. This ceremony took place in Griffin, Georgia, on June 19th. We all appreciate Shannon for his dedication to our Confederate Naval Heritage.
On the weekend of the 21st Brian Clark was in Brandon, Mississippi, to participate in the Rankin Rough and Ready’s SCV Camp’s WBTS Relics show.
Finally on the 21st I went to Beauvoir for our monthly living history program. While there we had our first planning meeting for the 2014 Fall Muster at Beauvoir. After the meeting my alter ego, Samuel Hankins, entertained the visitors at the house while they were waiting on the tour to start. It is a lot of fun to interact with people while sharing the Heritage.
On May 31st Compatriot Jessie Taylor and I attended the Presidential Birthday Party at Beauvoir. We got to see some old friends and made a few new ones.
One June 1st several of our Camp 11 members participated in a Confederate Memorial Service near Blacksher, Alabama. This event was hosted by the Blakeley Camp. The following camp members were present: Claude and Michelle Turberville, Shannon Fontaine, Jessie Taylor, and I. Shannon and Mr. Jessie performed the libation ceremony for the program.
On June 7th I made a trip to Chatom to visit with our UDC friends at the Pvt. Gibeon Sullivan Chapter. I shared The Simple Story of a Soldier with these dear ladies.
Compatriot Shannon Fontaine also represented the Semmes Camp at a memorial service for Commander John McIntosh Kell. This ceremony took place in Griffin, Georgia, on June 19th. We all appreciate Shannon for his dedication to our Confederate Naval Heritage.
On the weekend of the 21st Brian Clark was in Brandon, Mississippi, to participate in the Rankin Rough and Ready’s SCV Camp’s WBTS Relics show.
Finally on the 21st I went to Beauvoir for our monthly living history program. While there we had our first planning meeting for the 2014 Fall Muster at Beauvoir. After the meeting my alter ego, Samuel Hankins, entertained the visitors at the house while they were waiting on the tour to start. It is a lot of fun to interact with people while sharing the Heritage.
October 2014
October has proven that the old saying “time waits on no one” is completely true. The month has flown by. Several camp members have participated in local Heritage events this month and we thank them for it.
Our ole buddy, Claude Turberville with Michelle, made it to Newton, Alabama for the annual Battle of Newton. [A co-sponsored event with local SCV] I have not gotten a report from Claude but I am confident that he and his faithful steed have once again represented Camp 11 only as Claude and Champ can. We appreciate Claude and Michelle representing Camp 11 at reenactments, living history programs, fairs, and festivals.
On the same weekend several camp members were busy at Beauvoir for the 28th Annual Fall Muster. Dustin Marshall, Mr. Jessie Taylor, Donovan Holifield and family, and yours truly spent the weekend enjoying the fellowship of Beauvoir. It was an absolutely successful weekend. On Friday we had a school day at Fall Muster. We did this program on Friday and had approximately 1000 school children and their escorts. Then over the two days of Fall Muster the attendance was over 1000. Our camp is honored to have been a part of a wonderful weekend at Beauvoir.
The staff at Beauvoir is working on the memorial brick plaza at the Tomb of the Unknown. I took a look and our camp has three bricks in the plaza, one each for Adm. Semmes, Commander Kell, and the CSS Alabama Crew. Adm. Semmes and the Alabama are well represented as some other donors had bricks dedicated to them.
On October 24th several camp members were back at Beauvoir. Both Donovan and Brandi Holifield were at Beauvoir as volunteers for the 2nd Annual Beauvoir Cemetery Walk. Your editor once again had the honor and privilege of portraying one of the soldiers at rest in the cemetery. This year it was Washington Brown Traweek.
Wash, as he was known, was from Greenville and served with the Jefferson Davis Light Artillery which organized in Montgomery in July of 1861. Wash settled in Clarke County, Mississippi after the war and in 1912 he became an inmate of the Jefferson Davis Soldier’s Home at Beauvoir. He was laid to rest in the cemetery in 1923. Wash Traweek has a unique story in that he and several of his friends tunneled out of Elmira and then, remarkably, they made it back to their lines in Virginia.
October has proven that the old saying “time waits on no one” is completely true. The month has flown by. Several camp members have participated in local Heritage events this month and we thank them for it.
Our ole buddy, Claude Turberville with Michelle, made it to Newton, Alabama for the annual Battle of Newton. [A co-sponsored event with local SCV] I have not gotten a report from Claude but I am confident that he and his faithful steed have once again represented Camp 11 only as Claude and Champ can. We appreciate Claude and Michelle representing Camp 11 at reenactments, living history programs, fairs, and festivals.
On the same weekend several camp members were busy at Beauvoir for the 28th Annual Fall Muster. Dustin Marshall, Mr. Jessie Taylor, Donovan Holifield and family, and yours truly spent the weekend enjoying the fellowship of Beauvoir. It was an absolutely successful weekend. On Friday we had a school day at Fall Muster. We did this program on Friday and had approximately 1000 school children and their escorts. Then over the two days of Fall Muster the attendance was over 1000. Our camp is honored to have been a part of a wonderful weekend at Beauvoir.
The staff at Beauvoir is working on the memorial brick plaza at the Tomb of the Unknown. I took a look and our camp has three bricks in the plaza, one each for Adm. Semmes, Commander Kell, and the CSS Alabama Crew. Adm. Semmes and the Alabama are well represented as some other donors had bricks dedicated to them.
On October 24th several camp members were back at Beauvoir. Both Donovan and Brandi Holifield were at Beauvoir as volunteers for the 2nd Annual Beauvoir Cemetery Walk. Your editor once again had the honor and privilege of portraying one of the soldiers at rest in the cemetery. This year it was Washington Brown Traweek.
Wash, as he was known, was from Greenville and served with the Jefferson Davis Light Artillery which organized in Montgomery in July of 1861. Wash settled in Clarke County, Mississippi after the war and in 1912 he became an inmate of the Jefferson Davis Soldier’s Home at Beauvoir. He was laid to rest in the cemetery in 1923. Wash Traweek has a unique story in that he and several of his friends tunneled out of Elmira and then, remarkably, they made it back to their lines in Virginia.