Christmas is our very special time of year. As a Christian in a God-based nation, like our ancestors, we celebrate the birth and life of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord died on the cross to free us of sin and provided the guarantee of everlasting life. Enjoy the feel of His Presence; Embrace His Love for you. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas! NO MEETING IN DECEMBER ********** ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Please continue to pray for our compatriots Bob Gibson, Durham Milburn, Woody Woodard and Phil Turner. 2. Camp 91 received a Christmas Card from Ken “Sarge” Arvin, LT. Commander South, GA Division, SCV. The post script reads, “I would like to take a moment and thank all the men of the Thomson Guards, Camp 91 for your hard work in 2022. May you each have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” 3. Attend the January 24, 2023, camp meeting to learn about Confederate submarines. 4. Robert E. Lee birthday celebration in Jeff Davis Park, Fitzgerald, GA.
8. Lee-Jackson Banquet -- Hosted by the Millen, GA camp
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Stephens attended Franklin College and established a legal practice in his home town of Crawfordville, Georgia. After serving in both houses of the Georgia General Assembly, he won election to Congress, taking his seat in 1843. He became a leading Southern Whig and strongly opposed the Mexican–American War. After the war, Stephens was a prominent supporter of the Compromise of 1850 and helped draft the Georgia Platform, which opposed secession. A proponent of the expansion of slavery into the territories, Stephens also helped pass the Kansas–Nebraska Act. As the Whig Party collapsed in the 1850s, Stephens eventually joined the Democratic Party and worked with President James Buchanan to admit Kansas as a state under the pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution (which was overwhelmingly rejected by voters in a referendum in that state). Stephens declined to seek re-election in 1858, but continued to publicly advocate against secession. After Georgia and other Southern states seceded and formed the Confederate States of America, Stephens was elected as the Confederate Vice President. Stephens's Cornerstone Speech of March 1861 defended slavery. In the course of the war, he became increasingly critical of President Jefferson Davis's policies, especially Confederate conscription and the suspension of habeas corpus.[2]In February 1865, he was one of the commissioners who met with Abraham Lincoln at the abortive Hampton Roads Conference to discuss peace terms. After the war, Stephens was imprisoned until October 1865. The following year, the Georgia legislature elected Stephens to the United States Senate, but the Senate declined to seat him due to his role in the Civil War. He won election to the House of Representatives in 1873 and held that office until 1882, when he resigned from Congress to become governor of Georgia. Stephens served as governor until his death in March 1883. Source: wikipedia ********** Camp 91, Thomson Guards staffed a recruitment booth at the Warrenton Sportsman’s Festival on November 12. We collected $90 for the GA Division Legal Defense Fund, we collected 20 names of potential new members and we put forth a great public image. It was a very good day. Each potential new member from each of the three festivals is being sent the camp monthly Dispatch and a personal letter of invitation to dinner and a meeting. ********** At the November meeting, the Thomson Guards, Camp 91, Georgia Division recognized four members who recently joined the National Guardian Program. These men pledged to care long term for the gravesite of at least one Confederate Veteran. Nothing is more important than this in meeting our Charge. ********** At the November meeting Camp 91 welcomed two new members to the Sons of Confederate Veterans. We look forward to having these men in the Thomson Guards. Welcome! ********** *** Confederate Monument Cleaning *** Please see the Community Activities ********** COMMANDER’S POST A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN’S VIRTUES Among the elements listed in the “Charge to the Sons of Confederate Veterans” is “the emulation of his virtues”. Emulation is to match. A virtue is a trait or quality that is deemed to be morally good and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being. Virtures are the basis for being a Southern Gentleman. However, often, the more one repeats a slogan like “The Charge” the more stale it becomes and one loses sight of its significance. We are a country founded on Christianity. Like our ancestors, as children, many of us were raised in the church and the Lord, through His Holy Word in the Bible, shared virtues with us; we don’t have to guess what is correct behavior. And, even for those who did not grow up in the church, old Southern society dictated certain behavioral norms. What are His virtues? The list includes: honesty, integrity, respect, honor, kindness, helpfulness, charm, charity, politeness, love, faith, loyalty, perseverance, stewardship, appreciation, etc. We love and honor our Confederate ancestors for these qualities. So, the next time you recite, “The Charge to the Sons of Confederate Veterans”, slow down and think of your own behavior. Are you emulating (matching) those virtues (qualities) that made him glorious and that we all cherish? Are you, as a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Southern Gentleman that others wish to emulate? Respectfully submitted: Tom Holley “In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.” - General Robert E. Lee MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
NEXT MEETING -- TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Poetry and Music of the War Between the States by the Gray Poet Phil Turner’s Journey into 1861… Phil’s civil war Journey began with books, “I Rode with Stonewall” by Henry Kid Douglass, “A Stillness at Appomattox” by Bruce Catton and many more. He read and read until he absorbed the facts and the atmosphere of that turbulent time in our history. Then came the battlefield visits, Manassas, Gettysburg, New Market, and, again, many more. Beautiful photos of monuments were made during these trips. In the early 90’s, during a stressful time in his life, Phil would wake up in the middle of the night and sit at the kitchen table and all of these thoughts and words about the Civil War would pour out of him. Many of his poems had dark themes about the blood and death of war. They were so realistic you would swear that he had been a soldier on the battlefield experiencing these events. Phil went on in later years to write similar words about Vietnam and World War ll. He also began to interview and video these surviving veterans, capturing a history that would soon be lost without such efforts. He has a true love of history and its preservation. This was recognized last year when Mayor Whitaker proclaimed him Historian and Poet Laureate of the City of Harlem, GA. His story is one worth telling and listening to. Phil has been married for 52 years to the former Jeanne Lowe. They have two children, Patrick of Gainesville GA, Melissa of Alpharetta and one 7 year old grandson Mason of Alpharetta. Jeanne Turner ********** ANNOUNCEMENTS
Go to EVENTS for all the special activities coming up. The Rangers are wonderful and so helpful. There is a beautiful life size statue of A.H. Stephens in front of his home, Liberty Hall. On December 3, there will be guided tour of his home with Christmas trees decorated for the period in each room from 1pm to 3 pm. Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens' home, Liberty Hall, will be decorated with styles of the Victorian Christmas past. Enjoy a tour of the house, create a craft, and listen to the sounds of the Victorian Era. Refreshments will be served by the Friends of A.H. Stephens State Park. $4 - $8.00 Come out to see Christmas light displays every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting November 25, and ending December 25, 2022. Tour our 10 acre event field and see displays that have been setup up by a host of site partners, volunteers and area businesses. There will also be refreshments, a movie, and weather permitting a campfire. $0 plus $5 parking. 706-456-2602. Submitted by: Dollie Lacefield **********
********** New soon-to-be member, Bob Stephenson, helped staff the recruiting booth at the Thomson Camellia Festival on Saturday, October 22. Thanks Bob, David Butler, Tom Holley, Durham Milburn, and Lewis Smith who all helped with this very productive day. We collected money for the Legal Defense Fund and we put forth a great public image. ********** **********
********** ********** On Saturday, October 29, in remembrance of our veterans interred in the Thomson Memorial Cemetery, Camp 91, Thomson Guards flagged the burial sites. Veterans Day is about appreciating all our veterans: past, present and future. Thanks to all veterans for serving our country. We owe our freedoms to you! God Bless you all! ********** Don’t recognize these two? Marshall (12) and Gene (9), our grandsons, after their soccer games, toured the Kennesaw National Battlefield Park with their grandmommy. They were reluctant to go (too tired), but both agreed afterwards that it was awesome. Gene stated that the film of the battle was “the best war documentary he had ever seen.” Ya gotta start ‘em young! Tom ********** COMMANDER’S POST
Nine Ways to Ensure Communism See Editorials / Tom Holley / Nine Ways to Communism
work. His research is being used in the new exhibits for the new Cyclorama building of the Atlanta History Center and Brad has researched 2 new wayside exhibits for Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National Park. Brad has written or co-written 23 books on the American Civil war. By the end of 2021, Brad and 2 of his friends will have 5 historical books finished for the Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage center. Brad gives tours of America’s battlefields to people from across the world. He has been on the Marietta Cemetery Memorial committee for 5 years and has worked on the Wreaths Across America program for Marietta National Cemetery for 26 years. Brad has been married for 47 years and has two boys and now 7 grandchildren. ********** ANNOUNCEMENTS
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********** Camp 91 collected $214 for the Georgia Division legal defense fund. The camp also collected names, addresses and cell phone numbers of 16+ well qualified potential members. It was a successful day. Thank you to all who manned the booth. Karen and Tom Holley are with Laurel and Hardy. ********** COMMANDER’S POST Dr. George Rogers Clark Todd “Mary Todd (wife of Abraham Lincoln) was the fourth of seven children. She had three sisters; Elizabeth Todd Edwards (1813-1888), Frances ‘Fanny’ Todd Wallace (1815-1899), Ann Todd Smith (1824-1891) and three brothers; Levi O. Todd (1817-1865), Robert P. Todd (1820-1822), and George Rogers Clark Todd (1825-1900). George Todd was born on July 2, 1825 in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky, United States of America. Mary also had 10 half-siblings; 5 brothers and 5 sisters…
George Rogers Clark Todd was the last child from Robert and his first wife. He graduated in 1843 from Centre College, a liberal arts institution based in the town of Danville, Kentucky, founded in 1819. George then went to medical school. At the beginning of the 19th century, there were only five medical schools in America. The Medical Department of Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, was the first in the West; however, it had few students or faculty until it was restructured in 1815. Throughout its nearly six decade existence (1799-1859), Transylvania’s Medical Department enrolled 4,358 students and graduated 1,881 physicians. The majority of trained physicians in the antebellum South and Southwest were graduates of Transylvania. He graduated from Transylvania Medical College in Lexington in 1848… Like his half brother David, Dr. George Rogers Clark Todd (1825-1900) joined the Confederate troops immediately. His medical skills procured him a commission as a surgeon. He soon made the Richmond papers, when he was arrested for slandering the Confederate government. He assured the authorities that Lincoln was “one of the greatest scoundrels unhung” and was released. On February 8, 1862, he enlisted at the age of 37 and was appointed a Surgeon. He then reported to the Surgeon General in Richmond. By February 10th he was ordered to Yorktown, VA, for duty with General J.B. Magruder, commander of the Army of the Peninsula. Rosters indicate that he was assigned to the 15th Virginia Infantry. 15th Virginia was organized in May 1861, with men from Richmond and Henrico and Hanover counties. The regiment was brigaded under McLaws, Semmes, and Corse, Army of Northern Virginia. In September 1862, he was reassigned to McLaws Division Hospital as Chief Surgeon… ...there would have been many wagons for the Medical supplies and wounded based at the Division Infirmary with Semmes’ Brigade. This request was just weeks before the Battle of Antietam. The loss in killed and wounded was, of the Fifty-third Georgia Volunteers, 30 per cent; Thirty-second Virginia, 45 per cent; Tenth Georgia, 57 per cent; Fifteenth Virginia, 58 per cent, detailed statements of which are herewith submitted according to brigade documents. The disparity in the loss of some of the companies of the same regiment is very marked. Three of the four regimental commanders were wounded. Surgeon Todd had much work to do on that day. By January, 1863, Dr. Todd had been reassigned to the 10th Georgia as a Surgeon. He would have been familiar with officers of the 10th since the regiment was assigned to McLaws’ Brigade of Magruder’s Division on the Virginia Peninsula during the Siege of Yorktown. In July of 1863, McLaws’ Brigade was in the Battle of Gettysburg. McLaws’ Division took part in Longstreet’s attack on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, driving through the Peach Orchard and the Wheatfield to the base of Little Round Top and Cemetery Ridge. The attack had come close to collapsing the Union flank, but at the cost of heavy casualties. In September of 1863, he was relieved of duty as Chief Surgeon Semmes’ was to report to Surgeon N.S. Crowell, Medical Director Charleston SC for assignment. This was a result of his criticism of a superior officer in writing. He was charged with, “Conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline.” He was relieved of duty from Semmes’ Brigade by Special Order # 209. His new primary assignment was the Medical Examining Board of the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida and secondary assignment was just listed as surgeon until the end of the war… Dr. Todd served until the end of the war in the Charleston, SC area and then settled in Camden. He eventually moved to Barnwell, SC, which is close to Augusta, Georgia. He served his community well as a country doctor after the war. Dr. George Rogers Clark Todd, CSA Surgeon, died at Camden, Kershaw County, South Carolina, on April 1, 1900 at the age of 74. Burial of Dr. George Rogers Clark Todd, CSA Surgeon, was in Quaker Cemetery, Camden, Kershaw County, South Carolina… Your Obt. Servant, Surgeon Trevor Steinbach, 26th Georgia – Georgia Brigade” Source: Timelines Magazine, March 2022, Mary Todd Lincoln’s Confederate Medical Brother. NEXT MEETING -- TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
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********** SCV Events & Goals June 1, 2021 – May 31, 2022 - with results
********** Please examine these goals very carefully. There may be some you don’t agree with while there are others you may wish to add. Remember, written, specific, doable goals give us firm direction. SCV Events & Goals June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023
********** CAMP HISTORIAN'S POST BETSY ROSS AND GADSDEN FLAGS: DOMESTIC VIOLENT TERRORISM SYMBOLS?
See Editorials / Lewis Smith / Flags as Terror Symbols The program will be a history of the evolution of the Georgia State Flag from the date of discovery of the colony until today and the national flags that influenced the designs of our various state flags. Each flag will be presented (literally) and discussed. Dave was born in Vidalia, GA on July 4, 1951, and raised up in Montgomery, Toombs and Wheeler Counties. He graduated from Vidalia High School and Brewton Parker College. He is married to Beverly for 51 years and they have three children, 4 grandchildren and two great grands. He is retired from Southern Company after 43 years managing construction, maintenance and design implementation at Plants Hatch and Vogtle.. He currently lives in Mount Vernon, GA. As an SCV Life Member for 31 years, Dave has held the following SCV positions: camp member, newsletter editor, adjutant, Lt. Commander, Brigade Commander, Division Chief of Staff. He has received numerous camp, brigade and division awards along with three National Commander in Chief awards. He has presented historical programs in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina for church groups, civic clubs, schools and SCV (9 this year already).
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********** Review of SCV National Reunion – July 20-23, 2022
Tom Holley with Georgia SCV Commander Tim Pilgrim Ramblin’ Wreck -- Go Jackets! Savoy Museum in Cartersville ********** ANNOUNCEMENTS
********** CROSSES OF HONOR -- July 16, 2022 See article under Community -- Activities ********** COMMANDER'S POST
Media's Influence thru Distortions and Lies See Editorials / Tom Holley / Media's Influence...Lies NEXT MEETING -- TUESDAY, JULY 26 Topic -- Wilderness Survival Skills Speaker -- Steve Burke Born and raised on the Ogeechee River in Jenkins County, Georgia, where he resides today, Steve has devoted 40 years to sharing his knowledge of history and wilderness survival skills. Sherman’s March to the Sea, sharpshooters and the evolution of their weapons, and demonstrations on hide tanning for clothes and how to make necessary tools such as bows and arrows are among the topics that he enjoys discussing. He is Vice President of the Wiregrass Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution in Swainsboro where he serves as Captain of the Brier Creek Artillery. He is also a member of the Buckhead Fort Lawton Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans in Millen. In March 2022, Steve was presented the DAR Excellence in Historic Preservation Award by the Captain John Wilson Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Steve Burk, Practicing Survivalist ********** CROSSES OF HONOR
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********** GA SCV Reunion Notes – June 202
********** At the June meeting Camp 91, Thomson Guards was very pleased to induct Patrick Lunceford into the SCV. Patrick is shown holding his certificate, along with Adjutant David Butler. Welcome Patrick! ********** COMMANDER’S POST
1984 by George Orwell -- Commentary See Editorials / Tom Holley / 1984 by George Orwell NEXT MEETING -- TUESDAY, JUNE 28 Topic -- The Old Governor's Mansion Speaker -- Matt Davis Our guest speaker will be Mr. Matt Davis, the Director of Historic Museums for Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. The museums include Andalusia, the home of the famous Georgia author, Flannery O’Connor, Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion and the Sallie Ellis Davis House, the home of a dedicated and passionate black Baldwin County educator. Mr. Davis will discuss the Governor’s Mansion that was completed in 1839, and its significance during the Antebellum, WBTS, and the early reconstruction phases of Georgia’s history. The Mansion was named a Smithsonian Affiliate in 2015 and as a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2018.
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********** JUNE EVENTS DURING WBTS
********** Mr. Ed DeVos presented a discussion of his latest book, The Last 100 Yards. DeVos is a twenty-year, heavily decorated, army veteran who served multiple tours in Vietnam. The camp learned that this book is about soldiers - infantry soldiers - the heart and soul of our army. It is also a history book, describing how after Vietnam our army developed new doctrine, new equipment, and a tougher, more meaningful training doctrine. The book introduces many common sensed leaders whose principles still influence the military today. And, finally, the camp gained a glimpse into the lives of military spouses and their children, who serve their country alongside their soldiers. The presentation served as a wonderful reminder of why we should all celebrate Memorial Day by learning our history, protecting our heritage and honoring all our veterans. ********** At the May meeting Adjutant David Butler read a Resolution of Appreciation to Camp 91, Thomson Guards for the $150 donation to support a scholarship for a Georgia Division SCV summer camper. The certificate was signed by Reverend Weaver, the summer camp supervisor. ********** Adjutant David Butler (r) presented a new member certificate and lapel pin to Mr. Jim Wilson. Jim’s ancestor was an original soldier in the Thomson Guards, 10th Regiment Georgia Volunteers. WELCOME JIM! ********** COMMANDER’S POST Open Letter to SCV -- November 2022
See Editorials / Tom Holley / Letter to SCV Members NEXT MEETING -- TUESDAY, MAY 24
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********** IN MEMORIUM Long before we were the Thomson Guards, many of us were members of the Ambrose Ransom Wright Camp in Evans. Bill Berry was a unique character and a very active member. Bill, Rest In Peace. “BILL BERRY left us to be with the Lord on April 21, 2022. Bill was a man proud of his many accomplishments. I was always amused by his personal business card—it listed all his various positions in the community through the years ! Bill was active in the our SCV Camp until just recently, when his health prevented his getting out to the meetings. Besides the SCV, he was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Knights of Columbus, and St. Mary of the Hill Catholic church. He was President of Irish American Heritage Society in 2007, and he was Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2010 The funeral is tentatively scheduled for May 9. He is to be a cremated and his remains to be placed in the columbarium at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.” Information: The WigWag newsletter of the E. Porter Alexander camp, Augusta. ********** MAY Events During WBTS
********** APRIL PROGRAM -- Pilgrims and Our Heritage by Alan Smith On April 26, Rev. Alan Smith, dressed in period clothing as a Pilgrim, gave an excellent presentation. Did you know?
Rev. Smith made learning FUN! ********** COMMANDER'S POST Robert E. Lee . . . . As Paul Harvey said on his radio broadcast “Here’s the rest of the story!”
Robert E. Lee is to this day the only person to pass through the US Military Academy at West Point without a single demerit. In the Mexican War General Winfield Scott called him “the greatest soldier I’ve ever seen.” As an Army Engineer he re-routed the Mississippi River and saved the city of St. Louis. When he inherited slaves from his father in law, he educated them and set them free, and he referred to slavery as “a political and moral evil.” He turned down Lincoln’s offer to Command the US Army that would invade the South and his home State of Virginia even though leading that Army would have certainly brought him international fame and likely the presidency. He instead offered his sword to Virginia and fought against that invasion for four years leading an Army that was vastly outnumbered, out supplied and out fed. After the war, as the most beloved figure on either side of the war, he turned down all of the opportunities that would have enriched him by refusing to sell his family name. He chose instead to take a job with meager pay at Washington College because he knew that rebuilding the country meant that we needed to raise men of high honor and character. His first act as Dean of the College was to build a Chapel. On Lee’s last visit to Richmond, a lady approached General Lee with an infant in her arms and asked “Would you please hold my baby?” General Lee took the child, looked the woman in the eye and said “you must teach him to deny himself.” Biographer Douglas Southall Freeman pointed out that this one statement characterized the entirety of how General Lee lived. As the end of his life was approaching Robert E. Lee was asked, with all of his accomplishments, what should his headstone say. He answered “that I am a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for my salvation.” That a monument to this man has been taken down is a monument itself. The barren space where his memorial stood is a testament to the depraved depths to which the morality and character of our society has fallen. Unknown Source -- Information was passed along via email. Possibly from Paul Harvey’s the Rest of the Story by Paul Aurandt (Author) and Lynne Harvey (Compiler, Editor), Doubleday, c1977. APRIL IS CONFEDERATE HISTORY AND HERITAGE MONTH Confederate Memorial Day On Saturday, April 23, we will have our formal service at the historic plantation home and burial site of Captain John Thaddeus Stovall, 1353 Cedar Rock Road, Thomson. The service will begin at 10:30 A.M. sharp. Bring a lawn chair. Period clothing is encouraged. Many members will have individual responsibilities that day. A photo, less anyone’s name, will be submitted to the Georgia Confederate. Time required: 1.5 hours including program and tour. We will travel to Fernanda’s for lunch. ********** NEXT MEETING -- TUESDAY, APRIL 26 New Locations -- We’re moving back to Thomson.
Speaker: Alan Smith -- Topic: Pilgrims Delbert Alan Smith is a retired Methodist minister and supporter of groups that encourage historic preservation and awareness of history. These include the National Trust, the Society of Cincinnati, the Huguenot Society of South Carolina, First Families of Georgia, and the Jamestowne Society. He is Assistant General of the Georgia Society of Mayflower Descendants. He is past president of the William Few Chapter of the Georgia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and has participated in numerous GASSAR grave markings of Revolutionary soldiers. He supports historic preservation in McDuffie County as president of the Wrightsboro Foundation and chairman of the Rock House Advisory Committee. He and his wife Judy restored their 1842 home. Alan did the research required for its placement on the National Register of Historic Places. They did nearly all of the restoration themselves over a number of years. They have worked to make a comfortable home for themselves and visiting children and grandchildren while keeping the house accurate to its historic roots. The house contains family pieces and antiques collected over many years. The Captain John Wilson Chapter, National Society Daughters of American Revolution presented them the DAR Excellence in Historic Preservation certificates and medals in 2021. ********** ANNOUNCEMENTS
********** April Events in the WBTS
********** As a member of Camp 91, Thomson Guards, please remember that above all things:
********** MARCH PROGRAM -- THE LARGEST PRISON: THE STORY OF FORT LAWTON At the regular monthly meeting of Camp 91, Thomson Guards, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Dr. John Derden, Professor Emeritus of History gave a fact based power point presentation on the Confederate prison called Fort Lawton located at Magnolia Springs near Millen. From November 1864 to the spring of 1865, the newly erected prison of 42 acres held about 12,000 Federal prisoners that were mostly transported there from the Andersonville prison near Americus. When General Sherman began his March to the Sea military campaign from Atlanta, he had three main objectives. First, he wanted to capture the Georgia capital in Milledgeville. Second, he wished to capture the city of Savannah. Third, he sent his Calvary commanded by General Sheridan on a forced march to free the prisoners at Fort Lawton and to totally destroy the strategic railroad intersection at Millen. When Sheridan arrived, the prisoners were gone but he did lay waste to the depot and tracks. It was a fantastic presentation ********** ********** COMMANDER’S POST ARRIL IS CONFEDERATE HISTORY AND HERITAGE MONTH The General Assembly hereby finds and determines that tourism is a great economic resource in Georgia; and historical, heritage, and cultural inheritance are among the tourism industry's most popular attractions. Georgia's Confederate heritage, physical artifacts and battle sites, and historic events and persons not only attract visitors, they are potentially of even greater importance and benefit to our state's economy. Increased development of our state's Confederate history and heritage as part of the tourism industry will be enhanced through recognizing, celebrating, and advertising that heritage and history.
The month of April of each year is hereby designated as Confederate History and Heritage Month and shall be set aside to honor, observe, and celebrate the Confederate States of America, its history, those who served in its armed forces and government, and all those millions of its citizens of various races and ethnic groups and religions who contributed in sundry and myriad ways to the cause which they held so dear from its founding on February 4, 1861, in Montgomery, Alabama, until the Confederate ship CSS Shenandoah sailed into Liverpool Harbor and surrendered to British authorities on November 6, 1865. Officials and departments of state, county, and municipal governments, boards of education, elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, businesses, and all citizens are encouraged to participate in programs, displays, and activities that commemorate and honor our shared history and cultural inheritance throughout each April during Confederate History and Heritage Month. |