1

.

CSS Alabama (1862-1864) CSS Alabama , a 1050-ton screw steam sloop of war,

was built at Birkenhead, England, for the Confederate

Navy. After leaving England in the guise of a merchant

ship, she rendezvoused at sea with supply ships, was

outfitted as a combatant and placed in commission on 24

August 1862. Commanded by Captain Raphael Semmes

, Alabama cruised in the North Atlantic and West Indies

during the rest of 1862, capturing over two-dozen Union

merchant ships, of which all but a few were burned.

Among those released was the mail steamer Ariel , taken

off Cuba on 7 December with hundreds of passengers on

board.

Alabama began the new year by sinking USS Hatteras

near Galveston, Texas, on 11 January 1863. She then

moved into the South Atlantic, stopped at Cape Town in

August, and went on to the East Indies, seizing nearly 40

more merchantmen during the year, destroying the

majority and doing immense damage to the seaborne

trade of the United States.

The Confederate cruiser called at Singapore in Dec 1863,

but soon was back at sea to continue her commerce

raiding. However, Alabama was increasingly in need of an

overhaul and only captured a few ships in 1864. Captain

Semmes brought her to Cherbourg, France, for repairs. On

11 June 1864, Alabama arrived in Cherbourg, France and

Captain Semmes requested permission to dock and

overhaul his ship. Pursuing the raider, the American sloop-

of-war USS Kearsarge arrived three days later and took up

a patrol just outside the harbor.

On 19 June, Alabama sailed out to meet Kearsarge . As

Kearsarge turned to meet its opponent, Alabama opened

fire. Kearsarge waited patiently until the range had

closed to less than 1,000 yards. According to survivors,

the two ships steamed on opposite courses moving

around in circles as each commander tried to cross the

bow of his opponent to deliver a heavy raking fire. The

battle quickly turned against Alabama because of the

poor quality of its powder and shells, while Kearsarge

benefitted from the additional protection of chain cables

along its sides. A little more than an hour after the first

shot was fired, Alabama was reduced to a sinking wreck,

causing Semmes to strike his colors and send a boat to

surrender. According to witnesses, Alabama fired 150

rounds at its adversary, while Kearsarge fired 100.

When a shell fired by Kearsarge tore open a section at

Alabama 's waterline, the water quickly rushed through

the cruiser, forcing it to the bottom. While Kearsarge

rescued most of Alabama 's survivors, Semmes and 41

others were picked up by the British yacht Deerhound

and escaped to England.

B.G. Albert Pike Camp #1439 Gen Lewis A Armistead Camp # 1846 Cols Lewis & Harrison Camp # 1854 Gen William Steele Camp # 1857 Major Thomas J. Key Camp # 1920 South Kansas Camp # 2064

Volume XV. Issue 04

April 2013

2

WE HAVE A NEW CAMP!!! "Brigadier Generals

Buckner and Chilton Camp" has signed the Charter

and awaiting the return from HQ and presentation from

Commander Erickson. See photos and more info on

page 4 of this issue

Major Thomas J Key Camp #1920 has a New meeting start

Time at 6:30 p.m. rather than 7:00

.

Confederate Enlistment

New Recruits

B.G. Albert Pike Camp # 1439 None

Lewis A. Armistead Camp # 1847 None

Col’s Lewis & Harrison Camp #1854 Logan Sanders Joins under

Pvt. Richard M. Snider - Co K, 36th Alabama Infantry

William Steele Camp# 1857 None Maj. Thomas J. Key Camp # 1920 Walt McKenzie joins under

Captain Fountain S. McKenzie, Company. B, 1st Cavalry

Regiment, 6th Division, Missouri State Guard

Thomas C. Hill joins under

Private Spotswood Critzer, Company I, 46th Virginia Infantry

South Kansas Camp # 2064

June Camp Agendas

B.G. Albert Pike Camp # 1439

April 13

Lewis A. Armistead Camp # 1847 April 13

Col’s Lewis & Harrison Camp #1854

April 20 Cmdr Denver Erickson speaking on the SCC

Alabama

William Steele Camp# 1857 April 9

Maj. Thomas J. Key Camp # 1920

. April 4. Speaker is Mike Calvert and his subject is

"Jabez Smith: Jackson County's Largest Slaveholder".

South Kansas Camp # 2064

April 11, group discussion recognizing and honoring our

camp members' ancestors for Confederate History Month

and a general roundtable type discussion..

Neal Handley was invited to a SUV meeting in Lawrence to

listen to a briefing on the Great Locomotive Chase. Attached ON

PAGES 5-6 are the flyers presented, and the briefer Robert Jones

comes to Kansas often and would be more than glad to give this

and many other briefings. All he asks is to be able to sell his

books after the briefing.

Major Thomas J. Key Camp #1920 will have a Living history

display, weapons and relic display, musket and cannon firing

demonstrations from 10:00 to 5:00 on Satruday April 6 at the

Alexander Majors Historic Home at 8201 State Line Road,

Kansas City, MIssouri.

Dispatches from the Front

Intelligence from

the Wire… Events

in Kansas Division

Why not cross this

fence and join the SCV

brother?

3

Red Letters Generals Blue Letters Camp Meetings Black Letters Camp Members

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1.

B-Day Lewis &

Harrison Camp

LG Simon B Buckner

DOB 1823 Hart Co

KN

2.

Mike Smith

B-Day Key Camp

Gen Albert Johnston

DOD 1862 Tennessee.

MG Hennry Benning

DOB 1814 Georgia

LG Ambrose P. Hill

DOD 1865 Petersburg

3.

4.

BG Geo. Anderson

DOD 1901Aalabama Camp #1920

5.

6.

MG John Wharton

DOD 1865 Texas

7.

BG James Kemper:

DOD April 1895

V.A

8.

9.

Camp #1857

10.

Steve Crawford

B-Day Key Camp

L G Leonidas Polk

DOB 1806 Raleigh NC

11.

BG Wade Hampton

DOD 1902 S.C.

Camp #2064

12.

L.G. Richard Taylor DOD 1879 NY, NY

GenAlbert Johnston

DOD 1862 T.N.

13.

B.G. Joe Kershaw

DOD 1894 Camden

Camp #1439

Camp #1847

14.

BG Harry T. Hays

DOB 1820

15.

16.

MG Edward Johnson

DOB 1816 Virginia.

17.

Greg Miller

B-Day Key Camp

18.

19.

20.

Dr. John Bolton

Bob Whitaker

B-Day Key Camp

MG Samuel French

DOD 1910 Florida Camp #1854

21.

Kevin Makel

B-Day Key Camp

22.

23.

24.

Gavin Weir

B-Day Key Camp

25.

26.

BG. Almbrose Wright

DOB 1826 GA

27.

28.

BG. Fitz Hugh Lee:

DOD 1905 WA.

29. 30.

Gen Albert Johnston: Gen Simon Bolviar Buckner Lt. Gen. Ambrose P. Hill Lt. Gen Leonidas Polk Lt. Gen Richard Taylor Maj. Gen. Hennry L. Benning:

Maj. Gen Samuel French Maj. Gen. Edward Johnson Maj. Gen. John Wharton B.G. George Anderson B.G. Harry T. Hays B.G. Wade Hampton

B.G. Joseph B. Kershaw B. G. James L. Kemper B. G. Fitz Hugh Lee B.G. Almbrose R. Wright

4

Thanks to the dedicated work of Camp Commander Kevin Ivey and Lt Div Cmdr Dick Croft we do

have the paperwork submitted for the chartering of the new camp in Dodge City. The Dodge

City camp members voted to name the camp "Brigadier Generals Buckner and Chilton" after

Simon Bolivar Buckner and Robert Hall Chilton. Both have ties to the area, as both men were

stationed at Fort Atkinson during its existance 1850-1854, approx 2 miles west of present day Dodge

City.

Bellow are photos of some of the meetings.

Also in attendance at the second meeting was Mike Spurgin, who submitted his application and dues later

that week, and also Ruby Ivey was at both meetings, who helped us out and provided refreshments

Feb 11 Meeting #1 Group photo

Back row: Gary Bennett, James Bennett, Don Raney, Wade Hampton,

Jeffrey Dodson Front Row: Gary White, Russ McBee, Kevin Ivey (Not

shown is Dick Croft, who took the pic) (Don Raney is still having his

line researched, and Gary White has not joined as of yet.)

Feb 11 Meeting #1 Wade Hampton was inducted and received his membership certificate

March 25 Meeting #2 Tate Bartlett was inducted and received his membership certificate

March 25 Meeting #2 Loren Ashlock was inducted and received his membership certificate

5

These photos were sent and taken by

Compatriot John Weir of the Major

Thomas J Key Camp #1920. The

photos were taken at the Jefferson

Davis Presidential Library building

dedication at Beauvior.

John and his son Cameron were the

Kansas delegation at the ceremony.

More photos are available through

John if requested weirami@gmail.com

6

7

8

CSS ALABAMA CONTINUED

During its two-year career as a commerce raider, Alabama caused disorder and devastation across the globe for United

States merchant shipping. The Confederate cruiser claimed more than 60 prizes valued at nearly $6,000,000.

Her wreck was located by the French Navy in the 1980s.

Officers

Officer Post

List of Officers Of The Confederate States Steamer

Alabama

As They Signed Themselves.[14]

Raphael Semmes Commander

John Mclntosh Kell First Lieutenant And

Executive Officer

Richard F. Armstrong Second Lieutenant

Joseph D. Wilson Third Lieutenant

John Low Fourth Lieutenant

Arthur Sinclair Fifth Lieutenant

Francis L. Galt Surgeon And Acting

Paymaster

Miles J. Freeman Chief-Engineer

Wm. P. Brooks Assistant- Engineer

Mathew O Brien Assistant-Engineer

Simeon W.

Cummings[A]

Assistant-Engineer

John M. Pundt Assistant-Engineer

Wm. Robertson Assistant-Engineer

Becket K. Howell Lieutenant Marines

Irvine S. Bulloch Sailing-Master

D. Herbert Llewellyn Assistant-Surgeon

Wm. H. Sinclair Midshipman

E. Anderson Maffitt Midshipman

E. Maffitt Anderson Midshipman

Benjamin P.

Mecaskey Boatswain

Henry Alcott Sailmaker

Thomas C. Cuddy Gunner

Wm. Robinson Carpenter

Jas. Evans Master’s Mate

Geo. T. Fullam Master’s Mate

Julius Schroeder Master’s Mate

Baron Max. Von

Meulnier Master’s Mate

W. Breedlove Smith Captain S Secretary

Career

Name: CSS Alabama

Builder: John Laird Sons &

Company

Laid down: 1862

Launched: July 29, 1862

Commissioned: August 24, 1862

Decommissioned: June 19, 1864

General characteristics

Displacement: 1050 tons

Length: 220 ft (67 m)[2]

Beam: 31 ft 8 in

(9.65 m)

Draft: 17 ft 8 in

(5.38 m)

Installed power: 2 × 300 HP horizontal steam

engines, auxiliary

sails

Propulsion: Single screw

propeller

Speed: 13 knots (24

km/h)[2]

Complement: 145 officers and

men

Armament: 6 x 32 lb (15 kg)

cannons, 1 x 110 lb

(50 kg) cannon, 1 x

68 lb (31 kg) cannon

9

If you have an article you would like printed in the News Letter. Contact Newsletter Editor at Denver L. Erickson

coffincounter@att.net . or send by US mail to 3511 SE 35th Topeka, Kansas. 66605

Editing may be done in the sense of letter size and extraction of some pictures depending on the size

Kansas Division Color/Honor Guard Available

Compatriot Gerald V. Spaur of the BG Albert Pike Camp #1439 is suited and ready for the occasion.

Gerald is prepared for the opportunity to be present as a Color Guard for your event, or to take on the

responsibility of Honor Guard for the passing of a family member, friend or compatriot where an honor

Guard is needed.

Gerald will go anywhere in Kansas and be available for any and all Military services for compatriots, family

members, and friends. Feel free to contact Gerald at 2947 Walnut Wichita Kansas 67217-3128

Phone: 316-524-2555

TRIVIA FOR MARCH

Who wrote the song Dixie?

There is a great song of the south composed by an Ohioan. It has been around for a long time actually, 137 years.

It is a simple tune written on a dreary, rainy autumn Sunday in a cheap hotel flat in New York City. Created to be remembered easily and

whistled in the streets, it became a rallying cry of the Confederacy. And, strangely so, because authored by a northerner, no less.

Answer

The composer, Daniel Decatur Emmett, was producing chanty numbers for the minstrel shows, one-time popular stage-performing entertainment,

when he was approached by Jerry Bryant, manager of the minstrel troupe to which Emmett then belonged. 4. "Write me a 'walk-around', a 'hooray

song' about the old plantations," Bryant requested. "It must have a good tune. It doesn't matter so much what the words are like, but the melody

must be catchy." It was a Saturday night, and the song had to be done by Monday morning. Emmett complained there was not enough time.

However, his wife Catherine urged him to take a stab at it anyway. She promised him one room all to himself on Sunday in which to concentrate.

On Sunday morning he picked up his violin, peered out of the window and viewed the carriage traffic passing along a cold, wet street. Slowly the

words and the music fell into place, coming from an expression oft-times made by fellow showmen wishing in the wintertime to be somewhere

other than up north. Emmett, who submitted the piece on Monday, was later surprised how his plaintive offspring caught on, becoming to the

South what the "Marseillaise"( Mar·seil·laiseis) to France. After all, Emmett was a staunch northerner whose father was taking an active role in

helping southern slaves escape their bondage.

10

15th

Annual Kansas Division Convention

Sons of Confederate Veterans

June 21st & 22nd, 2013

Best Western Motel

3021 W. Highway 50

Emporia, KS 66801

620-342-7587

REGISTRATION FORM: (Required *)

*NAME _________________________________________ *TITLE/POSITION _________________________

*SCV CAMP NAME _______________________________________________*Number ________________

*PERSONAL ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________

CITY _______________________________ STATE __________________ZIP ________________________

*HOME PHONE (________) _____________________ WORK PHONE (________) ___________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS ______________________________CELL PHONE (________) ___________________

SPOUSE NAME (For Badge) _________________________________________________________________

GUEST NAME __________________________________ GUEST NAME ____________________________

COST FOR CONVENTION IS $10.00 PER PERSON

Included in the Registration: Convention book, lunch, lots of camaraderie, and excellent presentation from our guest

speaker. James Speicher topic is the H.L. Hunley Friday Evening Entertainment: We will begin Friday evening at 6:30 with a DVD feature presentation of Outlaw Jose Whales.

Followed by our Oratory contest at 8:00. This year’s Topic coming soon Ancestor Memorials: Have your ancestors name listed in the convention booklet. Cost is $10.00 and must be submitted

no later than May 23, 2013. (Up to 16 names for $10.00). Please include rank, Name, company, and unit on separate

sheet of paper).

Registration: Qty. ___ x $10.00 = $ _______

Friday Evening Gala: Qty. ___ x $ 5.00 = $ _______

Ancestor Memorials: Qty. ___ x $10.00 = $ _______ Total: $ _________

In honoring of the Sesquicentennial, our featured convention presenter will be. Col James Speicher of the Thomas J Key

Camp #1920. His topic of discussion will be the H.L.Hunley from beginning to present. He promises to give an extraordinary

presentation to the members of the Kansas Division. Lunch will be provided by the Motel

DEADLINE TO MAIL IN REGISTRATION FORMS

Is Monday May 31, 2013!!! Also find online at http://www.ksscv.org

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:

KANSAS DIVISION SCV

Kansas Division Adjutant

Paul Honaker

4109 SW 29th

Topeka Kansas 66614

11

Confederate History Month is a month annually designated by six state governments in the Southern United States for the purpose of

recognizing and honoring the history of the Confederate States of America. April has traditionally been chosen, as Confederate

Memorial Day falls during that month in many of these states.

Although Confederate Memorial Day is a holiday in most Southern states, the tradition of having a Confederate History Month is not

uniform. State governments or chief executives that have regularly declared Confederate History Month are as follows:

Alabama, Florida (since 2007), Georgia (by proclamation since 1995, by legislative authority since 2009), Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas

(since 1999), Virginia (1994–2002, 2010) Four states that were historically part of the Confederacy, Arkansas, North Carolina, South

Carolina, and Tennessee, do not have a tradition of declaring a Confederate History Month.

Some local governments in the above states also frequently approve an independent declaration for the same larger purpose. This is

also true in states where the larger legislative body does not officially recognize Confederate History Month. Some examples include:

Missouri, Prestonburg, Kentucky, City of Columbia, Tennessee, Putnam County, Tennessee Lee County, Florida passed a resolution on

April 6th, 2006 proclaiming April as Confederate Heritage Month. This is forever in effect.

Confederate History Month and related celebrations have been controversial due to the contentious place of slavery in the history of the

United States. When Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell issued a proclamation resurrecting Confederate History Month in 2010,

controversy arose due to the proclamation's omission of slavery. McDonnell later announced, "The proclamation issued by this Office

designating April as Confederate History Month contained a major omission. The failure to include any reference to slavery was a

mistake, and for that I apologize to any fellow Virginian who has been offended or disappointed. The abomination of slavery divided

our nation, deprived people of their God-given inalienable rights, and led to the Civil War. Slavery was an evil, vicious and inhumane

practice which degraded human beings to property, and it has left a stain on the soul of this state and nation.". McDonnell has indicated

that he will not issue a proclamation in future years. In 2007, the Virginia General Assembly approved a formal statement of “profound

regret” for the Commonwealth’s history of slavery.

On April 11, 2010, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour defended McDonnell on CNN's State of the Union, calling the controversy

raised by McDonnell's proclamation "just a nit". "It's trying to make a big deal out of something that doesn't matter for diddly,"

Barbour said. Unlike the Virginia proclamation, the 2010 Alabama proclamation noted, "our recognition of Confederate history

also recognizes that slavery was one of the causes of the war, an issue in the war, was ended by the war and slavery is hereby

condemned."

CAMP MEETINGS

GEN. ALBERT PIKE CAMP #1439 MAJOR THOMAS J. KEY CAMP #1920

LOCATION: Egg Crate Cafe, LOCATION: Zarda Bar-B-Q

8506 W 13th, Suite 150 Wichita, Kansas 67212 11931 W 87th

St. Lenexa, Kansas.

DATE: Second (2ND

) Saturday each month DATE: First (1st) Thursday each month

TIME: 11:30 am fellowship 12:30 Meeting TIME: 6:30 pm. fellowship, 7:00pm.

COLS LEWIS & HARRISON CAMP #1854 SOUTH KANSAS CAMP #2064

LOCATION: Westside Christian Church, LOCATION: Rockwell Branch Library

432 SW Lindenwood, Topeka, Kansas. 5939 E 9th

Street, Wichita, Kansas.

DATE: Third (3rd

) Saturday each Month DATE: Second 2nd

Thursday each Month

TIME: 10:00am. TIME: 5:30-7:30pm.

GEN. LEWIS A. ARMISTEAD CAMP #1847 GEN. WILLIAM STEELE CAMP #1857

LOCATION: Public Library Tech Conf Ctr. Rm. LOCATION: Bann Thai Restaurant

301 East Elm, Salina, Ks. 301 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.

DATE: Second (2nd

) Saturday each Month DATE: Second (2nd

) Thursday each Month

TIME 1:00-1:30 fellowship, 1:00-2:30 Meeting TIME: 6:00 pm. Fellowship 7:00 pm.

12

The Kansas Division

Sons of Confederate Veterans

190 NW Hawthorn St.

Topeka, Kansas. 66606

COMPATRIOT