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The Official Publication Of The General Robert E Lee camp #1589 Of The Sons Of Confederate Veteran Midlothian, Virginia

Adjutant's Notes
Attendance at the May meeting was again very good. We had 15 members & 9 guests for a total of 24 in attendance.
Membership applications were given to 2 of the guests and we hope they become members soon. Kenneth Seal, who has
visited us several times with Josh Brown, submitted his documentation for membership at the meeting & we expect to be
able to swear him into our ranks in June.
The camp treasury has a balance of $1,776.86.

The General Robert E. Lee Camp #1589 was one of only 18 camps in the Virginia Division to receive the "Outstanding
Camp Award" at the recent division convention in Lynchburg. Congratulations and special thanks to our membership
which does so many things on behalf of our Confederate ancestors. The award, in form of a battle streamer, is proudly
affixed to our camp colors for all to see. We are well underway for the 2011 award.

Adjutant/Treasurer
Mike Thomas
Camp News
Kenneth Seal's membership documentation has arrived, and we hope to swear him during the June meeting

Mike Thomas has brought to our attention that WRVA Radio has been hosting a drive for "The Fisher House" in
Richmond. The Fisher House is operated in the manner as a Ronald McDonald House & is intended for wounded veterans
(head trauma) undergoing rehab or treatment at the Richmond VA hospital and their families. The entire story is found at
the home page of WRVA (wrva.comm),
It costs $10.00 a day for one of the rooms at the site & WRVA has a goal of $76,000.00. To date it has received nearly
$11,000.00 and seems to be a project that is extremely worthwhile and very local. His thoughts are that we could make a
camp donation in some amount to support this project. A donation of $70.00 will take care of a room for a full week, so
every little bit goes a long way. I'd like everyone to consider this & we can discuss it further at the June meeting.

The Bon Air Victorian Days Parade and Celebration was a resounding success and Co. A 15th Va. Inf represented our camp in
splendid fashion. The 15th Va. erected a Confederate camp and conducted living history presentations to the spectators. It was a
beautiful day to fly the flag.

Ken Chandler gave his school program presentation at the May meeting, It was an excellent presentation and everyone
enjoyed it. Thanks. Ken

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SOUTHERN ILLUSTRATED

June 2 010
The Official Publication Of The General Robert E Lee camp #1589 Of The Sons Of Confederate Veteran Midlothian, Virginia

Confederate Generals from Chesterfield County


Chesterfield County can claim the honor of providing 4 generals to the Confederacy, an impressive number from a single
county. Each was a line general who led from the front and earned his rank on basis of merit. A study of these men clearly
shows that each was highly respected by those who served under them.
Major General Harry Heth was born in 1825 at Black Heath, his family's coal mining property north of Midlothian. A
veteran of the Mexican War, he was commissioned a major in the Confederate cavalry but rose swiftly to higher rank. It
was said Heth was the only general that Robert E. Lee called by his given name. He died in 1899 and is buried in
Hollywood Cemetery.
Major General Edward "Old Alleghany" Johnson was born in 1816 at "Salisbury", his parents family estate in Midlothian.
Johnson served with much credit in the Seminole and Mexican Wars. He earned his nickname for his determined defense
of Camp Alleghany in the western mountains of Virginia when his command of 1200 men stopped an assault by 5,000
Yankees. In the 7 hour long battle Johnson, without his sword, grabbed a club shaped piece of wood and led the final attack
which resulted in a complete rout of his foe. Johnson was captured at the Mule Shoe in1864 and General Robert E. Lee
personally asked for the government to secure his exchange. When released, he was transferred to the Army of Tennessee
and served well until his capture at Nashville in December 1864. He died in Chesterfield County in 1873 and is buried in
Hollywood Cemetery.
Brigadier General David A. Weisiger was born at "The Grove" in Chesterfield County in 1818. He, too, served well in the
Mexican War. Weisiger was promoted to Colonel of the 12th Virginia Infantry when William Mahone was promoted to
Brigadier General. In July 1864, Weiseger was said to be the oldest regimental commander in the army, but after his
display of courage and brilliant leadership in the fighting around The Crater, he became the "newest brigadier general" in
the army. He died in 1899 and is burried in Blandford Cemetery.
Brigadier General Young Marshall Moody was born in Chesterfield in 1822. At age 20, he moved to Alabama and became
a school teacher, merchant & clerk of the Circuit Court. He served in the 11th Alabama Infantry but helped to organize the
43rd AL Inf in 1862 as a Lt. Colonel. In 1864, Moody returned to his native state and county with the 43rd and fought on
his old home soil during the Bermuda Hundred Campaign. In December 1864, Moody assumed command of Gracie's
Brigade when General Gracie was killed near Petersburg. His promotion to Brigadier General followed in March 1865. At
the end of the war,Moody returned to Alabama but died of yellow fever in 1866 while on a business trip in New Orleans.
These 4 generals served their nation very well and represented their Virginia heritage in all they did. Each received a near
mortal wound while leading their men in close combat and all but Johnson was with the Army of Northern Virginia at
Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. Johnson, though, could certainly be excused for he was a POW in Old Capitol
Prison in Washington, DC at the

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The Official Publication Of The General Robert E Lee camp #1589 Of The Sons Of Confederate Veteran Midlothian, Virginia

Next Meeting
Our next meeting is scheduled for June 2nd , 2010 dinner at 6 P.M. and to follow with
business and Speaker at 7 P.M. at the Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant, 2401 Colony
Crossing Place Midlothian, VA 23112

Stephen Thornton will be speaking on a pretty interesting fellow that served in the
Richmond Light Infantry Blues and in is fairly famous as the "watercolor artist of
Point Lookout".

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The Official Publication Of The General Robert E Lee camp #1589 Of The Sons Of Confederate Veteran Midlothian, Virginia

Upcoming Events
***Fri., May 21: Historical Evening; Richmond-Stonewall Jackson UDC Chapter.
Sam Craghead of the Museum of the Confederacy will speak on the Confederate navy, and the chapter will present various
types of Military Service Awards to veterans who have Confederate Ancestors. It will be Friday evening, May 21, at 7:30
p.m. at the UDC Memorial Building on the Boulevard. It is open to the public and all are welcome.
The Military Service Awards grew out of the Southern Cross of Honor that the UDC presented to Confederate Veterans.
They are described on the UDC web site www.hqudc.org (click on Southern Cross of Honor on the left hand side of the
page).
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***Mon., May 31 (Memorial Day): NPS/V.A. Memorial Day Program at Fort Harrison National Cemetery. Begins at
noon. For more info: (804) 226-1981.
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***Sat., Jun. 5: Annual UDC "Massing of the Flags" to celebrate the birthday of Jefferson Davis. 2:00 p.m. at the UDC
Memorial Building on Boulevard.
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*** Sat., Jun. 5 (10 am - 5 pm) and Sun., Jun. 6 (10- 4): 146th Anniversary of the battle of Cold Harbor. Richmond
National Battlefield, Cold Harbor Unit (I-295 exit 34A to Rte 156 South)
Living History with Confederate and Union soldiers commemorates the battle that was General Grant`s greatest regret.
Ranger guided walking tours of the battlefield. Artillery and rifle demonstrations throughout the weekend along with kids`
activities.
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***Sat., Jun 5 (1 pm): Ranger-led program: The Battle of Old Men and Young Boys. Petersburg National Battlefield,
Eastern Front Unit ($5/vehicle entry fee).
Ranger led program focusing on the opening assault against Petersburg, June 9, 1864, in which 125 men of the Petersburg
militia held off an attack of 1300 Union cavalry for more than two hours until the arrival of front-line reinforcements. A
rare opportunity to learn about the struggle for Petersburg before the arrival of Grant or Lee.
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***Sat., Jun. 5 (8 pm): Cold Harbor Concert and Candlelight Tour. Richmond National Battlefield, Cold Harbor Unit (I-
295 exit 34A to Rte 156 South)
Concert of Civil War music followed by candlelight tours (starting at 8:30 pm) of the battlefield, interpreted by living
historians throughout the Union and Confederate lines.
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***June 5th Jefferson Davis Ceremony at Hollywood Cemetery - Put on by the Va. Division SCV - a really big event at 10 A.M.
(Flyer included at end of newsletter)
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The Official Publication Of The General Robert E Lee camp #1589 Of The Sons Of Confederate Veteran Midlothian, Virginia

***Sat., Jun. 12 (10 am 4 pm) and Sun., Jun 13 (9 am 2 pm): Living History Program: Digging the Dimmock Line.
Petersburg National Battlefield, Eastern Front Unit ($5/vehicle entry fee).
Program takes place at tour stop #1 of the Eastern Front Unit as living historians discuss the construction of the Petersburg
defense line known as the Dimmock Line.

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***Thurs., Jun. 17 (7 pm): Ranger-led program: Heavy Loss: The Charge of the First Maine Heavy Artillery. Petersburg
National Battlefield, Eastern Front Unit ($5/vehicle entry fee).
45 minute walking tour begins at tour stop 5 of the Eastern Front Unit. The focus of the program will be the tragic charge
of the First Maine Heavy Artillery Unit which took place on June 18, 1864.

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***Sat., Jun 19 (9 am): Richmond Battlefield Association tour of Cold Harbor. Richmond National Battlefield, Cold
Harbor Unit (I-295 exit 34A to Rte 156 South)
David Lowe of the national Park Service will lead a two-mile walking tour of the Cold Harbor battlefield, including a first-
ever look at 11 acres preserved by the RBA in 2009.
Under the leadership of Julie and Bob Krick, the RBA has achieved a number of signal successes in battlefield preservation
in only a few years. The tour is free and open to all. Those who are members (or who wish to join onsite) are invited to
remain for a short business meeting afterward.

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***Sat., Jun. 26 (10 am 5 pm) and Sun., Jun. 27 (10 am 4 pm): 148th Anniversary of the battle of Gainess Mill.
Richmond National Battlefield, Gainess Mill Unit (I-295 exit 34A to Rte 156 South).
Volunteers representing Union and Confederate Infantry will be encamped at the historic Watt House on the Gaines` Mill
battlefield. Programs will commemorate the June 27, 1862, battle where General Robert E. Lee achieved his first victory as
commander of the Army of Northern Virginia. Rifle demonstrations and walking tours throughout the weekend.

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SOUTHERN ILLUSTRATED

June 2 010
The Official Publication Of The General Robert E Lee camp #1589 Of The Sons Of Confederate Veteran Midlothian, Virginia

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The Official Publication Of The General Robert E Lee camp #1589 Of The Sons Of Confederate Veteran Midlothian, Virginia

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