The Louisiana Volume 14 Issue 11 Tiger Published by Bobby G. Herring [email protected] November 2014 Monthly Newsletter of the Lt Gen. Richard Taylor Camp #1308 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in Shreveport, Louisiana P.O. Box 8428 Shreveport, Louisiana 71148-8428 Website: www.scvtaylorcamp.com Page 2 The Louisiana Tiger November 2014 About the Cover ““TThhee BBooyyss iinn G Grreeyy aanndd tthhee BBooyyss ooff TTooddaayy ”” Each month in the Louisiana Tiger, Commander Hill submits a biography of a member of the Gen. Leroy Stafford Camp #3. The Stafford Camp, located in Shreveport, was the third camp formed by the United Confederate Veterans. Eventually the UCV would have around 1,900 camps. From the time the Stafford Camp was formed in 1891, until the last member died in 1944, there were over 200 veterans who were members of the Camp. Many of these men were the movers and shakers that set the stage for Shreveport to become a major economic center at the beginning of the 20th Century. We are very fortunate to have David compile the stories of these men and I hope you take the time to read them each month (they usually begin on page 7). The picture on the front cover comes from a 1903 postcard titled “The Boys in Grey and the Boys of Today”. This particular picture is from the cover of Eric Brock’s book Shreveport in Vintage Postcards. Eric was a long time Taylor Camp member and local historian, who died a couple of years ago. This picture, one of my favorites, was taken on the side steps of the old Caddo Parish Courthouse and shows some 40 plus Stafford Camp members, along with an honor guard from the Thatcher Military Academy located in Shreveport. According to Eric, two of the battle flags in the picture belonged to the 3rd and 27th Louisiana Infantries and saw service at the battles of Vicksburg and Iuka, among others. WELCOME TO OUR NEW TAYLOR CAMP MEMBERS FOR OCTOBER Tony Maxcey Blake Hanson 2013-2014 Next Camp Meeting Elected Officers November 6, 2014 Commander David Hill st 1 Lt Commander J.C. Hanna Adjutant Open Position Chaplain John Long Camp Staff 2nd Lt. Commander Steve Shipp Quartermaster John Long Aide de Camp Evan McMichael Newsletter Editor Bobby G. Herring Camp meetings begin at 7:00pm on the first Thursday of each month at El Chico’s at 2127 Greenwood Road Family & Friends are welcome Come early and dine John Temple Table of Contents pages “Commander’s Dispatch” …..... 3 Calendar of Events …….…...…. 4 Camp Birthdays ……….…….... 4 Be sure to take a look at the following “Items of Interest” in this issue Commanders Report ...…………..…... page 3 Stafford Bio William Pleasants ..,.... pages 7-10 Adjutant’s Report ………....… 5-6 Stafford Camp Bio …..…........ 7-10 “Chaplain’s Chat” ………,,..... 11 Samuel Daniel Bio ................................ page 12 “My Confederate Ancestor”….... 12 “Angel Glow” ......................,,,,,,,.......... page 13 “Grape Shot”…………………... 13 November 2014 The Louisiana Tiger Page 3 Commanders Dispatch from Taylor Camp Commander David Hill [email protected] Fall is upon us bringing cooler weather and events to celebrate our Southern Heritage. Back on October 4th & 5th, many of us attended the annual Battle of Fort Crawford in nearby Hallsville, Texas. Re-enactors are well taken care of at this event as they feed us Saturday night and Sunday morning for a nominal registration fee. At this writing I am preparing to attend the inaugural Battle of Natchitoches. The 12th Louisiana Infantry is hosting this event along with the city of Natchitoches. By the time you read this it will have been a successful event that may continue again every two years. The Louisiana Division Fall Assembly was held October 11 at Fort Randolph in Pineville. Record attendance was recorded with all 13+ members of the Division Executive Council in attendance. Also this past month, members participated in the annual “Ghosts of the Past” Halloween event on October 25 at the Mansfield Battle Park. Close to 400 spectators attended this event with nothing but favorable comments. Every participant and spectator that attended went towards the attendance numbers that the park so desperately needs. As I spoke about at the last camp meeting, the Confederate Naval Yard marker has been located and I have also located the company that supplies the post that the markers are mounted on. It is on order and once it comes in, it will be sent to the DOTD in order for them to re-install the marker. More to follow… If you have not paid your dues, they are now delinquent and subject to a $5 re-instatement fee. We strive to maintain our membership numbers, and cannot do this without everyone’s help. Dues can be mailed to our camp mailbox at P.O. Box 8428, Shreveport, LA 71148. If you are not sure how much your dues are, please contact me at [email protected] or 318-455-3197. “Lest We Forget” If you have not already paid them, your SCV Dues are now PAST DUE. To keep you membership current you will now need to pay a $5 reinstatement fee. Please help keep the SCV and Taylor Camp strong by renewing your membership now. Page 4 The Louisiana Tiger November 2014 Calendar of Events Coming Events November 21–23 – Camp Moore– The 11th Louisiana will participate in this annual reenactment just south of Kentwood, Louisiana. It is a fund raiser for Camp Moore, which was the training camp for many of the Confederate troops from Louisiana. For details please click the following link: www.campmoorela.com December 7th – Natchitoches Christmas Parade – Once again the Louisiana Division will participate in this nationally recognized parade in Natchitoches. We need this to be a maximum effort so please come join us. We will be forming a rifle company, so bring plenty of ammo. Parade starts at 1:00pm with line-up at 11:00am. www.christmasfestival.com/schedule-of-events/ Important Notice For those planning to participate in the Natchitoches Christmas Parade this year there have been some changes in the parking and entrances for the parade staging areas. Please get with Commander Hill if you plan on attending so he can get you the information you will need to get into the parade. You will not be able to get in unless you have this information. Support our Northwest Brigade Brother Camps (all camp meetings begin at 7:00 pm) Nov. 13th – (every second Thursday) Col. James Beard Camp – Logansport New DeSoto Parish Library on Hwy 5 Nov. 11th – (every second Tuesday) Col. Samuel Russell Camp – Natchitoches Natchitoches Art Center 716 2nd Street 27th Nov. – (every fourth Thursday) Claiborne Invincibles Camp – Claiborne Parish (This is Thanksgiving so please check with the camp before planning to attend the meeting) Nicky’s Restaurant in Homer, Louisiana Please wish these camp members a Happy Birthday! November 2 – Robert Burgess November 3 – Cody Mayo November 7 – Brent Brownfield November 16 – John Kinnebrew November 16 – Michael Lewis November 17 – Gregg Montgomery November 19 – Robert Bryant November 22 – DeOrsay Simpson III November 25 – Whit Sloane November 27 – Mike Roberts And don’t forget our Confederate Heroes Nov 3, 1816 – Gen Jubal Early Nov 9, 1825 – Gen AP Hill Next Taylor Camp Meeting Our next camp meeting is November 6th. Our program will be a DVD about the Battle of Johnsonville in Tennessee. Keep up with Current Events Do you want the latest news on what is going on in the Louisiana Division sent directly to you by e-mail? For members of the SCV the best way to keep up with all the current events, dates, and times, around the state, is to subscribe to the Louisiana Tiger Courier. Just e-mail Richard Gandy at [email protected] and ask him to add you to the list. November 2014 The Louisiana Tiger Page 5 Please remember that the information contained in the Adjutant’s Report is a recording of our most recent Camp Meeting’s minutes. It is not meant to be a calendar for future events. Sometimes the information in this section may seem repetitive or outdated, but it is important that we accurately report our camp minutes. The minutes will be open for discussion at the next camp meeting where we can vote to make adjustments or corrections, or accept them as they are. Adjutant’s Report Minutes of the October 2, 2014 Camp Meeting Acting Taylor Camp Adjutant David Hill - [email protected] The monthly meeting of the Lt. Gen. Richard Taylor Camp was called to order at 7:00pm by Commander David Hill, and the Invocation was given by Camp Chaplin John Long. The Salute to the Confederate Flag was led by Bobby Herring, and “The Charge” was read by 1st Lt. Commander J.C. Hanna. Commander Hill welcomed everyone in attendance, including visitors Porter Dowling, Karen Milam, Roy Milam, Emily Fluker, Emily McMurray, Melissa Black, Georgia Head, Robert Head, Carolyn Maxcey, Jessie Maxcey, Jerry Sheehan, and Karen Merritt New Members – There were 3 new member applications submitted. Commander Hill read the application of each applicant and stated that they were complete and in good order. A motion to accept the application of Jonah John Temple was made by Ben Head and seconded by J.C. Hanna. The motion passed unanimously. A motion to accept the application of Blake Hansen was made by Steve Shipp and seconded by Jon Oliver. The motion passed unanimously. A motion to accept the application of Tony Maxcey was made by Steve Shipp and seconded by Chuck McMichael. The motion passed unanimously. New Member Packets – Commander Hill distributed Membership Certificates and new member packets to the following new members, Jonah Rulau, George Maxcey, Joseph Maxcey, Jim Donaldson, Landry Milam, Benjuamin Gurganus, Scott Gurganus, Marshall, Merritt, William Merritt, Charles Merritt, and Rowdy Black. Adjutant’s Financial Report Commander David Hill read the Financial Report and reported that we currently have 159 Members, 8 Cadets, and 1 Associate member. A motion was made to accept the financial report by Steve Shipp and seconded by J.C. Hanna. The Camp voted unanimously in favor of accepting the financial report. Commander Hill pointed out that the October edition of the Louisiana Tiger would be a few days late, so we could not review the minutes of the September Camp Meeting. He also pointed out that the minutes of the August Camp Meeting had not been discussed yet. He asked if there were any questions or revisions regarding the Minutes for the August Camp Meeting as listed in the September newsletter. Steve Shipp made a motion to accept the Minutes and Garrett Milam seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Old Business September 4, 5, & 6, 2014 – Louisiana Division UDC Convention in Shreveport – Commander Hill reported that Taylor Camp members Chuck McMichael and Paul Gramling were guest speaker at the event. Commander Hill, Ron Hecht, and John Long served as the Color Guard. Page 6 The Louisiana Tiger November 2014 Adjutant’s Report (continued from page 5) September 13, 2014 – 2014 National SCV Sesquicentennial Event in Franklin, Tennessee –Taylor Camp Members in attendance were Chuck McMichael, Paul Gramling, J.C. Hanna, Ron Hecht, and Landon Gramling. September 13,, 2014 – Living History In Arcadia – Commander Hill reported that the following Taylor Camp member participated in this event during Bonnie & Clyde Days, Scott Summers, Jeff Bogan, Andrew Daigle, and Jonah Rulau. September 20,, 2014 – Good Ole Days Festival in Marthaville – Commander Hill reported that Wilbur Snellings and Steve Shipp attended this event. September 27, 2014 – Chicken Festival Parade in Dubach – Commander Hill reported that he, J.C. Hanna, and Will Mason participated in this parade New Business & Coming Events New Louisiana Division Pins – Commander Hill reported that the camp still had the newly designed Division Pins for sale at $10 each. Broadmoor Library – Commander Hill reported that the camp had renewed the Confederate Veteran annual subscription for the library at the cost of $10 under a continuing motion previously passed by the camp. Greenwood Cemetery – Commander Hill reported that the camp has previously been a member of the Friends of Greenwood Cemetery at the cost of $25. Chuck McMichael made a motion that we continue to be a member each year, and Johnny Long seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. October 11,, 2014 – Louisiana Division Fall Assembly – Commander Hill reminded the members of the upcoming Fall Assembly at Fort Randolph in Pineville. He encouraged everyone to attend. Naval Yard Historical Marker – Commander gave an update on the missing marker near downtown Shreveport. Thanks to Allen Camp Commander Randy Jarreau in Baton Rouge who works for the Louisiana DOTD we were able to locate the Marker at the DOTD Maintenance Yard. The Marker is intact and undamaged but the pole was damaged beyond repair. The DOTD will re-install the Marker but someone would have at buy a new pole estimated at $250. Lt. Commander J.C Hanna made a motion to enable Commander Hill to research the cost and purchase the pole at up to $250 if needed. Steve Shipp seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Upcoming Reenacting Events – Hallsville, Texas Oct 3-5, Mansfield Halloween Oct. 25, Battle of Natchitoches Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, Camp Moore Nov. 21-23, and the Natchitoches Christmas Parade on Dec. 6th. NEXT TAYLOR CAMP MEETING – Our next Taylor Camp Meeting is November 6th. Program has yet to be determined. BREAK – Birthday cakes from Cindy Hill PROGRAM – DVD on the Battle of Parker Crossroads. THE BENEDICTION – given by Camp Chaplain John Long. ADJOURNED - Past Commander Will Mason led the Camp in Dixie. The meeting was adjourned at 8:19pm. CAMP MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE (28) excluding guests and visitors – David Hill, Will Mason, JC Hanna, Chuck McMichael, Mat Pizzolato, Steve Shipp, Garrett Milam, Landrey Milam, Carl Burns, Wilbur Snellings, Ray Meshell, George Maxcey, Joseph Maxcey, Blake Maxcey, Tony Maxcey, Bobby Herring, Andrew Daigle, Jonah Rulau, Ben Head, John Long, Jon Oliver, Jason Merritt, William Merritt, Marshall Merritt, Charles Merritt, Dallas Black, Rowdy Black, and John Temple Minutes faithfully recorded and submitted by Bobby G. Herring November 2014 The Louisiana Tiger Page 7 Stafford Camp Biographies by Past Louisiana Division Commander David Hill [email protected] What began in 1884 as the Benevolent Association of Confederate Veterans in Shreveport, the Gen. Leroy Stafford Camp became Camp #3 of the United Confederate Veterans when it was formed in 1891. During the 60 year existence of the two organizations, over 250 Confederate Veterans were members, until the last member died in 1944. Past Division Commander David Hill has been compiling information on those Confederate Veterans and writing their biographies. These men were often the leaders of Shreveport and the surrounding communities from the end of the war, well into the early 20th century. Each month David usually shares one of these stories with us at our camp meetings. I have asked David to also share a biography with us each month in The Tiger. Gen. Leroy Augustus Stafford This month’s Biography William A. Pleasants William Armstrong Pleasants, the son of Edwin C. and Indiana Pleasants was born in 1841 in Henrico, Virginia. At the age of twenty, Pleasants answered the call of his native state, enlisting in the artillery on March 7, 1862. Pleasants mustered in as a private in Captain Robert M. Anderson’s Company of the Virginia Light Artillery, also known as 1st Company, Richmond Howitzers. This unit had been formed in April of 1861 and had seen action at Fairfax Courthouse, First Manassas, and Blackburn’s Ford. At the time of his enlistment, Pleasants’ company was stationed at Leesburg, under General D. H. Hill. Immediately after enlistment, the 1st Company moved eastward to join General Johnston’s army. In early April, they joined General Magruder’s forces on the Peninsula. The 1st Company arrived in Richmond on April 10, and was stationed at Camp Lee. On April 16, they were hurried into position at Dam No. 1, where they were exposed to severe enemy artillery fire and sharpshooting. While at Dam No. 1, the twelve month enlistment period for the original members of the company expired and the unit was reorganized, Lieutenant Edward S. McCarthy was elected Captain of the 1st Company. During the Seven Days Battles the 1st Company served with Griffith’s Brigade, Magruder’s Division. At Fair Oaks on June 29 the company came under fire, but was not engaged. At Malvern Hill, they were engaged until their ammunition ran out; one 6-pounder and several of the battery’s gun carriages were considerably damaged by shellfire. Edward S. McCarthy Capt. of the 1st Co. The company saw action at Second Manassas, Sharpsburg, and Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. During the fighting at Chancellorsville the 1st Company had two killed and two wounded. After June 3rd, the 1st Company, with Longstreet’s Corps, started for Pennsylvania. They crossed the Potomac on June 26, and camped within a few miles of Gettysburg on July 1. Engaging the enemy on July 2, the battery fired two hundred rounds, and both sections were exposed to the heaviest artillery fire they had ever experienced. Seven men were wounded, and the battery lost thirteen horses. On July 3, the battery was successful in driving back a Federal advance and participated in the general artillery fire preceding Pickett’s Charge. During the period of inactivity following the Gettysburg Campaign, the company was encamped successively at Bunker Hill, near Winchester, Millwood, Gaines Cross Roads, and on July 25 arrived at Culpepper Court House. The severe winter of 1863-64 was spent at Morton’s Ford on the Rapidan. Page 8 The Louisiana Tiger November 2014 Stafford Camp Biographies (continued from page 7) In the first half of 1864, the battery participated in the fighting at the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. On June 4, while the battery was in position just east of Gaines Mill Pond, Captain McCarthy was instantly killed by a Minie ball through the head. On June 22, William Pleasants was admitted to Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond for dysentery. He was released on July 1, and returned to his unit. During the operations around Petersburg the 1st Company was encamped at the Dunn House, about halfway between Richmond and Petersburg. The company was then under Captain Robert M. Anderson, and its battery at this time consisted of four 12- pound Napoleons. During the winter of 1864-65 the battery saw little, if any, action. On the night of April 2, 1865 the lines at Richmond and Petersburg were evacuated. The battery’s horses were in bad condition, and many gave out by the time they reached Amelia Court House. The caissons were abandoned and destroyed, leaving the horses to be used as gun teams, which restricted the ammunition supply to that which could be transported to the limbers. At Amelia Court House they were not engaged until April 8 near Appomattox Station. Here, during a rest period when the teams were unhitched, the train was completely surprised by Federal cavalry. The guns were quickly unlimbered and loaded with canister, which, with the artillerymen now armed with muskets, drove away the attacking force. The column proceeded on towards Lynchburg, and, on April 10, upon learning of the surrender at Appomattox Court House, the guns were spiked and burned, the carriages and harness destroyed, and the 1st Company disbanded. After the surrender, Pleasants made his way to New Orleans, and eventually Shreveport, in 1868, where he took a job as a clerk in the firm of Conway and Buckelew, a local hardware company. The business was founded by Wilbur Fisk Buckelew, a Confederate veteran who had served with the 6th Louisiana Cavalry. On February 18, 1872, Pleasants married Miss Ella Wilder, the daughter of Joseph and Solina Wilder of De Soto Parish. Her sister, Josephine Wilder, married Frederick A. Leonard, a Confederate Veteran who served with the 11th Battalion Louisiana Infantry, making Pleasants and Leonard brother-in-laws. Ella Pleasants passed away soon after 1880 as this was the last public record found for her, and city directories show Pleasants living alone after this time. She was buried in Lot 1, Section 14 of Oakland Cemetery. November 2014 The Louisiana Tiger Page 9 Stafford Camp Biographies (continued from page 8) William Pleasants was listed as a charter member of the Benevolent Association of Confederate Veterans on September 3, 1884. Comrades James Nolan & James Utz signed his application as witnesses to his Confederate service. With the organization of the United Confederate Veterans, Pleasants became a member of the General Leroy Stafford Camp #3. He would remain a loyal camp member for the remainder ofd his life. Pleasants continued in the hardware business, becoming a salesman, and eventually a partner, with the firm becoming Buckelew and Pleasants in the 1890’s. A successful businessman, he also served as a member of the Hospital Board. In 1897, he began his own business, W. A. Pleasants Hardware Company, Ltd., located on the corner of Texas and Common. He also served on the board of directors of the Merchants & Farmers Bank. Fraternally, Pleasants was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workman and was a Sir Knight in the Order of St. John and Malta. Above: Envelope with Company Logo Below: 1897 Ad from the Progress (local newspaper) Page 10 The Louisiana Tiger November 2014 Stafford Camp Biographies (continued from page 9) William Pleasants passed away on June 14, 1903 at the home of his brother-in-law, Frederick A. Leonard, of Bright’s disease. He was laid to rest beside his wife at Oakland Cemetery. A large marble obelisk marks the final resting place of this local businessman and Confederate Veteran. November 2014 The Louisiana Tiger “Chaplain’s Chat” by Taylor Camp Chaplain John Long [email protected] Page 11 Are we asking too much when we, as Southerners and Christians, ask others to respect our rights, our beliefs, and our traditions? It seems to me, that everything I have ever believed in, fought for, and was taught to respect, seems to be under attack; but is the following passage of scripture the real reason? I think so. Romans Romans 1:181:18-32 King James Version 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. The Louisiana Division has established a Guardian Program that is designed to preserve the final resting places of our Confederate ancestors and document them for future generations. It can be your own Confederate ancestor or any other Confederate veteran whose grave you will commit to maintain and honor. You must submit a Guardian Application Form to become part of the program. There is a one-time cost of $10 for the first grave you commit to maintain, for which you will receive a Guardian Pin and a Guardian Certificate. For each additional grave you sign up for, there is a one-time fee of $3 to cover the cost of the Certificate. You may sign up for as many graves as you wish, but please remember you are making a solemn commitment to maintain these graves. For details on the program you can click the following links: - Louisiana Division Website: www.lascv.com/index.html - Guardian Info Sheet: www.lascv.com/lgfiles/info.pdf - Guardian Application Form: www.lascv.com/lgfiles/form.pdf Page 12 The Louisiana Tiger November 2014 My Confederate Ancestor Each month THE TIGER will feature a story of a Taylor Camp member’s Confederate Ancestor. If you would like your ancestor included, please send his story or service information to me in your own words at [email protected] Pictures of your ancestor are welcome. Our featured ancestor this month is Private Quinton T. Holloway of the 3rd Mississippi Cavalry submitted by his great-great-nephew Wilbur Snellings Quinton T. Holloway was born in Somerville, Tennessee, February 18, 1827, to John and Carey Holloway, one of nine children. They were sharecroppers in Fayette County, Tennessee. Quinton married Mary Jane England in 1852. The family moved to Yalobusha County, Mississippi around 1860. Quinton enlisted in the 3rd Mississippi Cavalry on June 3, 1863. At that time they were State troops, although they fought many skirmishes in Tennessee as well as Mississippi. The Regiment was mustered into Confederate service on June 3, 1864 and transferred to the Army of Tennessee in Georgia, participating in the Atlanta campaign. On January 6, 1865, they were ordered to Alabama to pursue a federal expedition to Pollard.. On January 20, 1865 they were ordered back to Brandon Mississippi to concentrate with Wirt Adam's Brigade. The Brigade moved into Sumpter County, Alabama, engaging and routing a federal force under Gen. Croxton in early April 1865. They continued skirmishing with federal forces until they were surrendered by Lt. General Richard Taylor on May 4, 1865. Quinton went back home to Yalobusha County, Mississippi and resumed farming. The family moved to Monroe County, Arkansas in the 1880's where he lived out his days farming. In 1910 he received a Confederate Soldiers pension. He passed away in 1912, and is buried in Shiloh Cemetery in Monroe County, Arkansas. If you are a member of the Louisiana Division Sons of Confederate Veterans and eligible to register your vehicle in Louisiana, you can show your support for the SCV by purchasing a specialty Louisiana SCV license plate. Ask your Camp Commander to help you get started. You can obtain an application form from the Louisiana Division website or by clicking the following link: www.lascv.com/files/aff.pdf Quinton T. Holloway November 2014 “Grape Shot” st by 1 Lt. Commander J.C. Hanna [email protected] The Louisiana Tiger Page 13 The Angel’s Glow There are many strange and interesting stories from the War of Northern Aggression. Rooted in truth and embellished by the horrors of war, most became folklore and continue to be told even today. But there are a few that have been proven to be more than just a story. One of these is the legend of “The Angel’s Glow”. In April of 1862, the Battle of Shiloh became the largest engagement of the war. Over 70,000 fought for two days. The result was 23,000 casualties. Neither side was prepared to take care of the wounded. Medical personnel were few and supplies even less. Contamination from dirt and shrapnel would lead to infection, loss of limbs and in most cases …. death. The first antibiotics would not be discovered until 1929. Over 16,000 lay on the battlefield at Shiloh for two days in the rain and mud before anyone came to their aid. So, imagine the feeling when some looked at their wounds and there was a faint blue glow. And not only did they survive the wound, but did so in record time without much scarring. Thinking this must be some type of divine intervention; the soldiers were sure they had been “touched by an angel”. For almost 140 years, this phenomenon was told and retold with little or no one to believe it. In 2001, Bill Martin, a seventeen year old Maryland high school student, visited the Shiloh Battlefield Park. He heard the story about the glowing wounds and was intrigued. His mother, a microbiologist for the USDA Agricultural Research Service, had been studying a bacterium that was luminescent. So, Bill asked for her opinion. Her advice was “research and experiment” to find the answer. Bill teamed up with another student, Jon Curtis, and began research on the bacteria, Photorhabdus luminescens. It is a bacterium that lives in the digestive system of parasitic worms called nematodes. These little nematodes live in soil and feed on insect larvae, burrowing into their blood vessels. The P. luminescens bacteria are then released gradually killing the insect and any other bacteria that it may carry. When it is present, it emits a soft blue glow. The experiments in the lab soon determined that P. luminescens could not live at normal body temperature. So, Bill and Jon studied the historical records of 1862. The weather in April at Shiloh was very wet with cold nights. After two days of exposure, the injured soldiers on the field would be in or near hypothermia. This lower body temperature would allow the P. luminescens bacteria to live in the open wounds. The project proved that P. luminescens could be introduced into the flesh of soldiers from insects carrying nematodes from the soil. It also proved that the rain and cold nights of April 1862 would create the right conditions for the bacteria to thrive by a lowering of body temperature. And since P. luminescens isn’t harmful to humans, it would only kill harmful bacteria invading the injury which would stop infection from forming. An increase in body temperature would then kill P. luminescens and the immune system would eradicate the nematodes .In conclusion, P. luminescens in the right conditions was a natural occurring antibiotic that glowed when it is present. The study of “The Angel’s Glow” phenomenon earned Bill and Jon first place in the team competition of the 2001 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. It is also mentioned by the Smithsonian Institute on their web page of “8 Obscure Facts You Didn’t Know about the Civil War”. NEW TAYLOR CAMP MEMBERS FOR 2014 Justin Horn (Jan) Dallas Black (Jan) Patrick McGaha (Jan) Paxton McGaha (Jan) Randy Lane (Feb) Jon Oliver (Feb) John Thomas (Feb) James Strozier (Feb) Christopher Strozier (Feb) David Wood (Mar) John Racine Jr. (Apr) Ranny Gunn (Apr) Andrew Petty (Apr) Clinton Lovell (Apr) Micah Buck (Apr) Judah Buck (Apr) DeOrsay Simpson (Apr) Jon Oliver (May) Logan Lewis (May) Charles Smith (May) Robert Whitehead (May) Landrey Milam (Sep) Mark Armstrong (May) William Merritt (Sep) Charles Rich (June) Marshall Merritt (Sep) Jonah Rulau (Aug) George Maxcey (Sep) Jeremy Evans (Aug) Jeremy Baker (Aug) Jason Lee (Aug) Benjamin Gurganus (Sep) Scott Gurganus (Sep) Edward Donaldson (Sep) CADETS - John Racine IV (May) Hagen Morrison (May) Evan Lee (Aug) Jeff Lee (Aug) Ryan Lee (Aug) Jason Lee (Aug) Austin Evans (Aug) Ryan Armstrong (Aug) Cody Black (Sep) Charles Merritt (Sep) Joseph Maxcey (Sep) Lt. Gen. Richard Taylor Camp #1308 Sons of Confederate Veterans P.O. Box 8428 Shreveport, Louisiana 71148-8428 2014 C.S.A. NOV
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