Sunday, December 27, 2015

BEN JONES GIVES THOUGHTS ON NEW ORLEANS MONUMENTS


Click here for full story.False Notes From Wynton Marsalis Lead To A Divided City

(Library of Congress)
Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard was the most famous
Louisiana citizen of the 19th Century. His accomplishments
both in the military and civilian life were historic. What
a shame the current New Orleans city officials are
disgracing themselves by attacking his monument.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

New Orleans Monuments, Followup Editorial



Monuments should not be politicized. The South's Defenders Monument,
Lake Charles, Louisiana (antique postcard, M.D. Jones collection)

Monuments Followup Editorial

Here is an editorial that ran in the Lake Charles American Press today, Dec. 23, as a followup of the New Orleans monuments vote. It concludes a Louisiana monuments protection act is needed to protect these historic treasures from political opportunism.

Monuments shouldn't be politicized

      The New Orleans City Council recently voted to approve an ordinance to declare four of Louisiana's most historic and artistically significant monuments, as "public nuisances."
      This action can lead to the removal, in effect the junking, of these four priceless treasures of Louisiana history - the Robert E. Lee Monument in Lee Circle, the General Beauregard Monument, both on the National Register of Historic Places, the Jefferson Davis Monument, nominated for the National Register of Historic Places, and the Liberty Place Monument.
      In addition, Mayor Mitch Landrieu wants a commission to decide on which of New Orleans' many other historic monuments, street names and plaques that should be junked or the names changed, in a further exercise in intolerant and radical political correctness.
      Fortunately, several groups of historically-minded citizens who respect and want to save all of New Orleans' very diverse cultural heritage have filed a federal law suit to stop this unfortunate exercise in political correctness. The plaintiffs are the Louisiana Landmarks Society, the Foundation for Historical Louisiana, the Monumental Task Committee Inc. and Beauregard Camp No. 130, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Named as defendants are Landrieu and the federal Department of Transportation and various officials.
      The city has agreed to not to remove the monuments before a Jan. 14 hearing before Judge Carl Barbier in Federal District Court in New Orleans.
      There are 13 points of contention in the 51 page suit, ranging from ownership of the property on which the monuments stand, questions of federal law concerning veterans monuments and National Register listed property, the property interests of other parties, and federal responsibilities regarding the street car line and the monuments connection to it, among others.
      The suit also contends that the monuments do not fit the city's definition of a "nuisance."
      Landrieu's state desire for a commission to look at other monuments, plaques and street names could signal a continuing "slippery slope" that will cause even more division and contention.
      The council would not consider a compromise proposal from the only council member to vote against the ordinance, Stacy Head.
      A recent poll showed that 64 percent of the population is against removing the monuments, and 68 percent of the entire state are against it. New Orleans has a rich and proud historical and cultural legacy that impacts the whole state. It is the tourism anchor of Louisiana. Tourism is one of the state's largest industries and historical tourism is a big part of it.
      Besides, New Orleans is a political sub-division of the state government and gets plenty money from the general treasury for infrastructure and other needs.
      It should be obvious now that the state legislature needs to consider a monuments protection act to protect Louisiana's history, heritage and culture, from this kind of destructive, divisive political opportunism.

Va Flaggers: Roadside Battle Flag Raised in TEXAS!

Click here for story>Va Flaggers: Roadside Battle Flag Raised in TEXAS!

LONG MAY IT WAVE!
(Photo by M.D. Jones)

Monday, December 21, 2015

Suit challenges removal of Confederate monuments

Clike here for story>Suit challenges removal of Confederate monuments

A Louisiana Tiger Zouave waving a Louisiana
Republic flag, adopted by the state after its
secession and before joining the Confederacy.
(M.D. Jones collection)

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

NEW ORLEANS MONUMENTS

Editorial: Page 4
Study and learn from history
     Learning from our past is one of the most important reasons for the study of history. The more we learn, the better equipped we  are not to repeat the mistakes of history.
     But when history gets politicized by modern day politicians, it can become unnecessarily divisive and even dangerous.
     That's what appears to be happening in New Orleans, where Mayor Mitch Landrieu seems determined to tear down four of Louisiana's and New Orleans' most historically and artistically significant monuments, including two which are on the National Register of Historic Places. The four are the Robert E. Lee Monument, the Pierre G.T. Beauregard Monument, the Jefferson Davis Monument and the Liberty Place Monument.
      The City Council is scheduled to vote on an ordinance declaring the monuments a "public nuisance" Thursday, Dec. 17, so they can be torn down.  There have been public hearings, which have been very emotional and divisive in a city that desperately needs to be unified around its real problems, such as crime, urban renewal, infrastructure improvement, economic development, financial and educational issues.
      But citizens shouting at each other in public hearings is no gauge of what the people of New Orleans really want. If Landrieu and the council are determined to push this very divisive issue, regardless of the negative consequences,  they should at tomorrow's meeting pass a substitute motion to at least give the people people of New Orleans a vote on it.
     Recent public polls have shown both the people of Louisiana and those in New Orleans are  overwhelmingly against  tearing down these historic monuments. The poll found that 68 percent of  Louisianians are against  tearing down the monuments. In addition, 64 percent of the people of New Orleans responded they are also against the mayor's proposal.
     The division created by this political attack on four historic monuments, which are also among the finest outdoor sculptures in Louisiana, and which  bring in tourism dollars into the city and state, has already resulted in vandalism on them and other historic monuments in New Orleans.
     This is no way for a great, world-class city to treat its own very rich and diverse history and heritage. All historical persons and points of view should be studied in the context of their own times. Those monuments are another teaching tool from which everyone can learn. Tearing them down will only hurt New Orleans and stir needless ongoing controversy and and division.
     The people of New Orleans are not to blame for this unnecessary controversy. The people of New Orleans want their history and heritage preserved. It will be a shame if their own local politicians don't listen to them. The mayor and city council should give the people a vote. 
     We all need to learn from our mutual history and heritage, not tear it down.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Texas School Board Bucks Trend, Keeps Historic Confederate Past

CLIKE HERE TO DISPLAY STORY
Robert E. Lee, seated, is seen here in an immediate post-war
picture with his son, left, Gen. Custis Lee, and his aide, Col.
Walter Taylor. (Library of Congress)

Friday, December 11, 2015

Debate over removal of Confederate monuments stirs passions


CLICK HERE FOR STORY.
Antique postcard of Robert E. Lee Monument
Lee Circle, New Orleans, La.
(M.D. Jones Collection)

Very big Confederate flag to stay above I-75

CLICK HERE FOR STORY.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

City of Natchitoches sued over Confederate flag ban

Click Here For STORY.

A charging Confederate--life-like statue at
Chickamauga NMP. (Photo by M.D. Jones)

Roanoke won't ban Confederate flag from Christmas parade

CLICK HERE FOR STORY
Second National Confederate Flag
(Library of Congress)

NEW ORLEANS MONUMENTAL TASK COMMITTEE

Click here>PRESS CONFERENCE BY MONUMENT DEFENDERSCLICK
The politically endangered General Beauregard Monument in New Orleans.
Text on the back of the postcard: "General Beauregard was a New Orleans
man, active and interested, and filled with civic pride, long before he was a
Confederate General and it is both citizen and soldier who are commemorated
in this handsome monument. (Antique postcard, M.D. Jones Collection)

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

NEW ORLEANS PRO-MONUMENT PETITION PRESENTED

Monument supporters present petition. (Link)

Jefferson Davis Monument, New Orleans, La.
(Antique postcard, M.D. Jones collection)

Monday, December 7, 2015


Lee Circle, New Orleans
Threatened by extremists in New Orleans city govt.
(Library of Congress)

The Tiger Courier
Official Email List of the Louisiana Division -
Sons of Confederate Veterans 
Keeping You Informed!
 
Important Information that you should know about the Division, the Confederation and your Heritage!

Dear Sirs,

As you may know, on Thursday, December 10, 2015 the New Orleans City Council will vote on an ordinance to tear down three Confederate monuments in New Orleans including the General Robert E. Lee Monument on Lee Circle, the General P. G. T. Beauregard Monument to Beauregard Circle and Esplanade Avenue, and the Jefferson Davis Monument on the corner of Jefferson Davis Parkway and Canal Street.  The ordinance also includes tearing down the Liberty Place Monument which the City of New Orleans also considers a monument to the Confederacy.

Beauregard Camp No. 130 has been working very closely with another local non-profit organization, the Monumental Task Committee ("MTC"), to try to convince the City to vote against the ordinance and to preserve our monuments.  The MTC has been cleaning, renovating, and preserving all of the monuments in New Orleans for 25 years including all of the City's Confederate monuments.

The email message from the MTC following this email includes guidance on how you can help to preserve the monuments to our Confederate veterans in New Orleans  Donations may also be made to the Beauregard Camp No. 130 and earmarked for the preservation of the Confederate monuments in New Orleans  Please email me for additional details.

Sincerely,
Sam Wheeler
Treasurer
Beauregard Camp No. 130
P. O. Box 145
Arabi LA, 70032
www.scv-camp130.org
 
From: Mason, Geary [mailto:gmason@stifel.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2015 8:15 PM
To: Mason, Geary (New Orleans)
Subject: Monumental Supporters -- City Council to VOTE on REMOVAL
 
Dear Fellow Monument Supporters,
The monument issue has been officially added to the City Council's agenda.  This means the City Council will be VOTING on Thursday, December 10 on whether to remove the monuments.
 
What you can do NOW to fight the removal of the monuments
  • DONATE to the preservation of monuments HERE.  All donations are tax deductible.
  • EMAIL AND CALL THE MAYOR AND YOUR COUNCIL MEMBER (contact info available at the bottom of this email). Express your support to keep all monuments!  If you do nothing, they will assume you do not care.  This City has a big enough heart to accommodate ALL monuments and ADD MORE!
  • If you haven't already done so SIGN THE PETITION going to the Mayor and City Council by clicking HERE.
  • FORWARD this email to your friends and monument supporters.
UPCOMING EVENTS - We are down to the wire and need all hands on deck...
 
Tuesday, December 8 -- 5:30p - 7:00p
Attend the MTC special meeting of all members and supporters at Parlay's, 870 Harrison Ave (map). Where we will bring everyone up to date and layout our plan of action. All are encouraged to attend.
 
Thursday, December 10 -- City Council Meeting starts at 10:00am, the vote is expected to take place around 2:00pm.
IMPORTANT: Attend the City Council Meeting at City Hall where the Council is expected to VOTE.  We have been informed that the public will have approximately one minute each to make a comment for the record.
 
Thanks again for your support of New Orleans' historic monuments!
 
Sincerely,
The Monumental Task Committee
 
-- 
Join Our Mailing List Today!
 
Monumental Task Committee, Inc.
Twitter: @monumentaltask
http://www.facebook.com/MonumentalTask
1.888.534.3936
 
Mayor Mitch Landrieu
1300 Perdido St, 2nd floor
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-658-4900
mayor@nola.gov

Stacy Head
Council member-at-large
(504) 658-1060
shead@nola.gov

Jason Rogers Williams
Council member-at-large
(504) 658-1070
jarwilliams@nola.gov

Susan Guidry
District A
(504) 658-1010
sgguidry@nola.gov

LaToya Cantrell
District B
(504) 658-1020
lcantrell@nola.gov

Nadine Ramsey
Distrct C
(504) 658-1030
districtc@nola.gov

Jared Brossett
District D
(504) 658-1040
jcbrossett@nola.gov

James Austin Gray
District E
(504) 658-1050
jagray@nola.gov

Click HERE to become a member of the Monumental Task Committee -- click down to the bottom of the Get Involved page.  This is important!  Your support will make a difference.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

NEW BOOK -- THE BATTLES OF STIRLING'S PLANTATION AND BAYOU BOURBEAU

     Captain James W. Bryan Camp 1390 member Michael Dan Jones has written a new book on the battles and skirmishes that occurred in South Louisiana in the Fall of 1863. The main battles were the Battle of Stirling’s Plantation near Morganza, Louisiana and the Battle of Bayou Bourbeau near Sunset, Louisiana. The campaign followed the fall of Vicksburg and Port Hudson, when General Ulysses S. Grant sent Yankee troops south to protect the Mississippi River traffic and General N.P. Banks sent the bluecoat invaders north from Brashear City (modern day Morgan City) to invade Texas through Southwest Louisiana.       
     The Army of Western Louisiana under command of Confederate General Richard Taylor, although vastly out-numbered, used Fabian tactics to smartly defeat the Federals at Stirling’s Plantation and at Bayou Bourbeau. They also aggressively skirmished with and harassed the invaders until they gave up and returned to their New Orleans base. There is also a chapter on the Rio Grande Expedition in Texas, which was a direct result of the failure of the campaign in  South Louisiana.          
     The book, The Battles of Stirling’s Plantation and Bayou Bourbeau, 134 pages with photos, maps, index and bibliography, is available for $12.95 on Amazon.com and CreateSpace.com

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

President Davis' Thanksgiving Proclamation

President Jefferson Davis
(Library of Congress)
WHEREAS, it hath pleased Almighty God, the Sovereign Disposer of events, to protect and defend us hitherto in our conflicts with our enemies as to be unto them a shield.
And whereas, with grateful thanks we recognize His hand and acknowledge that not unto us, but unto Him, belongeth the victory, and in humble dependence upon His almighty strength, and trusting in the justness of our purpose, we appeal to Him that He may set at naught the efforts of our enemies, and humble them to confusion and shame.
Now therefore, I, Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, in view of impending conflict, do hereby set apart Friday, the 15th day of November, as a day of national humiliation and prayer, and do hereby invite the reverend clergy and the people of these Confederate States to repair on that day to their homes and usual places of public worship, and to implore blessing of Almighty God upon our people, that he may give us victory over our enemies, preserve our homes and altars from pollution, and secure to us the restoration of peace and prosperity.
Given under hand and seal of the Confederate States at Richmond, this the 31st day of October, year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty one.
By the President JEFFERSON DAVIS - 1861

Friday, October 30, 2015

Lt. Cicero M. Allen: Adventures of a One Armed Scout


[Excerpted from Military record of Louisiana; including biographical and historical papers relating to the military organizations of the state; a soldier's story of the late war, muster rolls, lists of casualities in the various regiments (so far as now known), cemeteries where buried, company journals, personal narratives of prominent actors, etc , by Napier Bartlett, 1875, New Orleans, La., Pages 38-43.]

1st Lt. Cicero M. Allen
Co. A, 1st Battalion (Rightors) Louisiana Infantry
& the Briarfield Rebels
     Cicero M. Allen enlisted in Company A, Crescent Rifles, on the 15th
of April, 1861, for Pensacola. From this point they were ordered to
Virginia, and stationed at Young's Mill, on the Peninsula. Nothing
important occurred here, except the skirmish near Newport News, and
much hard marching in sand ankle deep, night and day ; and with no
rest for the wicked, or anybody else. In the skirmish at Newport News
Dreux was among the first killed. Allen and his twin brother, together
with Bailey P. Vinson and McVickor, participated in this fight, and
carried Dreux's body from the field. A small wagon was then obtained,
in which was placed the body of Col. Dreux and those of the other
members of the Battalion who had been killed (Private Hackett of the
Shreveport Grays, and others whose names are not known), and William
Beaufort of the Crescent Rifles, wounded.
     In February, 1862, Allen was promoted First Lieutenant in Colonel
Edmonston's Battalion but threw up his commission to join a company
of Louisiana Cavalry, raised in Carroll parish — the Briarfield Rebels.
Phifer's [Lt. Col. A.J. McNeill's] Battalion — just as they, with other Confederates,
were evacuating Nashville. He did duty with this company up to the time of his
last capture, and participated in most of the cavalry fights that occurred.
     At Britton's Lane, Tenn., the Confederates, under Gen. Frank Arm-
strong, had a hard fight with the Federal Cavalry. Allen was wounded
and his horse killed in the charge, and he himself made prisoner. He
was carried to the Federal Hospital, and had the wound in his arm, of
which he never afterwards recovered the use, dressed. This having been
done, Allen walked out of the building. The surgeon, then busily en-
gaged with his patients, had rode to the hospital on an elegant gray
horse, which he conveniently hitched outside. Allen, catching sight of
this, leaped into the saddle and rode rapidly off. The shades of night
soon after coming on, he safely made his way through the enemy's lines.
     At Farmington and Shiloh he was actively engaged, and in the latter
engagement he carried the battle flag of his regiment until ordered by
General Hindman to replace his twin brother, who had been detached,
on the evening of the battle, to act as aide- de- camp to General R. Gr.
Shaver, Commanding Hindman's old Brigade of Hardee's Division, and
who had been severely wounded. Here Allen displayed his soldierly
qualities, and the brothers were complimented for good conduct. After
this battle small fights occurred so constantly that they were almost of
daily occurrence.
      At Ponchatoula, La., where the Briarfields, with two companies from 
the first Mississippi Cavalry, Col. Pinson, had been ordered from North
Mississippi, with the view of picketing and watching the enemy, who
were threatening to advance on Port Hudson, Allen was elected 2nd
Junior Lieutenant. His first affair was with a small tin-clad Federal
gunboat, the Lafitte, which had been prowling around the Amite river
for the purpose of reconnoitering. With a small force of his company
and detachments from other camps, he attacked this boat, and made
matters so uncomfortable that, the Lafitte, in her efforts to get away, run
on a stump, and was abandoned and blown up.
      It having been discovered that she had a splendid globe-sighted rifled
gun on board when she went down, several officers, among them Allen,
managed to get possession of a small schooner, and recovered the gun.
This was accomplished by one of the men diving down and placing a
slip-knot around the piece. Allen was now left, with a detail of two
men, to bring the schooner and gun to where the piece could be shipped
to Port Hudson. While passing through Lake Maurepas, he was inter-
cepted by a yawl boat filled with nine Federals. Allen quickly run
his schooner into a small bayou near by; and, jumping ashore, prepared
an ambush. The Federals meanwhile came up, confident of an easy
prize. As they did so, they received a well directed lire from Allen's
small force, which effectually closed the career of one Sergeant Kline.
The balance hastily tumbled from the boat into the water, from which
they emerged to enter the woods. There they were speedily attacked ;
and, after retreating through the marsh for nearly a mile, the white flag
was hung out. Alien, fearing to disclose his real force to the enemy,
gave the command to " Cease firing then, calling upon several imag-
inary companies to " Halt," boldly marched forward and received the
surrender of the whole party. This consisted of two lieutenants and
five privates. Single handed, and after divesting the prisoners of their
arms and moving them to a convenient distance from the stack of guns,
he ordered his two men up, and marched his prisoners on board of the
Schooner and then to camp. Gen. Frank Gardner, who was then com-
manding at Port Hudson, sent an order complimenting Lieut. Allen on
his gallantry. 
       While the Company was doing duty at Ponchatoula, Allen took eight
men, crossed Lake Maurepas in a yawl, and leaving the boat in one of
the numerous bayous (near Pruniere), waded with his men waist-deep
through the swamp marsh He here crossed the railroad to Lake Ponch-
artrain, and there discovered two Federal schooners lying at anchor.
He now found a little dug-out, boarded the two schooners, made pris-
oners of the crews, and got away with his prizes to Madisonville. The
one on which Allen remained was safely brought to shore ; and a grand
blow out with the large quantity of fluids and commissary stores on
board, testified to the success of the expedition. The second schooner,
owing to the ignorance of the four men in charge about the manage-
ment of the centre-board, drifted too far to the leeward, and was recap-
tured by the Federals.
     On another occasion, while scouting with his command, he discovered
a picket of Federal Cavalry (1st Texas Regiment), which he quickly
charged. After killing three men and wounding another, he captured
the balance. He had many such affairs, and invariably handled his
men so as to scarcely ever have one hurt.  
     The Briarfields did some fine service during the siege of Port Hudson,
and were notably prominent in an attack on a Federal wagon train,
which Colonels Powers and Logan captured. The advance guard in
this affair was commanded by Allen's twin brother, who, though only a
private, had been mistaken for the Lieutenant by Col. P., who ordered
it. The brother, thinking there was a chance for a joke, and seeing his opportunity to get
a little surreptitious glory, rode rapidly off, and was soon engaged with
the enemy. Lieut. Allen, however, came up in time to pitch in on the
flank of the Federals and do excellent fighting with his detachment.
The skirmish resulted in the capture of one hundred wagons, four mule
teams, forty odd prisoners, with twenty of the enemy killed and wounded.
When the affair was over, and Lieut. Allen discovered the ruse adopted
by his brother to get command of the advance guard, his rage knew no
bounds. An excited interview occurred between him and his brother,
which was finally settled amicably by an agreement that the latter
should get a transfer to some other regiment.
        At daylight one morning the Colonel sent an order to Allen to take
a detail of men and pursue and capture some seven deserters. This
Allen did. After marching over forty miles in one day, the Mississippi
river was reached, only to find that the deserters idle had taken refuge on
the gunboat Rattler. While resting from the long, and squatted on
the side of the road, much disappointed at his poor success in recaptur-
ing the missing men, an old lady came riding by in her carriage. She
speedily informed them that the crew of the Rattler were daily in the
habit of landing in Rodney and holding high revel in the street, boast-
ing, at the same time, of their ability to thrash any number of butter-
milk cavalry, and do it with cornstalks. Allen thereupon camped in
the woods near Rodney. A watch was stationed in the graveyard just
above town ; and during the entire night the sentry's " All's well," as
the boat's bell struck the hour, was heard by the picket concealed
behind a time-worn tombstone. Sunday morning, at ten o'clock, a con-
siderable stir was visible on board the gunboat. Soon three boats shot
out from her side, filled with gaily dressed officers and marines. These
soon after landed and it now became evident that cornstalks would
have to come into play. Allen now mounted his men and ordered his
few followers forward, and rushed into the town at a gallop. The pop-
ping of pistols soon demonstrated that the work had begun. The Fed-
eral Captain and his Lieutenant were evidently men of pluck and
quickly getting their men into the church, attempted to barricade the
doors. But this move was foiled by the rapidity with which Allen dis-
mounted his men, and, pistol in hand, led them into the building
As he forced his way in, a marine met him, and their pistols went off
simultaneously. The shot of the marine cut through Allen's hat, and a
piece of percussion cap struck him across the nose, causing it to bleed
profusely. But, on the other hand, the marine was shot through the
body and fell in the aisle of the church. Meantime, the Confederates
had entered through another door, and the close proximity of the muz-
zles of their carbines decided the marines in surrendering. The number
of prisoners taken were fifteen marines, and the Captain and First
Lieutenant — the enemy having three killed. This little affair happened
while church service was being performed and a congregation assembled
for worship. It need hardly be stated that a terrible commotion existed
for a brief period, particularly among the fairer portion of the worship-
pers. Allen withdrew in safety with his prisoners, notwithstanding the
battery promptly opened fire upon the town.
     After a series of adventures and much hard fighting, Lieut. Allen at
last fell into the hands of the enemy, while on a scout in the Federal
lines, and was taken on board the steamer Iberville- While surrounded
by his guards, Allen leaped from the deck of the steamer and, after
desperate struggles in the water, being greatly retarded by his broken
arm, which was then unhealed, and notwithstanding the volley fired at
him, made his way to the bank, and thence to camp.
      On the hurried retreat from Colliersville, Tenn., by the Confederates,
the Briarfields were ordered to the rear, to hold the Federals in check
until the balance of the command could effect a crossing at a difficult
ford on the Coldwater river. Here, with his small command, Allen
made a most obstinate defence ; until the Federals, discovering the
smallness of his force, charged in largely superior numbers. They act-
ually rode over Allen, he having been thrown from his horse and again
he fell into their hands. He was then placed on the cars, en route
for the old Capitol Prison. The night was pitch dark, and the train
dashing along at the rate of thirty miles an hour. This, however, did not
prevent Allen, when near the city of Baltimore, from snatching the
guard's overcoat and leaping from the cars. He soon met with some
noble hearted Southern ladies, who aided him in crossing the lines.
       He was again captured before the final close of the war, and
once again did he escape. He reached the Confederate lines to find the
struggle ended. Hoping it would be continued on the Trans-Mississippi
side, he made his way to Alexandria, to find there also that the war was
nearly over. The Confederacy he loved so well was in its death throes
The South had played and lost, and the curtain fell; the great tragedy
of the Southern struggle was ended.
     Sadly retracing his steps, Allen reached New Orleans, promptly en-
tering the business walks of life. He endeavored to build up his shat-
tered fortunes; and, meeting with success, he embarked, in conjunction
with Capt. J. Frank Hicks, in cotton planting, near Lake Providence,
where he died. His remains are now interred in Greenwood Cemetery.

[Editor's notes: He was born about 1840 in Holmes County, Miss., and died at Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, Louisiana Sept. 8, 1869. His twin brother was Columbus H. Allen. His older brother was Augustus Calhoun Allen, who was colonel of the 19th Texas Infantry during the war.]

Sunday, October 25, 2015

SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS - A Band of Brothers

Compatriots and friends,   

Since June the Sons of Confederate Veterans, as an organization and as individual members, have endured much. Unfortunately we will continue to endure all those who hate us. I am proud how each of you have persevered, and like our ancestors who were outnumbered, we shall be victorious in the end. With all this in mind, I would like to reflect on another piece of history. Today, 25 October is not only Saint Crispin's Day but is also the 600th Anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt. This battle is forever immortalized in William Shakespeare's play Henry V. It is in Act 4, Scene 3, where King Henry gives a speech to his outnumbered men as they are about to go into battle. This speech is motivational and uplifting in any century. As we, the SCV, continue to move forward in the current culture war, take the time to read the words below and remember your ancestors, those band of brothers who fought outnumbered for what they knew was right!
This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say "To-morrow is Saint Crispian."
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say "These wounds I had on Crispian's day."
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words-
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.


You know your places: God be with you all!

Deo Vindice!

Charles Kelly Barrow
Commander-in-Chief
Sons of Confederate Veterans

Friday, September 25, 2015

Calcasieu Confederates--1st Lt. Daniel Barlow Gorham, 4th Louisiana Infantry

[Obituary excerpted from Lake Charles, La. Daily American Press, 20 March 1911]

Distinguished Citizen of Lake Charles Laid to Rest

1st Lt. Daniel Barlow Gorham,
4th Louisiana Infantry Regiment
(McNeese State University Archives)
     D.B. Gorham, an old resident and a prominent attorney at the Lake Charles bar, passed-away at his home, corner of Kirby and Hodges streets, on Sunday morning a few minutes before 7 o'clock, death following an attack of apoplexy on Saturday morning about 11 o'clock. The veteran attorney regained consciousness for only a few minutes after he was stricken.
      At the bedside of Judge Gorham, as he has generally known by his friends and fellow members of the bar, were all of the attorney's children, with the exception of W.A. Gorham, who at present is in a hospital at Santa Fe, N.M. He had been wired of the serious illness of his father, but another telegram was sent after the death, stating that his father had passed away and advising him not to make the trip home, as he himself is in very poor health.
      The deceased is survived by seven children, four sons and three daughters, as follows: Elmer L., Lake Charles; W.E., Jennings; W.A., Santa Fe, N.M.; Drew, at home; Mrs. George Streeter, Lake Arthur; Mrs. Louis Barbe, Lake Charles; Miss Minnie, at home. One sister, Mrs. W.O. Hines, of Clinton, La., also survives.
      Judge Gorham was born Feb. 15, 1838, in East Baton Rouge parish, on his father's plantation. Here he remained until in the later '50s, when he entered Bardstown University, Bardstown, Ky., following the course of academic instruction with a law course in New Orleans.
      At the outbreak of the Civil war, Mr. Gorham, then about 23 years of age, entered the Confederate army as a private. He served through the four years of the struggle, emerging at its close with the rank of major. Most of his service was in the armies under Generals Johnston and Beauregard. Major Gorham made a brilliant record for himself as a soldier as is evidenced by the rapid manner in which he rose from the ranks to hold the high commission.
       At the close of the war he returned to Louisiana and for a year operated his mother's plantation near Clinton, East Feliciana parish. In 1867 he moved to Catahoula parish in the central part of the state, taking up the practice of law there. His home was at Harrisonburg. He was elected and served as district attorney for one term while a resident of Catahoula. The reputation he then made for himself as a zealous official has been an asset of which he had reason to be proud.
       In 1873, Mr. Gorham was united in marriage to Miss Zoe Lombard. This this union eight children were born of whom as stated seven still  survive. One son died of yellow fevor in 1898 while a student at Tulane University.
       Twenty-five years ago Mr. Gorham removed with his family to Lake Charles. He resumed law practice here with Colonel Mitchell, father of Attorney A.R. Mitchell, as partner. The office of the firm was on South Court street for a few years, being changed to the Calcasieu National Bank building when the latter was erected over twenty years ago. In 1908 his son, W.A. Gorham joined the firm, Colonel Mitchell having retired some years before. In 1907 another son, William, entered the firm, the latter being located at Jennings.
       At his death Judge Gorham was the senior member of the local bar. He was a man well liked by all who knew him, both in his profession and as a man. Always of a genial and kindly temperament, he made friends with everyone he met. He had been in good health practically all of his life, until stricken with the last fatal illness.
      The funeral services were held this afternoon at 3 o'clock, being conducted at the home by the local Masonic orders, of which deceased was a member in high standing. Judge Gorham had held positions in the local lodges, and was thrice illustrious grand master of the state. He was a Knight Templar and a Mystic Shriner. Preceding the ceremony by the Masons, Rev. W.W. Drake, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South), held the regular service of the church. The burial was made in Orange Grove cemetery. The mortal remains of the deceased were followed to the grave by a large concourse of his special and professional friends.

A Brilliant Lawyer

      Judge D.B. Gorham was accounted one of the most professional lawyers in southwest Louisiana. His knowledge of the law was wonderful, his memory was exceedingly alert and his ideas were mixed with fundamental things rather than exigencies and trivial circumstances. He was scholarly in his legal attainments and withall was broad, deep and well-rounded in his knowledge and insight of law, both as represented by books and as seen in nature and society.
     He was patriotic to an unusual degree; true and faithful in creating for the good of the whole country. He was exceptionally unmindful of influences of his immediate life, and although he was a disciplinarian of more than average attainments he was entirely informal and straight-forward in attempting to arrive at right and fairness. As a friend he was warm and cordial. He gained the confidence and esteem of his fellow lawers, and once a friend he was loyal and true and thoughtful. His life was modest, his desires few, and the enjoyment of the friends he loved and the association with them up the full measure of his life. Hundreds of people throughout Calcasieu will carry a burden in their hours for the passing of Judge Gorham. -- R.S. Harrison

Military Record of Daniel B. Gorham

 Gorham, Daniel B. (also Gorham, D. H.), Pvt. 1st Lt. Cos. F and H, 4th La. Inf. En. May 25, 1861, Tangipahoa. Present on Rolls to Dec., 1861. Regtl. Return for Jan., 1862, On extra daily duty as Special Police. Present Sept. and Oct., 1862, as 2nd Lt. Roster dated Aug. 6, 1863, shows him appointed 2nd Lt., May 19, 1862, or June _, 1862. Roster dated March 5, 1864, shows him promoted 1st Lt., Nov. 25, 1862; L. A. Courtad, successor. Rolls from Nov., 1862, to July, 1863, Present as 1st Lt. Col. W. H. Allen, Comdg. 4th La. Inf., in his report of April 10, 1862. His Regt.
in Battle of Shiloh, Series 1, Vol. X, Part 1, Records of Union and Confederate Armies, gives: Honorable mention of D. B. Gorham, Color Guard, who, amid shot and shell and a hail storm of balls, held the flag firm and erect, and brought it back torn into tatters by the bullets of the enemy.
[Records of Louisiana Confederate soldiers and Louisiana Confederate commands : in three volumes
by Booth, Andrew BPublished 1920, Baton Rouge, La.]