Arkansas Civil War

Camp Cabell, No. 89
United Confederate Veterans
Bentonville, Arkansas – April 14, 1894

James A. Dickson – Commander
Benj. F. Dunn – Adjutant
John A. Fields – First Lieutenant
Dr. T. M. Wyatt – Second Lieutenant
O. J. Anderson – Quartermaster
Thomas W. Hurley, M.D. – Surgeon
Rev. A. J. Maxwell – Chaplain

Members -

N. S. Henry
R. A. Hickman
C. L. Pickens
A. J. Bates
J. H. McClinton
Peter Carnahan
R. J. Laughlin
J. H. Berry
Geo. T. Lincoln
T. A. Woods
B. C. Carroll
J. K. P. Stringfield
J. W. Whayne
T. J. Holland
J. A. Sheffield
S. W. Peel
D. R. McKisick
Jas. M. Bohart
J. J. Jefferson
R. N. Corley
D. H. Woods
W. H. Hains
W. B. Horsley
J. G. Meador
Willis Stephenson
C. M. Oliver
J. M. Dunlap
Samuel Box
N. P. Gotcher
W. H. Bullard
T. H. Douglas
D. H. Jackson
D. L. Boyd
J. L. Dudley
L. L. Wilson
F. N. Foster
N. S. Horsley
E. G. Philbeck
J. S. Dickson
J. A. Robinson
G. W. Jackson
John W. Williams

The following named comrades have died since last report -

Albert Peel
J. M. Hobbs
F. M. Parker
R. W. Hansard

Total No. – 50 Officers & Members

B. F. Dunn

NOTE — There are two letters attached to this roster. One dated before and one dated after. They are transcribed as follows:

***************************************************
Camp Cabell, No. 89
United Confederate Veterans
Bentonville, Arkansas
March 26, 1894

Geo Moorman Adjt. Genl.
New Orleans, La.

Dear Sir,

Enclosed find money order for $5.30 Annual Dues for 53 members of Camp Cabell. U. C. V. Bentonville, Arkansas.

Fraternally
B. F. Dunn
Camp Cabell No. 89

P. S. Please direct communications to me instead of A. J. Bates as it has the tendency to confuse the business and cause delay.

Dunn

***************************************************

Camp Cabell, No. 89
United Confederate Veterans
Bentonville, Arkansas
Dec. 7, 1894

Geo. Moorman, Esqr.
Adjt. Genl.
UCV
New Orleans, La.

Dear Sir,

About the 10th Nov. I sent you St. Louis draft for $5.30, our per capita dues. Will you kind fwd receipt for same. It has not been received.

Very Respectfully

N. S. Henry
Adjt.

***************************************************

The roster and first letter has N. S. Henry as commander as commander and A. J. Bates as Adjutant listed at the top and both crossed out with J. A. Dickson listed as commander and B. F. Dunn listed as adjutant.

The last letter has N. S. Henry scratched out as commander and adjutant is written in by his name. D. R. McKisick is listed as the commander.

Compatriot Richard H. Holloway in the LA Division has done some extensive research that has led to the discovery and transcription of two Arkansas United Confederate Veterans camps. The Patrick R. Cleburne UCV Camp in Brinkley, AR and the Ben T. DuVal Camp in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The two camps are listed below:

Dr. D. B. Mitchell Asst. Surgeon 2nd Dismounted Ark Rifles Captain and Commander
J. T. Andrews 1st Lieut. Co. K 23rd Ark Inf. 1st Lt. Commander
W. M. Hawkins 2nd Sergeant Co. C Ark Cav. Cabell’s Brigade 2nd Lt. Commander
A. K. Cameron 2nd Sergeant Co. A Morgan’s Regt. Adjutant & Treasurer
T. A. Guy Private Co. G 49th Ala Inf. Quartermaster
J. C. Passley Surgeon 23rd Ark Inf. Surgeon
W. H. Forbes Corpl. Co. A 10th Miss Inf. Chaplain
W. A. Strain Private Co. G 5th Ala Inf. Sergeant Major
W. H. Harrison Private Co. H 61st Ala Inf. Color Sergeant
S. A. Henderson Private Co. F 1st Ark Cav.
J. M. Cooper Private Co. E 25th Ark Inf. Vidette
H. A. Carter Captain Co. C Crandell’s Cav.
R. Krone(?) 1st Lt. Co. A 5th Ark Inf.
W. W. Spiner Private Co. E 20th GA Inf.
W. H. Vaughan Captain Co. E 10th Ark Inf.
C. W. Gardenen(?) Corpl. Co. G 1st Miss Inf.
J. C. Palmer No unit listed
J. M. Savage Private Co. G 4th TN Cav. (Company and Unit crossed out)
H. H. Britton Private Co. G 4th TN Cav.
D. J. Barnes Private Co. I 3rd VA Cav. Elected delegate to Reunion Richmond, VA

Camp Pat Cleburne
Brinkley, Ark
Apl. 14, 1896

Geo. Moorman, Esqr.
Adjt Genl & Chf Staff
New Orleans
La.

Dr Sir:
Enclosed you will find Two Dollars per capita tax & Two Dollars for Charter dues making a total Four Dollars. This delay has occurred by the failure of members to come up & pay dues. There are still quite a number in arrears who live in the country – that will pay after w hile.

Yours truly
A. K. Cameron Adjt.

P. T. Devany Captain
Jno. Bloomberg 1st Lieut.
T. W. Bugg 2nd Lieut.
W. T. Ryn 3rd Lieut.
R. M. Fry Adjutant
Tobias Kelly Quartermaster
D. T. Johnson Surgeon
Rev. W. T. Allen Chaplain

PRIVATES:
Charles A. Burnie
H. C. Burnie
Wm. Burnie
C. F. Bocquire
R. A. Bunch
James Boling
Jno. Brunson
Wm. Cantwell
C. C. Cook
J. P. Collier
Wm. M. Cravens
Ben T. DuVal
Wm. Euper
Sam Edmunson
Geo. C. Faucette
M. M. Garman
H4enry Keeper, Sr.
Bruck Manus
J. H. Mineheart
Jno. H. McClure
J. S. McCorkle
Chas. Munder
G. G. S. Patterson
J. W. Patrick
J. H. Reynolds
R. D. Seals
W. B. Stroups
Chas. Singel
Jas. Shannon
Tillman Shaw
Henry Trisch
Conrad Trisch
J. R. Winder
Levi Quin

The following was sent to us via email and recently a Toothpick reader sent in the reference for the following from the Library of Congress: http://docsouth.unc.edu/fpn/pryor/pryor.html

“After seeing not only the source of this quote but also the timing, I believe this is one we may be able to put some trust in. The Democratic Speaker’s handbook was published in Cincinnati in 1868. the author, Augustus R. Cazauran (1820-1889), was born in France. He was a playwright and writer. He came to New York in 1848. He was a journalist, at different times, for; the New York Herald, Cincinnati Enquirer, and Washington Chronicle. In 1863 he enlisted in the Union Army. He was captured as a spy and held at Castle Thunder in Richmond until exchanged. After the war he continued writing in Cincinnati and New York.

The full context of the quote is: The editor of the Randolph Citizen recalls some interesting reminiscences of the great Reticent. He had a tongue at one time, it would seem: In the summer of 1861 General Grant, then colonel of the Twenty-first Illinois Regiment of Infantry, was stationed at Mexico, on the North Missouri Railroad, and he had command of the post. He remained several months, mingling freely with the people, regardless of the peculiar shade of anyone’s political opinions; and as the distinguished Colonel had then no thought of aspiring to the Presidency or a dictatorship., no occasion existed for the reticence to which latterly he owes the greater part of his popularity. Ulysses the Silent was then Ulysses the Garrulous, and embraced every fair opportunity which came in his way to express his sentiments and opinions in regard to political affairs.

One of these declarations we distinctly remember. In a public conversation in Ringo’s banking-house a sterling Union man put this question to him; “What do you honestly think was the real object of this war on the part of the Federal Government?” “Sir,’ said Grant, “I have no doubt in the world that the sole object is the restoration of the Union. I will say further, though, that I am a Democrat-every man in my regiment is a Democrat- and whenever I shall be convinced that this war has as its object anything else than what I have mentioned, or that the Government designs using its soldiers to execute the purposes of the abolitionists, I pledge you my honor as a man and a soldier that I will not only resign my commission, but will carry my sword to the other side, and cast my lot with that people.”

As In said, I think we may be able to trust this , but, like all third person quotes , there is always doubts. I would like to know more about the editor and newspaper mentioned. If anyone knows more about the above, please email info@arkansastoothpick.com.

Commemorate Black History Month With The Sons of Confederate Veterans!

One who would some day more then deserve a chapter in Black History Month, Bush was born Nov 14, 1856 in Moscow TN. Both he and his mother arrived in Little Rock in 1862 with their owner to escape Federal invasion.

John Bush grew into a street savvy orphan until Col R C Tracy, a sympathetic white man forced him to enter a public school for blacks in 1869. He became an energetic student and to quote his teacher: “he seemed to eat up his work.” To support his education and eventually himself, he took a job as a brick moulder.

While an undergrad, he became involved in Republican Party politics and in 1875 entered less strenuous employment as a postal clerk in the railway service of Arkansas. From then on he chose a career in politics and business. He was passed over for a higher income position, but persisted in working nightshifts for the postal service. Later he would accept a second job as principal of Little Rock’s Capitol Hill School for blacks.

So, with income from two jobs, he seriously invested in real estate where he determined he could afford it.

His reputation for hard work and honesty seemed to move him up on the black social ladder, but when he married Cora Winfrey, the daughter of a high ranking member of the upper class, his position in the black elite group was solidified.

Also his diligence and integrity gradually gained him influence in the Republican Party. At a very young age he became active in that party because it took on issues relevant to the black community and because of the opportunities it offered blacks for advancement in the ranks. But Bush relished the intrigues of politics and battle. He once confided to a friend; “I am a politician first for the interest of my race, secondly, because I like it.”

He wasn’t lacking in loyalty either. On one occasion in 1882, the Greenback Party nominated him to a high level county position. Bush refused the nomination because his party nominated a white for the position and he declined to use his influence in a way that would weaken Republican chances of winning public office against the powerful Democrats who controlled state government.

In the late 1880’s former US Cavalry officer now high ranking Party official, Powell Clayton asked for Bush’s help in diffusing a revolt against the leadership by dissatisfied Republicans. Bush agreed and completed the task. Clayton offered cash payment. Bush wisely refused in favor of Clayton’s promise of lifelong influence. The Bush-Clayton alliance powerfully served both men and resulted in Bush’s 1898 appointment by President William McKinley to the prestigious position of Receiver of US Lands. He held this appointment until 1912 when Democratic President Woodrow Wilson took office.

It must be said John Bush’s tenure was never tarnished by scandal or charges of corruption. He thought his entire race of people was on trial and that he had to succeed at all costs. But despite his spotless record as Receiver of Public Lands in Little Rock, he had to fight constantly and draw upon all his political skills and powerful friends to maintain his position. At one point, Ambassador to Mexico, Powell Clayton, made a special trip to Washington DC to speak to President Theodore Roosevelt on behalf or his friend, which proved fortuitous.

By 1914 developments in Republican Party politics effectively silenced any meaningful voice blacks had in Party politics. In one instance Bush strongly supported the state Republican Central Committee’s endorsement of W. W. Hayes, an ex-Confederate soldier and Democrat, for the position of Commander of the Arkansas National Guard (ANG). He was considered a friend of the black race and believed his appointment would greatly increase the Party in Arkansas since it might entice other Democrats to cross the Party line. Bush asked Tuskegee educator Booker T Washington to use his influence with President Roosevelt to secure Hayes appointment. The President was anxious to strengthen the Republican Party in the South and approved the appointment.

In 1905 Bush was nearly 50, but with the support of friends and political allies survived whirlwind activity. And as mentioned earlier, he liked the intrigue of battle. This time he led the fight against discriminatory legislation influenced by the race baiting Governor, Jefferson Davis who proposed a separate tax bill whereby black schools were to be funded only by taxes collected from blacks.

By recruiting a small army of volunteers, who provided information from the U S Census Bureau and the Auditor’s Office, Bush drafted a letter to the Arkansas Democrat which revealed that the state’s 334,000 blacks paid taxes on $15,000,000 worth of real and personal property and that only a small portion was spent on black schools. The letter also pointed out that 250,000 of black tax dollars went directly into the state treasury and that a portion of every tax dollar helped support the Confederate Pension fund, as well as public facilities from which blacks were barred. This article was read three times before the State Legislature.

Playing a tremendous role in defeating Davis’s separate tax bill was W. W. Hayes, the white Democrat whom he strongly supported for the position of Commander of the ANG.

John Bush did suffer defeats concerning other discriminatory issues, like the passage of the separate coach bill, but he showed optimism in regard to race relations instead of dwelling in bitterness. Such was the strength of character displayed by this dynamic man and self-help advocate; a philosophy that will be elaborated on in a later column. C Calvin Smith; Arkansas Historical Quarterly, Volume LIV, Summer 1995

The following newspaper account of the hard work the ladies in South Arkansas were toiling in deserves a reminder on The Arkansas Toothpick. As always the women rose to the challenge to help our brave soldiers. Let it be remembered that it was around this time (February, 1862) that the public began an aoutcry of disappointment for the lack of funds and supplies set aside for Patrick R. Cleburne’s 15th Arkansas Infantry Volunteers:

[LITTLE ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, February 6, 1862, p. 1, c. 3
The Gold Medals Again.—Mr. W. W. Mattison, of Sulphur Springs, Arkansas, writes to us that Mrs. Sally Bang, a widow, has woven since the 1st of September, 108 yards of jeans and 78 yards of plain cloth. She has also knitted 7 pairs of socks, and spun a portion of the filling for the cloth. In addition to this, she has made clothes for her only son, who is a soldier in the confederate army.

Mr. R. H. Wardlaw, of Mt. Elba, Arkansas, writes to Gen. Ashley, that Miss Artemece B. Wardlaw commenced, in September last, to compete for the medal, and has since woven 78 yards of jeans and 88 yards of checked linsey, and spun a part of the filling.

As stated in our last issue, Mrs. Catherine Yeager wove 68 yards of jeans, 32 of linsey and 45 of cotton cloth.

When the premiums were offered, no time was fixed for the competitors to present their claims, and when Gen. Ashley awarded the premium of the first medal to Miss Andersons, hers was the best claim then presented. Those named, are, so far, the four highest presented, and if there are others, they should be sent in immediately. Under the circumstances, the ladies above named will each receive a premium of some kind, and the matter arranged to their satisfaction.

It has been intimated to us, that, if the war continues, another premium will be offered, and the time within which the claims must be presented, will be specified, so as to avoid mistake. In this connection it may be proper to state that the cotton factories in this State will be able to fill all orders for spun thread. The Van Buren factory will send a lot down the river, as soon as navigation opens, and Mr. Tobey will soon have his factory in operation in Norristown. Cotton cloth will be in demand and will bring full prices, and our good housewives must prepare to supply the soldiers and civilians. The above record of industry is a proud one for Arkansas, and a true gentleman will sooner take off his hat to one of the patriotic women than to a parvenue with soft hands who dresses in silk and despises honest toil.