Memorial Day

In honor of Memorial Day, here is a photograph of the grave of David Cook, buried in the National Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee. This might have been the same David Cook who served as a private in Company B, 37th North Carolina Troops.

Confederate Cemetery in Dalton

One of the places that I visited on my recent trip through north Georgia was the cemetery in Dalton. I had been once before, maybe 15 years ago. In the past, a historical marker informed us that there were 421 unknown and four known Confederates buried in the Confederate section of Dalton. I was pleasantly surprised to find a new monument with the names of those 421 men. From the 58th North Carolina, we have these:


David Bright, Co. F
Sgt. Maj. James Inglish, F&S
George Keener, Co. G
Jacob D. Shook, Co. D
Washington Stevens, Co. F


The monument had Sgt. Maj. Inglis’s name twice, once as James Inglish, and the second time as James English, neither of which are correct. Oh well, at least I now know where he is buried.


This is just one more small piece of the puzzle.

Back Home

Well, I am back at home from a very long week. I had every intention of blogging while I was gone, but I never once pulled ye olde laptop from my bag.

Here is a recap: I was in Raleigh on Friday and Saturday, doing research and attending the flag program. I came back Saturday afternoon and spent Saturday evening at home. Sunday morning, we re-packed the car and headed to Central, South Carolina, for a re-enactment, where we met my mom and dad. Saturday afternoon, we headed to Red Top Mountain State Park, where we set up "camp" in my parents’ motor coach. Monday morning was spent at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, home of the famous engine, The General . Monday afternoon we tramped the battlefields of Kenasaw and Kolb’s Farm, (and the cemetery in Marietta) working on the book on the 58th NCT. Tuesday, we covered Reseca and Dalton. Wednesday, I was back in Dalton, then a quick trip to Chickamauga. We spent more time at Lookout Mountain and on Missionary Ridge - we thought we would never find the iron tablet for Reynolds’s brigade at Chickamauga.

I’ll post more when I get pictures downloaded and my notes out of the car. Things are a bit fuzzy right now.

Flags of the 26th NCT and 37th NCT

As a writer, I have several special events that hold an important place in my life, like the publication of my first article, the publication of my first book, winning the Willie Parker Peace Book Award (twice), and speaking at the CWPT’s annual conference last year. Today, I added another one to that last.

For the past couple of weeks, I have mentioned a special program that I was attending at the North Carolina Museum of History. It is 10:30 pm, Saturday evening; I just returned. Today, I had the opportunity to present/unveil the battle flag of the 37th North Carolina Troops. The flag of the 37th NCT, along with the Gettysburg flag of the 26th NCT, and the coat, belt, and sword of Maj. Gen. Bryan Grimes, has been loaned to the NCMOH by the Museum of the Confederacy.

Yesterday, my family drove to Raleigh. I spent the afternoon tracking down some letters by a member of the 58th NCT. I also had a chance to chat for a few minutes with Tom Belton, Curator at the NCMOH. We then spent Friday evening with Col. Skip Smith, of the 26th NCT, and his family. On Saturday morning, I arrived at the museum a little after 10:00 am. I set up some of my books on the table and began talking to folks as they arrived. Around 12:30 pm, the program began, with music being provided by both the 26th NCT’s brass band, and fife and drum corps (field music). We then made our way into the auditorium. I spoke close to the beginning of the program, and, along with Mr. Belton, unveiled the flag of the 37th NCT. Several others spoke, and we displayed the coat, belt, and sword of Bryan Grimes, and the blood-stained flag of the 26th NCT.

It has been a glorious day. Thanks to the 26th NCT for allowing me to participate in this remarkable experience. After I catch my breath a bit, I may post more about the day .

The photo at top is the flag of the 37th NCT. The one at the bottom is of the 26th NCT’s.

Off to Raleigh

Well folks, I am off to Raleigh for the flag presentation on Saturday. I’ll be at the North Carolina Museum of History most of the morning on Saturday. The program begins at 1:00 pm. If you get a chance, please stop by and say hi. I’ll have complete details and photos when I get back.

Program in Monroe

Folks - I had this request come to me a couple of days ago:

We are honoring Weary Clyburn in Monroe NC on 7/18 and need help getting the word out to reenactors. We need cannon crews, musicians, period dress.
Thanks www.jamesmillerscv.org

If you can help, please contact Michael Chapman at commander@jamesmillerSCV.org

Alas, I'll be in Raleigh.

Upcomming events

Confederate Memorial Day in North Carolina was this past Saturday (May 10). I was able to visit or participate in services in Yancey, Haywood, and Mitchell Counties. The latter was a candlelight service, honoring the 10 Confederate Veterans in the old Bakersville Cemetery. If you have never had a chance to visit or participate in a candlelight service at a cemetery, let me encourage you to do so. It is a powerful experience.

Not all services are held on May 10. I also had the privilege of speaking at the Confederate Memorial Day program in Stanley County on May 8, and I believe that there will be a service at Elmwood Cemetery in Charlotte on May 18.

I don't have as much going on this week as I did last week, but it will be busy nevertheless. Tonight, I'll be speaking and signing books in Lincolnton. On Friday, I'll be traveling to Raleigh for an event on Saturday. On Saturday, I will be at the Museum of History there in Raleigh. The event: The flags of the 26th NCT and 37th NCT have been returned to North Carolina. I'll be speaking that afternoon, and helping unveil the 37th NCT's battleflag. It is an incredible honor, and I look forward to participating in the event. I will be around the museum most of the day, so, if you get a chance, stop by and say hi!

Pvt Will Ellis - 2nd NC Junior Reserves

Maplewood Cemetery, Wilson, NC