The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Running the Blockade: Civil War Grave Vandalized-- St. Augustine in the War-- Davis Statue

Some New News About an Old War.


1. CIVIL WAR GRAVE VANDALIZED-- June 13th Virginia Pilot-- Took place in Southampton County, Virginia. The grave of Confederate Major Joseph Ezra Gillette was opened by individuals probably in pursuit of artifacts. A member of the local SCV found it.

It is thought the vandals were looking for a sword which could bring as much as $200,000. The sheriff's department is offering a $1000 reward which has been matched by the SCV.



2. ST. AUGUSTINE IN THE WAR-- Florida's Civil War historian Dale Cox is doing a series of blog entries at http://civilwarflorida.blogspot.com. His first two are about the water battery at Castillo San Marcos, called Fort Marion during the war.

The east moat was filled in and the guns mounted en-barbette. These 20 cannons had been seized by state forces Jan. 7, 1861.

Mr. Cox says the water battery is in good condition and the remains of the gun mounts can still be seen. The Union Navy reoccupied St. Augustine in 1862.


3. DAVIS STATUE-- The Sons of Confederate Veterans has offered to donate a $100,000 statue of Jefferson Davis to the American Civil War Center in Richmond, Virginia, at the site of the old Tredigar Ironworks. This is in honor of Davis' 200th birthday being celebrated this year.

There is some question as to whether the museum will accept. Big surprise, but the NAACP is against it.

Take the Statue!! --Old B-Runner