The Jan. 24, 2008 Statesboro Herald reports that the Ogeechee Rifles Camp #941 SCV held their 7th annual Lee-Jackson Dinner this past January with 125 in attendance. Compatriots Terry Paltray and Raymond Todd were recognized for their efforts to secure a site and their efforts to place three 50 foot flagpoles flanked by two cannons off the Ash Branch Road which will be very visible from I-16.
Keynote speaker, Fred Tetor, from Mt. Pleasant, SC, has been very involved with the Confederate submarine Hunley for about seven years. It is his contention that the compass aboard the Hunley was useless and a big reason for the vessel's loss. Once the wreck of the Hunley was found, the US Navy claimed it as an enemy ship of war, and as such, rightfully their prize. South Carolina claimed it was acting as a privateer and not a Confederate vessel. (I never see it referred to as the CSS Hunley.)
A compromise was reached where the US Navy can veto any restoration it deems incorrect, but the state of South Carolina is the owner of the submarine and all artifacts therein.
The City of North Charleston, SC, was awarded the right to hold both the Hunley and Dr. Perry's Collection of Confederate Memorabilia.
Always Interested in the Hunley. --Old B-R'er
