Richard Triebe is a historian and writer living in Wilmington; he has an Associate’s Degree in Marine Technology and this interest in the sea is reflected in his writings. Author of two novels, Richard will speak on his third (soon to be published) book titled: Fort Fisher to Elmira: The Deadly Journey of 514 Confederate Prisoners. This work will certainly shed new light on what was a tragic (and much neglected) era in our nation’s history. Richard’s hobbies include writing and learning about the Civil War and he is a member not only of our RT, but also the Coastal Carolina Writer’s Guild. Please join us for good snacks, good company and a good lecture!

There will be a fundraising banquet at the Duplin Winery (505 North Sycamore Street) in Rose Hill, N.C. on November 16th and 17th. The featured speaker for both events will be the “Pied Piper of History”, Edwin C. Bearss, (Head Historian Emeritus, National Park Service) who will certainly enthrall attendees with (Monday, 16 November): Terry’s Push Through Duplin County and (Tuesday, 17 November) Foster’s Attacks on Warsaw and Kenansville. The benefit is to raise monies to preserve what remains of the site of the Civil War Confederate States Armory (also known as the Sword factory). The cost of the affairs are: $40 per person for the Monday event, which includes a chicken dinner and likewise, $40 for the event on Tuesday (pork dinner). For both events, the cost will be $70. To reserve a seat, or for more information, you may call 1.800.774.9634 or 910.289.3888. Several authors will also be on hand, including John W. McAden, Jr., Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle and Dr. Lynn Veach Sadler. There will also be a display (said to be the largest in the country) of the Sword Factory’s products: swords, bowie knives and bayonets.

Tom Belton of the North Carolina Museum of History talked to a group of about forty-five members and guests at our October meeting. Discussing the collection of Civil War flags held by the Museum, he first led us through their production, materials utilized and survival rate. Beginning with the Confederate national flags, Mr. Belton went on to cover regimental battle flags (many of which had battles or “battle honors” painted on them), the headquarters flag of General L.O’B. Branch, captured federal flags, state flags and even post-war organizational banners.
In battle, flags represented not only a company or regiment but family and country as well and were used to align troops or serve as a rallying point. The American Civil War was very likely the last war which saw flags carried into battle. Mr. Belton also mentioned the flag of the First Rhode Island Cavalry, captured by the Fifth N.C. cavalry in June 1863 and recently returned to that state. Hopes that Rhode Island would reciprocate by returning a captured North Carolina flag seemed to be in vain, however. He informed his listeners that the arrangements made early on had fallen through and it now appears that the flag will remain in Rhode Island …. Too bad.

Also… Did you know that in 1859 … “Daniel Emmett, a songwriter for a traveling show called Bryant’s Minstrels….was approached to pen a new ditty for a performance[.] He soon had the music and began the song with the line, ‘I wish I was in Dixie.’ These words did not profess a yearning for his southern home (Emmett was born in Ohio), but rather the warmer climate where the production companies would travel to escape the harsh northern winters.” [from Best Little Stories of the Blue and Gray with “General’s Wives, by C. Brian Kelly and Ingrid Smyer-Kelly; book review in Military Heritage, April 2007].

We wish everyone a Happy (and safe) Thanksgiving and look forward to seeing you all at our December meeting as well!