Gentlemen
of the Division;
Bear with
me - this email is a bit long, but I ask your indulgence.
In any
given year, each camp holds memorial services for veterans buried within their
region, with support from camps around that immediate vicinity. We honor
the memory and service of our gallant ancestors by performing these solemn
ceremonies, which is part of our charge. We in the Highland Brigade will
be banding together to perform such a ceremony on July 11.
I don't
wish to downplay the importance of each and every service, but this one in
particular is quite special. The veteran in question is one of the select
few men of color who petitioned and received a Confederate pension for faithful
service. We are told by history that he does not exist; but the facts
show otherwise. In the 25th TN. infantry, organized in my home
Sam Cullom
was a slave at the outbreak of war, in the house of Alvan Cullom. He
joined the 8th TN. Infantry with Jim Cullom, son of Alvan Cullom. At the
battle of Atlanta, Sam buried Jim, who was killed in the action. He was
granted leave and brought home the personal effects of the young soldier, and
then rejoined the 8th, taking up arms in defense of his country. He
faithfully served throughout the war.
On his
pension application, none other than Tennessee's last surviving veteran of the
Mexican War, and Captain of Sam's company in the 8th, Calvin E. Myers, gave
testimony to Sam's service. He was subsequently granted a much-deserved
pension.
Now it is
time to honor this man, who has no marker testifying to his deeds, nor
even his name. This will be rectified. His descendents, many
of whom live in Michigan, will be making the trip to Livingston
to observe and participate in the ceremony. Two to three (and
doubtless others) have expressed interest in joining the SCV, and one
other has carefully studied the UDC and is prepared to join
that group. We will soon have black Confederates in our midst
here in Middle Tennessee - and about time too.
Those of
you can attend, please do so. If you wish to attend in uniform, that
would be excellent. If you wish to participate in the honor guard and the
firing of the volley, that too would be excellent. More details will be
forthcoming, as to speakers, schedule, etc. I can tell you this - the
service will be held on July 11 at 2:00 pm at Sam's resting place on the
grounds of the old Bethlehem Methodist Church just outside Livingston, TN. on
Highway 84.
Respectfully,
R. Brian
Lewis,
Highland
Brigade Commander