Author: Branch

            President Thomas Jefferson’s great-great nephew, Private Thomas Garland Jefferson, was mortally wounded as his Virginia Military Institute (VMI)  Cadet unit advanced against Union troops at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. He was shot in the chest, and the bullet was removed from his back. His friend and officer, Moses Jacob Ezekiel, walked back to town, obtained a wagon, and carried Jefferson to the home of Eliza Clindinst. Despite the efforts, Jefferson literally died in Eliza’s arms. Ezekiel survived the war, and went to Italy, where he became a famous sculptor. Among his work was the Reconciliation Statue at Arlington Cemetery. You’ll hear all about Thomas, Moses, and Eliza on the October 25 Both Sides Tour to New Market. Be sure and contact Don to secure your seat!     

You Don’t want to miss this exciting excursion back in time to New Market on May 15, 1864!

BOTH SIDES TOUR

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025

STONEWALL JACKSON’S VMI STATUE IS NOW IN NEW MARKET –

AND THE BOTH SIDES TOUR WILL VISIT IT,

TWO MUSEUMS AND THE BATTLEFIELD!

When you think about it, those at Virginia Military Institute who wanted to remove Stonewall Jackson’s statue from its Lexington campus paved the way for the likeness of the famed Confederate general to wind up in a more familiar and meaningful place as far as Civil War history is concerned.

Jackson now stands in front of the Virginia Museum of the Civil War in New Market, overlooking the terrain that figured prominently in his successful 1862 Valley Campaign. Jackson chased Union invaders north before joining Robert E. Lee’s effort to protect Richmond as part of the new commander’s successful Peninsula Campaign. 

The Both Sides Tour will visit Jackson at the Virginia Museum, the site formerly known as the VMI Hall of Valor Museum. Jackson has been there for several years, welcoming visitors interested in his Valley of Virginia and early Civil War exploits before he was mortally wounded at Chancellorsville in May 1863. The museum itself was taken over by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2021 and state leaders made a place for one of Virginia’s most famous soldiers.

While in New Market, the Both Sides Tour also will visit the New Market Battlefield Military Museum, now operated by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Foundation, as well as the actual battle site where cadets from VMI repelled a Union counterattack and saved the day for the Confederates. Don Hakenson and Ben Trittipoe will handle the military aspects of the battle, while Carl Sell will offer sidelights about the move of the statue and the mortal wounding of the great, great grandson of President Thomas Jefferson, a VMI cadet.

The cost of this tour will be $135. The slight increase is due to two separate museum admission fees and the added cost of lunch at the famous Southern Kitchen on Valley Pike. The restaurant is famous for its fried chicken and our meal also will include BBQ Beef Tips. Don and Ben have eaten there and say the quantity and quality is well worth the added price.

Tour leaves Franconia at 8:15 a.m. sharp. Park at the Olivet Church lot at the corner of Beulah Street and Franconia Road. The government center may not be open due to its relocation, so the bus will leave from Olivet. Make sure we have your e-mail and phone number for updates.

Bring your own coffee!  Doughnuts will be available on the bus. There will be a pick up and short pit stop at the Park and Ride lot next to Sheetz in Gainesville. Park and meet the bus there about 9:00 a.m. Let us know where you will join the tour. Using your money, Don will pay all the bills. All you have to do is enjoy the museums, food, battlefields and information!

BUS LEAVES FRANCONIA MUSEUM AT 8:15 A.M.

SPECIAL PICK-UP NEAR GAINESVILLE – Ask for details!

DON’T BE LATE!

Both Sides Tour – October 25, 2025 Registration Form

Contact Don Hakenson dhakenson@verizon.net

Carl Sell sellcarl@aol.com

Ben Trittipoe btritt1@gmail.com

Gentlemen of the Sons of Confederate Veterans,

As the Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and in response to the tragic attack upon the First Amendment of the Constitution and the life of Charlie Kirk, I have ordered the flags of the Confederate States of America and the flag of the SCV to be flown at half-staff for the remainder of this month. Gentlemen, Mr. Kirk was a strong defender of traditional American values, which we in the SCV have long defended. I encourage each member to reflect upon Mr. Kirk’s positive effort to encourage dialogue among people of various viewpoints. 

As descendants of Confederate ancestors, Southerners, more than any other Americans, understand the need for civil discourse. We have seen our Southern history distorted and monuments to Southern heroes destroyed by those who do not wish to engage in dialogue, but rather force their radical views upon the South and all of America. Let us hope that Mr. Kirk’s tragic death will force those who hate traditional American values to rethink and change their less-than-civil attitude and discourse with their fellow Americans. 

Please follow the lead of General Robert E. Lee and interact with our detractors and Mr. Kirk’s detractors with Christian charity. Pray for Mr. Kirk’s family, these United States, and our beloved Southland.

Deo Vindice,

Walter D. “Donnie” Kennedy 

Commander-in-Chief, Sons of Confederate Veterans

Will you defend our Confederate ancestors? They fought for us, now it is our turn to fight for them and our future.

Currently the Strickland Amendment is working its way through Congress. This amendment to the NDAA 2026 military appropriations bill is totally anti-Confederate. We need to let our congressmen know that this anti-Confederate language must be removed from the bill.

This can be done by asking our congressmen to vote YES on any amendment that will remove anti-Confederate language from this bill.

Use this Link to tell your congressman to vote YES on any amendment that would remove the Strickland amendment from the NDAA 2026 bill.

Our speaker will be historian and author Thomas D. “Tom” Perry who will bring Gen JEB Stuart to life as he does so well. He started Laurel Hill Publishing LLC to publish his and friends books on regional history.

Autographed copies of his titles may be purchased at.

https://laurel-hill-publishing-llc.square.site

The ladies at the Richmond UDC Headquarters have taken action to bring the vandals who wrecked their building several years ago to justice. It seems that these hatemongers were allowed to reek havoc on the property and the police were told to stand down.  The ladies have in their possession video tapes from that night and have filed charges against “persons unknown” to bring them to justice.

Sadly, we have learned that Compatriot “Squire” Campbell has passed. He was a camp member for a number of years. We send out condolences to his son, Compatriot Danny Campbell and family.  Also Brother Compatriot Alvah and the Campbell Clan.

Be certain to the read his extensive  obituary. He was a resident of Gloucester, VA for many years. He had not been able to visit with us for some time.

Obituary

Our Speaker will be William Connery, a long time friend of the camp. He will speak on the brave Confederate women who served behind the Union lines as under cover agents. 

Special Guest to  speak on his ancestor at the Crater and Sailor’s Creek.

LtCol Eric Buckland, USA ret  will speak on Mosby’s Men when they fought the 2^nd Mass Calvary. Eric is an outstanding author of the exploits of Mosby’s Men. This battle with the 2nd Mass Calvary will show the heroism and valor of the Mosby Virginia Calvary against the Mass invaders.

His first book was Mosby’s Keydet Rangers and he has gone from the doors open at 6. Dinner fried chicken, Baked beans and Mrs Holmes blend of Southern garden delights. Southern pie. BYOB/mixer. $15.00 dinner/$5.00 w/o meal or bring own.