Camp News

Following is a Copy of the Civil War Round Table Associates Letter Dated April 2002 From Jerry L. Russell, National Chairman, Past Pres., CWRT of Arkansas:

"Dear Civil War Friend:

     Let me add my thoughts to what Bill Gatewood of the Old State House Museum says about the exciting prospects of adding the 3d Arkansas Confederate Infantry flag to our already-wonderful collection of Confederate Flags at the Old State House.

     Many of us -- nearly 150  --- were fortunate enough to attend the recent symposium at the Museum about Patrick R. Cleburne, Arkansas' favorite (and highest - ranking) Confederate General.  Not only did Cleburne's recent biographer, dr. Craig Symonds of the U.S. Naval Academy, give an outstanding talk on "our" general, Bob Bradley of the Alabama Department of Archives and History gave an equally fascinating presentation on this flag, how Alabama came to have it, and how Bill Gatewood and others succeeded in obtaining the flag for Arkansas.

     This is an acquisition we can all be proud of, and an addition to the Museum's Confederate Flag collection that will only increase the prestige of that collection and of the museum.

     Please help any way that you can.

We Who Study Must Also Strive To Save!

Jerry L. Russell, National Chairman, Past Pres., CWRT of Arkansas"

FOLLOWING IS A LETTER FROM BILL GATEWOOD, OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM, DIRECTOR:

     Dear Arkansas History Enthusiast:

     As you are perhaps aware, the Alabama Department of Archives and History recently transferred ownership of the 3d Confederate Infantry Flag to the Old State House Museum.  this was the standard of a regiment commanded by Major General Patrick Cleburne, an Irishman who adopted Arkansas as his home in the decade leading up to the Civil War.  Cleburne was widely regarded as the South's best divisional commander and arguably the best fighting general in the Confederacy.

     The flag was issued in spring of 1864.  Eight Arkansas and two Mississippi companies fought under it before it was captured at the Battle of Jonesboro in Georgia on September 1, 1864.  In 1905, when the War Department returned captured flags to their respective states, the 3d Confederate was incorrectly sent to Alabama.  It has now been returned to its tru home.

     This priceless artifact is badly in need of conservation.  There are several holes and tears that will only get larger unless repaired.  It is also badly soiled and acidic, both ticking time bombs where fragile textiles are concerned.  Professional conservation will cost nearly $10,000.00.  I call on all who value Arkansas's heritage to donate generously to help preserve this treasure.

     I urge you to give to this worthwhile effort.  All contributions are tax deductible and will be gratefully acknowledged on our web site at www.oldstatehouse.com.  Please make your checks payable to the Old State House Museum Donations Fund, 300 West Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas, 72201.  The telephone number is 501 324-9685.  The Fax is 501 324-9688. E-Mail is Please make your checks payable to the Old State House Museum Donations Fund, 300 West Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas, 72201.  The telephone number is 501 324-9685.  The Fax is 501 324-9688. E-Mail is info@oldstatehouse.com .