Newsletter
Welcome to the inaugural issue of our newsletter. It has taken me a while to bring this to fruition. I hope you enjoy this issue. I will do periodic newsletters when I feel we have enough subject matter to warrant one. That means this will be published on a random basis, so check back often. Feel free to contact me with questions, comments, suggested subjects, etc. You can use the Contact Us button at the bottom of the page or my email address is at the end of this publication.
Gary
The focus of this newsletter is our 241st Commemoration of the Battle of Eutaw Springs. This is an annual event for our chapter. It is recognized as a National Event, which is no small matter. This year, as in years past, the man responsible for planning and execution of this event is Chapter Historian Compatriot Douglas Doster. Doug devotes countless manhours and a great deal of effort, to procure meeting venues, speakers and a myriad of other details in order for our chapter to host a successful event.
The event began this year on Friday afternoon September 2nd with a caravan tour of significant battleground sites in and around the Eutaw Springs area. On what turned out to be a very warm and steamy afternoon, participants gathered and were introduced to the tour guide, Mr. David Reuwer Esq. of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust. Participants were divided into carpool groups and followed Mr. Reuwer to various sites around the area. The first stop was a field adjacent to the original roadbed, where General Greene's scouting party encountered Loyalist cavalry. A skirmish ensued and foragers for the British were also captured at this site. Mr. Reuwer detailed the story of this encounter and mentioned evidence supporting the establishment of the site. The next stops were to view portions of the old roadbed still visible, and areas of running battles. Again, Mr. Reuwer entertained all present with details. The final stop of the tour was at the Eutaw Springs Battle Monument Park where Mr. Reuwer believes he has located the remains of the brick house that featured so prominently in the main battle. By the end of this very entertaining and insightful tour, the temperature and humidity had risen to levels that made one appreciate the difficulties the troops endured during the battle.
That evening, participants gathered at Clarks Inn and Restaurant in Santee, SC for a dinner banquet and presentation. In the photos to the left, you can see everyone enjoying some social time, just before the meal was served.
The after dinner speaker was Mr. Zach Lemhouse. He is the staff historian for the Culture and Heritage Museums of York County and the Director of the Southern Revolutionary War Institute. The topic of his presentation was "The Southern Campaigns: Turning the Tide of the American Revolution". A slide presentation, along with his narrative made for a very informative and entertaining evening. The chapter presented Mr. Lemhouse with a certificate of appreciation and the evenings events were brought to a close.
Saturday September 03, 2022
Participants gathered at the historic Church of the Epiphany in Eutawville, SC to begin the commemoration. The event began with the Posting of the Colors by the SCSSAR Color Guard.
After pledges and greetings, the audience was treated to an animated and enjoyable presentation by Mr. Damon Lamar Fordham. Mr. Fordham is an adjunct professor at Charleston Southern University, the College of Charleston and The Citadel. He is also a published author and conducts walking tours entitled "The Lost Stories of Black Charleston". Mr. Fordham gave a brief lecture at the church about the role of black people in the Revolutionary War. His perspective was both highly educational as well as insightful as he quoted from documents he has obtained during his research.
At the conclusion of his presentation, the activities at the church were brought to a close and participants moved to the actual battle site, just down the road.
In the photo to the left:
Chapter Historian Compatriot Douglas Doster (left) and Chapter Secretary Compatriot Gary Blackford (right) presented Mr. Damon Lamar Fordham (center) with a certificate of appreciation.
Eutaw Springs Battle Monument Park
This portion of the ceremonies took place next to the monument at the battleground site in Eutawville. Again, the SCSSAR Color Guard began by Posting the Colors.
This was followed by the firing of a volley from both musket and cannon. The musket fire was provided by the SCSSAR Color Guard and the SC Battleground Preservation Trust, Cannon Brigade manned the cannon.
After welcoming remarks, pledges and comments, Compatriot Douglas Doster read the names of those laying a wreath in commemoration.
After the retiring of the colors, the ceremony was brought to a conclusion with another round of musket fire and a cannon salute. Participants were invited to a local restaurant to share in lunch, with an excursion planned to the tomb of General Francis Marion afterwards. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and the excursion was cancelled due to rain.
This years commemoration provided a good mix of education, entertainment and the solemn remembrance of the participants in this major battle. I believe that many of those who attended, came away with new found knowledge of events and participants, surrounding this important battle. As a member of the chapter, I know I look forward to participating again in next years event.
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