Photo AlbumsSoldiers and Sailors Monument Finding AideThese documents from the GNMP V17-37 CSA Soldiers and Sailors Monument Files are related to the NPS approval of the erection of the CSA Soldiers and Sailors Monument on the Gettysburg Battlefield. They are presented in chronological order. 1. List of NPS Officials involved in CSA Soldiers and Sailors Monument Dedication A partial list of NPS officials not necessarily on the invitation list to the dedication. 2. List of Local Individuals involved in CSA Soldiers and Sailors Monument Dedication A partial list of local officials not necessarily on the invitation list to the dedication. 3. Russell Wolfe M.D to Judge William Beard, Sept. 10, 1959 Dr. Wolfe was an attending physician to Walter Washington Williams. He writes his friend Judge Beard to say that Governor Daniel of Texas has reaffirmed the authenticity of Walter Washington Williams’ pension claim which was settled some 30 years ago. 4. Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC to James Myers Supt., GNMP, Aug. 10, 1962 Mrs. Kibler recalls her discussions with Supt. Myers during the planning and dedication of the Georgia Monument at Gettysburg. Because there seems to be a difference of opinion for this monument, she’s wondering if the monument should include a figure of a Confederate soldier and might be more appropriate. Perhaps recalling Walter Williams, similar to the Union Monument erected for Albert Woolson. 5. James Myers Supt. Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) to Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC, Aug. 14, 1962 This letter from Supt. Myers replies to Mrs. Kibler’s letter of August 10 and reminds her of the need for approval of the Monument design by the NPS Regional Director. 6. Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC to James Myers Supt. GNMP, Jan. 11, 1963 Mrs. Kibler seeks Supt. Myers’ opinion on the design of the monument, and she poses a number of questions to Supt. Myers. 7. James Myers Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC, Jan. 15, 1963 Supt. Myers recalls working with Mrs. Kibler during the planning and completion of the Georgia Monument at the GNMP and again reminds her the Director of the NPS has final approval of the monument. He also mentions such things as site selection and exact scale drawings and approval of the inscriptions as necessary steps for approval. 8. Maynelle Smith for Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to James Myers Supt. GNMP, Feb. 25, 1963 Mrs. Hamilton Smith asks Supt. Myers “What are the steps necessary for us to take to arrange for this monument?” And she asks once again to meet Supt. Myers on March 19th. 9. James Myers Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, Feb 27, 1963 Supt. Myers responds to Mrs. Hamilton Smith’s letter of February 25 by providing her with key procedures necessary before the NPS can approve a new monument. A copy of the proposed original monument design (Harris) was attached to this letter. 10. Maynelle Smith for Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to S. G. Sollenberger Acting Supt. GNMP, March 2, 1963 Mrs. Hamilton Smith requests a meeting with Acting Supt. Sollenberger on March 19th. 11, Maynelle Smith for Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to James Myers Supt. GNMP, March 2, 1963 Mrs. Hamilton Smith’s secretary confirms receipt of materials sent to her and will let Mrs. Smith know of the proposed meeting at the GNMP on March 19th. 12. Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC to Coordinating Council of the UDC and SCV, March 5, 1963 Mrs. Kibler summarizes the progress of the Monument committee regarding the Gettysburg monument and regrets she cannot be at the upcoming Board Meeting. 13. S.G. Sollenberger Acting Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, March 6, 1963 Confirmation of the meeting of March 19th with Acting Supt. Sollenberger. 14. Maynelle Smith for Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to S. G. Sollenberger Acting Supt., GNMP, March 12, 1963 Mrs. Hamilton Smith request to meet with Acting Supt. Sollenberger on March 19th. 15. S. G. Sollenberger Acting Asst. Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, March 15, 1963 Confirmation of Sullenberger’s meeting on March 19th with Mrs. Hamilton Smith. And he reminds her “foundations are always placed by those erecting monuments on the Park.” 16. S. G. Sollenberger Acting Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, March 21, 1963 Acting Supt. Sollenberger provides a list of five sites suited to the Soldiers and Sailors monument currently in its planning stages. 17. Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC to Senator Richard B. Russell U.S. Senate, April 1, 1963 Mrs. Kibler provides her report as General Chairman of the Committee for “Promotion of the Monument to be Erected at Gettysburg for the passing of the Confederate Army and Navy.” Also attached are the proposed Harris designs for the monument. 18. Senator Richard B. Russell U.S. Senate to Director NPS, April 5, 1963 Senator Russell’s office is requesting of the NPS Director what he may know of a conflict within the UDC leadership to replace the current monument sculptor. 19. Regional Director, Northeast Region to Senator Richard B. Russell U.S. Senate, April 16, 1963 “The National Park Service does not receive appropriations for placing monument foundations and we, therefore, would not be able to assist the United Daughters of the Confederacy in their project. Care and maintenance of the structure would be assumed by the United States after its erection, but the cost of construction must be borne by the sponsoring organization.” 20. Maynelle Smith for Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC, April 17, 1963 Mrs. Smith writes about the admission requirements for a Society not named in the letter(?) and informs that funding for the monument is proceeding in North Carolina and Florida. She also mentions representatives to the committee include Sons of Confederate Veterans, Mr. Sturdivant, Judge Beard and two others. Mr. Sturdivant “suggests the committee “select the design and sculptures and if possible, submit designs.” 21. Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC, May 15, 1963 Mrs. Kibler is informed Georgia granite will be used and Mr. Simon recommended it. She also states, “The final responsibility of the monument would rest on my shoulders.” 22. S.G. Sollenberger Acting Supt. GNMP to Ernest Hammaker, Sept. 10,1963 Mr. Sollenberger becomes aware Mr. Reese will be the designer of the monument and Georgia blue granite will be used. 23. Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC, Ed C. Sturdivant CINC SCV, and Committee, Nov. 20, 1963 Mrs. Kibler provides Mrs. Hamilton Smith a list of the “Members of committee to Select Sculptor and Design” for the new Monument. But She regrets she did not receive a copy of the design and provides her reasoning. 24. Ed C. Sturdivant CINC SCV to Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC, Nov. 27, 1963 Mr. Sturdivant regrets Mrs. Kibler does not agree with the decision to not approve the original monument design and while he has some misgivings regarding the DeLue design “I do regard it as completely worthy in every sense of the word.” A copy of the new design is attached. 25. Maynelle Smith for Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC, Dec. 2, 1963 Mrs. Hamilton Smith regrets Mrs. Kibler did have the opportunity to see the DeLue design but chides her “I will not slap you on the wrist, of that you may be sure.” She also distances herself in that she would like to have Mr. Simon named as the architect, and she is in contact with the new sculptor Mr. DeLue. 26. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC, Dec. 24, 1963 Supt. Wing thought his office might be of some assistance in the Monument approval process from the Director of the NPS and he offers his assistance to Mrs. Kibler for that purpose. He also copies this letter to Mrs. Hamilton Smith. 27. Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, Dec. 30, 1963 Mrs. Kibler explains her understanding of what transpired when the decision was made to change the design and select Mr. DeLue. She also criticizes his design and brings up some advantages of the Harris design. 28. Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC & UDC Committee for Promotion of Monument to CSA Army and Navy at Gettysburg to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP Dec. 30, 1963 Mrs. Kibler addresses her preference for Harris’ design instead of a design by DeLue. She also indicates her preference for blue granite from Mr. Greenway, President of Cobb Co. and Memorial Co. at a lower cost. 29. Donald De Lue Sculptor to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, Jan. 7, 1964 Mr. DeLue introduces himself to Supt. Wing as being awarded the commission for the Confederate monument at Gettysburg and he asks for guidance in the project. 30. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Regional Director Northeast Region, Jan. 9, 1964 Supt. Wing acknowledges the new DeLue design of the Monument and sympathizes with Mrs. Kibler’s difficulties. But believes “It will surprise me greatly if we find any reason for rejection.” 31. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Donald DeLue Sculptor, Jan. 14, 1964 Supt. Wing acknowledges receipt of the DeLue designs. 32. Donald DeLue Sculptor to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, Jan. 21, 1964 DeLue encloses two photstats of the proposed new design of the UDC Monument. (no copies are attached) 33. George Palmer Acting Regional Director Northeast Region to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, Jan. 22, 1964 Mr. Palmer acting on behalf of Director Lee states Mr. Lee “agreed completely with you…We cannot take sides in this controversy or reject a design we have not seen…” 34. Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, Jan. 23, 1964 Mrs. Kibler submits two monument designs (not included here) and she states “Please abide by your rules concerning individuals, especially one whose record is as obscured as Mr. Williams is. The fact that he lived 2 years longer than the rest is not reason to erect a monument to him.” She also mentions “that an effort is going to be made to bring pressure on the Park Service to still allow his name on it. 35. Signed Contract between UDC, SCV and Donald DeLue Sculptor, Feb. 1, 1964 A copy of the signed contract between the UDC, SCV and DeLue with costs and drawings of the Monument as it was originally proposed is provided. 36. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC, Feb. 3, 1964 Supt. Wing is aware that a new Sculptor and design has been approved by the UDC and suggests to Mrs. Kibler that the NPS will ensure that whatever design is finally selected by the sponsor, the NPS will ensure it is appropriate for memorialization. 37. William Mason, Mason Memorials to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, Feb. 5, 1964 Mr. Mason confirms with Supt. Wing that the issue of an eternal flame on the monument “would not be acceptable” but presents two alternatives. 38. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to William Mason, Mason Memorials with copy and p.s. to Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC. Feb. 7, 1964 Supt. Wing provides a qualified approval to “a solid bronze ornament to represent a flame” and “omitting the bronze at the top of the shaft,” but points out the Office of the Director of the NPS makes the final decision. 39. Ed C. Sturdivant CINC SCV to William Beard Judge Advocate-in-Chief SCV March 2, 1964 Ed Sturdivant Commander in Chief of the Sons of Confederate Veterans writes Judge Beard that “It is a sad commentary on traditional southern dignity and intelligence when a small number of the disgruntled become self-appointed criterions and exalted arbiters of art in sculpture.” He also states he will attend the meeting in Richmond on March 22. If by that date “all problems of sabotage have not been resolved,” he will regard it as his “duty to withdraw all support of the Sons of the Confederacy.” 40. Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC Report to U.D.C. on Monument at Gettysburg, March 9, 1964 This is the “Report to UDC on Monument at Gettysburg,” It describes the efforts of Gertrude Kibler’s stewardship of this monument’s progress which was not her first and some of the obstacles she had to clear before the monument became reality on the fields of Gettysburg. The issue of a Georgia donation check and its donation to the UDC is something of an issue. 41. Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC to William Beard Judge Advocate-in-Chief SCV, March 17, 1964 Mrs. Gertrude Kibler has written a lengthy letter to Judge Beard stating, “I have said that I believe if you had the true picture of the monument at Gettysburg, you would not have taken the stand you did in the last meeting.” She goes on to explain the complications she and her committee face in coordinating the multi-state fundraising and the political relationships needed for each of the State Governors. Disapproval of the DeLue sculpture is also expressed among other officials as well. 42. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Regional Director Lee, April 27, 1964 Supt. Wing sends a note stating the proposed design of the UDC monument designed by Mr. DeLue is “under fire” by Mrs. Kibler. A handwritten note suggests money for the monument would be withheld if the DeLue design is accepted. 43. Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, May 1, 1964) The first page of a letter from Mrs. Hamilton Smith provides the results of the Richmond Meeting on the proposed Gettysburg Monument. The sculptor has been selected and the Monument will be designated as “A Memorial to the Army and Navy of the Confederate States of America.” Issues still remain to be addressed.Mrs. Hamilton Smith also mentions a delay of the dedication date and that Judge Beard has drawn up a contract for the monument. A handwritten note is added saying “Total cost $36,000.” 44. Memorandum for the Files Kittridge Wing Supt., GNMP May 6, 1964 This Memorandum for the files regards a letter dated May 4th from Mrs. Hamilton Smith concerning a contract being signed with Mr. DeLue without the submission of plans for the monument to Gettysburg. He also states he contacted Mrs. Smith to explain the situation. 45. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to his secretary May 18, 1964 Instructions from Supt. Wing to his secretary to send copies of photographs to DeLue and Mrs. Hamilton Smith. 46. Donald De Lue Sculptor to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP May 28, 1964 DeLue has sent photos of his drawings (not attached) and which he states “cover the sculptural and architectural details or the Confederate Army and Navy Memorial.” 47. Harry Pfanz GNMP comments on Proposed Memorial by DeLue June 3, 1964 Harry Pfanz Historian for the GNMP “has strong reservations regarding its appropriateness in this Park.” He goes on to detail these “reservations.” 48. Frederick Tilberg GNMP comments on The Proposed Confederate States Memorial, June 3, 1964 Frederick Tilberg GNMP details his concerns about the monument and its appropriateness at Gettysburg including the representation of the figure’s hair and the “propriety of emphasizing the last (Confederate) survivor.” 49. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Regional Director, Northeast Region, June 4, 1964 Supt. Wing sends the plans, elevations and photos for submission. (not attached) He also comments “there are some “unfortunate features in the design.” 50. Edward Abbuehl Acting Chief Landscape Architect, EODC to Regional Director, Northeast Region, June 12, 1964 Mr. Abbuehl the Chief Landscape Architect for the Park with a sketch showing the proposed location of the monument and it has been “generally agreed with by Mrs. Hamilton Smith, Judge Beard and Mr. DeLue.” 51. Ronald Lee Regional Director, Northeast Region copy to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, June 23, 1964 Approval is requested by the UDC and the SCV for the placing of a monument in the GNMP. Lee then goes on to outline the review process. 52. Acting Regional Director, Northeast Region to Supt. Gettysburg, June 25, 1964 The Acting Director believes additional data is required from the two organizations “prior “to the NPS authorizing the placing of this monument and suggests that these organizations “clarify” and authenticate items 2 and 3 from the Director’s letter of June 23, 1964. His files “Contain no formal request” from either the UDC or the SCV. He believes he should have a formal request from them before it is presented to the Director for approval. 53. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, July 1, 1964 Supt. Wing confirms the points outlined in a telephone conversation with Mrs. Hamilton Smith including recommendations from Mr. Lee Regional Director of the NPS. Also discussed were the listing of Border States on the monument and status of Walter Williams. 54. Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, July 3, 1964 The issue of the three Border States, Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri appearing on the Confederate monument is to be addressed by repositioning their location and “clarifying their position” in the inscription. 55. Col. Robert A. Caivi USAF for Col. Julian B. Cross Director for Community Relations to Edmund Gass Asst. Exec. Director Civil War Centennial Commission, July 7, 1964 Col. Caivi responds to a letter Mr. Gass sent to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (not included in our collection) stating the “Department of Defense would interpose no objection to the reburial in Arlington to the remains of the last survivors of the Union and Confederate forces in side-by-side graves at an appropriate site…” The Colonel goes on to mention the legislative history concerning the last Union survivor but points out that the Department of the Army can find “no clear records in the National Archives that either Mr. Williams or Mr. Salling “either served in the Confederate States Forces; much doubt was cast during Mr. Williams’ lifetime on the accuracy of his claims; and “…the burial of either man would be in the nature of an exception.” 56. Ben Thompson Asst. Director Northeast Region to Regional Director Northeast Region, July 9, 1964 Mr. Thompson responds to the DeLue statue’s design and the recognition of Walter Washington Williams even with its modern history of today (1950s -1960s) we consider the issue a “controversy, (and) ask them to delete the reference to the last survivor.” And finally, the issue of Kentucky’s, Missouri’s and Maryland’s inclusion would be “permitting great liberties with the facts.” 57. Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General and Ed C. Sturdivant CINC SCV to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, July 10, 1964 Judge William Beard is the legal advisor of the UDC and is also Judge Advocate -in-chief of the SCV. Also “the plans and designs submitted by Mr. DeLue constitute a proposal approved by our respective organizations.” 58. William Beard Judge Advocate-in-Chief SCV to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, July 10, 1964) Judge Beard’s response to Mrs. Hamilton Smith’s letter of July 1, 1964 to Supt. Wing. A copy of the contract between the UDC, SCV and Donald DeLue the sculptor was included (not attached in this copy). This letter also provides justification for placing Kentucky and Missouri on the monument and in the case of Maryland, the state “never passed an ordinance of secession and more than 20,000 Marylanders fought for the Confederacy.” Battle flags of all the Confederate states including the three above were also advocated by Judge Beard. Judge Beard also mentions his correspondence with a Dr. Russell S. Wolfe dated November 10, 1959 who attended Walter W. Williams as a patient including his last illness, The Judge believes a past official of the SCV has a file on Walter W. Williams and he will forward it to Supt. Wing. 59. Acting Regional Director, Northeast Region to Supt. Gettysburg, (No Enclosure) July 14, 1964 A meeting is to be arranged “to reach an agreement on the proposed inscription pertaining to the last surviving Confederate veteran.” 60. John May State of SC House of Rep. to U.S. Senator Olin Johnston Washington DC, July 15, 1964 This early letter to U.S. Senator Olin Johnston Senator of South Carolina from John Mar State Representative from South Carolina asks the Senator’s help in securing the approval from the NPS. 61. Senator Olin Johnston US Senate to Conrad Wirth Director NPS DOI, July 17, 1964 Senator Johnston is asking Director Wirth to give his consideration to the “project of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans and the United Daughters of the Confederacy to erect a monument at the GNMP.” 62. Walter Coleman Historian to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, July 17, 1964 An attached letter (not attached) “may shed light on the credentials of the last Confederate veteran.” 63. William Beard Judge Advocate-in-Chief SCV to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, July 17, 1964 Judge Beard submits further justification regarding the three border states’ inclusion in the monument to gain its acceptance on the monument. 64. Senator Strom Thurmond US Senate to George Hartzog Assoc. Director NPS, July 20, 1964 The Senator sends this cover letter and an attachment which is missing asking that the Senator’s inquiry is on behalf of a constituent. 65. Maynelle Smith for Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, July 21, 1964 Judge Beard will attend the conference at the Ben Franklin on July 28th. 66. Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, July 22, 1964 Mrs. Hamilton Smith is informed a meeting is scheduled for July 28th at the Ben Franklin with the Regional Director NPS. 67. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Regional Director Northeast Region, July 23, 1964 A letter dated July 10, 1964 formalizes the request to “construct the DeLue monument (no attachment).” In addition, the question on Walter Washington Williams the last survivor? will be taken up. 68. J.C. Lambert Maj. General, USA the Adjutant General to Ben Thompson Asst. Dir. NPS July 24, 1964 Major General Lambert notifies Mr. Thomson that the Civil War service record for confederate Walter W. Williams has not been located in the National Archives contrary to the President’s proclamation of December 25, 1959 stating Mr. Williams was a member of Hood’s Brigade. (Note. The validity of Williams’ claims to being the last surviving Confederate soldier will be a sticking point in the design of the monument and negotiations with the NPS through much of the monument approval process.) 69. Asst. Director Howard R. Stagner to Senator Olin Johnston US Senate, July 28, 1964 Stagner’s letter to Senator Johnston informs him the “design has our (NPS) approval”. 70. Howard R. Stagner Acting Asst. Director Northeast Regional NPS to Senator Strom Thurmond US Senate, July 28,1964 The general outline of the proposed Confederate memorial at Gettysburg are satisfactory to the NPS and only a few details remain to be decided. 71. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, July 30, 1964 Supt. Wing provides a list of agreements made at the meeting of July 26th regarding the Walter Washington Williams inscription. 72. Maynelle Smith for Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP Aug. 1, 1964 Letter from Mrs. Hamilton Smith thanking Supt. Wing for his “cooperation and advice pertaining to the monument inscription.” 73. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Regional Dir. Northeast Region, Aug. 4, 1964 Supt. Wing forwards a copy of a letter from Mrs. R.H. Smith after the conference in his office. 74 Donald DeLue Sculptor to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, Aug. 10, 1965 Mr. DeLue provides Supt. Wing with a progress report including details of the plinth, the changes in the inscriptions on the bronze medallion and the “pinkish” granite.“The figure is coming on nicely” but a Fall dedication is unlikely. Glossy 8x10 photos requested by DeLue are provided (but not attached) in this letter from Supt. Wing. 75. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Donald DeLue Sculptor, Aug. 11, 1964 Supt. Wing is writing DeLue to suggest that the figure portrayed on the monument might be misinterpreted and that it does not represent Walter Washington Williams. Also, suggestions that the location of the monument might be better “across the avenue” would conflict with future plans for the Longstreet Memorial. 76. Ben H. Thompson Asst. Dir. NPS to Regional Director Northeast Region, Aug. 12, 1964 Ben Thompson encloses copies advising that there is no service record for Walter Washington Williams during the Civil War. 77. Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, Aug. 21, 1964 Mrs. Hamilton agrees with the substitution of “was” for the inscription on the monument. 78. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General Aug. 25, 1964 Supt. Wing agrees with the addition of the word “was” for the inscription on the monument. And agrees with DeLue that a delay in the dedication is necessary. 79. Donald DeLue Sculptor to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, Sept. 10, 1964 DeLue is in agreement with the changes recommended by the Park and the granite contract will provide for delivery in the Spring. And the clay rendering of the statue is nearly complete. 80. Donald DeLue Sculptor to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, Sept. 10, 1964 DeLue is providing a progress report to Mrs. Hamilton Smith and delays, including granite delivery are forcing the dedication to be postponed until Spring of next year and DeLue suggests early June a pleasant time for the dedication. 81. William Beard Judge Advocate-in-Chief SCV to Mrs. Jasper Smith Oklahoma UDC, Oct. 19, 1964 Judge Beard and William Marty a SCV member visited DeLue’s studio to view the proposed statue. “This statue represents a Confederate Soldier who has dropped his weapons and who has picked up the Confederate Battle Flag, raised it over his head and with his right hand signals the Confederate troops to follow the Battle Flag as he advances toward the enemy over rough ground.” The Judge goes on to praise the imagery of the statue, the physicality of the soldier portrayed the “ideals and fighting qualities of the Confederate soldier.” 82. Donald DeLue Sculptor to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, December 28, 1964 DeLue has been asked by the architect if Supt. Wing can provide information on the orientation of the pedestal and statue. 83. William Beard Judge Advocate-in-Chief SCV to Donald DeLue Sculptor, December 31, 1964 Supt. Wing and Mr. Lee believe the inscription regarding Walter Washington Williams should be changed. 84. William Beard Judge Advocate-in-Chief SCV to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, Jan. 4, 1965 Judge Beard has enclosed a proposed inscription (not attached) from DeLue to Supt. Wing for his approval. And he also enclosed a letter sent to “about 60 outstanding leaders of the UDC and SCV” (also not attached). 85. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Donald DeLue Sculptor, Jan. 4,1965 DeLue is sending Supt. Wing a scaled sketch of the proposed statue and is asking questions about its orientation regarding the surrounding landscape and historical landmarks in its view. 86. Mrs. Wilbur Deitz Secretary for Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Miss Desiree Franklin, Feb. 23, 1965 Supt. Wing’s secretary will be glad to “investigate the possibilities” for Miss Franklin’s luncheon in connection with the June 3rd dedication of the Monument. 87. Maynelle Smith for Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP Feb. 24, 1965 Mrs. Quentin Gregory, President General UDC has asked Mrs. Hamilton Smith to chair the upcoming dedication services. And she’s requesting information on the current operational status of the Holiday Inn, advice on a local school band interested in performing at the dedication and who should approach the Gettysburg Chamber of Commerce. 88. S.G. Sollenberger Acting Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, March 1, 1965 Acting Supt. Sollenberger addresses question from Mrs. Hamilton Smith regarding a June 3, 1965 date for the dedication and the Holiday Inn has “adequate space for several hundred people.” And contact information is provided to Mrs. Smith for both the Holiday Inn and the Principal of Gettysburg High School for their possible participation in the dedication. 89. Maynelle Smith for Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to S.G. Sollenberger Acting Supt. GNMP March 24, 1965 Judge Beard has learned from DeLue there will be a delay in completing the bronze figure and it will be necessary to delay the dedication to August. 90. Wm. Henry Deacy A.I.A. to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, March 29, 1965 Mr. Deacy asks Supt. Wing for a copy of the print providing information on “how the pedestal and statue will face the battlefield.” 91. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Wm. Henry Deacy A.I.A., March 30, 1965 Supt. Wing notifies Mr. Deacy he does not have a copy of the orientation sketch sent to DeLue. 92. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, March 31, 1965 Supt. Wing has learned of a delay in the monument construction but there will be no difficulty with the August date. 93. Jean Pierson Secretary to Wm. Henry Deacy A.I.A. to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, April 5, 1965 Wm. Henry Deacy acknowledges the Supt. Wing’s letter of March 30th and has the orientation sketch he sent to Mr. Deacy. 94. Maynelle Smith for Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, May 3, 1965 Mrs. Hamilton Smith has made hotel plans, the Gettysburg High School Band for music and Senator Sam Ervin will be the speaker at the dedication. And all the State Governors will be attending. Judge Beard and Mrs. Smith will be travelling to Gettysburg to work out final plans as well. 95. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, May 5, 1965 Supt. Wing believes the NPS can handle arrangements for the platform and seating for the ceremony. 96. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Regional Director Northeast Region, May 7, 1965 Supt. Wing addresses details for the speaker’s stand and chairs needed for the ceremony. Also, Senator Sam Ervin is to be the principal speaker 97. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, May 12, 1965 Mrs. Smith agrees Mr. Hartzog should be invited to the Dedication. 98. Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to George Hartzog Director NPS, May 14, 1965 Letter to Mr. Hartzog inviting him to represent the U.S. Government and accept the monument on its behalf at the Dedication ceremony. 99. George Hartzog Director NPS to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, June 2, 1965 Mr. Hartzog has tentatively accepted the Dedication invitation. 100. Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, June 17, 1965 Flowers, State flags and Press coverage are discussed for the Dedication ceremony. 101. Maynelle Smith for Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, June 17, 1965 Plans continue for the number of chairs need for the ceremony and who should accept the monument on the country’s behalf. 102. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, June 28, 1965 The issue of appropriating state flags of the period for the Dedication are discussed in this letter. 103. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Regional Director Northeast Region June 28, 1965 Supt. Wing is hoping the Regional Director is invited to the Dedication and will attend. 104. Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP July 12, 1965 Details of the Dedication are discussed and the “flag problem” has been resolved. 105. National Capital Region July 12, 1965 Supt. Wing follows up his request to National Capital Region for a platform and chairs for the Dedication and material for the platform construction. 106. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General July 15, 1965 Supt. Wing provide details of the materials the NPS will provide the UDC for the Dedication ceremony and an estimate of the number of attendees. 107. Theodore Smith Regional Director, National Capital Region to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, July 12, 1965 A request for chairs and a platform is made by Mr. Smith and details of the speaker platform are detailed. 108. Thomas Gardo Granite, Marble Statues to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, July 23,1965 Mr. Gardo sends drawings to Supt. Wing of the Monument including the base. 109. Ronald Lee Regional Dir. DOI to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General, Aug. 2, 1965 Mr. Lee regrets he will not be able to attend the Dedication of the Soldiers and Sailors monument on August 25, 1965. 110. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Donald DeLue Sculptor, Aug. 6, 1965 Supt. Wing thanks DeLue for sending him a “Lee Medal” and assures him he is expecting receipt of the photo negatives this same afternoon. 111. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Donald DeLue Sculptor, Aug. 10, 1965 8x10 glossy prints requested by DeLue are provided (but not attached) in this letter from Supt. Wing. 112. Miss Appolonia Cassidy PR to Secretary GNMP Aug. 14, 1965 Mrs. Cassidy states she will bring a Longstreet banner to a meeting with DeLue in Gettysburg for Supt. Wing to see. 113. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Miss Appolonia Cassidy PR Aug. 20, 1965 Supt. Wing addresses a question posed to him by Miss Cassidy. 114. Monument Dedication Program August 25,1965 A copy of the program and remarks given by Senator Sam Ervin from North Carolina at the Dedication Ceremony on August 25, 1965. are included. 115. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Clark Stratton Assoc. Director NPS Aug. 27, 1965 Supt. Wing sends a newspaper clipping (not included) to Clark Stratton of the dedication ceremony and invites him to visit Wing and his family soon. 116. Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, Aug. 28,1965 Mrs. Hamilton Smith expresses her thanks and help in planning the monument dedication by Supt. Wing to the UDC membership. 117. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Theodore Smith Director, National Capital Region, Aug. 31, 1965 Thanks, are given to the Regional Director NPS for his help in providing folding chairs for the dedication. 118. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Mrs. Robert Hamilton Smith UDC President General Sept. 1, 1965 Questions submitted by Mrs. Hamilton Smith are addressed in this letter by Supt. Wing. 119. Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP to Regional Dir. Northeast Region Sept. 1, 1965 Memorandum to NPS Northeast Region hoping he’ll be able to see the sculpture by Donald DeLue “before long.” 120. Donald DeLue Sculptor to Kittridge Wing Supt., Sept. 8, 1965 The final sculptor for the Soldiers and Sailors Monument thanks Supt. Wing for forwarding the M & M invoice and inquiring about an acquaintance’s interest in becoming an NPS Ranger. 121. Mrs. Wilbur Deitz Sec. GNMP to Donald DeLue Sculptor, Sept. 21, 1965 While Supt. Wing was on vacation his secretary answers a question posed to Wing regarding the NPS. 122. Judge William Beard SCV to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP, Sept. 27, 1965 Judge Beard expresses his thanks for Supt. Wing’s advice with the meeting at Gettysburg that included Mrs. Hamilton Smith of the UDC. 123. Kittridge Wing to Judge William Beard SCV, Sept. 29, 1965 Supt. Wing acknowledges Judge Beard’s kind letter and mentions Clark Stratton as the official who accepted the monument on behalf of the NPS. 124. William Beard Judge Advocate-in-Chief SCV to Clark Stratton Assoc. Director NPS Sept. 30, 1965 Judge Beard expresses his appreciation and gratitude for the patient cooperation of Clark Stratton and his staff at the meeting on August 25, 1965 at the GNMP. Meeting. It was also attended by leadership from the United Daughters of the Confederacy and Sons of the Confederate Veterans. These two organizations represent the eleven original Confederate states and three border states, Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri. 125. Clark Stratton Assoc. Director NPS to William Beard Judge Advocate-in-Chief SCV Rec'd Oct. 28, 1965 Mr. Stratton expresses his thanks for the privilege of attending the dedication of the Monument |
Last updated: March 23, 2022