For Michael Kelley of Pascagoula, the Civil War is complicated.

"There's a lot of truth out there that's not taught because it's inconvenient," said Kelley.

Kelley uses his own Web site to promote the story of Confederate soldiers of color, a story he said is seldom told. A native of Virginia and a history buff, Kelley was one of many visitors at the 12th Annual Fall Muster at Beauvoir.

Cannons roared, men died, and the wounded were treated at mobil hospitals during battle reenactments staged Saturday and Sunday.

Kelley said that amid all the action, some facts have been lost.

"Rather than deal with it (people) ignore it," he said.

Photo/BillColgin - MS Press

On January 11, 1998, Captain Kelley, Commanding, 37th Texas Cavalry (Terrell's), and Major Danylchuk, and Sergeant Edward Hall, Jr., (both from the 34th Texas in Killeen, Texas) were guest speakers at the January Jubilee Banquet of the Jackson County, Mississippi, Chapter of the NAACP to speak on the forgotten legacy of African American and other Confederates of Color.

After their presentation, there was a brief, cordial exchange with James Planer (right) of Moss Point, who spoke emotionally from the point of view of past propaganda regarding the Confederacy and Black Southerners. Mr Planer has expressed interest in helping scholarly research on the issue.

This meeting, the first of its kind, resulted in a warm welcome for the men of the 37th and 34th Texas and expressions of amazement by the courteous and enthusiastic audience. Chapter President Aneice Liddell had previously offered endorsement and support to the 37th's mission. This support was seconded by the chapter's members.

For the text of the local newspaper coverage, please go to our "From the Newspapers" page.

Troopers of the 37th from Pennsylvania, Black and White, were placed in the lead of the Memorial Day parade at Gettysburg, proudly carrying the 37th's Regimental Colors.

Trooper Anthony Searles (37th Texas, Co. B), right, (also a Buffalo Soldier reenactor) reported that they were cheered and had roses thrown to them as they marched. After the parade our troopers were interviewed and photographed by both The Camp Chase Gazetteand The Civil War News.

The above photograph appeared on page four in the Civil War News.

The 37th Texas is pleased to add to its Regimental Roster and its ranks our new Regimental Surgeon. D. Virgil Alfaro III, a vitreoretinal surgeon, is the proud descendant of Hispanic Confederates..

The 34th welcomes Captain Alfaro to Headquarters Staff.

The 37th Texas is pleased to add to its Regimental Roster and its ranks our new Regimental Chaplain, The Most Reverend Lucas Graywolf, Bishop of the Apostolic Catholic Archdiocese of Texas.

Captain Graywolf is a member of the Choctaw Indian Nation of Oklahoma, a Native American Gourd Dance Society Member, a veteran, and an officer of the South Texas Appaloosa Horse Breeders Association.

The 37th welcomes Captain Graywolf to the ranks and will assign Trooper Starin to instruct him in conduct of the Jewish Kaddosh.