1. Sons of the American Revolution
December 2015 Edition
Governor’s
Chronicle
The
A Newsletter Offering of the
Chapter, Virginia Society,
Sons of the American Revolution
Cornwallis, an elusive and masterful opponent, attempted to deceive General Davidson by sending a small number of British soldiers to Beattie’s Ford on January 31. The British commander and the bulk of his forces intended to cross the Catawba at Cowan’s Ford instead. However, Davidson, informed by Greene about Lord Cornwallis’s tactics, moved his men to Cowan’s Ford under the cover of the night. A recent storm increased the speed of the Catawba’s currents. Yet, Cornwallis was determined to defeat the Patriots, so he ordered his men across. According to historian Jerry L. Cross, British soldiers “waded in, four to a column, with bayoneted muskets and long staffs to steady them in the rough current” (Encyclopedia of N.C., p. 308). Most crossed without alerting any of the encamped Patriot forces on the other side of the river. General Davidson attempted to gather his troops to hold the line but superior British numbers and cannon outmatched the North Carolina militia. As cannonballs fell down upon the militia defense, Davidson retreated but alerted the remaining Patriot soldiers along the river’s bank.   In doing so, Davidson was shot and killed instantly. Davidson’s death caused instant panic among the Americans
' Patriot later recalled the retreat. In Narrative of the Battle of Cowan’s Ford, Robert Henry writes, “I observed Beatty loading again; I ran down another load -- when I fired, he cried, ‘it’s time to run, Bob’” (p. 11). As Henry fled from the British, his friend, Beatty, was struck by British musket fire. He writes: “I then ran at the top of my speed about one hundred yards” (p. 11). Henry’s primary source provides a first-person account of the Patriot’s retreat. The British victory at Cowan’s Ford delayed General Greene’s attempt to tire the British before engaging Cornwallis in a major battle. Cross writes that the retreat “forced him to make an uncertain race to the Dan River to cross into Virginia, where he rested his troops, secured reinforcements, and procured much-needed supplies” (p. 308). Yet, the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, Greene’s prediction of a major battle with Cornwallis’s forces, soon occurred on March 15, Today, the present site of the Battle of Cowan’s Ford rests under Lake Norman near Charlotte, North Carolina. A memorial site rests near the area that honors General William Lee Davidson.
Battle of Cowan’s Ford (February 1, 1781)
In the later months of the Revolutionary War, Lord Charles Cornwallis marched his British forces through the backcountry of North Carolina to intercept General Nathanael Greene and his Patriot troops. On February 1, 1781, the Battle of Cowan’s Ford, near present-day Mecklenburg County, was General Greene’s attempt to prevent a full scale battle with the superior British forces. Although Lord Cornwallis successfully tricked the Patriot forces at Cowan’s Ford, General Greene was able to elude the British with his “fight-and-retreat” strategy.
As General Greene marched his troops through North Carolina, the British chased him and the Patriots through Piedmont North Carolina. General Greene knew that Cornwallis had to cross the Catawba River to continue his pursuit, and he predicted that the British would cross Beattie’s Ford or Cowan’s Ford. With the knowledge of the Brit’s intentions, Greene commissioned General William Lee Davidson with a small force of about five hundred militiamen to stymie Cornwallis’s advance.
December 2015 Edition
Page One

2. BINGO! Our Next Meeting The SAR Afield January 4th 2015 7:00 PM
The Governor’s Chronicle
Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter, SAR
Our Next Meeting
Saturday January 9th, 2016
Social 6:30 PM– Cash Bar
Meeting starts at 7:00 PM.
Fort Magruder Inn&Conference Center ,6945 Pocahontas Trail (Rt. 60 east)
The SAR Afield
Upcoming Events in
Our Region & Beyond
Bingo VA Hospital
January 4th 2015
Hampton, VA
TNJ & Williamsburg
Joint Chapter Meeting
January 9th 2016
Williamsburg, VA
Battle of Cowpens
January 15th & 16th 2015
Spartanburg, SC
Chapter BOM meeting
January 23rd, 2016 at 09:00am
Sentara Careplex
Battle of Cowan’s Ford
January 30th & 31st 2016
Huntersville, NC
Crossing of the Dan
February 12th&13th , 2016
Danville, VA
George Washington’s Birthday
February 15th, 2016
Alexandria, VA
Thomas Nelson Jr. Chapter meeting.
6:30pm Social, 7:00pm meeting
March 8th, 2016
Boxwood Inn Newport News, VA
BINGO!
VA Hospital, Hampton,
Building 148
January 4th 2015
7:00 PM
*Still Need Help*
Meet at the Domiciliary at 6:30pm to set up for the games and refreshments. Bingo starts at 7:00pm and plays for one hour or until our money ($50) is gone, whichever comes first. We clean up and leave by 8:15pm. To do a respectable job takes a minimum crew of four, but the more volunteers, the higher our Stark score. If you can arrive earlier and/or stay later to visit with the long-term patients in Bldg. 146, that’s even better!
Meal Cost: $25.00 Per Person
RSVP NLT Saturday, January 6th, 2016
to Rick Elofson
National Society SAR
Spring Leadership Meeting
February,
126th Congress
Friday, 8th – 13th July
Fall Leadership Meeting
29th – Oct 1st, 2016
National Society information:
Virginia Society SAR
VASSAR Annual Meeting
February 19th – 20th, 2016
Richmond VA
2015 Committee Chairmen
Citizenship Vacant
Eagle Scout Bruce Meyer
Flag Vacant
Graves Gerald Runyan
Newsletter Vacant
Public Safety Jeff Brown
ROTC/
JROTC Ken Wood
Veteran’s
Affairs Ken Wood
Board of Managers
Joe Shipes
Jim Sample
Gerald Runyan
2015 Chapter Officers
President Bruce Meyer
1st Vice Dr. Dan Warren
2nd Vice Robert Haley
Secretary Mason Ware
Treasurer Rick Elofson
Registrar Jim Sample
Chaplain Gary Hodges
Public
Relations Sam Endicott
Surgeon William Old III MD
If those receiving a copy of this newsletter by USPS have an account, please reply via to:
Rick Elofson at
Page Two
December 2015 Edition

3. November 10th Chapter Meeting
The Governor’s Chronicle
Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter, SAR
November 10th Chapter Meeting
Compatriots Paul Gardner and Dr. Warren (above). Compatriot Rick Elofson (Below)
Gary Hodges receives a supplemental(above) New Chapter member Col. Dillon and Mrs. Dillon(below)
Compatriot John Priest gives a summary of his Military Service
Thomas P. Nelson as Governor Thomas Nelson Jr.
Page Three
December 2015 Edition

4. Chapter Update President Bruce Meyer The Governor’s Chronicle
Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter, SAR
Chapter Update
President Bruce Meyer
Greeting Compatriots,
I would like to extend to all of you the best wishes in The past year has been a strong one for our chapter. At our November meeting SAR Military service medals were presented to Compatriots Ken Wood, Dr. Dan Warren, John Priest and Gary Hodges. Each gave a summary of their service. The chapter also gained a new member as Colonel Robert Dillon received his membership rosette. This was all preceded by former chapter member Thomas P. Nelson in period attire as his ancestor Governor Thomas Nelson Jr. One more note from the November meeting, Chapter minutes will no longer be included as part of the newsletter, instead will be posted on the chapter’s web site going forward.
The day after our meeting was Veterans Day. It was my pleasure to present the Chapter’s wreath during the ceremony at Colonial Williamsburg. It was a sunny day, cool temperatures (great for coat and tie) and the pleasant company of fellow Patriots. The Ceremony included a presentation of Flags of the Revolution that was very well done and I was honored to have a great view in the wreath presenter’s row. After the ceremony I was the guest of the Williamsburg chapter for its membership meeting.
In December the Battle of Great Bridge anniversary was held on the 5th. Colonel Dillon and I attended. The chapter wreath was presented followed by lunch at Kelly’s tavern. This was my first time at the Great Bridge event, Robert’s ancestor was involved in the battle and I have been reading about patriots who fought from Isle of Wight Virginia which made it interesting for both of us. During the ceremony the draw bridge opened up for boat traffic making for some nice photos, (I will have them posted on Facebook and the website). The location is close the park with big plans for improvement and an education center about the revolution. This park and others like it will have great impact over many generations. Consider supporting them when you can.
December 12th Compatriots Ken Wood, Walt Neville, Mike Humphreys, and Everett Felt volunteered at Yorktown Cemetery for Wreath Across America, while I volunteered at Hampton Veterans Cemetery on behalf of the Chapter and Gary Hodges presented a wreath for the Merchant Marines representing the Scottish society. That’s a lot of service from a few compatriots, well done Gentlemen! The weather was very good for the ceremony and placement of the wreaths. In Hampton, each Branch of service was represented by a company sized contingents, Sailors from USS Lincoln, Airmen from Langley and Soldiers from Ft. Eustis.Very nice to see our service personnel in person. The speaker Commander Jim Landrom was a very impressive. During his very stirring remarks one of the sailors on stage fainted. This did not shake the Commander at all, he remained focused and called for a medic. In a second three Navy corpsman where on stage and the Commander was full “speech” ahead. The speech he delivered was so impressive I will be inviting him to join us for a future meeting.
One of the goals set in January was to field a candidate for the orations contest. I am pleased to report we have a candidate who will attend the next meeting. We will be able to see her practice her oration skills at the meeting. Additionally we have received two entries for the Eagle Scout contest, one is very strong. With these candidates the chapter will have increased its support for SAR youth programs and has an oration contestant for the first time in over ten years!
The year has been very successful thanks to all the support you the members of this chapter have given. Please be sure to join your fellow compatriots for Bingo at the Hampton Va on January 4th at 6:30pm and the next chapter meeting, jointly with the Williamsburg Chapter, January 9th at 7:00 pm, in Williamsburg at the Fort Magruder Inn.
In conclusion, may you all have happiness and good health in the New Year and Devine Providence for our Great Republic!
You’re most humble Servant,
R. Bruce Meyer
Page Four
December Edition

5. Flags of The Revolution are presented
The Governor’s Chronicle
Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter, SAR
Yorktown Day
SAR members in attendance for Veterans Day
Flags of The Revolution are presented
Richard Schumann as Patrick Henry
Boy Scout of Troop 1932
Color Guard Commander Darrin Schmidt
Patrick Henry (Richard Schumann)with the DAR members in attendance.
Yes even the Union Jack was represented for Veterans Day 2015
Page Five
December 2015 Edition

6. Battle of Great Bridge Anniversary 2015
The Governor’s Chronicle
Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter, SAR
Battle of Great Bridge Anniversary 2015
Bridge lift photo bomb! (on left)
Preston Grissom gives his remarks on the importance of educating the young (on right).
Thomas Nelson Chapter President Bruce Meyer and VASSAR 1st VP Ed Truslow.(left)
Compatriot Mike Lyman. (right)
The Culpepper minutemen Flag carried by those who fought.
Members of the Color guard preparing for the Ceremony.
Page Six
December Edition

7. Wreaths Across America Hampton Cemetery
The Governor’s Chronicle
Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter, SAR
Wreaths Across America Hampton Cemetery
Bruce Meyer and Commander Landrom, USN. (above)
Compatriot Gary Hodges Presented wreath for Merchant Marine (above)
Page Seven
December Edition

8. Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center
Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter, SAR
The Governor’s Chronicle
Annual Meeting of the Thomas Nelson Jr and Williamsburg Chapters
The Thomas Nelson Jr Chapter invites all members, and their ladies, to attend the annual joint dinner meeting with the Williamsburg Chapter. Virginia Society SAR president, Reverdy E. Wright, will be the guest and will officially install the 2016 officers. We look forward to seeing you there. The price Is $25.00 per person.
Social 6:30 PM– Cash Bar Meeting starts at 7:00PM.
RSVP NLT :Wednesday January 6th, 2016 to Rick Elofson
Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center
6945 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, VA 23185,
Page Eight
December 2015 Edition

9. Event Details The Governor’s Chronicle Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter, SAR
Bingo VA Hospital,
January 4th 2015 at 6:30pm
Hampton, VA
TNJ & Williamsburg Joint Chapter Meeting
January 9th 2016 at 6:30, dinner at 7:00pm
Williamsburg, VA
Battle of Cowpens
January 15th & 16th 2015,
Spartanburg, SC
Wreath collection ( picking up from the graves ) for Wreath across America
January 16th, 2016,
Yorktown and Hampton vets cemetery.
Battle of Cowan’s Ford,
January 30th & 31st 2016,
Huntersville, NC
2016 is the first year as a SAR National event!  The Mecklenburg chapter invites you to attend the 235th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowan’s Ford beginning at 9:00am with our traditional “biscuits and coffee” breakfast and social at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville, NC  The main ceremony begins at 10:00am.
Crossing of the Dan,
February 12th&13th , 2016,
Danville, VA
Saturday, February 13, activities get underway at 10 a.m. The guest speaker will be Janet Uhlar, author of, “Freedom’s Cost: The Story of Nathanael Greene.” She specializes in biographical-fiction of Revolutionary War heroes.
We will have the wreath presentation (weather permitting) beginning at 11:00am at the site on the Dan River. We hope the re-enactors can cross the Dan.
George Washington’s Birthday
February 15th, 2016
Alexandria, VA
VASSAR Annual Meeting
February 19th – 20th, 2016
Richmond VA
Thomas Nelson Jr. Chapter meeting.
March 8th, 2016
Boxwood Inn Newport News, VA
Upcoming Event past March Chapter membership meeting:
Battle of Guilford Courthouse, March 12th – 13th, 2016
James Madison Birthday, March 16th, 2016
VACAR annual meeting,
Good Citizen Gala, George Washington Chapter host, March 26th, 2016
Page Nine
December 2015 Edition