Colonel

To the Lt. Colonel John Virgil Matthews in Belgium

January 2002

We have found that "Family and friends" best sum up our philosophy on recreating the atmosphere of the Civil War and its camp life. We portray with honor the brave soldiers of the 3rd Texas Cavalry and with equal honor the brave soldiers of their counter part, the 6th US Cavalry.

In America, most Reenactors want to do or be the representatives of the South. If everyone did that all the time, there could be no historical battles as there would be very few Northern soldiers to fight.

So we can bring the history of the Civil War to the public we also wear the Blue and portray the Union with equal honor.

We leave the choices of what you do up to you as our American Civil War was about the Freedom of Choice.

Yes, we would be most honored to have you fly the proud colors of the 3rd Texas Cavalry. I know the original soldiers would be greatly honored. If you do come under the flag of the 3rd Texas Cavalry, as you say you want to, remember that you represent Freedom. The Freedom of Choice. We suggest, but do not require, that you be open to membership of men and women and that you develop a Union impression. The freedom of America and the Freedom of Belgium was maintained by men and women who gave up their lives so others might be free.

Even when you portray a soldier of 140 years ago you are also portraying the freedom he or she loved so much.

In addition to becomeing part of the 3rd Texas Cavalry, you are also become part of the Texas Legion. Every year, the weekend before Thanksgiving, we have a battle at a real Texas plantation that existed during the Civil War. You are most welcome, to plan and come to Texas to participate with us as part of the 3rd Texas Cavalry and part of the Texas Legion.

We asked you portray the 3rd Texas Cavalry with honor and integrity and never disgrace the flag you fly as you ride into mock battle educating those who watch as to how costly freedom is to get and keep.

Denny G. Hair
Colonel, Commanding
3rd Texas Cavalry
Headquarters Company
State of Texas
United States of America (formerly CSA 1860-1865)

Texas Legion XO
Wil Gibson, Commanding

The flying of the Texas Flag does not require permission of the Governor of the State of Texas. In fact, if I or we were to request this of the Governor, it could cause some political discomfort for him. As you may know, the American War between the States is still a very hotly political debated issue and the Confederate flag, unparticular, is a source of racial divisiveness. It is far better to carry the Texas flag, along with the 3rd Texas Flag, with honor in Belgium as the original 3rd Texas Cavalry did, than to cause debate to flourish among today's politician. Our young people have a saying here in the United States. They say "Just Do it" I suggest you do just that.

It has gotten so bad among some states that all Confederate flags are banned. Kids can not even wear one on their T shirts to school for fear on inciting a fight among those who think the Confederate flag is a symbol of hate.

I suggest you carry the Texas Flag to honor the original 3rd Texas Cavalry and do so in a historical sense of history and leave the present political situation in the United States to the present.

I know that the companies of the 3rd Texas Cavalry today would be honored that you take the Texas Flag into battle with you. We have a California company that does.

As for a certificate of Command to the Rank of Lt. Colonel, 3rd Texas Cavalry, I would be honored to make you one. As Lt. Colonel, you will have rank duty and honor of all officers and the privilege to elevate those to rank you see fit.