NatureI have been asked to forward this notice of an upcoming symposium.
Thank you,
John R. Maass
Dept. of History
The Ohio State University
230 West 17th Ave
106 Dulles Hall
Columbus, OH  43210-1367
Ph. 614/760-9625



"Campaigning with the 'Gamecock'"
Life and Campaigns of Brig. Gen. Thomas Sumter
Mini-Symposium and Field Trips--April 8-10, 2005
Flush from the success of the Banastre Tarleton and Camden Campaign
Symposia, Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site announces a mini symposium
& field trips pertaining to the life and military campaigns of “The
 Gamecock”:  Patriot Brigadier General Thomas Sumter.

              The symposium will be held at the Kershaw-Cornwallis House at
Historic Camden from 1:00-5:00 pm on Friday, April 8th.  Lead presenter, Dr.
Dan L. Morrill, history professor at UNC-Charlotte and author of Southern
Campaigns of the American Revolution, will address Thomas Sumter’s life up
to 1780 – his early Virginia years, military service in French and Indian
War and Continental Army, London trip with three Cherokee Chiefs to meet
King George III, financial problems, and move to South Carolina.  Dr. Thomas
L. Powers, USC-Sumter history professor, will discuss Gen. Sumter, the gutsy
partisan commander of the SC militia during the 1780-81 Southern Campaign
and the tactics and battles that earned him the name of the “Gamecock.”
Thomas S. Tisdale, Charleston lawyer and author of A Lady of the High Hills,
a biography about the general’s daughter-in-law, will review Sumter’s
distinguished post-war years in politics and business.  The symposium will
close with a panel discussion about Thomas Sumter by the presenters and Dr.
Jeffrey W. Dennis, professor of history at Morehead State College, Ky.

               Evening entertainments will include a candlelight reception
at the Kershaw House on Friday evening and, on Saturday, an elegant dinner
and premier performance of a dramatic monologue on the “Gamecock,” written
and presented by noted British thespian and playwright, Howard Burnham of
Columbia, SC.

                Saturday and Sunday are devoted to field trips.  Each day,
attendees will travel by bus to some of the Gamecock’s important battle
sites, many of which are unmarked and on private property.  Bus guides will
be Charles B. Baxley and David P. Reuwer, acclaimed battle sites tour guides
of the Tarleton and Camden Campaign symposia.  An attorney by profession,
Baxley is past president of the Kershaw County Historical Society and
creator-editor of the in-depth newsletter, Southern Campaigns of the
American Revolution.  An adjunct professor of historic preservation at the
College of Charleston for the past five years, attorney Reuwer’s second
vocation is the documentation and preservation of Revolutionary War
battlefield throughout the South.  Reuwer was the lead surveyor of the Eutaw
Springs Battlefield.

               Each field trip will include opportunities to walk some of
the battle sites and hear riveting presentations by on-site guides.
Saturday will focus be on some of Sumter’s important battles in the
upcountry – from his victories at Rocky Mount on the Wateree River, Hanging
Rock, Fish Dam Ford of the Broad River, and Blackstock’s Plantation on the
Tyger River to his utter defeat at Fishing Creek (Catawba Ford).  Sunday’s
tour will encompass Sumter’s 1781 “Dog Days” of summer campaign to “thunder
at the gates of Charles Town,” which ended in defeat at Quinby
Bridge/Shubrick’s Plantation.  The field trip will end with a visit to
Sumter’s grave and a tour of the Sumter Museum, highlighted by the premier
viewing of a newly acquired portrait of Thomas Sumter and a wine & cheese
reception.

              Registration for this symposium is limited to 45 (bus
capacity), so take advantage of the early registration fee:  $250/person or
$450/couple. Full registration fees:  $275/person or $500/couple.  Historic
Camden or Kershaw County Historical Society member fees are $225/person and
$400 /couple. Friday mini symposium and candlelight reception fee:
$55/person, $90/couple.  Spouse dinner theatre fee: $35/ person (evening
seating capacity 50).  Early Bird Registration deadline:  March 15, 2005.
Final Registration deadline:  March 25, 2005 (non refundable after this
date).  Payment may be made by cash, MasterCard/Visa (phone or mail), or
check made payable to Historic Camden and mailed to P.O. Box 710, Camden. SC
29020.

For more information call Joanna Craig at Historic Camden (803) 432-9841
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]  or see the symposium postings on
www.southerncampaign.org

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