Aot - 1865

[diane]

There's more than this one about the AoT. We really need to collect Larry's posts into a little Larry section!

 

[Union_Buff]

who was Larry?

Only the friendliest, welcoming, passionate and all-round nicest person on CWT.

 

[ole]

Yes. He was. And now I'm leaking again.

 

[Union_Buff]

Yes. He was. And now I'm leaking again.

Sorry Ole, my bad

 

[Nathanb1]

That same night, RobertP. He really was a fine southern gentleman an0d never said you did it too.

Larry was North Carolina born. He had antecedents on both sides.

He was into looking at what happened, and when. He was not interested at all in who was evil and who wasn't. And so, his loss is still lamented.

He was commander of the SCV camp Sam Davis, and was also a member of the SUVCW.

Larry didn't have an agenda. He never said you did it too. He just ploughed through of all of that by presenting history that he had discovered.

He was a perfect member.

Darn you, Ole. Every word you write is eloquent and true. I just have one quibble....lamented is possibly not a strong enough term.

 

[Nathanb1]

who was Larry?

I again encourage you to use the search function.

 

[RobertP]

The other day I was on the treadmill watching an old Andy Griffith show, one I had never seen before. It was the first episode featuring Miss Crump, Opie's teacher and later Andy's girlfriend. Opie and his friends aren't doing their History lessons and Andy eventually gets them interested by telling stories of the American Revolution in his easy folksy way. It was a very Larry Cockerham moment. Larry was from North Carolina as was Andy Griffith. There must be something in the water there.

 

[richard]

Last week I had to go through Nashville twice and all I could think about was how much I missed this wonderful man. He always had a kind word and I don't think that he never met a stranger. As some of you know I had a speach problem due to a stroke five or so years a go. Larry had invited me to speak before his SCV camp and he encourgaged me to give my talk on Bedford Forrest despite my problem. As it turned out, or I am told by him, it was all in my head.

I would invite anyone and everyone to read his posts from the time he passed to the time that he first joined this board.

Richard

 

[richard]

In 4 days several members of this board will be remember the battle of Franklin. Then in just a short time the Battle will be observed. Larry Cockerham, before his passing had been researching how the Army Of Tennessee made its way away from Nashville and then on to South Carolina. He had incorporated many first hand accounts of this event.

Please take the time to read his posts for they are very detailed and very informative.

 

[ole]

Dammit, Richard. You've made me leak again!

But seriously, especially for you newer members, it is well worth the time to read all 400 posts of this thread.

I hear it often said that, "I wish I'd have known Larry; he sounds like a great guy." Here's your chance to discover how great he was.

 

[Nathanb1]

Just what I needed today. Actually, it is what we need today. Thanks, Ole.

 

[Nathanb1]

We miss you, Larry.

 

[pamc153PA]

We miss you, Larry.

Everytime I see Larry's name on one of the threads on the home page, my heart leaps, just a little bit. Even though I know better, I can't help it.

 

[CarolinasCampaign]

Yes, this war was indeed horrible at all levels. Here in Tennessee I've noticed that many folks assume the AOT was dusted after they crossed the state line into Alabama on December 27, 1864. Not by a long shot, as evidenced by the battles at Selma, Averasboro and Bentonville. These were proud men who suffered until the last volley was fired. They only quit when they were out of beans, bullets and unfortunately, blood.

Larry, appreciate your work with the AoT in 1865.. Slowly working through you posts, with a focus on Wise's Forks to Bentonville.

 

[CarolinasCampaign]

March 8, 1865

On March 8-10, 1865 the 63rd Virginia and others met the Federals in another rear guard action at Wilcox's Bridge near Kinston, North Carolina. This would cost the still dwindling Army of Tennessee 1500 more casualties.

What is your source for the 63rd Virginia being at Wise's Forks March 8-10? Thanks

 

[nitrofd]

What is your source for the 63rd Virginia being at Wise's Forks March 8-10? Thanks

Carolinas Campaign sadly Larry is no longer with us anymore, he has gone on to a better place.

 

[CarolinasCampaign]

Yes, I think you are on target. The force under Hardee, which had been worrying with Sherman to a degree from the Savannah area, probably weren't considered part of the AOT as I think you are suggesting. Would those ANV units have been from NC or troops such as Alabama or Georgia that might have been 'on the way home'? As you may have guessed, I haven't studied this too closely. The records between Jan 1, 1865 and Bentonville are scarce as hens teeth around here. That's why my posts are so sparse and scattered datewise.

Hardee's force were all from his old Department Command of SC, GA, & FL.
Hoke's Division was on loan from the ANV. Came south from VA in late '64 to assist in the Wilmington / Fort Fisher defense. The other ANV unit would have Butlers' Cav Division

 

[CarolinasCampaign]

Carolinas Campaign sadly Larry is no longer with us anymore, he has gone on to a better place.

Thanks. I am sorry to hear that.

 

[Nathanb1]

Thanks. I am sorry to hear that.

We all are, but luckily, we do have lots of great people around here. We'll never replace Larry, but he left us a great legacy.

 

[ole]

I'm trying to think of a time when Larry became testy. I think there was once, but I can't locate it.

He was partial to the South, but he was never strident. His most immediate ancestor was James Patterson Cockerham, a farrier with a Union Tennessee Cavalry unit.

He was as proud of that GGfather as he was of those Tar Heels who remained with the Confederacy.

He commanded the SCV Sam Davis Camp and was also a member of the SUVCW. He didn't waste his time grinding axes.

He was a voice of reason and calm and always brought a heated discussion back to the calm facts.

Most of all, he was a friend. A good friend. And a model to be emulated.

Go ahead, say he was a fairweather friend and watch your butt get shot off.