The North Carolina Mason

Page 14 The North Carolina Mason September/October 2018 BRANTLEY from page 4 From the Courier's Case Masonic response distressed the Gray Ghost By Steven Campbell For more than two years of the Civil War, Col. John Singleton Mosby – the "Gray Ghost" – led an independent command known as Mosby's Rangers. ough never numbering more than a few hundred, this partisan unit controlled an area in Northern Virginia called "Mosby's Confed- eracy." So harried were federal commanders with his exploits, thou- sands of U.S. troops were required in the region. In September 1864, while oper- ating near the small town of Front Royal, Va., six of Mosby's Rangers were captured by federal cavalry. In retaliation for a recent federal o!cer's death, four of these rangers were shot and two were hung, one with a placard pinned to his body: "Such is the fate of Mosby's men." In November at the village of Rectortown, a lottery was held among federal prisoners that had been captured by Mosby's command. ose selected in the lottery would be executed in retaliation of Mosby's men who had been killed in Front Royal. A hat was passed with slips of paper. When a drummer boy drew a "winning slip," Col. Mosby excused him and another federal prisoner was selected. e prisoners were marched through Ashby's Gap (present day U.S. 50) closer to federal headquar- ters. While on this march, another unit of Mosby's command under Brother Capt. Richard Montjoy passed. Seeing Capt. Montjoy's Masonic pin, two of the prisoners oered the Masonic distress sign. eir Masonic Brother excused these two prisoners and replaced them with two prisoners his unit had captured. When the "Gray Ghost" learned of this substitution, he admonished his popular captain stating: "Remember, Captain, in the future that this command is not a Masonic Lodge." In the rain-soaked night, four of the seven prisoners escaped the fate of the lottery. e retaliations ceased, and in six months the war would be over. As for Capt. Montjoy's fate, he would be killed in action later that month, fondly remembered by both Masons and non-Masons. e "Gray Ghost" lived until 1916, after an illustrious career as a barrister, U.S. Consul to Hong Kong, and Department of Justice attorney prosecuting ruthless land barons of the Old West. Brother Capt. Richard Montjoy Tribute to a Sage Miael W. Brantley 1938 – 2018 Historians march to a different drum. We are explorers of the past, which in itself is not unlike a foreign country. For in the past things were different. One thing, however, that does not change is human nature. It is we who make history. In his nearly four-decade Masonic career, Michael recognized this and contributed to, recorded, and reported our history. Upon my appointment to serve as your Grand Historian in 2015, one of my first acts was to speak to Dr. Brantley. Along with his congratula- tions, he offered me several insights pertaining to the position. Yet, it was his closing remark that has ever resonated with me: "Follow your passion." Thank you, sir, for all of the valued contribu- tions you made to North Carolina Freemasonry. Steven Campbell Past Grand Historian Blackmer #127 at knowledge led him to become the director of the Tryon Palace in New Bern and later the director of education of the North Carolina Museum of Art. An avid traveler and active churchman, he dedicated endless hours to his Masonic brothers. e Joseph Montfort medal winner was Past Master of Raleigh #500, James B. Green #735, and State College Lodge #770; a member of the Lodge of the Nine Sisters (under dispensation); and an honorary member of Hiram #40, Millbrook #97, William G. Hill #218, and William T. Bain #231. is year, he was serving as Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina and a member of the Library Committee. Robin Turner, master of Raleigh #500, remembered him as an unassuming hero. "We simply knew him as Michael," he said. James B. Green #735 Master Terry Washam asked the brothers in the room who had learned catechism from Brother Michael to raise their hands. Hardly a man did not have his hand up. "Of all the accolades there can be … the one I'd like to give Dr. Michael Brantley is friend," he said. PGM Cobb reminded the brothers that friendship lasts forever. "at voice may be silent in our ears, but it will never be silent in our hearts." Love the Mason but miss the news in between issues? e Board of Publications has some news for you! Starting in mid-October, the board and some helpful volunteers from the Craft will be producing and sending a monthly e-newsletter with timely stories and items about upcoming events. ere's a real need for more deadline-driven news during months when the NC Mason doesn't publish, says board Chair Kenneth Lambert. Among other duties, the board partners with Editor Beth Grace in overseeing publication of the Mason. "With its every-other-month printing schedule, the NC Mason can't run items about events that are coming up before the paper hits your mailboxes," he says. "is news- letter will help and enhance the coverage in e Mason, and keep brothers informed in between issues." Brother Dwight Decoskey, a member of the board and senior deacon at New Lebanon #314, will head the eort to produce the newsletter, along with brothers who have volunteered to help with reporting and writing. e full board of publications will act as editor and publisher. All the news that ts on the web

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