I already have extensive information on the battle and ceasefire itself. What I'm looking for is the smoking gun evidence to prove it was Masonic in nature.... a letter from a soldier, a news report, a diary entry, etc. Something with specific reference to Masonry playing a role. Also if Lt. Colonel Martin is a Mason or not. I did find a Wm. H. Martin in Arkansas Masonic rolls but cannot prove it is him one and the same. I know he came from Little Rock, Pulaski County. Here is the text I was given but the person who gave it to me cannot find his primary source, thus I cannot prove where this came from:
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Battle of Kennesaw Mtn.
6/27/64
Maj. Gen’l Patrick’s Command
Col W.H. Martin
1st Arkansas Infantry.
Near where GA 120 goes thru the Park, Col Martin saw ‘yankee troops (wounded) in a patch of woods which were on fire. A Masonic distress signal from one of the ‘yankees caught Col. Martin’s attention. Fastening his white hankerchief onto a ramrod borrowed from one of his Soldiers, he stopped the fighting, and called out to the ‘yankees: “Your wounded are being burnt… Some of which are members of the Masonic Order.. Come and get ‘em…We’ll not fire a shot until they are removed..”
As the ‘yankees advanced on their rescue mission, the Confederates joined in. Thereby saving many lives, our Brothers among them..
As a postscript, later in the day a truce was requested by the ‘yankees. When the truce accepted by Col. Martin, a couirer was dispatched by the ‘yankees bearing a brace (2) of Colt navy pistols for Col. Martin.
With the note: “Accept them as a token of my appreciation for this noble deed.. Should you fight and win a thousand other battles, you will never win another so noble as this.”
The Masonic emblem was attached to the note….
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Any leads or information to further my research would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Michael Karpovage