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In October of 2000, the
Eighth Virginia Infantry was
honored by a visit to our
camp at Waterford by General
Charles "Chuck" Hillsman,
Commander of Longstreet's
Corps. The General and his
Lady were touring the
village and stopped in to
greet his friends, the
Eighth Virginia. Chuck is
pictured here in front of
the Surgeon's tent. A
little over two months after
this picture was taken,
General Charles "Chuck"
Hillsman "crossed over the
river" because of
complications brought on by
cancer.
Private Hillsman is
remembered, by yours truly,
from his (Chuck's) very
first reenactment, an event
hosted by the Eighth
Virginia. From that event,
Chuck, because of his
knowledge, his pleasant
personality, his willingness
to listen and resolve, his
respect for rank, advanced
in rank to become Commander
of one of the finest bodies
of men in the field,
Longstreet's Corps.
General Hillsman was never
out of reach for anyone,
from private to sergeant to
colonel. He was always
there for everyone. For
those of you that did not
have the opportunity of
meeting Chuck, now you have
a face to put with his name
when it comes up in
conversation.
I remain your obedient
servant,
Dave Purschwitz
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