This is Al Metts, Please read the latest URL by Bill Spurlock at http://www.savinggraves.com/usa/sc/hodgesstory.htm Mention is made of my letter to Mr. Skelton. I have sent it earlier, but I will repeat the e-mail version, again, here. I never received an answer to the letter. Al February 1, 2001 Mr. Stephen Skelton Historic Preservation Programs South Carolina Department of Archives and History 8301 Parklane Road Columbia, South Carolina 29223 Dear Mr. Skelton: You have been sent a copy of the letter to me from the Office of Governor Jim Hodges, dated January 26, 2001. It tells me that you have been given the responsibility for helping the descendants of Revolutionary soldier John Hodges prevent the continuing desecration of the Hodges Cemetery in Hodges, South Carolina. Your acceptance of this challenge will be appreciated My first thought was to wonder why this task was given to your office rather than to some law enforcement unit. Of course, I realized that the Governor knows a lot more than this old combat infantryman with 12 campaigns in three wars. Governor Hodges respects the fact that the history of the wonderful state of South Carolina is involved. Our great nation will always be indebted to South Carolina, one of the original thirteen colonies, for its role in the development of this nation and in the fight for independence. Every history of the Revolution describes the important role that South Carolina played. For your great state to stand by and allow the grave of an heroic Revolutionary soldier to be desecrated would be shameful in our nation of free men! To look the other way and ignore this disgraceful conduct would be scorned by all patriotic Americans. As a patriot, I hope that you agree with me. Please let me tell you a few facts about John Hodges. His family came from Virginia before the Revolution. His father died before the war, leaving a poor widow with many children. The Indians were fighting for England. They came to the Hodges home and burned it. The poor widow fled to the woods to hide her family. The Indians captured her daughter, Dorothy, and took her to Alabama. When he was fifteen years old, young John Hodges yolunteered and served in the South Carolina militia for the rest of the war. He fought in the battles of Old Ninety-six and Chaota Town. He served under General Greene and Captain Rosamond was his company commander. His tombstone lies flat on the ground, broken by vandals. It is surrounded by trash. The writing on the stone begins, "In Memory of Major John Hodges". He lived until 1834, continued to serve in the militia, and was a major during the War of 1812. John Hodges was the father of twenty children! Every one of them lived to maturity. Naturally, the area where the Hodges farm was located became Hodges, South Carolina. When all were adults, a reunion was held in Hodges. Every member of the family was present - an unbroken family! Also, naturally, there are many descendants of the Revolutionary soldier. Many have the surname "Hodges". Others have names like Metts, page 2 Forrester, Mungo or Rosamond. I tell you this to emphasize that the desecration of the Hodges Cemetery is very important to many people in South Carolina and in locations all over America. Many of these people are very disappointed that South Carolina would allow the vandalism to continue for so long. Our present efforts are not the first try to get correction of the vandalism. In 1995, Mrs. Mary Clyde Mungo of Lancaster, South Carolina, where the Governor was born, tried to get authorities to stop the vandalism. At that time, the tombstone of John Hodges had been damaged, but the one for his wife, Frances, had not. Now, her stone and almost every other stone in the cemetery has been broken. Mrs. Mungo wrote many letters. She was referred to The Department of Archives. They sent her some papers about laws and sent copies of her letter to a "State Law Enforcement Division, Chief Stewart" and to the Sheriff of Greenwood County. Neither bothered to help her in any way. The only real interest came from that great patriot, statesman and true gentleman, Senator Strom Thurman. He promised that he would help. He contacted the Zoning Department in Greenwood County. Then, the good Senator must have forgotten about his promise. As I approach four score years, I find no fault with that great old man. My memory fades as each day passes. I do hope that you, Mr. Skelton, will not fail to give us just support. We Hodges researchers are organized to persevere until we get results. Every letter or message including the Governors letter and this one are being entered into the Internet so that all descendants are kept informed and that a record is maintained. I am writing an article for the Sons of the American Revolution Magazine to tell the story and to get members in South Carolina to support our cause. Years ago, the Texas Highway Department tried to build a road across an old historic cemetery. The Ladies of the Daughters of the American Revolution descended upon Austin and the State of Texas passed and enforced laws to protect cemeteries. Our descendant daughters plan a similar action in South Carolina. I do not enjoy seeing South Carolina criticized. I love that state. I have lived in Charleston. I have done research in that state and seen many old cemeteries in conditions nearly as bad as the Hodges Cemetery in Hodges, South Carolina. Your help will be documented and read by many Americans. Most religions consider cemeteries to be sacred soil. Most states have severe laws that are strictly enforced to protect cemeteries. The religious and sentimental aspects are important. Also, sir, as the chief of the Historic Preservation Programs, you know that the information on the ancient tombstones has documentary evodence needed for historical research. I have heard that the history of ancient Rome was written from the rombstones of the dead! I have told our members to remain optomistic. Patience and persistence will lead to success. I hope you will join our crusade, Mr. Skelton. Sincerely, Albert Caswell Metts, Jr. cc: Senator Strom Thurmond 217 Russel Senate Building Washington, DC 20510 Governor Jim Hodges 1205 Pendleton Street, Room 308 Columbia, South Carolina 29201 SC Genealogical Society, Inc Post Office Box 492 Columbia, SC 29202-0492 South Carolina Genealogical Society P. 0. Box 3468 Greenwood, SC 29648 Mr Winston C. Williams Editor, The SAR Magazine P. 0. Box 26595 Milwaukee, WI 53226 Mrs Joel Morris Wagoner Chairman, DAR Magazine 1776 D Street, NW Washington, DC 20006