July 7, 1999
Dear Editor:
I would like to correct errors appearing in a recent article by Mr. Bill Torphy on battlefield preservation at Resaca.
The article indicated that I was opposed to preservation of the Resaca battlefield, and that I disagree with Civil War Commissioner Phil Secrest on the existence of civil war earthworks on the battlefield. Neither allegation is true.
I have never opposed preservation of the Resaca battlefield or any other Civil War battlefield, and don’t believe there is any disagreement with Phil Secrest over the existence of earthworks.
Phil and I have worked together on numerous projects. We jointly provided considerable military and historical information to the Jaeger Company for inclusion in The Battlefield Preservation Plan for Resaca, and only two weeks ago, jointly conducted tours of battlefields at Resaca and Allatoona Pass for the Kennesaw Mountain Historical Association. Any alleged significant disagreement between us is ludicrous. Even those only casually familiar with Resaca, realize that a portion of the earthworks there were destroyed by the construction of Interstate Highway 75, and that a portion remain, some on the Weaver/Fletcher property.
When originally contacted by Mr. Torphy of the Journal-Constitution, I told him that I could not comment on the selection of the Weaver/Fletcher property or on subsequent negotiations with Mr. Scott Fletcher, as I took no part in either process, and could only describe for him the military actions that took place there. My comments were limited to a description of these military activities only. Obviously, either he did not clearly understand my description of these military actions, or my comments were confused with information obtained from other sources.
It is unfortunate with all the obstacles which confront those who would preserve battlefields, articles such as this tend to reflect upon and divide the very people who work hardest and contribute the most toward such preservation efforts.
With all due respect,
William R. Scaife
NOTE: The copy of this letter addressed to the webmaster by Mr. Scaife included the following hand-written comment at the top: “Copy hand-delivered to Governor.”
