October 8, 2013
The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce that its next meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 7:00pm on the LaPlata campus of the College of Southern Maryland. The meeting will be held in the Business and industries Building, Chaney Enterprises Conference Room; Room 113.
Guest Speaker: Harlan “Gene” Cross, Jr.
The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table will host a presentation by Harlan “Gene” Cross, Jr., author of the book, “Letters Home: 
Three Years Under General Lee in the 6th Alabama”. Culled from letters found in a steamer trunk full of family heirlooms and other correspondence, Mr. Cross transcribes the original pen and ink and pencil letters written by his great-grand uncle. Lt. Thomas Smith Taylor, Confederate States of America. From the rigors and drudgery of army life to his thought’s and attitudes on religion, slavery and the Southern Cause, Lt. Taylor takes us on his journey through the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and many others. His sudden demise at the Battle of Cold Harbor serves to remind the readers of the cruel fortunes of war. While doing his research, Mr. Cross was unable to come across any photos of his great-grand uncle, or find any copies of letters that he received, but did confirm his family’s connection to the former Claudia Alta Taylor, more commonly known as “Lady Bird” Johnson.
Mr. Cross currently resides in Oakton, VA with his wife Carol and their three daughters. A retired engineer who worked for Harris and MITRE corporations, Mr. Cross now serves as a consultant two days a week. Since 2005, Mr. Cross has served as a volunteer interpreter at Arlington House, the former mansion of Gen. Robert E. Lee. He is also president of “Save Arlington House”, a friends group that assists the National Park Service in preserving this national treasure.