Regimental
DispatchRegimental
Dispatch
April 2003 Sic Semper Tyrranus Richmond, VA
The COI was another success with a twist. Drill went better than I could have ever hoped on Saturday with the veterans. We did plenty of advanced topics and they all went very smoothly. I have never seen the company do so well so early in the season. It is really starting to sink in.
Other important information about the Camp of Instruction. Mr. Gammon scored a 45, which was the best shooting score, this COI. This was outstanding shooting. The winning score last year was 41 by Mr. Stafford, so it is moving up. Mr. Alexander remembered a few years ago it was a 32 that won this. The singing after dinner was great, even though we sang Goober Peas. The meals were filling and satisfying.
A new treat was added this year, since we had a stage, a period minstrel show put on by Uncle Reamus and the Watermelons. Well, you missed it and you may have to wait for next year to ever see it again. The stage was one benefit to this new site (Ft. J. Allen) but the largest benefit was working flush toilets. I know you may be thinking this is a small convenience but if you have been in the field without such conveniences, then you will surely understand that this was a huge step toward comfort.
Though the weekend was cut short by the decision to leave due to lightening and the promise of a cold and wet Sunday, we still had a good time. We can take the wet and the cold but lightning is another story.
The impending high of 40 and rain all day on Sunday would not have been conducive to training and I felt the best thing for the men was to leave to fight another day. I stopped by Mr. Allen's home and we talked for a while, he recounted that every time F Company comes to Amelia it is rainy and cold, referring to the Sayler's Creek Tsunami of a few years ago, ah, the memories. I am writing this on the Sunday after and I am glad we left, the rain has been pretty intense at times and cold. I guessed right again to go home.
Capt. Jones
Camp of Instruction
After the long winter and the expectations for the first meeting of our unit in full uniform and equipment abound, I anxiously took to the long road to Amelia. I may have learned a great lesson on when to go south. Traffic was mild and speed limits were fast. Mr. Schirmer and Mr. Talbert met me at the usual I-95 and Route 32 rest area to begin our mini-caravan South. After four hours or so of traveling, we saw the sign for Tom Scott Park, better known to us as Fort Joe Allen. It was everything we could hope for and much more. Seclusion, easy access, and some extras previously mentioned that made for a pleasant experience. The weather for Friday and Saturday had been fairly cooperative throughout the daytime hours with brief drizzles, but not enough to impede training or meal preparations. Our Company street was very professional and really did take me away from our present day news and job concerns. After two days of period bonding and greatly desired training. The weather did finally catch up to us. Fortunately, we managed to achieve all that was necessary for the mainstay of our weekend, although I truly wish we could have had one more day to complete our goals. With a four hour return trip to Maryland, it did make for a long long Saturday. But, my heart’s still at Fort Joe Allen and I only hope that next year, we may have the fortune to return to the same location. I truly believe that we have found a wonderful place to call ours for a Camp of Instruction. Our Unit colors looked beautiful on top of the flagpole. It definitely took me back in time…..…despite the continued barking of “Hatchets for Sale”. If you hadn’t guessed by now, that was “ol Sutler Vice”. Mr. Wilson gave us a wonderful feast to behold, and no hominy. I wish to thank: Ward, Baird, Alexander CJ, Alexander JP, Jones, Ramsey, Firth, Turley, Vice, Schirmer, Talbert, Perry C., Perry T., Gammon, Stafford, Wilson, Vice, Reimer and his nephew Blake, and myself for all of your friendship and fellowship at this year’s C.O.I. I will never forget the late night Minstrel show put on by Mr. Alexander, Ward, and Ramsey.
Confederate Heritage Parade
As I had pre-warned in March’s Newsletter, this event would be early in April. April 6th to be exact. Please note that this is a Sunday and is a one day event. The event coordinators have requested that we do not need to be there prior to 12:30 p.m. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. I have already registered our unit for this parade and please be sure to pick up your ribbon before the parade begins. This ribbon will entitle you to a free bus ride back to the starting point. I’ve gotten a few different conflicting reports on the length of the march, but most agree to an approximate 2 ½ mile march which will begin by the Virginia Historical Society and end at Hollywood Cemetery.
Here are directions:
From Washington D.C.
and Fredericksburg (I-95):
Take I-95
South/ I-64 East to Exit 78 (Boulevard).
Turn right onto Boulevard (heading south).
Proceed on Boulevard, crossing over:
Broad Street, Grace Street, Monument Avenue, and Patterson Avenue.
Turn right onto the next street (Kensington Avenue).
The VHS is on your left at the corner of Kensington Avenue and Boulevard.
Free parking in the VHS lot behind the museum (entrance at Kensington).
If some of you have never done an Official Parade as this is intended to be, it’s not a reenactment scenario. The uniform is to be “Parade Order”.
This means that everything is polished: buttons, gun brass, etc. You’ve got a week to get your equipment cleaned up. No slouch hats on this one. Kepi’s only. Also, do not bring your haversacks. Parade order means leathers and canteen. If your brogans and leathers could use a little polish or mink oil, please do so. This is a very important parade for those who are celebrating their heritage, so look sharp and make your ancestors proud of your respect for them. Please double check your muskets. They must be just as clean on the outside as they must be on the inside. Those that were not at the C.O.I. and intend to participate in the parade, please make sure your musket is as clean as you would want it to be for the Captain’s inspection. Those members signed up for the parade are: Lt. Turley, Ramsey, Alexander, 2nd Sgt. Firth, Cpl. Perry, Gammon, Talbert, Baird, Cpl. Pearson, Schirmer, Ward, Wood. Any other members wishing to attend may do so. Even though I registered our Unit, they did not need or ask for names. They only requested the approximate numbers of men planning on attending. So, any last minute members may still be able to walk-on to this event. If possible, try to look for each other in front of the Virginia Historical Society. I will keep a lookout. We are not expecting any problems during the parade, but it has been requested that should any comments or signs or such be directed towards anyone at this parade, notify the authorities that will be in charge of our procession. Keep your heads high and remember why we’re there.
Civil War Days at Tredegar
This is a one day Living History event held at the Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond. The date is April 26th. Please plan on arriving no later than 8:30 a.m. This is an opportunity to speak to the public and continue our goals to recruit and educate the community. We will be doing drill and will have ample time to see the museum, talk to the people, and share more memories. If you wish to bring an A-Frame or a dog tent, please do so. The park service ALWAYS appreciates F-Company’s support of the Historical representations that we can provide to them. There is no registration necessary for this event, so if you haven’t signed up for this and you have the day open to support the unit and the other members attending, please come…one and all. This is not a unit event this year, but any are welcomed to join in. Those signed up for this event are: Stafford, Firth, Gammon, Powell, Pearson, Schirmer, Ward, Wood. You will not need to bring any munitions to this event. Any firing programs that will be held, will be brief and with a small number of volunteers. Keep your muskets clean for McDowell.
I have an attached file with an overview map for directions to get to Tredegar. It’s quite easy to find and there will be Park Rangers there to direct you where you can park. If you get there early enough, you may drive directly to where we can set up our camp or Company street. Bring your camp stools and anything else to add to your impression. Good chance to show some original stuff, too.
McDowell
The date: May 3rd & 4th.
The Uniform: Battleshirts or the Militia uniforms if you have ‘em.
Many of us that will be driving from greater distances may be arriving May 2nd in afternoon or early evening. When you sign in, you can check the names of those already present to see who‘s already there. If you get lost, you may find us across the stream in the woods with rest of the Confederate contingency. Just yell “Sigh-eee” and I may answer.
This is an every other year event in the beautiful, yet secluded area of McDowell, Virginia. You may get a nose bleed in traveling here, but it’s worth every drop. I have been attending this event ever since I’ve been in the hobby, and have yet to walk away disappointed or in complete awe. As stated in most of the information that comes out, the weather is ever changing. That’s what makes it even more unique. The gear for the weekend is everything you need for campaigning. There will be a lot of fighting and a lot of marching. You’ll get to see what the countryside looks like from atop the mountain. We will have rations and you will need to bring your frying pans. Don’t overload yourself, but if we are to be placed in the valley or on the mountain Saturday night, make sure you have only what you need that you wish to carry on your backs, yet still enough to stay warm and dry for whatever nature throws at us. The wonderful folks of McDowell truly appreciate our presence at this event. Remember, this is the actual town that was briefly occupied by the Union in May 1862, before Jackson drove them out. The town has great pride in their heritage. Show them why we deserve to be there by giving them our respect and our courtesy. To thank us, the entire town offers up a most memorable Brunswick stew with breads, dessert, and plenty of lemonade, tea, or ice water on Saturday afternoon. Then we march our butts off and get to burn off all those calories. Just as a reminder, at the Camp of Instruction, we had to sign a waiver for McDowell. If you were not at the COI, you must contact either your corporal or the 1st Sergeant to get that waiver signed or you will not be able to attend that event. There will be no walk-ons, so please be sure not to put this off until the last minute or you’ll just read about this event in June’s Newsletter. If you’re new at this hobby and want to try something unique, then, McDowell is the place you want to be. Directions for McDowell are also attached to this Newsletter, but will be repeated in May’s Newsletter or our web-site.
Those signed up for McDowell:
Turley, Ramsey, Wilson, Perry C., Perry C., Alexander, Powell, Talbert, Gregory, Vice, Baird, Schirmer, and Pearson.
Final Thoughts from the Editor
The season has now officially started. I am looking forward to a freezing hot year, but not to share alone. Make sure all of you have turned in your Event sheets and dues, and I will be looking to the shade of the woods for our next camp and encounter. Please feel free to contact the editor should you have any questions or problems concerning any aspect of this season. Whatever answers I cannot give immediately, I will find out quickly and respond shortly thereafter.
____________________________
-Respectfully submitted-
Cpl. Pearson, Editor-in-Chief