I want to thank those who were able to attend the Camp of Instruction the weekend of April 3, 4, & 5. As you know camp was delayed a week because of inclement weather. I realize by so doing some members were not able to attend but considering the great weather we had I think we made the right call.

I think everyone enjoyed the weekend. I know for me it was a nice break and escape from the cares and concerns of the so called "real world." We were able to get in a significant amount of drill, do some live firing, cook and prepare two breakfast meals and a supper meal, and other soldierly pursuits yet still have time to sit around the campfire and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow members.

I also want to thank everyone who helped with the preparation for camp. These things don’t just happen by themselves. Thanks for all the hard work that went into this one. Those who attended included Private Alexander, Floyd, Pate, and Wilson, Corporal Hughes, 1^st Sgt. Gammon and 1^st Lt. Stafford.

Now on to our schedule of events. First up is the Fort Work Day on Saturday, April 18. We had a good turn out for the last one and actually got a lot accomplished before having to call it because of the rain. Even if you didn’t sign up for this and you find you have time to help, come on. Please do what you can.

After the work day we have the School Day Program at Tredegar. A few of us did this last year. This time it is Wednesday, April 22. There are five of us signed up. There is no fee so if you can and want to help please do so.

Looking at May, the Spotsylvania Reenactment has been canceled so we are concentrating on the New Market Battle. This is a 145^th event and therefore should be well attended. We will be falling in with units from Longstreet’s Corp. Initial registration has already been sent in but if you want to go we still may be able to make it happen. Let us know. Well the season is off and running. Let’s do everything we can to support the unit. See you at the next event.

Respectfully submitted,

Captain Turley

Camp went very well. We only had eight people since the weather put us off a week, but it went well. Congratulations to Michael Floyd for winning the live firing competition. Thanks also to the Co. for the free meal I received on Friday evening for answering a trivia question in a past newsletter. Jack, if it's any consolation it was worth every penny.

We have a work day coming up at the fort on Saturday, April 18h. If you signed up, you know who you are. Please touch base with Nate Pate to verify your attendance. We also have the school program coming up on Wednesday, April 22nd at Tredegar Iron Works. I have the following people signed up for this (Turley, Stafford, Gammon, Baird, and Pate). We will be notifying all participants by e-mail with the arrival time.

I need to know about any intentions for Walkerton at the end of October, please e-mail me ASAP if you would like to attend. I would like to welcome back Mr. Ward to the ranks, it is good to have him back.

Your Obedient Servant,

1st Sgt. Gammon

Fort Harvie Work Day

I would like to thank everyone who is planning on helping with the fort restoration project this year. Please remember that any help no matter how small or in what way is greatly appreciated. If you are planning to attend the April 18^th work day please bring your own lunch, snacks, and drinks. If you have gloves and hammer, please bring them. There are a number of small jobs that need to be completed so, I will be arriving at the fort approximately 0830 lunch will be around 1200 and will tentatively work until 1600.

Your Humble Servant,

Pvt. Pate

Ode to Joe