Regimental Dispatch

December 2004

Sic Semper Tyrranus Richmond, VA

Men of F-Company,    

I salute you; for I am still thrilled to have led this Company through what was, I have no doubt, the finest Tactical that I have had the pleasure to burn powder in my nine seasons of reenacting. Wasn't Ft. Branch an
excellent event!  First and foremost, many, many thanks to the Perry family, for their hospitality, kindness, and courage for letting this motley crew inhabit their lovely house for the weekend.  I pray we didn't leave behind any mud trails, fouled towels, or pesky gray backs.    But the tactical; through peanut & cotton fields, woods, swamp, briar patch, and the road on which the blue bellies that we were driving finally turned and surprised us with a do or die counterattack, and it was F Company that stopped them, after the company in front of us went down.  OH, it was glorious.  When I turned and saw that solid line of battle of F Company dark gray in perfect order, I was proud of our unit beyond measure.  You gentlemen that weren't there, well, all I can say is that I hope you don't miss the next one of this caliber.  We have a lot on deck for this next season, and I can say that most of them promise to be exceptional events.   Men, please mark your calendars now for the season dead ahead.  We will be kicking it off with a lot of activity in the Spring, so please put these F Company events at the top of your list NOW, and be prepared to tell upcoming encroachments on your time that you are already committed for these weekends.  Another thing, with March, April and May having quality events, we will have the very great pleasure of reenacting in COOL WEATHER!!!  Do not let this rare opportunity slip by. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Company meeting the last weekend
of February at my favorite museum, the MOC.   There will be lots of business to take care of, and some new faces in command positions to be introduced
to.  That is part of my campaign to "Reward the Regulars," a way to ensure the future of a strong and healthy F Company, 21^st VA Volunteer Infantry.

********

It’s hard to believe, but another reenactment season has come and gone. For the month of November, our last month of the year, we actually had two events.

First, there was Fort Branch. I would like to thank the Perry’s for hosting the unit once again as they normally do. It is very generous of them to open up their home to a bunch of guys, providing us with a beautiful place to stay and lots of goodies to eat. As usual, everyone had a great time and I think everyone also enjoyed the all you can eat "seafood" restaurant on Saturday night.

This year’s battle was switched to Saturday and the tactical to Sunday. That seemed to work out very well. This is a nice way to close out the season. I would like to thank all that were able to attend.

The second event for the month the Remembrance Day Parade in Gettysburg. A few of us as Richmonders made the trek up to Gettysburg for this one. They included: Mr. Gammon, his wife and son, Mr. Catlett, and myself. Mr. Harris and his uncle followed up in their vehicle. We met Mr. Pearson and Mr. Alexander & Mr. Alexander in the parking lot of the bus tour center and soon, Mr. Price made it up for the parade. It was cloudy and overcast but the temperature was just right. The parade came off without a hitch and the rain held off until we made it back to our vehicles. Because of the rain, we took an abbreviated tour of the battlefield before heading back home. I would like to thank everyone who participated.

So the year is done. Thanks go to Captain Ramsey for stepping in and providing the leadership that the unit needed in this year of transition. For the most part, things went very smoothly. We seem to have developed a core of members who attend just about every event. To them, I say a heartfelt "Thanks", because without you we would probably not have a unit. Some others we saw very little of, if any at all. We appreciate what everyone was able to do. We know things come up and, of course, family and work comes first.

We have a couple months off until our next event, which will be the Annual Meeting for 2005. I hear that it may be at the Museum of the Confederacy in downtown Richmond. How many reenactment units get to do that?

I recommend that everyone take advantage of this down time to take stock of your equipment and uniform to see if anything needs to be repaired or replaced. Enjoy the break.

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Have a Happy Holiday Season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you at the beginning of our next season.

February 26^th Annual Meeting, Museum of Confederacy Richmond, VA

March 11-13 COI, same place as last year

March 18-20 140^th Bentonville, NC

April 8-10 Sailor’s Creek to Appomattox

April 15-17 Lee’s Final Retreat

May 6-8 Battle of McDowell, VA

May ? Fort Pocahontas ?

June 3-5 Cold Harbor L.H., VA

July 1-3 Battle of Gettysburg or nothing

August 26-28 Summer of ’62, MD

September nothing slated as of 11/04

October 14-16 Battle of Cedar Creek, VA

November 4-6 Fort Branch, NC

For this Newsletter, it is vital to review the months of March-May. Any early registrations will be needed for March and April. The earlier we register, the better our registration fee will be per member in good standing.

Just to ease and avoid the mishap of last season, please note that Easter is March 27^th; Mother’s Day is May 8^th, Memorial Day is May 30^th, and Labor Day is September 5^th. It looks as though McDowell is the only event conflicted with special family moments, other than each person’s individual celebrations. Please keep this in mind as you review any events for next season.

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site and the Bentonville Battleground Historical Association, Inc. (BBHA) are co-sponsors for this event. All proceeds from this event go directly to the BBHA to support its continuing efforts to preserve and interpret Bentonville Battlefield.

This event will be held on portions of the original battlefield – specifically, in and around the Reddick Morris farm and the Willis Cole Plantation.

Both State Historic Site and private property will be utilized for the event. Our agreement with private landowners for this event extends the authority of State Historic Site personnel and event staff to all private property used during the event.

The Carolinas Campaign of 1865 lends itself to campaign impressions, and we encourage campaigner units to register for this event. All efforts will be made to accommodate campaigner units with appropriate camps within the designated camp areas. All camps are wooded, so this should pose no great problem.

Needless to say, this is hallowed ground. We expect the land to be treated accordingly, with due respect to private landowners and historic property.

Registration will be $8 per member until January 1^st payable by the company if you wish to attend, but we will need to know prior to the Annual Meeting being held on February 26^th. There will be "NO" CSA walk-ons" allowed by the event organizers after registration closes.

- Tactical - Saturday, March 19: a non-scripted, non-spectator engagement tentatively is scheduled for mid-morning or early afternoon. This action will be the opening phase of the Battle of Bentonville, where Confederate cavalry under the command of Col. George Dibrell, lured Union forces under General William Carlin north of the Old Goldsboro Road to the Willis Cole Plantation. Hidden from the view of Carlin’s division, the Confederate batteries under Earle, Halsey, Atkins, and Dickson launched an artillery barrage during the early hours of the battle and provided artillery support to the Army of Tennessee when they started their last grand charge. The tactical will be held on the original ground and deployment as it was in 1865 near the Willis Cole Plantation.

- "Last Grand Charge of the Army of Tennessee & Morgan’s Stand" – Saturday, March 19: A massive Confederate offensive (the last grand charge of the Army of Tennessee) at 2:45 p.m. on March 19, 1865 routed the First Division, XIV Corps (Carlin) and isolated the Second Division, XIV Corps (Morgan) south of the Old Goldsboro Road. The swampy, dense briar infested area or otherwise known, as the "Bull Pen" did not allow either side to bring in artillery support, thus hand-to-hand combat ensued. Despite being assailed repeatedly from three sides by elements of Hoke, Hill division and for the duration of the afternoon, Morgan’s division held its position in what has been described as some of the most desperate fighting witnessed in the Civil War. This event is tentatively scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and 140 years to the date of the actual fighting south of the Old Goldsboro Road.

- "The Fight at Morris Farm" – Sunday, March 20: With Carlin’s division routed and Morgan’s division isolated below the Old Goldsboro Road, Maj. Gen. Henry Slocum concentrated arriving units of the XX Corps on the Reddick Morris farm. Late in the afternoon, Confederate Lt. Gen. William J. Hardee launched a series of assaults on the Morris Farm position against twenty-one pieces of Union field artillery and against several Union brigades in a desperate attempt to break the thin Federal line. This scenario is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Participant registration opens at 8:00 a.m.

Amelia Springs to Sailor's Creek

This is a campaign style event recreating a small portion of the retreat to Appomattox. Infantry, cavalry, artillery, and wagons will cover an 8-mile stretch in two days through a countryside relatively unchanged since 1865. There will be action through-out the course of the event, culminating with a recreation of the engagement at the Hillsman Farm and conclude with a joint memorial service at the Sailor’s Creek battle monument.

I. Formations and Meetings:

12:00 pm Event Registration Opens

6:00pm Super/meeting with Federal and

Confederate Brigade Commander

and Senior or invited staffs

9:00 pm CS Brigade Meeting

Midnight All quiet in the camps will

be enforced by Provost.

6:00 am Reveille

6:30 am Registration reopens

7:30 am Battalion Morning Reports due to Brigade Headquarters

8:00 am Registration closes; no one will be allowed to participate

after this time

8:15 am 1st Call

8:45 am Brigade Formation

9:00 am Be prepared to march (Federal Troops

commence their route of march)

5:00 pm Brigade files into evening camp area

6:00 pm Evening Reports due at Brigade

Headquarters

8:00 pm Brigade Officer Meeting at Brigade

Headquarters, Battalion

Commanders and their Adjutants

Midnight All quiet in the Camps will be enforce by Provost.

6:00 am Reveille

6:30amMorning Reports due to Brigade

Headquarters

7:15 am 1^st Call

7:30am Brigade Formation

8:00am Brigades need to be prepared to march

12:30pm CS Brigade is in position on Surrender Field

1:00pm Battle of Sailor’s Creek opens at Hillsmen House

2:00pm Memorial Service begins

3:00pm Lee’s Final Retreat Ends

Once your men leave the registration area, which is where the sulters are located, they will not be able to go back to this area until Sunday after the memorial ceremony. Your men will have to carry everything they require with them.

Troops will be issued rations for the weekend. Dinner on Saturday and Sunday will be on the march. Companies should plan accordingly.

Fire Arms will be inspected at registration. Current plan is to have a locksmith on site at registration in case a weapon is not battle ready at time of registration. A firearm will not be allowed on the field without passing an inspection from the Brigade Ordnance Officer (National Park Service Standards).

Each battalion will have an adjutant, Quartermaster, Ordnance Officer, at least one wing commander; and a battalion representative who can make decisions on site by 6:00 pm Friday night (preferably the Battalion’s Officer of the Day).

Ration issue will be conducted on Friday night. Rations will be issued for the entire weekend and will be issued only to battalion Quartermaster, Commissary Officer, or Battalion Officer of the Day.

Each Battalion will have a designed camp site on Friday and Saturday nights. Fire pits will be assigned and identified to your adjutant or officer of the day. A strict campfire protocol will be promulgated in future orders and will be followed to letter.

Battalion command structure with Point of Contact information will be provided to Major James Waltz, Assistant Adjutant General, by 15 January 2005.

Battalion must be prepare to provide guards and sentential for brigade bivouk area and provost their respective camp areas.

Each company is responsible for supply at least one full ammo box to be turned into Brigade Ordnance Officer Friday night. Recommend at least 200 rounds per man for entire weekend.

These orders are subject to change. Changes will be announced at Brigade Officer Meetings or Battalion Commanders and Adjutants will be notified by the Brigade Assistant Adjutant General.

By command of Brigadier-General F. Michael Hendricks J.D. Waltz, Assistant Adjutant-General.

Registration will be $15 per member ‘til January 17^th which will be payable by the company if you wish to attend, but we will need to know prior to the Annual Meeting being held on February 26^th.

Generally considered the second full scale engagement of Jackson's brilliant Valley Campaign, the Battle of McDowell took place May 8, 1862 on the slopes of Sitlington's Hill, a spur of Bullpasture Mt. lying above the village of the same name. It was here that 2000 Federal troops under Robert Milroy & Robert Schenck attacked an advanced force of Confederates under Edward "Allegheny" Johnson, who had already occupied the hill. Johnson's troops were reinforced by the brigades of Taliaferro and Campbell (under Jackson), and the Federal attacks were successfully repelled. Nevertheless, the battle furnished enough time for the remaining 4000 Federal troops to retire beyond McDowell, where they were joined by the attacking force at dark. Jackson's army, numbering nearly 10,000, took up the pursuit the next day, leaving behind a detachment of cavalry and the VMI Cadet Battalion to guard Federal prisoners (mostly wounded). The remainder of Jackson's troops chased the Federals through Monterey, and down the South Branch valley to just south of Franklin, West Virginia, where they turned back. In many ways the battle could be considered a lopsided, "Pyrrhic" Southern victory, as the Confederates suffered 498 casualties vs. the Federals' 256. Milroy had boldly attacked Jackson's advanced guard and the courage of the Federal troops had staved off a potential Union disaster. Nevertheless, the battle accomplished several important objectives for Jackson. It immobilized the major portion of Union General Fremont's Army, isolating them well beyond the imposing barrier of Shenandoah Mountain, and intimidated Fremont himself from any further deployment for nearly a month. It also convinced Nathaniel Banks, overall commander of the Valley Region, that Jackson had much greater strength than he actually possessed, a suspicion which Banks had held since the Battle of Kernstown. Finally, it provided Jackson's troops, especially the men of his second (Campbell's) and third (Taliaferro's) brigades, with a much-needed victory, boosting their lagging morale and convincing them of their ability to win. The hard marching and fighting of the McDowell action, often with little or no rest, soon resulted in their referring to themselves as Jackson's "foot cavalry".

• A 500+ man reenactment with public battle on Saturday and a "reenactor-only" battle on Sunday, re-creating as closely as possible the historic scenario.

• Realistic interaction between military and civilians, portraying the citizenry of McDowell and surrounding areas;
• Use of historic buildings and sites which figured in the Federal occupation, battle, and Confederate "liberation" of the town.
• A high-authenticity level event with "entry level" opportunities for military reenactors new to campaigning. Find out what all the fun's about!  
Registration Fee is $20.00 per person (includes rations).  All participants MUST register individually, although units commanders may send a mass registration of INDIVIDUAL forms with a single check. Deadline for early registration has not been posted.

This event has not been posted with any specifics, at this time. Location will be in Boonsboro, Maryland. As information is added, you will be updated immediately.

Not all of the 2005 events are included in this Newsletter. We still look forward to the beginning and end of the year parades in Richmond and Gettysburg. There is still Fort Pocahontas out there, but our unit has been very divided in attending this event in the last couple of years. New Market has been an event that numerous new members ask about attending, but it has shown to be a reenactor unfriendly event with too many participants in a too small battlefield. Some members who have attended this event in the past have not come away with good memories. As you know, we usually have 6 events to choose from for the year, not counting the Camp of Instruction. We will need a strong vote to determine the events we wish to attend this year, and unlike some years past, you all need to vote with your feet and be there to support the unit.

As I mentioned early on in some e-mails to the membership, next season may prove to be a challenge to your endurance. At least the March-May events will be more of the 140^th anniversary events. What that means, is, marching, running battles, and camps moving to more than one location. For me, I’m hyped up for this style. To some others, it may not be your cup of tea. It will be to your advantage to critique these events carefully and determine whether or not you are physically up for this challenge. Once we get through May, the balance of the season will be similar to most events. Despite the colder temperatures that may be present in March-May, we may be limited to how much gear you will wish to hump. I realize the importance of warmth, but also keep in mind that it also has to be carried. As I’ve always stressed in the past, bring what you need, no more no less. Under other headings in this newsletter, you’ll get a slight idea of what type of event is being coordinated.

Mr. Ward is the keeper of most items. Contact him if you need anything. Mr. Gammon is keeper of the caps and black powder. Don’t run out of ammo in 2005.

Ft. Branch by Private Alexander

This was the way many of our ancestors thought about cotton, even the poorest farmer, dreamed of his own cotton crop.  I was reminded of this as I traveled south through the lower parts of southeastern Virginia and into North Carolina on my way to this past weekend’s event at Ft Branch.  Being from the north and it being Nov, my thoughts first turned to snow as I saw the fields, and then quickly realized it was Cotton.  I had never seen a field of cotton other than on TV or in books.  This was a great experience and it wasn't until my return trip, by daylight, on how much of the area was planted in cotton. In my area it is usually field after field of corn, but not here, instead it was cotton.   I even stopped to pick a little of it off the plant which I can show you if you ask.    Sometimes you wonder after 17 years of doing this hobby what keeps me or someone coming back, this weekend gave me the chance to do something I had never seen before and realize the relationship and impact it must have had on our ancestors.  Yes, we like to shoot our gun, yes, we like to hang out with our pards, yes we like to pig-out at the greatest seafood buffet in North Carolina, but there is also the part of doing something or visiting some place you hadn't done before and I am glad to report that I am still getting that thrill, these many years later.  So for those of you who didn't attend, you missed a great weekend with great friends and the next time somebody says "road trip" you might get more then you expected.  The next time somebody says cotton, just "jump down, turn around and pick a bale of cotton"..............

I have enclosed a picture of the cotton field I stopped.

*****

Remembrance Parade by Private Catlett

The Richmond contingent arrived in Gettysburg shortly after 10:00 AM.  We met up with Cpl. Pearson and we headed for breakfast at the Avenue Restaurant.

Privates: Alexander & Alexander, Privates: Gammon & Gammon (Sounds like a law firm to me), Privates: Harris, Catlett, Price, Cpl. Pearson and gallantly lead through the streets of Gettysburg by Lt. Turley.  There we were, the muskets stacked, preparing for the march.  Then came the Barefoot Confederate Soldier Impression, and no sooner had he passed us, what did we hear but the sweet melodious note of the bagpipes that made us all think fondly of our own Pvt. Gregory.  We marched through the streets of Gettysburg being showered with flowers, the crowd calling out from the sidewalks "that's the 21st F Co".  Although the day was cloudy and the rain held off until the end of the parade, a good time was had by all.

We would like to thank our two special guests, Pvt. Gammon's wife and Pvt. Harris' uncle for taking photographs of the event and sharing in our day.  Also, thanks to Cpl. Pearson for the cookies that he baked. They hit the spot.

You have probably noticed that I am one of the most ready people in the history of reenacting. You may ask yourself; "Self, how does that guy do it?" Well I am going to tell you.

The NAVY has the seven "P’s": Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. We can interpret this as "Thinking Ahead Limits Bad Consequences."

One of the items I have developed is an event checklist. It covers everything I want to accomplish before the event. It could have items such as "buy food for the event", "make hardtack or "Get event phone number for Liz."

In addition I have my equipment-packing checklist. This list was developed after much trial and error. As the item is packed it is marked off the checklist. This list helps me to keep from forgetting something important. Here is an example:

Uniform

(All items in clothing bag)

Brogans

1 Pair of reenacting socks/1 pair of under socks (placed in shoes)

2 extra pairs of reenacting socks in bag

2 extra pairs of under socks in bag

Under drawers

Pants

Suspenders

Shirt

1 extra shirt in clothing bag

Jacket

Slouch hat

1 shirt for knapsack

In the above example, the clothing bag is an Army surplus kit bag I bought at a flea market for very little. It has straps that hold the items in place. All the clothing folds flat and the bag actually take’s up very little room. When I change clothes at the event I put all my civilian clothes in the bag.

There are event specific appendices that were developed over the course of time. Appendices could include cold weather events, early war, or living history. I pack differently for a living history as opposed to some endless yomp through the countryside

Event information: I get the directions for the event. They go on a clipboard. I highlight the directions with a florescent yellow marker. I keep a military surplus flashlight in my car as a backup flashlight. Military flashlights have a variety of lens covers stored in the butt cap. I keep a blue colored filter on this flashlight. Now say "Enee Meanie Chili Beani", and shine the blue light on the directions. The highlighted directions glow under the blue light (this trick only works with blue light). There is never a need to turn on the dome light.

If there is a contact telephone number for the event, I leave that number for my wife so she can get in touch with me in an emergency.

Cell phones. Since we are traveling the backwoods of various states an emergency means of communication is always handy. You should consider a cell phone. Now here is a tip for the really cheap. You can buy a cell phone at yard sale that has no service plan. By law all cell phone companies must forward a 911 call. That’s about the only thing you will get for free.

I really don’t have a need for a cell phone, as I can’t think of anyone I want to talk to while I am driving. However, for emergencies I have a Tracphone in the truck. I keep a calling card with it. Upon my arrival at the event I call and tell my wife I arrived safely. When I leave I call and tell her I am on my way and my ETA. Why this info? Well should I not make it home by a certain time, it can put the wheels in motion for getting some help.

What you do with your gear after the event goes a long way towards making preparing for the next event easier.

Uniform-When I get home I lay my uniform out. This is a good opportunity to brush the dirt off I turn the jacket inside out to let the lining air dry. If the weather is nice, I will hang it outside for a couple of days to let the smoke/body funk blow away. I check the buttons/seams for any repair work and do it at that time. Then I hang the uniform up.

After my arrival home and the wife has turned the fire hose off and washed most of the grunge away, I peel off my shirt/drawers/socks and they go straight into the washer. When they come out of the dryer, any repair work is done and then they are folded and put away.

After the event sit down and think about what happened. Write out what went well and what did not and try to incorporate what you learned into the next event. Did your meal plan work out? Do you need to buy a new or better blanket? For instance you may have discovered that you packed too much stuff and your knapsack was a real burden to carry. You resolve to figure out how to lighten your load.

Let’s say the event was a real Buck Jones Hogan’s Goat affair, and it was principally so because of some individual who was in charge. Just make a note to yourself to never attend anything where that person was in charge. In my antediluvian days I learned about certain people in the hobby and to use a quote from my old unit, "if he was putting an event on in my backyard, I would pull the curtains."

*****

I’m sure that it doesn’t come to anyone’s surprise of the 1^st Lieutenant’s statement of the "core of members" that this unit can count on to keep us together and as strong as we can be. What he didn’t say, that I will, is, support this unit. A company is not made up of 4 or 8 or even 12. If you look at our roster, you see a lot more names than what shows up out there. I am more grateful than you could ever imagine for getting into this hobby. But more so, I am even more thankful to have all of you as friends. If your home and work allows you to be with us, then please be with us. If not, that’s the way the chips fall and we all have our number 1 priorities in life. But we need some members to step forward and remain active in the unit, not only because we miss you, but also because we need you. Set an example for the new members of the unit by showing your faces once in awhile. Look back to what captured your heart in doing this and see if it’s still there. We cannot do this alone, and your support can only make us stronger. Lord knows that I pitch a fire that would keep 40 men warm. I’m not trying to offend anyone. I’m just trying to keep F-Company alive. Shoot, I just fell off my darn soapbox. I hope that next year is a better year for all of us, not only for the 21^st, but moreover for you and your family, God willing. As always, you can count on seeing me out there, rain or shine, cold or hot, freezing or tropic.

Have You Ever Been Concerned?

There has been discussion throughout years in regards to insurance in this hobby. We do many things throughout the years and a lot of it is around the public, around campfires, and around weapons. The company has been checking on the availability for coverage within our organization which has not been a simple task.

It is roughly $7.50 - 8.00 per person.  It is a company that specializes in hunting & fishing clubs and reeenactors.  Please let me know.  We would like to have our insurance in place in January if interested