February 2005 Newsletter

To all members and new member prospects, please do all that you can to spend a few hours at this great location to partake in our annual meeting.

There will be much to discuss, including election of Officers, NCO’s, old business, new business, and mapping our goals and direction for 2005 and many years to come. Your attendance is very important in achieving your impact and our goals.

Due to the shortness of this meeting, we will forego lunch and stay with business for the allotted time. The sale of goods will still take place and we will make the time to address issues and the events that we would like to entertain this season. As you had read in the January newsletter, Captain Ramsey has been putting on his thinking cap in an attempt to help this company to grow; not only in numbers, but into another generation. Without all of you, we would be just a group of guys wearing wool and acting cool. Our mission has always been to represent the best that today’s men can give to represent the common well-trained soldier of the 1860’s. That is still our mission.

I truly hope that, if this company and its commitment mean anything to you, you will be there to show your support and to be an integral part of this next generation of F-Company.

The Museum and White House of the Confederacy is located at 12th and Clay streets in Richmond's historic Court End neighborhood, about two blocks from the historic State Capitol and Capitol Square. From I-95 take exit 74C to Route 250 West (Broad Street). At 11th Street turn right and go two blocks to Clay Street. Turn right on Clay. The Museum and White House are on the corner of 12th and Clay Streets.

Here we are; it's February, the Season begins, and this ol' boy is Ready!. I really am looking forward to seeing all of you veterans and new recruits at the Museum of the Confederacy at 1201 E. Clay St. in Richmond, on Saturday, Feb. 26. The room is ours at 10 am, so arrive during that hour for a bit of socializing, and then we'll start our yearly meeting at 11 am sharp. You can all park in the MCV parking deck, and have your ticket stamped in the lobby of the museum so that it won't cost you. Among the important business that we'll be tending to is the election of officers. I would like to see Joe Pearson elected 1st Sergeant, Greg Harris elected Member at Large, Lt. Turley, Private Alexander reelected to their posts, and oh yes, myself returned with your collective blessing to the post of Captain of F Company. I also encourage you to congratulate our new Corporal, David Gammon. Of course you are free to nominate any other candidates that you might feel are better suited to those positions. Another vote that we will be taking will be in regards to the by-laws change that I am recommending. Please study it carefully.

Finally, I would like to commend Pvt. Bob Baird for an outstanding job on Richmond's Morning News with Jimmy Barrett on WRVA. On this program, and in an interview that he did with a certain radio reporter, Bob elequently spoke to an issue of concern to all property owners in Virginia; the proposal to create a new Chief Archaeologist with broad powers to interfere with landowners and discourage relic hunting. I believe he has helped raise awareness of problems inherent in this bill, and may have contributed to its final rejection in this year's session of the Virginia General Assembly. Congratulations Pvt Baird!

We are always on the lookout to find men who wish to share our same interests. For those of you that think you know someone who has expressed an interest in what you do, or find stories of your experiences intriguing, perhaps they are likely candidates. I presently have 2 new recruits and 2 other prospects that have come my way through Mr. Norman, Mr. Gammon, and also myself. There’s never the wrong time to bring a man on board. With our 2005 season in its infancy, now is the ideal time to have them meet us either at the Annual Meeting or the Camp of Instruction. Whether you are an active member or not, you can support the unit further by continually keeping your eyes an ears open for men who wish to be out there with us. I’d like to welcome aboard to our unit, Mr. Parzych and Mr. Pate. We are looking forward to meeting you both at our Annual Meeting and your attendance at our COI.

The 2005 reenactment season is fast approaching and the annual meeting is almost upon us. Please make plans to be there. As you should know by now, it will be held at the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond. I can’t think of a better place for it to be. It is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be fast and furious. So, come prepared to take part, voice your opinion on issues, pick the events you want the unit to attend, and vote on the officers you want to lead the unit this year. Although the executive committee usually recommends a slate of candidates, keep in mind that any member can nominate any member for any office. Changes continue to be forthcoming in the unit as we continue this period of transition. As most of you know by now, 1^st Sergeant Wilson has resigned his position, although he still wants to maintain his membership with the company. He was not able to attend many events last year due to family obligations and work responsibilities and other commitments. This situation will not be changing in the foreseeable future, so he has decided to step aside for the good of the company. He is to be commended for his actions. He is also to be commended for his years of service to the unit. He stepped into positions of leadership when no one else really wanted to do so; first as Lieutenant and then as 1^st Sergeant. He did a fine job. He was there when we really needed him.

Now, I know that 1^st Sergeant Wilson sometimes rubbed some of us the wrong way. I had many differences of opinion with him myself, but his main interest was what was best for the unit. I don’t believe he ever did anything from a malicious or egotistical motivation. He just had that "1^st Sergeant mentality" that we have come to expect from our 1^st Sergeants. Mr. Wilson did his job and he did it well. He will be missed, and for that, I thank him for his leadership.

As the new season approaches, we will need more men who will be willing to do their part for the company. We have a faithful core of men who attend most all events. We must build upon them. Participating in this hobby does not appeal to the masses, and the life expectancy of those who do is not that great. New recruits will be hard to find, but with the Captain’s leadership and enthusiasm and everyone’s help, we can do this and make F-Company the best that it can be and secure the unit’s future. See you all at the annual meeting on the 26^th of February.

Hopefully, by the time you receive this newsletter, I will have the names of all who wish and plan to attend the 2005 edition of F-Company’s COI. It’s always a special occasion when it’s just us and we have the time and place to do our thing. Howling at the moon is optional, but please make sure it’s before midnight.

From the North: Take I-95 South to I-295 heading toward Charlottesville. Take I-64 to the Rockville-Manikin exit 173. At the top of the ramp, turn left onto Ashland Road (Country Road 623) and go a half-mile. See below under further directions to finish your drive.

From the East: Take I-64 West heading toward Charlottesville to the Rockville-Manikin ext 173. At the top of the ramp, turn left onto Ashland Road (Country Road 623) and go one-half mile. See below under further directions to finish your drive.

From the South: Take I-95 North to Richmond, then get on I-64 West towards Charlottesville. Take the Rockville-Manikin exit 173. At the top of the ramp, take a right onto Ashland Road (Country Road 623) and go one-half mile. See below under further directions to finish your drive.

From the West: Take I-64 East to the Rockville-Manikin exit 173. At the top of the ramp, take a right onto Ashland Road (Country Road 623) and go one-half mile.

Turn onto Rockville Road (Country Road 622) and go about 4 miles to the stop sign at Rockville. Proceed straight ahead onto Walnut Hill Drive and go 7/10^th’s of a mile to where 622 veers to the left. Go straight ahead onto Henley Road (Country Road 734), and go 2/10^th’s of a mile to where the road turns to the right. Veer to the left onto a gravel road and go through the twin metal gates. As you drive down the gravel road, follow the tree line on the left for almost a mile. As the tree-line takes a right angle turn towards the gravel road, our camp will be established inside that wooded area. If you drive into the woods on the gravel road, you’ve gone too far.

Although we have a full slate in March and April, this parade cannot go unannounced to the membership. I received e-mail from Mr. Millikin giving information about the parade. If you wish to attend, here are the specifics:

This year’s event is not a parade, but a Memorial March. The reason for this name change is simple,

This year we will be carrying the remains of four Confederate Soldiers to their final resting place along side their compatriots in the Confederate Section of Hollywood Cemetery.

The Memorial March route will be the same as last year’s- from DMV drive, right on Broad St then left on Boulevard, left on Monument which will turn into Franklin St, then right on Harrison St, then left on Idlewood to Hollywood Cemetery. We will not stop to rest! We will continue into Hollywood where there will be a short ceremony and burial of the four Soldiers. Artillery and Rifle fire will conclude the program and all units with rifles are invited to participate.

Bottled water and port-johns will be available before, during and after the ceremony.

When the Memorial March arrives at Hollywood Cemetery, the Marchers in Civilian Clothes will be directed to the Idlewood Road gate entrance of Hollywood Cemetery by the gazebo, then down the hill to the grassy area.

The re-enactors and period dressed marchers including Artillery units and the four caissons will use the Dobson St entrance as in previous events.

The re-enactors and period dressed marchers will be directed to line up around the gazebo.

Memorial March Marshals will direct you. Thank you for supporting this historic event.

As stated earlier, Leigh St is going to be the best street to park on. NO PARKING in the parking lots of DMV, Science Museum or Workers Comp. There will be parade marshals to assist you.

There will be free bottled water available at both the start and finish staging areas. Also bottle water will be available in Hollywood Cemetery. Please remember to use the trash cans when you are finished.

Porta-Johns will be placed at both the start and finish staging areas. Also there are several fast food restaurants within in a couple of blocks of the starting area.

If you own one, read it and familiarize yourself with areas that you feel you may need help. If you’ve always wanted to have your own, please contact the Captain. He is the keeper of these books and kind of salesperson for distribution to the souls who wish to learn, not only through application, but also through reading and note taking.( Webmaster's note: We have a link to an online format of this manual on our links page)

ITEM	QTY	EACH
Cartridge Box	9	$90.00
Cap Pouch	6	$24.00
Bayonet Scabbard	12	$40.00
40" BELT Forked Tongue	1	$37.00
40" BELT Georgia Frame	1	$37.00
46" BELT (Forked Tongue)	1	$37.00
Kepi (7" �)	1	$75.00
Kepi (7" 3/8)	1	$75.00
Haversack (Federal_	0	$45.00
Haversack (Confederate)	2	$45.00
Wood Canteen	0	$72.00
Tin Canteen no strap or stopper	5	$40.00
Tin Plate	0	$15.00
Tin Cup	5	$15.00
Wool Blanket	1	$25.00
Cotton Socks	6 PR.	$8.00
Small VA Buttons	5	$0.75
Large VA Buttons	About 90	$1.00
Block I Buttons	About 90	$1.00
Script I Buttons	About 50	$1.00
Hemp Rope	(plenty)	$1.00 per ft
Hemp Twine (roll)	25	$5.00
Shell Jacket (XXL 52)new wool	1	$260.00
Trousers (W36 X L34)new wool	1	$145.00

Please note that Mr. Perry has two medium size frying pans for $8.00 each, one small frying pan for $3.00, and a spider for $45.00 that are all for sale. If you’ve missed out on your own pan, don’t miss out on these bargains.

An oilcloth is amazingly simple to make. It must be if I can make one. In the course of a couple of months I have made several oilcloths and am in the process of making an oversized one to serve as either a large blanket cover or as a shelter that could be strung between some trees. Learning to sew grommets is the only hard part and you can only get better with practice. You can also shop at your local hardware store and locate small diameter brass grommets and for a few bucks buy the tools to install them.

I went to a Jo-Ann’s Fabric Shop™ and purchased several yards of lightweight cotton drill. I measured and cut the fabric to the required size so that I would have a 1-inch seam all the way around. Pinned the seams and went to stitching. It took a couple of hours by hand, but I whiled away the time watching TV.

Once all the stitching was done and grommets sewn in place, the next step was to build a lightweight wooden frame to hold the finished oilcloth. Using a staple gun I attached the fabric to the frame.

From the hardware store I mixed up a batch of wallpaper sizing. I thoroughly coated the fabric on one side. The next step was the application of Semi gloss black latex paint from the Sherwin Williams dealer. I asked him to put a lot of extra color and he was happy to oblige. The first coat could take a day or so to dry.

I put on a second coat and in this one I mixed in a little bit of Japon dryer. I am a little unsure of exact proportions but it was a generous splash and it helps to speed up drying.

To secure it if I decide to use it as rain gear I found a pair of J-hooks from an old knapsack in my junk drawer.

#	Description	Price	Total
5	Blanket Straps Natural	$7.00	$35.00
5	Blanket Straps Black	$7.00	$35.00
1	Confederate Knapsack	$175.00	$175.00
2	Wool Blankets	$30.00	$60.00
1	Poncho	$40.00	$40.00
1	Ground Cloth	$35.00	$35.00
1	Period Style Deck of cards in sack	$20.00	$20.00
1	Kitchen knife	$20.00	$20.00
3	Short Tent pegs	$10.00	$30.00
2	Long Tent pegs	$10.00	$20.00
3	Tent rope tigheners	$5.00	$15.00
6	Small wooden tent pegs	$2.00	$12.00
1	Sewing Kit	$45.00	$45.00
1	Period Knife Spoon and Fork set	$35.00	$35.00
1	Conferderate Haversack	$40.00	$40.00
1	Federal Haversack	$45.00	$45.00
1	Brogans Size 11	$75.00	$75.00
1	Mocasans Size 11	$15.00	$15.00
4	Iron tent pegs	$2.00	$8.00
2	Poke Sacks	$1.00	$2.00
1	Period Style Wallet	$20.00	$20.00
1	Militia Knapsack	$200.00	$200.00
	Militia Accoutrements
1	Cartridge Box w/web belt	$150.00	$150.00
1	Cap Pouch	$45.00	$45.00
1	Bayonet Scabbard w/web belt	$75.00	$75.00
1	Web Belt and plates	$60.00	$60.00
1	Braces	$20.00	$20.00
1	CW Jacket 42 Long	$150.00	$150.00
1	CW Pants 38X32	$75.00	$75.00
1	Civilian Vest 42	$90.00	$90.00
1	Brass Candle Holder	$5.00	$5.00
1	Period Binoculars/Case/Strap	$300.00	$300.00
1	Boiler Large	$15.00	$15.00
1	9 inch Frying pan	$25.00	$25.00
	CW Accoutrements
1	Canvas Cap Pouch	$25.00	$25.00
1	Canvas Cartridge Box	$75.00	$75.00
1	Canvas Bayonet Scabbard	$30.00	$30.00
1	Canvas Belt 38	$20.00	$20.00
	CW Accoutrements	Cont.
1	Canvas Shoulder Strap	$10.00	$10.00
1	Tin Cup	$15.00	$15.00
10	Hemp Rope	$1.00	$10.00
1	Small Lantern w/ candles	$40.00	$40.00
1	Ball of twine	$1.00	$1.00
8	Lg VA Buttons	$1.75	$14.00
1	Wooden Case Mirror	$20.00	$20.00
1	Note pad	$1.00	$1.00
1	Tin of Saddle Soap	$1.00	$1.00
1	Powder Measure	$5.00	$5.00
	Period Style Shirts 17 34/35	$70.00	$70.00
1	Period Style shirt white with red check	$80.00	$80.00
1	Period Style shirt brown plad	$70.00	$70.00
1	Period Style shirt blue/beige stripe	$85.00	$85.00
1	Period Style Hat Lg	$80.00	$80.00
2	Cotton Socks	$8.00	$16.00
1	Pair of Cotton Gloves	$5.00	$5.00

I am very pleased with the response that I’ve received in regards to members who have the desire in attending our meeting, COI, and the early springtime events. If your name is not listed below, please notify me as soon as you can, but keep in mind, Bentonville/Sailor’s Creek/Lee’s Final Retreat are already a done deal with registration. But I do need to know if you will be attending the Annual Meeting and the Camp of Instruction. So, again, please let me know if you name is not on the list and you plan on being there. Thank you.

Ramsey, Turley, Pearson, Firth, Stafford, Gammon, D., Perry Sr., Alexander, Vice, Baird, Price, Ward, Gregory, Sanders, Talbert, Powell, Catlett, Gammon, M., Harris, Parks, Courson, Messerley, Eastman & Lawrence?

Ramsey, Turley, Pearson, Firth, Stafford, Gammon, D., Alexander, Perry Sr., Lawrence, Vice, Norman, Baird, Talbert, Powell, Catlett, Gammon, M., Harris, and possibly Parks, Messerley & Courson.

Ramsey, Turley, Pearson, Gammon, D., Perry Sr., Ward, Baird, Norman, Lawrence, Catlett, Talbert, Powell, Harris, Gammon, M., and Messerley.

Ramsey, Turley, Pearson, Firth, Stafford, Gammon, D., Price, Ward, Norman, Perry Sr., Perry, Jr., Lawrence, Powell, Talbert, Harris, Gammon, M., and Baird.

Note: Gammon, M. is registered, but cannot make it. Anyone wishing to take his place, please contact me ASAP.

Ramsey, Turley, Pearson, Gammon, D., Alexander, Price, Ward, Norman, Perry Sr., Perry, Jr., Lawrence, Powell, Harris, Catlett, Gammon, M., and possibly Baird (who will register on his own if he can make it).

Registrations for: Bentonville, Sailor’s Creek, and Lee’s Final Retreat are completed. All names listed above have been registered and confirmed by each event coordinator. Thank you for all your responses to get you onboard.

The remainder of the season, which should give us more time to get head counts and later registration, will be discussed at the Annual Meeting.

If your name is not listed at any of the events and should be, contact me either by phone or e-mail. I do not wish to be the cause of anyone’s wish to be out there & foiled by an oversight or error. I have listed some upcoming events that we may wish to also consider. If you have any other events that we could review and vote on, please bring the information to the Annual Meeting.

Please bring information of any event that may be of more interest to the unit. Is there something new that we may have never done before to keep it spicy and adventurous?

I would like us to vote on this proposed change in the Company by-laws, which I am recommending, at our yearly meeting. Please read it over carefully and decide if you will vote in the affirmative or the negative.

Purpose - It is the expressed wish of this organization to encourage and to recruit young men of good character. While a large number of young people less than 18 years of age express an interest in Civil War Living History, it must be realized that many offer but a mixed degree of commitment to the endeavor. In order to attempt to encourage those with a serious interest, and at the same time safeguard the historical impression and the legal liability of F Company, 21st VA Infantry, the following policy will apply to all members, prospective members, sponsors and parents of young recruits.

1. Age 15 or older - Those in this age group can participate as musket bearing military soldiers with no particular restrictions, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. If the sponsors of a particular event place restrictions upon those who are less than 18 or 21 years of age, their wishes will be honored, and a good faith effort will be made by the member and this unit to comply.

2. Age 12 to 14 - Any member in this age group must have an active parent, relation, or member of F Company to serve as a sponsor. Any member who serves as a sponsor is at all times responsible for the welfare, transportation, and conduct of that young person. Any breach of discipline or unacceptable behavior on the part of a member of this age group will be the direct responsibility of the sponsoring member, as well as the young person in question.

3. Age 12 or younger - Those in this age group will have their potential participation evaluated on a case by case basis by the F Company Executive Committee, with this body having the final determination as to approval or disapproval for participation with the unit. They must have a parent, or close relative or guardian as a member in good standing in the Company. A young person in this category is not authorized to wear a military uniform, but must appear in period Civil War civilian clothing appropriate to his participation. Any breach of discipline or unacceptable behavior on the part of the person in this age group is the direct responsibility of the parent or sponsoring relation.

4. General Guidance - It is the direct responsibility of the parent, relative, guardian or sponsoring member of the unit to ensure that the young member of F Company has the necessary transportation to and from an event; has food, clothing and field equipment necessary for full, authentic participation, and that the young person is active in the support of F Company activities. One of the primary purposes of this Company is to provide encouragement, opportunity, and support to young members who are seriously interested in the history, and in creating an impression of the life of the common Confederate soldier during the period of the War Between the States.

Haven’t heard if anyone in the unit has had the time or true grit to make their own ground cloth through the researched instructions of Mr. Gregory, but I have just completed my ground cloth. Its maiden voyage will be at Bentonville and I’m truly looking forward to breaking it in and field testing it. Should anyone else have the desire, it’s quite easy as long as you have the right tools, friends, and a little aptitude. Like Mr. Gregory said, "An oilcloth is amazingly simple to make. It must be if I can make one." Thanks to his research, that’s one less item that I’ll need to purchase and doing it yourself (and with help of Mrs. Schirmer’s seamstress work) is self-satisfying in itself. "Look Ma………see what I did"?