First things first, Mr. Perry is doing fine after we had all seen that nasty looking spider bite just above his foot, that he got earlier in the week.  We all diagnosed it as such, and were validated when he went to the doctor on Sunday night.  The doctor was not able to do much but he is putting some suave on it, and he expects to make a full recovery.  We all can pick up our co-pay from Mr. Perry next time we see him for our doctoral options and services.  Just kidding, we are all glad that it was nothing major, but that sure did look nasty.

Other things in the news, as most of you already know, I have been asked and have accepted the position of Jackson’s Division Commander for the Sharpsburg event (only).  I will be dawning my Frock Coat with Lt. Col insignia on it.  Mr. Turley will run the company as usual in my absence but I will still be close by to keep an eye out for you all.  I know you will do the company and division proud.

See last month’s newsletter for information on the 7 Days event.

Future Events

Sept 13-15 140^th Sharpsburg Battle

Oct 12-13 Explorer Park Fund Raiser

Nov 2-3 Ft. Branch Battle

 Cold Harbor

 What a great event but the weather could have always been better.  When I arrived on Saturday morning, I was regaled with the stories of the plague of mosquitoes that had beset the men during the night.  It was only a hint of what was to come with the gnats and flies that were the precursor to the evenings coming festivities.  We had planned to cook that morning but it was a little to hot and sticky to make it worthwhile.  The programs were similar to previous years.  F Company was the largest group there and the other companies (4^th NC and 23^rd VA) fell in at the end of our line.  It was nice to be the largest group there.  I ran the conglomeration company while J. Harlow of the 23^rd did the narration for us.  The firings were ok on Saturday and were outstanding on Sunday.  As always all the fun was in the camp.  Saturday’s evening meal was very tasty.  Mr. Talbert and Mr. Pearson out did themselves with the meal.  It was great to have that meal done quickly with everyone’s help.  The surprise of the weekend was the birthday cake Mr. Talbert had brought.  I was completely taken off guard and was very pleased. 

Saturday evening we performed out duty in the trenches trying to get help.  Mr. Pearson came up with a great idea for recruiting that we will implement right away.  The men in the trenches could pass out folded fliers to the people walking pass on there way out asking them to take a letter back home for them.  We would have to be selective as we can to try and get good possibilities for members.

Saturday night was a little different from years past.  A few of us sat up waiting to get tired enough to go to sleep.  Far in the distance there was the sweet sound of someone building something with lots of nails, starting around 2330 and the hunting dogs that were active also till around 0100 or 0200.  Who knows what that building looked like after a few cold ones and it being that late in the evening?  During this feast for the ears there was another feast going on, the only thing was it was us.  The plague of mosquitoes that descended upon us almost rivaled those plagues that were sent against Egypt.  Many of us tried to stick it out and out smart them.  Luckily the weather cooled off enough that I did not suffocate when I put my blanket over my head.  I could still hear them smashing into the blanket, for a while there I thought they were trying to pull it off to get to me.  After the onslaught was over the night passed without incident. 

Sunday morning we had a very nice breakfast thanks again to Mr. Talbert and Mr. Pearson.  It was done quickly, effectively, efficiently, and in a very military way.  It was great; the fire was elongated, flatted out, and cooked on all at one time.  We cooked as a company; we ate as a company and cleaned up as a company.  That is the way it should be and I am glad you all make it possible.

After Church service and a few hymns we moved off to drill.  And there was much rejoicing in the company.  After a half an hour of skirmish drill, run by Lt. Turley.  This will be very important at Sharpsburg since F Company will be the skirmish company. 

Once again the company had a great time and a great turnout.  Everyone that did not show, either called ahead or was detained by a family emergency.  Sure we did not get 100 percent, however, we had accounted for everyone.  This matters very much so that we all know that everyone is OK one way or the other.

Ukrop’s Golden Gift Program

This program is over as of June 15^th we have submitted 7477.23 points for consideration of a donation.  This is 805.04 less than last year.  We will have to see if this continues to be a viable fund raising event.  This means more of you will need to be involved to make this something the company can continue to get a donation to the company from your small time donation. 

Capt. Jones

Cold Harbor

              Years ago I was pleasured by being at Cold Harbor for the 130th Anniversary of the battle and there for the park service was none other than Ed Brearss. Ed as usual gave his great rendition of the battle. He told us of a recollection of one of the Federal soldiers that was there in 1864.It went something like this--"Cold Harbor, Well there wasn't any water and it sure wasn't cold." We were supplied with plenty water but I must say the depot jacket got a might close to say the least. I survived and the rest of the 21st faired well and I have the pleasure to report that there were no heat casualties. The water wasn't chilled but there was always plenty of it and it was wet. I must say at times it was best tasting stuff that one could possible have on such a day. Our counterparts would have and probably did kill for such a drink 138 years ago. As some of you already know I spent some time in the military and thought that I had experienced things and knew some brave people. The fighting man of the mid-1800’s makes what I have experienced in my brief military career pale in comparison. I am leaving these events with a deep, abiding appreciation and love for these "Super Soldiers". Be they from the North or the South in today's terminology would definitely get "You are the man". So far I have experienced the cold at COI and Sayler's Creek, the rain at Fort Pocahontas and the heat at Cold Harbor. The one thing left is "Hail” and lets us not go there. At this time I dare say that I would not have done as well if it were not for the officers and vets of the 21st to help and guide this fresh fish along. So much to learn and my hat isn't really that big. Hopefully I will learn soldiering as per the 1800's and those who are trying to '"learn" me they will find patience.

             Well we had "Turley's Terrace" at Sayler's Creek and "Jones

Town" at Fort Pocahontas. At Cold Harbor we had "Wooddy's Candle Stick Park".

We all know that Scott tries so blasted hard and he was just trying to show us what his version of what the grand illumination should be. It was short lived and I'm sure those in attendance thought that it was glorious and should be short lived. Scott, the officers and men of the 21st thank-you and my stuff that was in the near by area would like to take the time to thank-you also. Mr. Wooddy, you can pitch a shebang with me any old time. Next time we will use my "farby" flashlight. Love you man. Officers and men of the 21st,we all know Mr. Wooddy and I'm sure he has chastised himself plenty so that can be enough. Well for now anyway. This will have to be enough for now my pards and you all fair well until the next campaign and next "Pearson Fire".

Y.O.S.

 Pvt. M. Powell

 21st VA F Co

Company Inventory

Amt.       Item                        Price/ each
(12) Cartridge Boxes         $90.00
(13) Bayonet Scabbards  $40.00
(3) Cap Pouches                 $24.00
(2) Haversacks                   $45.00
(3) Tin Plates                       $15.00
(6) Tin Cups                        $15.00
(5) Tin Canteens                $45.00
(21) Cotton Socks               $8.00
(6) Wool Blanket                $25.00
(16) Sm. Va. Buttons         $.75
(22) Lg. Va. Buttons          $.90
(59) Script I Buttons          $1.00
(0) Caps                                $8.50
Hemp Rope                         $1.00 per ft.
(0) Hemp Twine                 $5.00
(6) Frying Pans                   $30.00
(16) Hardtack                     $8.00
(1) Very Small Jacket         $75.00
(3) A Frame w/poles        $100.00
(1) Wall Tent                       $400.00
(4) Sets of Utensils             $20.00
(1) Wooden Box                 $10.00

The company camping inventory items are for sale to F Company members first then will be opened to the general public then go to Mr. Vice for sale at an event.  I have a few members “penciled in” for items on the list pending checks.  If you have asked me to hold something for you, you need to pay up before September, that will probably be the best time to sell everything else at Sharpsburg.  Things have been moving like hotcakes and if you want something you had better get it while the getting it good. 

The 4^th North Carolina’s New Policy

Over many years F Company has had a good working relationship with the 4^th North Carolina.  They have emailed me and we have talked at Cold Harbor about a new policy that they are implementing.  They have stated that they want to retain their company identity at events they attend.  One thing they have decided that will help them do this is that when they fall in with the 21^st they will only fall in as a platoon of our company, keeping them all together.  I voiced my concerns about creating a company that is not formed properly, but did not force the issue since it was not worth a fight at the time we were forming for the first demonstration.  After speaking with the Executive Committee we have decided to help the 4^th toward their goal of a company identity by not letting them fall in as a platoon of our Company.  This not only causes them to be their own company, run by either a Captain or NCO, it also lets me form and run our company the proper way.  As you all know, the way to build a company identity is camping together, cooking together, suffering together, and having all the good times together, in camp.  Everyone endures the drill, but the comradery and identity comes in camp and comes through how you present yourself to others.  We have left it open to them to fall in as individuals with F Company. 

I have struggled with the issue that F Company does not allow for associate members, but welcomes invited guest.  I have a feeling that this will be come more and more of an issue and we may have to become more strict on who we let fall in with us and will have to deal with them on a case by case basis.  I feel this new way of dealing with others that fall in with us, is best for F Company and its paying members.  In the past when F Company is not attending an event, or our members have to fall in with other groups; they fall in the proper way, tallest to shortest.  I expect as much of our Company members and anyone else that will fall in with our Company from now on without question or concern.  I have spoken with Mr. Hadden and Mr. Warner of the 4^th explaining our position and they understand where we are coming from and did not seem to have any problems with that decision. 

B. Gregory’s Magnum Opus on Hydration

 How [V1] many times have you formed up at ten a.m. for a battle that takes place at two p.m.? You march out; stand in the sun at a formation while the battalions form up. Stand around while a self-important buffoon makes a nonsensical “period” speech or perhaps a “period” prayer. Then we march off to the battle; sometimes close or sometimes really far away.

Once at the battle you wait in the sun. Then your line moves up. While this has been going on, you may have noticed fellow reenactors going down as heat casualties. Suddenly you don’t feel so well yourself.

The vast majority of our events take place in the summer months in what could be charitably described as a warm climate. In the course of my reenacting career I have seen more people carried off the field from heat related casualties than from any other cause.

Let’s look at the facts. We participate in events that could require us to stay in the sun for several hours during the summer in the south. We double-quick up and down the field, over hill and dale. We wear wool uniforms. On the face of it we don’t’ seem to do a lot of smart things.

You have no control over the weather. You have no control over the schedule for the event.  The one thing you can do is to drink a lot of water.

Why should you be drinking a lot of water? Okay here’s your health lesson in case you were asleep in school.

Water is an essential nutrient and it is the single most abundant component of the human body.  It makes up over 60% of your total body weight. Water helps to cushion the discs in your spine. It also helps lubricate joints.

Unlike a camel, a person cannot store water in his body. Water must be consumed regularly to ensure normal functioning of your body.

Water is found both inside and outside the cells of your body. Most water resides in muscle cells. Water in your body serves many important roles including but it is not limited to:

1.        It participates in digestion and absorption of nutrients.

2.        It aids in the excretion of waste products from the body.

3.        It is essential for maintaining blood circulation throughout the body.

4.        It maintains your body temperature.

In warm weather the average man loses 1.8 quarts of water through sweating and an additional .6 quarts of fluids from respiration per hour. Studies conducted at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine show that continuous exertion in warm weather can increase water loss to as much as 28 quarts (7 gallons) in a single day.  

How do you lose this veritable Niagara Falls of water?  There are four basic ways that you lose fluids. They are in no particular order

1.        Breathing

2.        Urine output

3.        Sweating

4.        Stool output

You are probably familiar with the term dehydration.  How many times have you said, “Boy, am I dehydrated”? When exactly are you dehydrated?

Medically you are dehydrated when you have lost 2 % of your body weight in fluids. Let’s look at a table to examine percentages of body weigh loss and symptoms of dehydration.

Percentage of Body Weight versus Dehydration Symptoms

%	Symptoms
0	None
1	Beginning to feel thirsty
2	Increasingly thirsty
3	Dry mouth, reduced urine output; reduced blood volume
4	Feeling sick or nauseous
5	Difficulty concentrating, sleepiness, headache

Okay let’s do a little math in relationship to the table above. As an example we use a reenactor with a body weight of 175 pounds. One percent of his body weight is 1.75 lbs.

 We will use the earlier statement that during periods of activity in hot weather, the average man is capable of losing 2.4 quarts of water an hour.

Water weighs 8.33 lbs a gallon. There are 4 quarts in a gallon; therefore a quart of sweat weighs 2.085 lbs.

According to our chart; a loss of 4 per cent of your body weight in fluid can cause you to become a heat casualty. 4 per cent of our reenactor‘s body weight is seven pounds. Seven pounds of water translates to three and some change quarts.

To sweat out 3 and some change quarts takes just under two hours.

Simply put; dehydration is caused by failure to rehydrate on a regular basis. Rehydration is the act of replacing fluid in your body. Dehydration is a significant contributor to heat stress injuries.  Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion, which can progress to heat stroke. Severe dehydration can lead to cardiovascular failure and death.

As a side note, it is estimated that over one third of all American’s are chronically dehydrated.[1]

Okay back to our health lesson. You are now going to be familiarized with some terms. The first term is water balance. Water balance is the term that defines whether you are hydrated or dehydrated. When you are hydrated you have a positive water balance. When you are dehydrated you have a negative water balance.

You have a built in indicator to tell if you are hydrated or dehydrated. Checking your urine is a surefire method to check your water balance. The darker your urine is; the more dehydrated you are. In addition if you are dehydrated your urine may have stronger odor.

If you are inputting enough fluids your urine should be clear and odor free. Now I can hear everyone now. I don’t want to be whizzing every fifteen minutes. This issue will be addressed a little further on.

Now what should we be drinking to replace lost fluids? There are a lot of proponents of Gatorade® or other types of  “sports” drinks. The claim is that they contain minerals and or carbohydrates that you will need to recover from periods of exertion.

You can also hang out at sutler’s row and get yourself a big soda from a local concessionaire.

For some information on what you should be drinking check out the table below.

The table will list the carbohydrate source of these sports drinks.

The table will also list Sodium and Potassium levels. As you lose fluids you will also lose Electrolytes.  Sodium and Potassium are among the elements that make up these electrolytes. These elements are vital in the regulation of your metabolism. Drinking these fluids will replace lost electrolytes; but not immediately. It takes hours if not days after ingestion for these elements to enter your system. We will discuss electrolytes a little later.

There is a term used in the table called Osmolality. You might remember the term osmosis from your science classes. Osmosis is defined as movement of a fluid as it passes through a membrane layer to an area of higher concentration (for example; water passing through a cell wall.)[2]

A simple rule of thumb concerning osmolality: The lower the number the easier it is for your body to actually absorb the fluid. Fluids with an osmolality number greater than 350 can cause stomach distress. What you can do is dilute these beverages with an equal amount of water.

 

COMPARISON OF FLUID REPLACEMENT BEVERAGES[3]

 

Beverage	Carbohydrate Source & Concentration	Sodium      (mg)	Potassium      (mg)	Other Nutrients	Osmolality (mOsm/L)
Gatorade®	6% Sucrose/Glucose	110	25	Chloride, Phosphorus	280-360
Exceed®	7.2% Glucose Polymers/Fructose	50	45	Chloride, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus	250
Body Fuel®	4.2% Maltodextrin/Fructose	80	20	Phosphorus, Chloride, Iron, Vitamins A, B, & C	210
10-K®	6.3% Sucrose/Glucose/Fructose	52	26	Phosphorus, Vitamin C, Chloride	350
Quickkick®	4.7% Fructose/Sucrose	116	23	Calcium, Chloride, Phosphorus	305
Coca Cola®	11% High Fructose Corn Syrup/Sucrose	9.2	Trace	Phosphorus	600-715
Sprite®	10.2% High Fructose Corn Syrup/Sucrose	28	Trace	----	695
Orange Juice	11.8% Fructose/Sucrose/Glucose	2.7	510	Calcium, Niacin, Iron, Vitmins A & C, Thiamin, Phosphorus, Riboflavin	690
Water	…….	Low	Low		10-20