July 2004 Newsletter

Gentlemen, weren’t we the lucky ones, to have been at this year’s Cold Harbor! I must confess that this was actually the first time that I have ever made this event, after hearing for years what a mellow, laid back, easy going weekend that it always was. Right. The rain and lack of sleep Friday night just helped to prepare us for what had to be one of the most grueling two days of our reenactor careers. But without pouring over gory details, let me just say that I was never prouder of you men. To lead troops in situations that are confusing and stressful, and to see them keep a stiff upper lip and a solid formation no matter what the challenge, is truly an honor. You men can be proud of yourselves, and our unit, for rising to the challenge. And it is for that reason that we were honored by the Colonel commanding to be designated first company, and skirmishers for the Sunday event. He liked what he saw, and so did the spectators, and so did our friends with the National Park Service. And hey, we had our second COI for the year. There’s just no doubt that we are all better soldiers for the experience. One other thing that I want to acknowledge is our interaction with the public, especially during the candlelight tours. We’ve gotten a good deal of positive feedback from folks who really were scared, thrilled, excited by their contact in the dark woods with that nasty old Capt. Ramsey and his band of hardened veterans. I do believe that we made some lasting impressions, especially among all of those young recruits. First the trenches at Spotsylvania and now the earthworks of Cold Harbor. This unit takes to the living history side of things quite naturally, and ain’t it fun! Now on to Kernstown, where we will be deployed as skirmishers, just as F Company was on March 23, 1862, as they participated in the bloody engagement that would become known as the first battle of Jackson’s Valley Campaign. The 21st, which numbered at that point about 270 men, occupied the spur of a ridge with some artillery, and fought against far superior numbers, finally losing about 60 men. Time permitting, I plan to try and find the ground on which they fought. I invite all of you F’ers to join me.

I would like to thank everyone who supported the unit at Cold Harbor. Because of my commitments at work, I was late in arriving. It was after 3 p.m. on Saturday when I got there. I was surprised to find F-Company along with the battalion in the field doing a demonstration for the public.

Upon the end of the demonstration, I joined the unit. I was told that I had missed the morning drill and that there had been a whole lot of it, a whole lot (if you get my drift). We were still up in the parking area when we were dismissed and given free time. I decided to make my way to camp. Once there, Mr. Alexander took great joy in presenting me with my weekend rations. Thank goodness I had back up in the supply wagon. The rest of the afternoon and early evening was spent cleaning weapons, preparing the supper meal, and awaiting the candlelight tours. Everything went off without a hitch. The Captain especially had good interaction with the visitors that came for the evening tours, which were well attended. Upon the conclusion of the tours, I made one last trip to the supply wagon and then retired for the evening, making my bed close to the fire. I slept well.

In the morning, after breakfast, we had church service. It was done in conjunction with the IVR near the field where we had dress parade.. The Captain did a special reading and Privates Powell and Alexander led the singing. It was good. After church, the Executive Committee had time for a meeting to catch up on company business. All that was left was the mid-day demonstration. That went well also. All in all, (at least for me), it was a very laid back and enjoyable event, but again, I missed most of the drill.

Thanks to those that attended. Next up is Kernstown. This should be interesting, especially since we have not done this one before. See you there.

“In the record Books”

Having everyone in camp at the same time is almost an impossible task, unless it’s to clean muskets, cook, eat, or sleep. Sixteen members we present for Cold Harbor with five AWOL during this photo opportunity. Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina were represented here. Where was Pennsylvania?

First off, I'd like to thank all of those who helped prepare me for the Cold Harbor weekend, everything fit great. The first day was fun and interesting. The first big thing I did was watch you guys practice in the field. I found that interesting because I saw up close that everyone has a specific job, It is very important that everyone execute that job and you guys did it perfect. Next I got to stay in camp with Mr. Alexander. I got to see a period baseball and playing cards, the difference between those items and the same items of today where surprising. Mr. Alexander also taught me a lot. Lying in the trench Saturday night was eerie. For a moment, I closed my eyes and tried to put myself in 1864 that is until a van drove by, but anyway. Sleeping was very interesting; three times I had to get up, twice to warm up by the fire and once to visit the woods. Early the next morning I found a pre-warmed stool by the fire and caught a short power-nap. It is very hard to go from a warm, soft, bed to the hard, cold, ground, but I shall adjust. Eating was also different. I had my fill of bacon and potatoes, which was actually very good. I had a lot of fun hanging out with you guys. Thanks goes to Captain Ramsey for letting me attend, I hope I was not any trouble and hope to be invited again at future events this year.
Thanks very much.

As you have noticed, up to this point, we have been in the midst of 140^th Anniversary events. For the most part, that is a good sign. Unlike Gettysburg that has the ever-present annual Pickett’s Charge, some event coordinators prefer to just celebrate the greater 5-year anniversaries. Next year will be no different with the possible likes of Bentonville, Sayler’s Creek, and Appomattox, to name a few. However, for this edition of the newsletter, we will concentrate on 2^nd Kernstown. This will be a very small event, expecting 175 Confederates and 100 Federals. Usually, that means the coordination and planning is much better and with more quality participants. This event, hosted with special invitation by the 33^rd Virginia and the Stonewall Brigade, is a combined Living History/Preservation March weekend. This event is all about preservation and all monies go directly to the KBA. For every $1 we donate, it is matched by a grant. The event coordinators are asking for all to arrive on Friday evening, if at all possible. Parking will be at the Kernstown Battlefield only, but transportation to Bartonsville will be taken care of on Friday evening and Saturday morning. The Stonewall Brigade will provide water, firewood, and transportation. Mr. Cummings will run the overall Confederate command with Ken and Eric Mink on his staff. Friday evening should supply us with plenty of information of the details for the entire weekend. Mr. Cummings will run us through some Saturday morning drill at Bartonsville for preparation of our arrival on the Kernstown battlefield and the days activities.    If weather is cooperative, camp should be very satisfying. This is a rain or shine event, but the site provides many facilities to use as cover. This is a campaign-style event and everyone is encouraged to minimize their canvas, although shelter halves and tent flies are allowed in case of rain. The site is the Kernstown Battlefield, just south of Winchester. The 33rd Va. will supply two Don Troiani civil war prints, the prints are “The Fire On Caroline Street” . The first print is an Artist proof#20/100, the second is a publishers print#20/80, these prints are unframed, and they come with all pertinent documentation.
   All registered individuals will qualify for one free raffle ticket for the first
print. Also, the first print will be raffled at $5 per ticket or three tickets for $10.
     The second more expensive print will be raffled in the following manner: each individual raising $50 for this KBA effort you'll receive one raffle ticket, so start talking to your family members/co-workers and raise some funds for preservation, all monies raised will go directly towards this preservation effort, please have checks made out to the Kernstown Battlefield Association.

Please make every attempt to arrive at the Kernstown Battlefield sometime Friday evening. On Saturday morning, the Confederates will march the approximately three (3) miles to the Kernstown Battlefield, arriving at 11:30 and will retrace the steps of Williams Terry's Brigade as skirmishers along Houge Run. In the afternoon, there will be another demonstration for the public, followed by an afternoon living history program. On Saturday night, the Confederates will camp on the battlefield. Sunday's activities will commence at 11:00 am with living history programs through the afternoon. The Union troops will camp both nights on Pritchard's Hill. Artillery demonstrations will highlight some of the programs. Beginning at 10:30 am on Saturday, the Union troops will recreate a skirmish line coming off Pritchards's Hill and advancing on Houge's Run. This line will give ground as the Confederates come on the field. Living history programs will fill the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday. I would estimate the number of rounds needed to be about forty. If you have a knapsack, bring it. If you do not have a knapsack, your normal bedroll will be more than adequate. I would say to use a bedroll from Friday until after the march, you’re not going to need many blankets for Friday night. If bad weather is in the area, use your pack so you could store rain cover, if the weather is real bad, we will sleep at the Battlefield instead of Bartonsville. Those issues will be determined as the event unfolds. Members originally signed up for this event are: Alexander, Catlett, Firth, Gammon, Lawrence, Pearson, May, Ramsey, Stafford, Turley, and Ward. If your name is not on this list, but have contacted the 1^st Sergeant, you will also be registered. June 30^th was the cut-off date. Therefore, if you had wished to attend, I hope you notified Mr. Wilson.

DIRECTIONS: From Interstate 81 - Use exit 310 and follow the signs to ROUTE 11 NORTH. Go through 2 stop lights after you get on Route 11.
Battle Park Drive is on your Left about 2/10^th of a mile after the second light.
You should see the Civil War Marker along Route 11. The driveway is between Creekside Station and the Saturn dealer. Registration should be located at the front gate to the Park and will be open from noon on Friday (7/23) until 9:00 a.m. on Saturday (7/24). Address is 610 Battle Park Drive Winchester, Virginia.

Remember; please try to arrive on Friday evening. I cannot guarantee the precise time that we will form up for the Preservation March from Bartonsville to Kernstown on Saturday morning, but I surely don’t want to miss that. Not knowing the exact route of our march, I’m sure that plenty of locals will get an eyeful of veteran Confederates, at their best, proudly representing the soldiers of the South we march on.

Every soldier for himself this time. The 1^st Sergeant will not be in attendance for Kernstown, so make sure you provide adequate foodstuff for the extent of time that you will be there. If at all possible, please try to use period containers, sacks, etc. Nothing worse than a Ziploc bag on display. Use wax paper if you need to wrap any slab bacon, fat back, salt pork, or any other artery clogging delicacies. If anyone noticed at Cold Harbor, the bayonet did an outstanding job of cooking bacon, and no excess grease unless you need that for taters.

140^th 2^nd Kernstown- July 23^rd-25^th

August- open

South Mt. L.H.- September 11^th & 12^th

140^th Cedar Creek- Oct 15^th & 17^th

Fort Branch- November 5^th-7^th

Gettysburg Parade- November 20^th

The tempest of a couple of days ago had seemed more like a bad memory of one going to the woodshed so to speak. Something of that sort hangs with a man; the likes of which you wished would go away from your recollection and never come back. Now the only thing that one has to deal with is the "sport" of which both sides are fully engaged in. Sport if you want to call it that but I would liken it to nothing but a blood feud between two families. A man can't raise his head or wiggle a mite and then if you was one of the lucky ones something goes a humming by you like a mad hornet, crashing by you and busting up dirt, snapping branches or even worse finding somebody else to bother. It was because of this "federal pestilence" that I was partnered with one of our angels, a man by the name of Earl Lee Pitts.
       Word came down that afternoon leap frogging it's way till it finally met me and took me by surprise. I was to report to the company command post that was set up in the "safe" trenches a ways from where I was now. Waiting till nightfall I made myself to the covered ways and up to the breastworks that overlooked the field. Crawling till I thought was safe ground I started more being upright like a normal man heading for a faint campfire when I heard, "Halt!" The grunted command sounded familiar and I questioned back, "Is that you Bear?" "Nick Garnett?" queried back the hidden sentinel. "Yes, Bear it's me - don't shoot," I snapped back. "Advance!" and I did and was soon in the presence of my hairy face acquaintance and the barrel of his much used enfield. Bear got closer and finally recognized me. That was all after he had pulled the hammer back on that enfield. "Nick Garnett, it is good to see ya brother," said Bear as he relaxed his rifle and laid his big heavy paw on my shoulder. "Good to see you friend," I replied. Before I could say much more Bear started to tell me about the goings on of the last couple days and we were headed for that faint fire. "Nick," paused Bear and then he gathered himself, "you know we lost some fellas the other day during the attack." "Yeah, Bear it was something indeed. Figured as much. Who? Any of the old fellas? I asked. The names poured out of him. Some I didn't know and some I knew well. Some were familiar from when we was in the Valley with Stonewall himself. The fortunate thing of most was that they were wounded. How bad Bear didn't know or he wouldn't say. Moving toward the fire of our company I couldn't help but think of its diminished size. First I thought of its slightness for safety sake but then a sick feeling slid over me. "How's about Rascal?" I asked quickly. The big man stopped with his back to me. Anger, fear and frustration swept over me and I grabbed his haversack sling and nearly spun him around. "Rascal dang it, tell me of Cpl. Rascal?" I blurted out. His hair-covered face was pained and his mouth wrenching and quivering like it was full of bees. I got close and before I could ask again he spit it out. "Nick - Rascal was shot this afternoon by one of them dang bushwhacking Yankee snipers. "How bad? - How Bad?" I nearly shouted. "In the hip Nick," answered back Bear. "We got him back to the aid station and the surgeon boxed him." "Boxed him?” I blurted. "Sent him, Nick - sent him to the hospital in Richmond," replied Bear. "He was hurt sure enough Nick, but he was talking and I think - well we all hope he'll be all right," said the big man as his voice faded off at the end.       Soon we were washed in the light of the fire and a reunion of sorts took place with those there. It was then I caught a whiff of the booty of captured Yankee haversacks. Coffee and meat rations soon filled my senses and a hunger pang started over me but didn't last long. "Mr Garnett," said in such a familiar fashion to garner my attention. Turning to the voice I saw the First Sgt., First Sgt Wilcox was a    tall, straight, thin man who didn't say a lot at times. As the light of the fire washed his face I didn't see the almost stone face that I grew to know. Instead I saw a dirty, gaunt almost haggard picture of a man who showed tremendous strain of responsibility for so many of us in what he and we had been through the last few days. Then a small smile came to him as in relief that another one of his charges made it another day and said, "The Captain wants to see you. Don't worry Nick I'll make sure we save you something."
       Captain Rumford was not far off, boots off and cooling his heels as I approached. "Captain Rumford you wanted to see me Sir?" "Yes Pvt Garnett, please sit I need to talk something over with you. By the way - Good to see you," as he motioned me closer. The Captain was a man of letters and an amiable sort. A good person who stood toe-to-toe right along with us. I could not help but to notice his puffed eyes and the pertness of his usual air gone somewhat. "After the attack two days ago," as he leaned forward and cocked his eyebrows at me, "we are now bogged down along a seven mile front. From the Chickahominy to Totapotomy creek two armies are squared off. The General has tried to parlay but the cigar chewing rum barrel - well he won't hear of it. There has been some probing actions west of here at Bethesda Church but for the most part we been shooting at each other. Some of those people especially one is good and that is why I asked for you and borrowed your help. "Help sir," I mused. "Yes Pvt Garnett, I borrowed a man who is good with his rifle," nearly sighed the Captain as he started to relax himself more. "You are to assist him in locating this sniper and hopefully take care of him before anymore people fall prey to him. My people, "Nick," sounded Captain Rumford. Then he pointed in the direction of an unfamiliar face, "Go get to know him." "When sir?" as I turned. "When-what?" snapped back Captain Rumford due to the lack of sleep? "Sir when will I and this man go out?" I quizzed. "The man, Private, is a Sergeant and his name is   Earl Lee Pitts and you go out in the morning," mumbled the Captain. "Morning!" I blurted out. Then Captain Rumford snapped up, righted himself and gave me a look.
A look not of hate or discontent but that of -this person has hurt family and I want it stopped- Now......Pass it on-
Pvt. Nicholas Garnett, 21^stVirginia

For those of you who did not go to Stormsylvania, as a member of the Amphibian Five (Our motto: Heaven won’t take us and hell is afraid we’ll take over) here are some tips and tricks of the trade that might make a difference.

As you build up your kit a priority should be some extra shirts, drawers and socks. Once you have the extras keep one set wrapped in a plastic bag in your vehicle. When the rain stops you can change out into some dry stuff and start the clothes drying process. An extra blanket stored with the other gear might be worth its weight in gold.

Along with above an extra ground cloth or poncho might be pretty handy in a downpour. Lay one over your gear and use the other for yourself.

Before you turn in for the night, take a few minutes and use a towel to dry your body. Don’t forget to dry your feet as well. Take a few minutes to massage your feet. You will really be surprised at how much better they will feel in the morning. Change your shirt and socks. You will stay warmer and the shirt you have been sweating in all day will get a chance to dry. If it is chilly out use your old socks as mittens.

In cold weather the more insulation you put under you when you lay down for the night, the warmer you will stay.

How big of a fire do we need at night? If you start to sweat the fire is too big and you will only get colder when you move away from the fire.

Looking for a pillow? Veterans used to wrap their shoes in their jackets. You can also put your cartridge box in your knapsack.

Once it gets dark; it really gets dark. Should you need to make some emergency repairs to your clothing; threading a needle by candlelight could be difficult at best. Before going to the event pre-thread several needles and wrap the excess thread around the needle and store in your housewife.

A couple of pieces of dry tinder stored in your haversack may help to get the fire going if everything else is soaked. A small piece of fire starter in a poke sack will prove extremely useful if you cannot find dry tinder. A period match safe filled with strike anywhere matches is extremely useful.

You should develop a compact first aid kit. I made a half scale Moses Alexander haversack and my first aid kit sits neatly in my knapsack.

Keep a tiny bottle of Purel® in your first aid kit. Not only will it clean your hands but it also serves as a fire starter in an emergency.

If your shoes get soaked, do not dry them by the fire. All you are doing is cooking the leather and greatly shortening the life of your shoe. If at the event try to let your shoes dry naturally. If they are still wet when you get them home, crumple up some newspapers to put it in the shoes and let them dry. Then put a pair of shoetrees inside and apply some leather conditioner. I use Snow Seal®. If your accoutrements get soaked let them dry naturally. Apply a coating of a good shoe polish such as KIWI® or (heaven forbid) Lincoln Wax® when you get home.

To protect your rifle from a downpour use a tompion. Now with that said, stay away from the repros on sutler row. Original Enfield tompions can be found at gun shows relatively cheap. The advantage? They provide a perfect fit for your repro rifle. The ones on sutler row tend to be slightly oversized and may prove difficult to remove. If you buy a sutler row Springfield wooden model, apply a coating of linseed oil, as the wood is untreated and moisture can cause it to swell inside your barrel.

To protect your rifle from the evening dews and damps at event give the barrel and all metal parts a rub down with some oil and cleaning patch. A period source was “armor oil” or as we call it mineral oil. Another period oil would be olive oil. Now take your rifle to bed (and give it a girls name). After you lay down, use the edge of your gum blanket to protect it during the night.

When at event never, ever use any type of animal fat, such as bacon grease to oil your musket. Animal fats contain salts that are highly corrosive.

The above applies to your bayonet as well. When you put your bayonet back into the scabbard you are just putting a product that will destroy your scabbard from the inside out.

Bundle your cartridges. There are several reasons for this. First, it allows you to do an accurate ammo count concerning what you need to take to the event. I store my cartridges in a surplus military ammo can. The bundles stack neatly. When it comes time to load the cartridge box, all I have to do is insert the pre wrapped bundles.

After placing the bundles in the tin of your cartridge box, use your pocketknife and slit the tops of the bundles open. This makes it easier to grab the cartridge.

Small glass bottles available at Pier One Imports can be used to carry salt and or pepper, insect repellent or sunscreen. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of proper use of sunscreen and insect repellents.

For those users of federal knapsacks you may have noticed that there is a tiny leather loop at the top of the pack. The original purpose of this was to allow the knapsack to hang on the barracks wall. You can take advantage of this by running a stick through the loop. Then you can take your rolled blanket and put the straps around the stick. This will help shift the load up and closer to your spine making it easier to carry.

When packing your knapsack for an event, try to put all your items in poke sacks. It will help prevent loss and allow you to repack at a moment’s notice.

As with the above, if you have to pack any modern medications put them in a special colored poke sack and make that poke sack the only one of that color in your knapsack.

From my ruck humping days. The easiest way to put on a knapsack is while you are sitting down. Pre hook the right side strap and slide your arms through. Then roll to your knees and stand up. Looking for a “period” candy for a snack? Necco® wafers were first produced in the late 1850’s. A perfect item to say you swapped with a Billy Yank for some tobacco.

If you have a medical condition that requires it, wear a medical ID Alert tag or bracelet.

Ensure that you carry on your person at all times, your medical insurance card or information concerning allergies or medical conditions. Along with that have a contact phone number should we need to call someone to notify them of a medical emergency.

In hot weather you can use this old farmers trick. Putting a cabbage leaf under your hat helps keep you cool.

Wear two pairs of socks. The inner sock should be made of polypro. As we march along and your feet start to sweat, the polypro sock wicks the moisture off your foot. Also the outer wool sock can only rub against the polypro thus eliminating blisters.

Learn how to maintain your musket. Learn how to disassemble and properly clean the lock on your musket.

An outstanding resource for your impression is the Columbia Rifles Compendium. Although the targeted audience is the Eastern Federal Campaigner, it is filled with all kinds of useful information that is applicable for the Confederate campaigner.

Editor’s note

It is nice to reflect back onto last season that had the same theme…”rain”. Although we have had brief moments of the wet stuff, it has not taken away from any events, thus far. Perhaps this statement has doomed us for the balance of the year, but I am pleased that the overall weather has been cooperative for the hobby and us in general. However, I must emphasize, like in the tradition of the boy scouts, be prepared. Make sure everything you need, but nothing that’s unnecessary, is with you for every event. Kernstown will be a two camp weekend. That means that we’ll have to set up in Bartonsville and then in Kernstown, so make it as easy as you can without giving up the primary needs. What you carry on your back is what you will use for the weekend. Tie down those frying pans to either your bedrolls or knapsacks, don’t forget your ponchos, and remember to use your knowledge and ingenuity to build your she-bangs. Twine and available branches will definitely be your allies for Kernstown. If there are items that you will need for Saturday evening and/or Sunday, remember that our wagons will be parked at the Battlefield, so do not overtax yourselves with some items that can be left in your wagons for the remainder of the weekend. Should you decide to eat before arriving on Friday, then you will not have the need to pack those items for the Preservation March on Saturday morning. After all, we will be going from Friday’s camp directly into an encounter with the Federals. I imagine that the balance of the weekend will be similar to a Cold Harbor style Firing program or demonstration. I am looking forward, once again, to being with you all out in the field. I know I probably sound like a lunatic, but I kind of wish that the preservation march were more like 10 miles but that’s me. See you in less than one month.

After Kernstown, we will have a month and a half of downtime. I will be doing a Civil War presentation in August for a retirement community upon request by their residents and staff members. I am thoroughly looking forward to that evening. I just need to make sure I have all my facts straight. Some of the residents may have been around in 1860. On a serious note, I have the most recent list of events remaining and those who have signed up for them. As in the past, if your name’s not on the list and want to attend, or is on the list and you can’t attend, you need to contact the 1^st Sergeant as quickly as possible:

Ramsey, Stafford, Turley, Ward, Firth, Alexander, Gammon, Catlett, May, Lawrence, and Pearson.

Ramsey, Stafford, Wilson, Schirmer, Harris, Perry Sr., Gammon, Firth, and Pearson. (Note: This is just F-Company’s Living History weekend).

Ramsey, Stafford, Wilson, Schirmer, Harris, Perry Sr., Gammon, Firth, Catlett, Turley, Ward, Gregory, Lawrence, May, and Pearson.

Ramsey, Stafford, Turley, Wilson, Harris, Schirmer, Alexander, Catlett, Firth, Gammon, Gregory, Courson, Lawrence, Perry Sr., Perry C. and Pearson.

Before you blink your eyes, the 2004 season will be gone without any 2^nd chances to get these events back. So, please look at the names I have listed above for each event and look over your calendars. This season has been well attended thus far, and I’d love to get maximum effort for the balance.

Mr. Gammon, would your son like to be with us at South Mountain? It would be a great weekend for him to share with you and the gang.

Mr. Talbert, “our long lost son”. Please e-mail the 1^st Sergeant again to verify what events you’ll be able to attend. I think you did this once, but just to play it safe. You’ve been missed dearly, says I.

Mr. May, please let a unit member know if you will or will not be attending the remaining events for 2004. We want to make sure that you’re covered for registration.

Commander’s Column

“In the record Books”

Editor’s note