Regimental
DispatchRegimental
Dispatch
June 2003 Sic Semper Tyrranus Richmond, VA
Gentlemen,
This has been a strange and stressful year so far for me. I have been in the throws of purchasing a new home, moving, reconditioning of said home, and all this time, work has been kicking up. I will be in San Diego while you are reading this and I have hopes of stopping by on the Sunday of Cold Harbor but we will have to see. I do have to run into work for about an hour or so. I appreciate you all hanging in there in my absence and showing the support for the leadership we do have in place when I am not there. I have been regaled with the tales of McDowell and will not expand to much upon them in this forum. It’s a shame that a good event like this one is changing the ways that it has. I do not know what the future holds for events with possibly more death march, and true hardship type events, but I am sure we will make it through no matter what. Events are such that people vote with their feet, either they will sign up and attend the event or not. It is up to all of us on how we proceed in the future.
I was able to put the uniform back on for one more time. My son's Boy Scout Troop 555 had asked if I would do a presentation on the Civil War Solider. I immediately thought of bringing the entire company but then I knew better since it was on a Tuesday night and there was no fire wood for Mr. Pearson, so I just asked Mr. Stafford and Mr. Gammon. They both came and helped out a lot. They got to shoot and show the boys all about being soldiers. The boys enjoyed the presentation and then it was time for Drill. We were able to get them to form up and form a company front. It was pretty scary because they did it very well. It was good to help the Boy Scouts out and we all had a good time doing it. One thing about it, my voice is out of shape, I almost lost my voice about three-quarters through the presentation, I guess I need to get back to barking commands. There is some unfortunate news behind the scenes with the local Boy Scouts; the Robert E. Lee Boy Scout Council has decided to change their name. Most of you may have already have heard about this since it made the local news but this is one more indicator of these more politically correct times. They supposedly are going for a more regionalized and geographic name that is supposed to be out next year. I am not calling for any major political outrage; I am just passing along some sad information. If you are so inclined to pass along your distain for what they are doing, look them up on the web and feel free to send them a personal email.
I know I have told you all that I would never go back to Gettysburg but I am making an exception since this is my last year as Captain, and just for Cpl. Pearson, I will be attending. I am actually looking forward to it a little bit, maybe the memory of the heat exhaustion of 5 years ago is starting to fade, Not A Chance! The real difference is now I am armed and prepared with Mr. Gregory's dissertation on hydration and it will not happen to me again. I would suggest that we all practice good hydration techniques for all events so that we do not have to carry anyone off the field.
I hope to see you all very soon.
***Captain Jones
1st Lieutenant’s Report
The attendance at McDowell was excellent. We had twelve men there with most of them arriving sometime on Friday. I was not able to get their until Saturday morning. The event organizers had decided in their infinite wisdom to make several changes in this year’s event. I must admit when I heard of these changes I was somewhat concerned. One change was that units were going to be combined to make 40-50 man companies. Now, nothing against our Commander and his unit, for they are a fine company and the Commander did an exceptional job, but anytime we are told that we cannot be our own unit, red flares start going off in my head. The reason companies organize in the first place is because of the camaraderie and familiarity that develops as a result of belonging to that unit. It is nice to have large companies, but I think the integrity of the individual unit is more important. Another change was doing away with the community supper on Saturday afternoon. To me, this was one of the highlights of the event and it was very disappointing for them not to have had it this year. Anytime the town feeds us, it brings a special feeling for us to be there. Taking away the community supper made McDowell seem like just another reenactment. However, in spite of those changes, we took everything in stride. We made it through the inconvenience of having to do things another unit’s way. On Saturday, we waited in the rain until the Federals decided it was dry enough to come out and play. We even made it through the battle with another army of “we don’t take hits” Yanks. But the third strike came Saturday afternoon. We had taken shelter from the rain in town finding an out building belonging to one of the gracious town folks. During this time, the Confederate leadership met to determine our next course of action. Originally, we were supposed to leave for our campsite at 5 pm. This was the spot where we camped four years ago when we nearly froze to death. The decision was made to leave for camp early so we could get things set up, cook rations, and settle in for the night. The only problem was that there was already a steady rain falling. Now, while the cold night of four years ago is forever etched in my memory, it is the type of experience that, “Once is enough”’ and I was not looking forward to doing it again…especially already being wet from the rain. So, that was it. We were out of there. I didn’t want to do it; F-Company didn’t want to do it. Even Mr. “Hard core” Cpl. Pearson didn’t want to do it. And so, that ended what here to fore had been one of the favorite events of the unit. But I doubt that it will remain so, especially if these changes stay in effect. I, for one, will recommend that we not go to events where we cannot be our own unit. Also, we WILL NOT EVER put any of our company equipment or supplies in a Brigade or Division supply wagon. We lost our company tent fly at this event and we will not put ourselves in a position where this could happen again. This McDowell was, basically, a learning experience on what not to do. I appreciate everyone who made an effort to come out. I am sorry that the event did not live up to expectations.
I will see you all at Cold Harbor.
*** Respectfully submitted,
Your humble servant,
1stLt. Turley
1st Sergeant’s Report
At this time, I believe that the 1st Sergeant is on vacation. Therefore, there will be no column available for T.O.P. this month.
Memorial Day Commemoration
By the time you read this section, the Hollywood Commemoration will be over. Mr. Gammon’s account was fairly brief, but he stated that, even though the weather did hold out long enough to get in the dedication, the inclement weather did take its toll on attendance. Present were Lt. Turley, Pvts. Ward and Gammon. It is such a noble cause to be in Richmond and at the gravesites of so many that sacrificed all for what they truly believed in. We only do a small part to bring history alive to those who only touch a brief portion of this time period in educational institutes. Just remember, this is something new to raw recruits and the public that we face throughout the years. Try to recall those moments you felt when first beginning this hobby. If you can manage to retain that level of energy, you’ll never grow tired of all that you do to keep our heritage alive, restore the pride, fortitude, and continue in the footsteps that our ancestors left behind for us to carry on for future generations. It is Heritage. Never forget that. Special thanks go to Mr. Ward for his appreciated and informative tour.
McDowell’s Account
It almost seems like it was ages ago. The unit turn-out was 100% for those that signed up for this event. A couple new twists for this year were that all participants could not sign in unless they were in uniform. That caught most of us a little off guard. The Sutler situation was on Friday and was for only one day. It was held in the registration’s auditorium, possibly because of the rainy forecast that was predicted for the weekend. Our camp for Friday, as noted in the last issue, was across the river and quite a distance from previous years. Once we arrived at the designated area, Mr. Powell, Talbert, Schirmer, and myself were directed as to the whereabouts of E-Company. For this event, we were assigned that status. After scouring the area for the best location, there was only the steep hillside for which we were to call home on Friday night. There were ample pine needles to help cushion ourselves for the long evening to come. Despite the warnings of rain for the evening, it was a pleasant night. We cooked a wonderful meal and settled in for sleep. And yes, I played firebug all night with mostly the fast burning assistance of dead pine branches. Our men gradually filtered in throughout the evening and early on Saturday morning. We had plenty to do between guard details, wood and water runs, and plenty of Company drill. Prior to Saturday’s battle, the skies started to cloud up and the drizzles began. We awaited the order to fall in for battle, but were informed that it would be delayed until the Yanks felt comfortable that the rain would either diminish or stop. We formed up and began our march towards the Bull Pasture. The engineers built an excellent bridge to cross the river. The battle finally went off without any other complications and we marched into the town. Some of the membership had to leave after the Saturday battle and the rest headed towards shelter as the oncoming rains were about to begin. The forecast looked pretty dismal for the evening. I made a personal decision to end the weekend for myself, due to the fact of having very little sleep all week and none whatsoever on Friday. I felt unsafe and knew that Saturday night would bring no additional sleep. Therefore, after talking to the unit members in attendance, I packed up. Everything, at that point, started to domino, and before we knew it, McDowell 2003 was over for us. There were no serious injuries during the course of the Friday and Saturday ventures, but we did manage to lose our Company Fly. All the flies and other provisions were loaded on a period wagon earlier during the day on Saturday, and as we were trying to depart, we were not allowed to remove anything from the wagon. Hence, a bad situation. The Lt. had asked the Captain in charge of our company to please try to retrieve the fly once they reached the Saturday night camp. As of this newsletter, it is still missing. Our acting Captain feels responsible for the loss and has offered to replace it, but I feel that the loss of our unit fly should fall on our own shoulders. Therefore, once we get all the details, I will ask, and I truly mean, ask, for any donations throughout the membership to help chip in to replace our fly, should it not be found. On another sour note, I also lost my Gods & Generals bent up tin cup (sentimental value only).
As we headed to our vehicles, the rain continued to come down and at a stronger pitch. I am disappointed in myself for leaving the event early, but I wish to thank all that attended and shared our bond, as brief as it was. There’s always McDowell 2005.
Rainy Fort Pocahontas
Must be Mother Nature’s revenge for last year’s drought, but here we go again. Rain…rain…and more rain. Out of the approximate 12 members that initially expressed interest for this one, and it becoming a non-unit event, we managed to field four members. My appreciation goes out to Mr. Gregory, Powell, Ramsey, and myself for distinguishing ourselves in camp and on the field of battle. Mr. Powell found us a great camp and we managed to use the Bradford Pear wood that he brought last year for our fires. There was plenty of additional wood from the event coordinators, as well. I was a blazing fool. The drizzles came and went most of Saturday, but held off during the battle. Once we headed for the provided dinner of Barbecue, chicken, cole slaw, beans, and cake the rain started and never stopped. Fortunately, instead of dining on the banks of the James River this year, the kind hosts had erected a very large dining tent for all to enjoy their meals under complete cover. We hunkered down in our she-bangs for the cold, wet night. By morning, nothing had changed, the rain continued to increase in its intensity, and the event was on the verge of ending. Everyone, both Confederate and Union were breaking down their camps and heading out. It is a nice event, but once again this season, marred by bad weather. Oh, seeing how I like to lose things, I got about 25 miles from the fort when I realized that my frying pan was still leaning up against a tree. Yes, I turned around and went back…but, it was gone. No, it was not stolen, my pard, Mr. Powell saw it and stowed it away for me. Thank you.
Cold Harbor Living History
May’s newsletter had most of the information about Cold Harbor, but just a reminder to all the members. This is an opportunity to add some money to our funds and maybe put towards the fly. In appreciation for our participation at Cold Harbor, the N.P.S. will pay (per head) to all units that attend this fine event. As I stated in May’s edition, there will be plenty of time to catch up on relaxation of camp life and also adequate drill time to hone the skills. Please make your best effort to attend Cold Harbor. The visitors to the Park are wonderful and have much enthusiasm for what we do for them. Saturday night will be the Torchlight Tour, which is the highlight for the Park and all that visit. We will have Firing demonstrations, so remember to bring at least 25-30 rounds, extra caps, and a bag or container to put them in. We will be issued rounds and caps before each demonstration. They request that cartridge boxes be emptied at all other times for safety.
Those members that have signed up for this event are: Turley, Firth, Pearson, Gammon, Alexander C.J., Alexander J.P., Baird, Ramsey, Powell, Schirmer (I’m informed that Mr. Schirmer will not be making this event), Stafford, Gregory, Ward, (Wood?). Because this is not a pre-registration event, you may still attend this event even if you didn’t think you could make it. The N.P.S. will have us fill out forms once we’re there. That will give us the final tally or head count for the weekend. Plenty of wood and straw will also be provided to all participants. There’s a chance that the Captain may do a drive by on Sunday. I will need a response from the membership in regards to a camp mess. Regardless of whether you bring your own, or if you wish to have rations, bring your frying pans.
Directions to Cold Harbor. (Look for the Brown signs on the side of the road for Cold Harbor.) From the North or West: Take I-95 South toward Richmond, Take I-295 toward Norfolk. Take the second Creighton Road Exit 34 A. From the East and South: Get on I-295 North toward Washington. Take the 1st Creighton Rd exit 34 A.
The first light is Cold Harbor Road, take a right. Go about 3 miles and the park will be on the left. We are camping at Stop 2, Confederate Turnout. Drive your stuff down there then go and park for the weekend. Parking is in the grass on the left side near the fence when you first pull into the park.
140th Gettysburg
Well, this is the one that everyone has been looking for in anxious anticipation and some others dreading at the same time. The MEGA events come at a higher price than other events. There will be fantastic numbers of soldiers, civilians, and Sutlers. Also, there will be quite a large number of obstacles, headaches, and tempers. Put all of this together, then add about 95-100 degrees of heat, and you have the makings of the best or worst event you’ll ever be a part of. If you had not signed up for this event and wish to attend, registration ends June 1st and there will be NO WALK-ONS this year. This new site is approximately 3 miles north of Gettysburg. The primary farm and approximately 10 adjoining properties combine for approximately 1,000 acres. There are both open fields, hills and a generous amount of nice woods for shading reenactors and horses. There is good ingress and egress with plenty of reenactor parking within reasonable distance of each camp. Here’s the scoop for Gettysburg:
Directions:
(Reenactors should follow signs on Shriver
Corner/Goldenville Rd to Reenactor Registration Barns)
Detailed Directions:
From the North: PA. Turnpike to US Route 15 South (Turnpike New Exit 236 - Old Exit 17). Follow US 15 south to Shrivers Corner/Hunterstown Road Exit (Pa. Route 394 west). Turn right at top of exit ramp and follow Pa Route 394 west approximately one mile and turn left (South) on Good Intent Road. Follow signs to spectator parking areas.
From the East: Route 30 West toward Gettysburg. Go North on US Route 15 to Shrivers Corner/Hunterstown Road Exit (Pa. Route 394 West). At top of ramp turn left and follow Pa Route 394 west approximately one mile and turn left (South) on Good Intent Road. Follow signs to spectator parking areas.
From the South: From Interstate 70 at Frederick, MD, follow I-270/US Route 15 North toward Gettysburg. Follow US 15 North to Shrivers Corner/ Hunterstown Road Exit (Pa. Route 394 west). At top of ramp turn left and follow Pa Route 394 west approximately one mile and turn left (South) on Good Intent Road. Follow signs to spectator parking areas.
From the West: Route 30 East toward Gettysburg. Turn left (North) on Herr's Ridge Road, then left (North) on Biglerville Road (Pa. Route 34) then right (East) on Goldenville Road to Shrivers Corner Road, then right (South) on Good Intent Road. Follow signs to spectator parking areas.
From Gettysburg: Pa. Route 34 (Biglerville Road) North, then right (North) on Table Rock Road. Follow signs to spectator parking areas. For all who relish souvenirs or keepsakes, it looks like they will have some very unique and beautiful shirts for sale at the 140th celebration.
Event Schedule
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From the Secret Diaries Of Private Gregory
***T/C***
Remaining Event Schedule
Following is a list of remaining events, thus far. Here are the names of members that have signed up to attend. If your name is on the list and you can’t make it, please notify your Corporal or me immediately. If your name is not on the list and you definitely wish to be added, please make notification ASAP.
If we have already pre-registered at some of the earlier events and you wish to attend, you may have to take the initiative to register yourself. One other point of interest, Cedar Creek is still up in the air in regards to a Unit Event. I am hoping that there will be enough interest from the membership to include this in our schedule. Mr. Gregory has already sent in his registration. Mine will be sent in within the next few weeks. The determining factor will be the numbers we can field. We will have our Lt. to command us. I will be there regardless, so if you wish to help me burn down the Belle Grove Plantation (only kidding), feel free to join me should this not turn into a Unit Event. Some of my boys will be there, and I can count on that.
Cold Harbor: May 31-June 1
Turley, Firth, Pearson, Gammon, Alexander C.J., Alexander J.P., Baird, Ramsey, Powell, Schirmer?, Stafford, Gregory, Ward, (Wood?).
140th Gettysburg: July 4-6
Jones, Turley, Firth, Pearson, Powell, Cpl. Perry ., Pvt. Perry, Gammon, Ramsey, Schirmer, Talbert, Gregory, Ward, (Wood?)
August
Nothing slated
Chesapeake Library: Sept. 6-7
Turley, Firth, Cpl. Perry, Pvt. Perry, Gammon, Powell, Gregory.
Cedar Creek: Oct. 18-19
Turley, Firth, Pearson, Powell, Ramsey, Gregory. (no one else?)
Fort Branch: Nov. 1-3
Jones, Turley, Firth, Pearson, Baird, Alexander, Cpl. Perry, Pvt. Perry, Gammon, Powell, Ramsey, Stafford, Gregory, Vice, Ward, (Wood?)
…has anyone seen this guy Wood?…
Before we know it, this season will once again be another year of memories. Don’t be left out of the loop. Make sure you all try to take part in the remainder of events before they are all gone.
***Editor-at-Large: Cpl. Pearson