I have been asked about getting the vendor for the Frying pans but could not get it for this edition of the newsletter.  I will have it next time until then you can always give Mr. Vice a call and ask him.  Also an inventory and price list will be published.  You can always give Mr. Stafford a call and he will sell you any of the company inventory.

Future Events

May 2-4 BSA Chesdin Landing

May 18-19 Ft. Pocahontas

June 1-2 Cold Harbor

June 27-30 140^th Seven Days Battle

Sept 13-15 140^th Sharpsburg Battle

Oct 12-13 Explorer Park Fund Raiser

Nov 2-3 Ft. Branch Battle

Specifics on the Chesdin Landing BSA Event

The next company event is Camp Albright BSA Military Through the ages.    We have been asked to provide for the Confederate section of the time line.  Persons that signed up for this event – Alexander, Firth, Gregory, Jones, Norman, Owen, Pearson, Stafford, Talbert, Turley.  Thank you all for helping the BSA and the company with this fund raising event.  Here is the information we have on the event. 

1) We can Arrive the night of May 3rd or be there in the morning around 7:00 for inspection. There will be a Cracker-barrel (Food and drinks "no Alcohol") that night.

2) The Scout council would like for us to put on about a 15 min program to show the scouts Drill and ceremony and firing positions. We will have each group for about 30min.

3) Also if we would like to muster in the scouts and give them a muster form and have them go threw the drill they would like that to. They said it could be as in-depth as we would like it to be.

4) There will be as much wood as we would like to use to burn and cook with.
5) They will build us a fence to keep people from walking threw our area.
6) If we want to set up tents in a row with the Commanders tent we can do that.
7) They will be giving a love offering based on the size of the groups; the more people the more money.

Wooden Muskets we need to bring ours and we will just have to go from there.  There is a good possibility I will bring a few tents just for show and you can use them if you like.  I think it would be good background for what we are doing. 

See the map to Chesdin Landing and the site.

The schedule is as follows:

Friday, May 2, 2002
17:00 – Camp Setup
00:00 - All quiet in camps              
Saturday, May 3, 2002

07:00 – Reveille

We will perform multiple demos for training of the Scouts. 

18:00 Dinner provided by the BSA
Sunday, May 4, 2002
Clean-up and Departure

Directions to the BSA Event

 FROM RICHMOND:

Take Iron Bridge Road (Route 10 ) South toward Chesterfield County Courthouse.  Turn right on to Beach Road (Route 655).  After about 1.1 miles take a left on to Nash Road (Route 636).  Stay on Nash Road until it ends at River Road (Route 602, Route 36) (around 7 miles).  Turn left on to River Road. At the Radio Tower (.6 mile) take a right on to Trents Bridge Road and turn left into Albright Scout Reservation (.5 mile).

 

FROM SKINQUARTER:  Take Hull Street (Route 360) East to Beaver Bridge Road (Route 603). Turn right on to Beaver Bridge Road and drive 4.3 miles. The name changes to Winterpock Road for about .1 mile before you reach Black Road.  Turn right on to Black Road (Route 621) and stay on it till it ends (1 mile) at River Road.  Turn Left on to River Road (Route 602, Route 36) and stay on it till you see the Radio Tower (10.9 miles).  Take a right at the radio tower on to Trents Bridge Road (Route 628) and turn left into Albright Scout Reservation (.5 mile).

 

FROM PETERSBURG: Take River Road (Route 36) west till you reach the radio tower (abt 9 to 10 miles).  Turn left on to Trents Bridge Road (Route 628) and turn left into Albright Scout Reservation (.5 mile).

1^st Lt.’s Report

 2002 Season Gets Off to a Good Start

 The 2002 reenactment season has gotten off to a very good start with the Saylers Creek event the weekend of April 6 – 7.  It was the first event in a long time where everyone who said that they were going to be there was actually there, maybe not for the whole event, but everyone did get there and participate to some extent.

It was Mr. Powell and Mr. Gammon’s first event; their first time to see the elephant.  It was good to have Mr. Wooddy back in the ranks after his one year hiatus.  Mr. Price made an appearance.  Of course,  it was good to have the regulars at the event also (not to take them for granted), Cpl. Pearson, Cpl. Perry, Mr. Perry, Mr. Gregory, Mr. Lawerence, and Cpl. Norman.  And it was Mr. Talbert’s first event with us a regular “F”.

I want to thank Mr. Pearson and Mr. Talbert for their efforts in preparing the company meals for the weekend.  They did an excellent job.  The Saturday night meal was especially good.  It consisted of New Orleans style chicken gumbo and two great desserts, an apple pie and a banana cream pecan pie tha was to die for.  I know this was not exactly period rations, but…

Overall it was a fairly good event.  The battle on Sunday was actually better than I expected. Mr. Talbert, Mr. Powell and Mr. Wooddy held on to the very end.  The farb factor was somewhat higher than what we usually like.  Some of the reenactors/campers had even brought their wooden lawn furniture with them.  But all in all it was a good way to start the season.  For more details on the event see Mr. Powell’s report in this newsletter. 

The next scheduled event is at Ft. Pochohantas on May 18-19.  Let’s continue the good attendance that we had at Salyers Creek.  Don’t forget about the BSA event on Saturday, May 4.  This is a possible fund raiser so if you can help with this, please do.  See the details in this newsletter.  See you at the next event. 

 Respectfully submitted,

1^st Lt. Turley

Ft Pocahontas May 17-19

This is always a fun low stress event.  I expect that they will feed us again on Saturday night.  If you have a bamboo pole and a Virginia Fishing license, I would expect that we could waste some time wetting a line.  We might actually catch something too.  Campaign and shebangs are a must.  There are not a lot of food vendors if any, bring what you are going to cook as a mess.  Look for Joe, he can always find a good spot to camp.  We weathered a good storm Saturday night and a dry shebang was a must.  Persons signed up for this event, Firth, Gregory, Gammon, Jones, Pearson, Cpl. Perry, Pierce, Powell, Ramsey, Stafford, Talbert, Turley, Wilson, and Wood?

Here is the schedule

Saturday Reenactment at 2 pm & Lantern Tour 8 pm
Sunday Reenactment at 1 pm There is usually a Tactical on Sunday morning on the fort, lots of fun. 

DIRECTIONS

Fort Pocahontas is located 16 miles west of Williamsburg and 37 miles east of Richmond on Virginia Route 5.

The fort is 5 miles east of the Charles City County Courthouse and 2.5 miles east of Sherwood Forest Plantation.

From downtown Richmond- follow Main Street East (Rt. 5 East). Proceed approx. 32 miles (approx. 47 minutes). Look for the signs located on Rt. 5 for Sherwood Forest Plantation. Go past Sherwood Forest Plantation approximately two (2) miles. Take the second right after passing Sherwood Forest, which is Rt. 614 (Sturgeon Point Road.) Stay on Rt. 614 (Sturgeon Point Road) until you come to the entrance gate for Fort Pocahontas. Registration and ticket sales are located at the fort entrance.

From I-95 South from Washington- follow the signs to I-295 South and take Exit No. 22A (Route 5, Charles City.) Look for the signs located on Rt. 5 for Sherwood Forest Plantation. Go past Sherwood Forest Plantation approximately two (2) miles. Take the second right after passing Sherwood Forest, which is Rt. 614 (Sturgeon Point Road.) Stay on Rt. 614 (Sturgeon Point Road) until you come to the entrance gate for Fort Pocahontas. Registration and ticket sales are located at the fort entrance.

From I-64 East from Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads- exit 242A (Jamestown/ Rt. 199 East) to Rt. 5 (John Tyler Memorial Highway.) Turn left onto Rt. 5 West (John Tyler Hwy) for 16 miles (approx. 30 minutes). Turn left onto Rt. 614 (Sturgeon Point Road.)
Stay on Rt. 614 (Sturgeon Point Road) until you come to the entrance gate for Fort Pocahontas. Registration and ticket sales are located at the fort entrance.

Company Inventory

Item (amount available)Price/ each

Cartridge Boxes (6)    $100.00
Bayonet Scabbards (13) $40.00
Cap Pouches (3)         $24.00
Tin Plates (4)              $15.00
Tin Cups (6)               $15.00
Tin Canteens (1)         $40.00
Cotton Socks (21)       $8.00
Wool Blanket (6)        $25.00
Cart Box Sling (1)       $18.00
Haversacks (2)            $45.00
Small Va. Buttons (16)           $.75
Lg Va. Buttons (22)    $.90
Script I Buttons (12)   $1.25
Hemp Rope                $1.00 per ft.
Hemp Twine (3)         $5.00
Hardtack (18)                         $8.00
Very Small Jacket (1)             $75.00

 

Saylers Creek

Report by Pvt. Powell

Well when one has been given (oops- asked) to perform clicks his heels and joyfully, gleefully goes about said task.  Right!  Hey – I’m enlisted- I have a right granted by deity to gripe.  I don’t mind really.  I hope I don’t embaress said Officer and give the company the skinny on what happened, as I perceived it.  Well where does one start?

The event was my First and I was wet as well as cold.  After an early arrival on Friday, Pvts. Woody, Gammon, and Powell along with Lt. Turley chose and prepared a site away from Farbyville (Rest of the CS Camp).  Later Cpls, Perry, Pearson and Pvts. Perry, Talbert arrived and that is when the first significant thing happened that I will remember about this weekend’s evolution was assisting my pards in transporting their gear to “Turley Terrace” when someone in camp inquired where our tents were and besides being cold that it might rain and that we would be cold and wet.  One of our seasoned vets quickly responded “we are campaigners we don’t care, we are use to it.”  Talk about a morale booster especially for a fresh fish.  Cold – what cold?  Come on rain.

Well morning did come and after a tasty morning meal provided by Cpl. Pearson and Pvt. Talbert came morning parade and brigade, battalion morning reports after which the reminder of the company arrived.  Present for the morning tactical were Lt. Turley, Cpls. Pearson, Perry, Norman and Pvts. Gammon, Gregory, Lawrence, Perry, Powell, Price, Talbert and Wooddy.

The tactical was an experience for Pvt Gammon and myself.  We finally saw that elephant.  We pushed those blue bellies through the woods and to the Hillsman House.  Then we broke for a haversack meal and a state of much needed repose.  Afterwards we participated in the battle of Little Saylers Creek and were placed into a position where we were to be the final vanguard for Lee’s army and some of us died in a grotesque, efficient, military manner.  At the days end we were complimented on how well we performed and functioned in the field during the days tactical and reenactment.  Camp of Instruction I guess day pay off.  The day ended with care of our muskets and a right proper meal provided by Cpl. Pearson and Pvt. Talbert.  Some how two pies that got through the blockade appeared (Pvt. Talbert)  They were something that could make on smack a preacher over.  They were both savored by our Lt. Turley who I must say was ever so smacking in appearance and form.  There were most likely a few Yankee camp followers who gazed upon him and whispered “I wished he was ours”

The following days routine was much the same morning with another fine breakfast provided by Cpl. Pearson/Pvt. Talbert.  After Church service it was off to the reenactment of the Battle of Locketts Farm.  Talk about seeing the elephant.  We ran through thickets and brambles that a rabbit wouldn’t do on a bet.  Traversed bogs and creeks that made one think – “I’m getting to old for this”  And at the end of it all was “Turley’s Terrors” at the crest of the hill of Hillsman’s farm giving the blue bellys what for.  What was left of the 21^st this day was four (Lt. Turley, Pvts. Powell, Talbert, and Wooddy).  Then it dawned on me that- correct me if I am wrong - was the same number left of the 21^st at war’s end at Appomattox.  Some American’s have issues of various types that concern this period that we as historical interpreters represent.  Be it the flag or whatever, the thing that we should and can commemorate is the memory of those poor souls.  Who stood where we did and give their last measure of effort and devotion to whatever side they swore.  An emotional ending to a great weekend where the three tenants – duty, honor, and country were so amply displayed.

 

What is a comrade?

By Cpl. J. Pearson

 

When you start to ask yourself...what is friendship, what is fellowship, and what is being a comrade...

Well........it's a lot of different things that we all can put into perspective at different times.  For this weekend, it was looking for each other to assist in finding our camp.  It was sharing our laughs, our jokes, our likes and dislikes, the cold weather, the uphill marches, sharing food with one another, and caring for one another.  We had a lot of those different things happen this past weekend, and like all of the events and all of the years that I've been doing this...that's what keeps bringing me out at every event...every month, and every season.

It's the men, like yourselves, that makes me proud to be a part of a wonderful unit.  Throughout the weekend.......whether you were there one day or three days, it all is one large picture of what we are and how we manage to get through it together.  Thank you for sharing with me, and allowing me to be a small part of your experiences in the field, and woods, and streams.

There are many things at events that may seem great or less than expected, but.......I never walk away from an event without having very fond memories of what we did to ensure our fellowship.  From the simple tasks of getting wood together to stay warm at night...to the heart-felt Church service on Sunday, and all the wonderful chores that bring us closer together, not only as a unit, but as true friends. 

As the season is just now getting underway, I just want to say, personally....it is each and everyone of you that makes these experience so special in my life.  We've weathered our first battle of the season and managed to get through the coldest two nights I've experienced in a long time, but we did it, and we did it for each other.  Do you think I'd do this by myself?  No way.  Misery loves company and you can't have a fun time by yourself either.  So, for all of you who made this weekend memorable for me, I want to say thank you.

Now, onward to the warmer, hotter, steamier, intolerably sweaty season.

My thanks goes to: Talbert, Gregory, Powell, Gammon, Woody, Norman, Perry, Perry, Lawrence, Price. myself........and especially...to Lieutenant Turley, for leading us in everyway, both on and off the field.  It is a rare and special moment when you have 100% attendance in membership for those signed up for events.  This past weekend was one of those 100% weekends.  Now...that's what it's all about.

 30 Truisms for Reenacting

 1.       The number of signs directing you to the event is inversely proportional to the remoteness of the site and the probability that you will find it at 2:30 in the morning.

2.       No matter which table you are at in the registration tent; the registration list that has your name on it is always at some other place.

3.       The only lantern at the registration tent is at the table without the registration lists.

4.       The event site map in no way will ever resemble the actual layout of the event.

5.       While walking around in the dark trying to find the campaigning area there are only two types of people available to give you information.

1. The person sitting in front of a wall tent who is always sure that the campaign area is just beyond the cavalry picket line.
2. The person unloading their vehicle. They are always easy to spot as they usually have their headlights on and the car stereo playing the soundtrack from “Gettysburg”. These people never know where anyone is camping and always answer with the reply;  “I don’t know it looked like a good spot for me.”

6.       No matter if your company is the first to form up, you will always have to move at least once for each company in the battalion as they arrive.

7.       The more commanders that are on horseback; the farther you will have to march. 

8.       No matter where your unit forms up for the battle it will have one of the following disadvantages;

1. There is no shade
2. The area is too dusty
3. You have to march through a very muddy field to get there
4. The only breeze seems to be blowing directly from the port-a-potties that are five yards away.

9.       The more disadvantages from Rule 8 that are present; the longer you will have to wait while the rest of the battalion forms up.

10.     Your company always gets the people who have registered as “independents” that no one can seem to find a place for. This is your chance for a close view of someone who is doing a dismounted bag piping sailor impression at Gettysburg.

11.    You believe that the other side is better organized until you are asked to galvanize and you realize that the exact same people except for a different colored uniform lead them.

12.    The unit will always have to double-quick to catch up with other battalions who have formed in the wrong place.

13.    While forming the battalion; someone will inevitably do a dramatic recitation from:

1. Gettysburg
2. Glory
3. Zulu
4. Monty Python

14.    As you march past the other companies in the battalion; you will always spot at least one individual and say to yourself;  “I’m glad I spent all this money on authentic gear; so they could let this cardboard kepi wearing, Hawken rifle toting, army surplus haversack using and moccasin wearing yahoo in the event. 

15.    On long marches your company will always be last unit in line and when a five-minute halt is called, you spend three and a half minutes catching up with the other units.

16.    File closers will yell “Dress the Line” as you move through brush and a field filled with moon crater sized holes.

17.    In an effort to show his mastery of his particular drill system; the battalion commander will order “By the right of companies into line”.  In which case you race to form the battle line which then waits for five minutes to be given the order to fire on an opposing battle line which has fired numerous volleys into your line which is still patiently center dressing.

18.    The shoelace knot you couldn’t untie at reveille, now refuses to stay tied every time you are forced to double quick. 

19.    As you pass the artillery line you will always notice at least one gun where the crew is standing around eating a bag of Oreos/Cheetos.

20.    There will always be some commander (usually on horseback) who will come up and make some asinine remarks and then as he leaves the battalion commander (whom you have never seen before) will always call for three cheers for the valiant Colonel _______ (insert name of here). 

21.    No original battle reenactment scenario survives the first five minutes of action.

22.    The Federals/Confederates (pick one) will screw up the plan.

23.    The wood that you had hoarded to cook your breakfast was taken during the night to provide illumination for another unit’s all night beer and songfest.

24.    No event is complete until you have lost at least one coat/trowser button.

25.    Anyone who owns a horse cannot resist the urge to ride through your company area.

26.    The lower the level of horsemanship displayed by a horseman the closer he will try to bring his horse to your formation.

27.    As during the real Civil War you can always tell how close the other side’s infantry is by the number of cavalrymen heading to the rear.

28.    Schools are where people should have learned history. We are not at the reenactment to educate the public; we are there to entertain them with a historical presentation.

29.    If you are unable to fall asleep at a reenactment, no matter what time of the morning it is you will find someone awake at the campfire.

30.    When laying your gear out for the night you discover one of four possibilities:

1. Your matches are wet
2. You can’t find your matches
3. Your beeswax candle has melted in your pocket
4. It is starting to rain          

 

Pvt. B. Gregory