Sic Semper Tyrranus Richmond, VA
Well, I guess you all
figured out that there was no October newsletter. Well,
that was an Executive committee decision. We
did not have anything till early November, so you get a November newsletter late October.
A quick note about Sharpsburg, I really enjoyed working as the JD commander, however, I
missed the company. My voice still has not
recovered fully but it is getting there. I
also have a new appreciation of where the information comes from and how it goes from the
top to the bottom. Thanks to Mr. Stiles for
all the help and support as my Assistant Commander. Thanks
again to Mr. Cummings and Mr. Mink for their support.
The Saturday battle at the Sunken Road will be one I always remember, the
crispest Battalion fire by the bugle I have ever heard JD perform, the movements of the
men up to the rails and the smoking barrels that were too hot to hold. Thanks to you all.
By the way, I was on
my way to Sharpsburg and I came to the realization that I was not going to be at Ft.
Branch. I will be on a flight on the way back
from a class in California. The one event I
really look forward to each year and I will be out of town.
I know you all will have a great time at the event and the pig picking.
Capt.
Jones
Future
Events
Guess what, there are no more events for this
year. Whahoo.
We do need to start thinking about next year.
Annual Meeting, COI.
Camp
of Instruction
I have had a few
offers for the COI. Mr. Lawrence has a friend
that is a possibility and you all know Mr. Allen that saved our bacon at the Saylers Creek
Tsunami a few years ago. Members of the
Executive Committee will check these options out and report back and select the best one
for the company’s needs. As it looks
right now Amelia County has my vote. We will
make this work and as always we will keep an eye out for sites that may meet our
requirements. This place may be what we are
looking for and as long as we are welcome we may keep going back.
Company
Inventory
Hemp Twine has
arrived at the same low, low price.
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
Hemp Rope
$1.00 per ft.
(30) Hemp Twine
$5.00
(6) Frying Pans
$30.00
(0) 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
Your Executive Committee has put things in
motion to have 4 uniforms made in standard sizes. These
uniforms will be available to any members of the company.
I have seen a few uniforms that need to be replaced in the company. During this time when Ms. Jodi is giving F Company
a deal on uniforms it is the best time to get yours on order. Don’t put it off.
1st
Sgt.’s Report
The following members are registered to
attend the Fort Branch event: Lt. Turley, Ramsey, Lawrence, 1st Sgt, Sgt
Firth, Cpl. Perry, Alexander, C. Perry, Pierce, Gammon, Powell, Talbert, Gregory, Vice,
Baird, and Cpl. Pearson.
1st Sgt. Wilson
Antietam
- Elephant and Ole Gray Mare Found
Well as you all
know this is my first year of real sure fire campaigning and I have tried my best to make
the most of it. Antietam didn't disappoint me as a F.N.G. I know that this is supposed to
be (a family newsletter) so don't get them in a twist. That stands for Frivolous
New Guy---O.K. Now back to the meat of things. I was like a kid in a candy store. I have
never been to something like this with a military twist since 1975 being in the Marine
Corp. when I was T.A.D. to 32nd M.A.U. That and Antietam were similar in a lot of things.
Both had masses of people. Both I was fortunate to be in the company of knowledgeable
officers and non-coms who looked out for me and saved my "bacon". Both gave me
experiences that I will never forget for some time. Both showed me what I had accomplished
and lacked in my preparations. The only difference was that at Antietam I didn't have to
"ruck" around that extra barrel and those two ammo cans of ball. The
"bacon" story later.
We formed
up for the "Corn Field" at "Oh My God In The Morning" (3:30 A.M.) on
Saturday. Well I was getting into the moment with the artillery going in the pre-morning
dawn and a pard (Mr. Pearson) taped me on the shoulder and told me to turn around and take
a look. Well it was a site that these bifocaled eyes have never seen. As far as I could
see was nothing but Gray uniforms. Waves after waves of Gray mind you Gray uniforms. Talk
about a motivation factor. The devil with Antietam and McCellan's Army--on to Washington.
Well at the "Corn Field" I could see how things for those that we portray could
have gotten to a little less than what was planned for. It was thick and visibility was
not at a premium. It was there that I was reminded to ease up by one of our vets (Brother
Gregory). Hey we were told to push them back so I pushed them back. I promise I didn't
hurt anybody but that "Billy" sneered at me so me and Loraine - my Enfield-
pushed them back. Don't worry Capt. Jones I didn't stick anybody and I helped him back up,
adjusted him, extended my hand and told him that it was great to be an American. It wasn't
my fault that he picked the wrong side. It was like what General Stuart said of his
father-in- law. "A mistake that he will only regret but once, for the rest of his
life."
The afternoon was when I discovered what it was partially like to be a ground pounder
19th century style and how. I noticed that to our vets of the 21st it was a stretch of the
legs. We marched the scenic route to the "Sunken Road“. My closest friend was my
canteen the ones that were trying to fail me were my legs. And what I had learned earlier
in life about socks and powder had been forgotten by me and Ole Caleb paid the price and
learned another lesson that won't be soon forgotten.
At the "Sunken Lane" the 21st did their best to change history but to no
avail it still came out the same. We burnt a lot of powder but they kept coming. Just too
many blue people and we paid the price. It was there that I saw "The Ole Gray
Mare". Yeah she jumped up on my back for a ride and she was heavy. Well it was then I
saw two of our better angels - my guardian angels so to speak. They came to my aid, made
sure that I got all the water I could handle and made sure I got back to camp and was
taken care of. When I thought that I was being an undo burden I was reminded that it was -
"not a problem -We are all family in the 21st". I'm not going to mention their
names but their initials are Lt. Turley and 2nd Sgt. Firth. They pulled my bacon out of
the fire and displayed a something that will and should be an example to us all
--Brotherhood-- true brotherhood. Yes I hitched my wagon to a star when came on with the
21st.
Sunday we
got a little rain and Loraine became a rusty pig right in front of my eyes. May I take
this time to mention that we were graced with a gentleman who fell in with us and during
the march to the site displayed his pulmonary prowess.
He talked the whole way over there. Hey I enjoy a good conversation like the
next but I am use to the more "subdued" conversation of the 21st. Just spoiled I
guess to those of "F" Company. That afternoon was what made the weekend a
good weekend. When we came down the hill and push " those people" Mr. Ramsey
remarked---"Now that is a site for sore eyes". We had made the blue bellies
skidaddle and it was a fitting ending to another good campaign for this "Secesh"
and most likely the rest of the 21st. Thanks to all, love you guys and give my best to all
those you hold dear.
Y.O.S.,
Pvt. Powell
F Co. 21st
Va.Inf. Vol.