New Member........Warren and Karen Feldman (medical dept.) are now grandparents.  Their son Neal and his wife Symara had a little boy.  His name is Zachary Ethan Feldman.  He was born at Memorial Regional Hospital 6:30 PM., March 18, 2005.  His weight is 7 pounds 14 ounces.  Hardy's Brigade has another new member.

 

Sutler Passes Away........I regret to inform you of the passing of Benjamin Gormley on Wednesday the 30th.  Some of you may remember him as the Poet Sutler, he was also one of the "Old Guard".  Having served in the ranks with many of you, and generally putting a smile on our faces.  He will be missed.  The funeral was held at the Lake James Cemetery between Trenton and Bell, FL off Hwy 129 on Saturday the 2nd of April.  A fund to purchase a stone for Ben Gormley has been established.  He had requested in the past, that he would like to have a stone with a reenactor on it.  His sister Kathy and Kathleen will be accepting any donations toward that purchase.  For more information, contact John Boger at yoursutler@earthlink.net

 

 

Take A Bus North........Capt. Skip Cornelius wrote........

 

Comments From The Crystal River Event Hosts..........Marcie Bruno wrote (secretary, Nature Coast Civil War Reenactment Committee)....  We, as the committee of the Battle of Crystal River event,  would like to thank all the reenactors and their families who attended the event in March.  We had a very successful event, thanks to all of you.  We are especially grateful for your work to keep the camps safe and clean, and how little clean up we had to do after the event.  As you probably know, once the battle is over, the cows are put back out to pasture, and every thing has to be safe for them.  So again, our thanks for a great job.

We strive to make our event one that all of you would always look forward to coming back to.  We appreciate any comments or suggestions as to how we can make it better each year.  So if you would like to write the committee, we will be very open to any of your comments. You can write our president Curtis Peters at curtis.peters@holcim.com, or our new vice president Marty Hoffman at m-hoffman@juno.com,  Our past vice president Bob Mann has resigned from the committee as he is moving to Montana.  He has served us well for eight years and we wish him good luck in his new adventures.  We are pleased to have Marty Hoffman, of the 8th Florida,  step in and he will be very happy to work with any of you.

Again, our sincere thanks to each and every one of you who attended our event and we very much look forward to seeing you again next year.

With warm regards,
Marcie Bruno, secretary, on behalf of Nature Coast Civil War Reenactment Committee

 

 

New Event Roster..........I am working on the new mid 2005 to mid 2006 (June to June) Event Roster.  I have been told by hundreds of reenactors and event hosts that the News Magazine's Event Roster is the most accurate, up to date and detailed listing of Florida reenactments and living history events available.  I get emails and phone calls almost every day from the general public and reenactors about the roster.  As you know, I provide this service free of charge to all reenactment and living history event hosts.  My question is why is it as hard as pulling teeth to get the information from the event hosts?  Each season this endeavor gets harder and harder and takes more and more time.  Over a three month time span, I send out right at 90 to 100 emails and make a lot of phone calls to the event contact people.  Many emails go unanswered and trying to call everyone on the phone is a pain.  I usually spend 100 to 150 man hours working on the Event Roster.  I really need your help.  If you are sponsoring an event or know an event host, please get accurate information about the reenactment or living history to me as quickly as you can.  Those of you who get the information to me quickly, thank you.  You have no idea how much I appreciate it.

 

Federal Fire Relief Fund.........Those wishing to donate to help the members of the 14th Brooklyn who were involved in the camp fire at the Crystal River event can send donations to any Sun Trust Bank in the Southeast.  Make checks payable to "Civil War Reenactment Fire Relief Fund".  This account will be open for six months.

 

Sutler website..........The Kissimmee River Depot has a nice website.  John Holmes specializes in basic soldier uniforms and equipment including clothing, firearms, leather goods, shoes and tents.  This sutler has been around since 1985 so I am sure you know John and have most likely already purchased something from him at one point or another.  You can check it out at www.kissimmeesutler.com  If you have any special questions, you can contact John at kissimmeesutler@aol.com 

 

S.S.R.F..............The Southern Soldiers Remembrance Fund is a registered non-profit organization whose goal is to place markers on all forgotten Confederate soldiers graves.  For more information, visit their site at www.southernsoldiers.com

 

Strawhats..........The Strawhats (7th Florida Co. B.) has made it to the internet.  Check out their new website at http://www.thestrawhats.com/home.html  They have done a fine job on their pages.

 

13th Indiana..........The 8th Florida - 13th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Co. A. has a great site with tons of information at http://extlab7.entnem.ufl.edu/civilwar/

 

 

Narcoossee Thefts.........The thieves where thick at the Narcoossee Mill event this year.  Several items were stolen from reenactors and sutlers.  I have been told (by those affected by the act) that the missing items include the following....  A hand sewn Confederate regulation battle flag with 5 Florida was stolen from the flag display of Brandon Barszcz the Fort Brooke Quartermaster sutler.  The flag was displayed for the school day event Friday and came up missing between Friday evening and Saturday morning.  The Bama Rose sutler also had a flag and about two hundred dollars in merchandise stolen.  In this case, the criminals entered the tent and made off with items including knives, hats and so on.  Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the Osceola County Sheriff office and speak with Deputy Brindle.  Worse yet was the theft of an original Colt .45 ACP model 1911 Government issue pistol with black holster.  The owner of the pistol would like it back and has said that if it is returned he will not prosecute.  Contact Randy Kerlin at bamareb55@aol.com   Let this incident act as a reminder to everyone....Lock up and put your valuables away when you leave camp or turn in for the night.  You can not trust anyone.

 

 

 

Howitzer Gone...........On the morning of March 26th Rick Helwig made a sad discovery.  His Mountain Howitzer had been stolen.  Rick called the gun the Exodus.  It is a full size 12 lb. Howitzer.  The barrel is a cast iron Dixie/Hern with a 2 1/4 inch bore with a 1/4 in steel sleeve.  The iron work is hand forged.  The tongue is oak with a splice approximately a foot from the end.  The Exodus has 42 inch wagon wheels (some spokes have been repaired).  If you scrape the green paint off the older parts of the spokes, you will find the old red paint underneath.  The plaque on the front (No. 1) side of the axle that reads "Exodus built by Dick and Rick Helwig 1991".  A police report has been fileded with the Delaware County Ohio Sheriffs Department.  If you hear of anyone who has recently gotten a Mountain Howitzer or anyone trying to sell the Exodus, please contact Rick Helwig or Wess Frank at rebdoctor@aol.com or the Delaware County Sheriff Dept.

 

by Ross Lamoreaux

Sgt. Maj. 4th Brigade, Dist. of Fla.

 

    Having just recently arrived home from the 140th anniversary of the battle of Bentonville, I have felt the need to write this as a warning to all reenactors, especially my comrades in Florida, and that is - KEEP TRACK OF YOUR STUFF!  Don't open yourselves up to thieves and criminals like what happened at Bentonville and several other national-level events this last season.  It seems that at other areas (luckily we have been kept from the brunt of thievery at most of our events in the deep south) there is a big rise in thefts from sutlerys as well as camps and vehicles.  The most taken item seems to be muskets and weaponry ( no great surprise) but it seems nothing else is sacred to this low form of scum-sucking animal - chairs, uniforms, accoutrements, even tents are being taken at rising rates.  My good friends Jim and Linda Lammers of Cedar Creek Supply, who attend many of our events in Florida, were particularly hit hard by the theft of several new muskets and some very nice high-end caps, so it seems at least to them that the thief or thieves has an eye for quality, but that doesn't make even the most mainstream folks safe - there were several camps hit at Bentonville in which so really basic farb stuff was taken as well.  What makes the theft of the Lammers scary is that they were asleep in that tent when the theft occurred - the crooks knew exactly what they wanted as if they had scouted out the place.

    I offer the following tips so help put some of this to a stop:

    We have been very lucky here in Florida when it comes to theft.  Even different brigades are pretty friendly to each other, and we may not know all of the names of our fellow reenactors, but we know a lot of the faces.  Don't let this lead you to a false sense of security.  I just hope this helps some of us to be aware and proactive when it comes to thieves, and for those of us really into authenticity, if I catch anyone taken something, be prepared for a very period-correct response from me and my pards.  -Ross Lamoreaux, sgt maj, 4th Bde, Dist of Fla

 

Further Away But Criminals Just The Same..........Reported stolen from Kirkland, WA. "Historic civil war Sword".  Massachusetts General Officers sword by Ames-Co. to Brigadier General "Henry Lawrence Eustis, 10th Massachusetts.  Most features are unique and not seen on any other sword.  The blade is straight, double edged, with a central fuller and measures 31" long.  Bold etching covers 95% of the blade's length.  The etching incorporates Victorian floral designs, an American Shield, intertwined "US" and classical stands of arms.  At the ricasso, the blade is signed "Ames MFG. CO. / Chicopee, Mass." 

The hilt is gold washed cast brass in high relief.  The clamshell counter guard is edged with rococo scrolls and has Eustis' initials intertwined in gold.  The reverse clamshell is diminutive and undecorated.  The quillion is a unique design of a roman warrior's head (does not appear on any other Ames Sword).  The single knocklebow is decorated on the obverse with an American shield, traditional roman armor and arms and a cameo relief head of a union soldier in Bummer Kepi in an oval cartouche.

The scabbard is gold plated and signed by Ames on the reverse near the throat.  The top mount has two carrying rings and represents a sunburst and acanthus leaf spray with a Greek god's face in the center. The middle mount is similar, however, the Indian figure from the Mass. State Seal is imposed in the center.  The drag has a stand of flags and also framed.

Approximately 30% of the scabbard is engraved military trophies; between the top and middle mount is the General's name "H.L. EUSTIS" in large block letters; to the top and bottom, intertwined with floral engraving is a ribbon reading "PRESENTED TO BRIGADIER GENERAL H. L. EUSTIS BY THE 10TH MASS INFANTRY".

The sword is accompanied by its original wooden presentation case, with the script initials "HLE" engraved, solid, sheet-silver inlaid in the cover.  The case has its original blue velvet lining, fitted with a hinged lidded compartment, which contains a wine-red fringed silk sash.

Any information, please contact Detective Barry M. Walden, King County Sheriff's Office. 401 4th Ave. North, Kent, WA 98032.  206-205-7863.

 

by John Vaughn

Sgt., Butler Guards, 2nd SC Infantry

Greenville, SC, area unit.

Does anyone know the meaning of the following words?

 

Kirkbuzzer
Joseph’s Coat
Idea Pot
Diver
Mow
Mort

 

Believe it or not, these words and terms were used by the common people during the 1860s in some of the big cities of the North.  Many times we go to great lengths to be as authentic as we possibly can with our impressions, which is good, up to and including uniforms and clothes made from cloth woven by the same machines.  Our arms and equipment are perfect, but the minute we open our mouths, the 20th and 21st centuries come out.  Although these expressions were used mainly in the northern cities, I am sure that some of our Southern soldiers used terms equally foreign to modern ears.  Not all of the soldiers from either side were well-educated and spoke perfect English.  Many used a variety of unusual words and phrases depending upon where they were from, and others used words in Old English that are quite different from what we use today.  As we deal with the public at various events, it would be a great conversation starter if we used some of the period phrases and words to arouse their curiosity.  Then we can proceed to educate them about the time and war we portray.

 

The meanings of these words were:

Kirkbuzzer – a fellow who picks pockets in church
Idea pot – head
Joseph’s Coat – guarded against temptation or someone who can resist temptation
Diver – a pickpocket
Mow – to kiss
Mort – a woman

 

 

Our Civil War reenactor friends fall in for a photo (above) in

Sydney, Australia on January 29 and 30, 2005

Author of the article below is on the far right standing in the second row

 

 

photos and article by Kathy Heitman

"The Picture Lady"

 

 

Four inches of rain besieged the Battle of Narcoossee Mill site on Thursday, April 18th.  The event coordinators were more than a little nervous about having another mess on their hands.  They hauled the pumps out to try to eliminate as much standing water as possible before the majority of the reenactors arrived.  Mud and squish were everywhere.  The area to the left of Registration had approximately a foot of standing water, a testimony to Thursday’s deluge.  Modern camping was limited, but no one complained.  Modern campers were thankful to have someplace to set up without having to rent pontoons.  When my husband Jack and I arrived in  our motorhome Friday evening, we were told to park wherever we could find a dry spot.  We have front wheel drive and get stuck easily.  You may recall two years ago at this event when we had to be pulled out of the mud.  The front of our motorhome was completely obliterated with mud, making us look like we’d been swamp trompin’.  We found a nice spot, after which  we walked up to the period camps to find the area was mostly dry.  Tents were set up, campfires were burning.  It was no longer raining.  The reenactors were ready. 

 

Saturday morning dawned sunny with a slight nip in the air.  By 8:30  a.m., the temperature warmed up, accompanied by a

nice breeze.  Troops attended Colors at 9 a.m.  After that it was time to return  to camp, get ready for Officer’s Call, kick back and relax or visit sutler row to socialize or shop.  The sutlers had to  set up by the pavilions by the lakeside road.  Their usual spot was soft mud.    The Ladies Tea took place under one of the small park pavilions.   By 11 a.m., the general public began to arrive in large numbers.  They visited the sutlers, swam in the lake or walked through the period camps to talk to the reenactors.  About 1 p.m.,  people began setting up chairs along the fence or went up into the bleachers to make sure they had  a good spot to watch the battle.  About 1:30 p.m., the 97th Regimental String Band stood in front of the crowd to entertain everyone with their songs and comedy routines.  When the troops marched out to take their pre-battle positions, they sloshed through the mud and sometimes ankle-deep water. 

 

At 2 p.m., one of the two artillery pieces at the front of the battlefield belched.  They were situated there to avoid getting stuck in the mud.  It was time for the Battle of Narcoossee Mill.  Rick Moock of the 97th Regimental String Band narrated the battle. He was correct when he stated,  “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.  Some of you may be wondering why these reenactors aren’t falling down and dying yet.  Well, some of them travel several hundred miles to attend one of these events with very expensive equipment.  I ask you.  If you were them, would you fall down dead in the first 5 minutes?”  He chuckled, and then continued.   “You may also be wondering why, when they go down, they are doing so right here in front.  I can explain that too.  It’s  drier.  They don’t want to drown!”.  There were cheers for some of the artillery barrages.  The crowd  clapped and whooped it up when some of the cavalry chases and shootouts flared up.   They loved the infantry maneuvers.  The Federals and Confederates pushed each other back and forth, screamed insults at the “enemy” as they fired on them from the back of the battlefield all the way to the front.  The pyrotechnics were well placed.   They looked very real with  muck and water flying every which way. About halfway through the battle, a Confederate infantry company was able to make its way to the front of the battlefield only to become surrounded by Federal Cavalrymen.  The Confederates  were able to  escape by running off  the cavalrymen, sending them riding like the wind back to the safety of the brush.   After an hour, the Federals won the day by inflicting numerous Confederate casualties.  The Confederates  vowed to give the Federals a good whoopin’ on Sunday.

 

The structure of the large pavilion under which the Saturday night Dress Ball is always held was destroyed by one of last year’s hurricanes, but the concrete pad survived.   Bright lights were set on stands on all four sides for illumination.  The 97th Regimental String Band provided the music for the ball that began promptly at 8 p.m., ending at 10 p.m.  When all was said and done, the participants went back to his or her respective camp tired and happy.

 

Clear sunny skies greeted everyone Sunday morning.  The temperature was noticeably warmer.  At 9 a.m. Sunday morning Colors took place.   

Reverend Roger held a Church service in the period camp around mid-morning, after which people once again visited and shopped sutler row, prepared for Officer’s Call or took a Sunday snooze.  By noon, the general public had filled the parking lot to near capacity.   

 

Promptly at 2:30 p.m., one of the three artillery pieces that were on the field for this battle signaled a heads-up.    Again, the pyrotechnicians had  water, dirt, muck and ooze flying everywhere.  Aerial bombs made loud bangs high in the sky.  The wooden shed in the middle of the battlefield had its roof  blown to kingdom come.  It looked like something out of a Bruce Willis movie with a huge flaming fireball that rose into a large, black smoke cloud that hung around for some time. The sound itself was awesome.  The ooh’s and ahh’s from the crowd reminded me  of a gathering at a 4th of July fireworks display.  The Confederates were successful in gaining the upper hand, steadily pushing the Federals into a corner. The Southern boys made  good their promise of revenge for Saturday’s loss.  After Taps was played, the order to “Resurrect!” was given, following by a final volley of appreciation for those who came to see the  battle.  Both period and modern camps were packed up.  Everyone went home satisfied that it was a dry two days.

 

I vote for a repeat next year of this event minus one thing.  Rain.  How about you?    The last reenactment that I’ll attend will be the Parrish Train Raid April 1 & 2.  After that, Jack and I will have to start working in earnest to put a new roof on our house and finish the other repairs that those nasty hurricanes caused last year.   Here’s hoping that this hurricane season is b-o-r-i-n-g.  Until I see you again, please stay aware, stay safe and be happy.

Kathy Heitman

"The Picture Lady"

 

 

 

Cross Of Honor.........This World War II Confederate CROSS OF HONOR was presented to a soldier who served overseas during World War II.  This medal was presented by the United Daughters of the Confederacy (U. D. C.) to World War II Veterans who were lineal descendents of Confederate soldiers serving in the Civil war. The medals were serial numbered on the rear and this one is numbered "3573".  The Cross of Honor  measures 3 1/2 inches high. The design as you will see is the cross of the crusader, bound by the battle flag of the Confederacy to the Southern Cross of Honor, with the inscription Fortes Creantur Fortibus (the brave give birth to the brave). The cross is bronze connected with a ribbon  by the entwined monogram of the U. D. C. For overseas service, a dolphin is added to the ribbon. On the front of the medal at the base of the Cross appears "1861-1865" and in the center it reads "1941 / 1945" with a criss-crossed Confederate  ribbon.

 

Interesting Family History..........This little bit of information was sent to me by Angela Kendall.  Joseph Kendall was her third Great Uncle.

Quote:

"Early the next morning, August 5th 1862, breathless cavalrymen reported that the Federals were approaching Malvern Hill from the North. Stribling's men rushed to their guns but barely had time to wheel them into position before a squadron of Union cavalry charged. Cavalry was no match for artillery, and a few shots from the Fauquier County, Virginia men drove the horsemen back. Soon, however, more Yankees appeared. Two Federal batteries wheeled out into the fields about 600 yards from Stribling's guns. The Federal guns opened fire and a hasty dual followed. Privates John Ball and William Suddith fell dead. Others fell wounded, including JOSEPH KENDALL 'a plain country lad' whose leg was torn off at the thigh by a Union shell. Two men carried KENDALL behind the crest of the hill. Seeing a group of loose horses, KENDALL insisted on holding them: "At least I can do that much," he said. The two men placed him on the ground, gathered up the reins of the horses, and gave them to KENDALL. Lying there the suffering private occasionally yelled to his comrades, "Don't give up, men. Never let them take the guns. Fight to the last!" When Captain Stribling walked by him, KENDALL asked, "Can we drive them back? How are the men of Lieutenant Marshall's section fighting?" Stribling asked KENDALL if he wanted anything. "I want a drink of water," he replied, "But don't stop any of the men to bring it, for I will soon be dead."

 

 

The following comments were written by John Butler and emailed to Cpt. Palenik (14th Brooklyn).  I thought you all would like to see it.  John wrote........

 

    I am a first time spectator to a Civil War reenactment. I went to the Crystal River site and was thoroughly impressed with the precision and passion that ALL the Reenactors showed. But most of all I was Impressed with your 14 Brooklyn. After a devastating set back from the fire that swept thru your camp and took out all your supplies and belongings, The Red Legged Devils STILL came out to defend the Union. I must say I am Confederate by heart and choice but the drive Your Men and women showed touched me and earned my respect. I donated what I could to your cause to help you and am looking into joining a reenactment brigade. Sir, I salute you and your men and hope to see you again soon. May God Bless and watch over you.

 

Sincerely,

John E. Butler

 

 

 

  For Sale.  1983 Yamaha three wheeler.  Runs great, new tires.  $500.  For information, contact Robyn Banks at  Riptideelec@aol.com