Welcome......The men of the CSS Bell and the 5th Independent Cavalry both joined Hardys Brigade this last weekend at Olustee.  We welcome you aboard gentlemen, you will be an asset to Hardys Brigade.  Thank you for joining us.

Changes.......On February 16th at the Olustee event, Capt. Terry McGowan was awarded the position of assistant Chief of Staff.  He will help Lt. Col. Mike Moore with the duties and responsibilities of making Hardys Brigade run smoothly.

Crystal River News.....Col. Lynn Stellmach (1st Battalion Hardys Brigade) who is one of the event hosts wrote to tell me of the unusual battle scenario planned for this year's reenactment.  He wrote....."On Saturday of the Crystal River event March 9th, we will be doing a battle scenario recreating a portion of the Battle of 1st Manassas.  At the end of the battle, there will be a "Great Skedaddle" of Federals and Civilians (Women, children and Civilian Impressionists) through the spectators at a designated area. Please give notice to all those attending the Crystal River event that we would like the non-battle spectators in period clothing to participate by bringing a period looking picnic basket, wine bottle, chair, period looking blanket, etc. that would enhance the impression.  Toward the end of the battle,  we want you to run for your lives.....mixing in with the Federals, but in a safe manner.  Everyone can get involved!  On Sunday, we will try to recreate a portion of the conflict at Gettysburg.  It will be the battle after Pickett's Charge, focusing somewhat on the Florida forces and the 1st New Jersey Light Artillery."  Lynn also requested of the Confederate forces: If you  have sky blue pants, bring them to wear on Saturday for the 1st Manassas battle and a jacket colored something "other than Butternut".  Sunday's battle will not have such a request.

Living History Events.....Lou Crabtree asked me to inform everyone about some upcoming living history events.  Starting March 11th and running through the 17th.  They will set up a camp at the Chasco Fiesta. The public will be able to walk through the camps and see how a camp was done in the 1860s.  There will be no battle but demonstrators are needed.  Anyone who can help out with this living history would be greatly appreciated; also, any fresh fish are welcome.  First SGT. Mike Bryant will be there on the weekend and will be going over safety and drills.  In addition on April 5,6, and 7th, the crew has been invited to set up camp at the Odessa rodeo. They need volunteers for that also.  Drilling will be done and they need medical personnel to do demonstrations with their medical kits.  These events are to be small fund raisers for the Venture Crew so they can get equipment for new kids joining up and to help send the kids to Gettysburg next year for the 140th.  Your help will be greatly appreciated.  For information contact: Lou Crabtree 79th NY Color Guard Sgt. Venture Crew 978 New Port Richey.Fl. Phone: 727-846-7547 Rcrab16140@aol.com

Web Site To Look At.....Chaplin Roger Niedrich and his wife Laura of Battleline Ministries have a nice web site at http://www.battlelineministries.com.  Roger puts an incredible amount of time into his portrayal of an 1860's Chaplin.  He and his wife are at most reenactments in Florida and they always set up their church for a Sunday service.  Chaplin Roger is always willing to take time to talk and makes himself available to all reenactors any time and any place.  Check out their site when you have a moment.

Lake City Seal...Well they are at it again.  The "other" group is going to try to get the Lake City seal changed.  They tried this last year and the seal was changed.  The new design still had the Confederate flag on it but it was much smaller than the old one and not as prominently featured.  Now they don't want it on the seal at all.  If you would like to make your opinion known got to http://www.wcjb.com/poll.asp and cast your vote.  I will keep you informed as this story progresses.

The Civil War was noted for many things including its troop mascots.  Mascots ranged from the sublime to the bizarre.  Many types of animals held the elite position of company mascot.  The animal mascots ranged from a camel to a chicken and every animal in between, even a bear.  Yes, a bear.  These animals enjoyed a charmed life as every man from trooper to general lavished them with affection and they rarely went hungry.  When these animals went to their "great reward" they were often buried with full military honors with the entire regiment turning out for the funeral.  The photo at right shows Capt. George Custer and his dog in 1862.  The loyalty of a faithful dog or the indifference of a chicken were rewarded equally as each man paid tribute to the favored animal.  Some mascots went into battle with the company while others stayed safely in the rear waiting the return of their owners.  Several companies became better known for their mascot than for their service record.  Although most mascots were dogs, some regiments had cats, a pig and even goats but the most famous mascots were of the feathered persuasion.  Companies on both the Union and Confederate sides used specific animals as emblems of the soldiers' loyalty and devotion to their cause.  The mascot had a way to bring about unity and identity and were a very effective way to raise morale.

The 3rd Tennessee Regiment (C.S.A.) had a gamecock named "Jake".  The bird was originally obtained with the thought of dinner on the men's minds but when he was placed in the coop with the other chickens he was such a fighter that his life was spared.  Soon the men found other gamecocks and Jake became a sort of prize fighter.  He entertained and made the men money by fighting rivals from other companies.  Fellow regiments got in on the action and Jake took on all comers.  His win-loss ratio is not known but he wasn't eaten so it must have been above average.  The spirited rooster was at the Siege of Fort Donelson and lived in the breastworks with the 3rd Tenn.  It was said that he would shriek at the incoming shells.  When the 3rd Tenn. was captured Jake accompanied his men to Camp Douglas Prison.  When the Confederate prisoners of war were marching into the prison, the Federal troops jeered at them to which Jake answered with a screech and the captured men followed his lead with a Rebel yell.  When the 3rd was mustered out, Jake went with them and was welcomed back with his men by most of Conersville, Tenn.  Jake died a short time later and was buried in a casket and given a well attended funeral.

Somehow the 43rd Mississippi Company A got a camel and they soon became known as the "Camel Regiment".  The beast was known as "Old Douglas".  He was obtained for the purpose of transporting the baggage of the officers' mess.  Douglas obediently carried his loads and usually did not get into trouble.  The camel could not be restrained on a picket line but he would not wander away.  He always grazed within sight of his company.  He quickly became friends with the other horses in his camp but outside horses were reluctant to meet him.  Old Douglas did spook the horses of a wagon train one time.  He blundered into the line of their march and caused a stampede which injured several men.  From that point on, the Camel was under orders to stop and stay out of camp.  Old Douglas was killed in action by a skirmisher during the Siege of Vicksburg.

The 9th Connecticut Infantry had a well trained pig that was called "Jeff Davis".  Jeff was taught to stand on his hind legs, hold a pipe and many other tricks.  He put on a good show during an inspection by the commanding general who was amused at his antics.

As you might expect dogs were the most popular mascots.  In the drawing (below right) Union Brigadier General Alexander Ashboth's dog "York" is depicted accompanying him into battle.  The dog stayed with him at the heels of his horse throughout the bloody struggle at Pea Ridge.

The common dog allowed the soldiers a way to express affection and tenderness under terrible circumstances so most were tolerated by the commanding officers.  Some dogs even learned how to please the officers.  The 5th Connecticut Infantry had a 15 lb. black and tan terrier.  This dog had a peculiar respect for the officers and could find who ever was in command wherever he went.  If the whole company was out, the dog kept close to the captain.  If only a platoon, he kept with the sergeant.  On dress parades, which he always attended, he left the company and went to the colonel and watched the parade pass.  Many dogs were killed in action; however, this dog stayed with the officers and survived the war.

The 7th Illinois Infantry color guard (photo at left) were as proud of their new Henry repeating rifles as they were of their mascot.  Some dogs were picked up along the way but a surprising number of the animals were brought from home by the soldiers.  Louis Pfieff joined the 3rd Illinois Infantry and brought his dog along.  Pfieff was killed at Shiloh.  His wife went to retrieve his body but she was unable to locate him.  She found the dog and it is said that he led her to a distant single grave where he had been keeping vigil for 12 days since his master's death, only leaving to find food.

The 35th Ohio Infantry had several dogs and the 34th Massachusetts Infantry had an "army of dogs".  Some of the 34th's dogs were no more than wild animals always staying out of camp until dark and then sneaking in to the cook house when no one was near.  Others became tame and would regularly fall in with the company.  Infantry men had mixed feelings about the dogs when they would howl at every bugle call.  Some dogs went into the thick of battle growling and barking ferociously.  One of these battle dogs thought it great sport to chase half-spent cannon shot.  His hobby led to his being wounded three times and he left most of his tail in Tennessee at the Battle of Stones River.

The 2nd Kentucky Infantry (C.S.A.) had a mascot named "Frank".  Frank the dog always accompanied his men into battle carrying his own small haversack around his neck with his own rations.  When his company was captured Frank was incarcerated along with them at Fort Donelson in Tennessee.  He spent six months in prison and when they were exchanged so was he.  He stayed with the 2nd for two more years and then he came up missing and was presumed killed in action.

"Stonewall Jackson" was a dog owned by the Richmond Howitzer Battalion.  He was a very smart dog and would line up for roll call clenching a pipe in his teeth.  The men taught him many tricks and soon he became so popular that he was the subject of several kidnapping attempts.  One of these plots was successful and in the end he was kidnapped and never found again.

Pictured here on the right is "Sallie" of the 11th Pennsylvania.  While serving in the Union Army, Sallie was wounded once and later separated from her regiment.  She did find her way back to her men only to be killed on the battlefield with a bullet wound to her head.  The men of the 11th Pennsylvania had Sallie's likeness placed on their regimental monument.

A large dog called "Tony" who was a beautiful Newfoundland lovingly cared for by the Chicago Light Artillery Battery A.  He was called the "battery dog".  Tony was a dog of action and gave no thought to the bullets zipping all around him.  He was on the battlefield at South Mountain and then wounded at Fort Donelson.  He saw action again at Shiloh.  He never got separated from his men so when he came up missing at Antietam the worst was feared.  Unfortunately, he was killed and found beside the body of W. J. Pollock, Co H., 20th New York Infantry.

In 1860, a Chippewa Indian called Chief Sky captured a young bald eagle.  The eagle had been named Me-kee-zeen-ce by the Indians. They were able to tame the eagle and later a farmer named Daniel McCann traded a bushel of corn for the bird.  S. M. Jeffers knew that the regiment initially known as the Eau Claire Badgers (At Eau Claire, Wisconsin) wanted a mascot.  Jeffers purchased the eagle from the farmer for $2.50 and presented it to the Eau Claire Volunteers as "the Chippewa recruit".  The eagle's name was changed to Old Abe in honor of the president.  Old Abe of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry (later known as the "Eagle Regiment") was undoubtedly the most recognized and famous mascot of all.  Old Abe served as a reminder to the principles for which the men fought.  He accompanied the men into battle tethered to a long wooden pole that was proudly carried by the "eagle bearers".  Old Abe was so accustomed to living with the soldiers that caretaker, Pvt. James McGinnus, often turned it loose to fly above the men as they drilled or marched.  He was also allowed to walk around camp and he could be found in tents stealing food or sometimes pilfering an officer's prized chicken.  It is said that he even got into bottles of brandy now and again.  Lt. Burnett Demorest who also oversaw the eagle claimed that his favorite food was freshly killed rabbit.

Old Abe was well known by the Confederates who referred to the eagle as that "Yankee buzzard".  The eagle, according to regimental histories, would "any time he wished to watch the action from aloft, Old Abe would soar above the conflict just out of musket range".  His battle record was incredible.  He was present at 36 battles.  Old Abe made it through the war without ever losing a single feather and never spent a day on the sick list.

When the hostilities ended, he became Wisconsin's special ambassador at national events and fundraisers.  On June 22, 1864, he attended a reception and was welcomed by the state's secretary, Gen. Lucius Gairchild.  The spectators cheered and Old Abe, still quite the showman, stretched out his wings and puffed himself up to bask in the glory of his recognition.  Old Abe was then presented to the governor.  Old Abe was a tough old bird and lived to the age of 44.  Age did not do the bird in, the capitol building where he lived caught fire and burned, he was trapped inside.  He was soon rescued but had inhaled too much smoke and died in the arms of his keeper on February 27, 1904.  He was photographed, sculpted and overall immortalized in life.  After he died, he was stuffed by a taxidermist.

When the Federal army won the day at West Liberty, Kentucky, on October 23, 1861, their after action report included this list of the captured men and items "34 prisoners, 52 horses, 10 mules", and "one large bear".  The 12th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment had a bear that was said to have weighed over 300 pounds.  Not to be outdone by the others, the Minnesota brigade also had a young bear that they claimed had "smelt powder" in twelve engagements and returned home unharmed.  And one Confederate drummer owned a squirrel who would dance to the beat of his master's drum.

In my research of this topic, the state of Wisconsin, and the Federal army overall, seems to have had the most mascots with its men in the field.  Several Federal regiments took badgers to war while another had a pet raccoon.  A Confederate unit from Arkansas had a wild cat and a Louisiana regiment took a pelican to war.  J.E.B. Stuart's First Virginia Cavalry had what was described as an enormous raccoon with a poor attitude tied tightly to the wheel of a captured gun.  At the Mule Shoe, Spotsylvania, one Federal company took a liking to an ox that had followed them for several days.  It was planned that he would be their mascot but this idea was not relayed to the company cook who killed, butchered and cooked the ox.  The men were not happy.

Confederate Brig.Gen. T.R.R. Cobb had a pet rooster who would crow on command.  Pvt. Tinker of the 42nd New York captured a pigeon at Kalorama Heights, Virginia.  The pigeon followed his men into every battle from Poolesville through the Wilderness and was even at Antietam and Harpers Ferry.  Gen. Lee's pet was a barnyard hen who laid him an egg for breakfast every morning during his invasion of Pennsylvania.  Her nest was under his cot.  The men of the Richmond Howitzers in addition to their dog, had a very big black crow.  The men had grown to love the crow so much that when it died it was given a somber military funeral including a salute from the guns of the honor guard.

References:
Echoes Of Glory
Touched By Fire
Time Life Books
Library Of Congress
Various internet sources
Lords Civil War Encyclopedia
Fighting Men Of The Civil War
U.S. Army Military History Institute
Civil War Curiosities Books One and Two

Tom Fasulo adds these thoughts about mascots......Actual Questions Asked of Rangers at National Parks:  "How many dogs and cats were killed during the war?" [Tom Fasulo answers - Actually, many units had dogs as mascots. And some of these dogs were known for their bravery and others for running away at the first sound of battle.  However, none were injured during the Civil War as the SPCA had representatives with each division to ensure the safety of these animals.  But the soldiers didn't have just dogs and cats as mascots. The 8th Wisconsin Volunteers had a famous bald eagle ["Old Abe"] as its mascot and, believe it or not, the 43rd Mississippi had a camel ["Old Jeff" ?]. For some additional information and thoughts on Civil War mascots, see the file on War Dogs of the North and South at http://extlab7.entnem.ufl.edu/olustee/related/cw-pets.htm.   If you read this file, please don't send me any hate mail.  When I first posted it to a Civil War BBS years ago I was deluged with hate mail from people who didn't realize I was spoofing a Civil War Times article. One nut in England sent me eight huge messages accusing me of participating in a vast conspiracy that linked the crucifixion of Jesus Christ to the defeat of the Confederacy.  I had considerable problems following his logic.  These messages were all posted to the BBS and generated all sorts of arguments and counter arguments that went off in various directions.  As a result, another nut from Virginia sent me a letter, crudely written in pencil, (I still have no idea how he got my snail mail address.) thanking me for proving that the Holocaust never happened and asking if I would join his KKK group.  I never understood how he arrived at this conclusion from a message on Civil War unit mascots and I never replied to his letter to ask.  This incident, more than anything I have read, proved to me that there are some real weirdoes on the Internet.]
Thomas R. Fasulo, extension entomologist, University of Florida http://pests.ifas.ufl.edu/

I mentioned previously that the majority of what has been written of in regards to intelligence matters has been dedicated to spies and not to scouts.  The big question then becomes what is the big difference between the two?  Actually that is quite simple to answer. A uniform is the first thing that differentiates the two.  The fact that the two have completely different  in scope and impact to the overall war effort.

A scout wears a uniform and goes just ahead of the army to find the location, size, and how the enemy is positioned as to what unit is where and who is anchored to who and how many guns they have. They also look for where their commander can put troops and maneuver in order to get on the flanks. They assess the roads for how well a unit can move down it. For example they check if the road can handle wagon traffic or at least a regiment of infantry or even a battery of artillery.  Then they report to their commander what they have found. The main force on both sides to be used as scouts were the Cavalry as they had the mobility none of the other types of units had.  However that's not to say the other types of units did not have scouts. Signal corps as I mentioned in previous issues as well as infantry and artillery and of course the engineers. As the artillery is the king of battle and the infantry is the queen to quote an army cadence information is the emperor of battle.

Now the spy first off doesn't wear a uniform and is a civilian.  Their primary goal is more for what is called strategic Intel than the scouts bailiwick of tactical Intel. The difference between the two is mainly tactical is concerned with terrain and immediate disposition of the enemy. The strategic is more concerned with what force is coming from where, who is in charge, how are they supplied, how much supplies do they have, and is the long term capabilities of this unit. Now you can have scouts in civilian clothing as in the civil war. These people who wore no uniform and assisted the armies of both sides by scouting the area prior to the army arriving. These people were more guides but the role of scout could be tagged to them for some of the service that they provided to both sides. Still the spies role was starting to become limited in this war and later wartime spy activities having become even more limited in scope.

Scouts mostly wear uniforms except for the civilian sympathizers who act as scouts and guides for whatever army they prefer. Spies are wearing civilian clothing or the uniform of the enemy. Scouts when they get captured generally get treated as other soldiers. The civilian scouts generally didn't get caught much due to them staying close to the forces they were supporting and then leaving before the shooting started. Spies get caught well most that were caught were hung.

by Martin Hickey

Another Busy Weekend......The Olustee event has come and gone.  It was an unusual weekend for me.  The 10th Tenn. Co. D. mounted cavalry chose to sit this one out so I decided to fall in with the 1st Manassas Artillery on Capt. Joe Williams 12 pound Napoleon.  I was the worm man (#2 position) and had a great time.  The only bad thing about the big cannon is pushing it out on the field.

Saturday's battle was strange, I think we need to work on that script before we try it again.  The battle went silent for a few minutes and the spectators started leaving.  I wasn't sure if it was over or not.  Taps were not played and there was no salute for the crowd.  Then the cavalry showed up from somewhere but it was too late.
Sunday's battle was great.  I was busy working the cannon so I didn't see a lot of it but what I did see went smooth and looked good.  Much better than Saturday's battle.  There was a lot of action all over the field and everyone got a chance to fight.  The battle was opened up by the cavalry and artillery followed by an infantry advance.  Gen. Jesse and Col. Bowman did a superior job of commanding the Confederate troops.  The Federal commanders, Brian Kepner and James Permane kept the Union men jumping throughout the battle.

The 10th Tenn. Rices Artillery Battery was allowed to bring their mountain howitzer onto the field.  This was a first for that type of cannon to be used in the reenactment.  Sgt. Don Mann and his men did a good job with a steady fire.  The spectators enjoyed it so much they didn't want to leave.

A funeral service was held after Saturday's battle for Don Williams of the Fla. Light Artillery.  His ashes were shot from both Union and Confederate cannons onto the battlefield.  May he rest in peace.

Union Comments.....Lt. Col. Jeff H. Grzelak wrote.......

Gentlemen;
        On behalf of the Dept. of the South, I would like to thank each of you for your cooperation during the recent campaign in north Florida.
        We are already looking towards 2003 and want to continue the spirit of cooperation between the different  organizations and units that fielded with us.  With that in mind please take a few moments to reflect upon the event and what we can do to improve it and your experience with  it.
       A special thanks to the many troops who galvanized during the weekend, including many Georgians & Floridians who normally wear gray.
       As I stated during the memorial on Sunday, "we must be vigilant"
       "If trouble is to be found it will be spring from among us" ( A. Lincoln)

       Keep the brave Americans of Feb. 20, 1864 & Sept. 11, 2001 in your prayers.

       As always, it has been our honor to serve you.
       Until we meet again upon the "Field of  Honor"

 Lt. Col. Jeff H. Grzelak, Chief of Staff Dept.of the South

An Olustee Ghost??.....Will Palenik had a weird thing happen to him at Olustee.  I'll let him tell you about it.  Will writes......  This may be hard to believe, but I may have captured some 'ghosts' on film.  I was surfing the web for ghost pictures for Halloween two years ago.  I came across these sites that referred to 'orbs' and other photo anomalies.  They state that these are the energy patterns of 'spirits'.  On your search engine, type in 'ghost hunter society' and check out any of the sites that show up. They will explain the concept in detail.  Another good one is 'shadowlands'.  I brought my digital camera to Olustee last year and indeed captured orb images. Those 'spots' on these pictures are supposed to be the ghosts.  The evening was cool and clear.  No clouds and my lens was not dirty or spotty.  No one was a bigger skeptic than I, but it has happened twice in two years in a row at Olustee and pretty much in the same area.   I had some people with me on some of the pictures.  Nothing really spooky happens, some felt a change in temperature when these things showed up.  In some cases, they'd be in one picture, but not the next.  Not fully convinced, I did the same again this year, and again they showed up.  I used a Toshiba pdr560 camera on medium photo quality setting and these little buggers show up.  Here are the pictures....taken near the northwest corner of sutler's row.  (Editor's Note:  Due to the quality of the photos only two photos could be printed here.)   Here's the kick.... during the ceremony for the Union Monument, the speaker mentioned how the monument was placed, and its history.  In 1867 the US army sent detachments to the various battlefields around the nation for reburial details.  Their job was to re-bury the bones that had come up to the surface, been dug up by animals and so forth.  At Olustee the unidentifieds were buried in a mass trench and a wooden cross was placed on the site.  Over the years, the wooden monument fell into disrepair and was moved into storage.  The site was never marked.  The only reference in official records was that the trench was within site of the railroad.   If sutlers tents weren't in the way, you could see the railroad from the spot where these photos were taken.  In recent years, a fundraising project to replace the monument was started.  Being that the trench was not marked, the new monument was placed in the cemetery at the front of the site.  The most activity of spotting the orbs happened near that trail to the Confederate camp.....I think that the burial trench may actually be near where I took these pictures.

Will Palenik

Welcome once again friends to our medical column. We have just returned from the Olustee reenactment, which was well attended with large contingents of confederate troops from Florida and Georgia.  The Saturday parade in Lake City was an enjoyable beginning as our medical section marched as a unit for the first time.  The battles on  Saturday and Sunday proceeded without major incident.  A few minor  injuries occurred on Saturday but none required transport to the hospital.  Sunday's battle produced no injuries that we are aware of.   We would like to express our appreciation to all the reenactors for their safety awareness and compliance with regulations such as carrying full canteens.  Everyone's cooperation really makes our jobs easier and we thank you.  Lt Col Riker and the entire medical section turned in their usual fine job as did the Federal medical contingent.  The spirit of cooperation between our respective units continues to benefit everyone wearing blue or gray.  Everyone take care, be safe, and we look forward to seeing all our friends on the field again real soon.
Carole and Sgt Tim Hollamby
Hardys Brigade Medical Section
Army of the Tennessee C.S.A
 
 

Extra Large Super Sized Flag........Before the Olustee battle on Friday the 15th (near the town of White Springs) the SCV raised the largest Confederate flag ever flown a few yards from I-75 just north of the I-10 junction at Exit 84.  This location is on private property close to where over 31,500 vehicles per day (11.5 million per year) pass by so the flag is sure to be seen.  The flag is 20 X 38 feet and flys at the top of a 10 story high (100 ft. tall) flag pole.  The battle flag weighs in at 41 pounds with the stars being aprox. 12 sq. in. large.  The cost - an amazing $40,000 - including the flag pole.  The flag will be lit up at night also.  As you can see in the photo on the right this is one big flag.  Rep. Will S. Kendrick, D-Carabelle said, "We need to be proud and honored to stand for our heritage."  Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami, said, "That's advertising hatred.  It's advertising that Florida is a state that is sympathetic to hate."  Of the stories I read about the flag raising, the politicians were, as is usual, split on their comments but some were very supportive of the Sons of Confederate Veterans efforts to get this flag flying.  "There's no hate or hurt intended toward anyone. This is an act of honor," said John Adams, the SCV's commander.  The project was started over a year ago.  Dozens of cars and trucks pulled off the road to see and photograph the flag when it was raised.  The ceremony (photo above left and right) was attended by about 500 to 1000 people depending which news paper you read.  Local citizens, reenactors and the curious were there.  Along with the flag, there is a wall where names of 238 Confederate soldiers and sailors from all 13 Confederate states are engraved.  The SCV has asked the Guinness Book of Records for recognition as the largest confederate flag on display.  A Sons of Confederate Veterans press release states, "The monument is dedicated to the soldiers, sailors, marines, cattlemen and farmers of Florida who served the Confederate States of America."   I wrote this story drawing these facts from nine different newspaper articles found on the internet.

For Sale......Coleman two burner fuel stove with one gallon of fuel and pour spout.  New gaskets.  Make Offer.  Contact Bob Niepert email mayorbob@embarqmail.com

For Sale......Dress Confederate Frock Coat double breasted.  Size 48.  New - made from $36 a yard cadet gray wool / pewter, high relief confederate eagle buttons, brown cotton lining.  Cost @ $ 350 -- Sell $ 250  Email Roger Ragland at ragland@kua.net

For Sale......New Civilian frock coat.  Size 48.  Black wool with velvet collar & cuffs.  Fine velvet buttons.  I will include the ruffled shirt free. Cost $ 200 -- sell  $ 145.  Email Roger Ragland at ragland@kua.net

For Sale......Second Lt. Blue wool (greatcoat material) ponchos.  Confederate cut  (warm) and cheaper than a greatcoat.  One size fits all used $25 ea.  Email Roger Ragland at ragland@kua.net

February 28, 2002. The Greater Civil War Round Table will present a program by Robert Lynn.  The program is called "Florida Cattle and Salt Industry During The Civil War".  The meeting takes place at the Marks St. Senior Center (on Marks St. between Orange Ave. and Magnolia St.) in downtown Orlando.  For information contact Ruth Wood at flrb@bitstorm.net

March 1, 2, 3, 2002.  Gainsville, Alabama.  The 4th Alabama Cavalry (dismounted) will host "The Battle of Gainsville".  All re-enactors, sutlers and spectators are welcome.  The contacts are Capt. Mike Graham - Email: mgraham@uwa.edu and/or 1st. Sgt. Brian Walters - E-mail: walters9@mindspring.com.

March 2, 3, 2002.  Battle of Natural Bridge (North Florida) This battle is held on the original battlefield located 12 miles south of Tallahassee.  Sponsored by the Florida Park Service and Leon Rifles.  No modern campsite is provided.  The Natural Bridge Event is held at the Natural Bridge State Historic Site which is located six miles east of Woodville.  The best way to find the site is to take I-10 to Tallahassee, exit onto US 27 (North Monroe Street-Exit 29) where you will travel south of US 27 (Monroe Street) until you reach the Florida Capitol.  At this junction, US 27 will turn to the left.  Do not continue on US 27, simply continue to travel south on Monroe Street.  A few miles south of town, Monroe Street becomes Woodville Highway.  Continue to travel on Woodville Highway until you reach the town of Woodville.  Turn left on Natural Bridge Road, go six miles to the site.  The park is located at the point where the paved road ends.  Registration open at 1pm Friday.  No early arrivals.  Due to the size of the site, we cannot allow any mounted troops.  Artillery is by invitation.  Contact Bruce Linton (850) 539-1863

March 8, 9, 10, 2002.  Battle of Crystal River (Yulee Sugar Mill) This is a Hardy's Brigade maximum effort event.  The 5th Annual Nature Coast Reenactment will take place at the new location (same place as last year)  There is a 160 acre battlefield and camping area.  Part of the proceeds go to historical preservation of the Yulee Sugar Mill Civil War site.  Extra powder ration for full size artillery pieces.  Powder ration to all soldiers who are pre-registered.  School day is the 8th.  All reenactors that help with school day will receive a free BBQ meal Friday night.  More than 30 sutlers will be present.  Hay, wood and water provided.  Cavalry welcome.  Two full scale battles: one on Saturday and one on Sunday, both at 2pm.  Unscripted battles Friday night and Saturday morning.  Ladies tea Sat. morning.  Guest speakers throughout the weekend.  Sat. night 1860's ball.  Authentic or modern camping (no hook ups) on site.  Directions:  7 mi. northwest of Crystal River along US 19/98.  It is accessible from Dunnellon via SR 488 or take I-75 to Wildwood exit (SR 44) go west on SR 44 when you reach Crystal River, follow the signs.  Go about 7 mi. and the site will be on the left.  As you pass over the railroad tracks, quickly get in the left lane and get ready to turn left.  The entrance is just south of the Cross Florida Barge Canal.  You can pre-register and you will find a good website at  http://www.tnro.com/civwar/   contact Bob Mann (chairman) (352) 746-9776  email bmcvwar@atlantic.net Registration contact Ray Smutko  phone (352) 746-2243  PO Box 640012 Beverly Hills, Florida 34465 email ray1861@hitter.net

March 9, 10, 2002.  Fort Marion (St. Augustine).  Federal Garrison (Union Army retakes Northeastern Florida) and Living History.  Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St. Augustine, FL. There are N.P.S. signs all along I-95, US-1, and, A1A you can't miss it.  Take I-95 North to route 16 follow 16 to US-1 for 2 miles to Castillo Drive. Turn left on Castillo Dr. go to the traffic light and turn right. The Castillo and parking are ahead on left.  From A1A: The Castillo is located on A1A in downtown St. Augustine.  No modern camping allowed.  Living history event to teach the public about the life of a common soldier and accurate period impressions are stressed. Contact Jeff Grzelak hq17thconnlnf@cfl.rr.com or call the park at (904) 829-6506.

March 15, 16, 17, 2002.  Battle at Narcoossee Mill.  This event is southeast of Orlando near St. Cloud and takes place on the shore of East Lake Tohopekaliga.  This is a maximum effort event for 2nd. Batt. Hardy's Brigade.  The battlefield is on 150 acres of open and wooded land.  The event is sponsored by the Jacob Summerlin Camp #1516 Sons of Confederate Veterans.  The 2nd Fl. Cavalry will be on site checking coggins papers for horses and safety check for the mounted troopers.  All copies of coggins and reenactor registrations are to be given to Jacob Summerlin Camp officials at the event registration tent. This was a great event last year; over 500 troops were present.  Friday the 15th is School Day which begins at 9:00am.  Reenactors are needed to provide demonstrations.  Saturday the16th, the park opens at 10am and the battle will be at 2pm-3pm.  Night cannonfire at 7pm.  The ball will be at 7:30pm.  Sunday the 17th, the park opens at 10am.  Sunday battle will be at 2:30pm-4pm.  Take Hwy 192 (Irlo Bronson Hwy) to Hwy 15.  Go 2mi north on Hwy 15, look for the park sign.  Another way to get there (from the North) is to take I-4 to the Toll Road 528 (Beeline Exp) go east and get off on Hwy 15 exit (Narcoossee Rd) go south on Hwy 15.  Another way if you are coming from the Florida Turnpike, get off at exit #244 and go East on Hwy 192 through St. Cloud, then turn North on Hwy 15 (Narcoossee Road).  Contact Kirby Back e-mail  klback@juno.com or Jacob Summerlin Camp Hotline (407) 931-7003  Web http://www.fl-scv.camp1516

March 22, 23, 24, 2002.  Bridgeport, Alabama.  The directions are, take I 75 to Chattanooga, Tenn. Then northwest on I-24 to the So. Pittburg, Tenn exit. Exit on to US72  and go west, follow the roadsign to Scottsboro which will take you into Bridgeport. Go through Bridgeport on 72 and when you clear town on the west side, you will see the battle sign on the side of the road. It's about 2 miles down the road.

March 23, 24, 2002. Fort Clinch State Park Fernandina Beach.   Confederate Army Garrison and Living History. Sponsored by 7th Fla. Co F.  This is another opportunity to live at Ft. Clinch for the weekend and fellowship with other civil war reenactors.  Take I-4 east to I-95 North.  Go to Ft. Clinch State Park and exit on US1/Fernandina Beach.  Go east thru Fernandina and follow the State Park signs.  Contact Al Perkins (904) 409-7313 e-mail junkman5@prodigy.net

April 6, 7, 2002. Fort Clinch Federal (Union Army) Garrison and Living History. Admission to Park: $3.25 per car. Admission to Fort: $2. Also check at gate for possible candlelight tour on Saturday night. Candlelight tour admission is $3. Special Note: This weekend will feature a large Civil War Ladies' Gathering with classes and seminars on all aspects of The Civil War Lady. All ladies' activities are open to the public with paid admission to the fort. Male reenactors should note that the ladies will use the enlisted barracks for lodging and their activities. The jail and guard shack will be used to house male soldiers for this monthly "first weekend" Union garrison. Authentic camping outside the fort is available as usual. Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach, FL. Contact the park at (904) 277-7274.

April 5, 6, 7, 2002.  Battle of Flat Lake (Winter Garden, near Disney World).  This is a weekend long skirmish / tactical with two main battle objectives (one Sat. and one Sun.). Night battles O.K. until 10pm.  Lots of impromptu fun. sponsored by Robert (Mayor Bob) and Lorraine Niepert.  This is a non-event.  You are expected to provide your own insurance and participate at your own risk.  There will be no registration fee this year but you still must sign in.  All uniformed reenactors including women and children in period dress are welcome. No spectators please.  We have no accommodations for the general public.  There is a large 120 acre battlefield and some wooded areas to hide and fight in as well.  You may fight when you want but there will be two battles (early before it gets too hot) with objectives to capture that will be officiated over by field judges.  A ladies tea with door prizes will be held on Saturday at 11am.  A ball will be held at 7pm with music provided by the 97th Regimental String Band.  This event has never nor will it ever be cancelled due to weather.  We will fight in a hurricane or a forest fire if necessary.  No Name Sutler will be on site.  Free dinner for all Sat. night. Camp modern, campaign style or anything in between whatever you prefer.  Fire wood provided along with hay for the horses. Please call ahead so we know how many to plan for.   Take Hwy 50 approximately 3 miles West of Winter Garden. Turn South on Hwy 545 (Avalon Road by the Circle K store).  Take 545 aprox. 5 miles to Phil C. Peters Road.  Turn onto Phil C. Peters Road (can only turn one way which is right) and go 2.2 miles to the end of the paved part of the road.  Follow the dirt driveway 1/4 mile around the lake.  To get to the event from the Fla. turnpike, get off at exit 272 and go East towards Winter Garden to 545 then follow above directions.  Contact Bob Niepert home (407)  877-0406 cell-(407) 448-4871   mayorbob@embarqmail.com

April 26, 27, 28, 2002.  The Battle Of Bishops Farm.  Lake Helen Fl., half way between Daytona and Orlando.  Sponsored by the Alabama Volunteer Battalion.  The battlefield is large with rolling land with shaded areas for the camps.  All amenities such as hay, firewood and running water by camps.  Bounty paid for first 3 CSA and first 3 Union artillery pieces registered.  Bruce Bowden's men will provide the music Sat. night.  From Orlando, take I-4 East (towards Daytona Beach) and get off at the Lake Helen exit 55.  Travel east to the 3 way stop sign and turn right.  Follow this to the dead end.  The HandiWay store is on the right and the Police Dept on the left)  turn left for aprox. 2 miles and you are there.  For more information contact Corky at corky15ala@aol.com

Back by popular demand, February 12 kicks off the History Center's newly expanded version of our Civil War in Florida Series. Discover Florida's Civil War history from its roots in the Seminole Wars through Confederate cabinet members' "Flight into Oblivion."  As a bonus, Session Three will include a segment called "Backroads of Florida History" and will be accompanied by a map of Florida Seminole War, Civil War, and Spanish-American War historic sites within three hours of Orlando.  The program is taught by local Civil War enthusiast and reenactor Jeff Grzelak.
 

WHEN:          Tuesday,  February 12, Session One - Manifest Destiny/Prelude to  Conflict, Florida joins "The Cause".
                        Time 7 pm- 9 pm

                     Tuesday,  March 12, Session Two - Events of 1862 and 1863 and Life of the Common Soldier.
                        Time 7 pm- 9 pm

                     Tuesday April 9, Session Three - Events of 1864/Year of Decision, Flight into Oblivion, Backroads of
                        Florida History (participants will be given a map of historic sites from the Seminole Wars, Civil War, and
                        Spanish-American War).
                        Time 7 pm- 9 pm

COST:            $10 per session or $25 for all three sessions

WHERE:       Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E Central Blvd., Downtown Orlando see
                     www.thehistorycenter.org for a map and directions.

DIRECTIONS:

• From I-4, Exit 38/Anderson St.
• Turn Left on Magnolia Ave.
• Turn Right on Central Blvd. and proceed to the Parking Garage across from the Library (2 hour validation with admission).
• Enter through Heritage Square, the park

For registration information please call (407) 836-8545 or email historymaking@ocfl.net