Hello to all...........If you think February was an event packed month....YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN YET.....  March is packed from start to finish.  There is so much going on that you will have to be in two places at once to do half of what's planned.  Take a look at the event roster at the end of this News Magazine and you will see what I mean.  This is an information packed issue so let's get right into it.

Reservations......Some events (Flat Lake, Ft. Myers and others) are asking you to make reservations (register early) if at all possible.  I know that it is a hassle and some of you may not know for sure if you are going to make it to a certain event.  Just pick up the phone and let them know.  It's that easy.  Please try to make reservations when asked to do so.  It helps the event host plan better and stay within their budget.

History Channel TV Documentary..(more info)...The History Channel aired a civil war reenactment segment on Monday night Feb. 19th.  This "reenacting" documentary has caused quite a stir among reenactors, especially on the Confederate side.  Apparently this was a very poorly done piece.  I have had a lot of emails sent to me concerning this TV show.  Some have been unsuitable to print.  I did not see it, out here in the sticks we don't have cable vision and there are too many trees for a dish.  From what I can figure out, I didn't miss much.  Tom Fasulo sent the best email and he sums up the feelings of the others.  I have included it below.  Eddie Fuller sent this web site petition.  He and apparently everyone else, did not care much for it.  This type of TV coverage hurts the hobby.  If you think that it was  less than accurate, go to the web site below and made sign the petition. http://www.123petitions.com/cgi-bin/system/sign1.cgi?id=pcalloway@skyenet.net$2

Tom Fasulo writes about the show called "The Unfinished Civil War".....
If you didn't see it, then you missed an interesting show.  The producers either hired an actor to portray the worst of Confederate reenactors (I can hear them now, "Makeup, this guy needs more tattoos on his arms.") or they found one of the extreme fringe types and the sucker fell right into their plans.  I felt like I was watching "Confederates In The Attic: The Series."
Authentic reenactors know not to grandstand, but this guy hammed it up the whole time.  Watching this guy, you got the impression that reenacting wasn't a hobby or even a way of life - it was a holy cause.  It's hard to describe my feelings when they filmed him getting dressed for a reenactment.  His hour glass with the "sands of time flowing backwards" was bad enough, but when he kept looking in the mirror and them finally knelt to pray after he was finished dressing...I thought I was watching Anthony Quinn as the new pope being dressed in his vestments in "The Shoes of the Fisherman."

The second hour was worse than the first.  You should have seen him and his fellow Confederate reenactors dancing around the campfire singing about "darkies."  And the speeches on the South Carolina capitol steps by the group protesting the taking down of the Confederate battle flag were priceless.  I'm betting anyone with half a brain listened with shock as the main speaker told the world that African blacks should be thankful that Southern whites made them slaves, and then listed all the reasons for it.  Did you know that converting "pagans" to Christianity by force is a bonafide benefit of slavery?  I wonder how the other 4.8 billion people in the world feel about this?

Then they interviewed a Confederate couple who were part of a family unit.  The impression I got was that either of these people would have failed the first question on "So you want to be a millionaire."  I can hear the producers now. "OK the results of your intelligence test are back.  You failed it so you have the part."

The black Union reenactor started out OK, but it seemed that during the filming he became more and more what the producers wanted - a distinct opposite the Confederate Yahoo.

If these guys get any money for their participation in this production, I hope the Confederate reenactor uses it to buy some clothes at a decent men's store.  After seeing all the T-shirts he wore during the show, it's apparent he only buys clothes at reenactments and then only if the clothing has the Confederate battle flag on it somewhere.

All in all, "The Unfinished Civil War" did nothing but provide parents, school administrators and other groups with another reason why children should not be allowed to go to reenactments.

Thomas R. Fasulo

Web sites to look at.........The No Name Sutler has his web site up and running.  Dennis would like to hear your comments about the site. His email address is nonamesutler@cs.com Take a look at his site at www.nonamesutler.com

The correct website for Olustee is..... http://extlab7.entnem.ufl.edu/Olustee/  (Sorry it's late.)

Eddie Fuller sent me this web site to look at... www.tnro.com/civwar

George Moor sent this site....From the Staunton, VA, newspaper. McDowell Event web site http://www.geocities.com/mcdowellva_2001/McDowell01.html

Here is a site that I looked at the other day.  It is pretty good with lots of links to other sites and you may want to spend some time here.  Thanks for sending it in.  www.authentic-campaigner.com

New Virus......There are a couple of new viruses out there.  Do not open anything that says "A virtual card for you" or something called "A internet flower for you".  The two viruses are very serious threats and will ruin your computer.  Keep your antivirus program up to date.  Our thanks to Mark Tingen for bringing that to our attention.

Now that I have touched base on the outward appearance, let me focus on the underpinnings and choices of material for your impressions.

The foundation is a knee length chemise or slip with short sleeves, pantaloons were next (period correct pantaloons would have an opening between the legs).  They would have come about 3 inches below the knees.  Stockings were of a thin knitted cotton or wool; wealthier ladies would have worn silk.  The stockings would be held in place with garters just above the knees.

Next comes the most unpleasant task, the corset.  An approximate waist size was on an average of 15-18 inches.  Only the most fashionable of women strove for the 15 inch waist.   Of course, no one expects us to be that correct in our impressions!  A fitted cotton camisole would have went over the corset.  Corset's were considered unsanitary because of the difficulty of keeping them clean; so the chemise and camisole acted as a barrier from dirt and perspiration.

Then the flexible steel cage or 'crinoline' would create the shape of the famous bell skirts.  Petticoats would have been put on top of the cage and one underneath.  Anywhere from 2-8 petticoats would be put on over the cage depending on the dress.  Finally you would get to don your dress!

The basic material for the underclothes was cotton, a white muslin.  The petticoats had just as much detail, if not more, than the skirts.  The pantaloons usually were more plain with only one ruffle of lace or a series of tucks at the bottom of the leg.

Popular colors for the dresses were browns, blues, light purples, grays, greens, and of course black.  Reds and dark pinks were usually only for dinner and ball dresses.

Day dresses would be of cotton, wool, batiste (a light cotton) or silk, velvet for the wealthier ladies.  Ball gowns would be of crepe, satin, taffeta (was very popular), brocades, chenille, velvet and silk.  Also popular were sheer material such as organza for inset's of shirts and detachable sleeves for summer and ball gowns were also adorned in with the sheer material.  Calico was for work dresses.  Calico was considered a manly material but women started using it for their work dresses because it was cheaper.  Flowered material for women had a more set pattern to it.  Large print, flowered material was more for the wealthy ladies for you needed to use more material to match up the pattern at the seems.  This created waste of material, so therefore was not practical for ladies of lesser means.  Plaids were very big; they arrived in the decades before the war from Scotland and Ireland and were a huge success in America. Gingham is a nice choice, (checks were for men) and stripes were popular also.  Day dresses would not have had lace on them.  Lace was for dinner and ball gowns.  Day dresses would have had cording, ruffles or a definite pleated trim, ribbon, or embroidery.  Also dresses could be trimmed with a flowered fabric (if on a plain dress) towards the bottom of the skirt and partially on the blouse to tie into the skirt.

I do hope this helps in your decisions at the sutlers or fabric stores.             Fredricka Zimmerman

In 1860, before the War Between the States (also referred to as "The Civil War") spread throughout the nation, Abraham Lincoln was elected President. A gentleman by the name of Warren Shines Paul came to Citrus County in March 1861 with his father. At the time they settled in Crystal River, there were only two houses here. In April 1862, Warren Paul, at 12 years of age, went into the Home Guard that was a State Military Company composed of 70 to 80 men and boys. The company was divided into three squads. One squad was stationed on the Withlachoochee River, one was at the Rocks on Crystal River, and the other was at the mouth of the Homosassa River. Due to the fact that David L. Yulee's sugar mill and plantation were established there, the Homosassa River was regarded as the area most likely to be attacked by the Union forces. Sugar and syrup were processed at the mill to supply the needs of the local people. A supply was also taken for shipment by rail that Yulee had built running from Cedar Key to Fernandina. Further shipments were prevented due to the Union blockades. In the Spring of 1863, the mill no longer was making sugar and syrup causing the mill to be closed. Although, part of the mill remains today for public viewing.

Bob Mann Nature Coast Civil War Committee wrote..... (Crystal River event host, February 26, 2001)

Fellow Reenactors:
We, the Nature Coast Civil War Reenactment Committee, wishes to thank everyone who participated in our 4th Annual Event. This year's event was a tremendous success thanks to your support. We especially want to thank everyone for their patience on the fire regulations which we had to live by and enforce during this very dry season. Hopefully next year we will be over this terrible dry spell here in Florida.

As most of you know, we are moving our event forward to March 8-10, 2002 in order to have more participation from reenactors and to not to be so close to the Olustee Event in the middle of February.  By doing this, it is hoped to draw many more reenactors and sutlers to our event.

Between now and next year's event, we will be hard at work making our reenactment site better for you the reenactors please visit our web site every so often to see our up date to next year’s event.

Some time this coming September, we will again be sending our pre-registration forms for you to sign and return to us either by snail mail or by registering on our web site.  We did this this past year in order to speed up the registration process and for the most part, it worked very well.

If you have any comments or suggestions for us to improve our reenactment for next year, please contact us either through our web site www.tnro.com/civwar/ or e-mail me personally.   bmcvwar@atlantic.net

Again we want to thank you for coming to our event this year and will be looking forward to seeing you next year.

Sincerely Yours
Bob Mann
President Nature Coast Civil War Committee

Camp Report.......I (Bob Niepert) did a quick run through the camps at Crystal River on the way out.  From what I could see, all camps were left clean and all fires were out.  Thank you for cleaning up and for your diligence with the fire problems.

Crystal River Medical Report....Everyone played well together this last weekend.  However, the heat was bad and I heard there were some problems.  On Saturday there was one heat related case that was quickly treated and resolved by our medical staff.  The next problem involved an insect bite (probably a spider judging by the fang marks) that resulted in serious swelling and discomfort.  Minor medical treatment was received by that individual.  On Sunday (the hottest day) there were five cases of heat exhaustion.  All medical problems were taken care of on site and no one was transported to the hospital.  The ice angels were out on the field and did an outstanding job as usual.  Our thanks to Maj. Riker and his staff for their attention to our needs.

I, as I believe you also, remember scenes marked by so much past pleasure but now these days are punctuated by our present pain.  I thank you for being patient at my long absence.  It seems our personal life together was brief intended.

We have ridden our horses on little used roads through what seemed to be impenetrable pine forests and around dismal swamps.  I have heard no word of our destination and I can't imagine where we are going.  We have lost all trace of our bearings.  As yet there are no signs of the enemy, so the situation has become both exciting and interesting as well as humorous.

There is a lot of talk around camp today.  I think we have arrived in a place called Crystal River or close to it.  This must be the destination to which for a week we have ridden to reach.  Capt. Coker told us to make our meal and rest.  We have started to prepare for a battle.

We are very hungry and always forage for food.  We are living mostly on oranges and palm hearts with a rabbit now and then.  The men have drawn up their belts tighter and tighter. The 1st Manassas and the Milton light artillery companies don't seem to have it as bad as we do. Somehow they always have food, not much mind you, but a sufficient supply.  Our infantry is so starved that if they had the joules and soap grease here that you throw away back home, they would eat it.  With coffee selling for as much as $60.00 a pound, we have found a substitute.  Myself and a few others went out and picked up the ripe acorns from around the trees.  We then washed them while in the shell, we dried them, and parched them until they opened.  Then we took off the shell, and roasted the lot with a little bacon fat. It may be hard to believe, but we then had a splendid cup of "coffee".

I received the letter that you wrote to me.  Thank you.  I do not believe that the people back home realize how much it means to us to hear from them.  I have not seen the box that you sent.  At this moment, some other soldier is probably enjoying what were to be my socks and shirts.  I will write to you if they are delivered but hold forth no hope for their ever finding me.  Tell my brother I got that letter he wrote me last week, but it was in such deplorable condition upon its arrival that I could not make out anything that was in it.

Everyone has spent every spare moment digging entrenchments and building fortifications.  February is here but even with the cooler temperatures associated with this season, our  uniforms have gotten soaked through with perspiration.  I usually enjoy the company of my fellow soldiers but last night the Sibley became fetid with the odors of men who had scarce access to clean water in which to bathe.  I fear that I also carry with me the damp fragrance of an unshorn ewe.  The night was cool with a brisk wind so I chose instead to sleep in a bed of leaves under the low limbs of a tree with the horses rather than subject myself further.

The morning colors are over.  The orders of the day, to which most pay no attention, have been read.  We need the Sergeants to see to it that their men be more attentive to our commander's words.

My horse stands lazily idle.  I was thinking of you and decided to add more to this letter while I have the time.

This morning broke too early for me.  I was quite snug in my bed of leaves under the low branches of an oak tree and had no desire to leave that comfortable place.  The bugler was apparently comfortable himself for he sounded colors late.  His punishment was light but he did have to double quick while carrying a log in front of the battalion.

Some activity has started to the north of camp.  I will write more later.

The activity of this morning escalated into a battle.  The task for whose final solution both sides were clamoring.  My company the 3rd Fla. Cavalry Co. K was sent out to test the pickets and determine the enemy's numbers.  We had no sooner gotten on the field when the 2nd Fl. Union cavalry was upon us.  We exchanged fire as we rode hard.  The Union's 97th Pennsylvania took to the field.  The situation took on grave proportions and we decided to take our leave.  A mighty artillery duel between the opposing forces began and seemed to last forever.  We remained behind the artillery while they did their best to make the infantry's job easier.  I could see the infantry companies of the 37th Alabama, 8th Florida Co. B, 7th Florida Co. E & K. come into action.  The 4th Florida Co. G was aggressive but were held and had to fall back.  All of the infantrymen fought without fear or regard for their safety.  We took every opportunity to harass the Union infantry and were successful to a degree but spent most of our time fighting with the Federal cavalry.  The Yankees pushed steadily and our lines faltered and broke.  We gave up the field grudgingly and fell back to a area of defendable ground.  Gen. Hardy had the remaining men throw up a line and we took our stand there.  We had lost the battle to Dwight Dovel's command but we would not be captured.  We are holding our ground, we will be pushed no further.  The battle itself was short.  Neither side can last long in the oppressive heat.  Our lines are so close we can hear each other talking.  Our scouts crept to the Federals side in a attempt to gain information as to their intentions.  Unfortunately all they saw was a fight between two brothers over a card game.  It was quite a fight according to the scouts and became comical as they related it to us.  They also saw a birthday celebration for the 3rd Maine's Captain.  The Union holds the advantage at this point yet I am sure we will regain our lost ground tomorrow.

On Sunday my horse became ill and I had to obtain a spare from my Captain Coker.  It is rare that there are any extra horses to be had and I was very pleased that I would not have to stay behind and become a hospital orderly and help with the wounded.  The extra horse proved to be a most acceptable mount and performed well.

The Union force marched out upon the field, their colors flying and drums beating.  I thought to myself, the dies are cast, the inevitable must now take its course.  The 3rd Maine began fighting stubbornly, but confusedly, with a strong force of Confederate soldiers belonging to the Alabama Volunteers.  The men from Maine rallied and it was hard to see who had the advantage.  At the next moment we were called upon to assume our share of the conflict.  We rode to the battle and found Major Moor already on the field looking for opportunities.  Shortly our captain saw a Federal artillery piece that had been separated from the body of the main Union force.  We at once decided to set upon it.  Our plan was to rush in and make short work of the artillery men while the infantry came in on the double quick to turn and man the gun. Our plan worked perfectly until the 97th Pennsylvania once again appeared as we headed towards the field piece.  We turned and charged into them with sabers drawn thus enabling the remaining cavalry to capture the field piece.  The cannon was taken but was not held and soon fell back into Union hands.  It seemed that the infantry would not last in the rain of bullets poured into them from the Union line.  The outcome of the battle was in question.  Capt. Kohl saved the day by rallying his men to action.  The remaining infantrymen not wanting to appear cowardly started a steady push against the Federals and progress was made.  We rode our horses in and kept their cavalry from the flanks of our army and I could see the tide change.  In what was minutes, the Union was pushed off the field and they retreated.  We had prevailed.

Tonight we rest.  I have survived yet another battle, my horse is recovering well and will soon be sound.  For these things I should be thankful but I passed the night in anxiety and discouragement, tormented by reflection on my past suffering and present situation.  What will be Grant's next move is not known.  But supposed that he will try Narcoossee Mill on the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga some 80 miles from this place to the South.  There are various conjectures.  He will be closely watched by Gen. Lee, who has the entire confidence of the Southern Army.  We will not rest until the invaders are driven from our soil.

I can see you in my mind's eye sitting now on our veranda brushing your hair from your eyes as a soft evening breeze dallies with it.  The sun setting over the fields.  The horses grazing.  I can almost smell dinner cooking.  This beautiful vision brings me peace.  I love you and long to be home.  Your husband.

FOR SALE........NOTHING....There may be something when the season ends.

Photos below..........The photos at the end of this news magazine are from past Flat Lake events.  I (Mayor Bob) am the event host.  I do not make any money from this event.  If I do manage to somehow be in the black this year I will donate all proceeds to our civil war hobby, however the figures make a profit impossible.  We just enjoy having everyone out to our house for a tactical type skirmish event.  This year, I hope, will be the best one yet.  The details about the event held on April 6-7-8, 2001 are above and in the event roster.  In order to keep our losses to a minimum, please call ahead (no later than April 2) so I will know how many people to feed Sat. night.  You may have to "slide" your screen to see all of the photos.  We hope to see you there this year.

Items needed................You may call me anytime, seven days a week twenty-four hours a day, I will be at one of the phone numbers below.  Please send me (address and email below) photos, event information, general information, reenactor items for sale, comments and letters to be printed in the news magazine.  If you find the time stop in over at the Confederate cavalry camp and say hello.  I have a large white horse trailer with living quarters.  Look for my sign out front.  I will have a white and turquoise Ford or a dark blue Chevy dual wheel pickup pulling it.  If we are on the field I will be riding the large red, high strung, strutting Saddlebred horse that seldom does what I tell him to do.  Without your help with this magazine we have nothing.  Thanks, Bob