Florida Reenactors Online News Magazine

Florida Reenactors
Online News Magazine

written by

Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Niepert

Commander 3rd Battalion - Hardy's Brigade

http://www.floridareenactorsonline.com/5thFL.htm

This News Magazine, its articles, photos and all the
information contained herein are copyrighted
and may not be reproduced in any form without
written permission of the editor and its authors.

The Liberty Rifles

The photo above was taken at least several years ago by an unknown photographer at a

long forgotten event. The only men we can identify are - on the left, Cody Harding and the

man in the slouch hat is Jake DeMatteo. We all should pursue this accurate of an impression.

General Information

Correction........In last month's issue (article about the Ft. Pierce Raid), an artillery unit was misidentified. The Federal Artillery mentioned as the New Jersey unit is actually the 3rd Rhode Island Battery A. I apologize for any confusion this mistake may have caused.

No Education Day at Crystal River.........Marcie Bruno and the Nature Coast Civil War committee wanted to let everyone know there will be no Education Day at the 2010 Crystal River Raid. She wrote........

        Due to the Statewide FCAT testing going on during the week of our event and the economic cutbacks within the school system, we are unable to schedule Education Days for March 2010.

        Rather than change the date of our reenactment, we have decided to forego Education Day for this year with every full intention of resuming it again in 2011. We want to thank all those who have offered to help in 2010 and for all your help in the past.

        We will look forward to seeing all of you during our Crystal River Reenactment on March 13 and 14, 2010. Please put this on your calendar.

Most sincerely,

Marcie Bruno

Also (FYI) the new committee officers are Curtis Peters, President; Marty Hoffman, Vice President; John Porter, Treasurer and Marcie Bruno, Secretary.

Parrish Train Raid Cancelled...........The April Train Raid has been canceled this year. Due to unforeseen circumstances on the part of The Florida Gulf Coast Museum there will be no event in April. Barry King has reserved the May 17th weekend but only if he can get enough reenactors interested in attending. You must drop Barry an email if you will attend on May 17th. If he does not have enough people interested, there will be no event. Contact Capt. Barry King of the 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry at king75thovi@aol.com

Not Reenacting Or Civil War...........I know this doesnt have a thing to do with CW reenacting but this is cool. If I could find one of these to hang on the wall I would buy it in a heartbeat. Check out the most unique clock you will find anywhere. http://home.tiscali.nl/annejan/swf/timeline.swf

Additional Events For 2010

Confederate Memorial Day Motorcade

April 24, 2010

A Letter From Mike Mitchell........

Dear Friends and Compatriots:

Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us on Saturday April 24th, 2010 for the 16th Annual South East Florida Confederate Memorial Day Motorcade.

The North end motorcade will meet at the Sebastian cemetery in Indian River County at 9:00 AM with Wesley Frank and will proceed south. The south end will start at 8:00 AM at the Miami City Cemetery on NE 2nd Ave. and 18th Street.

Services will be conducted at 17 cemeteries and honor over 171 Confederate Veterans. Each service will include a rifle salute, Roll Call of veterans at the respective cemetery, invocation and taps.

Flags are placed on every grave one week before the service and retrieved one week after Florida's Confederate Memorial Day. Carnations are placed on every grave the day of the service by OCR ladies in black widows attire. Services will be conducted by the Sons of Confederate Veterans Florida Division along with the Order of Confederate Rose / Fla. Society SCV Mechanized Cavalry, and local Chapters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Period style military honors will be performed by CSA re-enactors, Kockritz Rifles, Co. B. 7th Fla. Vol. Inf, Co. A. and the 10th Tenn. Dismounted Cavalry.

After the final service in West Palm Beach scheduled for about 5:00 PM both north and south motorcade contingents will converge on Cracker Barrel for dinner and fellowship.

Detailed schedules will be out soon or if you don't receive one they can be obtained from Mike Mitchell 786-5431711 or gostpiper@aol.com for Dade and Broward Counties. For West Palm Beach County LJ Powell 561-248-5414 or redshirtcsa@aol.com For Indian River, Saint Lucy and Martin County contact Wes Frank 321-537-7481 or rebdoctor@aol.com

Battle Of Marianna Re-enactment

September 24, 25, 26, 2010. Marianna Day Reenactment. Friday the 24th will be School Day. Two battles Saturday, one battle Sunday. ladies Tea, Medical Demonstrations, Blacksmith and more. For more information, contact apollette@hotmail.com or visit their website at www.mariannareenactment.info

Zolfo Springs, FL., Pioneer Park Days Festival.........Event host Robert Lloyd wrote.........

To all friends and friends of the South: A BIG REBEL YELL!!!!!!!

I wanted to give everyone an update on this year's *Pioneer Park Days Festival* that is shaping up to be the biggest yet in south-central Florida. It will be, as usual, the first week of March 2010. It is located at Pioneer Park, and at the crossroads of Hwy 17 and SR 64 in Zolfo Springs, Florida. The Sons of Confederate Veterans, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Confederate Rose, and many in the reenacting community will be coming in to setup Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with the big day being Saturday, March 6th and continuing through Sunday. Again, it is shaping up to be the biggest event we will have in this area with the Pioneer Park Days Festival itself being the biggest event of its kind in the southeast United States. THIS IS A BIGGIE!!!!

Sorry, but no cavalry horses please.

This year, in addition to the reenactment, living history, guest speakers, musicians, trophy and cash awards to the best reenacting units in Florida, etc... we are adding:

(1) An antebellum fashion show by our lovely ladies of the South. They will all be escorted in their walk accompanied by a uniformed and handsome confederate soldier.

(2) We will have a BBQ on Saturday night, brought to you by the SCV Boggess Camp out of Everglades City. These men are experts in outdoors culinary skills and to have them here is a blessing to all. NOTE: Those participating in the reenactment earlier that day will be FED FOR FREE! The rest of us will only have a minimal charge to offset the costs. What fun we will have. Look for this probably around 6-7pm time frame.

(3) Last year we had a wedding, and what a wedding it was! This year we have decided on having a confederate non-denominational ceremony with interested couples 'renewing their vows'... NOTE: INITIALLY WE WERE GOING TO LIMIT THIS TO 3-4 COUPLES BUT WILL NOW OPEN THIS UP TO AS MANY COUPLES THAT WE CAN POSSIBLY ACCOMMODATE IF WE HAVE 20 COUPLES, SO BE IT. It is going to be an event of a lifetime. We are fortunate to have Chaplain Joey Mimbs of the Robert E Lee camp out of Sarasota-Bradenton, that will conduct the ceremonies. There will also be decorations, cake, and refreshments provided following the renewals in celebration of all participants. (If you have interest in this please call me ASAP at (239) 936-9555 so we can plan for you and your spouse.) This will take place around 3pm, Saturday, March 6th. NOTE: You may dress in antebellum and confederate dress or not. This is not required so we anticipate Sunday best, casual dress, or period dress... whichever you prefer. OK, OK, OK, if you are a Yankee, yes, you can also take part and even choose to wear a blue uniform. We will declare a temporary truce for the day!!!!!!

(4) We are also asking for e-mails to robertlloydmusic@cs.com voting for your favorite reenacting unit in Florida. We will review the e-mails for content and serious consideration when choosing the winners. I will be consulting with some of the area experts within the community on who, what, and where... and of being first, second or third place. This will be fun, and be sure to send in your e-mail! Both trophies and cash awards will be given as we did last year. Be there!

Will update all again in a week or so... DEO VINDICE,

Robert Lloyd
SCV Pioneer Park Event Chairman
(239) 936-9555

2010 Artillery School

Attention Artillerymen And Others Wishing To Be Certified

In The Operation Of Field Artillery

The Second Florida Light Artillery and the Kilcrease Light Artillery will be hosting the Second Artillery School sponsored by the United States Army Field Artillery Association (USFAA) on April 17th and 18th, 2010. For nearly 20 years, the USFAA Artillery Schools, based at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, the home of the US Field Artillery, have been the premier provider of the School of the Piece and the School of the Battery in the country.

The 2010 School of the Piece is currently in the planning stages, but the location will be set once we know how many artillery units and students wish to attend and how many cannons are coming.

The cost per person is $25.00, and includes the USFAA Muzzle-Loading Drill Manual, one of the most comprehensive instruction manuals for the operation of muzzle-loading, black powder cannons in existence. The drills focus on full-scale smooth-bore and rifled guns, as well as mountain howitzers.

The school is open to artillerists, infantry, cavalry, and those just interested in artillery during the War Between the States.

Topics covered during the school include: safety demonstrations, ordinance during the War Between the States, the By-Detail drill for servicing and loading the piece, the Misfire drill, artillery commands and gun line safety. A round table discussion will be held over lunch to discuss safety procedures for when a reenactment scenario calls for a gun line to be captured or overrun.

Students who successfully complete the school will receive their certification cards for the crew positions they learned. These certifications are good for two years.

For information, please see the following web site: http://www.2ndfloridalightartillery.com/school.htm For information about this year's school, please contact: Major William B. Speir, Jr. United States Field Artillery Association, P.O. Box 781533, Orlando, FL. 32878-1533 or email billspeir@cfl.rr.com

Recent Events

Gen. Birney's raid of 1864

DeLeon Springs, FL.

Members of the 17th Connecticut and 75th Ohio Infantry survived snow and sleet during the annual living history weekend at DeLeon Springs State Recreation area near Orlando, Florida. Turnout was very very light due to the extreme cold but the troops stayed warm and ate well. Brian Plok the Park Manager thanked Jeff Grzelak (the organizer) for his 25 years of service to the park. Karen Russi with the local "Friends of the Park" also thanked the troops for attending. Grzelak marked his last year hosting the event with a toast as the sleet and snow and even rain came down. "We are either crazy or dedicated" he said. Next year the event will become a time line which will include the Civil War era. This photo shows Jeff Grzelak (left), and Glen Cremeans (right). Photo by Karen Russi

A Small But Good Event.........Dade's Massacre went off without a hitch over New Year's weekend as the Seminole's once again wiped out the column of troops marching from Tampa (Ft. Brooke) to Ocala (Ft. King) recreating the events of Christmas 1835. Participants came from as far away as Utah! If you have never made it to this event, you need to mark next year's reenactment on your calendar. They are already gearing up for the 175th anniversary in 2011.

Brooksville Raid 2010

Brooksville School Day 2010..........First of all, Bob Gomillion (school day supervisor) wants to thank everyone who helped at this year's School Day. Everyone from the greeters to the guides, to those giving presentations did a tremendous job. Again thank you very much.

Almost 1,100 students attended Friday. Although no students from Hernando County attended due to a teachers' planning day, you can bet they will be back next year. The first bus arrived close to 9:00 AM and things were winding down by about 1:30 PM.

Brooksville Raid 2011........Next year's date for the Raid will be January 14, 15, 16, 2011. Start making your plans now - the Raid committee has. The first meeting for the 2011 Raid was held last week.

This is a good time to send out a special thanks to the committee members (on site and behind the scenes). Each year for the last five or six years that I have been on the committee (and before my time to) there have between 20 and 25 active, working members who give up hours and hours of their time to travel to the Brooksville Raid site at least once a month to

Brooksville Lost And Found..........Several items were turned in to the Lost and Found committee members at Brooksville. If you lost an item, let me know and I will check with the committee. Most of the items were keys, haversacks, small reenacting items and so on. One item in particular stands out. See the email I received below.......

Lost Canteen.......Charles Liebherr from my 3rd Battalion cavalry lost a canteen that was over thirty years old and of great sentimental value to him. It is an old steel one with light blue cover. During the battle, it came off his horse. He did not stop and dismount from his horse to retrieve it because he did not want to disrupt the battle or have issues with his horse during its recovery effort. It was lost in front of the pine tree near the small wooden bridge on Saturday. It was moved over to a sand pile close by for safe keeping but was not there after the battle. If you found Charlie's canteen, contact him at maitland107@bellsouth.net

Civil Warp.......Wes Mayhle (3rd Battalion Hardy's Brigade) has hundreds of photos of reenactments both recent and past posted on his http://civilwarp.com/index.html

Video.......There is a very well done video of this year's Brooksville Raid at www.youtube.com/philipdeanvideo

Hill Photos.........Ron Hill has done some great photography at our events. His site: ronhillphotos.com

Overall Reenactor/Spectator Numbers....... At a quick glance....... 1,281 reenactors registered this year - down 294. Last year we had 1,575 attend. There were 23 guns on site for the battle (last year there were 20). Spectator attendance dropped noticeably. School Day saw 1,008 students tour the camps. Sutler sales were down as were the food sales. The only thing that went up this year were the expenses. Believe it or not just the porta-potties cost $5,800 with the Saturday night Ball and firewood coming in second and third.

These Ladies Know How To Party..... The ladies tea was hosted by the 3rd Battalion, 5th Florida's women. The tent we use for the Saturday night ball was packed full Saturday morning at 11:00 AM for the tea party. About 300 civilian reenactors portraying women of the mid-1860s' attended. All types of dresses could be seen in every color and style you can think of. Overall it took 17 hard working women to pull this off on such a grand scale. The volunteers did everything from setting up, cooking the snacks and desserts, serving, and helping with the auction as well as the clean up chores. Once the wonderful home made food and drinks were served the auction began. The women had an auction in which participants could bid on dresses,

quilts, gift certificates, items donated by sutlers and beautiful baskets from local business. Each lady who attended in period correct dress received $20.00 in Confederate money to be used for the auction. In order to make more money they would have the opportunity to answer trivia questions relating to the Civil War. Dean Lauramoore with Ortega Traders was the auctioneer and he did a fantastic job by keeping things running smoothly (thank you Dean). The bidding was fast and furious and the women enjoyed every moment of it. The women take this very seriously. Most of us don't realize how much work goes into the Ladies Tea. The plans are laid months before the event. Days of preparation then days of cooking. Once they arrive at the event there are hours of on site set up followed by hours of on site clean up. All that work with just one hour set aside for the Tea. This "ladies only time" has another interesting fact - Of all the activities that take place during the weekend, the women pull this whole thing off in a grand fashion for very little money. The Tea is the least expensive event (to the event host) of the whole weekend. Special thanks goes out to Jan Knowles, Lori Fensterer, and Barb Miller. Without their help the tea would not have been as successful as it was.

Brooksville Raid - Cavalry Perspective

By Maj. George Scott

Commander 2nd Florida

Facilities; Good as always. Water, portalets, etc. Event didn't get our registration on time; we'll know better next time.

Saturday; Second Florida joined by Fifth Florida as Confederate horse. We initially put forward a guard in advance of the small 'bait' infantry unit, and at the start of the battle this force was rapidly driven in by the Federal horse. There was brisk skirmishing directly in front of the crowd involving mounted to mounted, defending the infantry as they withdrew, dismounted work in the small breastwork, and finally reinforcement by a strong Confederate infantry company. Second Florida then moved to the right flank of the Confederate forces and successfully repelled determined mounted attacks, dismounting again to reinforce an advance company, bailing out a surrounded Confederate group, and finally covering a withdrawal by the main Confederate forces.

Sunday: The event opened with a grand Review where the best was saved for last, with Second Florida bringing up the rear of the Federal forces. We were greeted with the usual excitement by the crowd at seeing the horse troop. Second Florida/Fifth Florida dressed well and did a great presentation. This battle found Second Florida defending the same ground, but this time wearing Blue. We were held in reserve initially, awaiting an expected attack by the 10th Tennessee portraying Confederate cavalry. Second Florida deployed two squads to meet and engage the Reb horse, while the second two squads were tasked with forming a skirmish line to defend the right flank of the gun line. The Confederate horse formed a skirmish line within about 30 yards of ours, and remained in that vicinity for most of the battle. Using our numerical superiority Second Florida/Fifth Florida was able to check their advance until the scenario called for a strategic retreat. Alternating two squads as raiders and two squads as defense as blue horse we were able to successfully delay the advance of two considerably larger Confederate infantry forces, enabling the Federal Infantry to achieve better positions before overwhelming numbers drove them back. Of particular note was the great initiative displayed by the NCO leadership. Sgt. Rich led two well handled raids on the Reb infantry aided by Cpl. Tim, and Cpl. Croft held his men together and coordinated very well with the Fifth Florida riders. The NCOs made the event work.

Major George Scott

Brooksville photo website

Photos by Ron Hill at ronhillphotos.com or http://ronhillphotos.com/index.php?cat=2

What Else?...........What more can I say about Brooksville? It was once again a great event. The weather was perfect, the reenactor numbers were good, lots of sutlers attended, the battles were big, and it was good to see everyone again. It was a busy weekend but worth it. See you next year on January 15th and 16th 2011.

The Battle Of

Townsend's Plantation

At Renningers In Mt. Dora

Clay Townsend has put a lot of effort into the reenactment in Mt. Dora (at Renningers) over the years. I think the first battle took place about 12 or 14 years ago in a field in front of Clay's restaurant at Hwy 441 and 436. The battle has grown from two dozen reenactors to today's attendance of about 300 infantry, six artillery pieces and 35 mounted cavalrymen. Anyone who has ever fought on this battlefield knows how tight it always gets. Between the rain slick field, the thick smoke and the numbers of soldiers, I was concerned for everyone's safety. Thankfully there were no serious injuries that I know of for the entire weekend. This battle has a lot going for it. The location is convenient for almost everyone and the weather is usually pretty good in early February. Clay's hospitality is second to none and the Renninger family is always working to keep the reenactors happy. That fact alone is enough to keep everyone returning year after year.

School Day

The kids arrived for school day as they always do Friday morning. They worked their way around each "station" while reenactors told them about life in the 1860's. Artillery, Infantry and civilian displays and speakers answered questions and entertained the children for a few hours. It's hard to tell how much information the students absorb, but it is easy to see they do enjoy the show.

Saturday's Battle

Saturday was strange to say the least. The weather had changed from warm to cold and wet. Rain fell Friday night into early Saturday. A light rain fell and we weren't sure there would even be a battle that day. General Hardy

decided to go for it so we saddled up the horses as the infantry loaded up and the artillery placed their guns. No one was sure what the weather would do but by the time the battle started the rain had subsided. The cavalry both Confederate and Federal was confined to the flanks of their respective army for most of the battle. The Confederate dismounted took their positions along a rail fence. Mounted Federal cavalry answered their challenge only to be attacked by additional mounted Confederate cavalrymen. Mounted troopers from Hardy's Brigade 3rd Battalion (made up of Sgt. Russell's USCT men and Col. Niepert's 7th Michigan Co. G.) fought from one end of the field to the other with the mounted troopers from the Alabama Vol. (made up of Col. Rowe's 10th Tenn. and the Florida 2nd commanded by Sgt. John Heinhold and joined by Sgt. Moore's 3rd Florida). The artillery opened up soon after. The weather conditions were just right and the smoke began to fill the battlefield. Within

minutes the low hanging smoke became so thick that it was hard to tell the Federals from the Confederates much less who was winning. It was a good battle with lots of action but I don't know how much the spectators could see. I couldn't see more than about 75 feet across the field. That had to be the strangest conditions I had ever fought in. At the last moment before the battles, Capt. Lloyd Beeby (Adjutant for Hardy's Brigade, 3rd Battalion) was to sound the bugle in Bob Lovell's absence. Lloyd's expert bugle calls in the morning and after each battle led to a more realistic atmosphere. Thanks Capt. Beeby.

Sunday's Battle

Sunday's weather was sunny but much colder. The battle opened right on time with a Federal cavalry assault that was countered by the Confederate Cavalry. The mounted Federal cavalrymen (Col. Niepert's unit) were outnumbered three to one by the Confederate troopers (2nd Florida, 3rd Florida and 10th Tenn.) but the Federal troopers did a fine job of holding their ground for most of the battle. From my point of view, all mounted men rode well and safely and a good time was had by all. What more could you ask for? I know the infantry and artillery of both sides were fighting hard but we were so busy holding off the Rebel cavalry that I had no time to pay attention to them. All said and done Sunday's battle was great. There was a lot of cavalry action, the infantry moved well without blocking the field and the artillery was constantly shooting from start to finish.

Mt. Dora From The Infantry Point Of View.......Capt. Clay Kearney, 2nd FL, Co. E. Florida Battalion wrote.........

1 February, 2010

2nd Florida Camp

5 days march south of Olustee

Dear Colonel Bowman,

I am honored to provide this report detailing recent actions at Townsend's Plantation in the Mt. Dora region.

Sir, please be aware that Colonel Wayne Vaughn and his staff could not have been more attentive to our needs. The encampment was well organized and they constantly checked on our level of provisions and comfort. I was particularly appreciative of our street location which was nestled between the host unit, the 37th Alabama, and our fellow D.O.G. brothers. The Straw Hats.

In camp, please allow me to bring your attention to several individuals whom deserve recognition. The 2nd Florida String Band, comprised of Sergeant Matt Saunders, Corporal Tim Saunders and Private Nate Green rose to a new level with the introduction of gut bucket amply played by pards Bob Sonntag, Dwight Dorr and Larry French. The band's repertoire rose to a new level with the introduction of tunes brought over from Ireland, played on the flute by Sergeant Saunders. In the area of living history, a new member of our group, Private Steven Ashe, must be complimented, sir. There were very few civilians who could pass through our camp without Private Ashe approaching them and sharing his passion for the era. He is to be commended for contributing in this very important aspect of what we do.

Militarily, please know that Colonel Niepert's infantry unit once again answered the call of duty when they received a dispatch from a spy in our camp, informing them the 2nd Florida would be on patrol Saturday morning. Fortunately, my men were armed with enough cartridges to answer their ambush. I must say with all respect, the outcome of the engagement was a draw. (Captain Fortner may tell you differently, sir, but pay him no mind.) In Saturday's battle we were joined with the Straw Hats and placed in the First Battalion under the very able Major Todd. As the field was covered with a blanket of smoke and fog, it is difficult to say why we lost the field that day, sir, but the Yanks pushed us back. Sunday, we galvanized with the Straw Hats forming the Third Battalion. Captain Helwig graciously pointed out that I was the senior captain and should command the battalion. I accepted my duty and placed First Sergeant Larry French in command of the 2nd Florida. General Sherman extended further their hospitality by allowing our battalion to begin the battle. Orders were simple, sir: hold off the Confederate advance for as long as possible. Colonel, at this juncture, please allow me to compliment the precision of The Straw Hats. Under the leadership of Captain Helwig, there was never a moment of concern. Ordered to protect the entire left flank including the artillery, he used a single rank in close interval formation, moving rapidly to confuse the enemy. The Forst Company under Sergeant French performed likewise on our right flank with much movement. Once we received reinforcements, I was constantly looking for a weakened flank to exploit, but the Confederates made good use of their cavalry. Just when a moment did arise when I thought their right flank was vulnerable, I disappointedly received orders from General Sherman to withdraw. Again, sir, we lost the day. I am pleased to report, sir, that although the third battalion had but three men left standing, word from our surgeon is that all are expected to recover and join in our march to Olustee.

This concludes my report, sir. Trusting this report finds you well, I await further orders and humbly remain

Your obedient servant,

Captain Clay Kearney

2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry

Company E, The Hammock Guards

Fifth Company

Florida Battalion, CSA

Want To Join A Unit?

Civil War Reenacting Anyone?........Interested in becoming an Infantryman, Artilleryman or Cavalryman? 3rd Battalion, 5th FL., Hardy's Brigade is looking for additional members. This is a family friendly unit. They offer the new or seasoned reenactor the opportunity to try every aspect of Civil War reenacting. All three branches of the 3rd camp together in RVs or trailers (modern) which will allow you to use all the modern camping conveniences without the hassles of keeping in period correct form as is necessary in the period camps. The Battalion portrays Confederate on Saturday and Federal on Sunday. Check their website at http://www.floridareenactorsonline.com/5thFL.htm

From Captain Cody A. Gray...........

Greetings to all! Are you interested in Civil War History? Does Civil War reenacting sound appealing to you? Then let me encourage you to get involved in the Civil War reenacting Community. I am Captain Cody A. Gray of the 1st FL. Co. C. We belong to the 2nd Battalion in Hardy's Brigade. We are a young Civil War reenacting infantry unit. Our youngest member is 14 and the oldest is 20. We are a band of young soldiers that strive to raise the bar in Civil War reenacting. We have currently been on the field for almost two years and have loved every moment of it. We also have a civilian part of our company which consists of some wonderful young ladies and our company Chaplain. We would like to invite any young Civil War re-enactors out there to get involved and to stop by and see us. We are always looking for good well trained men for our company. We attend most of the events in Florida and are looking to expand. We are based out of Lake City, Florida, and we drill and train soldiers on a regular basis, even in the off season. If you are interested, please contact me at my email address, tbrdred@aol.com or if I can help you find an Infantry company that better fits your needs, please also feel free to contact me. We have a MySpace page for our company located at www.myspace.com/toprailgraybacks

Kockritz Rifles.........

The Kockritz Rifles, 7th FL. Co. B., Florida Battalion, Department of the Gulf, "Straw Hats" alter ego is the Pawnee Marine Detachment. They are currently getting ready for a big event in Columbus, Georgia, on April 16, 17, 18, 2010. The event takes place at the National Civil War Naval Museum and is called River Blast. Naval and Marine Reenactors will converge on the museum which includes a full scale mock-up of the CSS Water Witch, which will be commissioned during the weekend. The Pawnee Marines are looking for some new recruits to join, especially before the big event. You don't have to be a former or current Marine to join, but expect to step it up a notch to portray one. One of the highlights of the event will be training on the 7" Brooke Rifled Gun, which takes a 15 man crew to fire! There will also be an amphibious landing from rowed launches, cutlass drill and possibly a skirmish against Confederate Cavalry. Authentic camping is available on site. For more information, contact Ron Boyce at rrrrx4@embarqmail.com

In The News

Keep A Cool Head Out There...........I heard the following report (see below) on WDBO radio (Orlando) the morning of January 8th. Thankfully I was sent a hard copy that I can relay to you here.

I was disappointed something like this could take place - this is a hobby and it should be enjoyable, right? In a way, sadly, this incident didn't surprise me and I have expected it for years. I have witnessed some heated moments out there. Gentlemen, we need to keep our tempers under control. If someone does something accidentally or something you may think was wrong, just let it go. Rarely is any real harm done but if a fight does start, it may end up in jail time. Think before you act.

Civil War Dispute Ends In A Tie

UNION, CONFEDERATE RE-ENACTORS ACCUSE EACH OTHER IN COURT (A.P.)

STANDARDSVILLE, VA.

Two Union and Confederate cavalry commanders who tussled during a Civil War re-enactment each were found not guilty of assault.

The two pressed charges against each other after the September 19, 2009, re-enactment of the Battle of Standardsville.

The Confederate commander, Doug Nalls, claimed his Union counterpart, Joseph Ferguson, knocked off his hat and Nalls allegedly responded by firing his revolver.

The weapon was not loaded with a bullet, but the Union commander suffered facial injuries from the powder blast, a prosecutor said.

A judge concluded Wednesday that he could not find either man guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt."

The Greene County commonwealth's attorney said the clash was the result of "bad blood" between the men that boiled over on the battlefield.

Prosecutor Ronald L. Morri said accounts of the physical exchange were in dispute except: "The hat came off and the gun was fired."

Nalls' father testified he had to wade into the battle to separate the men.

Ferguson left court unhappy with the outcome. "The feud on the battlefield goes on," he said.

In The News

Two Opinions About A Classic

150 Year Old Argument

Centered Around The Brooksville Raid

Editors Note: I hate to see this subject brought up time and time again. One side sees it one way and the other side the opposite way. Neither will give an inch. This topic upsets the general public and reenactors alike. I feel that as a service to all reenactors and historians I need to post as many news worthy articles as I can about our hobby and others opinions about what we do. Both of the following articles were published in the newspaper. I will only print these two letters so as not to draw this debate out into a bloody battle.

Dan DeWitt wrote an article in the Hernando section of the January 20th Tampa-St. Petersburg Times about our Brooksville Raid and what he feels is wrong with it. Below you will find DeWitt's article from the Times and a rebuttal from Hardy's Brigade reenactor Ralph Epifanio.

Point Of Information: Martin Luther King day was signed into law in 1983 - 27 years ago and first observed in 1986 - 24 years ago. The Brooksville Raid celebrated its 30th anniversary this January (2010) how does Dan DeWitt figure the Raid was planned to intentionally conflict with M.L. King's holiday? The Raid was established six years before M.L. King day.

First Mr. Dan DeWitt's article.............

The Hernando Historical Museum Association is supposed to teach people the truth about our past.

So how can it justify its signature event and primary fundraiser, the annual Brooksville Raid Re-enactment?

Let me stop here for a moment to say that I don't buy the worst of the stereotypes about these events. I didn't find any flat-out racists when I interviewed re-enactors and audience members Sunday.

I did find a lot of people who cared about the past and a few who knew enough names and dates to make me feel that my years as a college history major had been a pitiful waste.

A sizable percentage of the re-enactors claim to be descended from men who served with the Confederacy, so I can understand their connection to its history. I can see that it might be fun to hang around a campfire, get suited up in gray woolens and charge across the fields at Spring Hill's Sand Hill Scout Reservation with like-minded friends.

The problem I have is how they deal with the institution that all those soldiers they like to emulate were fighting for - slavery.

Mostly that means not dealing with it at all. But if you ask, you'll hear a lot of the old excuses/justifications that most mainstream historians regard as nonsense, including that the Civil War was as much about preserving states' rights as the privilege of owning other human beings and that, most offensively, slaves didn't really have it that bad.

Without context, the museum association's event, with its flags, gunfire and uniforms, is romanticism pure and simple - glossing over history, stirring people up about it, not teaching it. And this starts with the portrayal of the raid itself.

The re-enactors wear uniforms and advance in orderly lines like the troops at Gettysburg. There were about 1,500 of them this year, and, after a few hundred Confederate re-enactors agreed to switch sides, they were evenly divided between North and South.

This is how it really was: A Union raiding force of 240, more interested in killing the Confederacy's cattle than its soldiers, was confronted by a handful of boys and old men in civvies. These Confederate irregulars suffered their only fatality when one squad of them mistakenly ambushed another.

The re-enactment is meant to represent a Civil War battle, not replicate the raid, said Doug Davis, a re-enactor and museum association member. "If it was historically accurate, there'd be about 13 of us out here," said Davis, who is related by marriage to David Hope, an owner of one of the farms burned and looted in the raid.

Even with that connection, Davis said, he might not show up if it wasn't for one final liberty the raid organizers take with the truth. Or should we call it wish fulfillment? After dutifully going down to defeat each Saturday, on Sunday the Rebels get to win.

"I'm not going to come out here and hang around all weekend and lose" Davis said.

Okay. In fairness only one person I interviewed went so far as to say the United States would have been better off if the South had won the war. This was Chuck Allen, who like Davis is a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the group that recently erected that infamous slap in the face of racial harmony, the massive Confederate battle flag at the junction of Interstates 4 and 75.

In Allen's view, the North, unlike the South, was run by the big-money elite, and events as wide-ranging as the corruption of the Gilded Age to last year's bank bailout can be blamed on its victory. And as evidence that slaves were better off than Southern white laborers, he offered that a slave's life expectancy was 15 to 20 years longer.

"The idea that a person can own another person is an evil thing," Allen said. "But if you argue that slavery was evil because slaves were so mistreated, then you and me are going to have a go-around."

First off, just discussing the possible upside of the South's victory ignores its rather dramatic downside: the continuation of slavery. Secondly, none of the historians I talked to had heard the life expectancy statistic Allen cited. And even is some owners did treat slaves well - the slaves were their property, after all - praising this ignores the system of terror that kept slavery in place.

"There's the threat of violence, the reality of violence and the huge threat of families being broken up," said Matt Gallman, a history professor at the University of Florida.

"Would you rather be a slave, see your wife raped by the master and taken from you, and children sold to different owners, or a free man with a family, freedom and 10 fewer years to your life?" said Harry S. Stout, a history professor at Yale University.

Personally, it wouldn't hurt my feelings if the raid, like Spring Hill's Chicken Pluckin' Festival before it, died from lack of interest. But considering that it drew about 8,000 paying customers this year, that's not going to happen soon.

So let's talk about possible changes that could make this event more worthy of community support, and of the Times' sponsorship of it.

There's the timing - celebrating the Confederacy at about the same time each year as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is when we honor a man who died fighting the worst of the Confederacy's lingering injustices.

<> Because the museum association obviously doesn't care about accuracy, why not move the date? The actual event took place in July 1864. The association also should address slavery somehow, some way. Explain its brutality; own up to it. This should be mandatory, especially, for an organization that claims to be about education. That way, all the children I saw walking around waving miniature battle flags will know what they really stood for.

Dan DeWitt

Tampa-St. Petersburg Times

A Response From A Re-enactor:

History is Fun, but when is it a Lesson?

By Ralph Epifanio

While I enjoyed Mr. DeWitt's story in the January 20, 2010 Tampa-St. Petersburg Times ("Brooksville Raid is fun, but it isn't a lesson in history"), in light of "what really happened," I feel it necessary to offer a different perspective.

If we were to pursue historical fact, we could forgo the entire battle, dress a couple of hundred felons in blue, and follow them in cars as they pillage and burn their way through Hernando (and also what is now Pasco and Citrus) County. There would be a great deal of arson, and no chicken would be safe, hence the accuracy of the term "Brooksville Raid." After Olustee - where the Union Army suffered a defeat that convinced them not to try to retake the state by force - and due to the effectiveness of a Confederate cavalry officer by the name of Capt. John J. Dickison. The boys in blue did everything they could to avoid any armed conflict. And so they would sneak out of their forts (Brooke and Clinch) under cover of darkness, attack the local livestock, "forage" any valuables they could carry off, and vandalize what they couldn't. Ask the Hope family what his ancestors went through, and you'll have an interview worth printing.

As for moving the re-enactment to July, go for it; I'll even loan you my wool uniform and provide a can of "Off." As for me, I'll be alternating between my air conditioned house and my screened in, solar heated pool. (I am sure that most of the 8,000 spectators that attended this year's Brooksville Raid will be doing the same.) Florida's re-enactors choose the cooler months for their dozen or so events because it makes more sense to avoid "battling the summer sun" and "re-enacting heat stroke."

In areas of the south that have not been impacted by the great migration of northern families and retirees, perhaps as many as one family in two can find a Confederate soldier among their ancestors. Thus, more or less rural areas such as Brooksville are populated with a fairly large number of families that can trace their family history back to that time. In the North, however, prior to the arrival of millions of European immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, that number was one in ten. Now, it is far fewer. When it seems that "the South is still fighting the Civil War," a more accurate conclusion might be that it is trying not to forget a part of its cultural fabric. Not only did most of the great war occur on Southern soil, but the decade of Reconstruction that followed was viewed as an attempt at cultural genocide. Like Alex Haley's quest to keep his "Roots alive," and the Jews' remembrance of the Holocaust, these weekends of history reawaken a time that is just as unforgettable to many southern families.

Race relations in early - to mid - 19th century America were a complex issue. Suffice it to say that the real war to free the Negro began in earnest in the 1960s, not the 1860s. In the 1860s, be it north or south, the Negro was considered chattel. Here's an eye-opening exercise: research the number of free blacks allowed to vote before February 3, 1870 (the 15th Amendment), in the northern states.

Slavery in Colonial America pretty much started in New England. As early as 1646, Massachusetts began passing laws that encouraged the enslavement of Indians. Later, Yankee ships crossing the Atlantic filled their cargo holds with black Africans, firmly establishing the slave trade on this continent.

In the South, at least, slaves had economic value and could use that to establish a place in its society, such as it was. In the North, however, his place within the community was tentative as best, because he competed with the lowest paid workers - the immigrants - and thus provoked bitter resentment. By law, many northern states limited, or even denied, residency by free blacks. Illinois - the Land of Lincoln - was one of several states that had an outright ban on Negroes moving in to their state. (This may have been one reason why the Underground Railroad reached its terminus in Canada.) Many others had limits on residency, after which you had to leave, or risk removal, incarceration, or enslavement.

Mr. DeWitt questioned Chuck Allen's comment about "slaves living longer" (sic). If you owned a $1000 man, woman, child or even a horse, how much care would you provide? The South was the only place where the slave population grew. According to the 1850 census, free northern blacks were three times more likely to suffer from a number of readily identifiable health problems than their southern cousins.

As far north as Canaan, New Hampshire - near the very heart of Radical Republicanism - history provides well - documented cases of "racial tension." One notable event began on July 4, 1835. "On that ironic Independence Day an angry mob converged on Noyes Academy to drive away its handful of African American students," although those assembled used a less "politically correct term to identify the 14 in question." Confronted by an academy trustee, they retreated long enough to have a town meeting, during which they passed a resolution identifying the school "a public nuisance." They returned on August 10th with even more protestors (300 - 500, depending on the source; a number that shows they also came from many adjacent towns), and approximately 95 yoke of oxen. They hitched the oxen to the building, ripped it from its foundation, and dragged it a mile down Canaan Street. Later it was burned to the ground.

At approximately the same time, a (less than) five year old Negro child named Harriet E. Hattie Adams, aka Frado, began "working" as an indentured servant for an abusive (to say the least) family in nearby Milford, NH. You can read her own account of that experience in "Our Nig; Sketches from the Life of a Free Black, in a Two-Story White House, North." Wilson wrote this book in a desperate attempt to feed herself and her child, thus becoming, arguably, the first female Negro author.

One thing for sure, racial prejudice was (and is), geographically speaking, well-distributed, both in the North and South. According to a Tuskegee Institute study, lynchings of 3,437 African Americans occurred between 1882 (six years after Reconstruction) and 1968. Although just over half (59%) took place in the South, they occurred in almost every state -- Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New York and Oklahoma among them -- and well into the 20th century. There are many documented cases of advance publicity (such as newspaper announcements of the place and time), and some may have been scheduled so that reporters could make their "deadline." Many of the events are documented in photographs, and postcards were printed, sold and collected. That great American president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, when beseeched to pass a federal anti-lynching law by his friend and supporter, Mary McLeod Bethune, demurred, purportedly because it might cost him votes in the 1936 election.

I suspect Northern bigotry persists. During the 2008 Shriners Vermont-New Hampshire Football Game, I counted one (1) non-white player on the New Hampshire sideline. When have you ever seen a Florida football team with only one African-American player? Evidently, free blacks did not find New Hampshire hospitable, then or now.

Did Southerners fight to protect the institution of slavery? Ask yourself if you would risk death so someone else - only a small percentage of southerners had slaves - could own slaves. Did the Northerners fight to free slaves? If you were living in 1861, in order to free someone you had never met, you would have to leave your family to their own devices to do so, possibly leaving a widow and her children to suffer upon your death. Would you do it? So why did they fight? Most Civil War soldiers were drafted, then forced to march straight into a life and death struggle, and thus had no choice. And how did the average man feel about that? Google Civil War Draft Riots and you will see that many were not supportive of the idea. In so doing, you'll also discover whom they blamed for their situation. What if they disagreed with the war? They deserted, or were listed as "missing." Union records hint at 200,000 desertions, but there may have been more. Since the Confederacy ceased to exist upon its demise, records are rather difficult to attain, but it can be assumed that Johnny Reb, serving closer to home, no doubt deserted as frequently, if not more so. Why did Lincoln issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation after Antietam? Historically, it was to prevent England from recognizing the Confederacy. My guess is that he needed more troops. (5,000 Negroes fought in the American Revolution, but this did not guarantee their own independence.) In any case, on December 6, 1865, upon the passing of the 13th Amendment, America suddenly had 4,000,000 unemployed, homeless new citizens...just in time for winter. Can you imagine the chaos that would ensue if, just before Christmas 2010, thirteen percent of our citizens were simultaneously unemployed and homeless, not to mention that the region where they lived was in economic and infrastructural ruin?

Two last comments on the reasons why they fought. In researching the causes of the Civil War - which, by definition, it wasn't - I discovered somewhere in the neighborhood of sixty events that led to its inevitability, beginning with Patrick Henry's second most famous quote, "I smell a rat!" In doing, I was humbled by the roots of human, and with it societal, caprices.

Secondly, in the course of seven months, from December 18, 1860 (yes, before the war even started) - to July 25, 1861, Congress wrestled with the wording of what eventually became the Crittenden-Johnson (17th president from Tennessee) Resolution. What emerged, briefly stated, was that the war was not fought for "overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established institution of those states," but rather to "defend and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution and preserve the Union." Most importantly, politicians being who they are, they rarely let you peak at their cards when they play political poker. The greatest of all American politicians, but not necessarily a great president in my opinion, was Abraham Lincoln. He was at the core of much that we do not understand about those years, because he himself was a paradox of virtue.

In closing, I wish to suggest that you view re-enacting for what it is: (a) a hobby, and (b) living history. It is not true history, but rather an interpretation. As such, it has the potential to be more accurate than the history books that you and I (and our teachers) read during our nearly 20 years of education. Because it involves the element of human nature, which has remained unchanged for tens of thousands of years, in a way it is true to form. It is also far better than diluted or abbreviated history, which is the practice in most schools today, or history in such places as the Tampa Bay History Center (which, ironically, also carries your employer's name as a sponsor), where the Civil War and Civil Rights have hardly been addressed. Today, thousands of re-enactors are on a quest to know and understand those whom they portray. They read, study, and discuss every point, salient or minor, to provide a period correct portrayal...but don't ask him to be less than truthful about a cause that may have been overemphasized in today's history books. If you really want to learn history, spend a weekend in camp; one day as a Union soldier, the next as a Confederate. You stand to learn a lot.

Ralph Epifanio is a retired New York State teacher, with a MS in Education. He is a Confederate re-enactor with the 8th Florida, Company B, Hardy's Corps.

CSA Auto Tag

Confederate Heritage Specialty Auto Tag............Last November a federal judge ruled that the state must fight an SCV lawsuit that poses a significant challenge to the constitutionality of the specialty plate program. The lawsuit was filed because lawmakers refused to take action for two years after the license plate application was filed. It has been four years since the tag was first proposed. Although U.S. District Judge Antoon dismissed the complaint against the

lawmakers he refused to drop the case against the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The Sons of Confederate Veterans "win" forces the state motor vehicle department to defend the lawsuit and poses a substantial challenge to the entire specialty plate law. The Legislature will have to take action to approve the application or risk the judge usurp its authority to approve the plate or vacate the law as an unconstitutional limit on free speech.

A spokesman for the Department (Dave Westberry), claims the process is nowhere closer to appearing on our Florida license plates. He said "This is simply just a step in the legislative process". Representative Rich Glorioso said that he is uncertain what the ruling means for the state law on specialty plates. "Where do we draw the line with constitutionality", he said, "I don't know".

The SCV has paid the fees required by the state ($60,000) and have conducted a survey that shows at least 30,000 Floridians intend to buy the plate but the lawmakers are doing everything possible to delay or deny the tag.

This is a major step forward in the SCV efforts to make the Confederate Heritage specialty license plate available to the public.

"The people want something and it's their right to have it," said John Adams, who is leading the license plate crusade. "Public opinion doesn't determine what people's rights are, the constitution does."

The President of the Orange County NAACP Rev. Randolph Bracy said, "I think it's a horrible idea. All they want to do is muck rake and make up, supposedly the heritage. That's a sorted heritage, because that is absolutely repugnant to me."

Book Review

Time Traveler's Guide to Florida...(Pineapple Press)....This book details almost every living history event and war reenactment in Florida from before European contact to the post war 20th century. I am not exaggerating - this is a very thorough listing of events, museums and attractions of interest to reenactors and spectators alike. The book will inform you about history that you can live and participate in from on the land, under the water and in the sky. Jack Powell (the book's author) has researched over 140 historical things to do and see throughout our state. Jack's easy to read and understand travelogue reveals not only places to visit but also time periods to experience. I knew there was a lot going on in Florida but didn't realize there was so much "local" history just waiting to be explored.

Look closely and you will recognize some of your fellow reenactors in the book's photos. Each event in the Time Traveler's Guide to Florida starts with suggestions of what a spectator should wear, bring along with them, times and dates and GPS coordinates to help you locate the event easily.

Pick up a copy of this book and you definitely will not have a problem trying to decide what to do with your weekend.

A Small but Spartan Band: A History of the Florida Brigade in Lee's Army of Northern Virginia........This book was written by Zack Waters and Jimmy Edmonds and is being published by the University of Alabama Press. It will be in stores on or about March 9th. Zack is a fifth-generation Floridian and great-grandson of several Florida Confederates.

Until this work, no comprehensive study of the Florida units that served in Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia (ANV) had been attempted and problems attend the few studies of particular Florida units that have appeared. Based on more than two decades of research, Waters and Edmonds have produced a study that covers all units from Florida in the ANV, and does so in an objective and reliable fashion.

Drawn from what was then a turbulent and thinly settled frontier region, the Florida troops serving in the Confederacy were never numerous, but they had the good or bad luck of finding themselves at crucial points in several significant battles such as Gettysburg .... Despite the appalling conditions of combat, these soldiers were capable of the highest courage in combat. This work is an important contribution to the record of Lee's troops, ever a subject of intense interest.

Letters To The News Magazine

Dear Reenactors,

For the last three years I have enjoyed viewing the reenactments that my friends participate in. Our group includes artillery soldiers who participate in the battles, and ladies and children who observe in authentic dress. I personally don't dress, I just view the battles in my civilian clothes.

I have watched these authentically dressed viewers sitting on the sidelines, mixed in with the general public (like me). Since they are mixed into the crowd, many are not seen by the viewing public. I think it would enhance the event if the authentically dressed viewers could have a designated viewing area of their own. The public would have a better chance to see the clothing which would add to the fun and educational element of the event. It would reward those who dress; and as you know, they go to a great deal of expense and effort to do so. It would enhance their experience, making them a bigger part of the event; and it might even encourage more onlookers to dress as well. I don't think it would be too difficult to rope off a place especially for them to sit and to be seen. And it would result in the positives I have mentioned above. Please consider my request. We will be attending the Mt. Dora and Natural Bridge events coming up in January and March.

Thank you,

Carol

Items For Sale

And Wanted

For Sale (4 items):

Officers sword belt. 45" waist - $50.

NCO Sword with scabbard and shoulder strap - $90

Pistol holsters (2) for Colt or Remington - $20 each

Contact John Martellini at GUMBY1048@aol.com

Wanted. Officer's wall tent. If you would like to sell your wall tent, contact Kelly at savannahlee66@yahoo.com

Wanted. Tent fly. In good condition. Contact Kurt Hilberth at kurt@hilberthlaw.com

For Sale. Cargo trailer suitable to haul an artillery piece (enclosed car carrier). Overall length is 24 ft. inside length is 20 ft. 102 inch wide. Large side door. Empty weight is 3,175 - total tow weight is 7,000 lbs. Double axel. Only has 1,100 miles on it. Completely finished inside with metal non-slip floor. Back gate drops down. Inside fluorescent lights, outside flood lights. Finished upper and lower cabinets with workbench inside. $5,500 firm. Contact Camille Barr at cbis7t@yahoo.com

For Sale. Original Colt .31 cal. percussion "pocket revolver" #61077. Photo at left is an example of the type and not a photo of the actual pistol that is for sale. Fully operational. Above average condition. All numbers match on all parts. Colt grips good. Blue Book value; 80% - $2250, 70% - 1500, was appraised at $1600. Will negotiate. Contact Janet at jdlpga@embarqmail.com

For Sale. Period Correct Wood Items. Cpl. Hamilton McElroy (25th Ohio Volunteers, Co. E.) has started a small company specializing in wood camp furniture called McElroy's Woodworking. His inventory includes common camp things like chairs, chests, boxes shelves and more including lamps, lavatory, benches and tables. Painting and stains are not included in the prices but you can have him do that to if you like. You can visit Ham's website at http://www.geocities.com:80/irishham97/furniture/ or you can email Hamilton at irishham97@yahoo.com

For Sale. New large 18 X 30 feet (set up only one time). Includes vents for heater, curtains with roll up screens and vent in top to let the heat out. Could be used as sutlers tent, a hospital tent, or just a general purpose tent. Poles and ropes not included. Bargain priced at $450.00. Contact John Green at info@brigadesutler.com

For Sale. Several prints of "On Empty Rifles" featuring Cleburne in battle. This is a limited edition signed and numbered print by Rick Reeves. They are 24" X 26". This print has sold for as much as $150 when it was issued but can now be purchased for $65 plus $8 shipping. Contact Frank Wood at butternut4662@dixie-net.com

For Sale. Cavalry horse. Registered Tenn. Walker. 19 years old. Has been a reenacting cavalry horse for about 10 years so he knows how it's done. 15.2 tall. Contact Ralph VanDyke at shellev@msn.com

Multiple Items For Sale..........To purchase any of the items below contact Hamilton at 912-882-2775 or the25thovi@yahoo.com

For Sale. Stainless Steel Canteen - Canvas Strap. Dark blue cover that needs to be resewn. It looks like bits of the cover were moth eaten, but recover it and it'll be great!!. $15 (yes, only $15).

For Sale. Sleeping Cot - roughly 36x72. Metal frame w/ polyester sleeping part (I don't know what it is called). No rips, no tears, excellent condition, very taunt. Again, a bargain at $50.

For Sale. Cap Pouch - Standards U.S. issue. No wool inside. $10.

For Sale - Kitchen ware:

- 4 plain white plates. Good for civilian/family impression. Still in box. $15.

- Green Speckleware...4 plates, 3 cups, 1 serving bowl. Green was very rare, but it did exist! I found it documented. Has some chips and nicks in the enamel, but still in very good condition. Again, good for civilian/family impression w/o worrying about it breaking. Asking $20 for the set.

For Sale - Ladies Hats:

- 1 straw bonnet ($30)

- 1 gray riding hat ($30)

To purchase any of the items above contact Hamilton at 912-882-2775 or the25thovi@yahoo.com

For Sale. Confederate POW MIA flag. The flag is a 3'X5' polyester D100 with brass grommets. A portion of the proceeds go to support SCV camp 2086 the Dixie Defenders in Cross City, FL. For more information and to order a flag, go to their website at www.confederatepowflag.com or www.rebelflag.com

For Sale. Window stickers, signs, vehicle lettering, graphics, magnetic signs, banners of all sizes and more. Will ship anywhere. Contact Robyn Banks (artillery) at southerncanoneer@aol.com

Upcoming Events

For a complete listing of all Civil War reenactments, living history events, and monthly meetings in Florida, please see the 2009 - 2010 Event Schedule at http://www.floridareenactorsonline.com/EventRoster.htm or go to this magazine's home page and click on the Event Schedule button.

This News Magazine, its articles, photos and all the

information contained herein are copyrighted

and may not be reproduced in any form without

written permission of the editor and its authors.

Your Obedient Servant,
Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Niepert
Hardy's Brigade 3rd Battalion Commander
Brigade Cavalry Commander
5th Florida Company G Cavalry
mayorbob@embarqmail.com

(407) 448-4871

Home / Back Issue Contents / Contact the Editor