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Recent Events

 

Raid On Ft. Pierce

December 9, 10, 11, 2011

by Capt. Dave Hackel

28th Georgia Co. K

 

 

I, Anna, Aylin and Cpl. Junk Bess arrived on Thursday morning with sunshine and a nice breeze!  Stopped by registration and were greeted by Pvt. Jim Odell and Pvt. Alyn Bryan plus, hot off the press was the first copy of Raid on Ft. Pierce activity book filled with sponsor's information and information on the history of Ft. Pierce and the event schedule.  We then moved down to the Confederate camp and setup.  Anna, Aylin and I dropped off gear then headed to the hotel for the evening.  Friday morning as we arrived a few more reenactors, Union and Confederate had appeared and the weather was wonderful.  It was such a joy to see all those school children entering the camps and stations!  I heard 853 students enjoyed a day of Civil War history and excitement.  Jack Stickney, Junk Bess and I had taken up splitting wood for the event, we also had the honor of watching Union Quartermaster of the 7th Reg. Conn. Robert Furmanek with his wife demonstrate being Quartermasters.  We dropped off the wood and had nice visits with Col. Larry Rowe and Lt. Tom Hackel with Dixie Bell at their station, next to them; we had the tribute to enjoy the family of Kurt Zeitler!  It was early afternoon and Anna was not feeling well so we headed back to the hotel for the evening and it began to rain!  Saturday morning as I drove over to the reenactment, the rain fell light and misty and I was pondering how the men had made it through the night!  As I parked and walked over to the camps, yes wet, everyone was up and making preparations for the day.  In Confederate camp, units from the SVB 28th Georgia, 3rd Florida, 7th Florida, and 8th Florida along with the Straw hats waited the rain out till the battle.  Over in the Union camp fires burnt and units from the 75th Ohio, 3rd Rhode Island and 7th Conn. organized into a great Army and geared up for action.  The battle began in the down pouring of rain with the artillery sounding off and the Union force crossing the Ft. Pierce bridge.  Halted by Col. Rowe and the 10th Tenn. Cavalry, it gave time for Gen. Brown and the Southern Volunteers time to come up and try to force back the Union Army.  The Confederates put up a grand fight but the Union brought up the 28th Penn. and sealed the day for the Confederates, leading to the capture of farmer Odell and Gen. Brown.  As the rain fell and small spectator groups huddled under their umbrellas, our brave Union and Confederate reenactors gave an impressive Volley!  Cheers for the men came from all the spectators as the day ended.  Still soaked from the rain, the soldiers headed back to their humble tents and rested for the evening.  Rain grounded any attempt to have a Ball and the night came and passed.  Sunday was not much better, but church went on as Pastor Buddy (Grumble) Johnson gave the sermon.  A few reenactors left that morning due to the rain but the battle went on.  Union and Confederates poured round after round into each other till the Union fell back and the Confederates held the Ft. Pierce Bridge again.  Once more, the reenactors gave the spectators a fearful volley and all retired to their tents and off to home.  Yes wet, I felt it was worth the time and effort.  We touched over 800 children and gave valuable knowledge to the young.  Hosting an event is hard work and you must be dedicated to the cause for which you endeavor your efforts!  Not every reenactment comes off without some type of problem interfering with progress.  Pvt. Jim Odell and SCV Pvt. George Thomas Camp 1595, Pastor Todd Smith of Common Ground Church and his cannons, Genie Stracuzzi and Miss Dru Dehart put their heart, soul, and money into making a very good reenactment in a short period of time.  You have my respect and admiration.  Well done!  And to all who braved the rain and wind and at times mosquitoes, we thank you for your service and friendship!  God Bless, and have a great Holiday season!

Capt. Dave H. Hackel

Co. K. 28th Georgia Vol. Inf.

 

2011 Raid On Ft. Pierce

Savannas Recreation Area

December 9 - 11, 2011

by Kathy Heitman "The Picture Lady"

 

 

        This event is held annually at the Savanna Recreational Area in Ft. Pierce, Florida.  It is a sprawling acreage with abundant, wintering wildlife.  This year's event was sponsored by the George W. Thomas SCV Camp #1595.  It was hosted by the 8th FL. Co. C. and the 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  Firewood was provided and a powder ration was given to the first two artillery units to register.  Jim Odell, a Southern Volunteer reenactor and ex-Navy veteran, did a lot of the foot work.  He did an outstanding job.  He knows how to run things and calls it like it is.  If there was a problem, he tackled it head on and didn't stop until it was taken care of no matter what it took or how far he had to go to get it done.  Jim Odell, along with his fellow Southern Volunteer reenactors, the 75th Ohio Vol. Infantry and the George Thomas SCV Camp #1595, along with all the reenacting groups that attended deserve a big round of applause for a successful ending to their dedication and hard work to make sure this event came to fruition.  Everyone pitched in to help wherever and whenever they were needed.  Those of you who have done this sort of thing know the headaches with the accompanying "Pepto Bismol and Tums For The Tummy" days that happen more often than not.  Jim said it very succinctly when he told me "There was a total of thirty-nine reenactors registered, God bless them.  They fought in the rain and the Rebels stuck it out on Sunday.  Some of the boys fought with their shoes off and died in the creek which was awesome!"  Well said, Mr. Jim.  That pretty well sums it up.

        It was an interesting three days.  The scenario went like this:

        On Friday, buses with an equal number of passenger vehicles came in with local school kids, mostly elementary.  "There was a mixture of kids, mostly elementary students, numbering approximately 853.  There may have been some that showed up and didn't let me know." said Jim Odell.  There were twelve education stations set up and they were full from the time School Day began until 1:00 PM when the last bus departed the property.  Friday night the clouds rolled in with a promise of rain.

        Saturday, the rain began with a light drizzle that turned into a downpour.  The Ladies Tea, one of the finest at a small event of this size was given, attended by sixteen elegantly dressed ladies, still took place under the tent with the ladies making paper flowers  in the blowing rain.  The hostess, Miss Dru Dehart, her sister and mother did a great job with this Ladies Tea.  There was everything from sandwiches, cheese and meat to dessert complete with punch that all enjoyed, served on and in glass dishes and tea cups set up on linen tablecloths with matching napkins.  Door prizes were donated from the sutlers and local businesses.  The Tea ended with Miss Dehart teaching the ladies how to make paper flowers.  Some were rather large, being meant for vases, others were small enough for a nosegay or boutonniere that the ladies planned to use that evening at the dance.  Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans and the dance had to be cancelled.

        When it came time for the battle, some of the reenactors went out on the already saturated field to try to take control of the bridge over the canal.  After approximately twenty minutes, the rain turned into a slight mist.  One of the companies that had been waiting under their company fly formed up and marched to the side of the battlefield.  The commander gave the order to get ready when the rain began in earnest.  As the saying goes "Faggitabaddit!"  The company ran as fast as they could back to dry shelter.  The rest of the brave souls kept up until the rain became so heavy ten minutes later the battle was ended.  Not long afterwards, the rain stopped long enough to let the reenactors take the wood out from under cover to cook their respective suppers.  Just about the time suppers were cooked, the reenactors had to hurry to get the food off the grates as the rain turned into a blowing deluge with dropping temperatures.  The dance was cancelled due to rainy conditions, along with a Civil War artifacts auction.  It was too wet to risk getting the items ruined.  They will be auctioned off in a couple of months at Asset Auction, Ind. on Dandy Blvd. off Selvitz Rd. in Ft. Pierce.  For more information, please contact Jim Odell at thejdawg569_2000@yahoo.com

Sunday - Early morning wasn't too bad.  For a while.  The rain came back with a training effect off the Atlantic until just before the battle was due to begin at 1:00 PM.  The two artillery pieces were covered and did not participate.  Twenty-four reenactors braved the elements to put on a stellar battle.  It began with a bang, literally, with all the action at or on the bridge.  The bridge looked like reenactor gridlock since no one except a brave few wanted to take a hit in standing water or in the soupy sand road.  The young ones took off their socks and shoes, rolled up their pant legs and had a blast fighting it out with each other.  It was a heated, screaming, anything goes black powder skirmish.  Shouts like "C'mon Johnny Reb, c'mon over and we'll show ya how it's done", or "Hey, Yankee scum, are ya dead yet?"  In the stands, there were some school kids from a local school where teacher and Southern Volunteer Infantry reenactor, Bob Burdge works.  They enjoyed watching the battle and cheered when he "got killed" in front of the stands.  Bob went down, and then suffered "painful, seizing death throes" to the thrill of the students.  The Confederates took the day.  Just as the final volley was sounded, the mist came back.  It didn't take but ten minutes and the blowing rain was back with a vengeance.

        One thing that is nice about this event is that Colors takes place right before the battle to afford the spectators a sense of what the ceremony is all about.  It began two years ago and has become a tradition since.

        And that, folks, is the story of the Raid On Ft. Pierce 2011.  This event is usually a very well-attended event.  Mother Nature put the kibosh on things this year.  Oh well, it was what it was.

The Savannas Recreation Area features a nice campground with full hook-ups (water, electric and sewer) along with tent sites for a regular camping fee for those who wish to take advantage of the campground.  Period camping is at no charge and is in a beautiful area behind the campground.  There is a reenactor donation with a maximum of $20 per family payable at registration.  If you are in the area or thinking about attending next year's event, please contact Jim Odell at thejdawg569_2000@yahoo.com or call 772-318-8258.

        It's a real shame that things just didn't work out with the weather.  If you would like to see photos of Sunday's skirmish, please visit my website www.piclady.smugmug.com click on Civil War Reenacting.  That will open up the gallery.  I can be reached at t.general@att.net

        So, everyone, that's all the news about this event there is to print.  Until my next report, be well and stay safe.

 

Raid On Fort Pierce

Battle Report by James B. Odell. Jr.

8th FL. Co. C., Southern Volunteer Battalion

 

        First of all I want to thank the reenactors that made our weekend successful for without you and your drive and determination this would not have happened.  Thank you for all the school day participants.  We hosted the best school day ever.  We made all our bills including the insurance, porta potties, Park fees etc.  Thank you to our sponsors also in our Program Guide, the Battalion donation and to those who battled in the rain as our event was rained out badly.

I believe we had four inches of rain for the weekend.  Some of our boys fought with no shoes and took hits to fall in the water.  Awesome.

 

Battle Report

(This is a fictitious battle but historically created to honor our ancestors.)

 

        December 8th, 1863, blockading squadrons off the Treasure Coast, laid to shore and sent landing forces to capture the City of Fort Pierce, a predominately Confederate town.  The city militia along with soldiers that have returned home and been discharged for combat injuries defended the city.  The Union troops were pushed back onto their ships and sailed south of the city to come ashore and wait for reinforcements.  They learned of a Union Sympathizer named Daniel McCarthy (grandson of William T. Sherman) of Ohio that had a farm in which they were invited in to await reinforcements.  McCarthy was stationed in Fort Pierce during the Seminole Wars and told Daniel of the game and fishing that was here so he moved his family to Fort Pierce got a land grant just before the war broke out.

        The town Mayor, hearing of this, sent the militia south along the savanna ridge to oust the Yanks and send them home.  December 9th, the Militia made camp just north of the McCarthy farm to await daybreak.  Skirmishers were sent out to harass the Yanks and draw them out of the farm and across the bridge to keep the children and other family members safe under Mr. McCarthy's care.  A skirmisher posing as a hunter was caught by the Yanks and interrogated in front of the farm.  He was discovered to be a Rebel which the Federal Provost shot repeatedly.  The skirmishers opened up on the Yanks and drew them out.  The Yanks fought the skirmishers as more Yanks came across the bridge as they were quickly out numbered and militia fell back much to the Yanks surprise the entire Southern Volunteer Battalion came from the North around the Cathedral of Oaks and the battle came to a full head.  Just to mention the war horse Dixie Bell with her Col. Rowe lead many a charge as the cannons from the 3rd Rhode Island fired salvos past her many times.  Gen. Ron Brown's troops fought the good fight as did the New York Regulars and the 7th Connecticut defended the farm.  The 28th Georgia, 7th Florida Straw Hats, 15th Alabama, 8th and 3rd FL. Wildcats held the ground where American troops had marched through 30 years before.  What a glorious battle, in the end though; the Angels cried over the dead all weekend as the battle resumed the next day and chased the Yanks back onto the ships to carry their wounded home.

 

By James B. Odell, Jr.

8th FL. Co. C., Southern Volunteer Battalion

 

For The Fun Of It

 

The recipe below was sent to my by Bill Spear of the FL. 2nd.  You will notice the first recipe is the old style original from the 1860's.  The second is the much easier to make modern version.

 

Robert E. Lee Cake

1860 recipe

(original recipe)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

8 egg yolks

2 cups white sugar

8 egg whites

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice    1/8 teaspoon salt

4 egg yolks

1 1/2 cups white sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1/3 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup butter

3/1 cup butter, softened

4 cups confectioners' sugar

3 tablespoons grated orange zest

2 1/2 tablespoons orange juice

1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 cup flaked coconut

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).  Grease and flour two 9 inch pans.  Sift together the flour, baking powder, and cream of tartar.  Set aside.

 

In a medium bowl, beat together the 8 egg yolks and 2 cups sugar until thick and pale.  Stir in the 2 teaspoons lemon zest and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.  In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form.  Fold whites into the egg yolk mixture alternately with the flour mixture.  Spread evenly into the prepared pans.

 

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.  Let layers cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting into wire racks to cool completely.  Using a long serrated knife, slice the layers in half horizontally.

 

To make the filling:  In the top of a double boiler, combine the 1 1/3 cup sugar, 4 egg yolks, 2 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest and 1/3 cup lemon juice.  Cook over high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and mixture thickens.  Remove from heat, and stir in the butter.  Cool to room temperature before filling cake.

 

To make the frosting:  In a medium bowl, cream the 1/3 cup butter until light and fluffy.  Gradually add the confectioners sugar and mix in the orange zest, orange juice, lemon zest and lemon juice.  Finally, stir in coconut.  Frost the outside of the filled cake.

 

Robert E. Lee Cake

(modified from the 1860's recipe by Nancy B. Brewer)

 

2 boxes of Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme (4 layers) - (bake layers according to direction)

 

Cool cake and stack layers with filling: (use mixer)

4 cups of powdered sugar

2 egg yokes

4 tablespoons of lemon juice

1/2 stick of butter (soften)

(may add water as needed to creamy)

2 tablespoons of lemon zest

 

Icing: (use mixer)

Add to the remaining filling:

1/2 stick of soften butter

4 cups of powder sugar

2 egg yokes

2 tablespoons of orange zest

4 tablespoons of orange juice

(water as needed to make icing creamy)

1 8 oz package of coconut

 

Civil War History

 

ALTON, ILLINOIS CONFEDERATE CEMETERY AND MONUMENTS

    by Kathy Heitman "The Picture Lady"

Member/Photographer Kirkwood Area Arts Council of St. Louis Co., MO

t.general@att.net       www.piclady.smugmug.com

 

        Alton, Illinois is a hilltop town along the banks of the Mississippi River, not far from St. Louis, Missouri.  Its history and heritage go back hundreds of years.  Unknown to some people, there were Confederate prisoners detained in Alton Prison just across from the silty banks of the Mighty Mississippi River.  All that remains of Alton Prison today are a few bricks and a historical marker.  One could easily drive by it and not even know it was there.  Below is some information about the prison, its prisoners and the monuments that exist today because of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

 

        Alton Prison was built in 1833 and was meant to serve as the Illinois State Prison.  It was located in a low-lying area almost next to the Mississippi River.  The prison was abandoned by the State of Illinois in 1860 at the urging of social reformer Dorothea Dix.  She thought that the conditions were too unhealthy there to house prisoners.

        Right after the Civil War began, the Federal Government re-opened the building as a Confederate prison.  Its maximum capacity was approximately 800 prisoners.  In 1865, it held 1,900 Confederates.  Inmates became victims of disease.  Through the duration of the war, hundreds of prisoners here succumbed to smallpox.  To try to minimize the number of casualties, prison officials quarantined those who were stricken in a hospital on Tow Head Island in the Mississippi River.  The dead were buried on the island itself.

        The river flooded often.  It eroded all the grave markers.  As of now, the smallpox hospital and burial locations are unknown.

        Confederates who died from causes other than smallpox were interred two miles north of Alton in an area known as "The Buck".  This became the official prison burial ground.  Today, it is the location of the North Alton Confederate Cemetery.

        In 1909, the United Daughters of the Confederacy erected a beautiful obelisk in the middle of the cemetery.  The monument stands 58-feet tall.  there are six bronze plaques around the monument's base with names, regiments and states of those who died, along with the names of various civilians and doctors who were there.  There are a total of 1,354 Confederate soldiers who died in the prison or on Tow Head Island.

        Unfortunately, to date, I do not have a photo of the remains of the prison.  The photos here are the monument on an island just west of Alton, Illinois with the same information on it as the obelisk at the cemetery.  The other photo is the obelisk itself in the cemetery in Alton.

        (Some information in the article is courtesy of the U.S. Office of Veterans Affairs and the Alton, IL. Historical Society.  The photos are mine).

 

by Kathy Heitman

 

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