Reenactor's Fee at Olustee...At most other events you have to pay a reenactor's fee to enter and participate, but there is still no reenactor's fee required at Olustee.  Yes, we're managing to hold the line there.  Yet you still receive firewood, hay and rations.  Plus, at most other events, you have to sign a waiver in case of injury.  At Olustee, anyone who is injured is entitled to workman's compensation if, and only if, they sign up at the registration tent.  All we want at the registration tent is your name and unit. If you can't be bothered to register and are injured -- well, let's hope you are independently wealthy.  Plus, writing your name in the log at the registration tent helps us obtain accurate numbers.  With these numbers, we can show state officials just how many people participate in the event.  Remember, the state is cutting budgets to save money.  If the numbers participating don't justify the state budget expended, then cuts can occur.  The Stephen Foster Cultural Center and the Olustee Historic Site are jointly run by one park manager. Last year she lost one position due to low numbers of park visitors.  Under the new budget, just approved, the Florida Park Service has to pick up the pay for its park police which was paid under another budget in previous years.  So, unless you'd like to pay a reenactor's fee at Olustee in the future, help us obtain accurate numbers by dropping by the registration tent.  Thank you.  Thomas R. Fasulo

Renninger's Event....... The hosts of the Mt. Dora/Renningers event, 37th Alabama Company H., has asked for assistance.  They need help with their school day program.  Any medical reenactor that is willing to help from 10am to 2pm on Friday the 1st of February please contact Lt. Col. D. Riker at CWsurg@aol.com  ASAP.

Fire Extinguishers........Wesley Frank has put together a deal for reenactors to purchase fire extinguishers through his company.  In light of what happened at Brooksville, it may not be a bad idea for your company to have a couple of these on hand at each event.  He wrote....."I checked into the 2.5 Gallon high pressure water extinguishers for the camps.  They are a little pricey but if they save one tent, they are worth it.  The units are $75.00 each on 1-4 units.  It comes down to $65.00 each for 10 units and up.  I would like to see every unit Federal or Confederate buy one and do it now so we can get a bulk rate.  If General Hardy can organize it, or better yet Pete, as he is the Adjutant.  All moneys could be sent to him and he and I can coordinate distribution.  They are shipped empty and then filled with Water and an airhose to charge, after it is used, unscrew the lid, refill, recharge, and we are ready to go again".
Your Humble Servant, Wesley H. Frank email him with your questions at rebdoctor@aol.com

Bishops Farm Raid Update......Corky wanted me to pass this along to everyone.  He wrote...."We are beginning to get registrations for School days at the event on April 26th 2002 (Friday) so far we have 120 kids registered.  Not a lot, but they are coming in at about two registrations a day and I forecast about 800 kids all told...maybe.  I would ask that if you can see your way clear and can make it to the site on Thursday night or very early Friday to set up...we could use all the help we can get for school days.  We hope to have our Medical Officer set up a surgery fly for school days and could use some "Injured" soldiers.  Also on Saturday at about 10 am, we hope to step off for the Founders day parade down town.  We also need some help and commitment here.  Any thing that can be done will be appreciated.
Cavalry troopers are asked to preregister soon."

Signs......Robyn Banks (10th Tenn. Artillery, Rices Battery) has started a sign making business.  He can make magnetic, vinyl and other type signs.  He has made several signs for different Brigade companies.  If you would like custom signs for your company or business email him at riptideelec@aol.com

Silver Springs Event...Cancelled. Will Palenik (Lt. Col., Commanding Florida Federal Alliance) wrote to ask me to announce the following:  "Acting on information from QtmSgt Bill Smith of the 75thOVI, I contacted the Silver Springs attraction office this morning.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event scheduled for the weekend of January 26-27, 2002  HAS BEEN CANCELLED!  The person at the office did not know if and when the event will be rescheduled.  Thank you to QtmSgt Bill Smith for bringing this to our attention."
This was also forwarded to me from several other people.  Please plan accordingly.  If you have any further questions, contact the event sponsors, Randy Kerlin at (352) 694-3346 in Ocala email bamareb55@aol.com

Tavares Living History Event.....Cancelled.  Unfortunately due to city budget cuts, the Tavares living history scheduled for March 2 and 3 has been cancelled.  For details email Kim House at khouse@tavares.org

Santa Visits Miami.....One last, late Christmas item.  The 10th Tenn. Dismounted Cavalry Co. A. put together a visit from Santa to the homeless shelter.  The shelter in Miami houses battered women with drug and alcohol problems and their children.  This is the type of community activity we reenactors need to be involved with.  Working to make others lives a little brighter is not only good for us and the less fortunate but also reflects well on the Civil War reenacting hobby.  Security was tight (photo top right) so Rick Brass (Capt. 10th Tenn.) checks Santa (Calvin Greathouse 10th Tenn.) for weapons before allowing him on Government property.  Santa passed the check (Santa is always doing "community service") and was soon on his way inside with a bag full of toys.  All the children were pleased to see the jolly old elf.  Santa dug out a couple of Christmas presents for the kids from his bag (photo above left) with help from his elves.  The kids had a great time and their moms appreciated the extra attention and efforts made to help this Christmas be special for their children.  Thanks to all who helped.  They were (Pictured bottom left) Santa: Cpl. Calvin Greathouse, Elf #1: Calvin Greathouse Jr., Elf #2: Earl Greathouse, Elf #3 Aleacia Greathouse, Officer Andy Beauchamp, and in the suit and tie Capt. Rick Brass.  Three cheers for the 10th Tenn. Co. A!

The school day on Friday was huge.  I have never seen so many kids in one place at the same time before.  The kids were well behaved and seemed interested in what we were trying to teach them.  The horses were a hit as was the cannon but I think they enjoyed all the stations they visited around the site.  Thanks to all the reenactors who participated.

Just as Saturdays battle was about to unfold when almost everyone was on the battlefield, a fire broke out (a camp fire got out of the fire pit) in the 1st Florida cavalry's campsite (Capt. Jim Bishop's company).  Fortunately, the ladies of the 10th Tenn. cavalry (their camp was next door) saw the fire and jumped into action.  Special thanks to Lorraine Niepert, Joyce McAlister, Bonnie Coker and Merrell Fortner for keeping the fire down until the fire department showed up.  They were able to use our horse water pump to put an entire barrel of water (55 gallons) on the fire, a fire extinguisher and when those two things ran out, they started a bucket brigade using the horses water from the picket lines.  Some other people came around to help fight the fire but I don't know their names.  Special thanks to the fire department who had a fire truck there within minutes.  Good job Spring Hill Fire and Rescue department for keeping the damage to a minimum and preventing the fire from spreading.  The damage was estimated to be about $10,000 with the loss of several tents and all the equipment contained inside them.  A collection was taken up from spectators and reenactors to help offset their losses.  A heartfelt Thank-you to all who donated.

All the reenactors I talked to said that this was the best event so far.  The infantry kept busy running around in the somewhat warm temperatures while the artillery never took a break.  The cavalry was all over the field mixing it up with anyone who got in their way.  Everyone stayed busy and burned a lot of powder.

There were the usual injuries; almost all were very minor with the most serious being a heat related problem just before the end of Sunday's battle.

A video tape of the event was made and will be available for sale by the end of March.  The cost should be $15.00.

I feel that the only relief to my sad feeling tonight will be to write to you.  I wish to be home so badly that I would gladly give all that I have and ever will have just to spend an hour with you.  However, my purpose here is to do the very best I can and do my duty and I will not under any circumstances deviate from the strictest rules of sensitive honor.  Our country demands the services of her loyal sons and to her call I have taken oath and to my oath I will be true.  Some men have left our ranks without leave and others lay up in the hospital with imagined illnesses.  I will not partake in such foolish behavior.  I hope you understand and will wait for my return.  Earlier today as we traveled west, our company happened upon various discarded items.  Apparently the Union infantry had been marching along this same road some days earlier.  We suspect that these men were new to this conflict for their haversacks were overloaded as new recruits are likely to do.  Soon the unnecessary items found their way from their owners and were dropped along the road.  The horses had not been walked in a while so we decided to dismount and while we walked leading the horses picked up some of the more interesting things.  Each man comparing his findings with the other.  Overall, we found the majority of the items to be of little value and so discarded them also.  Several men kept some of the things like playing cards or an extra tin cup.  One lucky trooper found a well made quilt perhaps crafted by a loving mother or wife and strapped it to his saddle.  This item can be easily carried by a horse but is too cumbersome to be carried on the back of an infantryman.  Two old newspapers and several books were found.  The papers were read and discussed as we walked and eventually one of the books was passed down the line to me.  Glancing through it, I was quite surprised to see that it was a book of Greek mythology, Virtus (book seven) by Statius, and I resolved to read it over the next few days.  The order was given to mount so I placed it in a saddlebag and we rode on towards Brooksville.

I have been reading the book I found this past Monday each night since by the light of the fire and its influence created for me a dream last night.  I would like to share it with you.  At this dream's inception, I had seen apparitions which at first I thought was the Greek Goddess Aurora with her fair complexion, her crimson blushes and her million charms and graces but soon found it was you, a lady infinitely dearer to me.  The dream played on in epic fashion with several gods coming into and out of it.  I perceived the noble gods including Mars who in his appearance with a hint of and my belief that he is saving a paradox for me at the time when it will be more effective.  Tisiphone represented the dominance of the battle-lust and the heroic desire to kill in battle but this I construed to another kind of heroism -- devotio, or dying for one's country.  However I see our defeats as a sacrifice and interpret them as necessary.  I then, while still in my dream, ask Clio herself: What god was it who applied to the youth the urge and delight in a noble death: stimulos et pulchrae gaudia mortis?  I received no answer only the sad glance and tear from her eye.  At this point I awoke and felt very strange.  This state of mind never comes to man without the presence of outside influences which I contribute to the found book.

We have arrived and hurry to set up camp.  The horses are tired and hungry.  There is not forage or oats for them and we suffer also.  Food has been scarce and forging parties are coming back with little.  We need supplies desperately if we are to go on.  Firewood is being cut and stacked and all hope the weather will hold.  We have been joined by other cavalry companies from Georgia and North Florida.  Men, left to their own devices, are currently engaged in the questionable sports of gambling, drinking spirits and such.  I will speak with some of the other officers and see if a game of base ball can be arranged for tomorrow morning.  The men need something to occupy their idle time.

General Hardy agreed to allow a game of rounders, also known as base ball, to be played this morning after colors.  Teams were chosen and the game began.  The men played hard as if their souls hung on the outcome.  It was a close game.  The game was well played but not all the players understood the rules.

It seems that every Confederate state is represented well here in our camp.  Our numbers are strong.

I return to this writing now, our scouts had found a force of Union men just north of the camp.  We assembled quickly and marched off to drive them from this area.  Word was that the home guard had met them at a bridge and were doing what they could to hold them.  We arrived just as the guard was driven back.  Our cavalry charged the Federal pickets who were immediately reinforced by their cavalry.  As the two cavalry forces battled each other, the infantry came forward to help and the artillery moved into position.  The Federal artillery got off the first shot which fell short and the armies advanced into what became a huge battle.  Men from both sides came onto the battlefield from every direction.  What a sight, artillery firing as fast as they could load, infantry pushing back and forth, the cavalry harassing from every side, the fighting was furious in every aspect.  Our losses climbed as the battle continued and soon we had to fall back.  Our line held for a moment but we had to retreat further.  Soon it was determined that our Confederacy would break off and regroup.  We marched back to camp and began to plan our attack.  Tomorrow is another day.

On this morning the 20th of January, reconnaissance developed that the enemy had drawn back from our left flank, but they maintained their position in front of us apparently assuming a new line parallel to the last one held by them yesterday.  We assembled and were soon to be ordered, into that position of death and annihilation and we will obey.  Providence will not grant victory to those who want for courage.  A short prayer was offered and soon the command given-- stand to horse, then, -- forward.  We paused behind our artillery as they loaded canister.  The Union steadily pushes to us their fire being rapid and skillful.  Their pace quickens, we wait for our command to charge.  Every man and horse sweats not from heat but from the uncertainty of what is about to occur.  Gen. Goodrich's artillery was prepared and as his cannon let loose with a battery volley, the Union line did not waiver but came quicker.  The artillery loaded again and again.  They fired once more and then the command to charge was given and as fast as the horses could go we galloped forward through the smoke of the artillery.  The charge was brilliant and deadly but yet somehow inspiring; the Union in their blue uniforms and we in our gray.  Sabers and bayonets flashing in the sunlight.  Choking smoke, flashes from guns and cannon, the deafening noise.  Infantrymen fell in every direction yet I felt a deceiving peace in knowing that somehow my horse and I would emerge from this mayhem uninjured.  We galloped on.  Before we could get to the Union line, half of our number went down as grass before the scythe.  The Yankee cavalry had been alerted to our intentions and charged to meet us.  The two armies came into collision in the midst of a tremendous infantry battle accentuated by the raining death of exploding artillery shells.  The Union advance became confused and the enemy fell back.  We now pushed them with renewed hope.  Further and further they fell back and even their hastily constructed earthworks could not hold us back; over the top and into the midst of the enemy we jumped.  The works were taken and the Union driven out.  At last we cornered them and those who had not perished surrendered.

Although this is called a war with noble purpose and I entered it with that utmost in my mind, I have come to see it never the less as sin.  I can name examples of all the seven deadly sins that I have witnessed relating to this war and where they apply and add an eighth; regret.  I am consumed with the regrets, weariness, and loneliness known only by a solider.  Should you still possess the photograph I sent you, I ask you, please do not look at it.  I currently bear it no resemblance in either form or spirit. I am truly sorry for us both.

Your husband

Welcome once again friends to our monthly medical column. The event at Brooksville was a step forward in the medical reenactor community in Florida.  A new rank and training structure was established that was approved by both Confederate and Federal medical surgeons and their personnel. Lt Col David Riker, commanding the confederate medical section and Major Tom Alisio of Federal medical have developed the structure to improve training in both the living history and real world capabilities of both sides. The confederate medical unit was also officially designated as a section for the first time at the event. A new combination of talents and energies is also beginning, so all medical reenactors may stay informed. The alliance of all medical personnel will begin an exchange of ideas and information that will benefit everyone on both sides. Toward this end, we will start a medical reenactor website where everyone may stay informed, give their input and get information on the various levels of the new medical command structure. Our new website will have the qualifications listed for promotion to the various positions and ranks within the structure. A review board consisting of  surgeons and nurses and stewards will interview and determine promotions which will improve training. An explanation of the requirements for each position will be available on the website.

On the subject of the on field activities, the event produced 3 real world injuries on the field. One person kicked by a horse, another accidentally kicked by another reenactor and a heat stroke on Sunday rounded out the casualties. The heat casualty was the only transport to the hospital. The cavalry camp fire was very destructive to personal property but thankfully no one was hurt. Some problems were encountered with ice and water being in short supply at certain times. In my humble opinion, I feel more emphasis should be placed on event sponsors procuring these supplies for us so possible lawsuit  situations will not happen. Hay and firewood are normally provided, ice and water should be equally important for the health and comfort of the reenactors. The heat and long marches at this event in particular make it necessary to address this situation. Input and opinions from other people are welcome at Medsgtcsa@aol.com. Finally, a big thank you is in order for all the folks who participated in the Friday school day as the estimates of school children in attendance were approximately 1400. Take care and be safe until next time.
--Sgt Tim Hollamby Hardys Brigade Medical Army of the Tennessee.

Good Job Lt. Col. Riker......Warren Feldman MD (Medical Director Hardy's Brigade) wrote this about our Dave Riker......"In the Old Confederacy, there were no medals to recognize the values of a soldier.  It was considered an honor to be mentioned in a report.  I would therefore make the following report as the Medical Director.

To the Chief  Surgeon Hardy's Brigade,
It is with great humility that I would like to express the honor I had to work with you and your staff at this last event.  I, as a physician, would like to compliment all of the medical staff in how they handled the emergencies that occurred at the end of this event with our heat victims.  You and your people showed great concern for the well being and safety of all our men and particularly the few victims that unfortunately occurred.  I compliment all of you on you medical knowledge and proficiency.
Please extend my compliments to all our people.  If it is appropriate, please refer this report to the General.  I would also compliment Tom and our Yankee Medical friends for all their fine help."
Most Humbly Yours,
Warren Feldman MD

General Birney's Raid to Spring Garden was brought to life recently at DeLeon Springs State Recreation Area.  The "quality" of troops that turned out was tremendous.
        After colors Saturday morning, the troops enjoyed a pancake breakfast at the Gristmill followed by a short meeting about what they could expect during the weekend.
        Rations, including ammunition, were issued to the troops.  "Assembly" was sounded and the troops fell in for  "roll call".   The column then headed off into the woods to scout the area.  For many of the troops, this was the first time they had interacted together as a unit.   The 17th Conn., 48th New York, 18th Ind., 7th Conn. & the 75th Ohio all had members present.
       It was 20 minutes into the march when a few scattered shots from the head of the column were heard.  Evidently a few Rebs near by contested our approach.  Sending out flankers and scouts, the column  pressed on.  Through the dense  hammocks we marched for about two miles before emerging into open fields and woods.  The few Rebs took shots at us along the way, but we pressed toward our objective.
     Another shot rang out and the 1st Sgt. went down gut shot.  Flankers were thrown out and the Rebs melted back into the woods.  Another good man was lost in the woods far from home.
      Pressing on, we crossed several fields before coming to a oak hammock.  There at an old homestead we discovered hidden food and refilled our canteens.  Fresh corn and carrots sure did taste good.  Lunch was interrupted by the Rebs again and we hastily ate our  meals and drove them back, this time taking a  prisoner.
     The troops then marched off down the trail into the thick woods further south, in the direction of the disappearing  enemy, who every time we made a show of force, melted  into the thickets.
     Skirmishing erupted again about a mile down the trail, but this time we were ready and our flankers drew in at the double-quick cutting off their escape.  We captured four more prisoners.  Things were quiet for the next few miles  and as we neared Starke's Plantation at Spring Garden we heard voices in the woods.  Seemed they had been  warned and we made a speedy escape.  We pressed on until the trail split, and sending a platoon down each path, we  encountered yet another party of  Rebs.   Another man was lost, but we captured three more Confederates and  arrived at the Spring about 2:30PM.
     Marching our prisoners to the Springs, we saw several citizens who were surprised at our presence.  We managed  to maintain our formation and assembled the troops at an old Rebel camp.

     Living history and firing demonstrations rounded out the remainder of the weekend.  The troops enjoyed a ham  dinner that was "liberated" from a nearby farmhouse!   A special thanks to John Higgins and Gene Hitchew for their  medical display.  Several thousand visitors over the weekend were exposed to a page of Florida History they never  knew happened in their own back yards.
    This is an annual event hosted by the17th Connecticut Infantry in cooperation with the Florida State Park service.   The original raid took place April 25-May 6, 1864 and was the largest along the St. Johns River.  Over 1500 head of  cattle were eventually driven to St. Augustine and several ships were captured in New Smyrna.  For further details see the "Official Records  of the War of  Rebellion".
         Jeff Grezlak

You'll Never Get This One......Check out the photo below.  As you can see it is a pretty fancy bracelet.  Tell me who it belonged to?, when it was made?, and what is engraved on it?  This is kind of hard so I will accept answers to two of the three questions.  You pick which ones you want to answer.  The winner's prize will be a little different.  The No Name Sutler has agreed to help offset the cost of this contest by supplying gift certificates to the News Magazine at a reduced cost.  This month's prize is a $10.00 gift certificate to use on anything that the No Name Sutler has in his tent or in his online catalogue.

History Section

The Battle of Olustee is the next big reenactment coming up on February 15, 16, 17.  To prime you for one outstanding event, the history of the battle is presented here:

     Florida was rarely the scene of large-scale fighting during the American Civil War.  While numerous battles and skirmishes occurred around the state, these seldom reached the size of engagements in other parts of the country.  However, in February of 1864, the United States made a major military campaign into Florida that would result in the largest Civil War battle fought in the state.

     Florida seceded from the United States on January 10, 1861, and soon joined the Confederate States of America.  Florida would be of great value to the Confederacy.  The state would provide much-needed supplies for the Southern armies, including beef and salt for preserving meat.  When the Union forces gained control of the Mississippi River in 1863 and cut off the supply lines to Texas,  Florida would become the main supplier of beef for the Confederacy.  The Union navy blockaded the Southern coastline early in the war to prevent  supplies from other nations reaching the Confederate states.  The numerous ports and harbors along Florida’s long coastline were havens for Southern blockade-runner ships.

     In February of 1864, the largest Union military effort in Florida began.  A Union force from Hilton Head, South Carolina would travel by ship and land at Jacksonville, a city that had already been occupied by Federal troops three times during the war.  This campaign had both political and military objectives.  As the presidential election would be held in 1864, the United States hoped to establish a loyal government and return Florida to the Union before the election.  President Abraham Lincoln’s secretary, John Hay, accompanied the Union force, bringing some blank books to assist in setting up a new government and accept oaths of allegiance to the United States from loyal Florida residents.  Among the military goals were securing cotton, lumber, and turpentine for Union forces, cutting off  the supply lines in Florida, and finding recruits for Union colored troops.

     On February 7, 1864, the Union force of some 7,000 to 8,000 men landed at Jacksonville, Florida.  Commanded by Brigadier General Truman Seymour, the Federal force included infantry, artillery, and cavalry units.  On February 8, Union troops began moving out from Jacksonville.

     The Confederate forces in Florida were scattered around the state and were in little position to oppose a large Union effort.  Brigadier General Joseph Finegan, commanding the 1,500 Southern troops in east  Florida, was well outnumbered and quickly requested re-enforcements.  General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, commanding the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, began sending Confederates from South Carolina and Georgia to Florida.  The movement of these troops was slowed by the lack of direct railroad lines to Florida.  The Confederate troops could only go by train as far as southern Georgia, then would march to Florida.

     Awaiting the re-enforcements, the Confederates in Florida made efforts to block the Union troops advancing from Jacksonville.  Some 350 Southern soldiers were at Camp Finegan, west of Jacksonville.  In the evening hours of February 8, Union forces attacked this camp, capturing a large number of prisoners and driving off the remaining Confederates.  Many of those who escaped Camp Finegan were captured the same night at Ten Mile Run.  Union cavalry and artillery pushed on toward Lake City, some 50 miles west of Jacksonville, encountering small forces of Confederates along the way.

     The Union mounted column reached Barber’s Plantation, near the St. Mary’s River, on February 10.  While attempting to cross the river, they were engaged in a skirmish with a Confederate force numbering around 200 to 300 troops.  Driving off their opponents, the Union forces reached Lake City.  Here General Finegan gathered a force of 490 infantry, 110 cavalry, and two cannons which drove back the Federals.

     While these actions were taking place, the Union forces were considering their next move.  General Seymour seemed hesitant to advance on Lake City.  His senior officer, General Gillmore, was at Jacksonville briefly, and before returning to Hilton Head instructed Seymour not to move without orders.  However, Seymour decided to go through with the advance toward Lake City.  Some of the Federal force would remain as a garrison in Jacksonville.  On February 19, 5,500 Union soldiers were at Barber’s Plantation.

     The Confederates had already received their re-enforcements.  With some 4,600 infantry, 600 cavalry, and 12 artillery pieces, the Confederate army was now nearly the same size as the opposing Union army.  General Finegan moved his force to the small town of Olustee, around ten miles east of Lake City.  Here the railroad passed over a narrow stretch of dry terrain.  With swamps and bays to the south and a large lake called Ocean Pond to the north, the Confederates built earthwork fortifications.  Here they would wait for the Federals.  The stage was now set for the battle.

     On the morning of February 20, 1864, the Union army set out from Barber’s Plantation.  The army was organized into three infantry brigades, one cavalry brigade, and the artillery, which had 16 cannons.  With the cavalry force in advance,  the Union troops moved in three columns on the Lake City and Jacksonville Road, which ran along the Florida Atlantic and Gulf Coast Railroad.

     Early in the afternoon, the Union mounted troops began skirmishing with small forces of Confederate cavalry.  General Finegan had sent his cavalry forward to draw the Federals toward the Confederate defenses.  However, the skirmishing grew more intense.  More Confederate troops were sent forward, and the battle beginning in earnest some two miles from the Confederate works.

     The two forces clashed in an open pine forest free of underbrush.  Skirmishers of the 7th Connecticut Infantry advanced against the Southern cavalry.  The 64th Georgia Infantry and the 32nd Georgia Infantry soon came to support their Confederate comrades.  Thinking the opposing troops were only a cavalry force, the Georgia infantry formed a square, an infantry tactic used to defend against cavalry.  However, the Southern horsemen reported Union infantry and artillery was also approaching; the troops in the square would be easy targets.  The Georgians broke the square and fell back.  More Confederate infantry and the artillery was advancing at this point, and the troops from the square took up positions flanking the cannons.

     The 7th Connecticut put up a sharp fight, armed with 7-shot Spencer repeating rifles.  As they pulled back, General Seymour advanced a Union brigade consisting of the 7th Connecticut Infantry, the 7th New Hampshire Infantry, and the 8th U.S. Colored Troops.  These regiments came onto the field and formed into a line of battle.

     The 7th New Hampshire moved up onto the Union right but was soon in trouble.  The Confederates were directing heavy fire at the regiment.  The situation was complicated when the regiment received a wrong order and was soon thrown into confusion.  The 7th New Hampshire broke and ran to the rear.  The Confederates now swung their fire to the 8th U.S. Colored Troops on the left of the Union line.  Though they had never been in battle before, the 8th U.S. held their position for some time as the fighting intensified.  The Confederate artillery took heavy fire and was out of action briefly, but the 8th U.S. broke and ran with heavy casualties.

     Additional Confederate troops came forward and the Southern forces began to advance in a line that reached a mile in length, north to south.  Another Union brigade also entered the battle, but the Confederates began pushing back the Federal line and captured several of the Union cannons.  However, the Confederate advance soon faced a serious threat: ammunition was running short. Confederates searched through cartridge boxes of fallen soldiers for more cartridges.

     The Confederates began to fall back, but Colonel A. H. Colquitt, commanding the Confederate right, managed to rally his troops. Some of the regiments held their positions in spite of the fact that their cartridge boxes were empty.    Ammunition was brought to the battlefield from Olustee, along with more  troops who supported the Confederate left.

     With re-enforcements and a new supply of ammunition, the Southern line began to advance again.  The Confederate left soon flanked the Union right and inflicted enormous casualties on their blue-clad opponents.

     With nearly one-third of the Union force casualties and the Confederates advancing, General Seymour gave the order to retreat.  The 35th U.S. Colored Troops and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, also a colored regiment, came forward and held back the Confederates briefly as the Federal regiments withdrew from the field.  The 54th Massachusetts, 7th Connecticut, and the Union cavalry covered the retreat.  The Confederates made only a modest pursuit of the Federals until night fell and the fighting ceased.

     The Battle of Olustee, called the Battle of Ocean Pond by the Federals, lasted some four to five hours. Union casualties were 203 killed, 1,152 wounded, and 506 missing, a total of 1,861.  Confederate losses were 93 killed, 847 wounded, and 6 missing, a total of 946.  The Union troops also lost five cannons, 1600 rifles, 400 sets of accoutrements, and 130,000 rounds of ammunition.  The battle ended Union efforts to restore Florida to the Union.  Jacksonville was occupied for the rest of the war by Union troops.

     Today the battlefield is preserved at Olustee Battlefield State Historic Site, nestled among the pine trees of the Osceola National Forest.  An interpretive center relates the history of the battle.  There are monuments to both Union and Confederate soldiers who fought in the battle.  Trails wander through the woods where the battle took place.  Markers are located  along the trails showing battle positions where  some of the regiments fought, as well as other historical markers detailing some of the battle.  The Battle of Olustee is re-enacted annually in February at the site of the original battle.  Olustee Battlefield State Historic Site is located on Highway 90, fifteen miles east of Lake City.

Written by Major Keith Kohl 4th Fl. Co. G., C.S.A. Infantry

In my last article I stated that Gen. Hooker set up the DEPARTMENT of military information. I was mistaken, it was a bureau. The difference is mainly money and scope.  A department would have its own resources to be autonomous of any other entity and control several other entities at the same time.  Like the Justice Department is the agency where the money for the Federal Bureau of Investigation comes from.  That's how it was originally set up anyway.

Now I had mentioned how the signal corps was an intelligence gathering agency for the Army of the Potomac (AoP). Well you need to understand something about the early signal corps.  A new battlefield communication system had been developed by a MAJ Albert J. Myer, an army surgeon in his early thirties.  He was working on communication for the deaf and blind until his experiments led him to develop in the late 1850s the aerial, or "wigwag," system for military use.  The signal corps flags you see at Brooksville.  Talk to the signal corps guys to find out how the MAJ adopted Morse code to this new way to communicate on the battlefield that no other country in the world had.  Amazing that a simple way to communicate with flags had not been used in an army before this.

Now the union was not the first to employ this system in the war.  That was the confederates that used it first. You see MAJ Myer had an apprentice.  This apprentice was none other than a young CPT E Porter Alexander.  Yes the man that on a July day in 1863  commanded all of the Confederate artillery at Gettysburg.  Alexander at First Bull Run had in place a small signal corps and was sending messages and helping to move the army.

Now both sides had a similar signal corps using similar systems of codes.  This and the fact that the signal corps had to set up stations for their flag men and observers so they needed to scout ahead.  So they were good eyes immediately ahead to the army on terrain and possible enemy positions. They would also read the other sides messages and report that to headquarters.  Sometimes on the Union side (which is the side I have read the most on right now) they would send false messages to be intercepted and acted upon by the Confederate forces.  Such as Chancellorsville where a false message was crafted by GEN Butterfield (yes the guy who wrote taps) to lure confederate cavalry out of position so GEN Hooker could flank the confederate line in a gap found by a farmer spy.

For further reading on this subject I recommend "The Secret War for the Union" by Edwin C. Fishel published by Mariner Books. What makes this book stand out is the guy found a roomful of reports in the national archives in 1959 and incorporated other items. The real kicker is the author served thirty years in intelligence starting in World War II to include Chief Intelligence Officer at the National Security Agency and also director of National Cryptologic School Press.

Pvt. Martin J. Hickey, 97th PVI., Clearwater, FL.

Olustee Memoirs....There are a number of memoirs or accounts of the Battle of Olustee from both sides on the Battle of Olustee WWW site at http://extlab7.entnem.ufl.edu/olustee/   Here are two more - from the Confederate side.

The memoirs of Lawrence Jackson.  Who served with Company C. 2nd Florida Cavalry, are available on the site.  Written many decades after the battle, this old man's account of meeting the elephant as a youth is an example of blurred memories and crystal-clear recollections of the time before, during and after the battle.  If this account stirs you then hunt down Bob McLendon, Captain of the present day 2nd Florida Cavalry reenacting unit, who will relate Jackson's behavior during the Battle of Gainesville and how he lived out his days in Alachua County.

Edgar Crossett, of Atlanta, provided a real treasure by sharing his great grandfather's memoirs of Florida before, during and immediately after the war.  Young James M. Dancy, served for a short period in Dickinson's cavalry and then transferred to an artillery battery.  His account of life in Florida during the war is so fascinating that I just had to post even those parts that didn't concern Olustee.  As a result, we now have one soldier's experiences that spans his experiences from training camp to Olustee to Horse Landing to Natural Bridge and all the daily minutiae in between.

Road Kill Stew

8 cups of water
1 package onion soup mix
2 tsp instant beef bullion
1/2 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic minced or crushed
2 lb beef, raccoon, opossum, squirrel or whatever is the freshest
1 medium onion quartered
4 large potatoes cut up
6 carrots cut up
Bisquick

Combine water and next 5 ingredients in dutch oven.
Add meat and veggies.
Cover and cook all day.
About 20 minutes before serving time mix bisquick dough and drop by spoon
on top of bubbling stew and bake until browned.
 

David Mullins wrote....In response to the recent point/counterpoint presentation, I’d like to offer some clarification.

I never meant to imply that I take The South Was Right for the gospel truth from cover to cover. It’s a decidedly biased book written by a couple of guys who sound like they’re mad as hell and aren’t going to take it anymore. But if we disregard the personal observations and reminiscences of the alleged victims because they cannot be substantiated in the "official record", we must also disregard our system of justice since it is mainly established on circumstantial evidence. As I see it, the alleged perpetrators composed most of the "official record" detailing the Civil War. Certainly not an unbiased source. I found much of the Kennedy’s book to be thought provoking; it definitely made me look at things a bit differently. As for the critics - if we all listened to critics, none of us would have bothered to see the motion picture Gettysburg!

I did not say that the Constitution granted the right of secession. My point was that it doesn’t address the issue at all. Many have used Article I, section 10 as a basis for declaring the Southern action an insurrection. I disagree. I think it may be reasonably argued that the Constitution of the United States applies only to states within the Union. Since the Constitution does not specifically forbid secession, and since South Carolina seceded from that Union and declared herself to be an independent nation on December 20, 1860, I’d have to say that this article no longer applied and she could enter into any "Treaty, Alliance or Confederation" of her choosing. When six other states quickly followed her lead, she did just that by entering into a confederation with them on February 18, 1861. I wonder how the Southern states would have reacted if the New England states had followed through with the secession ordinance they adopted at Hartford in 1814? Would the South have declared this a rebellion and invaded New England to force her back into the Union? ‘Tis a point to ponder.

I do not believe that Robert E. Lee lost the Civil War. Lee did not become commanding general over all of the Confederate armies until February, 1865. Until then, he was not responsible for the war in the West and by then the war was already lost. It is true that he argued against dividing his army and sending half to raise the siege of Vicksburg, favoring an invasion of Pennsylvania instead, but the final decision was Davis’s. I suppose it was hard to argue with success. Besides, in hindsight Vicksburg wasn’t that important strategically. For a country with no navy, the railheads of Chattanooga and Atlanta were much more critical. When Lee sent Longstreet’s corps to reinforce Bragg in North Georgia it resulted in the only major victory the South had in the West - Chickamauga. But that victory was squandered and the war in the West was lost when Bragg failed to follow up and drive Rosecrans out of Chattanooga when he had the clear opportunity. This failure doomed Atlanta and, arguably, the Southern war effort. You can’t blame that on General Lee.

I am glad we are one nation under God and, hopefully, indivisible once and for all. But the Civil War was a tragedy that never should have happened. I feel that the South was unjustly driven to seek independence. And I certainly do not believe that anything in the way of social progress was achieved by that war which could not have been better achieved had things been left alone. I don’t believe there are many credible historians who believe that Southern slavery would have lasted into the 20th century. How much more beneficial would it have been for everyone had emancipation been gradual, deliberate and orderly? We will never know the answer to that question, but we do know the tragic results of sudden, unplanned emancipation and radical reconstruction. The bitterness and strife remain with us to this day.

Lastly, I have never argued that slavery had nothing to do with the war. That would be foolhardy. Slavery, the tariff, nullification - these were all major issues of the 19th century. But I believe that these were mere catalysts which ignited the eventual conflict. The bedrock foundation of the Southern cause was something much more fundamental in my view and, as with all wars, morality had little to do with it.

What follows is an essay I’ve written to continue the theme I began in my original point. I hope it gives readers pause for further thought.

Former Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase once said that state’s rights died at Appomattox. He was quite correct. Americans today have no concept of state’s rights or state sovereignty, so we cannot possibly appreciate the full significance many 19th Century Americans placed in these doctrines.

Why would a man like Robert E. Lee, the most favored officer in the United States Army, a man who had everything to lose - wealth, position, prestige, power - walk away from a lifetime of distinguished service to follow his native state out of the Union? Why, in fact, did Virginia leave the Union in the first place? Why would a poor dirt farmer from Middle Tennessee respond to the question, "What are you fighting for?" with, "I’m fighting for my rights!"?

What rights? What were the motivations of the "Lost Cause"? The politically correct mantra of today lulls many people into believing that the Southern struggle was all about the perpetuation and proliferation of slavery. Indeed, an objective study of modern textbooks and narratives on the subject reveals a whitewash as insidious as the Warren Report; volumes of compiled facts and documentation which, in the end, only lead you to a predetermined, unobjective and desired conclusion.

General Lee was defending his native soil against federal intrusion. Virginia, though it had one of the largest slave populations of any state, did not secede over the question of slavery; in fact many, if not most, of the wealthy planters opposed secession. They knew that the institution of slavery was more secure within the Union rather than within a militarily weak confederation of sister states struggling for independence. Virginia, nevertheless, seceded on April 17, 1861, four days after the fall of Fort Sumter, because President Lincoln, two days before, had ordered the state militias, including that of Virginia, to prepare for an invasion of South Carolina. Virginia, whose leaders had been resisting secession, refused and left the Union on the grounds that Lincoln had provoked the Southern action at Fort Sumter and then violated the Constitution by calling out the militias without the consent of Congress. Secession invited a federal invasion of Virginia and Robert E. Lee would have none of it! He said that a union which must be kept together by force held no charm for him.

It is also clear that our poor dirt farmer was not fighting for the right to own slaves, and it should be equally clear that he would have no particular interest in the rights of slaveowners. Slavery played little or no role in this farmer’s daily struggle to survive. If anything, it was more harmful than beneficial. What this fellow and the vast majority of Southern men like him were actually fighting for was the right to be left alone. As Jefferson Davis declared, "We are not fighting for slavery. We are fighting for independence. . .and that, or extermination, we shall have!" Strong, emotional sentiments such as these advocating state sovereignty and Southern independence were common among the rank and file of the Confederacy. This fact is bourne out in the letters and journals of the soldiers themselves, as well as in the published observations of European emissaries attached to the Southern army.

What of the popularly accepted assertion that the South seceded only to protect the institution of slavery and for no other reason or principle? A superficial study of the facts would certainly lead one to that seemingly obvious conclusion. It is a fact that four states, South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia and Texas put it in writing; it is a fact that some among the Southern political leadership said as much in fiery oratory. But these declarations were made boldly for all the world to see and hear for a purpose. The South did not want war; she was seeking peaceful separation on legal, constitutional grounds. For, regardless of one’s personal views on slavery as either righteous and beneficial or abhorrent and wicked, it was unquestionably recognized by the Constitution of the United States and protected by Federal law. Considering the bitter agitation the Abolitionists had fomented against the "peculiar institution" over the previous 30 years, a wholly unjustifiable abandonment of the rule of calm and reasoned debate in favor of mad fanaticism and, in many instances, flagrant violations of the law, the South definitely had a grievance, but not a "cause", in the issue of slavery.

The slavery motive is exposed as an obvious pretense when some crucial, yet oft-neglected details are considered - details which reveal that, in the immediate period before the war, the institution of slavery had never been more secure. In 1850 the Fugitive Slave Law was passed by Congress to bolster language already found in the Constitution (Article IV, Section 2); in 1854 the Kansas-Nebraska Act effectively nullified the Missouri Compromise, conferring the question of slavery to the people of a given territory regardless of its geographic location; although a major plank in the Republican Party platform had been to halt the expansion of slavery, the Supreme Court, in 1857, ruled that Congress had no authority to interfere with slavery in the territories; President Lincoln stated that he had no right to interfere with slavery and no personal inclination to do so; President Lincoln had pledged to enforce the fugitive slave laws; President Lincoln supported a new constitutional amendment (ironically to be the 13th) protecting slavery forever. This proposed amendment was passed by Congress and signed by President Lincoln in March, 1861 as an incentive for the seceded states to rejoin the Union. These states were unmoved, however, and without their presence in Congress the amendment was never ratified. Be that as it may, it would seem that the federal government was bending over backwards to appease the South on the slavery issue.

Even without a constitutional amendment expressly protecting slavery, there was still no cause for apprehension on the part of the South. The power to abolish slavery within the states was not delegated to the United States, but was reserved to the sovereign states themselves. It would, therefore, require a constitutional amendment ratified by a majority of the states to effectively abolish slavery throughout the United States, and the Abolitionists simply did not have the numbers necessary to ratify such an amendment. Article V, Section 1 of the Constitution requires ratification by three fourths of all the States in the Union. There were a total of 15 slave states in 1860. Assuming these 15 states would have formed a solid bloc against such an amendment, there were not, and still aren’t enough states in the Union to have a three fourths majority over that bloc. That would take 45 states voting in the affirmative for a total of 60 voting states!

One must ask, where was the threat to slavery and, if there was no real threat, why risk everything by seceding and fighting a war to preserve it? It would seem an unlikely scenario, if not totally ludicrous. Yet American History, as it is written and as it is taught, presents this illogical rationale as the only legitimate motive for Southern separation. Napoleon Bonaparte once said, "History is lies agreed upon." How true.

The problems that tore the nation apart were far more complex than what can be summed up in one single issue. I find one of the better statements on the subject to be the following by Bruce Catton:

"The deeper meaning of the American Civil War, for the people who lived through it and for us today, goes beyond the historian’s grasp. Here was an event so complex, so deeply based in human emotions, so far-reaching in its final effects, that understanding it is likely to be a matter primarily for the emotions rather than for the cold analysis of facts. It was an experience that was probably felt more deeply than anything else that ever happened to us. We cannot hope to understand it unless we share in that feeling, simply because the depth and intensity of the feeling are among the war’s principal legacies."

Was it all about slavery? Those of us who disagree and remain unashamed of our Southern heritage are said to be suffering from "Lost Cause Syndrome". I remain unconvinced.

David Mullins

Capt. S.L. Tompkins.....In Sept 9 of 1861 Pres. Davis commissioned Sally L Tompkins of Richmond as a captain of cavalry.  The reason... ? The hospital which she had established after First Bull Run proved to have a remarkable recovery rate, becoming thereby the only woman to hold a regular commission as an officer on either side during the war.

It's Over....On August 20th, 1866, President Johnson formally declared the Civil War over, months after the fighting had stopped.

Decision.....General Jeb Stuart received a telegram that was every father's nightmare.   His beloved little girl, Flora, was dying.  By his reply, he made a sacrifice that only a father can imagine.  He said.... "I shall have to leave my child in the hands of GOD. My duty to my country requires me here."

For Sale...Gun Socks.....Ed Smith (79th N.Y. Co. B) has some gun socks (padded) for sale.  (I have seen photos of them and they look good.)  These socks were made by reenactors for reenactors.  Made of Duck Canvas (water resistant with a fleece lining with rawhide ties) they will fit any rifle.  These items have been made by the ladies of a local unit.  All proceeds will go to advancing Living History Scouting.  $30.00 each.  Contact Ed Smith at (727) 526-2851 or email at edscout@aol.com

For Sale....The south Florida Order of the Confederate Rose has printed and is offering for sale a cookbook.  In this edition, they have recipes for sweets from their kitchens.  The cost is $2.00.  The books are for sale at the Confederate Rose sutlery or by mail.  17 Seville Circle, Davie, Fl., 33324.

For Sale.....5th Wheel travel trailer - Only used 1 week-end -- Like new.  1996 Nomad with large living/dining slide-out.  Full bathroom with large shower, full solid oak kitchen (never used), master queen bedroom, ducted AC, much storage, Luggage rack w/ladder, awning, and many more deluxe extras.  Tilting 5th wheel trailer hitch included. $12,900.  Contact Sandy or Frank Brock at sjabrock@aol.com or call (727) 934-0511.

For Sale.....Trailer, 8ft bed, utility box, tall cap lights. Equipped with new air shocks, rear and two side doors and a luggage rack. Black with white cap. Perfect to haul your gear. Asking $800.00. Please contact Joe Kemmerer at 407-461-1382.

For Sale.....Horse.  Four year old Gelding Appendix.  Mostly Thoroughbred.  16.1 hands.  Tried and tested in battle. Very sweet nature, easy mouth and handling.  Needs someone who can stable him and work with him on a more continual basis than I am able to.  Needs a little more weight, but a nice looking horse.  I would like $2000.00, but will take offers.  Contact Mark Rolph at mrolph@bellsouth.net

January 24, 2002.  The Greater Orlando Civil War Roundtable will meet at the Marks Street Senior Center at 7:30pm.  The program will be presented by Thomas Fasulo.  "Reenactor of living historian - What is the difference and which is more fun?"  Contact Ruth Wood at flrb@bitstorm.net for more information.

February 2, 3, 2002.  Fort Clinch State Park Fernandina Beach.  Federal (Union Army) Garrison and Living History. Admission to Park: $3.25 per car. Admission to Fort: $2. Also check at gate for possible candlelight tour on Saturday night. Candlelight tour admission is $3.  Contact the park at (904) 277-7274.

February 2, 3, 2002.  Renningers/Townsend Battle (Mt. Dora)  Two battles.  100 acres to camp and fight on.  Living history exhibits, folk music, weaponry demonstrations, authentic camps, ladies tea, Sunday church service, and sutlers.  Usual amenities.  Cash prize for largest unit and best drills.  Dress ball with 97th Regimental String Band.  Full scale artillery ,cavalry, and soldiers in period dress and weaponry.  Cavalry wanted.  Bounty paid for artillery and cavalry.  This event is North of Orlando on Hwy 441 just a couple of miles from Mt. Dora.  Look for the signs.  As you start down the big hill look for the flea market.  Behind Renningers flea market on East side of road. Contact Clay Townsend or Stacy Woods, (407) 422-5560 or Mike Hardy mhardy@jag.net

February 15, 16, 17, 2002.  The 25th annual Battle of Olustee (North Florida) Olustee National Battlefield.  The event is a Hardy's 2nd Battalion maximum effort event.  This is one of the largest reenactments in Florida and takes place on the actual site where the Battle of Ocean Pond (Olustee) was fought. There are miles of sutlers on sutler row.  Anything you need for reenacting can be found here.  No reenactor registration fee.  Full scale artillery only.  Education day (Friday 16th) The Ladies of the Golden Teacup will organize educational tours for the school kids.  All individuals or groups interested in presenting a 10-15min. demonstration, contact US13Ind@aol.com or call (904) 731-8383 to indicate the program you would like to present.  All presenters must attend an orientation meeting on Thursday the 15th in the evening.  Volunteers are needed to help during the school tours as tour guides.  The guides will escort kids in small groups accompanied by their teacher or chaperone around numbered, marked stations at 15 min. intervals.  NO PETS.  Due to concerns for public safety, no fur bearing animals such as cats and dogs will be allowed during the reenactment activities.  This does not apply to horses or birds.The Ladies of the Golden Teacup will be organizing civilian activities.  The program will consist of a workshop on Saturday and a nationally known speaker on civilian/ladies issues on Sunday between church services and the battle.  Get here early.  The crowds get big fast and sign-in and parking can be a hassle.  Last year the weather was perfect but be prepared for cold and rain. The battlefield is located just twenty miles East of Lake City and I-75 and 50 miles West of Jacksonville.  Take I-75 to Hwy. 90 exit.  Go East on Hwy. 90.  The field is about 20 miles East of Lake City on Hwy. 90  Drive slow the signs have been small and hard to see in the past.  There is an outstanding web site for this event at  http://extlab7.entnem.ufl.edu/Olustee/  The Olustee event is worth the drive.  Contact, Olustee Battle State Historic Site (386) 397-2733 or (386) 758-0400 or email sfoster@alltel.net

February 22, 23, 24, 2002. Fort Desoto.  The 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Re-enactment Regiment, in cooperation with the Friends of Fort Desoto, Inc., will host an American Civil War Weekend Encampment and Historical Battle Re-enactment at the Fort Desoto Park located in Tierre Verde on the Southern-most tip of Pinellas County, Florida.  The civil war era camps will be open to the public from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. each day.  Participants will be depicting both Union and Confederate infantry, artillery, cavalry, and civilian impressions. On Friday, February 22, 2002, the camps will be open for tours by elementary school children from surrounding cities and counties.  On Saturday and Sunday, camps will be open to the public with ongoing events all day, climaxing with an historical battle re-enactment of the "Battle of Ballast Point" each afternoon at 1:00 pm.  Other civil war activities will include period sutlers and vendors, a mock military trial and execution, artillery demonstrations, infantry drills, 'ladies afternoon tea', drum and fife music performances, civil war medical demonstration, and games such as horseshoes, frying pan toss contest, baseball.  Come join the fun and participate/donate to our special 'jail-n-bail' activity by having someone special arrested and placed into our Fort Desoto Jail by one of our roving infantry squads.  A limited number of modern camping spaces will be available on a first contact, first served basis.  Contact us for your reservation now, because modern campers showing up on the day of the event without a reservation will not be allowed to camp.  Firewood, Hay, and Ice will be provided by the 97th PA.  Powder rations will be given to participating artillery units.  ANY participants arriving early and setting up camps for the Friday 'school day' will also be given powder rations for their time.  For more information, contact David Glenn at (727) 596-7698, email: dglennjr@hotmail.com or David Kreiger at (727) 796-8208, email: Radm1@aol.com, or write to: 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, P.O. Box 554, Pinellas Park, Florida, 34664-0554

February 28, 2002. The Greater Orlando Civil War Roundtable will meet at the Marks Street Senior Center at 7:30pm.  The program will be presented by Robert Lynn.  "Florida Cattle and Salt Industry During The Civil War" Contact Ruth Wood at flrb@bitstorm.net for more information.

March 15, 16, 2002.  Bridgeport, Alabama. I NEED MORE INFORMATION. CAN ANYONE HELP WITH THIS?  The directions are, take I 75 to Chattanooga, Tenn. Then northwest on I-24 to the So. Pittburg, Tenn exit. Exit on to US72  and go west, follow the roadsign to Scottsboro which will take you into Bridgeport. Go through Bridgeport on 72 and when you clear town on the west side, you will see the battle sign on the side of the road. It's about 2 miles down the road.

March 1, 2, 3, 2001.  Gainesville, Alabama.  The 4th Alabama Cavalry (dismounted) will be hosting "The Battle of Gainesville".  All re-enactors, sutlers, and spectators are welcome.  For information contact Capt. Mike Graham - Email: mgraham@uwa.edu & 1st. Sgt. Brian Walters - E-mail: walters9@mindspring.com.

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