The Last Roll Call.........Jimmy Shirley (7th Fl. Strawhats) wrote to let us all know of the passing of a fellow reenactor.  Jimmy wrote........
"I would like to honor a fine fellow reenactor and a friend who has recently passed away.  Buck Wittel.  Buck was born in 1942, in Richmond, Va.  He died Jan.2, 2004.  He was a machinist for most of his life, as well as a policeman, fireman and also an EMT.  He was in the Army for 13 years.  He graduated from the Health Science Academy in Texas in the Army.  He was then a Physician's Assistant.
  He moved to Palm Beach county about 14 years ago.  Although he was a reenactor, poor health prevented him from falling in with any of the Fla. troops. In the mid eighties he portrayed a surgeon with Mahones Brigade 61st Virginia.  The photo below is of Buck and his wife Jerri.
  I met him first, three years ago at our SCV meeting and developed a fast friendship.  As I said, his health had been declining for years.  He attended meetings when he could and visited us at the Old Civil War Museum at the South Florida Fair".

Photo.........The photo above is a still life of Pvt. Arthur 'Gred' Theurer (7th FL Co. B.) camp and battle accoutrements.  The items were arranged and the photo was taken by Kathy Heitman, also known as Photos by Kathy "The Picture Lady".

More Photos........Other photos of the Brooksville Reenactment taken by "Photos by Joe" may now be viewed online at: www.photosbyjoe.biz

Sick Call........Wendell (David) Rose is a long time compatriot in the Sons of Confederate Veterans and an officer in the SCV 14th Brigade.  Additionally he is the Sgt. Maj. of the 7th Florida Volunteer Infantry  Regiment Company B. (the Straw Hats).  David Rose is in JFK Hospital.  Thankfully he is in  good spirits.  The Straw Hats ask that you pray for him that Our Lord may be merciful and heal him.

Latin.........My request in the last issue of the News Magazine for a Latin translation was answered almost instantly by Kathy and Amy Sawyer and Fred Ashby.  Thank you for your help.

CSA Memorial Day.........Gregory Chappell (Boatswain, C.S.S.  Spray St. Marks Naval Station Fla.) sent this item in.........
Fellow Southerners,
There is a General bill by Dawson, this bill will do away with Confederate Memorial Day, and Jefferson Davis's birthday as legal state holidays.  This bill is in committee, if they receive enough e-mails,calls and letters we can kill it before it ever reaches the floor.  Please write a letter to your state senator and in a few words tell them that you are against this bill.  If you keep it short then the chances of it being read are usually greater.  Please don't wait, for if this bill passes, what's next.... re-enacting?  We need to make a stand.  If we don't stand up for our Southern Rights now who will?  Please pass this info on to all that support the Cause.  The Florida Senate web site is www.flsenate.gov  the site has the bill and the e-mail of the senators.  THANK YOU for your swift attn. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

Big News.........Well, it happened.  As many of you know but for those who don't........About a year ago Joe Williams (1st Manassas Light Artillery) made the comment that he may want to sell his 3" ordnance rifle and limber.  Time went on and Lorraine and I made sure that Joe knew we were interested in the cannon if it ever came on the market.  Last week Wednesday Joe called and said he would consider and that he had pretty much decided to sell the cannon.  Lorraine without hesitation said let's get it.  Joe decided to sell the gun for sure Monday morning.  I drove over Monday afternoon and purchased the cannon, picked it up and it is now sitting in our driveway.
  Lorraine has let me know that this is her gun and I can not touch it other than to fix, clean, paint, and maintain it.  It will not go out of the driveway unless she says it can.  She is deciding what to call it.  Lorraine may (Joe granted his permission) want to retain the designation of the 1st Manassas Light Artillery.   She is thinking about considering the cannon a reserve artillery because the gun will not be at all events that our 10th Tenn. attends.  It could be "1st Manassas Light Artillery assigned to the 10th Tenn. Reserve Artillery Battery".  It may be designated "1st Manassas Light Artillery attached to 1st Battalion Reserve Light Artillery, Hardy's Brigade".  I have no say so in what she calls it.  Lorraine is reading the history of the Reserve Artillery at this very moment and she will make this decision.  Read the information below and it will help explain what we mean.
  A quote from the History of the Bedford Light Artillery...."Up to this time, the Company did not belong to a battalion nor was it attached to any command, but went where its services were most needed; sometimes with Magruder and sometimes with Huger.  But about this time, it is put into a battalion with the companies of Parker, Woolfolk, and Eubank.  Delaware Kemper is assigned to its command with the rank of Major.  The battalion so formed is known as "Kemper's Battalion, Reserve Artillery," Army of Northern Virginia.  In this, "Battalion Reserve Artillery" the Bedford Light Artillery was ever afterwards designated, Battery A.  But the term Reserve Artillery was meant, that it was unattached to any division, but held in readiness to be rapidly moved from any part of the battle line, at any moment, by companies or as a whole, to any point most heavily attacked or threatened; and not, as might be supposed, held in the rear to be used if needed".
  She will most likely take it to only Mt. Dora (if we can get a crew together), Narcoossee and Olustee this season.  I would like to take it apart and refurbish every piece of it so it will be out of commission for the rest of the season.  We will be repairing, cleaning and painting the gun and trailer.  If you would like to help, let me know.

New Andersonville Information..........New updated information about the Andersonville reenactment has just been sent to me.  The new date and contact person are as follows.....
May 28, 29, 30, 2004.  Andersonville battle in Andersonville, Georgia at the Pioneer Park.  Hosted by 41st Georgia Inf. Co. I.   There will be two battles and lots of sutlers with many antique and craft shopping opportunities at the businesses along main street.  The Andersonville Civil War Museum and the POW Museum are also very close.  Free indoor showers and restrooms, camping both modern and authentic, firewood, straw, water.  Powder ration for artillery.  Saturday night dance with The Rebel Airs band.   This is a nice little battle for spectators and reenactors alike.  Andersonville is 9 miles North of Americus, GA.  The reenactment site is in Andersonville itself; by the railroad tracks.  To get there, take I-75 North.  Exit at Americus.  Turn West towards  Columbus and travel approximately 5 miles and turn right at Andersonville Historical Monument.  Turn right and travel 12 miles to the battle.  Contact John Greene at info@brigadesutler.com

Women's Dress Code..........Jan Hill forwarded this information to me and asked me to let everyone know about it.  Women take special note of the information below...... 

The Hunley Funeral web-site shows only the guidelines for uniforms, (those guidelines state no synthetic fabrics will be allowed), and  since many women are spending the money to put together their "widows weeds" I emailed Kay at the Hunley web-site. I asked about Guidelines for the Ladies who plan to attend the Funeral for the Hunley Crew.  Here are the 2 e-mails I received in response.

Are synthetics allowed for trim, ribbons, veils, gloves as long as the visual effect is true to period?  In other words does it mirror the look of silk/cotton/wool?  Synthetic blend fabrics?  The answer to that is the same as for the first question.  Some fabric blends fall far short of achieving the look we strive to achieve, while others need a burn test to reveal the cheat.  Some of the women most driven by authenticity find a blended fabric in their wardrobe every now and again.  I would also include buttons in this discussion.  Covered buttons, jet, glass etc., are ideal, but there are a number of plastic buttons out there that will provide proper visual effect if not examined too closely.  All of which is to say that there is no fixed standard for authenticity of these items for civilians.  We do trust that everyone who comprehends the look will make every effort to execute it within the constraints of their personal budgets.

I know the subject of what is period correct attire for the funeral is on many women's minds.  And there are two schools of thought to guide us through the decision making about what to wear. 

The first school of thought is that these men to be honored are "sons of the South" adopted by everyone. In this case, they should be honored as we would immediate members of our families.  That is, we should be turned out in complete "Widow's Weeds" of first/full mourning. The guidelines for that follow.

    Dress - black lusterless fabric. Nothing shiny or reflective - no  satins, brocades, shiny silks.  They used wool crepe of a variety which is unavailable today. Silk and poly crepes are available as well as simple cottons.

    Buttons - black lusterless, no jet or glass

    Undersleeves - white or black

    Jewelry - lusterless

    Black Bonnet - can have white or deep purple trim

    Mourning Veil - lusterless black chiffon or georgette.  The veil length was individually determined - shoulder, elbow or calf lengths are acceptable.

    Gloves - black leather

    Underpinnings - white trimmed in black

    Shoes/purse - black lusterless fabric

The second school of thought is that the men are in actuality not members of our families and so can be accorded honor by wearing colors in keeping with half mourning and less.  The length and degree of mourning display was dictated generally by custom and specifically by what individual communities expected. 

    Half/Second Mourning - return to wearing jewelry, including gold, enameled pieces, hairwork.  Shinier fabrics, trims and buttons. Bonnet, but no veil. 

    Late Mourning - return to colors in solids, prints and plaids, gray, lavender, lilac. Bonnet.

    Condolence - colors which reflect sympathy and respect for the deceased's family.  Same as late mourning. Bonnet.

Any outerwear, shawls, capes or coats should be apropos the stage of mourning you choose.  Ladies dressed in full mourning will be grouped together in the funeral procession.  Those wearing condolence colors will walk with the other civilian reenactors.

Well, the Raid is over and again this year it was a tremendous success.  The sutlers and reenactors started arriving on Wednesday before the Raid and by Friday morning we had over 100 authentic reenactors and 36 Sutlers set up for our education day event.  The 1,800 plus students started arriving in school buses at 09:00am and continued until around 1:00 o’clock.  Since all the camping and battlefield were completely different than previous years, a lot of changes had to be done, but everything went smooth and the children had a great time.  I have gotten many positive feedbacks from the schools, teachers and chaperones who attended.  Thanks to all the reenactors and sutlers who participated and especially Lt. Col. Riker and Judy Everett and her staff who were in charge of the Education Day event.  Next year Education Day will be held January 14th, 2005.

By Saturday morning, The Brewers and their staff at registration had registered over 3,700 reenactors (including their families) for the event and 61 Sutlers were set up and ready to go.  The 22 cannons and approx. 59 cavalry horses were checked and registered and ready to go.

The spectators started arriving around 8:30am Saturday morning and did not stop until around 3:30, which is when we closed the gate for admission to get ready for the thousands of cars to leave.  As usual, Bo Knowles and the gate staff did a superb job of collecting the money at the gate with minimal backup of cars.  Thanks.  We ran out of disabled parking around 12:00 because of the tremendous attendance and had to shuttle them in on the people movers, donated by Florida Motor Coach and John Mason Tractor, that we were using to get people near the battlefield.  Considering the thousands of spectators (Approx. 13,000 Saturday) everything moved well.  We had some problems getting the disabled back to their cars in the people movers because to the heavy traffic of cars leaving, but overall the trams worked well.

Christine and Janet Daniels did a superb job at the Ladies Tea with many praises from attendees.  The tent was full and everyone had a great time…. Thanks, Chris and Janet.

General Hardy and his staff did an exceptional job putting the battle on in an area never tried before.  Thanks to Bob Goodrich and Bob Niepert for taking care of the powder bounty and the hay for the horses.  It sure takes a load off of our staff.  I was busy with spectator traffic and never got to see the battle, but most of what I heard from the spectators leaving was good job or really enjoyed it.  There were a few who (because of new battle site being flat) could not see too well but understood the circumstances.  Hopefully, water permitting, we will be back to our old battlefield next year.

All the Sutlers were delighted with the way the public had to go through Sutler’s Row to get to the battle site.  All that I talked to said it was their best year ever at the Raid.  We had record crowds and at times could not move in the aisles.  We also had to reroute the mule wagons (Thanks John) who were giving rides around the Sutler’s Row.  The rootbeer, popcorn and frybread sutlers never had a break all day.  There was always a line at each.

The Blue/Gray Ball was packed as usual and all had a great time with the 97th Regimental Band playing.  The boy scouts were in charge of refreshments this year and were more than happy with their sales.

Sunday started out to be a washout with the rain, but we decided to hang in there and go as planned and it cleared up beautifully to be a nice day.  We ended up with a around 5,000 spectators on Sunday making the weekend attendance one of our largest ever.  Thanks go to Larry for the great provost job.  I know I have missed thanks to a lot of people but you know who you are and again I appreciate and thank everyone involved.  There will be more updates and figures as they come in.  I want everyone to know that all proceeds from this event are divided equally between the Hernando Historical Association and the North Sertoma Scout Reservation.  It helps us to maintain our Train Museum and our Heritage Museum and the scouts put their proceeds into Sand Hill Scout Reservation. Again, thanks to everyone including participants and spectators for the best event ever.   If anyone has any ideas or suggestions to make this event even better, feel free to email me at janknowles@earthlink.net

Looking forward to the 25th Annual Brooksville raid Festival on January 15th and 16th.
Jan Knowles (Chairman)

Comments On The Raid..........The readers had a lot to say about Brooksville 2004.  About 99% of all the comments were positive or very positive.  It would take about five issues of the News Magazine to post everything written to me so I will just try to condense the emails into a few paragraphs.  A few of your emails were rather good so I will post them in their entirety first.  The emails went like this......

From Jill Wilson........This was our first time at Brooksville----WOW!!!   We loved it!  The only bad things were these:  We group of 9 of us (1/2 reenactors, others spectators) were sooo tired after all day of having so much fun, we didn't make it to the DANCE!   The other two problems were the food/drink lines, and no WATER fountains (thank God I brought water).  And of course the traffic lines to get to HWY 50 after the battle was UNREAL! The ladies tea was wonderful!  Of course we will all be at Brooksville next year.....Don't know if you want a civilian picture of us that we took at 4 Feathers photography studio Tent on Saturday Photographer asked my permission to use it in his studio....I love it even though I really wanted a glass type. My mother who was a great widow (pictured) fell in love with reenacting at Brooksville,  so I will never forget this reenactment for her sake,  also my niece Mikayla who is pictured in the light colored outfit was a natural 1860's girl she begged her mother (my little sis) to attend Brooksville with us......And of course my little Sarah (with doll buggy) couldn't have been more of an angel having her picture taken a hundred times on Saturday! So left to right is Mikayla Blicker, Widow is LaVonne Waldie, Confederate is Wesley Wilson Jr, sitting is Wesley Wilson Sr., girl with buggy is Sarah Wilson and at the end is Jill Wilson.   I'll never forget any of this!   Thanks for all your hard work in getting this event ready for all of us!
 

A Word From The Adjutant........I believe this was one of the best events I have ever attended.  The battles were great and I believe those who stayed the whole time really enjoyed the weekend.  Hardy's Brigade made some significant changes in its command structure with Steve Mercer elected by the company commanders as their Brigade Colonel.  Vince Byrd and Wayne Vaughan were also elected as wing commanders.  Overall the spirit in the brigade is high and I have never seen the guys work together so well!  My only negative observation was the manner in which officers overreacted to the rain on Sunday morning.  This was true in all units, not just Hardy's Brigade.  As some of the officers panicked and loaded up, so did their men.  The officers that held fast saw most of their men do likewise.  In the future, officers should follow the commanding officers decision as to when to call the event.  This would not allow a panic to develop.  On Sunday after cars began to load up, the camp was lost to being authentic and spectators were cheated and short-changed.  Officers should set a better example and hold fast when hardship ensues.  It all boils down to leadership.  Real officers are leaders and examples to the soldier on line.  This is true in a real war or in a reenactment.  Unless we begin to demand leadership from our officers, this type of thing will continue.   Vehicles in camp have been a Bain to this event from the beginning.  Every year there is a struggle to get cars and trucks out of the authentic camp before the spectators arrive.  General Hardy has vowed that next year the camp will be sealed from cars and trucks after 9am on Saturday; exceptions being made for emergencies and arrangements made to transport equipment for late arrivals.  General Hardy is absolutely correct in this and knows that no other reenactment of any quality would allow the mess we had on Sunday morning.   Overall though, and in spite of the Sunday morning panic, it was a great weekend!  I commend all the real officers and the loyal and tough soldiers that follow them.
Bob Lovell  ("Pete") 
Adjutant
Hardy's Brigade
(Photo above left, by Kathy Heitman "The Picture Lady").

To:  Brooksville Raid Committee: 
First, I want to commend you, and the other members of the Brooksville staff, for adjusting so well to the flooding at Sand Hill. It appears a lot of thought and planning went into the last several months. Personally, I thought everything went very well, considering the new battlefield, camping areas, etc. I'm speaking for myself, but I believe it is also the consensus of 2nd Florida Cavalry, that we were pleased with our camping area. We appreciated having water within our camp, and hay was good and sufficient. As a plus, we were in easy walking distance of the Federal infantry camp, and the sutlers. As for the battlefield, the ground was good, but the area was somewhat limited. I believe it can easily be superior to the old battlefield if a mower can be run through the wooded area across from the spectators to make it easier to move through the woods. I believe the battle would be better for the reenactors, and more realistic for the spectators, if all infantry and cavalry begin in the woods and work our way toward the spectators over a wider area.
Again, congratulations on a great event.
Bob McLendon
2nd Fl. Cavalry
(Photo at right, by Kathy Heitman "The Picture Lady").

I wish to commend the committee and General Hardy and staff on an excellent event.  The change of camp area worked very well for the Florida Battalion.  The wood supply was excellent and location of amenities and sutlers was convenient.  The new location of the battlefield was far superior to the old site.  The scenarios need some work, but this takes time to develop and experience will show the best use of the site.  We of the Florida Battalion hope that the site remains the same for future events. 

Your obedient servant,
D.D. Bowman
Colonel, Commanding
Florida Battalion of Infantry
Department of the Gulf, C.S. Army 

Garbage and Porta Potties......
"One problem was the garbage, not enough cans and too far away from the Confederate camp.  I don't mind hiking to the port-a-let but after dinner, it was a long walk to take the garbage out.  Sat. am garbage was overflowing the can and all around the port-a-let".

"Plenty of porta potties and well equipped and maintained".

"Porta Potties were great, especially liked the new ones.  I know that's odd but hey they were clean almost all the time; at least the ones behind camp".

Battlefield Comments.........
"Above all, I loved the whole new site set-up and especially the battlefield.  I personally hope that it will remain this way in future years' events. I went to the event sort of expecting "the worst" but I was pleasantly surprised. It was a fantastic Bville. Cheers for the event committee".

"I think the battle should have been where the CS camp was".

"Many spectators were 50/50 about the battlefield used this year.  Some said it was great and others complained about not being able to see all the action".

"I didn't care for the battlefield; it was too small, no room to move the artillery around and the reenactors were to close to the cannons.  If I were to change anything, it would be the battlefield.  "I would put the confederates back in their old camp and have the battlefield where the new confederate camp was". 

"The battlefield worked well for the military but from a spectators view, it was hard to see most of the battle. From the South and South East viewing areas almost nothing could be seen until the salute".

"The battlefield was excellent (for the reenactors), but was pretty spread out for the spectators".

"Spectator area didn't work out too well (I had family there, who arrived at 12:30 on Sat. and still ended up 6 or 7 people deep)  which was difficult to see as the "old area" was sort of "progressively" like a hill and even 20 deep you could still see.Towards the end of battle Sat., spectators thought it was over because the battle "disappeared" into the woods and a lot of them left".

"Overall the new arrangement was good.  The trees offer shade when it might be warm and sunny.  The trees offer a good exercise in reforming our lines as they break up the advance.  The trees also contained the noise of battle to a better degree than an open field, therefore making the officers do much screaming and hollering, causing much confusion in the ranks, the way it really was during the war".

"From a spectator's view,  it was not as good as the old sight. The old sight had a sort of amphitheatre effect. Viewing was much better. Maybe something can be done about that".

"The battlefield was actually a pleasant change. One wearies sometimes of the same battles on the same ground year after year. It would be my suggestion that if the original spot ever goes dry again, which it may, that the event coordinators alternate from year to year between the two sites".

"The new battlefield was a very good change.  It added life to the Brookville Raid"!

Firewood..........Editors note:  I was really disappointed to see some complaints about the firewood.  Complaints and congratulations ran about 50% with the wood.  We did the best we could.  I apologize for any inconvenience you may have had with the firewood.

"Firewood:  Excellent quality and sufficient quantity".

"Firewood seemed to be in good supply although by time we got there late Friday evening there was no ‘central supply’ for it.  All had been gathered and stockpiled near existing camps and several of the folks we asked got rather rude about it".

"Needed more fire wood".

"fire wood was the part which might have been improved but our camp didn't run out".

Overall Comments.........Editors note:  It seems that overall, almost everyone enjoyed this year's event much more than in years past.

"We were totally impressed by it all.  Perhaps "awed" might be a better description of our feelings.  Congrats on a beautiful job"!

"The other two problems were the food/drink lines, and no WATER fountains (thank God I brought water).  And of course the traffic lines to get to Hwy 50 after the battle was UNREAL"!

"Need better parking organization for re-enactors".

"Reenactor parking was a little disorganized and out of the way.  Autos in camp were troublesome".

"I enjoyed the difference in location.  It added new flavor to the Brooksville experience".

"Nothing was done to enforce authentic camping.  Next year, perhaps there can be a divider or more enforcement of the camps.  Also didn't enjoy the continuation of cars throughout the weekend".

Sutlers.........Editors note:  The first question below is something I have always wondered about.  Why do the sutlers close on Friday and Saturday night?  I know they work hard to set up their tents and need to rest and get something to eat, but a lot of us only get to go shopping on Friday night.  Once the reenactment starts, I rarely make it back during business hours.  Personally, I would rather go sutlering than to the ball.  How about it sutlers, why do you close early every night?

"Why did they all close early Saturday evening"?

"The major complaint I have as a sutler and which was also voiced by other sutlers and reenactors, especially women in gowns was the mule train dropping crap all down the rows of sutlers"!

"The layout of the sutlers was a great idea in that spectators were led to the battle field area right thru a funnel affect.  A great idea that should be retained in the future".

And Lastly..........
"It was, in my humble opinion....a vast improvement over anything we have had in the past.  I heard nothing but good comments from our Company and 
Battalion.  The camping was much better in both modern and period.  The firewood was excellent and plentiful.  The sanitary facilities were adequate.  All in all we were well pleased.  Please convey our positive thoughts and complements to the Raid Committee".

I Asked You Told...........I was very surprised to get more reviews of the movie "Cold Mountain" than I did about "Gods and Generals".  Reviews came in from everywhere including our friends in England.  I read the book more as a favor to a friend than out of personal interest.  I tend to be disappointed in novels and prefer to stick to the "real history" books.  I kept putting it off but when that same friend gave me the book as a gift, I had no choice.  I thought the book was OK for a novel.  It was a little slow in developing the characters and the story line lagged every now and then but overall was mildly entertaining.  I don't regret the time spent reading the book, it was well written.  I understand that the real relatives of the characters portrayed in the movie and historians don't think the book or the movie follow what really happened too closely; but after reading your reviews, I do want to see the movie and I most certainly will.
  If you have any question about the movie, just read the reviews below.  The answers are there.  From the emails I received, the women liked it better than the men.  That figures, it is more of a love story than a war movie.

You wrote........
"I did see the movie and thought it to be pretty good.  I thought the battle scene was just O.K. but I think a lot of effort was put forth in giving the film a period feel.  Dirty people and harsh living!
  Rene Zellweger stole the show in my opinion, really played her part well.  Worth the effort to go see, it is a good film, but not great.  Can't say I have ever seen a great one about the War of Northern Aggression.  Maybe someday we will get one as good as Pvt. Ryan was on WW II".

You wrote........
"The movie "Cold Mountain" was absolutely wonderful, a love story, sad and heart wrenching.  Makes me feel inadequate as a reenactor for the lack of showing spectators the true terror of war and the sadness.  The terrible hardships that came with this war, the battle scenes are great, and true to history.  The movie also adds new light on the men who served as the Home Guard.  As far as authenticity of the ladies clothing, I would give it a 5; as for a tear jerkier, it's a 10".  It's really worth going to see, puts Gods and Generals to shame!  This is a woman's view, have not read the book, but plan to now".

You Wrote.........
My wife and I recently saw the Anthony Minghella directed movie adaptation of the best selling Civil War novel Cold Mountain.  The movie stars Jude Law as Inman, a Confederate soldier who deserts after years of seeing the wars' death and bloodshed, surviving a throat wound himself.  Inman's love interest in the film is Ada, a preachers' daughter from Charleston.  She loses her wealthy life style after her father, played by Donald Sutherland, dies and the war brings hardship and deprivation to all the residents of Cold Mountain, North Carolina.  I have to say that I really had a desire to like this movie and it just didn't happen. There were some very good war sequences, such as the explosion of the Petersburg crater and the savage slaughter afterwards.  The hospital scenes were very well done from a realism standpoint. The period costuming and sets were very good with one large exception and that being Nicole Kidman's period dress.  Kidman fell into the Scarlett O'Hara trap of period costuming.  The wardrobe and hairstyles were excellent on all the women except Kidman, who they chose to dress very stylishly and somewhat non period.  The more obvious faux pas was that all the women seemed to wear hoops at all and inappropriate times, even a matron in a hospital scene was wearing hoops!  I think the movie started well and then lapsed into brutality and cruelty that in some ways was not necessary to the story. There is some gratuitous nudity as well as some profanity which is just enough to make this a film parents will want to watch without the kids.  The movies' saving grace was Renee Zellweger's performance as Ruby, the tough mountain farm girl who shows Ada how to survive and stand up for herself.  Ruby is a fine example of the gritty pioneer women who helped build this country.  I give the film three stars out of five and my best advice being with today's movie ticket prices you may want to wait for the video/dvd release to experience Cold Mountain----Sgt Tim Hollamby Hardy's Brigade Medical Section Medical Reenactor.

Another Review.......
I think that Tim was a little harsh about this movie, esp. since Hollywood is rarely perfect with their leading characters when it comes to historically accurate!  I read the book a few years ago and don't remember enough to say the movie followed the book but I thought that there was more brutality in the book that didn't make it to the screen version.  This is not a movie to take young children to, but it does show that women had to change their lives totally when the war lasted for more than a month.  In that, it succeeded.  It also showed how hard it was to be at home and not know what had happened to loved ones; something that today we take for granted, with instant news coverage of everything that happens within minutes or hours of it happening.  The filming of the war scenes was appropriately horrifying, and man's inhumanity to each other, the enemy or the next door neighbor was also well handled.  The cinematography and locations were great, the costuming was a little hit or miss, like the taffeta afternoon gown with see through patches, or horrors! the thin white embroidered top with darker skirt.  Overall, I think that for a Hollywood rendition of a difficult subject, it was rather good.  I give it 4 1/2 stars out of 5.
Carole Hollamby, Hardy's Medical Brigade, Acting Director of Nurses.

You wrote........
The beginning of this movie was pretty good.  A really big bang that looked very realistic.  As the movie went along, I saw items that I personally did not like; such as the killing of animals (of which I hope were sedated), half naked women, poor language and last but not least, a baby left on cold ground while the mother was raped by a Union soldier (in the house).  At that point, I left the theatre.  I would not buy or see this movie again.  I would not accept this movie as a present either".

You wrote........
I have gone two times to see "Cold Mountain".  I read the book and bought the audio cassettes a few years ago.  I liked the book, loved the audio cassettes, ( it is read by the author ), and loved the movie.  This isn't a movie such as "Gettysburg" or "God's and General's".  This is a movie about survival in the harshest of conditions.  There is no glory, no chivalry, and no bravado.  The story is based on stories to the author, by his g.g. grandfather as well as local lore.  How much is truth and how much is fiction is not known.  However in the town where Cold Mountain supposedly took place, there are the families of Inman and Swanger who were portrayed in the movie.  A descendent of Inman relates the incidence with home guard in that part of the country and says it is in fact true.  I don't feel that the movie demeans Southerners, as some see it.  I think it shows survival, hope, and courage. Who knows what we might do if given the same circumstance. 
  The acting was very well done, even though Inman the lead character, was played by Jude Law, an Australian.  Nicole Kidman needs to work on her accent a great deal !!!   Renee Zellweger deserves an award for her portrayal of Ruby Thewes.  Being from Texas, she had no difficulty with the twang.  The scenery was magnificent, even though the majority was filmed in Romania.  Romanian's even took on the role of soldiers during the battle of the crater.  I would definitely suggest to anyone who hasn't seen it to make the effort with an open mind.  This one isn't about winning the war. It is about saving your life....

You wrote........
"Mom and I went to the first day (Christmas) at 11 am to see it!  We could not wait!  It was wonderful!  I want to see it again.  Of course it was rated "R" and it had nudity in two parts of the movie I had to cover my eyes at mom's request.  The fighting seemed real.  At the end of the movie I said "THAT'S HORRIBLE!" while we were still sitting in our seats.......since it didn't end with a happy ending....but later I realized that's life!  I loved the landscape and scenery I saw in the movie.  I've lived in both Richmond, VA and Level Cross, NC and I've traveled all over the states of VA, NC, SC, and GA with my job and even though it's filmed in a foreign place it still looks like VA and NC.  I also want to add the scene at the front of the movie in Petersburg, VA at the crater was amazing!  I've seen the crater and now I understand better how it happened!"

You wrote........
We saw the movie last weekend and found it very realistic and well done.  Not always sure you like a movie about a "Deserter" but Jude Law was absolutely wonderful in his portrayal of Inman.  Who we really thought made the show believable was Renee Zellweger.  It's worth the 2 1/2 hours.

You wrote........
I read the book "Cold Mountain" and saw the movie over the holidays.  The movie helped me bring the characters together and had a clearer ending.  It is basically a love story, but then anything about the Civil War gets my attention.  I enjoyed it as well as "Gods and Generals".  The men folk might like more action but it was still good.  The two main characters were great.".

You wrote........From England.......
I had read the book a couple of years ago, and found it pretty good and enjoyable.  The movie itself is pretty true to the book and I thought it was great, the boys thought it was good too, it's about time there was a really good Civil War movie that all people could enjoy not just Civil War junkies.
  Opening scene - Battle of the crater - WOW, cool, just make sure you have a good cinema with a half decent sound system - sit in the middle for the ultimate experience,  The federals screwed up a bit quicker than the real thing, but on the whole graphic and horrible.
  Characters - Good characters and accents, they didn't sound like Scarlet O'Hara on valium.  Renee Zellwegger was awesome, as was Nicole Kidman's character.  The villains were really good.  Ray Winstone has a good background in playing nasties.
  Story - Great that it was done in snippets - Home life getting harder 20 minutes then back to Jude Laws character saying bugger this I am off, not too tedious or schmaltzy.  The story portrayed just how awful the Civil War was in all its nastiness.  Bleak.
  SFX - Really good and graphic.  In all a really good movie ranking alongside Glory for cinematic appeal.  Take the misses for the love story, take yourself for a really good Civil War movie.
Shame we Brits didn't get an end credit as did the sound effects.

Headquarters, 17th Connecticut Infantry
St. Augustine, Fla.   Fort Marion

      The  17th  Connecticut Infantry  reached a milestone and  celebrated its 25th Anniversary at Fort Marion ( Castillo de San Marcos) in St. Augustine   in December.  The Civil War programs at the fort had been in  jeopardy because the  NPS  wanted to  focus on the longer Spanish & British  occupations.  The  17th Connecticut Infantry however  has  been  persistent over the years  to keep the program going, as the "War in Florida has long been  neglected"  stated founder  Jeff  H.   Grzelak.
      Complete  with several  hutments  (small wooden sheds with  bunks  covered in canvas) and a  company of  men, the war years were  brought to life.  Focusing more on interpretation  and  1st person impressions  the  public  were  treated  to a unique experience of garrison life and the common duties of  soldiering.
       "It's like a living  history book you can talk to"  remarked one guest.  Presentations on uniforms, weapons, artillery, coastal defenses, along with talks on the war in N.E. Fla. were conducted throughout the weekend.
         In the evening an open house was held and the public saw the fort  light only by lanterns and candle light.
         Saturday evening in at the nearby  Spanish Quarters Tavern a party was held to thank everyone for their  support of the program over the years.   But the biggest  surprise  was yet to come, as Col.  Grzelak  toasted  everyone for the their attendance  and the safe return of our  armed servicemen everywhere Pvt. Ron Starich followed up with a surprise of his own.......:
         "The first words Col. Grzelak told me when I got into the hobby, you are  going to either hate me or love me, it makes no difference, you will judge me for yourself.  But  you will learn about the regiment and reenacting. Well I think most of us  here fall into one of those......(laughter)  Handing Grzelak a package which he  opened revealing a beautiful  desk  clock with the  inscription: To Jeff  Grzelak      In recognition of 25 years, his passion to service and education in keeping alive the "field of honor"; by our presence and good fortune we are, his  "pards",   U.S. 17th C.V.I.  Fort Marion, December 13, 2003   Needless  to say  Col. Grzelak was all  choked up and over come with emotions.  The sound of laughter and cheering brought hundreds to the small Tavern and St. George Street  was  very crowded  indeed.
        Mother Nature however would not be  so cooperative and the  rain came steady on Sunday cutting  short the program. The soldiers  huddled in the guard room around the fireplace but soon the day passed and the hutments  torn  down.
        Caught reflecting upon the past 25 years when asked if  he would do it  all over again by one of the fresh fish, Grzelak stated: "I don't believe I would have changed a thing, it has been a experience and journey of a lifetime........" the fresh fish added: "well I can hardly wait until my chance  comes  along"  Grzelak added "it is already here, the experience is what you make of it".
        One more footnote, Gordie Wilson, NPS Park Superintendent has already asked the  unit back again. "It was one of the best interpretive programs I have seen and we look forward to having you again". 

I recently read an article "WHAT WORKS" in the December issue of Camp Chase Gazette written by Phil McBride with the Alamo Rifles Unit.  I agree with Mr. McBride for the most part.  I liked his subject matter and thought I would expound and adapt this article to fit the Florida Reenactors.

Most units are successful by doing certain things.  Leaders are not only the Generals, Captains or NCO's they also include all privates.  Anyone can lead and mentor other unit members.

PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP:

a.  Know yourself and seek improvement.
b.  Be tactically and technically proficient.
c.  Seek responsibility and take responsibility.
d.  Make sound and timely decisions.
e.  Set the example.
f.  Know your soldiers and look out for their well being.
g.  Keep subordinates informed.
h.  Develop a sense of responsibility in your subordinates.
i.  Insure the task is understood and accomplished.
j.  Build the team.
k.  Employ the unit within its capabilities.

Let me paraphrase some of these principles.  Communicate with your unit members up and down the chain of command to keep everyone informed.  For example,  if you can't make an event you should inform your subordinates and your leaders.  Everyone will be counting on you.  Print and distribute a monthly unit newsletter.  It is more personal and it keeps the unit informed.  Try to set up a unit website.  The unit can put a lot of information in the newsletter and website; i.e.:  photos, birthdays, anniversaries, new births, etc.  Print and sell T-shirts and hats with the unit logo.  This certainly builds Esprit d'Corps among the unit members.

Be tactically proficient.  Drill the unit - practice, practice, practice for safety.  Safety at the event is first priority.  As leaders, we do not want to get anyone hurt.

Reenactors are at events to have fun, they spend a lot of money on uniforms and they do not get paid.  If we as leaders do not keep them busy, they might get bored.  Do not work them to death.  Hit a happy medium in drilling, but drill to be proficient.

All unit members should help to recruit new members.   Ask unit members to bring prospective new members to an event.  Make sure prospective new members are not forgotten by having a veteran member mentor them.

Capt. Sean Wells - CSMC, Capt. David Foster - Milton, and Pvt. Steve Fowler - CSMC, was asked to name two things that make up a good unit.  They all agree that good leadership is essential.  Their unit members are friends and they help and look out for one another.  Their answer follows along with the characteristics of the principles of leadership.

You may not agree with all of these things, but they do work very well.  I'm sure everyone wants to belong to a successful and respected unit with good leadership.  Remember everyone is there to have fun.

Bob Gomillion, Major 
Chief of Staff of Artillery
Hardy's Brigade

A Little Late For Halloween But........One of our British readers wrote.........."As you will all remember the Gettysburg fiasco, we Brits had no option but to come over for the event on the original dates.  We were to have an event at Boyds Bear Country as a crappy event is better than no event at all and as it turned out, it was pretty good if not just a bit too horrific, I still get nightmares now about Boyds.  Whilst in the U.K. we decided for a laugh we would have a spook hunt on the battlefield.....all those ghost stories are just for visitors right!  To my mind it was gonna be us guys fooling around with the ladies and scaring the life out of each other...how wrong I was going to be.
  We drove down Confederate Avenue, stopping to take photo's etc. and then onto the Round Tops.  Geoff and Lisa stayed with the car whilst Mick, Nigel and myself walked to the top of Big Round Top, using video camera and digital camera it was about 40 mins up and 20 down and then over to Little Round Top, where I posed for a photo in my new confederate officer's outfit, my camera started to play up and would not focus correctly - how odd - it must have been the heat.  When I took Lisa's photo, it turned out just fine - odd eh.
  The next port of call was to be two cannons on the entrance to Devil's Den.  We all stood by the cannons for a photo as the flash went off, Mick could see orbs.  With that, the temperature dropped rapidly, my camera died and the video camera drained of power instantly, Lisa got freaked.  We left sharpish.
  Next stop was triangular field, however that was like a circus so we left.  Then on to Spanglers spring.  This is when it got really weird, Mick and I stood in the middle of the field. Mick then started to sniff the air as did I, we could smell gunpowder and woodsmoke, the temperature dropped so rapidly it was like being in a freezer.  We were the only people there nobody else was present.  We have pictures of Orbs, strange mist formations and thick white smoky stuff.  This was truly bizarre.  It was now about 10:00p.m so we returned back to the hotel.
  The next night we returned to the area, and met this guy who asked if we were here the previous night as he and his wife smelt ether enough to make her physically sick.
  The next evening we went to Sachs bridge, I had never been and didn't know it even existed.  There were many ghost hunters there, mainly kids and parents so we waited till they went home and then the fun started.  We experienced cold spots which moved from place to place, Mick experienced the smell of cigar smoke, and I experienced severe cold rising from my feet to my upper body with my left arm going completely numb.  Lisa took many photos and there are orbs in most of them.
  Well, you can believe it or not, but I can assure you these events DID happen and it was the most bizarre thing that I have ever experienced. There will be many logical and scientific explanations for these occurrences but what we experienced defies most of them.

Hamlet
28th Mass Co.B United Kingdom 

            As the ship, J. M. Brown, headed back toward Hampton Roads, she got hailed to pull over at Harrison’s Landing. A Union officer having seen the hospital flag asked them to take 200 wounded back. Eli and his staff found themselves again busy with sick and wounded. These men were tired, dirty and had received minimal medical care. The next couple of days were to be hard and sleepless.

            All the wounded had to be checked, triaged they called it. All the soldiers had to be examined for possible contagion like hospital gangrene or small pox. If any possible contagious diseases were found, they would have to be isolated in a separate part of the ship. If any contagious illness was missed, it could spread like wild fire through the already debilitated sick.  Minor surgery could be handled by O’Malley. Hospital stewards were often given the responsibility of doing the minor surgical problems. Doctor Johnson would handle the more serious cases. The nurses were assigned to clean the men as best they could and to change the dressings. The men were stoic and brave. They endured their suffering with few complaints. They were happy to be leaving the war behind them.

            The medical team was very frustrated to have more men than they had planned but what else was new. So was war! They were terribly short of supplies and food but, their patients came first and they all did their duty. Eli had taken his Hippocratic Oath and fully believed in it. Even grouchy O’Malley believed in his work and would not think anything except care of their charges. However there were times that he did miss his whiskey bottle. The good Reverend Tisbury had made the journey with them to minister to the sick or dying. He led everyone in hymns and prayer and helped keep everyone’s spirits up. By the time they returned to Fort Monroe, the only spirits that O’Malley and Clark wanted were from a bottle.

            Eli’s first case was a soldier Private Emerson, who had been shot in the left thigh. The bullet had not hit a bone but had not exited either. There was a 3 inch swollen, red hot area that was abscessed. O’Malley knew that the bullet was under the abscess. He told Emerson that if Dr. Johnson did not remove the bullet, the wound would not heal. The bullet would act like a foreign body and the wound would keep festering. There was very little chloroform so they couldn’t use it on minor cases. Normally Eli would not use anesthesia to examine a wound. He felt it was far too dangerous to use on anything he considered minor. Eli explained to the soldier what he wanted to do. The young private turned to him and said “Hey Doc. Do you know the difference between major and minor surgery? If it is on me, it is minor. If it is on you, it is major. Go ahead do your worst.”

            As O’Malley watched in envy, the soldier was given two shots of brandy. The soldier grimaced in pain as Eli probed the wound with his finger. The flesh was warm and wet with blood. The fatty tissues were slimy feeling and the wound had the smell of decay.  Not finding the shell, he then used a foot long bendable metal probe to search the wound. He inserted it into the opening of the wound and steadily pushed it forward. He suddenly hit something hard and the soldier let out a yell and moved. 

            “Steady soldier I will be done soon.” Said Eli in a soft voice. Eli always felt emotional pain anytime he hurt someone. 

            “Sorry Doc!” the young private replied.

            “I should be apologizing “Eli said.

            Eli pushed the probe again and felt something give. There was a sudden gush of a yellowish green slimy foul smelling material that shot half way across the room. As the abscess drained the soldier sighed in relief as the pain from the pressure of the wound subsided.

            “Hey Doc” said O’Malley. “Interesting smell you have invented. Reminds me of the sinks on a hot summer’s day. Maybe you should bottle it and sell it to the Brass.” The humor kept them all from crying. It was how they handled the stress.

            “Corporal Clark please hand me a tenaculum.” This was a long instrument that looked like a long thin narrow forceps with two bent pointed ends. Eli inserted the tenaculum along the probe. When he hit the bullet, he spread the ends and clamped tight on it. He then removed the probe and with one fast motion he drew the tenaculum and bullet out. The young soldier hollered and vomited from the pain and whiskey. Eli’s stomach turned but without a word he continued. He did not stitch the wound because it had been too long since the injury and the wound would fester if he tried to close it.  Unlike others, he still had not become hardened to death and disease and the young man’s pain hurt him emotionally. The last step was to take a large wad of lint and place it along the length of the bullet track. He wrapped it in a clean bandage then took some old muslin and covered the bandage pulling it tight. The object was to put enough pressure along the lint to stop any bleeding in the wound but not cut off the rest of the circulation.

            They then came to a soldier, Private Bernard Adams, who had a wound in his hand. He was in a barn shooting around a door when a Minnie ball came through the door and cut the back of his hand without going through. He lost a lot of blood as he had refused to go to the rear and continued to fight with his unit until he passed out. The wound had at first festered but now appeared at least stable. He begged O’Malley not to let anyone amputate. He was a tailor and need two hands to make a living. O’Malley without a word cleaned the wound and rewrapped it with clean bandaging. The wound had still been covered with dirt and cow manure from the barn. He had little to no attention while waiting for care.

            That day O’Malley dressed and cleaned up 23 more wounds, removing splinters and shrapnel from half of them. He stitched up 12 lacerations and bandaged 13 head wounds. He ran out of surgical silk but took a trick he learned from the Rebs, he pulled out a strand of hair from a horse’s tail that had been one of the wounded officer’s animals. After boiling, it made a passable suture. 

            That night they were all exhausted but would not get back to the Fort till tomorrow. Dinner for all was hardtack and coffee. The better food was saved for the wounded. They were tired but were proud to have done their duty. As they sat down to eat, one of the nuns lead in grace and Mr. Tisbury sang several hymns. Tomorrow would be more wounded, more dead and dying.

For Sale.........Cannon.  Aprox. bore 2 3/8" and the length is about  42"   Wooden wheels are about 28-30 inches.  Sits on an old metal frame.  Appears to be a small Mountain Howitzer or  6 pounder?  Not sure if full scale.  If you are interested, contact Jeff Grzelak HQ17thConnInf

For Sale........ 1860 light cavalry saber.  It was made in the USA out of high quality steel by the company that bought out Ames the original manufacturer.  Saber is like new, no nicks etc.  Blade is flawless stainless steel.  Comes with scabbard which has "aged" nicely.  Got that been in the field look.  It doesn't rattle.  Price $100.  First firm offer gets it.  Contact Terry McGowan  irishrebel@earthlink.net

For Sale.........Brogans.  Size 13 E. new cost $120. asking $85. plus shipping.  Contact Adam C. at schooltea49@yahoo.com

For Sale........Cot with night stand side.  Cabela's Outfitter XL cot and sot-side nightstand.  Big 40"X82", heavy duty steel frame joints, pockets on side to hold all kinds of items and side sleeve for your musket.  Supports over 1,200lbs.  Paid over $130 will sell for $75.  Will have it at Mt. Dora for delivery.  Contact Ron Schoner at rschoner@bellsouth.net

January 30, 31, February 1, 2004.  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.  As you start down the big hill, look for the Renningers flea market and battle sign on East side of road.  If you are coming down the Fla. turnpike get off at the new North Apopka exit #267A on the new 429 toll road then turn north on Hwy. 441 and follow the directions above.

February 7, 8, 2004.  Fort Clinch Federal (Union Army) Garrison and Living History (State Park Fernandina Beach). Admission: Living Historians free. Spectators: $3.25 per car to Park and $2 each to Fort.  Also check at gate for possible candlelight tour on Saturday night. Candlelight tour admission is $3 for spectators. Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach, FL. Contact the park at (904) 277-7274. 

February 13, 14, 15, 2004.  The 26th annual and 140th anniversary Battle of Olustee (in north Florida) Olustee Battlefield Park.  This event is a Hardy's Brigade 2nd Battalion maximum effort event.  The reenactment takes place on the actual site where the Battle of Olustee (Ocean Pond) was fought.  Visit with thousands of Civil War reenactors, tour the camps see demonstrations of all types.  Best gathering of Civil War sutlers at any Civil War event with 80+ sutlers in attendance.  Friday is School Day.  Battles Saturday and Sunday.  Reenactors should visit the Web site at http://extlab7.entnem.ufl.edu/olustee/  for applications, regulations and schedule.  First time visitors to the event should read The Authentic Spectator at http://extlab7.entnem.ufl.edu/olustee/advice.htm  No reenactor registration fee.  Full scale artillery only.  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.  Get here early.  The crowds gets big fast and sign-in and parking can be a hassle.  The battlefield is located just fifteen miles east of Lake City on Hwy. 90 from I-75 and 50 miles west of Jacksonville.  Take I-75 to Hwy. 90 exit.  Go east on Hwy. 90.  Drive slow, the signs at the entrance for reenactors 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 Battlefield State Historic Site (386) 758-0400 or (386) 397-4461  Email olusteecso@yahoo.com

February 20, 21, 22, 2004.  The Battle of Ballast Point.  Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas County, Florida.  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 Tierra Verde on the Southern-most tip of Pinellas County, Florida.  The Civil War era camps will be open FREE to the public from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. each day.  Participants will be depicting both Union and Confederate infantry, artillery, cavalry (limited), and civilian impressions.  On Friday, February 20, 2004, 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 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 and civil war medical demonstrations.  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.  The 97th PA will provide firewood, hay, and ice.  A powder ration will be given for the first two Union and first two Confederate Artillery Pieces reserved.  The host encourages reenactors to Arrive on Friday, February 20, 2004 to participate in their school day program for school children in Pinellas County.   The host asks participating units and artillery to let them know in advance if they are coming to the event.  For more information, contact David Glenn at email: coa_97thpa@hotmail.com or write to: 97th Pennsylvania Vol. Inf., Fort DeSoto Committee, 14172 Sharon Drive, Largo, Florida, 33774. Check the park's website at: http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm

February 20, 21, 22, 2004. NEW EVENT.  The Southeast Spring Drum & Fife Muster.  Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas County, Florida.  The 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Re-enactment Regiment, in conjunction with the American Civil War Weekend Encampment and Historical Battle Re-enactment at the Fort DeSoto Park located in Tierra Verde on the Southern-most tip of Pinellas County, Florida.  They will be hosting a Regional Drum & Fife Muster event.  All Civil War Musicians (Union, Confederate, and period Civilian) are invited and encouraged to attend.  Participants will get to play, demonstrate, and share their music with other Civil War musicians from around the region.  There will be informal sessions as well as formal, marching opportunities.  A limited number of modern camping spaces will be available on a first contact, first served basis.  Contact them for your reservation now because modern campers showing up on the day of the event without a reservation will not be allowed to camp.  The 97th PA will provide firewood, hay, and ice.  The host encourages re-enactors to arrive on Friday, February the 20th to participate in the school day program for school children in Pinellas County.  They would like to ask participating musicians to reserve their spot for this event.  For more information, contact David Glenn at (727) 595-5395, email: coa_97thpa@hotmail.com or write to: 97th Pennsylvania Vol. Inf., Fort DeSoto Committee, 14172 Sharon Drive, Largo, Florida, 33774.  Check the park's website at: http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm

February 20, 21, 22, 2004.  Battle of Aiken in South Carolina.  I have had a lot of good comments from reenactors who have attended this event.  For all the information, driving directions, pre-registration and contact people go to their website at  http://www.battleofaiken.org

February 26, 2004. Thursday.  The Greater Orlando Civil War Roundtable meets every 4th Thursday at 730pm.  The meetings are held at the Marks Street Senior Center at 99 E. Marks St. between Orange Ave. and Magnolia St. in downtown Orlando.  This months topic is "Conspiracy Theories Surrounding The Assassination Of President Abraham Lincoln" and will be presented by Joe Mee.  For information contact Ruth Ann Wood at flrb_99@yahoo.com

February 28, 2004.  Wetlands Park Festival.  Near Ft. Christmas Park in Christmas Fl. (east side of Orlando).  Living history and possible recruiting opportunity.  The host of this event is looking for a variety of historical reenactors and living historians to come to the Orlando Wetlands Park Festival.  Their goal is to help educate the public and the kids who show up at this event about Florida, it's environment and it's history.  Aprox. 1,500 spectators are expected to attend between 9am and 3pm Saturday.  For more information contact Mark Sees at mark.sees@cityoforlando.net

April 1, 2, 3, 4, 2004.  Anclote River Raid.  New Event.  Held at the J.B. Starkey Park which is a 150 acre site in New Port Rihey.  25 miles off I-75.  School and Scout Days are scheduled for Friday April 2nd from 10am to 2 pm.  Camping for Scouts with Tour Permits and early registration. 15 or more sutlers expected room for more all are welcome.  Two full scale battles to include Cavalry (Coggins papers required for all horses) on Saturday and Sunday at 1pm.  Saturday Night Tactical.  Ladies Tea Saturday and Sunday at 11:00am.  Grand Ball will be held Saturday night 7:30pm to the sounds of the 97th Regimental string band.  Living History Demonstrations throughout the weekend.  The event is in collaboration with the Park and Recreations Department/Friends of the Parks and Swift Mudd.  Directions:  I-75 from Tampa (N)  - Exit SR 56 (Turns to SR54) West to Little Rd (Interstate 1/ New Port Richey); go North to River Crossing; East (Rt) to Starkey Blvd. go Left; First Rt is entrance to J.B. Starkey Park.  From I-75 from Tallahassee (S) SR 52 to Little Road go Left (S) to DeCubellis Rd go  Left (E); Go to Starkey Blvd take Right (S) entrance to JB Starkey Park first left. Contact Ancolote_rr@yahoo.com for registration forms and more information.