Florida Reenactors Online News Magazine

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In Loving Memory Of Pride's Blackbird

January 16, 2005

Little did I know that the Saturday battle at Brooksville would be the last time I would take my horse Bird onto the field. The photo above was taken less than twenty-fours before Bird died. Some of you may have heard that Bird passed away late Sunday the 16th at the horse hospital. I will not go into details here but basically Bird succumbed to a problem within the lower 1/3 of his Secom. My veterinarian and the colleges he discussed this problem with determined that this was a very rare and seldom seen case of several minor problems which rapidly culminated in his death. I will miss him desperately. He was a fine horse.

General Information

Blue Gray Cruise..........Time is almost up. The booking deadline for a guaranteed price is quickly approaching. If you would like to join other reenactors for a four night fun filled cruise on the new Carnival ship "Inspiration", please contact Ed Smith (79th N.Y. Co. B.) at edscout@aol.com by January 28th.

Townsend's (Mt. Dora) Event.........A work day has been scheduled for this weekend the 21st to prepare for the battle. Please arrive at 9am. Townsend is providing lunch for the work crews. The firewood problem is under control but the camps still need to be laid out as well as the pavilion, registration area and set up the breastworks on the battlefield.

Townsend's (Mt. Dora) School Day..............Friday the 28th will be the school day for the Battle of Townsend's Plantation. Be ready and on site by 8am. The kids will arrive at 19am. A meal will be provided for those who help with the kids. Please let 1st Sgt. A.L. Morris at Bubbaudio@aol.com

Olustee Ceremony.........Last June 15, 2004, Sgt. Maj. Dave Rose, 61, of the 7th Fl. Co. B. (Straw Hats) passed away. His last request was to have his ashes fired from a cannon at the Olustee battlefield. Saturday the 19th of February after battle, his request will be carried out by the artillery group that Ken Kelly is attached to. Everyone who knew him, or, is of a mind to honor a fallen fellow reenactor, is invited and encouraged to be there. His widow and the rest of his family- he had a son, daughter and grandson- will be there, as well as his extended number of friends. Please show his family how well we regard our own, even if you did not know him, by showing up for the ceremony. If you have any questions, contact Jimmy Shirley at btzoumas@bellsouth.net

Historic Sewing Society.........The Historic Sewing Society/Heritage Conservation Society will once again be hosting a living history event at the Columbia County Historical Museum in Lake City during the Olustee Festival. It will be Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm. This will give you Sunday to enjoy the events at the battlefield. You may attend any portion of the Friday and Saturday event. You do not have to be present for the entire time. They will present the civilian side of what life was like in Lake City during the Civil War period. The museum (an 1800s home) becomes the headquarters for a Soldier's Aid Society with much activity going on inside and out. This is their second year doing this event. Last year hundreds of spectators attended and a good time was had by all. They invite anyone who does a Civil War civilian interpretation to come and join them. The ladies need men to tend to so "wounded" soldiers are desperately needed. Tents are allowed on the grounds as well as campfires. Lunch will be provided for all the participants. The event is free of charge to participants and spectators. This is a first person living history event. If you have any questions or would like to participate, please contact Glenda Reed at historicsewing@aol.com.

Found At Brooksville..........1st Sgt. Mike Bryant (79th NY Co. D. Highlanders) found a silver, oval shaped pocket watch in the authentic camp area. Contact Mike at andy79qm@ij.net to identify and claim.

Company Information........Please send me your company or Brigade information. Promotions, news, new members and so on. I would like to hear what you have to say.

Ft. DeSoto headed this way..........David Glenn (event coordinator and member of the 97th PA.) needs your help with the Ft. DeSoto school day. He wrote........

Hello Everyone,

The "Battle of Ballast Point" at Ft. DeSoto Park on Feb. 24-27, 2005 is fast approaching and once again we need everyone's help with our school day event on Friday, Feb. 25, 2005 from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm. If you would like to volunteer again this year, or for new volunteers, help with a station or act as a guide, we would appreciate any help that you can give to us. Just simply contact me at coa_97thpa@hotmail.com and let me know what you would like to do. Once again, besides running the stations from 9:30 am until 2:30 pm, we will have a brief skirmish and then a rest period from noon-1:00 pm and a late lunch/early dinner for all of our school day volunteers after the children are gone.

Lastly, we will be having a media day on Sunday, February 13, 2005 from 10:00 am until noon. We have invited all the Tampa Bay area newspapers and television stations to come out to Ft. DeSoto Park (Where we set up the camp) and photograph/film the reenactors in attendance as we demonstrate our marching ability, field music, and mock beach assault. Anyone who would like to attend this media event as a re-enactor, can show up in uniform or email me for more information.

Thanks for all of your help and making this the biggest and most successful
event yet!

Your obedient servant,
David Glenn
97th PA and Ft DeSoto Coordinator

Letters To The

News Magazine

SCV Marker Registration Program Continues...........The Sons of Confederate Veterans are still working to register all existing signs, historical markers, symbols and graves pertaining to the Civil War in the south. This is a gigantic project. Many of our historical roadside and park markers are disappearing quickly. There are many reasons for the loss of the signs but the biggest threats are from vandals, traffic accidents or road construction. As the old signs are ruined they are not being replaced and their history is then lost forever. We need to get all the signs, markers, graves, statues and so on (no matter if they are Union or Confederate; big or small) registered before it is too late. In today's politically correct atmosphere it will be almost impossible to get the local or state government to repair or replace the markers so we need to get started and save the ones that are out there now. Additionally the SCV has registered 92,000 Civil War graves in the state of Florida. We must help the SCV in their efforts to preserve our history for future generations before the signs and symbols are gone never to be replaced. If you know the location of a Civil War marker or grave site, please send the information to Wess Frank at Rebdoctor@AOL.com Wess will forward the information to the Sons of Confederate Veterans members in charge of registration efforts. It is imperative that your information is correct. This is a serious project and will take a lot of time and your help. Do not just turn in a site where you think you saw a marker years ago or where you think one exists. Go out and make sure the marker is (or was) there. Write or email an accurate location and detailed description of the marker. A photograph would be great but is not necessary.

Recent Events

General Birney's Raid

One of the best kept secrets in Florida is out of the bag......as campaigners from around the state brought a little slice of central Florida history to life.

General Birney's Raid in the Spring of 1864 was the largest expedition of Union troops along the upper St. John's River during the war and certainly among the largest into the interior of the state.

This unique living history event has been around for 20 years, but only the past 10 has it become an annual event. It is an attempt to get the mainstreamers exposed to the campaigners and hopefully they will learn from each other." stated Jeff H. Grzelak, the organizer and commander of the host unit; the 17th Connecticut Infantry.

Originally some 1500 troops with the support of the U.S. Navy ascended the river as far as Welatka, the river being so low they were put ashore and continued their march upstream to Volusia, and eventually Spring Garden (present day DeLeon Springs). There they destroyed an undershot gristmill and many of the buildings at "Starke's Plantation". Over 1,000 head of cattle were also rounded up. The raid continued down to Lake Monroe where at town of Enterprise it was learned there were ships waiting in the harbor at New Smyrna to run the blockade. Marching onto Lake Harney to get fresh water the column then went to New Smyrna capturing several ships in the harbor before returning to St. Augustine after the two week march.

The event at DeLeon Springs State Recreation area helps raise money for the local Citizens Support Organization for special projects around the park. In the past these funds have help to pay for several of the park display boards and exhibits about the history of the area.

The 17th Connecticut should be thanked once again for helping us raise over $2500 this weekend" stated Steve Banton, Park Manager. The unit has help raise over $20,000 for this park alone in the past 10 years.

Troops drew ammunition and rations before marching off for a six mile running skirmish. Some of the troops stayed behind and conducted living history lessons and demonstrations for the public. One of the most impressive medical displays in the S.E. was on hand courtesy of John Higgins who portrays a surgeon.

Members of the 75th Ohio Infantry were also on hand along with some local Reb militia.

These were the original units in the area in 1864 and took part in the raid.

Grzelak is also known for being involved in several other events in Fla., such as the Brooksville Raid which he started and organizing Olustee. Not to mention over the years St. Augustine, Braddock's Farm, Ocala, Cedar Keys, & New Smyrna.

Brooksville Raid 2005

The Federals out flank the Confederates

Photo by Betty Tzoumas

Before The Raid........Before I get into a report on the Brooksville event, I would like to thank all the hard working people who help each year to ensure that the Raid is a success. First are the people behind the scene. The committee meetings start five months before the reenactment ever takes place. A dedicated group of historians and reenactors meet once a month to discuss and plan the event. Although the raid has been going strong for 25 years, now every year is different so there are always changes in scheduling, location of battle and camps, food venders, sutlers, hay, porta potties and everything in between. Without the dedication of these committee members, this reenactment could not and would not take place. If you like this event or not no matter which way you cut it the Raid is the biggest, most popular event in the state of Florida and is attended by thousands of spectators and reenactors. The post event numbers are there to prove it each year. After the pre-battle plans are laid out, it is time for action.

Camp Sites........The camps don't just happen either. They have to be laid out within their designated areas and the streets marked off. My sincere appreciation goes out to all the hard working helpers who give unselfishly of their time. Oddly enough, I keep seeing the same people out there on site several weekends before the event working hard towards a successful and enjoyable reenactment each year. The regulars need some relief so they can take a break now and then or at least have more hands and backs to lighten the load. I would like to see some new workers out there next year. When the call goes out for volunteers, please do not hesitate to help. After the event, I know everyone is ready to go home but please assign members of your company to clean up your camp site. We were one of the last people to leave and I saw a tremendous amount of garbage laying around everywhere. The post event trash clean up crew took out eight full pickup truck loads and three large trailer loads of garbage that was left on the ground, some trash was as close as twenty feet from a dumpster. There are many dumpsters located throughout the camps; please clean up your camp site before leaving.

Firewood Problem.........Important, Please Read......I have sat on the committee, headed up the firewood work detail and helped lay out the cavalry camps for four years now. The firewood detail is the hardest job involved with the pre-event preparations. I am amazed at the effort put forth by the work detail. Each year as the reenactor attendance increases, the job gets bigger and the volunteers work harder and longer than the year before. This year we had a run of problems with our equipment so it took three days to get all the wood cut, split and distributed to the camp sites. Chainsaws burned up, broke and just plain would not cooperate. Wood splitters were hard to come by so we had to make due with two and one of them broke down twice. We had a near miss accident this year in which a reenactor could have very easily lost a thumb. A serious injury has always been my biggest worry. Let me throw this idea out to you.....I have talked to some of those involved with the wood detail and two committee members. An idea was presented that will completely solve this firewood problem and make life a lot easier for us all. What do you think of charging each reenactor an extra dollar at the gate for firewood? I know that your first thought is "firewood should be supplied by the event host and should be free". You are right guys but the same people are working their tails off every year and supplying their own equipment to make sure you have firewood. They all need a break. For a extra buck we can have the wood split, delivered and spotted on site with no work or risk of injury to any of our reenactor family. Please consider this and let me (mayorbob@sprynet.com ) know if you would be willing to pay one extra dollar (that would raise the reenactor registration fee to two dollars each) to pay for the firewood. It costs ten times that much just to park your car at a major attraction's parking lot for the day and you can't even get a cold drink for a buck. I think paying a two dollar entrance fee for the whole weekend is well worth the price. The decision is yours but if you are unwilling to pay the extra dollar, please show up for next year's firewood work weekend and help. Don't forget to bring a chainsaw and wood splitter machine.

Apology.........I must apologize to those people who I had planned to meet at Brooksville and to those who I did talk to while there. I had so much on my mind that I most likely don't even remember talking to you or what was said. The entire weekend was just a four day blur of problems and problem solving issues. Between my horse and a couple of other problems that reared their ugly heads, I was completely tied up and kept at a frenzied pace. If you asked me to do something or help you with something, please send me an email to remind me. Please give me another chance and let's meet and talk at the Renningers-Mt. Dora event next weekend (Jan 28, 29, 30), I promise to give you my full attention.

Now........On To The Event

Promotions (Hardy's Brigade)............Congratulations to the following men who were promoted during last weekend's event.

Mark Carter, Captain and aide to Gen. Hardy

Scott Hope, Sgt. Maj. (Brigade Medical)

Jason Baler, Captain (69th N.C.)

Phil Mathews, Sgt Maj. Hardy's Brigade

Everit Jones, Lieutenant (Milton Light Artillery)

Vince Taffy 1st Lt. (Assistant to Brigade Adjutant)

Robert Niepert, Lt. Col. (Command of the 3rd Battalion)

Brooksville Photos......If you would like to see about three hundred photos of the Brooksville raid, go to www.jprphotos.com If you see something you would like a print of, enlargement, black and white or a CD of the photos contact Pat Rice at jprphotos@bellsouth.net The photos are arranged in categories and are easy to find.

The Weekend.........I arrived Thursday mid-afternoon to allow myself time to finish setting up the cavalry camps and tend to last minute details. Thankfully several members of my 5th Florida Co. G. were already on site so I had plenty of help. In order to give the Federal period correct camp more room this year, we jammed ourselves (along with the 2nd Fl. Federal cavalry) back into the woods and by the battlefield lake as closely as possible. We sat back and watched the temperatures drop and the clouds roll in. As the reenactors who arrived early know, it started to rain about 1am. From there it just got worse. The cold rain was miserable and made it difficult for the period correct campers. There was a slight break in the rain about 4:30am so I went out and checked on the horses and looked over the campsite. By 5am it was raining again.

The sun never showed its face Friday morning so we all just sat and watched it rain. The start of the School Day program was drawing close but the rain would not let up. Lt. Col. Riker decided to move the event under the Ball tent and franticly set up the stations finishing just as the kids started to arrive. Although several schools canceled their field trip, there were still enough students to fill the tent for the entire day. The program was a success in spite of the falling rain. By the afternoon, the rain had stopped but it was still cold. Hundreds of reenactors started to arrive and things got busy around all the camps.

On Saturday we found the weather much better; however, it was still quite cool. The infantrymen drilled, the artillerymen moved their cannons into place and the cavalrymen started preparing their mounts. The battle started on time but I saw only a small part of it. Our orders were to cover the far east flank along the wooded area. It didn't take long for the Union forces to work their way into the woods. The 5th Florida cavalrymen and infantrymen along with the Ocklawaha Rangers went among the trees and vines to check the Federal assault. The fighting grew quite wild and reinforcements were needed quickly. The 4th Florida came on the run and within twenty minutes the Union aggression was halted. The battle raged all along to our north and west but we never had the chance to even look that way.

Sunday was a picture perfect day. Clear, bright, cool but not cold. Our 5th Florida Co. G. artillerymen set up in the cove between the woods in the far northeast corner of the battlefield with the rest of the guns. The Confederate artillery fired as quickly as possible for almost the entire battle and the men on the guns were worn out by the battle's end.

That is about all I saw of the battle. I have read somewhere that it goes that way in a real battle. The soldier or officer knows only of what happens closely around him and the outcome when the fight is just about over. After this weekend, I believe that to be completely true.

I know others saw a lot more of the battle than I did and if you would like to write something about the Brooksville event or any other event past or present for that matter, please do. I would like to hear the good, the bad and the ugly or just whatever is on your mind concerning Civil War reenactments or issues. It doesn't have to be perfect. I will clean it up, make a change here or there if necessary and it will be fine.

Photo at right and left by Betty Tzoumas

Crystal River Reenactment Update

March 11-13, 2005

The Nature Coast Civil War Committee is pleased to report that preparations for our event in March is coming along fine and looking forward to a great weekend of activities for both reenactors and spectators to enjoy and or participate. Our goal is to make Crystal River one of the biggest and best events not only in Florida but the southeastern part of the United States. In addition, the committee wants to invite troops from all organized and independent units or brigades to participate in the fastest growing reenactment in the Florida and the South East. Last year we had over 500 troops alone registered for participation in our event. Finally, one of the goals of our committee is to make the Nature Coast Civil Reenactment unique in terms of Civil War reenactments.

One of the ways we are trying to make our event unique is to have live fire demonstrations of cannons and mortars. This will be the 3^rd year we are demonstrating live rounds using a cannon with cannon shell and canister rounds. In addition we will have live mortar competition shooting a target 100 yards away to see which mortar team comes closest to the stick.

We will also be having live musket fire competition on Sunday of our event. For safety purposes, we only use committee owned muskets for use in the live fire competition. We also provide the powder and minie balls to use in the muskets. Entry fee for this competition is only $5.00 with prizes to be given out prior to the battle on Sunday, March12th.

Our committee has been working very hard over the past couple of months making sure we have enough firewood scattered around the property. To date we have cut & split at least 10 chords of firewood for everyone to use and enjoy. In addition, we have seven 275-gallon water tanks, which are located in key locations around the various camps on the property. Water for the cavalry will be provided with a very large bulk holding pond. Therefore, cavalry please bring your own water bucket for your horse to use. Finally, as a reminder to the cavalry, make sure up to date Coggins Papers are with you for each horse that is brought on the property and to pre-register your horse in order to get your hay ration.

This year we will be changing the battle scenario to include more pyrotechnics by the same group that did Horse Landing back in November. We want to remind all troops to remember that the battle scenarios are for the public that is paying to see a typical Civil War battle. They provide the money that supports the event. Both Union and Confederate troops should take numerous “causalities” and then return to the lines as the battle moves on. In addition, the front ranks took many hits! The public has heard all of the stories of heavy causalities during various Civil War battles and expects to see this in a battle reenactment of a Civil War Battle!

On another note, the property owner Holcim, Inc requires that no 4 wheelers be used out side of modern camp. This rule is going to be enforced by provost and local law enforcement. In addition, no cars will be allowed in authentic camps after 0800 hours Saturday morning in order to keep the event authentic.

Finally, if you have any problems or concerns during the weekend please seek out either Curtis Peters owner of the property and chairman of the event or Bob Mann vice-chairman and in charge of reenactors and other activities. Both will have radios and can be contacted quickly to solve problems

We the Nature Coast Civil War Committee are looking forward to seeing all of you at our event March 11-13, 2005.

Curtis Peters

Chairman curtis.peters@holcim.com

Bob Mann

Vice-Chairman b_mann_007@yahoo.com

Florida Secession Day

January 10th

February 2, 1861
   -No title given-    (Article ID:6468)
    Author: M. S. PERRY   Edited by James B. Jones, Jr.
   Tallahassee

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, February 2, 1861.

GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

The people of the State having declared themselves a sovereign and independent nation, the duty of providing by law proper measures for the defense of that sovereignty and independence is, by the constitution, cast upon the executive and legislative branches of the government of the State, and it is particularly my duty to call your attention to such matters as may seem to me to justify the belief that the State is in danger from any foe, and to call on you to unite with me in defending her from injury. The occurrences of the last two months sufficiently indicate that this State and any others of the slave-holding States which have or yet may decide to separate from any political connection with the non-slave-holding States of the late American Union will not be permitted to accomplish such separation in a peaceable manner, and that they must maintain the independence which they assert and claim to have the right to assume by a show of force, perhaps by an actual resort to arms, however powerful may be the argument on which we rely to justify our separation. However much we may be convinced of our right to adopt the course which as a people we have determined to pursue to avert from us and our posterity the calamities which we feared would befall us and them from the continuance of a Government in a just share of the power of which we could not reasonably expect to enjoy, although the wrong and injuries we had experienced without any adequate redress from the Government of the United States were such as rendered the advantages we derived from it no adequate compensation for the evils to which it left us exposed, and although we as a free, enlightened, and Christian people have, after long suffering and expostulation with those who sought to injure us under the forms of legislation and under the shield of the Union, been driven to the exercise of the right to reassume to our State the powers delegated to the Federal Union of States which existed under the Constitution of the United States, which right is plain and incontestable by any of the principles upon which the independence of the American colonies was placed by the illustrious men who framed and adopted the declaration of the reasons which governed the people of the colonies in their action; yet it manifest that the inhabitants of the non-slave-holding States are hardening their hearts against all signs and evidences which justify our exodus from among them, and that, like Egyptians of old, they are not willing that we should depart in peace from our state of bondage, but, in the spirit of the oppressor, they seek to tighten their grasp upon a people who have been to them an abundant source of profit and advantage, and are preparing their host to follow after and to return us to a captivity the latter end of which must be worse than the first. Whilst President Buchanan has officially declared that he has no power to employ the military and naval forces under his control in hostility against any of the State which have dissolved their connection with the late Federal Union, yet it is apparent that he support officers of the Army under his control in the hostile occupation of portions of the territory of this State and our sister State of South Carolina, permits his general and members of his Cabinet to set on foot military expeditions against us, re-enforce forts, order men-of-war to hover on our coast in hostile array, and has advised Congress to pass laws for the purpose of collecting revenue from imposts into our State by means of armed vessels. This conduct of President Buchanan, which is totally at war with our claim of independence and sovereignty, is not only recognized to be correct and supported by the representatives of the non-slave-holding States sitting in Congress at Washington, and claiming to be the Congress of the United States, but they have, be speech and votes, manifested a firm resolve to disregard the act of the people, done in convention, dissolving the political ties which united us with the people whom they represent, and declare their purpose, so soon as they attain further power by the inauguration of a President elected by themselves, without the voice and in direct opposition to the will of our people, to use all the military and naval power which they may be enabled to acquire the possession and control of to subjugate our people and those of the States concurring with us, and to compel us to submit to that Government which we resolved to throw off because its further continuance menaced the destruction of our rights and liberties. We have unmistakable evidence of every kind that is significant and reliable that the people of the non-slave-holding States sustain the action and declared purposes of those whom they chose by a large majority of their voices to represent them and rule us. We have seen Legislature of the great States of New York, Ohio, and Massachusetts passing resolutions pledging men and money to aid in fastening upon us again the chains with which they hope to attach us forever to a condition of bondage and vassalage to an unfriendly people. No friendly voice was lifted in the councils of these States to defend our action and to maintain our right to throw off a Government which, in our opinion, no longer conferred on us those blessings of peace and domestic tranquility which it was founded to secure. No one was heard to utter that truth which our ancestors had inserted in their Declaration of Independence, "that all governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed." Of all the mighty thousands of Northern men whom we were beseeched to trust to as a sufficient means to guard us against the ruin which we foresaw in the impending ascendancy of the Black Republican party, not even a respectable minority in the Legislature alluded to opposed their votes to such foul acts of unfriendly power. No lover of human liberty was heard to exclaim, wherever people calling themselves Republicans were, through their representatives, offering to furnish the means to compel millions of their fellowmen their equals and lately their fellow-citizens-to submit to a Government under which they honestly believed they could not enjoy their admitted and just rights. No Burke, no Barre, no Fox, declared against acts of tyranny far more odious and cruel than those which a North and a Bute perpetrated under the authority of a Crown, and which found illustrations patriots ready to denounce in the hearing of the mighty monarch who sat on the throne of Great Britain. We are not only assured that force of arms is to be employed to compel us to pass under the yoke of Black Republican rule by the evidences I have alluded to, derived from legislative proceedings of the State Legislatures and of representative men in Congress from non-slave-holding States, but daily the press and the pulpit pour forth denunciations against our people and earnestly count the days yet to lapse when they fervently hope to see their representative man, Abraham Lincoln, enthroned at Washington in undisputed possession of all the machinery of the Government, supported by the military chieftain, who, like Napoleon at Paris, coolly and deliberately, without remorse or hesitancy, plants the cannon that is to mow down, at his word of command, his fellow-citizens, whom a love of liberty may urge to make an effort to save the tomb of Washington from remaining in the keeping of those who have forgotten his precepts, and have by the organization of a sectional party destroyed the Government and buried the spirit of the Constitution. We are forewarned of coming attacks upon our political and civil liberties, and shall we not be fore armed? We have yet heard but the mutterings of the thunder, but the storm is not afar off. It may pass by us, but let us be prepared to meet it firmly and avert from our people the injury with which it threatens them. Let us remember the voice of that illustrious Southerner whose mortal remains lie entombed on the banks of the Potomac, who counseled us "In time of peace to prepare for war." Let us arm for the contest, and perchance by a show of our force and our readiness of the combat we may escape the realities of war. Already our brethren of the Southern States are arming. We, too, have made some preparation, but much remains undone. We see that even the slave-holding States of Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina, which have not yet cut loose the ties which connect them politically with the non-slave-holding States, are arming for the contest. In Virginia the people are ahead of the Legislature, and have in their county meetings empowered the county authorities to put the militia on a war footing, and have raised funds for the purchase of arms and ammunition. All these signs and tokens warn us to be ready to defend our rights. With the notes of hostile preparation sounding in our ears, with the example of our brethren (whose fate we must share) to stimulate us, is it not our duty to prepare to sustain by our arms what we have determined upon in our counsels? We who were emulous of being foremost in dissolving the Union should not be laggard in preparing for the contest. We have taken the field. Our flag is unfurled of Pensacola, where our gallant troops stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave volunteers from our sister States, who, with a noble, generous chivalry, stand ready to obey our orders and co-operate with us most cordially in our time of need. Let us make provisions to keep them under arms and to call out and support them by others should they be needed. The State expect us to do our duty; the people will do theirs. I invite you, therefore, to lend me your aid and to unite with me in providing for the calling into service such a number of troops as may be equal to our defense when assisted, as we shall be, by our sister States who are preparing to unite their political fortunes with ours. I also suggest to you that you should make special appropriations for the pay and maintenance of as many troops as may be called into service, and for the purchase of munitions of war, transportation of troops, and other expenses incidental to the defenses of the State. The States of Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina, which have dissolved their connection with the late Federal Union, have elected delegates to meet with those sent from this State to the convention to be held in Montgomery, Ala., on the 4th day of this month, being the day suggested by a majority of the seceding States. We may expect, therefore, that the convention will at an early day form a provisional government for the States represented and call for troops and money from the confederates. The quota of Florida will not be large, but we should proceed to organize the force which we are likely to be called on to furnish, and appropriate the means necessary for the maintenance and pay of them and our quota of the expense of the common defense. I am not able to lay before you an estimate of the amount necessary, but will readily confer with committees of your bodies, with a view to ascertain what sum of money may be required therefore.

Very respectfully,

M. S. PERRY.

OR, Ser. IV, vol. 1, pp. 85-88

Items For Sale

And Wanted

For Sale. 1860 - 1900 style ball gown made in England by After Six. Marked size 12 English and should be an 8 American. Pictured with a 120 inch three tiered hoop and will expand to hold a 150 inch hoop. Does have the look for the correct time period and can be dressed up with ribbons and bows. Dress does have a zipper in back hard to see with large row of lace and satin covering it. The Bodice is in black velvet and the dress is in black silk looking fabric with two large rows of black lace one round the neck and the other on the bottom hem. Everything looks new and in great shape. I can ship free of charge using UPS within the state of Florida. Asking for a check or money order for $50.00 email victorianjill@msn.com for address.

For Sale. Nice pair of Childs size 9 Justin lacers, used only twice for reenactments. As you can see by the pictures, they are in great shape. Original price was $60.00 these are all leather. I would like $20.00 for these in either check or money order email Victorianjill@msn.com for address. I can also ship these free using UPS within the state of Florida.

For Sale. New Wah shirt made by the Scully leather Company, black size small. This has never been worn and original price is $40.00 asking check or money order for $20.00. Has pleats on the front and a banded collar. I can also ship this free within the state of Florida email Victorianjill@msn.com for more information.

For Sale. Nice pair of English riding boots all leather in great shape size 7 ½ C men size English and size 8 ½ C in American. Would like $75.00 for these in either check or money order and I can also ship these within the state of Florida. Email victorianjill@msn.com for more information.

For Sale

1987 Suzuki 50cc

Less than 300 original miles street legal runs great. $400.

Contact Robyn Banks at Southerncanoneer@aol.com

For Sale..........Jim is in the process of inventorying all of the old maps he has left and when completed is going to sell them all on a first come basis. The maps range from Florida Seminole Indian War maps to Civil War fortification and defensive position maps, attack maps, county maps, 1926 road maps and field research scaled maps prepared by field operatives relating to fortifications found and artifacts recovered. Most are of original paper, but some like the township/range maps showing sites are cloth backed. Areas covered range from original maps of Washington/George Town to Florida to Mexican war sites. There are no set prices. All reasonable offers will be considered. Anyone wanting a completed list, to make an offer on individual or groups of maps, contact James Gray at cracker3@optusnet.com.au

Upcoming Events

Monthly Meetings

Historic Sewing Society Meetings.......Each month the group features a speaker or sewing project for their members. If you would like to participate or are having a sewing problem, contact Glenda Reed ashevilla@aol.com

The Golden Teacup Society......The society has started monthly meetings at Walter Jones Historical Park in Mandarin (South Jacksonville) every second Saturday of the month. We meet from 10-2, and do a period activity (handcraft, sewing, impression improvements) and just fellowship. For more information, directions or to get on our e-mail list, contact Shorty Robbins at GoldTeacup@aol.com or shortyrobb@aol.com or Diane Gleason at bzquiltn@aol.com.

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. For information, contact Ruth Ann Wood at lady1861@netzero.net

Reenactments And Events

January 28, 29, 30, 2005. 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 5, 6, 2005. Fort Clinch (Fernandina Beach, Florida). Federal (Union Army) Garrison and Living History. Admission: Living Historians free. Spectators: $3.25 per car to Park and $2 each to Fort. Ask at gate about candlelight tour on Saturday night. Candlelight tour admission is $3 for spectators. Contact the park at (904) 277-7274.

February 11, 12, 13, 2005. 19th annual Heritage Festival at Ft. Taylor (Key West, Florida) Fort Taylor was a Union held fortress (one of three in Florida). It served as headquarters for the Union Navy's East Gulf Coast Blockade Squadron. The event features a parade down the world famous Duval Street to Fort Taylor, artillery and infantry demonstrations, period crafts, a land/sea battle, and a period ball. New on this year's schedule; a court trial of a captured blockade runner and a skirmish on the beach. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is the site of the best beach on Key West. Portrayal of life in the Keys in the mid 1800's. No registration fee, but sutlers need to call in advance. Ft. Taylor has one of the largest collections of coast artillery in the country. Primitive tent and dry RV camping is available. Directions, Take US 1 south to mile marker 0 and turn left on Southard Street. Turn Left and follow the signs to Ft. Taylor State Historical site. Sutlers and reenactors contact Maj. Brass at nbforrest10@juno.com or Information and on-line registration is available at http://www.forttaylor.org or by telephoning Park Service Specialist Harry Smid at 305-292-6850.

February 18, 19, 20, 2005. The Battle of Olustee and Living History. Olustee Battlefield State Historic Site, Olustee, Florida. Friday is School day 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. 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 crowd gets big fast, sign-in and parking can be a hassle. First time visitors and reenactors to the event should read The Authentic Spectator and listing of activities. 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. Contact the Olustee Battlefield Historic Site at (386) 758-0400. olusteecso@yahoo.com

February 25, 26, 27, 2005. The South Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America is planning a weekend event at Markham Park (the weekend after President's Day). This will be the 46th Annual Scoutmasters Camporee and the theme will be "One Nation United". As part of this event, there will be a Civil War living history and skirmish at Markham Park on Saturday, February 26, 2005. Re-enactors may camp out Friday and Saturday nights, or set up Saturday morning. Markham Park charges a $1 admission fee and a $2 per night camping fee. The living history portion will start Saturday morning at 9:00AM and the skirmish will be Saturday afternoon. Re-enactors are also invited to participate in the Arena Show on Saturday night. Markham Park is located in Sunrise, Florida (Ft. Lauderdale area) on the NW corner of the intersection of I-75, I-595, and the Sawgrass Expressway. Directions are at www.broward.org/parks/pri01600.htm

February 24, 25, 26, 27, 2005. Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas County, Florida. Sixth Annual "The Battle of Ballast Point". The 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Re-enactment Regiment, in cooperation with the Pinellas County Parks Department and Fort DeSoto Park, will host an American Civil War Weekend Encampment and Historical Battle Reenactment 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 25, 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 event host 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. Reenactors are encouraged to arrive on Friday the 25th and participate in our 'school day' program for almost 800 school children in Pinellas County. Participating units and artillery contact event host in advance of the event. There will be a $50 cash bounty for the first four artillery units with a cannon (two Union, two Confederate) that participate at the event. There is no fee for sutlers, but there will be a limit of those who can set up their shops. Make your reservation today. For more information and to preregister for the event, contact David Glenn, Event Coordinator at email: coa_97thpa@hotmail.com or write to: 97th Pennsylvania Vol. Inf., Fort DeSoto Committee, 14172 Sharon Drive, Largo, Florida, 33774. http://www.angelfire.com/pa5/97pavolinf/2005fortdesoto.html

February 25, 26, 27, 2005. Ft. Clinch in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Early War Confederate Impression, garrison and living history. You may come in your civilian dress and join the CSA just like it was done 140 years ago. Bring your uniform and it will be "issued" back to you. Musket drills and demonstrations, mail call, sick call, pay day and more. $10. per person covers entire weekend at the fort including your food on Saturday and Sunday. Please preregister. Contact Fred Jackobson at CSArooster@adelphia.net or the park at (904) 277-7274 Fort Clinch State Park

February 26, 27, 2005. Southeast Spring Drum & Fife Field Music Muster. Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas County. The 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Re-enactment Regiment, in conjunction with our 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. This event will host a Regional Drum & Fife Muster. All Ancient Musicians (Union, Confederate, Civilian, Revolutionary War, etc.) 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 the event host 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. Re-enactors are encourage to arrive on Friday the 25th, to participate in the 'school day' program for 800 school children in Pinellas County. Musicians are encouraged to reserve their spot for this event. For more information, contact David Glenn, Event Coordinator, email: coa_97thpa@hotmail.com or write to: 97th Pennsylvania Vol. Inf., Fort DeSoto Committee, 14172 Sharon Drive, Largo, Florida, 33774. Website: http://www.angelfire.com/pa5/97pavolinf/2005fortdesoto.html

March 4, 5, 6, 2005. Indian River Raid, Titusville, Florida. CANCELED DUE TO HURRICANE DAMAGE. Hosted by Indian River Camp #2027 Sons of Confederate Veterans. There will be a school day on Friday March 4th, from 9am to 2pm. Volunteers are needed to help in the demonstrations, and since this is new to the community they are expecting a large turn out of students. There will be two battles during the weekend. Union and Confederate artillery and infantry are needed. Due to the size of the battlefield no cavalry are allowed. Firewood, water and portables will be provided. Sutlers are needed. CANCELED DUE TO HURRICANE DAMAGE Authentic camping provided but modern camping is limited. Ladies tea Saturday afternoon and a Bluegrass and Country music Ball Saturday night. There are plenty of restaurants and hotels located near by. KOA campground (very close to event) with full hook-ups for RVs at I-95 and Hwy 46. Driving directions: From the North - Take I-95 South to Hwy 46 in Brevard County. CANCELED DUE TO HURRICANE DAMAGE Exit onto Hwy 46 East to US-1. Go South on US-1 about 2 miles to Jay Jay Road. Turn right onto Jay Jay road follow signs to reenactment. From the South - Take I-95 North to the Garden St. exit in Titusville. Take Garden St. to US-1. Go north on US-1 for 2.8 miles to Jay Jay Rd. turn left onto Jay Jay Rd. and follow sign to the event. For more information contact Mitch Morgan at jmorgan14@cfl.rr.com or David Hackel at dhackel3@bellsouth.net or Ron Peek at rpeek@copper.net