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Confederate Flag Project in Tampa on I-75

Confederate Flag Project in Tampa on I-75

Tampa I-75 Confederate Flag Project is going strong.

General Information

Chickamauga.....LAST CALL.......Don't wait to the last minute to register for Chickamauga. This causes problems for the event hosts. They need to plan for things like how much hay, straw, water, etc. will be needed. The pre-registration cut off date has been extended and will remain at $10 for all Florida reenactors who register now. To refresh your memory the event details follow.

September 19, 20, 21, 2008. 145th anniversary Battle of Chickamauga. Walker County Georgia. Held on the actual ground where the troops mustered for the legendary battle. The property is less than ten minutes from Chickamauga National Battlefield Park. You can wade in the Chickamauga Creek, fight on Lookout Mountain and experience the battle that still stands as one of the bloodiest in U.S. History on one of the last undisturbed battlefields in the nation. This event will feature Saturday and Sunday battles and a tactical. Period and civilian impressions welcome. Contact information 1-800-624-0281 Ext. 326.

Reenactors Acting Guild

Capt. Jim Bishop of the 1st Florida Cavalry has an idea. He wrote..................

Attention all reenactors who have been or want to be in the movies whether it be Documentaries or Feature Films. Those of us that have done several to a lot for very little or no pay need to set a standard for our work. The movie people have and will continue to take advantage of us unless ALL come together as one with a set rate of pay. We need to stand together as one voice otherwise they will just continue to use those who for whatever reason will do it for nothing or very little pay. The film industry can afford to pay under contact a good wage to reenactors and still make money. At this time I am trying to find out how many reenactors are willing to come together as ONE. If there is enough interest I will pursue this issue. email me at cpt1stflacav@aol.com

57th Returns............The 57th Virginia Co. C. will be back in action in September and is currently recruiting new members. They plan to attend several events as a company next season. They have decided to add events for the unit's family members too. The family will be able to camp on the company street. For more information, contact Mike Everhart at mecoh48thnc@wmconnect.com

Artillery Recruits Wanted........Central Florida Artillery unit looking for new recruits to man two new Mountain Howitzers. The guns should be ready by Nov. or Dec. 2008. Artillery gun guards needed also. New recruits will get proper training on the guns with safety first and foremost. All welcome male or female. For more information, contact Capt. Denny Rosenow at firstusartillery@juno.com or Lt. Jim Mordue at rmordue@tampabay.rr.com or Pvt. Don Johnson at djmkusartillery@peoplepc.com

Infantry Recruits Wanted........1st Florida Reserves (Lake City) is getting organized and looking for members. New and experienced infantrymen wanted. Militia impression. Contact David at d_eversole@bellsouth.net

Updated.........The Confederate Cantinieres Chapter #2405 (Tampa, Florida) website has been redesigned, improved and updated. The Cantinieres are associated with The United Daughters of the Confederacy. Check them out at www.cantiniere.org

Help Wanted. The 69th N.C. Co. A. is looking for some help in the kitchen and on the battlefield. Capt. Jason Baller wrote.........

Wanted. Company Cook. We have all the equipment. All you need is a SUV or truck to pull the small enclosed cook trailer. This is a paid position and includes tent and uniform.

Wanted. First Sgt. position available. Must have NCO experience.

For more information contact Capt. Jason Baller at 407-797-6206 or email bigcountry005400@aol.com

In The News

Fort Marion Event (December 13 - 14) Cancelled

The 17th Connecticut Infantry's 30th Anniversary event for St. Augustine at Fort Marion is up in the air because of the NPS (National Park Service) and their lack of communication. The dates for the event which have been held the second weekend of December since 1978 have been blocked because of other activities.

Jeff Grezelak, founder of the unit, met with the new Interpretive Ranger, Doyle Sapp; who transferred from Appomattox last Fall this past May 28th and got the bad news. "This is disappointing, did you not get any of the previous correspondence from Gordie Wilson (Park Superintendent) or Joe Brehm (Interpretive Ranger)?" asked Grzelak to Sapp. He responded by saying, "I am not privy to that information." "What!" exclaimed Grzelak. "I have requested and asked for confirmation since 2003 and submitted a five year plan to Wilson as he requested when we stopped doing annual events when Chuck Dale left..." Grzelak who has fought for Civil War events at the fort for decades seems to have hit a brick wall.

"I am really disappointed by the lip service when I have done all the NPS asked of me and more..." stated a disenchanted Grzelak. Grzelak has talked with the NPS about the events for years and this is nothing new. When a few years ago the 145th anniversary of the surrender of the fort to Florida State Militia was approaching in January, 2006 the initial go ahead (which had been requested two years earlier) was nixed at the last minute.

"We simply do not have the resources," stated Joe Brehm of the NPS.

That left Grzelak wondering what resources the NPS has. "We are talking about raising a flag, that is all that happened, and the lone Ordnance Sgt. got a receipt and handed over the keys. They raise a flag every day .... what resources do you need? I wonder if they know their own history of the fort."

Grzelak has spent the better part of 30 years sending in documentation to be able to do living history at the fort. Ten years ago he erected 20 hutments on the upper deck and recreated the pictures that Sam Cooley took exactly 135 years earlier, spending some $10,000 of his own money and winning accolades of the living history community and recognition by the NPS on numerous occasions.

Grzelak requested from Doyle Sapp if any other dates were available, either earlier or later by a few weeks, but was told not at this time by the NPS. "What about in January?" asked Grzelak to Sapp. "It is too far ahead we haven't looked that far," stated Sapp. "What about November?" asked Grzelak. "Too close and we have British Nightwatch the weekend before," stated Sapp.

"So I guess it is back to 1978 and square one," stated Grzelak.

Sick Call

Brenda Kato, wife of reenactor Richard Kato passed away July 14th. Our sympathies go out to their family.

Sadly I must report the sudden passing of long time reenactor Mike Loncaric with the Alabama Volunteers Medical Corps. Mike was a friend to all and a dedicated reenactor who brought a lot of authenticity and factual knowledge to our hobby. He will be missed by all. For more information, check the Bradenton newspaper obituary section at http://www.legacy.com/bradenton/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=113004671

Letters To The Editor

Call To N.Florida/S. Georgia Reenactors

I'm talking about the yearly reenactment at Olustee/Ocean Pond, near my home of Lake City Florida. Many of our community take part in the even, but Id like to get us more national attention in one of two possible ways. I'll lay them out for you.

It was many years ago now that the movie Glory was made about the 54Th Massachusetts, the first regiment made up of negro soldiers. This movie ended at Battery Wagner on the coast of North Carolina and left many wondering what happened to the men of the 54Th Mass after the battle. We of North Florida reenacting groups know that the 54Th Mass came south to Florida and took part in the action at Ocean Pond/ Olustee. Those who just saw the movie and have maybe never heard of Olustee, will not know this and that the 54Th Mass was almost wiped out when the confederates killed many wounded members of the 54th for taking up arms against their former masters. Many will also not know that the Regiment I belong to as a reenactor, The 7Th Connecticut, also fought at Olustee and took many casualties. Before the 7Th marched on Olustee, two members of the Seventh Connecticut got into a fight, supposedly over a card game and one was placed in the brig. He was made to march west to the ambush waiting them at Ocean Pond. when the fighting broke out, the man who went to the brig saw the other man in front of him and shot him. He was seen doing so and was stood before a firing squad on their way back to The coastal Forts.

Both of these events gives an opening to the producer of Glory to come south and make part two of Glory and show what happened to both the Seventh Connecticut and the 54Th Mass after they left Battery Wagoner. It is known the two units worked to help build a large shore battery called The Swamp Angel to defend the harbor and shell any Confederate ships trying to enter the harbor.

Part two of the story would be a boost to the economy of Lake City and the surrounding area as it would bring in many actors, crewmen and people who want to see a movie being made. The yearly reenactment would swell in size of both spectators and participants.

The story concerning the two men who had got into the fight and the one's execution could be made into a Semi-Fictional novel by an author who writes of a National Park Service Law Enforcement Officer who gets sent around the country to trouble spots. Ms Nevada Barr could write a new novel centered around the modern day relatives of the two men who fought and were killed at the battle. She could write about the one who was the executer's great, great, grandson coming to the reenactment to get belated revenge on the great, great grandson of the one who had been killed in the battle by the other.

Again, a novel of this type would bring a new interest in our hobby and add new life to the reenactment and the Lake City area.

Please help me in contacting both Nevada Barr and the people who produced Glory years back to begin a new project and make our hobby known to more people. I know Nevada Barr has a website she can be contacted at, but right now do not know the address for it. I'm sure the movie producer also has a website they can be contacted at.

How about we all try to write them and get our hobby some free publicity of a good kind.

Ord Sgt. Retired,
Richard Todd
7Th Connecticut

I'm one of the last
original members of
the 7Th Conn. and this might
help get my unit back up to strength

4-H State Competition Victory

Genie Stracuzzi wrote to tell us of D'Anna Stracuzzi's victory. Read on for the details............

What she's been trying to do for four years, D'Anna Stracuzzi finally pulled off last night ... SHE WON!!! D'Anna's been sewing Civil War Ball Gowns for 7 yrs, and

competing in 4-H State Competitions for 4 yrs. She's never even placed. This year's "chocolate and ice blue" creation of hers earned the highest scores in the entire State of Florida to win the #1 slot in "Fashion Revue".

All competitors must first win in their own County level (Martin County's "Country Crossroads" Club), then in the District level before competing in the State Level. There are 3 segments of competition: Garment Construction, Personal Interview/Modeling, and Skill-A-Thon. This year's competition started on Monday (7/21) at 12 noon at the University of FL in Gainesville, then continued at 8am Tuesday morning. We don't have the scores yet, but at 8:30pm last night, D'Anna was announced as the Top Winner. And, since this is her final year to compete, it is a very sweet ending!

Recent Events

The Battle of Jonesville, Virginia
By Ralph Epifanio

On May 27, 2008 I received the following communication:

…we have been engaged in several battles this year in South Carolina and Kentucky. Our unit was very successful. We had only minor injuries and the spirit of the army is very good.

Most of the soldiers are on leave tending their crops and checking their families.

I have received word…that the enemy is on the move and expect them in Jonesville, Virginia, June 6th.

We will meet the Yankee invaders, head on, with a force and spirit like they have never seen before. If need be, we will die defending our homes and honor.

Respectfully Yours
Capt. Steve Coffey
Co. E, 37th Va. Infantry

And so it was that, once again, we packed our gear and headed towards another meeting with those rascally Yankees.

The irony, however, is that when the Battle of Jonesville originally occurred, the weather was quite unlike that of far western Virginia in early June of 2008. Known as The Frozen Fight, it occurred on January 3, 1864, in the Powell Valley of Lee County, Virginia.

Jonesville is four miles south of Harlan County, Kentucky and six miles north of Hancock County, Tennessee. Union forces were concentrated in the west, both at the Cumberland Gap and Tazewell, Tennessee. Confederate camps were located in Rogersville, Tennessee, to the south.

Due to its rich farmland and abundant harvests, the Powell River Valley was often visited by foraging parties from both sides of the conflict. None, however, rankled the residents as much as Union Major Charles H. Beeres, who waged his own brand of total warfare. He seemed bent on punishing the people of Lee County in any way that he deemed necessary, including arson.

Ordered by Colonel W.C. Lemert to attack Confederates (10th and 64th Kentucky Mounted Rifles) camped near Jonesville, Beeres gathered a force of 450 men, comprised of the 16th Illinois Cavalry and 22nd Ohio Battery, and set out from Tazewell in the dead of winter.

On December 31, 1863, approximately 250 men from the 8th, 21st, 27th and 37th Virginia Battalions hastily left Rogersville to intercept them. They were led by General William Jones.

Beeres placed his artillery in support of his entrenched forces, high on a hill overlooking the rebel position. What he didn’t know was that, despite sub-zero temperatures, rebels had crossed the Powell River, and joined by many locals on leave, had outflanked him.

The 10th attacked from the left, the 64th from the right. They battled the Yankees, capturing, then losing the cannon. The battle turned, however, when Jones brought up his force and surprised the Yankees. Beeres tried to flee, but was cut off from escape towards the Cumberland Gap. Forced to surrender, he hesitated giving up his sword until Colonel Pridemore arrived on the scene to take it. (Yet another version of a “gallant” officer refusing to submit to a man of lower rank.)

The Union casualties included 12 dead, 48 wounded and 350 captured, plus all their weapons, artillery and supplies. The Confederates lost 4 dead and 12 wounded.
Most importantly, the residents of the valley were rid, once and for all, of that hated Yankee marauder, Major Charles H. Beeres, who got his wish and passed the remainder of the war living off the generosity of the citizens of the Confederate States of America, albeit in prison.

Pridemore was promoted to a full colonel, and is credited with penning the a fitting epithet to the event:

No area had truer sons
No cause, nobler champions
No people, bolder defenders
Than the boys in Gray from Lee

Having fought with the descendants of these defenders, I can say that their spirit lives on. Ornery, feisty and spirited, but above all honorable and generous, the current members of the 37th Virginia and their counterparts in Kentucky and Tennessee are just as proud of their role as reenactors as their historical predecessors were in defending these same hills 144 years earlier.

Led by General Jerry Parsons, the Southern Guard (37th) has 26 companies of infantry, 18 pieces of artillery and about 30 cavalry. They recently split their brigade into three sections. The southern section, or 3rd Battalion (Florida to South Carolina) is commanded by Colonel Gerald Rackley. The 2nd Battalion (Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Michigan) is led by Colonel Ray Adkins. The 1st, or Center Battalion (Georgia, northern Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia) is under the recently promoted Colonel Richard Parsons.

Several promotions, either actual or honorary, occurred during the weekend. Keith Cornelius was promoted to Lt. Colonel and appointed as Chief of Staff. Oddly, except for a very distinctive eye patch, this man was a dead ringer for my friend Skippy, formerly of Florida’s 2nd South Carolina. He even left, right after Sunday’s battle, in an EVAC, just like the Florida Skippy has been known to do on numerous occasions.

Sgt. Major David Honeycut, a law enforcement officer in real life, was given a service award. General Parsons candidly admitted that he couldn’t afford to promote him, because in so doing, he would be losing a man who is too important in his role. Anyone who has ever witnessed a pre-battle speech by this firebrand, urging his men to “act in the first person,” and “defend your homes and families…for Virginia” would no doubt be witnessing a performance as close to the real thing as you can get.

12 year-old Mark Hartsock, of Pennington Gap, Virginia, was promoted to sergeant.

“I met him five years ago at a living history event,” explained General Parsons. “He is the second of two (cerebral palsy) honorary members (of the 37th). The other one, Joseph Auldo, passed away from cancer. In the last year, out of 20 events, Mark missed only four.

Jordan Collins, whom I would guess is eight, was promoted to corporal “for bravery and excellent performance of duty.” He is described by Parsons as “the best personal courier I’ve ever had. I just have to ‘think’ something and he’s right there.”

Another youngster, 11 year-old Zachariah Walds is the Chaplain of Company E, 37th Virginia. This young man is not, by any means, a Chaplain by title only.

“He got baptized and decided to spread the word of God,” said Parsons.

I heard the young man speak several times, and can assure you that he fills the role to a “t,” having earned the respect and gratitude of the men he addresses.

It struck me as unusual to see so many youngsters on the battlefield, but having been to several reenactments with this group (two Jonesvilles and Tazewell, Tennessee), I was comfortable with the reasons. These are honest and honorable people. While they may surprise you at times (like when I was charged by a cavalryman last year, and had to fend off his saber with my bayonet), they try to be who they purport to be, right down to marching into line in bare feet.

They certainly know how to entertain. Memories of the Saturday night barbeque still makes me want more. And where else can you take part in “A Civil War Olympics?”
There was a three legged race (won by a Richard Parsons led team), stretcher load and carry (led by Jerry Parsons, cavalry boots and all, and a team mate), and run, load and fire. Surprisingly, my sons (Andrew and Chris) and I pulled this one out by the skin of our teeth, in 17.76 seconds…no doubt because my young sons did all the running, so all I had to do was pull the trigger.

Each morning, after colors, we attended a memorial service. On Saturday, we dressed in grey and visited the Confederate Cemetery, where speeches and flowers drove home the point that those fallen soldiers will not be forgotten. And on Sunday, I was asked to don a blue coat--ain’t many Yankees thereabout--to give honor to “Americans, no matter what side they fought for.”

Incidentally, there is an interesting story that surrounds the two cemeteries. The Confederate Cemetery was certainly the one better cared for. Perhaps this is because some of the descendents of its population still live in and around Jonesville.

On the second day, we visited the Union dead buried in a cemetery, high up on a hill overlooking the home of Jack and Evelyn Mason.

“My wife’s grandfather bought this house in the early part of the 20th century…I think it was 1913,” explained Jack. “The house was started in 1824, and finished in 1827.”

With that home came the responsibility, or should I say honor, of caring for a cemetery that serves as a resting place, not only for the previous owners’ family, but also their slaves (a rather unusual fact, in an historical sense), and the Yankees who fell nearby back in 1864. Parsons explained it to me.

“Both Union and Confederate wounded were treated in the Milbourne house, by the Union surgeon, who was a Captain. Even after the Union forces left--Major Beeres was sent to the Capital Prison in Richmond, the enlisted to Andersonville--the wounded were helped at the Milbourne house. After the men were tended to, the Captain, who was the regimental surgeon, was turned loose, directed toward the Gap and let go. He had to walk, but he was allowed to go.”

“There happened to be this Henry Joslin, from a very prominent family in Massachusetts. He came over to Lee County several times to forage. They could pick up hams, grain, horses….He would stop at the Milbourne house. His soldiers would bivouac there.

“After his service ended, he came back and married Nancy Milbourne. There was no animosity towards him. Captain Henry Joslin…he hired Confederates that fought against him during the war. He started a bank and a lumber business. He became a prominent businessman. There is a street named after him, both in Jonesville and Pennington.

“They’re both buried in the Union Cemetery.

“A Milbourne family first cousin, Peter T. Miller, a Confederate soldier, is buried there. So are their slaves. Slaves built that house. That’s the only house in southwestern Virginia that has twin fireplaces.

“I prefer to recall history the way it was. There was good and bad on both sides. If we are to remember history (correctly), it’s important to learn the truth and not be spoon fed what is on TV, or what is ‘politically correct.’ “

The event had its trappings, much like ones in Florida. There were very few men willing to represent the Union side, and, unlike the real battle, there was an overwhelming number of grey-clad infantry.

With that huge hill literally dominating the battlefield, there is little doubt that the first side to get there (Union) would dig in at the crest, and if given the chance would sweep down on the enemy. However, that was not the case. But the spectators were darned close to the scrap, which for them was probably better. (Did I mention that admission was $1?)

And then there was the moment when 40 Confederates faced off against six Yankees. What do you suppose the Confederates did? Why, retreated, of course.

All in all, however, it was a memorable event, one which I’m sure my family will remember for years. I sincerely hope that the meteoric rise in fuel costs will not claim this event as a casualty. It would be a great shame.

Description of the original battle based upon:
Chaltas, David and Richard Brown. Battle of Jonesville [or The Frozen Fight], January 3rd, 1864.

Gettysburg 145th Anniversary

A few people sent in reports in the first person about the recent Gettysburg 145th event. Hope you enjoy the following............

The Road to Gettysburg
By Ralph Epifanio

After the last battle, on the third day of the 145th Anniversary of Gettysburg, as I slowly made my way up that damnable, mile long hill back to Confederate camp, one of the Entwhistle clan stared after me and asked, “How’d it go?”

“Pretty much the way it did the first time,” I responded. “We lost again.”

Without missing a beat, he returned, “Maybe next year….”

I am still trying to figure out if I should label his parting shot as sardonic wit, or naïve repartee. I knew one thing for sure. I felt drained of cash, emptied of emotion and, like the thousands of sweat-soaked, shabbily shorn southern troops streaming along in our amoebic retreat towards camp, desperate to depart Pennsylvania post haste.

For me, Gettysburg had been a reluctant destination mid-way through an already over-taxed summer. With gas teetering on $4.00 a gallon--those sadistic station owners conspired to make the price an almost universal $3.999, from Florida to New Hampshire, and half way back, as my route would take me--and my finances continuing south without me, I didn’t need further reminders of my precarious financial state of retirement.

None the less the GAC (Gettysburg Anniversary Committee) tried to tease what little cash I had left with $4 bottles of “commemorative” sarsaparilla, $3 bottles of water, a multitude of Gettysburg souvenirs and (indirectly) overpriced--no doubt due to their cost of being here--reenactor staples at the sutler tents.

What troubled me most about this scenario was the $120 in registration fees that I forked over to be there. As one of 13,000 pre-registered reenactors traveling to the event at substantial personal expense, why we had to pay anything at all behooves me. According to a member of the staff at Gettysburg, they drew in 28-30,000 spectators, and at some pretty hefty prices, I might add. (From personal observations, and a lot of photos to go along with them, I suspect they attracted considerably more than 30,000 people.) It cost them $24 (+ $5 to make the transaction on line) in advance, or $30 at the gate; an additional $10 to $15 for preferred--as opposed to no--seating. If we were the entertainment, why charge registration fees at all? Didn’t they make enough money from gate receipts and sales of merchandise?

The herculian efforts of the GAC weren’t without merit. They tried their best to put on a seamless event with a well-

manned and smooth check-in, reenactor parking about as close to the camps as you can get, as many as ten shuttles (hay wagons pulled along by trusty tractors) for rapid transport to and from the demonstrator/spectator/sutler area, well-groomed camping areas that were free of any kind of debris, long rows of well-maintained portable toilets, mountains of firewood, daily trash pick-up, continuous ($4 for 20 pounds) ice delivery right to camp, readily available fire and EMT service, and constant adjustment to ever-changing conditions. In the case of the latter, for example, having seen the effect that climbing Confederate Hill had on the reenactors that first day, it was literally lined with volunteers dispensing water and ice on subsequent (Saturday and Sunday) days.

For the most part, good music was one thing in ample supply. Each morning reveille rippled from one end of camp to another from the dozen (s? of) buglers, each of whom seemed to inspire the next to a louder and more enthusiastic rendition. No sooner had the last notes of that stirring piece died down, than out came drums, cornets, trumpets, bagpipes and even entire bands, to wake the living and the semi-dead. Many of these accomplished musicians followed us to and from the battlefield, entertaining us with period music. I have to say, it put a little energy in my step.

Most memorable was the sea of tents in the respective camps, and the endless progression of troops, both Union and Confederate, that they produced, marching out in columns of four towards their confrontation on the battlefield.

The Confederate lines, in proud formation, filed past the great brick mansion that houses the event’s hosts, the Entwhistles. Gathered for a reunion, several generations of family members sat in silent testimony as the parade filed past, the only sounds being the steady click of heel plates on their stone driveway and an occasional clank of a steel cup against a rifle. I tried to imagine a similar scene 145 years ago, as the invading Confederate army filled roads like this in every direction.

Half a mile away, and quite visible to the people sitting around the mansion, not to mention the modern Army of Northern Virginia, another great army streamed past tens of thousands of spectators assembled for the great clash. Their lines were solidly blue, like a river flowing from the white tents on top of their hill, to the straight grey wall that cut the battlefield in half.

When they met, it was without drama, because armies are impotent without the power to maim and kill. That is a good thing, because we’ve seen enough of that already. But it results in dogged movement and unconvincing actions. Without the fear and terror of real war, men become boys playing war. Little that happened in the three infantry and two cavalry engagements differed from those that occur in Florida, albeit in much greater scope.

Certain Gettysburg myths were dispelled. While the Confederate side had many women carrying rifles, they were in character and appeared in genderless butternut and grey. The long lines of Union blue, however, were broken in several places by women in white dresses, marching along in formation. Schoolmarms at recess.

The Battle of Gettysburg, which will always be remembered for its barbarism and stark statistics, with 23,000 Union and (perhaps) 28,000 Confederate casualties, was done a great injustice by the abject refusal of its reenactors to “take a hit” in response to hostile action. Despite, by my estimation, nearly 750,000 rounds fired in three infantry battles, I could almost count how many Union soldiers fell, no doubt due to modern accoutrements (in other words, Kevlar). The Confederacy tried to be somewhat more realistic, especially during the last day’s Pickett/Pettigrew’s charge. Still, are we so selfish to think that the men we portray had the choice of when and where to die?

And then there was Taps, played after the final (Sunday) battle by someone on the Union side. Suffice it to say that his (her?) off-key “interpretation” was commented upon many, many times afterward. It was, unnecessarily, followed by a second Taps. This was even more inappropriate, as it sounded like that electronic version so often used at veteran funerals because there are too few buglers available. However, at this battle there were enough accomplished buglers that it could have been echoed from one end of the battlefield to the other…maybe even all the

way to Hanover.

This lack of planning was also evident in the second (Saturday’s) battle, which was stopped several times for minor injuries. Eventually, the Union side just gave up, and signaled a cease fire. They might have considered an alternative course of action that helped the men, while allowing the battle to continue. After all, the two or three (separate) casualties were able to walk off on their own after being treated by EMTs. In the end, the Confederate side simply walked off the field without knowing why the battle was terminated.

And lastly, there seems to have been nearly as many cameras at Gettysburg as there were Enfields…this time around at least. We had Nikons, Canons, digitals and film, disposables, movie cameras and even sword cams. The long lines of opposing armies facing each other across the width of the huge battle field, battery upon battery of artillery, cavalry that swept across the grassy meadow in synchronized movements and a virtual sea of onlookers straining to see the mock struggle through thick clouds of smoke belched forth by the perpetual musketry will no doubt live on in the images that they captured.

Quicksteps: My compliments to Colonel Keith Kohl, whose austere Friday morning drilling thoroughly prepared us for what we would encounter in subsequent afternoon actions. He deserves a resounding vote of support when officers are again selected….A very animated Brig. General Jerry Parsons--with the enthusiastic support of Sgt. Major Honeycutt--“took us all the way to the wall,” on Sunday. For those of you who have not met the men of the 37th Virginia (Jonesville area), they are comrades in arms to Hardy’s Brigade. As part of the Home Guard, they have fine-tuned the art of a stirring and emotional battle scenario…Hardy’s Brigade Medical, and especially Colonel David Riker, did an exceptional job of keeping everyone under their unblinking gaze safe and healthy for this event. It is exceedingly rare, in an event of this magnitude, to have so few problems. This was in no small part due to his weeks of preparation and dedication to detail. We must note that he accomplished all this on his honeymoon, as he and Erin were married on May 30th and this event was their first trip as a married couple.

Gettysburg

by Mike Fensterer

3rd Battalion, 5th Fl. Co. I.

June 30, 1863, 6:30PM, We started out the day like any other marching in the Yankee state of Pennsylvania as a part of the advance guard of our Army of Northern Virginia, ’round six o’clock our infantry brigade encountered a larger Union infantry brigade in a wheat field just twelve miles Northwest of a beautiful piece of land near a town called Gettysburg. We went out there with Colonel Hardy leading our battalion into battle. At first we encountered one Yankee battalion and engaged it, but unfortunately we failed to notice other battalions closing on us fast. We fought them fiercely taking losses while inflicting a fair amount of casualties on those blue-bellied dogs. I soon looked over my shoulder and saw that we had five fronts going on at one time. Our brigade was able to hold out thanks to the swift arrival of a group of Texas Rangers who quickly drove off those horrid Yankees. After this first skirmish, I looked out and saw at least fifty Union dead and wounded laying on the field as well as sixteen of our own Florida and South Carolina boys layin’ dead out there. That night we made camp not too far from Gettysburg. Me and my friends got all excited hearing the word that there was a supply of fresh shoes in town seeing as we had only rags to cover our feet or in some cases nothing at all. We went to sleep that night not knowing what was to come on the morrow.

July 1, 1863, 8:21PM, This mornin’ we woke up and went to get some breakfast before we begin marching again towards Gettysburg. Along the way I talked and joked with my friends until our sergeant said to keep quiet. Our 5^th Florida infantry company was placed in the center and was marched to the field at McPherson’s Ridge just north of town where we formed up in front of the Yankee lines to fight. As soon as we were all formed up, I heard our Commander Lieutenant Colonel Keith Kohl who had our battalion open fire on the Federal soldiers across the field and at least thirteen Yankees went down, some screaming as they fell. Our company under Sergeant Major Gary Miller marched with our Florida battalion to push our foe towards the town until we reached a fence where I saw several of my comrades go down in front of me, I felt the urge to turn tail and run, but thought it best not to. After several hours of fierce fightin’, the Yankees had retreated through the town towards the ridge where I assume they made camp for tomorrow.

July 2, 1863, 7:15PM General Lee sent our division down the line to a spot just below Seminary Ridge just west of the Union battle line. We marched for two hours, the whole time we were marching, I was half expecting to come under Yankee fire from some direction or another. We sat there till at least one O’ clock before our division moved out to battle at a wheat field defended by some ten thousand Yankees, or that’s the number I come up with. Our brigade was stacked second or third in line waiting to fight which is where we sat until we got the order some two hours later to move out. Our battalion met the Yankees at a fence by the wheat field where we fought for some time and with some luck we came out without a single loss, that however, was not the case with our other battalions that took relatively heavy casualties before we had to retreat our only real company commanders were our Sergeant Major, Sergeant Buddy Jimmerson and a corporal who took a slight wound to the leg but we were told he would make it. Later in the evening, we moved to Seminary Ridge where we set up camp for the night. I really do hope that this horrible war ends soon.

July 3, 1863, 1:00PM: I awoke this morning ready for whatever dirty work we had to do, but surprisingly our brigade had nothing else to do but rest up. Private Macintosh or that’s what we call him said that this day might be the last day that we are on this great Earth of ours, sadly he was somewhat correct. We got word from General Lee’s Headquarters around 11 that he wanted the remainder of our 5^th Florida Infantry company along with some fifty others to go out in front of a main force to attack the Federal center at Cemetery Ridge I noted some 140 of our cannons lined up aimed at what looked like a clump of trees. Just a few seconds ago I heard the cannons begin to fire which is my cue to sign off one last time.

Pvt. Mike Fensterer

5^th Fla. Inf. Co. I,

Hardy’s Brigade

July 3, 1863, 5 PM, I found dis journal on th’ body of m’ friend Mike Fensterer on m’ retreat from th’ wall and decided t’ add anudder entry in dis book. He along wit’ his whole company died near th’ fence at th’ Emmetsburg Road. ’Bout sixty skirmishers started off just after de cannons quit shootin’ wit’ us follwin’ close behind. The skirmishers got close enough to run to and that’s when da Yankee rifles opened up knockin’ dose guys down one by one. I saw Mike and three of the fellers go down just befo’ da fense and de rest of dat company died on de road either by musket fire or by canister shot. As I passed Mike’s body I could see a bloody hole in the back of his head and at dat point I knowed he was dead. Th’ Infantry charge led by General Pickett was an utter failure leaving thousands dead and dieing on dat pristine farmland. I will send dis journal back t’ his momma as soon as I can as part of a letter t’ her.

Pvt. B. McDoogle

5^th Fla. Infantry, Co. B,

Hardy’s Brigade

The report below is from Capt. K.R. Baum at Gettysburg with Gen. Dave Shackelford's 3rd Div., in 2nd Battalion under Col. Earl Keckman as 4th Company of 5 (a.k.a. Ame's Brigade with "Florida Boys" of the 25th OVI, 107th OVI, 17th CVI, and 75th OVI plus a few from the 48th NYVI and 47th NYVI.

Near Hdqrs. of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Division

In the Field July 12th, '63

Sir : I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of 4th company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Division at the battles of Gettysburg from the 3rd to the 6th instant, inclusive:

Pursuant to orders, on the 3rd instant, the Battalion marched to the Redding farmstead north of the town of Gettysburg and established a camp in a grove of hickory. Commenced to rain shortly before midnight till morning light. Pursuant to orders, 4th Company fell in with the Battalion for drill at 7 o'clock morning of the 4th instant. A Division Drill was also conducted by our commander, Brevet Major General Dave Shackelford, including a demonstration firing by the Div. in full battle line formation. Was quite impressive and understood to be rarely conducted by the Armies. I was given orders to be ready for formation at noon time, thus gave orders to my company to cook rations and fall in for Company Drill at 11 o'clock. Unfortunately orders came to move up formation to 11 o'clock and our chance for drill was thus cancelled. The Rebs must have advanced nearer than expected as we were marching by 11:30 a.m. to a position on a ridge that sloped down to a creek, now know as Willoughby Run. Another division was already engaged in a big fight with the enemy, and soon we were advanced in position and gallantly prevailed for a while but were slowly pushed back, then were withdrawn. Our Division stacked and rested awhile, then marched towards east of Cemetery Hill but Gen. Shackelford's orders were countermanded placing us in a fight on the right instead. Held off the enemy with little loss till evening, then returning to camp tired but in good spirits.

Early morning of the 5th instant we were again doing a Division Drill and conducted in to forming a division square of the likes I've never seen done before. Our orders to possibly support a Cavalry action was

cancelled allowing us to rest instead. Soon we could hear a terrific Cavalry battle happening in the distant. At 4 o'clock the Battalion formed and marched over with the Division to the Klingle farmstead where we halted on a hill. Our 4th company were ordered to go forward and deploy as skirmishers just in front of the creek below. Artillery observers warned us of danger of being in range of enemy shell, so we marched in retreat back some which upset the Colonel. Soon the shelling began, but we held our ground, and then shortly engaged in firing on the advancing skirmishers. When the enemy started forward their battalions we were ordered back to our Battalion. Our Battalion maneuvered so to ford the creek where immediately we hit the enemy forces. The 4th & 5th Companies refused the left flank and had the upper hand on the fight but were ordered to withdraw. After resting a short while, we got into a big fight as a division, where the Battalion commenced to "fire by companies" producing a terrific fire that threw the enemy back. After the fight, we crossed back over the creek by the left flank and ended up in our original position to rest. Proceed to march from there to a place called Little Round Top and defeated a large force of Alabamians Rebs.

On the 6th instant, at 11 o'clock in the morning the Battalion marched to stop a movement of the enemy to retreat. Engaged a fight with the rear guard. Once again the Battalion lay down a terrific fire "by companies" which only hastened their retreat, sorry to say and not captured. Marched to a position on Cemetery Hill where it looked as most of the Meade's entire Army had taken position facing west toward the enemy. After a good rest without arms, a great artillery barrage came forth from the Rebs and our Federal artillery fired back at their positions. Not long after that ended we saw what appeared to be a whole division advancing across the field. Even under a galling fire, the advanced point of it threw the Units at the stone wall reeling back which were left of us. Our 2nd battalion soon met the enemy's left wing and threw a heavy fire on them. As they wavered under our fire, we advanced on them capturing a good number of them, with the remaining in retreat. With the Rebs defeated we returned to camp for a well deserved rest.

I can not close without expressing my gratefulness for how bravely and gallantly the soldiers under my command conducted themselves, with special thanks to my Lt. Ken Giddens for taking command of the Company upon my receiving various but not serious wounds during the campaign. Much thanks goes to my 1st Sgt. Mark

Bartlett and Orderly Sgt. Chaz Amrhien for performing their duties well.

As for irregularities, I think our Company has been unjustly accused of creating gaps in the marching Battalion line upon halting. Regulations calls for all Units to immediate where they are at upon the call for halt, which we did. 3rd Company in front of us would stretch out during the march then close up upon on their halting leaving a gap between us. We were almost always right on the heel's of the file of the company in front of us, and thus don't see 4th Company creating the problem seen.

As a suggested to correct the above problem, and alternate method would be for the Colonel to call for a silent halt in which the first company would halt and close up gaps, if need be, and each succeeding company would do so in the same fashion until the last company has halted. Where at that moment the halt command will then be announced or the halt call given by a bugler to tell the front command the entire battalion has halted closed up and ready for it's next maneuver. I take this from Gen. Butterfield writing's being assured that he knows from experience and is an authority on marching an army and correct use of bugle calls. Only a suggestion mind you, as a Captain surely wouldn't tell his Commanding officers how to conduct themselves in such matters.

On the 6th instant, the Battalion on taking a new position marched off by the right flank. I heard the command "right face" before we marched off, but didn't hear any other commands given after that. As we cleared moving past an battalion on our left, I saw what looked like the leading company turning to the left by files but didn't look right to me. After saying "what the hell" I commanded our Company to do a "by file left" and proceeded to keep up to 3rd Company who was soon doing a left flank then another flank into line. I came up to their left and "right turn" into line. Evidently a command was given to left flank each company so to form a column of companies then proceed forward to the front and reform in battle line by the flank movements. I totally apologize for the error committed as I did not hear the commands given for that maneuver from our position in line. This was not the first missed hearing of commands during the campaign. I think the problem was that commands given up near the front of the Battalion were not loud enough sometime under certain conditions, thus not being heard by us and/or the left wing Major.

I am, Major, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

K. R. Baum

Captain, Comdg, 4th Co., 2nd Batt., 3rd Division

The New York World

An editorial by

Abigail Elizabeth Reynolds

War Correspondent

June 3, 1863

I had the privilege last month of attending the Association of New York Clergy Prayer Breakfast at the Metropolitan Methodist Church on 44th Street, NW. In attendance were a number of distinguished pastors, ministers, priest, and theologians. Several of the guests made reference to the Children of Israel wandering in the desert for forty years after being led out of the bondage of Egypt, before arriving at the Promised Land. Others referenced the forty days and nights of rain upon the land in the story of Noah and the Ark.

After the meeting, I queried a couple of the theologians on the meaning of these passages, why they were referenced and did the number forty have any significance in the scriptures. I was told that these particular passages had significance in the sense of the current struggles of the nation to define itself. Further, they have significance in the fight for freedom against slavery. The Negro looks to God as the great deliverer, just as the children of Israel looked to God for deliverance from the tyranny of Pharaoh. The number forty holds significance in that God takes "as long as necessary" to accomplish His will. Forty in the Bible means literally "as long as it takes".

The great struggle we are currently in seems to be taking, to some, longer than necessary.To others, the conflict is still in its infancy. The reasons for the conflict are also as varied and many as are the opinions of the conflict itself. The one question, though, that is always on the lips of those we encounter is, "How much longer will the fighting go on?" There, of course, is no simple or reasonable answer to this question. We know that it will go on, and that it will take as long as it takes. Forty years? Forty days? No one has that answer. Or perhaps we do.

The current administration in Washington City has made it clear that the current policy is to pursue an end to this war only after the Confederacy has been totally destroyed and the southern states have reunited as part of the Union. According to Mr. Lincoln, there will be no peace until the south lays down its arms. But what are the costs, the price, and the profit of such a policy? What would the cost, price and profit be of a different policy?

Let us look briefly at the cost. So far, we have seen a number of significant defeats of the Union forces. To date, over 400,000 men, both from the North and South are dead. The rights and civil liberties of the citizens of both the North and South have been eroded, perhaps these current atrocities. Bankers, financiers, and politicians appear to making a sizable profit through this war on both sides, while the middle class and poor appear to be losing ground economically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Civil Liberties, once believed to be sacred and protected, have been eroded. The writ of Habeas Corpus has been suspended in order to quiet those in dissension with the current Washington Administration. Anyone seen remotely as "sympathetic" to the southern cause is immediately imprisoned without reason, without recourse, without expeditious hearings, without representation.

The draft has been imposed, forcing the working class into the fight, while the wealthy are able to "buy off" their sons' service for Three Hundred Dollars, sending instead the poor to fight in their place.

The press is constantly under scrutiny and slander by the Washington elite, who wish that only materials from the "minister of propaganda" were allowed to be published, while the first amendment is trampled under foot, editors and reporters are accused of spying and unpatriotic sympathy, if anything of the truth is published which goes against the current sentiments of the Administration.

War atrocities occur daily, as homes and communities are burned, supplies and stores are raided, consumed or destroyed, civilians are treated as soldiers, shot, arrested, beaten, children are left fatherless and in many cases, motherless as well. Orphanages are being formed daily and, even then, are bulging at their very seams with the unwanted and abandoned children who are the real victims in this war.

The rich continue to become rich at the expense of the Poor. The factories of the North and their owners are increasingly more powerful, wealthier and more wasteful of the human spirit, as well as the daily commodities need for survival, let alone prosperity. The South is ever more isolated from the world, and the North, leaving little promise of a brighter tomorrow. England and France, to date, have agreed to remain neutral and stay out of the conflict, thus further isolating the South. The blockades of the Union Navy have totally disrupted the trade and commerce of the South, leaving it with no way to expeditiously sell its cotton and other commodities, leaving the South virtually bankrupt in its need to fund the war machine. Some say this is a good thing. But is it? What will the ultimate cost be when peace is restored? And will there ever be peace?

I believe there will be peace again and the Union will be preserved, just as Mr. Lincoln and his cabinet has designated, unless there is a change in the Administration next year. The war will continue as long as it is able to be profitable to the banks, the factory owners and the politicians. When there are no more profits to be made, the North will sue for peace.

The reality is that the War Machine of the North is far superior to that of the South. Prior to the war, I had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the south and I can tell you this: there are no significant factories in the south. Without factories, there can be no manufacturing of weapons and other necessities for war. Since the war, and as recent as April of this year, my travels into the south proved once again the lack of resources needed to sustain a lengthy war.

I saw soldiers who were barefoot and dressed in rags. I saw farms, homes, entire communities in disarray, devastated by the presence of both armies. I saw wounded without medical care, suffering and dying. I saw homeless mothers and their children, begging for any piece of food that may be available. I saw the elderly, waiting for their turn to enter into the "promised land". I saw the Negro, still praying and hoping for the coming of the Jubilee and Deliverance of Father Abraham. I saw fear, hopelessness and devastation on the faces of many. I also saw arrogant pride and sense of honor to the homeland and a fierce determination to fight on, "as long as it takes".

If there is no change in Washington City next election year, the War will come to an end. The Union will be reunited, the south destroyed. The rich will become richer off the sufferings of those who will have lost everything they had worked generations for.

When will the end come? I do not know. But it will come. It will come because the resources of the North are endless, compared to those of the South. The War Machine in the North continues to grow while the few resources of the South dwindle away, irreplaceable due to the blockades.

The pain and suffering will continue as long as profits can be made, as long as political agendas can be realized, as long as people are willing to do whatever their government demands of them.

This war really is not about states rights, or slavery, or even about the preservation of the Union. This war is ultimately about Greed in the North and misinformed Honor, Loyalty and Pride in the South.

The one remaining right that each of us has is the right to vote. Next year, we will be asked to cast our vote for one of two candidates for the Presidency of the United States. It is a precious thing, our vote. In this nation, the people have the right to decide who will lead us, who will establish the policies that will guide us into the future, who will best represent the interests of all the people, not just the wealthy, or the political. It is not too early to begin thinking who will best deserve your vote. For, whoever is elected to the Presidency of the United States will determine the final outcome of this war and the future of the South.

It is my desire, and I believe the desire of most Americans, to see the end of this war come quickly. I believe it is also the desire of the people of this land, in both the North and South to see the government once again be about the people. It is to be a government "of the people, for the people and by the people..." And it is time for that government to be restored. It is time for the greedy of the North to acknowledge they have enough wealth at the expense of the common man, and it is time for the prideful of the South to humble themselves and seek a peaceful solution to the present conflict.

As a theologian friend of mine stated recently, "What does God require of thee O man, but to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with thy God?" It seems as if this would be a good place to start on the journey towards healing.

An editorial by

Abigail Elizabeth Reynolds

War Correspondent

June 3, 1863

July 2, 1863

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

July 2, 1863

A.E. Reynolds

War Correspondent

New York World

I find myself caught in the midst of much angst and tribulation in the sleepy Pennsylvania town of Gettysburg. Traveling here from Charleston in Western Virginia just a few days earlier, I arrived here to visit my old friend, Reverend Schumacher of the Gettysburg Seminary. It was within two days of my arrival that news came of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia having been sighted near Chambersburg with possible movement towards Harrisburg. Also news reached us that General Jubal Early, CSA, had taken York, Pennsylvania on the 28th of June. I was told by my Editor, Mr. Martin Marbles, to delay my departure to Washington City and await further developments in the region. On June 30, news that Lee had advanced near Gettysburg had reached us and we were notified that Gen. John Buford, USA and his Cavalry were near by and would attempt to engage the Confederates as soon as practical.

On July the 1st, General Buford engaged the Confederates just west of the Seminary on the Chambersburg Pike and the conflict began. Fierce fighting with what appears to be heavy losses on both sides of the conflict has already occurred. The Seminary has been turned into a surgeons butchering house. The limbs of helpless lads are piling up on all sides of the building. Both Federal and Confederate troops are cared for here, or left to die on the slopes of the grounds. Both Federate and Confederate Surgeons work side by side to crudely care for the injured. The smell of death and cries of the dying are already felt every where throughout the town, but none so much as here in this place of the sacred and the profane.

Word has reached us that General John Reynolds, USA, fell in battle not far from this place in the fighting of July 1st. General Buford held the ground as long as possible before being ordered to withdraw to the Cemetery on the south side of the town. Now the town and Seminary are in the hands of the Confederates yet the Federal Surgeons continue on in caring for the wounded, both from the North and South.

The sounds of weapons, artillery, horses and wagons, charging, fighting, dying men can be heard throughout the entire town. Civilians are huddled in their basements or have fled to neighboring town and farms in hopes of avoiding the catastrophe at hand. Additional word has been received that there is already a civilian casualty of one Jennie Wade, killed this morning by a snipers bullet as she was tending to her sick sister in the home on the edge of town near the Federal Lines.

I have attempted to venture towards the center of town with little success, constantly stopping to avoid being run over by racing horses pulling Confederate artillery towards the Cemetery. It seems to me that a Cemetery is a strange place indeed to hold a defensive line by the Federals. I am told that this is good ground however, because of its height and advantage to see over the entire area of Confederate advance.

As of yesterday, Generals Winfield Scott Hancock, John Buford and John Reynolds were commanding for the Federals. General Reynolds is reported dead, General Buford has been pulled to the rear for reserve and General George Mead has arrived on the field to take command. General Hancock remains by General Mead's side. Who else is here we do not know, but we have been able to decipher that as many as 40,000 Confederates are here along with as many as 50,000 Federal troops. More Federal troops appear to be arriving as the day wears on.

General Lee is commanding the Confederates at this time with General Longstreet and others by his side. How many Confederate commanders overall we do not know.

As this day is drawing to a close, the fighting continues and death remains a constant. The stench of death is already riding high above this town and the heat and humidity of July presses in with oppressive heaviness. There appears to be not advance on either side, and the bloody contest will continue when the sun rises over Pennsylvania in the morning.

As darkness falls on these killing fields, the fighting has at last, if only for a small respite, stopped. Yet in cries of the fallen, wounded and dying can still be heard from the place where they fell. Will this place ever hold peace for those who reside here again? Will the fallen of battle find their eternal peace in this place? I think not.

July 3, 1863

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

July 3, 1863

A.E. Reynolds

War Correspondent

New York World

In my attempt to move about the town and to find what information I could as to the advance of the battle underway, I engaged a civilian pair within the Union camp at Cemetery Ridge, south of Gettysburg. They were there seeking a pass from the provost to pass through Federal lines towards Washington City, in hopes of avoiding further conflict and encounter with Confederate troops.

The gentleman was Reverend Josiah Young of Boston. Reverend Young had traveled to Gettysburg, arriving with his traveling companion, Misses Cora Hatch, also of Boston.

Reverend Young had traveled to this small Pennsylvania town to start a new congregation for the AME Zion Church. He found that many of the Negroes had already fled north as a result of Confederate raids earlier in June that had taken approximately 40 Negroes back to Virginia to be sold as slaves. Most of the 200 colored residents of this town had fled, leaving behind their homes and work for safer refuge. Reverend Young, a freeman, expressed concern for his safety and that of his traveling companion, who proclaims herself a spiritualist and abolitionist, to the Provost in hopes of obtaining the required travel documents allowing them safe passage to Washington City.

The Provost advised Reverend Young that no passes were being issued at this time due to the engagement of the Confederate Army and that no passes would be available until the outcome had been decided. With no safe place to go, Reverend Young stated he would remain within the confines of the Federal Lines.

At this time, there appears to be a short respite from the fighting. The heat and humidity of July sun has apparently taken its toll on both Armies. General Hancock feels that there will be little if any fighting this day as both Armies rest and prepare to continue the massacre of sacred lives on the 4th, Independence Day. Should that occur, many a soul will find its eternal independence on the 4th, and Misses Hatch will have ample opportunity to display her abilities for grieving families.

(photo by C. C. Rowe of Alexander Gardner Photography, Washington City)

A.E. Reynolds of the New York World (right) with Reverend Josiah Young and Misses Cora Hatch.

July 4, 1863

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

July 4, 1863

A.E. Reynolds

War Correspondent

New York World

The citizenry of Gettysburg are rejoicing this day as Confederate forces have begun to withdraw from the town and countryside under orders from General Robert E. Lee, CSA, to retreat back into Virginia following the devastating loss of life during the third day of battle.

At approximately 3:00 pm on the 3rd of July, under the command of General George Pickett, about 12,000 Confederate troops began a massive assault on the Federal position at Seminary Ridge, hitting the Union center. The Union, under the immediate command of General Winfred S. Hancock, USA, sustained significant bombardment from Confederate cannons, and then a rousing assault by General Pickett's Brigade. The Union was able to repulse the attack. Confederate forces were decimated in the attack while Union casualties were not nearly as severe.

During the attack, General Hancock was seriously wounded and taken from the field and the fighting had concluded for care. His condition is believed to be fatal; however no word has been received as yet to the extent or outcome of his injuries. Union losses are believed to be less than two thousand men.

Confederate forces suffered nearly fifty percent casualties. Among those are several principal officers including Generals Armistead, Garnett and Kemper, Trimble and Pettigrew. Pickett's three brigade commanders and all thirteen of his regimental commanders were casualties during the assault on the Union center.

There is speculation that these losses will undoubtedly be the end of the Army of Northern Virginia and that the Confederacy will not be able to recover after this devastating loss. Rumor has it that Mr. Lincoln will seek to bring an end to the war, pursuing a policy of reestablishing the Union through peaceful negotiations with Richmond.

General Mead has ordered a pursuit of Lee's army into Maryland and into Virginia if necessary to end this bloody conflict. All prayers are with the Federal forces in hope that this defeat of the Confederate Army will now bring with it a swift conclusion to these hostilities and a restoration of the Union and peace for all people.

(Photo by C.C. Rowe, Alexander Gardner Photography)

General Winfred S. Hancock, USA

Rope Bed Project

After years of sleeping on a store bought cot at reenactments, I finally decided to see if I could make an adequate rope bed. I searched the Internet looking at the many styles and designs of rope beds from the 16^th century into the 19^th century. I decided to base mine on a Shaker design that was very common in the 19^th century. The Shakers always kept things simple to go along with their life style. Now many of you know me well, and that I am not the smallest or lightest rock in the pile, so I had to make some adjustments to accommodate my size. The original design used what today would be a 2x4 for the box frame. In my research I found that when the ropes were tightened using 2x4s they had a tendency to bow inward. I decided to use 2x6s as the frame, and found that they had other advantages. The 2x6 frame eliminated the need for middle support legs that the 2x4 needed. Using 2x6s also allowed me to lower the depth of the ropes to allow for the mattress foam to sit in the frame. The weight difference 2x4s & 2x6s is minimal, but the difference in stability is huge. The rope size and make is a very important, I chose a 3/8” manila it has very little stretch, and is very period. The size of the bed frame depends on the size of the person sleeping in it. Mine is 78” long by 38” wide, being 5”10” tall I wanted to be sure I slept on the ropes, and not with my feet hanging off the bed. So if your 6” tall you may want to lengthen your bed to 80+ inches. Now how did I build this bed, and what materials did I need.

Materials list:

2 - 8' 2x6s cut to 80”

1 – 10' 2x6 cut to 3 - 38” long pieces

1 – 8' 2x4 cut to 4 22” legs pieces

150’ of 3/8” manila (bought off the Internet on a spool)

8 – ½” x 3 ½” galvanized carriage bolts (rounded end style is a period design)

8 – ½” galvanized nuts

8 – ½” galvanized washers

1 box of 3 ½” long deck screws (will be covered when bed is completed)

8 – 3 ½” x ½” L brackets

After the frame boards were cut to size, I clamped the side rails together and did the same to head & foot rails. I drilled ½” holes 4” apart 2” down from the top of the boards, allowing for 2x4 legs at each corner into both sets of clamped boards. Mark the boards so that they will mate up in the final completion, and the holes will then match up. I also predrilled all the holes for the deck screws 5 per bed rail corner. I put the foot and head boards inside each side rail the thickness of the board so it was flush to the outside of the bed rail.

Before I did the final assembly, I did a loose fit to be sure it was square. When I was happy with the fit, I took it all apart and sanded all the pieces with 60 grain then 40 grain, and then with 120 grain sandpaper. I stained it with 2 coats of cherry stain, then when that was dry (24 hours) I applied three coats of Tung oil. After the Tung oil dried (again 24 hours), I started the assembly. Pre-drilling helped with assembly, and prevented the wood from splitting. When the frame was all assembled, I placed the 2x4s parallel against the foot, and head board corners. They were clamped in place and 2 - ½” holes were drilled through the frame and legs. I placed them flush to the top of the frame which placed the bottom of the frame 16” off the ground. This will allow boxes and whatever to be kept under the bed. Then I positioned the L brackets in the corners just below the top and above the bottom of the bed frame. These will help keep it square and add more strength to the frame. Then I started to install the rope. I tied a knot at the 1^st hole, and then made a continuous run to the last hole on the opposite end. I kept this end free with a 12” length hanging. I repeated the same process for the length of the bed intertwining the ropes. The Shakers tightened the beds by adjusting from the knotted end, and then putting a wood wedge (I used a small dowel) into the last hole which will hold the rope in place, and prevent slippage. This is where the term sleep tight comes from. I remove the legs to store the bed in my trailer, and it takes about the same time to assemble the bed as it did to do the cot. As an afterthought, I will be adding 4 small periods style hinges to the top of each 2x3 leg so that the legs can remain attached and swung out of the way for storage when you remove the galvanized hardware from the legs. Well now that its clear as mud, take a look at the pictures, and if you have more questions, email me @ Tom.Aloisio@mail.cdelightband.net or call me @ 931-551-6847

Items For Sale

And Wanted

For Sale. Mountain Howitzer on a number 2 carriage. Limber box and implements included. Ready to go. $4,500. Contact Denny Rosenow at firstu.s.arty@juno.com

For Sale. Cavalry Model Smith's Carbine. Like new, never fired. Comes with 4 firing tubes. $725.00 OBO. Contact Buck at buccus@aol.com

For Sale. 1860 Henry - brass receiver. Bought three years ago - only shot it 10 times when I sighted in. New sling which was oiled but never used and in the box it came in. A local Henry specialist did $125.00 worth of fine tuning on it. Will take 950.00 OBO. For more info. contact Glen at gkemp@cfl.rr.com

For Sale. One Consew Industrial sewing machine, model #206RB. Machine has had timing checked and comes with extra bobbins, needles, parts book, and operating instructions book. Ready to go to work. Asking $700. Contact Don Johnson at djmkusartillery@peoplepc.com

For Sale. Bugle Calls of the Civil War CD. by Sgt. Andrew Epifanio (Hardy Brigade bugler) has been completed and is now for sale. The CD includes both bugle and trumpet cuts. In addition to 42 military calls, you will hear tunes like Amazing Grace, America the Beautiful, Marine Hymn, Anchors Away, Caisson Song, Dixie, Battle Hymn of the Republic and many more. Contact Sgt. Epifanio at trumpetmuse@aol.com

For Sale. Beautiful summer sheer based on the Atlanta History Center pattern, made by the talented Linda Grey.
This dress has only been worn once and that was for my wedding this past June. I must part with it as it is just too small. Measurements are: Waist is about 30.5", Length 40", Sleeve length 19", Bodice length 15". Asking $160.00. Contact Crystal at tnmodel@yahoo.com

For Sale. Florence C.S. drum with sticks, sling and softcase. Only used at Gettysburg once. Contact Mike at mt.viewmilling@alaska.net

For Sale. Fort Brooke Quartermaster selling hundreds of tapes of patriotic, Celtic, Native American and more for $8.00 to $10.00 each. For list, send $2.50 check to Fort Brooke Quartermaster, PO Box 1628, Brandon, Florida 33509-1628 or email ftbrookeqm@aol.com

For Sale. McClellan 12” saddle. Original 1874 complete with new Confederate Bridle (CS on buckle). Also for sale - Western saddle very nice. $250.00 for each or $450 for both. Includes saddle blanket. If interested contact Bob Lovell at blovell@c21arrow.com

For Sale. Books. Selling these books off at cost - price does not included shipping buyer needs to choose shipping option. Seller will ship media mail which is the cheapest way to ship or she can flat rate priority mail anything. Seller will also send a pay pal invoice. If interested in any of theses books contact spookynharry@bellsouth.net from Confederate Rose. See list below........

A Yankee Spy in Richmond - "Crazy Bet Van Lew" $ 16.95 sale $10.00 5 copies

An enduring love Benjamin Franklin Pierce Love letters home retail $16.95 sale $ 10.00 cost

4 copies

Hospital and Camp - civil war thru the eyes of DR and Nurses retail $16.95 sale $10.00 cost 4 copies

With Courage and Delicacy - Women and the US Sanitary Commission retail $22.95 sale $14.00

4 copies

Civilians - $ 7.95 pictorial history sale $4.00 5 copies

Everyday Life in the Civil War - dictionary and common terms $16.99 Sale $ 10.00 3 copies

The war women lived - female voice from the South $27.95 Sale $20.00 4 copies

Valor and Lace roles of women in the war $16.95 Sale 10.00 2 copies

Women of the war $16.95 sale $ 10.00 1 copy

Dating fabrics $ 24.95 out of print $ 20.00 cost

Rebel Rose - Story of Rose Greenhowe Out of print Paperback $6.00 2 copies

Hospital sketches - Louisa May Alcott - retail $8.00 sale $ 5.00 5 copies

White Roses - Civil war nurses retail $6.95 sale $ 4.00 cost 3 copies

Mrs. Fischer's Old Southern cooking $ 6.95 sale $ 4.00 cost 4 copies

Dr. Mary E. Walker - 1st woman doctor in the civil war $ 10.00 Sale $ 6.00 cost 3 copies

Who Wore What - pictorial of clothing Juanita Leisch - $30.00 sale $ 20.00 cost 2 copies

Blue and Grey Rose of Intrigue - Civil War Spys - $6.95 Sale $4.00 2 copies

Timeless Beauty - Beauty tips of the civil war $ 14.95 Sale $ 10.00 2 copies

Dancers Casket - Dance steps of the civil war $ 12.95 sale $ 10.00 1 copy

Mary Lincoln, Wife and Widow $ 12.95 sale $9.00 5 copies

Jennie Wade Story the only civilian killed at Gettysburg $ 4.95 Sale $ 3.00 3 copies

2 little Knights of Kentucky $9.95 sale 7.00 3 copies

A Black Woman's Civil War Memoirs $8.95 sale 5.00 1 copy

Tie of the Past Gettysburg diary $14.95 sale $10.00 cost 2 copies

Mothers Book - mothering tips and child rearing for the civil war $12.95 sale $9.00 5 copies

Vacant Chair$14.95 sale 10.00 cost 1 copy

The Family Nurse $12.95 Sale $9.00 2 copies

Exile to sweet Dixie story of exile a smuggling in the war $18.00 Sale $14.00 cost

Poems of Lincoln $9.95 $7.00 cost 1 copy

Slaves Songs $9.95 $7.00 cost 1 copy

The Emancipation Proclamation $9.95 $7.00 cost 2 copies

Harriet Tubman biography $12.95 sale $9.00 2 copies

Blocked family living in the blockade south $12.95 sale $9.00 cost 3 copies

The story Soldiers did not tell - Sex and the Civil war - $22.95 Sale $14.00 2 copies

The American Spelling book - $14.95 sale $ 10.00 2 copies

The Frugal Housewife tips for your home $ 9.95 sale $7.00 3 copies

Historic Gear

By N.J. Sekela

Clothing Designer

Due to the overwhelming request for more Confederate items, I am pleased to announce that I am starting a new line of Confederate gear at a very competitive price point. Our first offering is a lined gray jean cloth Richmond Depot 2 jacket made by Nick Sekela. This jacket features a 7 button front with hand sewn button holes and are priced at only $180 plus shipping, about the same price others are asking for lesser quality jackets with machine done buttonholes. Other confederate items will be added soon, e-mail me with any requests you may have.

I also have just a few of the Hardtack and Coffee books in hardcover left for $20.

Remember the RD2 and Hardtack and Coffee book are only available through me at historicgear@aol.com.

Other new items available include civilian pleated drawers, knit shirts to go along with our famous knit drawers, and we have reintroduced our folding knife, fork, and spoon combinations with period correct stampings only this time they have the correct silver plated spoon.

We do have the hand knit wool socks in stock now in a reddish brown color for only $29 plus shipping! These will go fast so order now to ensure you have them for your next event.

Please visit our website for these and many other new items.

If there is anything we can ever be of assistance with, don't hesitate to ask me (historicgear@aol.com) if you are in the deep south (FL, GA, SC, NC.) or contact Brian Desrochers (brian_desrochers@yahoo.com
(251)243-8623) if you are in the AL, LA, AR area. Of course you can also use the contact us button on our web site.

Robert Collett

8th FL /13th IN

Armory Guards

www.njsekela.com

<>Upcoming Events

For a complete listing of all Civil War reenactments, living history events, and monthly meetings in Florida, please see the 2007-2008 Event Schedule at http://www.floridareenactorsonline.com/EventRoster.htm or go to this magazine's home page and click on the Event Schedule button.