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information contained herein are copyrighted
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Bill Singletary (2nd Florida Cavalry) passed away June 3rd from complications associated with a heart attack he suffered in May.  Please keep his family in your prayers as they cope with their loss.

Next year marks the 200th birthday of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and you can now use your car to celebrate the occasion.  A commemorative Lee license plate was unveiled today.

Sgt. Benjamin R. Gormley

Lew and Mike Zerfas, with the USS Fort Henry participated in the Christening of the full size replica of the USS Monitor on June 11, 2006.  The replica was built by Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilders and resides next to the Monitor Center, which is still under construction at the museum.

The ceremony's keynote speaker was Clive Cussler, author of fiction books about the Civil War, including "Sahara," which was made into a movie, recently released on DVD.

Silver River Living History and Lantern Tour

Pvt. John Butler, 5^th Florida

 

            Once again in the heat of summer we hold the Silver River living history. Only the third time, this event is set into the wooded hammocks of Silver River state park surrounded by the trails that were rode by Cpt. J. J. Dickison. It was good to see that neither the high temperatures; nor threat of rain held back the reenactors that came forth to make this event possible. Once again Bob Lamonte and the Directors and staff of Silver River did a great job to accommodate us and make us feel welcomed.

 

            Saturday morning came in warm and humid although the night before was tolerable and kept away most of the biting bugs. The smell of coffee and bacon sizzling started rousting some of the troops as newly promoted Mess Sergeant McGhee prepared breakfast for everyone assisted by Doc Riker and Cpl. McGhee. As breakfast was served and camp chores done, the time drew in to form for colors. Marching to the field and assembling the parade in front of the flag pole, the color detail was called forth to post the colors. After raising the First National full height we then lowered it to half staff in memorial to Mr. Gary Parsons, a dear friend to the 2^nd SC, who had just passed away. The 2^nd South Carolina swore in three new members and handed out a few award acknowledgements. Mickey Summers, our safety man and liaison to the park staff was awarded as an honorary Private in the 2^nd SC.

 

            As the parade was dismissed and we marched back to camp, we finished up on the camp chores needing to be done. Shortly we were called to form up for a march through the camp sites of the park. Having the color detail in front with the battle flags and the cavalry bringing up the rear, we proceeded to parade out through the camps. Rayne Summers took pictures as we marched along the roads.  Several times Mickey had directed us off onto small trails that were actual paths that were used by the cavalry 143 years ago. Mickey told our cavalrymen that they were the first horses to ride the trails since that time. Many campers came out and took photos as we marched along just letting people know what was going to happen later in the night. While marching, rain had started to mist down on us all though it actually felt kind of cool against the warm temperatures. As the rain increased slightly, we ended the parade back at camp and let the men tend to things as needed. We couldn’t do much more as the weather wasn’t permitting. As the rain died, a group of infantry went over to drill on the howitzers of the Marines. They even let Mickey stand in on the lanyard. At the command FIRE, Mickey stepped back perfectly pulling the primer. The cannon roared and about three car alarms went off!

 

            At around 6:30, we closed camp to the spectators to allow time to get ready for the night's actions. At that time we opened up the Bake Sutlery. Several of the members had brought in period style baked goods to sell to raise money to purchase the flags of the three units that battled here. The men’s powder rations were handed out as everyone prepared. Capt. Skippy, Capt. Fred Jakobson from 37^th Alabama and I went out front to entertain the crowd. Capt. Jakobson played banjo while I played spoons. Capt. Skippy talked and told jokes. We entertained for about 20 minutes and even had a young boy from the crowd get up and dance. The time came to start the scenario and I left to fall in with the 2^nd SC. We marched out to the field and stacked arms like we were just preparing for some drills. Capt. Skippy and Capt. J.J. Dickison (portrayed by Byron Peavy) stayed back in camp discussing possible Union movements and raids on a Florida map. After awhile, Capt. Skippy came out on the field approaching us, “Lt., are these men well drilled and ready?” He asked. The Lt. saluted “YES Sah, they are ready for action!” “Let’s see, have them take arms and run them through.”

 

As we formed and started to take arms, shots rang out from the wood line. “YANKEES! TO ARMS, TO ARMS!” We scrambled grabbing our muskets and wheeled about to face them. Just as we loaded and fired a volley, a rapid succession of shots sounded. “CAPTAIN! Henrys! They got Henrys!” I shouted. “HENRYS! Those confound guns they load on Saturday and shoot through Sunday! Take 'em on boys!” He shouted back. Through the volleys of fire, we advanced a little ways and fired again. The Marines charge in on the field with their howitzer and started loading. We fell back to give the artillery room to fire. The Marines were superb in their smoothness and control of their gun as they fired. Taunting the yanks we shouted out, “Hey Blue Belly! Run on Back North!” I shouted “Hey Yank, Yah hungry? EAT GRAPE SHOT!” just as the Marines fired.

 

After a few artillery volleys, we lined up in a skirmish line and advanced upon the wood line firing. We got caught by our flank as another Henry rang out. Several of our company went down as well as a young Marine and our drummer boy. Trying to hold them back, Capt. Skippy sent a runner back to get cavalry support. We fired several more volleys and a couple more men went down when suddenly Capt. Dickison and his troopers galloped in firing. Seeing the rush of cavalry, we shouted out cheering. There was a small exchange of fire but the Yankees seemed to want no part of Capt. Dickison and high-tailed a hasty retreat. The cries and shouts of the wounded rang through the night but we had to stay in line to make sure the threat was gone. I moved over to Tom who took a chest shot. “Hang on Buddy.” I said holding to his shoulder. “We’ll get ya outta here soon.”

 

When we heard no fire for a while, we finally got the order to help the wounded back to camp to the surgeon’s tent. Grabbing up Tom, we shuffled out across the trail back to camp. Laying him down, I looked around seeing the others being carried and dragged in. The nurses rushed in and attempted to assist best they could with the wounded lying all around. Their cries and moans filling the air as other soldiers hollering for help for their comrades. I turned and the young Marine was set down before me. He was only about 14 and had bad gut shot so I instantly placed pressure there. “Hold on Marine, Doc will get to you. DOC!” “I’m busy with one on the table, I’ll get to you.” He replied. There was chaos, nurses and soldiers running about trying to help, Capt Skippy shouting encouragement to the men telling them to hold on. I held the wound of that young man till Doc called for him.

 

Laying him on the table I held his arms as Doc started working. The boy shrieked as the Doc cut in, “Doc, give him something please!” “I don’t have anything to give now hold him.” Few precious minutes passed when Doc found and extracted the bullet but the damage had been done. With a last cry for his mother, the boy fell limp on the table. Doc wrapped him gently and I and Sgt Russell carried him setting him to a grave. As Chaplain, I started saying a prayer for him as the cries and shouts lessened some with the passing of the wounded. “Preacher, I hate giving you this business but here’s another one for you.” Capt. Skippy said as another died.

Two cavalry troopers came in dragging a Union soldier, wounded by our fire. He was interrogated about his unit and troop strength and position till Doc could finally see him. When Doc announced the prisoner would live, Capt. shouted “Good! Wire Andersonville and tell them we have another one to send them.” Then Capt. Skippy looked out and announced to the crowd the end of the scenario and gave the call of resurrect. We then scurried around to reclaim our muskets and form up at the front of the street and gave a salute volley thanking the crowd. We stood at attention and Capt. Skippy introduced Gen. Cleburne to the spectators as Capt. Larry Rowe portrayed the general. As he passed the troops, we each presented arms and held saluting. The crowd’s responses told us they enjoyed the events immensely. Mickey then took a little time to finish explaining what they had experienced in the skirmish and medical demo. After the applause, the crowed meandered off and we broke ranks and went about our nightly chores and mainly relaxing.

 

Sunday morning came in softly with a small breeze blowing. Sergeant McGhee again had coffee and sausage and bacon over the fire, men rousting from sleep, the cavalrymen tending their mounts. The sky was cloudy and a storm was threatening to come in so we knew we had to do things quickly. After breakfast, Doc came to me telling me we had some campers here to attend church and they had a flyer saying service was at 9 when I thought it was to be 10. Well, I quickly told the Capt. the change and got on my jacket preparing for church. I went to the campers and invited them in up to Doc's tent were I was holding it, then gave out first call for church.

 

Having a small prayer circle with Doc Riker and Bob from the Marines, we came out and I set to give God’s message. As I looked out at the 20 plus parishioners attending, I saw in their faces the message was well received. Closing with a prayer I dismissed church having hugs from many which made me feel good.

 

The last thing we were to do was a march down to the river. Forming the infantry, the cavalry mounted up with Byron again portraying Capt. Dickison and leading the way. Mickey Summers pointed out spots and talked out on the history of the trails we were taking. Several times we stopped to have photos taken in areas as though it was 1863 come back to life. We passed several hikers along the way and of course they wanted to take pictures. Getting to the river, Mickey stated this was one of the places Capt. Dickison had taken on supplies. A shout rang out “Capt.. Steamer approaching Sah!” and a pontoon boat slowly rounded the river bend.  Capt. Rowe held his spencer rifle and shouted to the boater “Yall have supplies for Capt. J.J. Dickison of the 2^nd Florida cavalry?” They chuckled and just waved as they motored on by.

 

This weekend was exciting and rich with history. Mickey Summers was very knowledgeable and was very excited to have us there as though he was able to see in life the history he researched. As well as firing the cannon, Mickey was allowed to mount Diablo and hold the battle flag for a photo. During the march back to camp we had Mickey fall in to the ranks with us and I handed him my musket to let him get a feel of carrying it on a march. I could tell everyone there had a great time.

 

I would again like to thank Bob Lamonte for letting us come and put on this piece of history, Mickey Summers for his hard work and knowledge and to all the units who came and all the others who strived to let this event be run successfully.

 

Participating Units;

2^nd South Carolina Governor’s Guards, Captain Keith “Skippy” Cornelius

            Host unit with 16 members attending

4^th Battalion Hardy’s Brigade Marines CSA, Major Jon Bateman

            7 members attending

10^th Tennessee Cavalry, Captain Larry Rowe

            6 members attending, 4 mounted; 2 civilians.

            Captain J.J. Dickison portrayed by Byron Peavy

            Gen. Cleburne portrayed by Captain Larry Rowe.

37th Alabama, Captain Fred Jakobson

            8 members attending

Portraying 7^th Illinois in Saturday night’s lantern tour and skirmish.

Hardy’s Brigade Medical, Lt. Col. David Riker

            3 members attending.

 

    We had 40 reenactors from five companies come to make this as real as possible for the spectators. Hearty thanks go to each and every one for a job well done. A special thanks to all who brought baked goods and the ladies who ran the bake sutlery, they made enough to get the first two flags. Until our paths cross again, farewell.

 

Morgan's Raid

by Wes Mayhle

www.instydigipics.com

    At Georgetown, Kentucky this year, the 20th annual "Morgan's Raid"  reenactment was held at the picturesque Cardome Centre on June 17-19.  Early Saturday morning, reenactors portray Gen. Morgan's arrival in Georgetown.  Riding down Main Street, they encounter and  skirmish with the local Home Guards who were chased out of town by Morgan on July 15, 1862.  Morgan stayed here for two days while destroying rail bridges and US Army stores.  Morgan's raids into the  north were legendary and his actions made it necessary for the US to garrison every important town in Kentucky and south Ohio and Indiana.

    The Cardome Centre is a historic property with a splendid history of its own.  The massive five story main building, surrounding structures and gently rolling fields give the reenactors and visitors plenty of room to roam.  The staff is very pleasant and work hard to put on a top-notch event.  The large rolling field used for the battle is separated from the camps by trees giving a more realistic view for the spectators (and photographers).  On both Saturday and Sunday, a large battle was fought in the early afternoon by 300+ reenactors on the field, obviously featuring cavalry action.  Nearly 70 horsemen battled close to the crowd while the infantry maneuvered about avoiding being trampled and shot at by the 10 artillery pieces present.

    Several authors and artists were present at the invitation of the Centre including John C. Duke, the great-great-great grandson of Gen. Basil W. Duke, John Hunt Morgan’s second-in-command and brother-in-law.  Gen. Basil Duke is credited as being the organizational and disciplinary force within Morgan’s command and the greatest triumphs of Morgan’s cavalry came when Duke was at his side.  His descendant, John Duke, is a talented photographer and artist of Civil War subjects.  Mr. Duke joined Bill Nordan (who portrays John Hunt Morgan at the event) to ride into Georgetown, re-uniting the two (in a way) for the first time since 1864.

    One of the great features of this event is the simultaneous Masquerade Ball and Barn Dance Saturday evening.  The Ball is held in a beautiful hall at the Centre that has 25 foot high walls, indirect lighting and cool, cool air-conditioning.  Saxton's Cornet Band provided the entertainment.  They are a period correct brass band that uses original and/or reproduction instruments and reproduction uniforms from the Civil War era.  The Barn Dance, aptly named, is held in a barn with a more folksy theme and musicians.  The reenactors seem to enjoy both, moving between the two regularly until midnight.  A lantern tour started at 10 PM eventually ending on the battlefield to watch a display of artillery night-fire.

    Gen. Morgan was eventually captured and held in a prison at Columbus, Ohio where he and six of his officers dug a tunnel to escape.  Later on in the war while leading another large raid, he was killed on Sept. 4, 1864, at Greenville, TN.  Basil Duke took over his command and would eventually lead the escort of President Davis as he attempted to make his escape at the war's end.  Confederate President Davis was captured in Georgia.

This News Magazine, its articles, photos and all the
information contained herein are copyrighted
and may not be reproduced in any form without
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