Florida Reenactors Online News Magazine

Florida Reenactors
Online News Magazine

written by

Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Niepert

Commander 3rd Battalion - Hardy's Brigade

http://www.floridareenactorsonline.com/5thFL.htm

This News Magazine, its articles, photos and all the
information contained herein are copyrighted
and may not be reproduced in any form without
written permission of the editor and its authors.

The men of the 2nd California; Co. F. - October 2007

This unit usually does a Federal "far west" impression

but here they are Confederates for the Outpost III

General Information

Event Schedule...............The new July 2010 to April 2011 Event Schedule is now posted on this website at http://www.floridareenactorsonline.com/EventRoster.htm Some late events have been added and additional information about some events has been updated.

Blanket Sale. There will be a big "blanket sale" over at the 3rd Battalion's cavalry camp at the Suwannee event. Friday, Saturday and Sunday mid-morning only. Many things from weapons, knives, eating and cooking items, uniforms, small camp items, cavalry tack and dresses. Everything needed for reenacting. Too many items to list here. Come over and check it out. Contact mayorbob@embarqmail.com for information.

History Comes Alive!

July (Saturday) 24, 2010

Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #1630 and American Legion Post #109 proudly presents the 3rd annual Military History Show. The Ison Center located at 1701 Adair Street in Ocoee, FL. (west of Orlando). Show hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is FREE! Seminole War to present time weapons, uniforms, etc. will be on display. Contact Glen Richardson at 407-877-7472.

Florida Vote of Secession

Jamey Creel

SCV 3rd Brigade Cmdr.

Chairman of Secession Event

Florida Vote of Secession - 150th Sesquicentennial anniversary of 1861, January 10th Florida Convention will be held January 8, 2011, at the Historic Capitol Senate Chambers, Tallahassee, Florida. This is an educational event produced and sponsored by living historians and historical groups. Known in the South as the 2nd American Revolution, the War Between the States was a dark time in America's history. With this event, we hope to build interest in and bring to light historical facts of the time seemingly forgotten by our citizenry. Witness history. Hear actual words that were spoken at this monumental time in our State history in 1861. What were all the causes to drive such a people? What caused a people to risk everything as their grandparents had done in 1776? Do you want to be a part? We need delegates and persons of the period represented. This will be a first-person presentation in the senate Chambers of the Historic Capitol. If you would like to participate in the historical event, please click below to contact. Due to the size of the legislative chamber the number of participants and spectators is limited. Sponsored by SCV Camp 1614, OCR Chapter 5, UDC Chapter 224, CSS Tallahassee Marine Guard and The Ladies Soldiers Friend Sewing Society. Contacts: Jamey B. Creel, 850-510-3212 or email jameycreel1850@bellsouth.net or Paige Hatcher Creel at 850-510-0057 email paigecreel@yahoo.com website: http://www.floridasecessionreenactment.org/

Orange County Regional History Center

Florida in the Civil War

July 20, 21, 22, 2010

Photos.......Steve Brantley has added photos of the reenactment (in Durham, NC) of Gen. Joe Johnston's surrender to Gen. Sherman at the "Bennett Place". He also has shots of a skirmish in Waxhall, NC and more. You can see all his work at http://triumph.smugmug.com

Sick Call

In Memory Of ............Long time reenactor Edward Clausen passed away March 24th after a long illness. He was a charter member of the 7th Connecticut (Federal) and the Counsel of Yesteryear Village at the Palm Beach County Fairgrounds in Plam Beach. Ed was also active in Revolutionary War reenacting and belonged to other Civil War groups. Ed is survived by his wife of 23 years, Madiline "Maddy" Clausen and step son, Michael Glassheen of Greenacres, Florida (near Palm Beach).

In Memory Of.......Ronald Karl Fornof, 75, of High Springs, FL. (formerly of Oil City). Photo at left. Ron passed away Monday, June 14, 2010, at his home after a long illness.

Ron was born on May 3, 1935, in Oil City and graduated from Oil City High School in 1953 and then later Devry Institute of Chicago.

Ron formed his own business, Fornof TV Repair Service in Oil City in the '50s. He moved to St. Petersburg, FL, and retired from Honeywell Corp. where he received several awards for innovative inventions.

Always collecting guns, he founded Santa Fe Sutler and Arms. He participated in Civil War reenactments all over the southeastern U.S. for many years, even making his own uniforms and building some cannons.

Ron was a member of Grace United Methodist Church of Oil City, where he was a member for 65 years.

He is survived by his wife, Vergie and son, Karl Howard Fornof of Franklin.

At his request, he will be cremated and a memorial service was held at Riverside Baptist Church of High Springs.

Letters To The News Magazine

Corrections And More About Last Month's Exploding Musket..........

Editors Note.......see http://www.floridareenactorsonline.com/JuneMag12010.htm in the General Informaion section for the original notice. As I said I would let you know when I got more details. Read below.

Dear Sir,

I hope this letter finds you and your family well. A few weeks ago I brought to your attention about a problem with the exploding rifles. I asked you not to mention any units names and you did not. I thank you for that. There are a few discrepancies in the article. 1. It was not at a Hardee's Corps event that it exploded. It would have never passed inspection. 2. Its was not a south Carolina unit. The unit that this happened to was a new unit that just joined the S.G.B. They were at an earlier event when this incident happened. They showed us the damaged rifle. We then started to investigate the issue. The private was a fairly new recruit; he thought he had a good deal-he made a mistake. It was caught and he felt horrible about the situation.

We work hard in the S.G.B. in every thing we do especially on safety. We do not want people to think otherwise. So sir, please in the next issue please make the proper retractions.

Sincerely,

Col K.A. Cornelius

C.O.S

Southern Guard Brigade

Hardee's Corps

Exploding Musket.........Joseph Gangler (member of Flatlanders Mess) had some comments about the exploding musket problem. See his comments below........

I just read about the "Exploding Musket Problem" in the latest issue of the Florida Reenactors Online News Magazine. Are there any other details about the weapon? The most important information would be who the "non-gun" was purchased from and if the box it came in had the company or manufacturers name on it. The reason I mention this is that there are several types of "non-guns" and muskets coming out of India and other areas. I think more information is needed so folks can be educated as to what muskets they need to steer clear of in the future.

Editors note......As more information becomes available to me, I will post it in this News Magazine ASAP.

The first type I have seen, am aware of and dealt with is the non-firing replica. Here is and example: http://gunsofold.com/enfield_musket.html This weapon looks like a musket and its lock functions like a regular weapon but it is made of cheap metal (zinc). This replica was meant to be used as a "wall hanger". I have noticed a few mainstream vendors who carry these and are selling them as wall hangers or display items. Problem is that a few frugal reenactors are trying to use them as functioning muskets. I have had to reject and remove some of these substandard muskets during pre-battle weapon inspections. I have also seen a few unscrupulous mainstream vendors carrying these to battle festivals and selling them as functioning weapons. Buyer beware. I would bet this is the kind of musket that blew up because the weight noted in last month's issue (about six pounds) is consistent with those guns meant to be used only as display guns.

The second type which I have seen is the "modified to work" musket. A few vendors from overseas will sell you a partly functioning weapon. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to drill out the vent and the cone. These weapons are not proofed and bear no proof marks. Some are actually decent quality muskets if you have a gunsmith do the finishing work. I have friends who have used a few flintlocks for years and haven't had any problems except having to harden the frizzens. A few have had wood problems (teak), lock problems and rust issues but no exploding barrels. However some of these are being passed off as useable weapons and are the same as the previously stated (above) wall hangers. Additionally these muskets have no screwed in breech plug but instead used a welded breech plate and are made of inferior metal. I would recommend staying away from these altogether because you can't be 100% sure.

The third type which is rising in popularity is the North American company imported Indian/Pakistan. It is a functioning non-live firing musket. These companies are importing the pieces from overseas, they do the finish work on them and sell them as un-proofed "reenactment grade" muskets. These things are a hit or miss proposition. I haven't been witness to any catastrophic failures. Their main problems are minor things like springs and the like. While not a first choice as a primary musket or as a weapon to live fire from, I wouldn't be afraid to use one as a temporary unit loaner or as a specialty weapon for a once in a while impression such as a flintlock for early war impressions. Some of these companies are offering common rifles and muskets that the Italians aren't, such as the Lorenz.

The fourth type I am aware of is the imported Indian gun that is assembled in the United States. There is only one company that I know of right now and they import the weapons parts, finish the parts, assemble the gun and then proof them. I have not handled or fired one of their muskets but I assume they are similar to the ones from some of the other North American vendors as far as weight and design are concerned. The only reason I mention this particular weapon as a separate category is because they are proofing their firearms and offering extensive warranties. That shows me they do have safety on their mind.

That being said most of the guns only share some similarities in design with the original but that is the same way with the Italian makers as well. I would recommend more of a follow up before we condemn all Indian made weapons. The fact is that the Italians are getting to a point where their weapons are becoming shoddier in my opinion as well. Not to the point of exploding but as far as springs and other parts. I have heard the Italians are selling less and less units in this economy and if that is the case then someday they may shut the doors on the reproduction musket operations in which case we may have but three choices: First is to purchase Indian produced weapons, second pray someone sells Italian made weapons on the secondary market Third have a custom built weapon (which costs between $1200 to $2000 each and the waiting period is over a year).

This is just the humble opinion of a guy who sleeps on the ground and eats hoecakes.

Joseph Gangler

Skillygalee Mess

Got The Correct Info. Now..........Somehow I got the info and photo mixed up last month. I guess I wasn't paying

attention close enough. Sorry for the mis-information. The correct information is as follows. The photo at left Is of the Skillygalee Mess at http:skillygalee-mess.blogspot.com/ Those pictured are: Left to right - Paul Luks, Randy Allen, Jason Spellman, Peter Luks, and Jeremy Ringham. The Skillygalee Mess was formed in April 2006 with a set nonpolitical goal in mind: to accurately portray the common soldiers of the American Civil War and to excel in terms of authenticity. We constantly seek opportunities to further the education of others and ourselves about the sacrifices of our forefathers.

The next photo (below right) shows Jeremy Ringham on the left and on the right Aric Bruggleworth. How we compare to other reenactment groups is unimportant. What matters to us is the historical authenticity and research that we continuously examine to further our knowledge and understanding of history. Furthermore, our loose-knit group was created so friends can get together and learn, while having a good time. The Mess readily accepts dedicated and like-minded

individuals with an active interest in the American Civil War. We have members from NY, PA, VA, SC, and FL.

Despite all the formalities, we have standards:

Passionate about what we do. Strict authenticity dictates us to be a campaign-oriented group, requiring our members to at least hike a few miles with "the camp" on their backs per each event. No coolers, no camp chairs, no funnel cakes.
Friendly - If you're not nice, chances are good that you won't work out well with us. Unconditionally, our family and friends are at stake, too. We don't want to see either hindered by hobby drama and politics. This is why we formed our own group: to get away from all that and just go to events that look good!

That being said, please don't be intimidated! Heck, most of us found each other just by being open-minded. If you are still curious, contact: Tom Scoufalos (Northeast): tscoufalos1@juno.com

Jason Spellman (Mid-Atlantic): cwrematchr@embarqmail.com

Aric Bruggeworth (Southeast): cwreenactor2002@aol.com

Civil War History

CSS Neuse, Confederate Ironclad in North Carolina

by Richard Todd

Ord. Sgt., 7th C.V.I.

In October of 1862, Confederate Secretary Of The Navy authorized the building of Ironclad ships to help the Confederacy protect its rivers and bays. The CSS Neuse was one of these ships began.

Lt. Commander James Cooke was sent to acquire metal to be used as armor plating on the ships, including the Neuse. The ship was landed on a river bank and built with a flat bottom. It was then sent to White Hall, the present day Seven Springs, North Carolina, to have the armor applied to the wooden hull from the top to the waterline.

During this time, Union forces moved across North Carolina and arrived at Kinston, North Carolina, around the tenth of March. Much fighting followed in and around Kinston including the Battle at Wyse Fork, where Gen. Braxton Bragg pulled back giving the Union a victory.

The CSS Neuse was launched in November 1863 and sailed for duty in April 1864. The Neuse ran aground soon after she went on duty and as fate would have it, she never left the river again. In her last action, she was dispatched into the inland water areas to shell the Union cavalry units. These were the only shots ever fired in hostility by the CSS Neuse. When Maj. Gen. Sherman's forces closed on the Confederates, the Neuse's crew was forced to gather pitch and chinking and set it on fire (March 1865). The command to scuttle the Ironclad was given by Capt. Joseph H. Price in order to prevent the Neuse's capture.

In the 1930's, a local Kinston boy, Henry Clay Casey began digging near some things he found in the river. He soon began to uncover the hull of the Neuse. She laid forgotten and unexcavated until sometime in 1954 when a group of six local high school boys removed many shells and other munitions from the sunken hull. At that time, the river was low and the ship was only about a foot underwater. Another salvage attempt was made in 1956 but the venture was brief and operations ended when the money ran out.

On October 27, 1961, full excavation began and the hull was uncovered. In the summer of 1963 the hull was raised and it sat on the riverbank where some work was done to clean off the river's mud. The Neuse's hull had to be cut into pieces in order to lift it. Scavengers and the weather reeked havoc on the exposed hull. On May 18th, it was quickly transported to Caswell Park and the sections were reassembled. In 1969, a shelter was erected over the warship's remains where work was done to stabilize the wood.

Photo above: Re-assembling the

Neuse under its new shelter

The Neuse's hull now sits under a permanent shelter near the memorial dedicated to the Battle of Second Kinston. The Ironclad's new home is located at 2612 W. Vernon Ave. in Kinston near US Highway 70. In 1996, Hurricane Fran caused the Neuse River to flood the site, damaging the gunboat. A small museum and visitor center was located on this site also but Hurricane Floyd damaged it in 1999. A new museum will house the artifacts.

Replica of the CSS Ironclad Neuse under construction

The photo above was taken by Dean Jeffrey (Jan. 18, 2005)

In October 2002, a group of volunteers began to build a replica of the actual full sized Ironclad. The "Neuse II" as they call the replica is 158 feet long and 40 feet wide (the original was 152 feet long and 34 feet wide with a draft of 9 feet). The replica is on the corner of Heritage and Gordon in Kinston, N.C., not far from the City Hall.

Line drawing by William E. Geoghegan, of the Smithsonian Institution

Civil War Reenacting?........Interested in becoming an Infantryman, Artilleryman or Cavalryman? 3rd Battalion, 5th FL., Hardy's Brigade is looking for additional members. This is a family friendly unit. They offer the new or seasoned reenactor the opportunity to try every aspect of Civil War reenacting. All three branches of the 3rd camp together in RVs or trailers (modern) which will allow you to use all the modern camping conveniences without the hassles of keeping in period correct form as is necessary in the period camps. The Battalion portrays Confederate on Saturday and Federal on Sunday. Check their website at http://www.floridareenactorsonline.com/5thFL.htm

Items For Sale

And Wanted

Huge Sale. There will be a big "blanket sale" over at the 3rd Battalion's cavalry camp at the Suwannee event. Friday, Saturday and Sunday mid-morning only. Many things from weapons, knives, eating and cooking items, uniforms, small camp items, cavalry tack and dresses. Everything needed for reenacting. Too many items to list here. Come over and check it out. Contact mayorbob@embarqmail.com for information.

For Sale. Paper cartridge tubes for infantry reenactors. Contact nspapercartridges.com

For Sale. Louis Prang Civil War series prints. Selling as a complete set of 18 framed prints. $200 each, $3,600 total + shipping. Chromolithograph published by the American Lithographic Co. Very good condition. Art gallery/framer that framed the original collection removed the backing of the framed piece so he could view edging. Discoloration, markings. Pieces are matted with a non acid free mat and taped at top in two places with tape. Backing is regular foam core and are not dry-mounted. No indication of discoloration under mat. No tears, blemishes. Prints contain both the Prang emblem of a rose and the American Lithograph Co. Also for sale are a set of six Prang Christmas cards dated 1973 from Prang-Mark Society. See list below. Contact Wendy at 407-462-7809 or Cheryl Collette at cellblk@earthlink.net

Land Battles

Eastern Division

1). Sheridan's Final Charge at Winchester

2). Battle of Fredericksburg

3). Sheridan's Ride

4). Battle of Gettysburg

5). Battle of Antietam

6). Battle of Spotsylvania

Western Division

8). Battle of Kennesaw Mountain

9). Altoona Pass; or, "Hold the Fort"

10). Battle of Atlanta

11). Siege of Vicksburg

12). Battle of Shiloh

Naval Battles

13). Capture of New Orleans

14). Monitor and Merrimac

15). Battle of Mobile Bay

16). Kearsarge and Alabama

17). Battle of Port Hudson

18). Capture

Items For Sale. Sile Sharps Carbine, lead shot, Federal coat, saber, leather belt, leather cap pouch, oil cloth haversack, leather ammunition pouch, ammunition and other various Accoutrements. Contact Scott in Maryland at scott@scottjmartin.com

For Sale. Ladies dresses (size 5 - 7). Camp dresses with apron-mourning top, shirt, veil, hat and other nice dresses (size 12 - 14). Ladies cloak with hood (lined) navy blue with gold trim. Great coat (large) excellent condition. Miscellaneous boots and shoes. Four red shirts, four pants, one vest, two shell jackets, one sac coat, two haver sacs, two kepis, gunners pouch, two western style hats, other miscellaneous hats. Lots of other mixed items. $700 takes it all. Contact Denny Rosenow at DebbieRosenow@cambridgemsi.com

For Sale. Historic, renovated log cabin and barns on twelve gorgeous acres near Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Perfect hobby farm or getaway. Out in the country but fifteen minutes to all the hardware and grocery stores in Elizabethtown! Visit kentuckyhideaway.wordpress.com for photos and details. $150,000 OBO. Contact owner: linda.paulus@gmail.com

For Sale. Enlisted man's double skirted 1847 Grimsley "Dragoon" saddle (Replica). Custom built by Doug Kidd.

Brass over pommel and cantle. 14 inch deer hair padded seat. 5 inch gullet and 12 inch spread on the bars. Rawhide covered wooden tree with modified quarter horse bars. Tree is a true 14 inch size as per original. Saddle comes with two wool girths, six coat straps, sircingle and a set of period correct M1833 polished brass stirrups, five inch width. Hand forged stirrup hangers, staples and iron rings. Saddle is in excellent condition. Two years old. Originally purchased for $1395 asking $900 O.B.O. Contact Jason Klug at klugjm@yahoo.com or 352-466-4887

For Sale. Cohorn Mortar with box and tools. Contact Al Hartman at 850-875-1615

For Sale. Cavalry horse. Registered Tenn. Walker. 19 years old. Has been a reenacting cavalry horse for about 10 years so he knows how it's done. 15.2 tall. Contact Ralph VanDyke at shellev@msn.com

For Sale. Period Correct Wood Items. Cpl. Hamilton McElroy (25th Ohio Volunteers, Co. E.) has started a small company specializing in wood camp furniture called McElroy's Woodworking. His inventory includes common camp things like chairs, chests, boxes shelves and more including lamps, lavatory, benches and tables. Painting and stains are not included in the prices but you can have him do that to if you like. You can visit Ham's website at http://www.geocities.com:80/irishham97/furniture/ or you can email Hamilton at irishham97@yahoo.com

For Sale. Confederate POW MIA flag. The flag is a 3'X5' polyester D100 with brass grommets. A portion of the proceeds go to support SCV camp 2086 the Dixie Defenders in Cross City, FL. For more information and to order a flag, go to their website at www.confederatepowflag.com or www.rebelflag.com

For Sale. Window stickers, signs, vehicle lettering, graphics, magnetic signs, banners of all sizes and more. Will ship anywhere. Contact Robyn Banks (artillery) at southerncanoneer@aol.com

Recruiting

Upcoming Events

For a complete listing of all Civil War reenactments, living history events, and monthly meetings in Florida, please see the 2010-2011 Event Schedule at http://www.floridareenactorsonline.com/EventRoster.htm or go to this magazine's home page and click on the Event Schedule button.

Your Obedient Servant,
Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Niepert
Hardy's Brigade 3rd Battalion Commander
Brigade Cavalry Commander
5th Florida Company G Cavalry
mayorbob@embarqmail.com

(407) 448-4871

Home / Back Issue Contents / Contact the Editor