Notice Company Commanders.......The yearly company commanders meeting will be held on August 9th at 11am.  I have most of the Hardys Brigade commanders email addresses but not all.  Pass the word about this meeting to your company officers.  All officers need to email me, mayorbob@embarqmail.com  for location and other information.

New Season Event Roster......It's that time of year again.   Time to try to get together a new Event Roster for the 2003-2004 reenacting season.  I have already sent out emails to the event sponsors but have not heard back from most of them.  Others are being returned because of wrong email addresses.  If you are going to host a reenactment or living history event, PLEASE send me the information NOW.  Each year the Event Roster gets better and better but each year it gets harder and harder to put it together.  I need your help.  There are literally hundreds of reenactors who depend on the Event Roster for information when planning their reenactment season.  It is very time-consuming to post the roster and then a couple of weeks later have to change it due to late information.  If you want your event included on the roster, send me the information now.  I will post it towards the end of July.

Sick Call.......Please keep Pvt. Douglas, 7th FL Co. B. in your thoughts & prayers.  He was injured recently.  He'll be out of action for a bit.  If you'd like to send him an email, his address is captdbaker@earthlink.net  I'm sure he'd enjoy hearing from you and knowing you care.

Share A Ride To Or From Gettysburg........There are a lot of people who want to go to the 140th Gettysburg but would like to car pool with someone.  If you need a ride to Gettysburg or have space to share in your vehicle, email me at mayorbob@embarqmail.com  I will post the email address of those people seeking and/or willing to share a ride.  It will be up to you and your potential travel partner to work out the details.

Train Ride To Gettysburg......Ruth Ott wrote....."I am going by auto train but would like some one to share the cost of the car on the train.  One must be at Sanford before 1 pm to load the car and board on Tues.  I am leaving on Tues arriving on Wed and have Thurs. to look around".  Anyone who would like to go and would like to share the cost please email Ruth at ott@virtu.sar.usf.edu

Have one seat open in the van, open to Union troops only. (don't want to be driving to both camps, coming or going).  Pref./ Howard Div/ Ames brig. XI corp.(75th OVI).  That way we are camping in the same area.  Leaving June 30th in evening, stopping in N.J. to visit sister and to eat and shower, change into uniforms, Gettysburg 3 hr, away, Planning to be at Gettysburg Wednesday or Thursday. First battle Friday.  Passenger expected to pay fair share of gas and any other expense that might arise.  Contact Richard Zippin (75th OVI) rh.zippin@verizon.net

Need A Ride From Central Florida.......Several people have asked about car pooling from here to the 140th.  Let me know if you have room.

Hunley Crew Burial Date Set.......I am sure that most of you have already heard about the service and related events planned for the Hunley crew but for those who may have missed it, please read this news release below.  You will notice that the service is a year away but if you plan to attend, I would suggest that you make your hotel and travel reservations now.

The burial date for the Hunley crew has now been set for April 17, 2004, at Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston.  The burial, with full military honors, will be preceded by an eight day memorial period, with a day of images and information devoted to each of the eight crew members. 

The Burial will start with a ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 17th at White Point Gardens, along the Battery in downtown Charleston. The ceremony will be about an hour long, and then the funeral procession will start its 4-½ -mile journey, as the crew is walked to Magnolia Cemetery.  The crew will be buried next to the two previous crews of the Hunley.  Hunley officials expect tens of thousands of people will come to Charleston to witness the Burial procession as it will most likely be the last burial of its kind. We strongly recommend making hotel arrangements as soon as possible if you plan on attending.

There will also be other events surrounding the Burial including Lantern Walks at Magnolia Cemetery and presentations on the Hunley's history, recovery, and excavation.  Tours to see the Hunley will be offered on Thursday, April 15th and Friday, April 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Hunley Services And Hardy's Brigade........Several people have mentioned that they were interested in attending the service as a group from Hardy's Brigade.  What do you think?  Email me (mayorbob@embarqmail.com) and let's see how many people from our Brigade will be attending and don't forget to mention how long you will be staying, your departure time and day and your return time and day.  Will you be staying in a hotel, modern campground or in period correct camp?  Perhaps we can figure out a time and place to meet either there or to leave here together as a group.  We should also consider setting up car pools not only to save on expenses but to cut down on travel problems and parking headaches when we arrive.  It would be great to march or ride our horses carrying the Hardy's Brigade flag in memory of our fallen Confederate soldiers.  I know that April 2004 is a long way off but if we don't start planning now, we may not have the opportunity later.

The Department of the Gulf, Florida Battalion’s medical unit had a living history weekend and encampment in conjunction with Earth Day celebration at the State Park on A1A, 4 miles south of Marineland.

A medical camp was set up with various educational activities involving Civil War medicine. These displays and activities included medical equipment, a large pharmaceutical display, herbal medicines and their uses, nurses duties in and around the hospitals, and how the soldiers ate and lived. There was about 5,000 spectators in attendance on Saturday and another 5,500 on Sunday. Simulated surgery was being performed both days with the public enjoying it.

The weather started off Friday with what we thought was a mild hurricane. Trying to hold the awnings and tents down was exciting. As the lightning came closer, we moved for cover and let things fall wherever. Fortunately the extra stakes we placed in the ground held and we did not have much clean up or straightening to do.

The evening was cool and crisp with a 20-knot wind blowing off the Inter-coastal Waterway. It was blowing too hard to have a campfire, but it was enjoyable anyway. Everyone was awakened and 1:30 AM Saturday morning as the second part of the storm rolled through.   The tents interiors were awash with white light as the lightning struck. This only lasted about 5 minutes and then a pleasant slight rain proceeded to fall. Listening to the gentle rain, made us all fall back to sleep.

Saturday morning dawned with clear skies and a breeze. As the day progressed, things got better. By the time the park opened at 10:00 AM, it was a beautiful day with a nice breeze. The spectators came out in force. The evening had a beautiful pink sunset over the marshes and the Inter-coastal waterway, with Sunday a carbon copy of Saturday.

Our camp was located on the bank of the Inter-coastal Waterway facing the west. Watching the dolphins play with the passing boats, birds of prey flying overhead and the many beautiful boats passing by was so enjoyable. We lost count on the number of boats that pulled ashore to come visit with us.

Our camp was part of a living history area that consisted of the Spanish encampment, Indian camp, Cracker Cow camp, English Artillery camp, a blacksmith, weaver, woodworking and cooking. Food was provided to us all weekend by the park employees or from the cooking demonstration. This lady made the best breakfast I have eaten in a long time. The park volunteers gave us everything we needed, along with fresh cut cedar to burn in the campfires.

There were many arts and crafts for sale, along with various food booths and constant entertainment. It is a relaxing weekend just to interact with the public and enjoy the view.

I wanted to thank my wife Jean, Capt. Frank Swartz, 1st Sgt. Mike Linthicium, his wife Francis, his nephew Chris and Chris Leverett for making this a success.

There is always room for further expansion. If anyone wishes to participate in a Civil War living history encampment next year, please contact me. 

Your Servant
Major Roger Schlievert, Surgeon

Many reenactors were glad to hear about Heritage Village changing the event date from mid-July to May tenth.  But the heat did not evade us at all.  Before eight A.M., Scott Anderson was dripping in sweat while adding the final touches to the Black Horse Saloon.

Despite the heat, many spectators showed up, possibly in a record number for this 20th annual event.  Spectators enjoyed the many hands-on activities and presentations, including games, letters to soldiers (created by children using quill pens), whip cracking, salt making, music, and the list goes on.  Even Rick Mook's narration of a fashion show pleased the crowd.

The Pinellas County Historical Society had a hospitality house for the reenactors.  Free lemonade and iced tea (and coffee for those who dared) plus pastries, cookies, and brownies adorned the decorative tables in a building that fitted the period.

The two P.M. battle was also a real crowd pleaser.  I heard many positive comments from people about how much they enjoyed the Blue and the Gray on the field.  For many, this was their first time viewing such an event.

A special thanks to all of the reenactors and volunteers that made this year's event a success.

Lew Zerfas
The Sergeant's Guard

    Recently I had the pleasure to again attend the event at Heritage Village in Largo. In years past, this event was held in the heat of July. As hot as it was, we always enjoyed participating. It was (at that time of year) the only local event to draw our attention. It was always a time to get together with other local reenactors that you have not seen in a few months. Someone once said: It is a good chance to burn powder in the middle of the slow season.
    Well.... I am sorry to say that from my point of view, I think it might soon go away just like Boyd Hill did. The reason is: Last year the sponsorship/operation of this event was taken over by the local Historical Society. Before the Historical Society became involved, reenactors did all the work and kept it as real as possible. The Historical Society is much more worried about the bottom line. 
    This year, the County Commission became involved. Now at an event that was once as period as possible, we now have Carnies. In previous years, any Drinks and Food items were offered by reenactors in a tent, or under a fly. Today there are multiple carnival food vendors intruding on a period event. 
    The straw that broke the Camel's back for me was...The sponsors now want $50.00 sutler fees from those period purveyors that attended. I don't believe that the large events ask as much from the Sutlers. A couple of these Sutlers have supported this event for years even though the return for them was minimal.
    However, I do have to tell you that my thoughts on this are rather biased. My unit (Boy Scout Living History Explorers) 79th NY has been a sponsor for several years. Our Unit used this event as a major fundraiser each year since. We sold water. Last year the Historical Society brought in private vendors selling water and then charged us (a sponsor) $50.00 for the right to sell the water so my opinion might be a little prejudiced; but I believe my observations were correct, and I sincerely hope that things change before this event is buried alongside Boyd Hill.

Tuesday, June 3, 2003, will mark the birthday of American Icon and Hero, Jefferson Davis.  I recently wrote about this great man's legacy and now I will tell you of a special train which carried this American President to his last resting place in Richmond, Virginia.

Jefferson Davis died at the home of a friend in New Orleans, Louisiana, December 6, 1889, and was laid to rest, temporarily, in a tomb in New Orleans Metarie Cemetery.  The decision was made by his widow Varina to move him to a final resting place in Hollywood cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.

Arrangements were made for a special train and a military escort on May 29, 1893.  At midnight, the funeral procession started on the 1,200-mile journey with the mortal remains of the "Father of the Confederacy" to its last resting place.  The funeral car in which the body of Davis would make entire trip was a rebuilt observation car with a catafalque erected in the center.

Stops were made along the route where thousands gathered to pay silent and affectionate tribute to this great man.

At Montgomery, the casket was removed from the funeral car and carried to the capitol through the portico where Jefferson Davis had taken the oath of office as President of the Confederate States of America.

In Atlanta, the train was met by a caisson drawn by six white horses and his casket was taken to the capitol building through silent and reverent crowd lined-streets.

In Raleigh, the body lay in state at the capitol building for two-hours, as in the other two capitol cities, in order that the people may pay tribute.

In Danville, Virginia, the train was met by a large throng that gathered around the funeral car and sang "Nearer My God To Thee", while the church bells tolled.

On arriving in Richmond on Wednesday morning, May 31, the body lay in state in the Virginia capitol until final rites in the Hollywood cemetery in the afternoon.  With Mrs. Jefferson Davis were her two daughters Winnie and Margaret (Mrs. J. Addison Hayes) and Mr. Hayes.

Six state governors acted as pall bearers.  Thousands attended the service in Hollywood cemetery including former Confederate military leaders and privates, where with the Presidential twenty-one gun salute, the beloved leader was laid to rest.

The article above is from the book the history of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (1894-1955).

  “Doctor, this private is feverish and his wound is red. He has been weak and coughing severely.”  Hospital Steward Johnson had become worried. His patient was a young private wounded three weeks ago on the Peninsula. He had been doing well until the last couple of days and now wasn’t doing so good. This young soldier had a wound to his right leg.  It had at first appeared minor but now Johnson wasn’t so sure.

    The wound had become red and it was spreading. There was some greenish foul smelling drainage. Johnson remembered a young fellow who died last week and the smell was similar. He had become frustrated; all the treatments of the doctors could not save many of these boys once the wound became “inflamed “as the surgeons called it. Was hospital gangrene setting in? Now his patient had developed consumption and the cough was worsening.

    “Sergeant Johnson!”  Doctor Chisom was calling him. It was early morning and the Surgeons were making rounds. “Sergeant, I want that wound cleaned with lye soap and water then cover it with lint and a bandage. I want to counteract the inflammation with calomel. We must purge the poisons that are causing the inflammation. I want cupping on his back to help the consumption.”

     Over the next few days, Johnson kept dosing the calomel, a chloride of mercury, just as the surgeon had ordered. His young patient now had continuous diarrhea and his mouth was ulcerated. The patient was getting weaker and finally refused to take any more medications, his mouth was in too much pain. From the cupping he had several sores on his back and would sit up all the time. The sores on his back made lying down difficult and he would not take anymore treatments. There was blood on the back of his shirt and his bedding was soiled. Johnson was depressed how could he help his patient if this young man refused to cooperate with the surgeons?

     Before the war, Sergeant Johnson had finishing college and wanted to become a doctor. He had started at Harvard and was attending the required lectures. He had also been accepted as an apprentice to Dr. Bernard Chisom. Like most hopeful new doctors of his time, the student paid to go to lectures and would also apprentice to a physician. The war had interfered with all this and Johnson had volunteered to fight for the Union. When Doctor Chisom was appointed a captain and surgeon to the 11th Massachusetts, Eli Johnson followed his preceptor into the army. He was delighted to be assigned to the Medical Corp as a sergeant. Surgeon Chisom was teaching him medical care and he could continue his studies while serving his country. Dr. Chisom had explained that the medical profession believed that disease was caused by inflammations. There was direct and indirect inflammation. Direct inflammation was caused by an external force like a blow or a bullet wound. The care of direct inflammations was the world of the surgeon. Since October 16, 1846, when Dr. Morton demonstrated ether anesthesia at the Massachusetts General Hospital, surgery was advancing rapidly.

     Indirect inflammation involved the internal organs and was off limits to surgeons. To enter a body cavity was a death sentence from some unknown inflammatory poisons. These poisons would be removed from the body by purging these poisons or counter acting the inflammation. This could be done by making the patient sweat, urinate, vomit or defecate. Johnson had learned that indirect inflammation was the practice of physics, physicians and medications and he was beginning to learn the use of many of the medications. Diaphoretics were used to expel poisons through the sweat glands. Warm baths and tartrate of antimony were favorites for this purpose.

     Like with the care of his young patient, purgatives and cathartics could be used to expel the poisons though the action of the bowels. Calomel had been a favorite of most physicians but grumblings were being heard and many were calling it a deadly poison. If this was true, then he could use croton oil, rhubarb, jalap, or sulfate of magnesia. Johnson couldn’t see how giving some poor injured soldier severe diarrhea could help, but the experts had spoken and he would follow. 

     As a hospital steward, he had been introduced to the Brunonian Theory. This belief in inflammation was advocated by that famous Edinburgh physician Dr. John Brown. He also heard that some doctors like Dr. Warren of the Mass General and Dr. Oliver Wendell Holms of Harvard were speaking out against it. He had also heard of a Dr. Ignaz Semmelweiss from Vienna. This physician had claimed that cleanliness and hand washing could stop deaths from childbirth fever. He published these findings in 1861 years after making this discovery. At first many laughed at this but now the Sanitary Commission and some of the medical staff were pushing for cleanliness and a good diet.

      The days were long with endless lines of sick and wounded. It was an exhausting time for a young hospital steward. Help finally arrived. Several nuns had come over from a local church.  They were from the Sisters of Mercy. Johnson, like many of the surgeons, was at first resentful of these women but they were soon won over. They cleaned the ward. The bedding and clothing were boiled and cleaned. They brought in fresh fruits and vegetables. The Sanitary Commission provided packages from home and fresh bandages. The cheery spirits of the nuns was raising the moral of the ward including his young patient. Despite refusing all the doctor's treatments, his young private was slowly improving.

     Sergeant Johnson was beginning to also question a lot of the old theories. They didn’t fit the facts that he was seeing. Surgeon General Hammond had come out with orders against the use of calomel. He claimed it was a poison. Johnson had seen first hand that cleanliness, fresh food and fresh air aided healing. He thought to himself “there is still much to learn”.

  This is just a story but these types of events were real. These theories of medical care were what they believed. The medical community was not stupid. They dealt with the information and knowledge at hand. Unfortunately, scientific study as we know it had first been introduced only a few years before by Charles Darwin and had not found its way into American Medicine. There was a lot to learn but the civil war gave the more dedicated medical people one hell of an education.

First and foremost, my husband Jack, 2nd Sgt. 7th FL Co. B and I would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt and many times tearful appreciation for everything that all of you did during our time of need recently.  Support, visits to the hospital, prayers, e-mails, pictures, books, presents, items for our puppy...the list goes on and on.  We will never be able to find enough words in the English language to express our sincere gratitude.

Most of you know the story by now, but for those of you who are new to reenacting or don't know us or about our current situation, here it is.  There are many more unexplained circumstances involved with that day in our lives, but I won't go into them, as it would take up most of Major Niepert's space on this issue of Major Niepert's online newsletter.  In a nutshell:

Jack and I ordered a cockapoo pup from Splash Landing Pet & Supplies Store in Jupiter, FL not far from our home four weeks before the Crystal River event.  We were adamant that we get a male that was anything but a buff-colored bundle of fur.  The day we picked him up we were met love and kisses from a 9 wk. old, 4 lb. 4 oz. buff colored socialized jumping machine.  Against everything we hoped for, we immediately fell in love with him and he with us. He was the first puppy in the pen to bound up to us as if to say "Momma, Daddy!  I'm ready to go home now!"  One look at him and everything we'd previously said was sent right out the proverbial window.  We hadn't even left the store and the three of us knew it was love forever between us.  We named him Shenandoah Lee.  Shenandoah for the ShenandoahValley of Virginia and Lee for our beloved General Robert E. Lee.  Jack said he looked like a little fuzzy potato, so his nickname is Tater.  Another nickname is Potato Dog.  Well, Tater went to the Crystal River reenactment with us the following weekend and that's all she wrote, as he fit right in.  We were in modern camping and he was acting like the artillery barrages were just as natural as a walk in the park.

That was March, the story happened on May 6th  in the wee hours of the morning.  Jack took Tater for one last potty run at 12:30 a.m. on May 6 and the three of us retired to our bed, with Tater sprawled out completely relaxed right between us for what we thought would be another restful night's sleep.  When my head hits the pillow, someone could drop a bomb unbeknownst to me until I wake up the next morning.  Well, somewhere between 3:15 - 3:30 a.m. the same day, May 6th, Tater woke up and began pestering Jack.  Jack rolled over thinking he wanted to just indulge in another session of puppy play.  Tater was adamant, barking, whining and yipping louder each time.  Jack told him to quiet down and go back to sleep, it wasn't time to go for a walk.  No to be refused and becoming increasingly agitated, Tater persisted more and more by biting and pulling on the back of Jack's hair at the bottom of his head until he got Jack's attention, thinking that Tater had a legitimate reason for his actions.  Jack got up, put on his shoes, attached Tater's leash and out the door they went.  The second the two of them got outside, Tater made no move to potty, rather his barking, whining and nipping at Jack's legs was becoming worse.  Jack's left arm began aching, so they came back inside.  Jack wanted to lay back down.  When he headed to the bedroom, Tater ran in front of him, blocking the entrance to the room, still barking and nipping.  By now the intense pain began setting in.  Jack realized what was going on.  He was having a heart attack.  Jack woke me up, I jumped out of bed, put tater in his crate, loaded Jack in the middle of the van on the couch and headed immediately for the Jupiter Farms Fire/Rescue Station about 2 miles down the road.  I figured it would be easier that way, as the response time would have been slower than if we just drove there.  The ambulance and paramedics came out, loaded Jack into the ambulance, and off we went in immediate and constant contact with the doctors and nurses in the Emergency Room.  Turned out that Jack's heart rate had been going down consistently from the start, resulting in it being harder and harder for him to rouse himself up from bed.  The cardiologist said that if the pup hadn't roused him, his heart rate would have continued to slip, and Jack would have passed quietly in his sleep, never to awaken.  The pup insisted so much, and Jack gave in, thereby allowing a miniscule amount of the clogging plaque in the 100% blocked LAD artery to break loose, letting him live long enough for us to get him the help he needed.  Bottom line per Jack's cardiologist:  "That little bundle of energy indeed sensed that Jack was in stress and could possibly die soon, so he did what he knew he had to so to same him.  The cardiologist also told Jack that by bypassing the wait for the ambulance at the house and going directly to it at the Fire Rescue Station by our house, I saved valuable time.

During the cardiac catherization procedure in surgery, a new, just on the market in April, medicated stent was put in the artery.  Jack is now clear for the most part and is doing amazingly well.  Jack is also a Type II diabetic.  Now his blood pressure is perfect daily, his pulse rate and blood sugar levels are great daily.  His doctor said he wishes that all his patients were as conscientious as Jack is being.  Jack is behaving himself, walking regularly, eating properly, learning to like new foods and has sworn that he will never again go through this if he can at all help it.  The cardiologist said that if he continues like this (which after 32 yrs. of marriage, I can tell you right now I know him too well for him to not do it now and turn his life around as expected.)  He's 14 lbs. lighter, skin color is back, he's peppy, looks just great.  He also swore he will succeed even when he is tempted, but will turn down the bad stuff.  He never wishes to endure this again.  The doctor said if he keeps it up, he'll probably be back reenacting this Fall.

As for Tater, the dog food company, Kibbles and Bits found out about the story and has now placed Tater in the running for first place for the 2004 Dog Hero of the Year Award.  First and Second Place will be announced in April 2004.  Say some prayers and keep your fingers crossed.  There are so many other courageous and wonderful animals out there that deserve the award just as much as our little guy, but we're kind of lopsided in our views at this time.  If he wins First Place, he gets $500 in cash, a specially engraved doggie bowl, and a year's supply of dog food.  If he comes in 2nd Place, he gets $200, an engraved doggie bows and a Certificate of Merit. During these past weeks, Tater received just as many items as Jack did. Gourmet doggie cookies, cards, letters, e-mails, even personal phone calls. One of our friends is a terrific leathersmith.  He emailed me to let me know that he is making Tater a special filigreed leather collar with the words "Tater the Hero" engraved on it for the world to see.  Tater is now 11+ lbs., cuter than ever, in Puppy Kindergarten.  His ego has been inflated a bit, but that's all right, he earned it.  Other than Olustee 2004, Tater plans to attend all the regular reenactments with us AND the flamingos in modern camping.  The flamingos sometimes need guarding and what better one for the job than Tater!

Again, Jack and I cannot say Thank You enough.  Tater the Hero sends his love, wags and 'woofs' to everyone.  Just be on the lookout.  My girlfriends wants to sew him a cape that will stay on, hooked under the legs for the cooler months of reenacting with the words on the top for everyone to see that reads  "HERO"'.

Cherish your animals, no matter what type or breed they are.  They don't have to be dogs to be heroes.  If we love them and treat them with respect, they will return our gift many times over, asking for nothing in return.

by Kathy Heitman

For Sale.  Company Stickers / Signs.  Custom made vehicle stickers, signs, artwork, magnets and more.  Have your reenactment company or anything else you want printed in any color or script.  Contact Robyn Banks email at southerncanoneer@aol.com

For Sale....Gun Socks.  These socks were made by reenactors for reenactors.  They are made of duck canvas, padded and are water resistant with a fleece lining with rawhide ties.  They will fit any rifle.  A portion of the proceeds will go to advancing Living History Scouting.  $25 each.  Contact Ed Smith (79th N.Y. Co. B.) at (727) 526-2851 email at edscout@aol.com

For Sale........R/V.  1990 Toyota Dolphin recreational vehicle w/ V6 auto transmission.  Fully self-contained with kitchen area, bathroom with shower, new refrigerator, 6 new 8 ply tires, new generator and awning.  A major plus is the fact that it gets 19MPG and is in good shape body wise and mechanically.  Email Joe Lyons (24th Mich. Co. A.) at bpj1964@msn.com  Joe does have pictures that he can send to anyone interested.

For Sale.......Book.  Michael C. Hardy, General Hardy's son and former commander of 1st Battalion, is having a pre-publishing sale for his book on the 37th North Carolina Troops.  The Thirty-seventh North Carolina Troops: Tar Heels in the Army of Northern Virginia, is a detailed look at a Confederate regiment in the A. P. Hill division/corps during the war.  This is the account of the regiment's four years' service, told largely in the soldiers' own words.  Drawn from letters, diaries, and postwar articles and interviews, this history of the 37th North Carolina follows the unit from its organization in November 1861 until its surrender at Appomattox.  The book includes photographs of the key players in the 37th's story as well as maps illustrating the unit's position at several engagements.  Appendices include a complete roster of the unit and a listing of individuals buried in large sites such as prison cemeteries.  A bibliography and index are also included.  The book will be available in July 2003.  If you are interested in pre-ordering a signed copy, please drop Michael an email at mchardy@hotmail.com

Found.....A Corset has been found at Heritage Village (during Civil War Days on May 10).  I don't know where or how this corset was found and I am sure I don't want to know.  If it is yours, contact the Village directly at .....  http://www.county.pinellas.org/heritage  We will let you remain anonymous unless there is a really good story behind this.

Wanted........"A" frame tent with wood and stakes.  Email Bob Burdge (8th Fl. Co. C.) at Commish33@aol.com Need  to know size and price.

June 27, 28, 29, 2003.  The St. Andrews Bay Reenactors Association, The Gulf State Guards, and The St. Andrews Waterfront Project, will sponsor a full skirmish both Saturday and Sunday.  A period ship from Mississippi will enter the Bay, a bark from the Confederate Naval Museum in Columbus, GA, will off load Federals onto the shore and the reenactment of the actual St. Andrews Bay Skirmish will begin. The historical monument regarding this event is on Beach Drive just about 1 mile from where we will Skirmish.  All branches of reenactors are invited to camp and drill and shoot and have a great weekend.  Let me hear from you.  The registration and main encampment will be in the churchyard at St. Andrew Historic Church, at the intersection of 11th Street and Chestnut Avenue. Vendors and Sutlers will be in the closed off Street of Chestnut Avenue.  Directions:  Take Interstate 10 to Highway 231 and drive South on Highway 231 to Panama City, FL. to the Old Community of St. Andrew, located on the Bay.  From the West: Cross the Hathaway Bridge,  Take Highway 98 to BECK Avenue, go south on BECK Avenue to either 11th Street or Chestnut Avenue and look for the flags. From the North: Take Highway 231 South to 15th Street ( also known as Highway 98), drive west on 15th Street approximately 2 miles to BECK Avenue, go south on BECK Avenue to either 11th Street or Chestnut Avenue and look for the flags.  CAVALRY, SUTLERS, & VENDORS : Contact Woody Bollinger email:  aladivchaplain@hotmail.com ARTILLERY & INFANTRY: Contact: Stan Peacock email:  PreserveHeritage@aol.com

August 30, 31, September 1, 2003.  Battle of Dade City.  (near Tampa)  This is a Labor Day weekend battle.  Please do not arrive before 4pm on Friday.  There is no battle on Saturday.  You may relax and prepare on Saturday for the battles on Sun. and Mon. afternoon.  There will be no ball.  There will be a battle at 1pm on Sunday and a battle at 1pm on Monday.  There is limited authentic and modern camping.  To get to the event:  North of Dade City take I-75 South to exit 61 go East on US-98 to 301. Go South on US-301 for 6 miles and the park will be on the left side.  St. Petersburg area take I-275 and connect with I-75 to exit 59 go East on SR-52 for 8 miles to US-301 North go through town and the park is on the right.  From Daytona Beach take SR-40 West to I-75 South.  Orlando go SR-50 West to US-301 South the park will be on the left.