General Hardy has asked me to have all Hardy Brigade officers from company level up to please contact me mayorbob@embarqmail.com now.  If you would rather call, you can reach me at (407) 448-4871. Officers, it is important that I hear from you NOW.  Not all officers have computers and some do not get the News Magazine.  I am depending on those of you who do get the magazine to contact your officers with this information and have them email or call me.  I thank those of you who have already called.  Thanks.....Bob

Welcome 7th Fl. Co. K.....With this issue the 7th Fl. Co. K has become the largest company to receive this News Magazine.  Thanks for your support.  The News Magazine now has 434 subscribers.  The greatest number of subscriptions go out to reenactors in the central Florida area.  There are also a few out of state and one over-seas (England) subscriber.  Spread the word to your email reenactor friends and let's keep building.

Important Event Roster Change.....In the last News Magazine, you may recall that the Flat Lake Event was canceled.  Well, that has changed now.  The Flat Lake event will be held April 5, 6, 7, 2002 at my house.  Maj. Keith Kohl and my daughter Rebecca have requested that the event be done just one more time.  We will pull out all the stops and this will be the biggest one yet.  No registration fee, ladies tea, free Sat. night dinner, and a ball with the 97th Reg. String Band.  The reason and all the details are in the upcoming events section (below) of this magazine.  Check it out.  You won't believe what happened!!

Lots Of Stuff......I thought that I would have a problem filling the gaps in the News Magazine during the off season.  I guess I was wrong.  There is still a lot going on out there.  I get a lot of news from the Confederate men (thank you) but I would like to get more letters, photos, articles and whatever from the Federal readers.  Thanks go to you Union guys that have written.  I hope that I haven't clogged up your computer with the last few magazines but I think it is important to keep everyone informed.

New Event Roster.....I am still working on the new season's event roster.  I'm running a little behind.  Please be patient.  It should be out the last part of July.  There are still several big and a few small events that I have no new season information on.  I have heard from only one of the living history event hosts.  If you are involved with an event or a living history, please send me the information NOW.  There are a lot of changes in the next season so don't make any concrete plans until you see the new roster.  Thanks for your help with this project.....Bob mayorbob@embarqmail.com

Well I Tried..(additional website info)..I have heard that my AOL solution did not work.  My daughter has tried everything including long conversations with AOL solution people and several computer geniuses.  My daughter makes a living solving computer problems and they all say it can't be done.  It just isn't possible to get the AOL problem solved.  This News Magazine is just too complex for some of the AOL servers.  There is only one way we can make it work for everyone.  I have purchased domain space on the www.  Soon the News Magazine will be posted on the web.  When a new issue is completed, I will send out a notice to everyone and you can go there and look at it.  I don't know a lot about this stuff but the site is big enough to accept several thousand hits per minute and has the room to store all the back issues for years.  There is also room for hundreds of photos.  Special sections will contain "letters home", Florida Civil War history, the Zimmerman and Fasulo articles, cooking with Rosenow's recipes, the Event Roster and more.  There will be links to all Hardy Brigade Companies that have sites and lots of sutler links.  The construction is underway now, although it is running behind.  I am very excited about this new evolution in the News Magazine's life and its presence on the web.  I will still need your email addresses in order to keep you informed of last minute news, updates, changes and when the new magazine is ready for your reading pleasure.  As is the policy of this magazine, your email addresses will remain private and I will not give them out to anyone.  The only down side of this that I see is that I will lose a little of the control over each issue; but with my daughter working on the website, that will probably not be a big problem.  The other problem is that the magazine will not come directly to your email box.  I also don't like to lose the personal touch of emailing you directly; but in order for all to enjoy the magazine, it has to go on a website.  I will not release the web site address to you until I have reviewed the finished product to make sure it meets the standards already set by this magazine.  You will soon be able to just hit WWW--- (I'm not telling you yet)----.com and get a new, better, easier to read magazine!

Reenactors Flea Market Update.......There are now 20 seller tables reserved.  There are still a few seller table spaces left.  This flea market looks like it is going to be a big hit.  Reenacting items from the Civil War through WW II will be for sale.  Not everyone receives this news magazine so please make sure to let everyone in your company know about the flea market.  You don't want to miss this sale.

The Art of Galvanizing.......Mark Tingen (3rd Rhode Island Artillery, Union) sent me this letter.  He hit several topics and made some good points on all.  Read on.....

"On the art of galvanizing, which is new to me.  I don't think many understand the sacrifices individuals make, to make a battle possible.  It cost me $1500.00 to be a Union Artillery crewman, in full dress.  Galvanizing means an additional 40%, not to mention additional baggage to tote.

Galvanizing is a true love of the Civil War History.  It's paying homage to our forefathers without prejudice.  A sacrifice to even out the battle scenario and visibly make it realistic for reenactors and the public.  God bless all that participate, even when mistakes occur, as we all make mistakes.

Regarding the live round accident.  It is heart wrenching for any accident to occur on and off the field of honor.  We must constantly request "schools of" on a yearly basis.  National Park Services will not allow anyone to use/fire black powder without proof of certification.  Volunteers of the NPS are required to take the schools, tested and constantly drilled on a continual basis.  It is very easy to minimize problems via drilling prior to each event, inspection of each weapon and reviewing possible issues that might come up.  Finally, after drilling we do not allow any walk-on's in our ranks.  It is well noted within our unit, to anyone that does live round participation; extra care goes into their inspection for peace of mind and to assist that individual in preparation for the current event.

Regarding political views.  I have chosen to represent a Union artillery soldier.  I have discovered on the field of honor genuine men and women that I work and walk the streets with every day.  From both sides, I have enjoyed the friendship and professionalism I have encountered.  Reenactors are a special breed of people, that safe guard our history.  We all bleed when anyone is attacked for the flags they carry, the beliefs they have, etc.  Historical truths must continue to learn from the past and improve the future of our nation.  Yes, there is always that one that makes us cringe but they are few and far between."
Mark Tingen

The 37th Website.....Shandel Williamson of the 37th Alabama has put a real nice website together.  Shandel works full time and goes to school full time so I don't know how she found the time to do such a good job.  There are still one or two pages to add but for the most part, it is completed.  You can see it at www.37thalabama.com

Hard Backs.......Have you read any good Civil War books lately?  In this computer age, it is too easy to fall into web surfing instead of page turning.  I have finished a few books over the last couple of months.  I enjoy reading when I can find a minute or two.  I was in Walden Books last Friday and they had a great sale on five different Civil War books.  I struck it lucky that day.  I purchased all of them for one reason or another.  I bought one of the books just because it had a photograph of the ugliest cavalry horse I have ever seen.  The Union cavalry trooper riding him was not in too good of shape either.  I will share the photograph with you in an issue soon.  If you have read any books recently, tell us about them.  You don't have to write a long serious book report; a couple of paragraphs will be fine.

W. H. Trimmer's Diary (CSA).....The following diary excerpt was sent to me by Tim Wyatt.  William Trimmer was a great uncle of Tim's.  Trimmer served in Abell's Company and in the 1st Florida infantry regiment.  What follows is a brief account of events preceding his capture written to his relatives in England.  It tells of how he was captured in the battle of Olustee and sent to Jacksonville as a prisoner.  The part of the diary below is a little long for this news magazine but I found it very interesting and thought you may also.  There is mention made of women coming over to the camp and an all night long dance, battles with cavalry, artillery and a little bit of everything else. If you have any questions, you can contact Tim Watt at twyatt@iim.csic.es

We were returning from the Savanna River where we had been stationed a month, the detachment consisted of a 2nd Lieutenant, a Sergeant, Corporal and twelve men in charge of one howitzer caisson and twelve horses. The officer and the Sergeant also rode their own horses. We belonged to a six gun battery that was now near Fernandina and we had been ordered upon this trip to protect a blockade runner that was loading with cotton. Our camp had been located a little back from the river in a portion known as the Gulf xxxxmuck. The vegetation here is perhaps the most luxuriant in the State, Royal palms, Cabbage Palmetto often seventy feet in height. Live Oaks of giant proportions, gums, (page 2) Orange and other evergreens. In this luxuriant grove we built our camp. The news of soldiers being at the river soon brought us numerous visitors principally women, and almost every night dancing was kept up. The steamer that was loading cotton was down the river about half a mile and a guard of two men was kept continually at her. We had all been swimming which was a daily occurrence the alligators were very numerous but kept their distance. They would surround us ten or twelve big fellows the eyes and small portion of their heads all that they exposed. Some that were killed measured fourteen feet. At one of the many dances an unusual number of girls were present and many of these fair maids walked many miles, all of them carried their shoes and extras as shoeleather and calico were equally scarce. These girls would be dusty and tired but would fix themselves in their starched calico dresses (page 3) and shoes and looked as pretty and clean as if at their homes. Calico was then selling at from thirty to fifty cents a yard and shoes six to ten dollars a pair. An old log house with a floor of functions which were pine saplings split and smoothed was the very place for the dance a stick in dirt chimney at the gable end the boys fixed up plank seats on either side and at dark the dance commenced, lightwood was in abundance and a good fire kept up a fiddle borrowed from the steamer played reels and break downs to the satisfaction of all. In an hour most of the girls had taken off their shoes and while resting used snuff freely. The boys smoked and frequently if the fair partner wanted a whiff the boy would take from his own mouth wipe the stem under his shirt sleeve and put it in her mouth. All were in a state of perspiration the night being warm and a big fire in the chimney. About 10 o'clock (page 4) a general rest was taken and big iron pots of beef bones and sweet potatoes were dished out in everyone's hands. The dancing then went on and continued till day. One of the drivers Yates in preparing to feed his horses next morning putted the bark of a hollow tree open to empty the corn into when a large rattlesnake crawled out he was poor but measured after being killed twenty-four inches in circumference. Game was very plenty deer, turkey, wild hogs and panther signs were all about. The vessel as soon as loaded dropped down the river our services being through we were ordered to leave. The soil now is lime formation and enormous boulders of lime rock lay about in the woods. We are now in heavy yellow pine occasionally an oasis of magnolias, live oaks, cabbage palmetto and mahogany would appear. The lime sinks were all about these show themselves by the rich growth the tangled vines and flowers (page 5) Now we pass through a sandy soil and large cactus and prickly pear these are covered with bright yellow flowers but the thorns are dangerous. Our horses suffer a good deal as the ground is matted with this particular growth. Late in the evening we stop at a lime sink for water all the buckets are put in use and a long rope also the rocks descend abruptly and all find difficulty the water clear as crystal and icy. One of the men in climb back discovered on a ledge the body of a grown man and beside it dead a large puma; the man had evidently come after water and the puma must have sprung upon him, the man had defended himself as best he could for in his hand was an open knife which had stabbed and disemboweled the cat. He was terribly bit and clothing torn and had died from wounds and starvation. They had been dead some days so we hoisted the body of the man and buried it in the pine woods. This lime sink was all of 40 feet in (page 6) depth and to reach the water fully ten more. Continuing our march day after day the trip across the peninsular occupied ten days passing through virgin forests of yellow pine large herds of wild cattle in which generally deer were found. Many friendly Seminole Indians came to our camp seeking tobacco and liquor that always had game of some kind to exchange. At Hartz Roads we joined the company. Previous to this trip I had been Quartermaster Sergt of the battery for misconduct, gambling etc the Captain of his own accord had me reduced to the ranks and my chevrons torn off my jacket. Upon my return from the trip, the Captain complimented me upon my good conduct and soldierly bearing and said he would appoint me a corporal, this I refused saying I preferred to remain in the ranks. Our Captain claimed to be a religious man and frequently was seen kneeling. One night soon after our return the company had been dismissed (page 7) the Captain was seen kneeling in his bush arbor. He soon got up calling for the orderly sergeant to reform the company immediately which being done the captain stepped to the front and said Men I have called you together to inform you that some scoundrel has grossly insulted me by throwing cow manure at me while I was engaged in prayer; I know who the man is and intended killing him on sight, he had in his hand a Navy Colt but I prefer that the scoundrel shall acknowledge by stepping out two paces I will give him five minutes or I shall kill him in ranks; turning to his bugler said take the time and call me when the five minutes are up. All of us felt uneasy I am sure I did many knew who it was but not a word was spoken neither did anyone step to the front. When the bugler Harrison called time our Captain stepped up slowly pistol in hand Men he said I did not think it possible that the scoundrel (page 8) would take the risk by refusing to reveal his identity, I have my eye on the villain but will give him five minutes more I intend to kill him as he stands, take the time bugler. Another long wait the night was still nothing but the horses munching their corn could be heard at the expiration of the time our captain again came forward this time his pistol was in its holster. Sergeant dismiss the company you will hear of this in the morning. Nothing was ever done further more important events occurred in a few days. Soon after this the paymaster visited the camp, at the time I was under arrest charged with refusal to testify against a comrade also being present at the killing of a cow. The paymasters name was Teesdale and he ranked as a Major. The company being paraded the Captain and Major under a bush arbor with the pay rolls each man was called, the orderly first then the Quartermaster Sergeant (page 9) Major please pass that name at present I have that man under arrest. And by the way Major I have four men implicated for cow stealing can you not stop sufficient from each of their pay to reimburse the owner the Major replied why certainly Captain of course I can, give me their names and the amount you wish stopped. So after the men had all signed the rolls and some grumbling with the paymaster I was brought up in charge of the guard the captain said this is the man Major I have under arrest and whose name appears at the head of your rolls, he was formerly Quartermaster Sergeant of my battery but I had to reduce him for misconduct. Turning over the roll and finding my name the paymaster said sign your name here sir pointing to the line I said I refuse to do it Major you have no right to deduct anything because the Captain asks you to. The Captain said sign that (page 10) roll you impudent scoundrel I again refused and you cant make me. After more words the guard was ordered to take me away. My pay amounted to $115.00 less the six which they had deducted. I never received. In a few days I was returned to duty, the company also was ordered to a camp near Jacksonville. The Yankees were now in possession of this town as they had landed a force a few weeks before and taken it. This was an exceedingly pretty little place the sandy streets were lined with large live oaks and along the river bank some few small schooners and sail boats were kept; the private houses were frame and surrounded by nice flower gardens one could often see the cows standing belly deep in the sluggish river eating the saltygrass that grew out a hundred yards from the bank. Jacksonville then had only about 3000 people but was a contending point. Our battery supported by some six hundred men both Infantry (page 11) and cavalry were one morning instructed to retake the place. The battery was stationed at and near the old Brick Church we succeeded after stubborn fighting in running the Yankees to their boats. The infantry did some hard work our guns used a good deal of ammunition three of our men were killed and several wounded the Infantry lost about seventy five killed & wounded. We only held the town about ten days as the sequel will show. The company returned to the “White House” and remained in camp. A very unfortunate affair occurred here in which we lost a promising officer Lieutenant. He was boarding at a house kept by Pickett and had a room upstairs. Early in the morning Pickett going from room to room making fires found the Lieutenant in his wife's bed and he was shot and killed although defending himself with a chair. Two of our guns were now taken and sent to General Finnegan about Lake City who had then collected quite a little army one of the caissons had broken down and left in the road abandoned (page12) At night a detail of five men and two horses was sent to bring in the caisson we succeeded in getting back to camp about midnight. The night was very cool and frosty the men were sleeping out in the open the camp being alongside the Rail road. The lightwood fires had been allowed to die down we were cold and threw on some knots standing up warming ourselves. Without warning no pickets giving the alarm, a body of galloping horses and cursing men charged upon the sleeping camp firing their carbines and slashing with their swords shouting surrender you Rebel sons of bitches as I was awake and standing by the fire I just had time to run and cross the rail road hiding behind a big yellow pine tree entirely in the dark. The camp was completely surprised and in the hands of the cavalry men who made all surrender that they captured I witnessed the whole performance never moving from the tree. In a few minutes horses were hitched to the four guns the caissons battery wagon and what camp equipage (page 13) they could collect in their hurry setting fire to the rest, then left. Bob Murray received a terrible slash on his forehead cutting the scalp, he came over to me and I bound up his wound with a piece of my shirt; neither of us had anything but what we stood in not even a blanket. Bob said several men were killed but more wounded. After all was again quiet we took the rail road considering ourselves fortunate to get away. Before day we arrived at Baldwina station where the Cedar Keys & Fernandina rail road and the Tallahassee & Jacksonville cross one another, here back from the platform was a large frame building known as the Askham house we entered the public room where several soldiers had congregated round a fire some had escaped from the captured camp like ourselves. I had been in the room but a short time when who should come in but my captain truly in a deplorable plight, all made room for him at the fire he told us that at the alarm he just had time to throw himself on his horse --- as he was asleep close to where (page 14) the animal a fine black stallion was hitched without bridle or saddle only the head stall the leather strap he put in his mouth and left the horse having little to guide him floundered into a cypress pond bogging himself and the captain in the black mud; thinking it wise to abandon the horse and save himself. He said he had a terrible time and only with great difficulty getting out, being well baptized. He had neither coat, or cap, had his sword belt and scabbard, but no sword, also pistol in holster he was covered with mud. I felt sorry for my captains sad condition and told him so. I did not see him any more till after the surrender. About day break some one gave the alarm save yourselves men the Yankees are coming, the cavalry were sure on us I ran but was ridden down by a trooper and fell in the palmetto, finding that I was unhurt I crawled into thicker grass, Soon the women were screaming the chickens squalling and loud cursing indicated foraging. Late in (page 15) the evening the troopers found a pen of beef cattle, these they turned loose amusing themselves by shooting them, the cattle frequently ran over me but I laid still. About dark bugle calls were heard the tramping of horses, jingling of chains getting closer. I hear orders to stretch the picket rope, to dismount and hitch, later to the cooks to be careful to keep fire out of the grass. In spite of the caution I soon found myself obliged to get out as the fire was heading for me; at the picket rope I was grabbed in the collar and without ceremony taken to the Colonel thinking me a spy. I was at once taken before General Seymore he with his staff occupying the hotel we had left so hurriedly. Good evening Colonel who have you there asked the General.Why only one of those dammed Florida swamp foxes replied the Colonel my men have just burnt out The General then asked what I was doing hid away in the grass I told him how his troopers had captured our camp and how (page 16) I got away he said are you hungry I told him I was but wanted water, he told one of the guard to give me some. Sergeant he said seeing the places where chevrons had been what battery do you belong to I told him he replied yes it was some of your dammed gunners that killed my men at the brick church continuing he said about how many men has General Finnigan and told me that his troopers had captured four guns of your battery where are the other two. After more questions Sergeant you seem to be an intelligent fellow if you will take the oath I will turn you loose. I replied I am no fellow General our negroes are fellows well said he you are an intelligent man here take the oath. I have taken one oath to support and defend the Confederacy surely you do not wish me to violate that. Well he said I shall send you North this closed the interview take this incorrigible rebel Corporal and put (page 17) him with the other prisoners. Here I met several comrades and others, many were wounded, all were hungry. I had eaten nothing for 36 hours and when at midnight buckets of boiled rice without salt were passed to us to help yourselves Johnnies each digging into the starchy mass ravenously. Soon after day a line of empty wagons came up the wounded were carried out first and laid on straw we then got in six men to a wagon a guard from the 112th N.Y. going along. Each guard had full haversacks which they divided on the journey of 23 miles. Arriving at Jacksonville we were turned over to a company of the 54th Mass. Regiment Negroes who were the Provost guard. They had but just come from Battery Wagner where they had suffered Putting us into a long brick building upstairs opposite the St Johns River as the wagons passed along the sandy street we saw numbers of obstructions and abates the beautiful live oaks had been cut down their trunks sharpened outboard (page 18) The negro sergeant in charge of us soon had meat, and bread, issued to us, getting me to divide it out. The wounded were taken to the hospital saving themselves a future imprisonment The sergeant proved to be a clever fellow named Welsh educated very civil rendering me many little services I saw him years after he then had a position in the Custom House at Pensacola. A few days before we were put on the transport an opportunity to take the oath was given. Welsh had told me they were going to send us North also that they, General Seymore had met a severe reverse at Olustree. Some six or eight took the oath among them two of our drivers named Genton one of these men had killed the cow for which I had been arrested and humiliated. The transport a small propeller twelve negro guard detailed to take us in charge. There were about 68 of us some were seafaring men and it was arranged to overpower the guard who were with us between decks xxxing up the coast the plan was to seize the guns of the guard off duty stacked in the rack. The white Lieutenant was up above two guards marched back and forth in front of us these were secured, their guns taken and a rush made for the arms rack. Alarm was given above before any could get up the companion way the hatches were battened down. The guard below were in charge. Soon sailor men with the Lieutenant came through the hatch each with short cutlass and pistol prepared to kill the last one the negroes were released and for punishment our rations were entirely stopped. Some of the prisoners were clubbed none seriously. Arriving at Hilton Head the day bitterly cold 17th Feb 1864 we were put into a shed where we were confined for two weeks scanty rations and no blanket or overcoat given to any. While here we learned particulars of the Olustree fight. We are again put on transport this time it was the Steamer Baltic (page 19) formerly running in the Collins Line to Europe arriving at New York we were transferred from the steamer to Castle William….Island …. crowded……….

 Page 19 is torn off at this point.

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Follow up sent to me by David Trimmier:

CSA pension file no. A06286

William Henry Trimmer

Born: 7 Sep 1835 in Kent England

Soldier’s Claim for Pension (CSA service)

State of Florida, Escambia County

On this first day of September 1903 personally appeared before me, Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for said county and State, Wm. H. Trimmer who being by me duly affirmed, declares he is the identical person who enlisted on or about the 24th day of March 1861 in Captain Wm E Cropp. Company, county of Franklin, in the State of Florida and that while in actual service in said company and in line of duty as such soldier, at Pensacola, State of Florida, on 1861 and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his service on the 4th day of April in Montgomery County, State of Alabama from first twelve month service. He reenlisted in Richmond, Va. Was at the Battle of Seven Pines May 30, 1862. Detailed as clerk of hospital on Cary St. Richmond; transferred to Selma, Ala. Worked on Ram Tennessee; detailed to serve on court martial at Lake City, Fla; transferred to Abel’s Battery of Artillery as Quarter Master Sergeant. Captured by Yankees at Olustee about Feb. 12, 1864 and carried as prisoner of war to Jacksonville, Fla. Thence to Hilton Head, thence to Governor’s Island, New York Harbor where I remained till May 20, 1865 when I was paroled with ten thousand others. I did not receive one dollar from Confederate Gov. for 18 months.

Affirmed and subscribed before me this 31st day of August 1903 (signature illegible) Clerk Circuit Court Escambia County

JULY 21, 2001.  Maitland Living History.  There will be a Founder's Day Living History sponsored by the Maitland Historical Society.  The event will take place at the Lake Lily Park from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.  Maitland is just north of Orlando and west of Winter Park.  Contact Dannie Helm (curator) for more information at (407) 644-1364 or email at ndhelm@mpinet.net

JULY 21, 2001.  Heritage Park/Village.  Largo, Florida in Pinellas County.  This is a one day event.  It is a small battle but is a good excuse to burn some powder during the summer "off season".  The event has been hosted by the U.S.S. Ottawa for about four years.  Those who have attended before say that it is a fun event.  Reenactors may arrive after 7:30 am on Saturday.  The park will open at 9:00 am.  Contact Steve Sheets at (727) 398-2435.

AUGUST 3,4,5, 2001. Leesburg, VA.  First Manassas.  The 140th anniversary of the battle.  The event will be at the Locust Hill Farm, just north of Leesburg on Rt. 15.  Contact Don Warlick at (540) 933-6564 or check the web site at www.firstmanassas.com

September 2-3, 2001.  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.  Commanders please call ahead to inform the host of the estimated number of troops that will attend.  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.  Contact persons.. Duane Farless (863) 537-2263  email cplbulldog1@aol.com   or Steve Hunt at (863) 967-1261

FINAL DETAILS FOR CRYSTAL RIVER SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER.....
September 14-15-16, 2001.  Crystal River, Florida.  1st Annual Nature Coast School of the Soldier is to be held at the same site as the Nature Coast Civil War Reenactment on a beautiful pristine pasture with lots of live oak trees on our 160 acre site seven miles north of Crystal River,  Florida.  The school will be for infantry, artillery, cavalry and medical reenactors and will be a non-public event.  Registration is to by US Mail only to include a check for registration. Deadline for registration is September 1, 2001, after which a $5.00 late fee will be charged. Cost of registration is a follows:  Artillery fee is $15.00 per soldier for powder and certification. Infantry, cavalry & medical fees will be $5.00 for each  participant.  Modern camping on site.  Hay, wood and water will be provided. Other highlights for the weekend as follows: unscripted battles during weekend; live fire demonstration with cannon and mortar and good training for both new and experienced reenactors. There will be a tactical/skirmish with judges Saturday morning.  For information on the school contact the following:

General Information Bob Mann @ 352-746-9776 or bmcvwar@atlantic.net
Artillery- Bob Goodrich @ 727-866-1686 or rgoodri2@tampabay.rr.com
Infantry- Lynn Stellmach @ 352-341-5957  or  electroreb@hitter.net
Cavalry- Bob Niepert @ 407-877-0406 or mayorbob@embarqmail.com
Medical - Dave Riker @  CWsurg@aol.com

All registrations & fees should be sent to the following address: Nature Coast School of the Soldier, PO Box 640012, Beverly Hills, Florida 34465. Make checks payable to: Nature Coast School of Soldier or NCSS. Further information may be found on the Nature Coast Civil War Reenactment Web site at the following address: http://www.tnro.com/civwar/

April 5-6-7, 2002.  Battle of Flat Lake (Winter Garden, near Disney World).  This is a weekend long skirmish / tactical with two main battle objectives (one Sat. and one Sun.).   To avoid the heat the battles will be early about 9 or 10am this year.  You are encouraged to show up Friday or early Saturday so you don't miss anything.  Night battles O.K. until 10pm.  Lots of impromptu fun.   There will be no registration fee this year but you still must sign in.  All uniformed reenactors including women and children in period dress are welcome. No spectators please.  We have no accommodations for the general public.  There is a large 120 acre battlefield and some wooded areas to hide and fight in as well.  You may fight when you want but there will be two battles (early before it gets to hot) with objectives to capture that will be officiated over by field judges.  A ladies tea with door prizes will be held on Saturday at 11am.   We are proud to announce that my wife Lorraine and I will give our daughter Rebecca in marriage to Maj. Keith Kohl during the event.  The ceremony will be held at 5pm in the large tent with dinner following at 6pm.  A ball and reception will be held at 7pm with music provided by the 97th Regimental String Band.  This event has never nor will it ever be cancelled due to weather.  We will fight in a hurricane or a forest fire if necessary.  No Name Sutler will be on site.  Free dinner for all Sat. night. Camp modern or campaign style whichever you prefer.  Fire wood provided along with hay for the horses.  Please call ahead so we know how many to plan for.   Take Hwy 50 approximately 3 miles West of Winter Garden. Turn South on Hwy 545 (Avalon Road by the Circle K store).  Take 545 aprox. 5 miles to Phil C. Peters Road.  Turn onto Phil C. Peters Road (can only turn one way which is right) and go 2.2 miles to the end of the paved part of the road.  Follow the dirt driveway 1/4 mile around the lake.  To get to the event from the Fla. turnpike, get off at exit 272 and go East towards Winter Garden to 545 then follow above directions.  Contact Bob Niepert home (407)  877-0406 cell-(407) 448-4871   mayorbob@embarqmail.com