Online News Magazine
written by
Robert Niepert
mayorbob@sprynet.com
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.
These photos were taken by Wes Mayhle at the Battle of Narcoossee 2005. Hundreds of reenactment photos taken throughout the season can be seen on his site at www.instydigipics.com
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General Information
Sick Call............Rick Dietz of the Alabama Vol. is quite ill but not in the hospital (he returned home a couple of weeks ago). Rick and his family have been reenactors for many years. Remember them in your thoughts and prayers.
Sick
Call...............Kenny Harris (7th Florida Co. B. Strawhats)
had a hip replacement done May 27th. All went well and he is
expected to be released from St. Vincent's Hospital (Jacksonville,
Fl.) sometime next week. Kenny will have a recuperation
period of about four weeks (at home) and will make a full
recovery. He and his wife April are both looking forward to
returning to reenacting next season. I know they would like to
hear from everyone so please email him at aprilharris@copper.net so
he will have lots of email to read when he gets home.
May 28th,
1863............Robert Gates (Commander SCV camp #1950) sent
me the following information. I found it interesting and I hope
you do too.
The 54th
Massachusetts leaves Boston......The 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the
most famous African-American regiment of the war, leaves Boston for
combat in the South. For the first two years of the war, President
Abraham Lincoln resisted the use of black troops despite the pleas of
men such as Frederick Douglass, who argued that no one had more to
fight for than African Americans. Lincoln finally endorsed, albeit
timidly, the introduction of blacks for service in the military in the
Emancipation Proclamation. On May 22, 1863, the War Department
established the Bureau of Colored Troops to recruit and assemble black
regiments. Many blacks, often freed or escaped slaves, joined the
military and found themselves usually under white leadership. Ninety
percent of all officers in the United States Colored Troops (USCT) were
white. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the idealistic scion of an
abolitionist family, headed the 54th. Shaw was a veteran of the 2nd
Massachusetts infantry and saw action in the 1862 Shenandoah Valley and
Antietam campaigns. After being selected by Massachusetts Governor John
Andrew to organize and lead the 54th, Shaw carefully selected the most
physically fit soldiers and white officers with established
anti-slavery views. The regiment included two of Frederick Douglass's
sons and the grandson of Sojourner Truth. On May 28, 1863, the new
regiment marched onto a steamer and set sail for Port Royal, South
Carolina. The unit saw action right away, taking part in a raid into
Georgia and withstanding a Confederate attack near Charleston. On July
16, 1863, Shaw led a bold but doomed attack against Fort Wagner in
which he and 20 of his men were killed.The story of Robert Gould Shaw
and the 54th Massachusetts was immortalized in the critically acclaimed
1990 movie Glory, starring Mathew Broderick, Denzell
Washington, and Morgan Freeman
Need
Information............If anyone has information about the
Andrew's Raid Reenactment in Marietta, Georgia, please forward it to
me. It may take place in the first part of July.
New
Event Roster..........I am
working on the new mid 2005 to mid 2006 (June to June) Event
Roster. I have been told by hundreds of reenactors and event
hosts that the News Magazine's Event Roster is the most accurate, up to
date and detailed listing of Florida reenactments and living
history events available. I get emails and phone calls
almost every day from the general public and reenactors about the
roster. As you know, I provide this service free of charge to all
reenactment and living history event hosts. My question is why is
it as hard as pulling teeth to get the
information from the event hosts? Each season this endeavor
gets harder and harder and takes more and more time. Over a three
month time span, I send out right at 90 to 100 emails and make a
lot of phone calls to the event contact people. Many emails go
unanswered and trying to call everyone on the phone is a pain. I
usually spend 100 to 150 man hours working on the Event
Roster. So far I have sent out 75 different emails
to event hosts requesting information about their events. I have
gotten only ten replies. I really need your
help. If you are sponsoring an event or know an event host,
please get accurate information about the reenactment or
living history to me as quickly as you can. Those of you who
get the information to me quickly, thank you. You have no
idea how much I appreciate it.
Some of the event
hosts have already gotten their new dates and information to me and
believe me, I greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
Another concern I
would like to mention to you is reenactor, living history, speaker
requests and general information. It is imperative that you get
your requests to me early so that your information can be included in
the next issue of the News Magazine. I realize sometimes things
come up unexpectedly but I get many emails from people asking me to let
everyone know about this or that topic or event all the time. The
problem here is that if I send out every little thing to everyone on my
email list that makes its way into my email box, people would be
getting two or three emails from me a week. Everyone would get
tired of it and when something really important comes up (something
that needs your attention), it may be ignored as just more junk
mail. Please send your announcements EARLY - at least one month
in advance - so I can include them in the regular issue.
People need time to plan and I need time to get your information posted.
Thanks,
Bob
Ebay
Store.........The Confederate Rose sutlery now has an Ebay
store. Items include the SCV and Order of the Confederate
Rose Tartans, battle flag material by the yard, key chains,
eyeglass holders, pre-made items, books, patterns, jewelry and their
sewing service for ball gowns, kilts and so on. You can visit
their site at http://stores.ebay.com/Confederate-Rose-Ladies-Sutlery
Brooksville
Photos At City Hall...........Charles Srsich (President of the
Chasco Camera Club) wanted to let everyone know that 21 of the photos
taken by the camera club members at the last Brooksville Raid are
now on display at the Brooksville City Hall. The photos can be
seen until July 25th. There are an additional 49 photographs at
the West Pasco Government Center on Little Road in New Port Richey.
Second Florida
Co. F...........The Gulf State Guards (St. Andrews Civil War
Reenactors, Inc.) is a family oriented group of reenactors of all
ages. The company not only participates in reenactments but also
does living history programs and other Civil War
related events. They will take the field as Confederate or
Federal soldiers depending on the situation. Their website is
located at http://www.gulfstateguards.com/
Thank you For
Your Kindness.............Bruce and Pam Borders wanted me to
pass along their thanks. Pam wrote ......"I would like to
express our appreciation to everyone who was so kind and helpful
when our dear mule Sassafrass died. She was the timid, small, red
one we sometimes called Sassy. Everyone was so thoughtful and
kind when my husband was mourning her loss".
Special Thanks............Col.
Earl Zeckman (Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi) wanted
to extend thanks to some of our Florida men. He wrote..........."I would like to thank Capt. Jay Welch and the soldiers
who made up his company at Resaca this year. Without their
determined efforts on both Saturday and Sunday the Battalion they were
part of would not have been successful in their action. Because
of Capt. Welch and his men from Florida, portions of the Battalion were
able to get completely behind the Confederate Army on Saturday and on
Sunday they were a huge part of the reason the entire Confederate left
collapsed. Thank you gentlemen".
Your obedient servant,
Colonel Earl Zeckman, Commanding
Military Division of the Mississippi
Honor For A Local
CSA Soldier..........Judi Kellam's great grandfather 1st Lt.
William Winfield Kellam was a Confederate soldier who served with
the 10th Florida and later with the 9th Florida Co.
I. until he mustered out on April 9th, 1865. Judi who
is a member 
of the 4th Georgia Co.
E. (reenacts as a battlefield nurse and ice angel) located
his previously unmarked grave in a small plot way out in the
middle of a cow pasture close to Webster (between Orlando and
Brooksville area). W.W. Kellam can be seen in the photo at left
which was taken in 1905 at a Linden Cemetery picnic. He is in the
center of the photograph a little to the left, back row. Look for
the tall gentleman without a hat who has a gray beard and
gray hair. A headstone will be erected at the gravesite by
Mike Mitchell who will also perform the service while the new stone is
draped in black. A salute volley will be fired and a few words
said at graveside.
of the 4th Georgia Co.
E. (reenacts as a battlefield nurse and ice angel) located
his previously unmarked grave in a small plot way out in the
middle of a cow pasture close to Webster (between Orlando and
Brooksville area). W.W. Kellam can be seen in the photo at left
which was taken in 1905 at a Linden Cemetery picnic. He is in the
center of the photograph a little to the left, back row. Look for
the tall gentleman without a hat who has a gray beard and
gray hair. A headstone will be erected at the gravesite by
Mike Mitchell who will also perform the service while the new stone is
draped in black. A salute volley will be fired and a few words
said at graveside. W.W. Kellam was
the grandson of Seth and Susannah Kellam who were early pioneers in
Washington County (Georgia) in the 1700's. The Kellam family
moved there from Sussex and Pulaski County. William served in the
Indian Wars under Gen. David Blackshear (also from Washington
County). He moved to Sumter County Florida in the early
1850's. Kellam fought in the Seminole War in 1858. He
Enlisted in the War Between the States at Sumterville, Florida in 1861
with the 6th Fl. Battalion, which later became the 9th Florida Co.
I. One of their most notable actions was their participation in
the battle of Olustee. He applied for his pension in 1902
(pension #A12627) and received $5. per month. Kellam returned to
Sumter County near Webster and was the town's doctor until his death in
1906.
The plans for the
official ceremony are still up in the air but if I hear any firm dates,
I will let everyone know. If you have any questions or would like
to participate in the service, contact Judi Kellam who can be
reached at jkellam@amnetline.com
Need
Information..............Barbara Schmidt (Historian for Egmont
Key and Ft. De Soto) is trying to track down some Tampa Bay area
history. She wrote ........ "I just read an
article regarding a Civil War diary, by a Confederate Coast Guard
written about Tampa Bay area in 1861 and 1862. Are you familiar
with this article or the copy of the diary in the Tampa Bay History
magazine? I would like to get a copy for this. Any
suggestions? In 1989 there was a group of re-enactors based in
Bradenton. Ronald Prouty and Chris Grahm are two men
mentioned in this article. Chris Grahm from Largo apparently
found this diary in a local antique shop. Are you familiar with
either of these two men?"
If you have any
information that may be of use to Barbara, please contact Lew Zerfas at
lewz@knology.net
1st U.S.
Artillery, Battery A..............The guys of battery A.
wanted to let everyone know the following ........ "Attention
Infantry: If the rigors of infantry are becoming more difficult
than they used to be, and you still wish to carry a rifle in the hobby,
this is the place to be. The 1st U.S. Artillery, Battery A. is
forming a rifle squad 'flankers' -- (when artillery units had extra
manpower, they were formed into rifle squads to protect the artillery
flanks and/or used on picket duty). We are a group who take being
on the field seriously, however, we also wish to keep the hobby fun and
enjoyable. Any and all who are interested please
contact: Lt. Walter Patt at ace@gte.net or
Sgt. Joe Campbell at Campbellj_2@hotmail.com.
Photos
By Kathy Website
by Kathy Heitman
Photos by Kathy is up and
running! Finally! I've attached a link. I hope
you enjoy it. It will be changing from time to time as I add new
items. Please bookmark this site, especially when the reenacting
season begins in the Fall. I will be posting photographs after
each event I attend. All the photographs on the website are for
sale, my pricing information is on the main page. If you would
like to order a photo or photos, just send me an email or telephone me
with the photo number, which page you saw it on, what size, etc.
I have an answering machine - I do answer telephone calls and emails!
The Order of Confederate Rose
Ball photographs should be posted on this site in the next week or so,
as we are making changes to that page on the website. Please keep
checking back.
NOTE: If you try
to get to this site on Google, it does not come up. If you do a
search on Yahoo, the link comes up as "Welcome to your new
website! This is a place holder for your future
website." Never mind the gobeldy gook it says, go ahead and
click on the link and my site will come up.
I owe a great debt of
heartfelt thanks to Pvt. Gareth Swanepoel & his wife, Jennifer,
of the 7th FL Co. B "Straw Hats" for giving many hours
of their time at their home, telephone conversations and
emails to get this thing up and running and for future
maintenance. Love ya!
Heartfelt appreciation also
goes to Lieut. Col. Bob Niepert, his wife, Lorraine and their
daughter, Becky for the love, encouragement, ideas & help they
gave us over the last year. You guys are near and dear to our
hearts.
Another debt of thanks goes
to Mr. Ed Hooper, Managing Editor of the Camp Chase Gazette for
giving me the opportunity to showcase my work, many emails and
telephone conversations...thank you, Ed, looking forward to working
with you again next season.
Thanks also to untold
numbers of our reenactor friends, who have supported Jack and I,
purchased my photographs, given me the opportunity to photograph your
companies, called, emailed, written, spent many hours under our
motorhome canopy with ideas, offers of help for my website,
etc. at reenactments. We cannot thank you enough. We
are so blessed to have friends like you!
I would be remiss if I didn't
mention Lynda O'Neal & Charlie & Alexis Kehm &
family for the love and support. Don't know what
I'd do without you!
Sandy & Blair
Varner, thank you so much for your prayers! Lord knows we
need them, tee hee.
Enjoy!
Regards,
Kathy Heitman
Photos by Kathy
"The Picture Lady"
Letters
To The Magazine
Readers
Write To The Magazine
Sidesaddling - the
feminine side of equestrian reenacting
by Julia Barnes
You do not often see a
woman riding sidesaddle but it is an equestrian technique still used by
about 300 women in the United States. Civil War reenactments and
living history events help keep this feminine tradition alive.
Many ladies have expressed an interest in learning more about
sidesaddle riding, so we are sharing this with the Hampton's Legion.
Is sidesaddle riding
comfortable? Yes! If you have a good saddle fit to the woman's
body properly, it is in my humble opinion actually more comfortable
than a Western or English saddle. Is it safe? Also,
yes. Now, period saddles (1800s era) do not have the leaping horn
or extra balance strap that post-1880 sidesaddles added for safety, but
it is not a big problem if one has a gentle horse and is not doing
heavy running and leaping in the saddle. My horse Dixie Chick (a
five year old TN Walker) has two speeds -- stop and walk, and that is
the way I like it! There is a small number of reenactors who ride
horses (Cav riders!), and the women who ride sidesaddle are a VERY tiny
portion of that group, so it is definitely a situation in which a lady
may be the only sidesaddle rider at an event. My sidesaddle is an
1840s original, reworked with 2004 machine screws for safety.
While I like the 1840s saddle for "my" age (a woman of my "mature"
years -- OK, I admit, I am geezer age compared to some -- during the
War would not have purchased a new sidesaddle but sensibly would have
used her good older one for 30 or more years!), any saddle needs to be
checked periodically for safety and security. Modern sidesaddles
range in price from $700 to $2000 but they are not what would have been
used in the 1860s, so if a lady is serious about this sideline, make
sure to do the homework on sidesaddles. And finally, is it
fun? YES! A young 20 year old rode sidesaddle in a period
dress in April 2005 at the Fairview event, and was in awe of the way
the gentlemen responded to her. They treated her like a
queen. That gal is hooked on sidesaddles now!
Sidesaddle riders at
reenactments wear outfits from the same time as the sidesaddles they
are using. Most available period sidesaddles do not predate the
mid-1800s. While women did ride astride in earlier times and had
very beautiful outfits for this purpose, most of these saddles did not
survive or are not usable in their current condition. Riding
habits of the late 1860s and early 1870s could be made of various dark
colored fabrics instead of the later tradition that required all riding
habits to be all black.
The majority of women
during the 1800s did not ride as many could not afford horses.
Those that did, often used carriages for transportation. The
ladies who did ride well were able to afford special riding
habits. They would never think of riding in their evening wear or
soiling their house and street gowns in this manner. They had
different riding habits made for different occasions. One might
be for use when riding in the park, a simpler version for summer wear,
and those who hunted had a distinct habit for hunting.
Riding habits of the
1860s had skirts which were five feet long from waist to end in order
to drape gracefully over the side of the horse. They were much
wider and fuller than in the 1870s and later. What did ladies
wear under their skirts while riding? Since modern laundry
techniques were not available, women as a rule did not wear white lace
petticoats and lingerie when riding. Pantaloons (or pants) were
worn, but were similar to today’s stirrup pants. Breeches were
also worn under the skirts. I have also found a reference to a
mid-1800s lady's magazine for a riding dress with a matching overskirt
-- the lady would take the long overskirt off when arriving at the
destination and have a regular length dress for that part of the
event. It sure beats dragging that long skirt around all day!
There was a variation
found in the summer habit from America, especially in the Southern
states. Material was light-weight, light-colored, and a straw hat
was worn instead of heavier riding habits. The temperature
differences in the summer heat and humidity between the European
Continent and the North American continent required American women to
come up with some reasonable changes to the riding attire.
Wearing wool in 90+ degree Fahrenheit weather was not wise, so lighter
weight cotton & linen was used instead. Lighter colored
fabric made the outfits cooler as well. There were still a few
who seemed to feel that the British or European way was the “Only Way;”
unfortunately they often fainted from the heat. Most Southern
women had too much common sense for such silly behavior and wore attire
fitting our hotter climate!
Dr. Julia Barnes
is a professor of research and curriculum, as well as a member of the
Anderson Co. (SC) school board. Her education program
demonstrations are designed to highlight the contribution of women to
American history and to demonstrate real-life applications to students
and teachers.
History
William
T. Sherman
A
North Georgia Notable
Born: Lancaster,
Ohio, Feb. 8, 1820
Died: New York
City, February 14, 1891
Union General
(Editors
note: This article is posted here with permission of its author).
If the question was
asked, "Who was and still is the most hated and despised man in the
history of Georgia" the response would be William Tecumseh
Sherman. From the onset of hostilities in the Atlanta Campaign on
May 6, 1864 and the March to the Sea ending two days before Christmas
1864 with him capturing Savannah no one created more destruction.
As a result of his successful campaign in Georgia, the Confederacy was
split in two and deprived of much needed supplies, ending the war
quickly with a Union victory.
Born on February 8, 1820
in Lancaster, Ohio, his father died when he was young. Widowed
and unable to care for the entire family, his mother sent brother
Thomas to be raised by an aunt and William became a foster child to
Thomas Ewing, his father's friend. Cump, as he was known, later
married Mr. Ewing's daughter, Ellen. Educated at the U.S.
Military Academy at West Point, he graduated in 1840. During the
Mexican War, Sherman was posted in San Francisco. He resigned his
commission in 1853 to become a partner in a bank there.
Prior to the outbreak of
hostilities between the North and the South, William Tecumseh Sherman
was Superintendent of the Louisiana State Seminary and Military Academy
at Alexandria, Louisiana. After the war the school moved to Baton
Rouge, Louisiana and became Louisiana State University (LSU).
Talk of the secession from the Union was rampant, yet the motto of the
seminary was "By the liberality of the General Government of the United
States, the Union - esto perpetua." On January 18, 1861, Sherman
resigned his position stating that he preferred to maintain his
allegiance to the Constitution as long as a fragment of it
survived. On the 25th of February, Sherman left Louisiana and
returned to Ohio. He remained in Lancaster for a month and then
moved his family to St. Louis, Missouri where he was elected President
of the Fifth Street Railroad.
On May 8, 1861, Sherman
wrote to the Secretary of War, offering his services not for three
months, but for three years. He did not want to become a
political general and on June 20, 1861 accepted the grade of Colonel in
the Thirteenth Regular Infantry. He assumed command of a brigade
in the First Division of McDowell's army under the command of
Brigadier-General Daniel Tyler. His brigade, stationed at a stone
bridge during the battle of First Manassas (Bull Run), was routed by
devastating Confederate cannon fire.
In August, 1861, Sherman
and George H. Thomas were promoted to Brigadier General and were
assigned to the Department of the Cumberland under the command of
Brigadier-General Robert Anderson. Anderson was in command of Ft.
Sumter when P.T. Beauregard opened fire upon it, beginning the
war. Sherman had previously served under Anderson, and it was
Anderson that requested that Sherman be transferred to his command.
In October, 1861, Sherman relieved Anderson. Filling
quotas for Kentucky Volunteers was extremely difficult. The State
was split on their beliefs and where their allegiance should be
placed. Later that month, Sherman told Secretary of War Cameron
that if he had 60,000 men, he would drive the enemy out of Kentucky,
and if he had 200,000 men, he would finish the war in that
section. When Cameron returned to Washington, he reported that
Sherman required 200,000 men. The report was given to newspapers
and a cry of indignation arose from the public. A writer of one
of these newspapers even went as far as saying that Sherman must be
"crazy" in demanding such a large force. The public accepted this
insinuated statement as a valid one, thus writers have always declared
that he was crazy. Due to the pressure of the press and
politicians that believed the insinuation, on November 12, 1861,
Brigadier-General Don Carlos Buell relieved Sherman of his command and
Sherman was assigned to the Department of the West, in St. Louis,
Missouri under Major-General Halleck. After moving to Missouri,
newspapers and gossip continued to harass him with reports that he was
insane and that he was not fit to command, demanding his recall.
He was in a state of depression from all the harassment, but not
mentally incompetent. Halleck, in a letter to Sherman's foster
father stated, "I have seen newspaper squibs charging him with being
"crazy", etc. This is the grossest injustice. I do not
however, consider such attacks worthy of notice."On February 13, 1862,
Sherman assumed the command of the post at Paducah, Kentucky, relieving
U.S. Grant of that position. On March 11, 1862, Halleck was
assigned to command the Department of the Mississippi and Major-General
U.S. Grant to command the army in the field. The organization and
the name given to this army was the Army of the Tennessee.
Sherman was placed in command of the Fifth Division of this army.
The Army of the Tennessee
saw its first battle at Shiloh. With green troops, the North lost the
first day's battle, but with re-enforcements from Buell and the Army of
the Cumberland, routed the Confederate troops. In July 1862, Sherman
was assigned to command the District of Memphis. Later that year
Sherman failed to seize the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, but
was with Grant in the campaign that finally ended in the capture of
that city in July 1863. Sherman was given command of the Army of the
Tennessee in the fall of 1863 and fought in the Battle of Chattanooga
with his troops unsuccessfully assaulting Pat Cleburne's troops on
Missionary Ridge, whose cannons, especially Swet's Battery, were too
much for them to be successful. Later Federals did capture the
Ridge and Bragg's troops retreated eastward.
In the spring of 1864,
Sherman was made supreme commander of the armies in the West and was
ordered by Grant to "create havoc and destruction of all resources that
would be beneficial to the enemy." With a grand aggregate of 98,797
troops and 254 cannons, on May 4, 1864, Sherman began the Atlanta
Campaign.
The red-haired Ohioan
found fierce resistance from the Confederate troops under Joe Johnston.
Johnston held off the troops of McPherson at Resaca, but then had to
withdraw after the battle when federal troops were endangering his
position by outflanking him, a tactic often used by Sherman. The
strength of the Union army and the ability to supply themselves was too
much for Johnston's struggling forces. Johnston defeated Sherman's
armies at the battle of Kennesaw Mountain on June 27, 1864, but once
again had to move his troops back southward to Smyrna due to the
numbers of troops at Sherman's disposal.
Jefferson Davis,
President of the Confederacy, had little faith in Johnston's ability to
oppose Sherman and on July 17, 1864, Davis relieves Johnston of his
command and replaces him with the aggressive John B. Hood. Hood was
even more unsuccessful in stopping Sherman's armies. Finally on
September 1, 1864, Sherman's troops captured the city of Atlanta, but
not before Hood destroyed the railroad yards.
Sherman declared Atlanta to
be a military encampment and ordered the civilians to leave the city.
He made arrangements with Hood for safe passage of these civilians,
that because of where they lived, no matter if they had Confederate or
Union sympathies, they could not remain in their homes if they were
within the city of Atlanta. From September to November, Sherman's
forces were on the defensive guarding the city. Hood tried several
unsuccessful attacks but his efforts were futile. Hood then began
marching northward, hoping to destroy Sherman's supply line. Sherman
made the statement, "If he continues to march North, all the way to the
Ohio, I will supply him with rations."Sherman wanted to split the Confederacy, and began planning
his March to the Sea. He kept his most seasoned veterans, 60,000 in all
and sent the rest of the troops back to Nashville to be under the
command of Major-General George Thomas. With four Corps of troops in
two columns, in November 1864, Sherman began his infamous March to the
Sea. Prior to leaving Atlanta, he set fire to munitions factories,
railroad yards, clothing mills, and other targets that could be
resourceful to the Confederacy. Sherman never intended to burn the
whole city, but the fire got out of hand and spread throughout the
city.
With the four Corps in two columns, Sherman cut a swath 60
miles wide marching towards Savannah, destroying anything that could
aid or be resourceful to the enemy. On December 23, 1864, Sherman sent
a telegram to Lincoln stating that he was presenting him the city of
Savannah as a Christmas gift.
Following his victory at Savannah, Sherman's troops battled
the troops of General Joe Johnston through South Carolina and North
Carolina. Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9, 1865 and General Joe
Johnston surrendered to Sherman on April 17, 1865 at Raleigh, North
Carolina.
After the war, Sherman was commissioned Lieutenant General
in the regular army, and after Grant was elected was promoted to the
grade of full general and given command of the entire U. S Army. He
retired in 1883.
Wayne C. Bengston
(Editors
note: This article is posted here with permission of its author).While looking into the
article above, I found this 1941 U.S. postal stamp titled "The
Immortals of America" featuring a portrait of the General later in his
life. The stamp is pictured on the left. The First Day of
Issue cover for the stamp honoring General Sherman bore the pen and ink
drawing (in the article) above right. The stamp
was based on an early photograph of the General.
Recent Events
Natural Bridge 2005
by Richard Cane
On March
6, 1865, the Battle of Natural Bridge took place with the victory of
the South saving the capture of Tallahassee by the Federal troops from
over Jacksonville way. On March 6, 2005, the reenactment of the Battle
took place on the same ground as in 1865. It was the 28th Annual
Reenactment on this site put on by the Leon Rifles in cooperation with
the Florida Park Service. There was a school program on Friday to start
this event off in the right direction. On Saturday after a very cold
night, there were several demonstrations up till noon. After lunch
break, there were Artillery and Infantry demonstrations followed by a
skirmish at around 2:30 PM. After the evening meal, at around 8:00 PM
there was a dance in the sutler area enjoyed by all who came by to
participate or watch. On Sunday at 1:45 PM, the United Daughters of
the Confederacy held opening ceremonies at the monument in the
park in memory of those who fought the Battle in 1865. At
2:30 the Reenactment of the Battle took place and as usual it was
worth coming to see and be a part of. Other than the cold nights, it
was a perfect weekend.
Confederate Memorial Day
10th Annual South Florida
Motorcade
by Jimmy L. Shirley, Jr.
photos by Betty Tzoumas
On 30 April 2005 the 10th Annual
South Florida Motorcade was completed with the usual decorum and
dignity befitting of such a somber occasion. 26 April is Confederate
Memorial Day in Florida and when it falls on a week day, official
commemorations are unlikely. As most of us work and the federal gov't.
deems the day unworthy of a day off for reflection and remembering, we
observe the day on the nearest weekend. The original date was set for
23 April but that coincided with the Anclote Key Reenactment and the
7th Fla. Co. B had already committed to attending that. We yielded that
weekend to them and the 7th joined with us the following weekend of the
30th.
This year the Motorcade was split
into two groups, the South end and the North end. In our need to honor
all of the Confederate veterans within our area for daring to risk all
and sacrifice all, we expanded our coverage to seven counties in South
Florida- Dade, Broward, Palm Beach {South end}, Martin, Saint Lucie,
Indian River and Okeechobee counties{North end} covering an area of
more than 550 miles and more than 170 deceased Southern warriors.
This year there was an honored
guest who traveled all the way from northern Georgia with his wife to
go along the Motorcade with us. The very idea of the Motorcade
originated with this Southern patriot and this being the 10 anniversary
of his idea it was deemed only fitting that he should be here to
witness his idea still going strong. That man is Mike Crane and his
wife Pam. Mike was presented with the real Georgia flag to help him
feel a little more at home while he was here. At several stops, he was
asked to speak and each time reminded us that as goes the South, goes
American liberty.
The various groups that were represented are listed below.
The various groups that were represented are listed below.
Camp 2086 Raulerson-Underhill ,Cdr. Doyle Rigdon
Camp 1595 Pvt. G.W. Thomas, Cdr. Wesley Frank
Camp 1395 William Henry Harris, Compatriot Mike Mitchell
Camp 1599 James Patton Anderson, Cdr. Jimmy L. Shirley Jr.
Order of Confederate Rose Matron Pember Chapter 1, Linda O'Neal
Camp 1595 Pvt. G.W. Thomas, Cdr. Wesley Frank
Camp 1395 William Henry Harris, Compatriot Mike Mitchell
Camp 1599 James Patton Anderson, Cdr. Jimmy L. Shirley Jr.
Order of Confederate Rose Matron Pember Chapter 1, Linda O'Neal
Society of The Black Rose,
Keeper of the Rite, Kathy Clark
Order of Confederate Rose Delity Powell Kelly Chapter 2, Becky Powell
7th Florida Regiment Co. B
10th Tennessee Dismounted Cavalry
SCV Mechanized Cavalry, Compatriot Greg Kaloff
Order of Confederate Rose Delity Powell Kelly Chapter 2, Becky Powell
7th Florida Regiment Co. B
10th Tennessee Dismounted Cavalry
SCV Mechanized Cavalry, Compatriot Greg Kaloff
The closing photo above shows Jimmy Shirley, Jr.,
during the ceremony. Take note of the inverted musket stuck in
the ground with the straw hat on the butt. If you look closely on
the hammer, you will see a black arm band which is a tribute to the
late Sgt. Maj. Dave Rose of the 7th Fl. Co. B.
Fun and Sun Parade Report
by Pvt. John Butler
5th Fl. Co. I.
The event
was excellent and very fun to attend. There were many floats that
depicted the many eras of Florida Milton Clearwater
Your
obedient servant,
Pvt. John
Butler
5th Fl.
Co. I.
Cape Coral Living History Event
Is A Success
by Robert Gates
Sons Of Confederate Veterans
Florida Division Historian
Maj. W.M. Footman Camp#1950 Ft. Myers, Florida
On May 14th, a Civil War Day event was held at the
Cape Coral Museum. It was sponsored by the Sons Of
Confederate Veterans. It was a huge success. The event
featured Civil War Historian Dr Ted Childress, Naval Historian and
Famous Author Bob Macomber, Robert Gates-Western Virginia Historian,
and of course a great bunch of reenactors who educated and entertained
the spectators. This event can only grow. Our public and media coverage
was great, 3 television stations and 4 newspapers covered the event.
Free lunch was given to all reenactors as Mrs. Wally Patterson and
Dolly Geffert cooked 
over the
open fire. Clarence Patterson is shown in the photo at left
talking with the spectators about his mountain howitzer and Wally
Patterson does an interview for the local TV 2 (NBC) news program.
over the
open fire. Clarence Patterson is shown in the photo at left
talking with the spectators about his mountain howitzer and Wally
Patterson does an interview for the local TV 2 (NBC) news program.Beside's the speakers, there was a flag ceremony to kick off the event, infantry dill and infantry tactics and live fire, Fife and Drum, and the hit of the day of course was Gambles Light Artillery, commanded by Capt Clarence Patterson giving the crowd a thrill with firing demonstrations. It was a great event in which I hope all reenactors will consider next year. We are, however, planning on moving the event to the Fall as to get cooler weather. For any further info contact Cmdr Robert Gates at gatesftmyers@aol.com
Heritage Village (May 21, 2005)
text by Lew Zerfas
as Actg. Vol. Lt. Edward Y. McCauley, commanding
U.S.S. Fort Henry
U.S.S. Fort Henry
photos by Wes Mayhle
additional photos posted at
After Action Report to Col. Sherman:
U.S. Gunboat Fort Henry
Coaling at Egmont Key, Florida May 22, do.
I must regret to report a major
failure in the operations on the western peninsula of Hillsborough
County. This expedition's secrecy had to have been compromised
which I will explain in detail.
As you may recall, the purpose of
this expedition was to gather about thirty-eight known pro-Union people
from this area along with amassing as much supplies as possible, mainly
foodstuffs, for movement to our station at Egmont Key at Tampa
Bay. We had the camp at the settlement known as Heritage Village.
We were near the end of our task
and loading the wagon when I decided to send out a small patrol of
Marines under Master Burridge. The only known rebels in the area
were small forces at Clearwater Harbor to the north and Piney Point to
the south. We all felt comfort with the size of our force, which
numbered about sixty plus artillery, believing we would not be attacked.
At about 2:30 hours, the patrol
came under small arms fire distant enough from the camp so that the
firing was quieted by the foliage. I immediately ordered beat to
quarters and sent the skirmishers forward to assist the patrol. I
then took the remainder of the Pennsylvania men and remnants of the
other companies fell to our right flank in support. I then took
the remainder of the Fort Henry's force as close-in support, but we had
to withdraw from the woods toward the camp. Captain Kannenberg's
Pennsylvania men and remnants of the other companies fell to our right
flank in support.
It was when the Reb's brought a
howitzer to the field when I realized that we were not up against the
local militia, but most likely the guard from Fort Brooke in
Tampa. We then had to break to the rear behind our own
artillery. This gave us the advantage of two guns to one.
After several rounds and inflicting injury to the enemy, I advanced the
battalion overtaking their gun and turning it. We were about to
load and fire when a second enemy force advanced, forcing us back again.
We asked for a truce to clear the
wounded from the field. I then asked for the enemy's commander, I
believe he mentioned his name as Major Kohl, for surrender, which he
adamantly turned down. The Major's uniform and that of two of his
officers indicated that perhaps they were regular Confederate forces,
not local militia.
Upon returning to our lines, we
resumed artillery fire. Thereafter we advanced as infantry, we
were repelled by the overwhelming number of well trained enemy
troops. We had to vacate the camp and return to the Fort Henry's
launches with all able forces and all Unionists civilians, moving all
of those wounded that could be carried. The surgeon and his
assistants worked diligently to comfort the men in this hot climate and
aid the wounded.
We lost fifteen men to the
enemy. I can not supply you with enemy losses as they were moved
into the woods with haste. We also lost one 12-pdr howitzer, one
mortar, one wagon, two bushels of oranges, two large barrels of flour,
two small barrels of corn, one small barrel of molasses, several bales
of hay for the animals at the Egmont station. All civilians are
now at Egmont Key.
The relocation of the civilians was
successful, but the loss of sailors, marines, and army infantry, plus
the artillery, other weapons and supplies was a high price to pay for
this expedition.
This surprise attack had to be the
result of Confederate spies. The movement of a cannon and troops
from Fort Brooke would have to take much time and advanced
planning. Perhaps all Unionists need to be questioned as to who
had information concerning our plans for the expedition.
I remain, Your Most Obedient Servant,
Actg. Vol. Lt. Edward Y. McCauley, commanding
Colonel Leroy Sherman, commanding 4th Brigade U.S.
Staff and company commanders.
Battle Of Central South Carolina
by Julia Barnes
Butler Guards, 2nd SC Infantry, Co. B.
The Battle
of Central was held on May 19-21, in Central, SC, just a few miles
from Anderson, SC (midway between Charlotte & Atlanta on
I-85). Rain really ruined education day on Friday. Thunder
and lightning kept public school kids away (no principal in his right
mind is going to send kids on the road with lightning hitting and
predicted all day, no matter how wonderful the event). Saturday
was a bit damp and muddy but lovely and Sunday was spectacular!Saturday's battle was patterned after the Battle of
Bull Run, and Sunday was a Commanders Choice day. Both days were
great fun for infantry, artillery, and cavalry. 
Even a group of Florida reenactors visited the
event as participants, the unit known as the SC 2nd Regiment, Governors
Guards from Hardy's Brigade (photos top left and center right).
Even a group of Florida reenactors visited the
event as participants, the unit known as the SC 2nd Regiment, Governors
Guards from Hardy's Brigade (photos top left and center right).Editors note - Ten men from Hardy's Brigade
attended this event. They were....Maj. Elwood Lodge, Capt. Skippy
Cornelius, 1sr Sgt. Jeff Larsen, 2nd Sgt. Alan Cawley, Pvt. Brandon
Lundy, Pvt. Charles Howell - Civilians - Debbie and Amanda Larsen,
Marcia and Walter Walls,
The Confederate
soldiers didn't have the odds working on their side the last day of the
11th annual Battle of Central but on Saturday, the crowds saw a battle
that provided a rebel victory, so Sunday it was the Yank's turn to
win. Love for the Civil War runs deep among the nearly 200
re-enactors that came to the Upstate from across the nation, said
co-organizer Jim Bay, of Six Mile. Like Mr. Bay, whose research
has uncovered family ties to nearly 30 Confederate riflemen, the war is
in many re-enactors' blood. "It's more than a hobby," Mr. Bays
said. "It's a way of life once you get into this." Hampton's Legion provided the majority of cavalry
riders, including new recruit Sarah Harouf of Honea Path, SC. She
camped there over the weekend with her friend Mary Lin Ashley, who has
been part of the Butler Guards Infantry unit for three years.
Sarah had ridden sidesaddle on Saturday with Julia Barnes, and was
lured away by the cavalry division with promises of the joys of
shooting Yankees and riding horses. She agreed - few pleasures
were as grand as killing her first Yank on Sunday! Capt. Tom
Fowler of Butler Guards, 2nd SC Infantry, accepts the Federal
commander's sword in surrender at Battle of Central, May 20, 2005
(photo upper left).
The battle made it into the Anderson Independent-Mail
SC newspaper. If you would like to read more, go to
Julia Barnes
2nd SC Infantry, Co. B.
Butler Guards.
I also heard from Capt. Cornelius. He said they
arrived late Thursday and that it rained half the day Friday but when
the weather cleared, the weekend was great. Skip also said the
host company treated them like Kings. The battles were hot and
heavy on a beautiful rolling battlefield. The Hardy's Brigade men
were put right in the middle of the battles and received several
compliments on their skills. They fought under the flag of the
2nd South Carolina Rifles. In conclusion, Capt. Cornelius said
the event "was very laid back and fun". The men from Hardy's
Brigade wanted me to pass along their gratitude to the 2nd
Carolina Rifles, Col. Tool, Capt. Bay and Sgt Maj. Shawn Mullenix just
to mention a few.
The event hosts invited all Florida reenactors to
travel up and join them in next year's battle. They travel down
here for Brooksville every year.
Anclote Kids
Photos above and below show some of the
children that attended the Anclote
River Raid. They even had their own
battle.
Items For Sale
And Wanted
For
Sale. Ramps for any artillery piece. They are very
heavy duty and fit the wheels of the gun perfectly. The ramps
measure 5 foot long, 4 inches wide (with guides to keep the cannon on
the ramps) and 4 inch spades to lock in place. $20 or make me a
offer. Contact Lt. Col. Niepert at mayorbob@sprynet.com Must
be picked up at a reenactment. They are too heavy to ship.
For
Sale. Ramps designed to load a lawn mower, four wheeler,
pressure washer, snow mobile or other similar machinery into back
of pick up truck. All aluminum construction. Folds in
middle for easy hauling. 1,400lbs capacity, 7 foot long when
unfolded. $50 or make me a offer. Contact Lt. Col. Niepert
at mayorbob@sprynet.com
Must be picked up at a reenactment. They are too big and
wide to ship.
For
Sale. Thoroughbred Mare, approximately 12-14 yr. brown
16h. Ridden by children and sweet natured. $1300 or trade
for older full size p/u. Tack included. If interested or
need more info, contact Jack Ackerman at 352-817-6660.
For Sale. Mountain
Howitzer Blueprints. Ready for machine shop use. Barrel
plans - $35. Carriage plans - $45. Add $7 each for
mailing. Contact buckstix@aol.com
or www.buckstix.com/howitzer.htm
For
Sale. 9X12 cabin tent with all the wood hardware, plus
fly and canvas floor, $400. Springfield rifle, bayonet and wool
rifle case; used three times. New condition, $395. Iron
cooking grill and pot hanger and complete steel pot cooking set,
$225. Kerosene tent heater, used for three seasons, $65.
Ladies clothing, camp dress, ball gowns, and dress up outfits, size to
fit 8-14, will send photos on request as well as prices. For
information, contact Capt. Vito Caniglia or the 4th Florida (medical
unit) at vcanigli@tampabay.rr.com
For
Sale. Complete Federal artillery uniform (Medium
size). This uniform has never been worn and is a brand new
custom made set. Includes - Shoes, great coat, 36 cal. Colt
pistol, holster and all leather accoutrements, trousers, shirts, coat,
hat, blanket, fork, knife, spoon, leather pouch and more.
Everything needed to put a Federal soldier on the battlefield.
For more information and prices, contact Bill Jefferson at Delldude@mchsi.com
For
Sale. Pennsylvania 50 cal percussion long rifle, made by
Traditions, full length, walnut stock with brass cheek piece plus other
inlays. Has double set triggers adjustable rear sight length
57". Leather shooting bag with all accessories and powdered
horn included. It's brand new. Asking $490.00
Contact Ed at JOYCEB33948@peoplepc.com
Wanted.
The USS Fort Henry, located in the Tampa Bay area, is looking for a
Coehorn mortar. This could be the tube only and they will finish
it, or a complete gun. If you have one or know of one for sale,
contact Lew Zerfas at lewz@knology.net
For
Sale. 1983 Yamaha three wheeler. Runs great, new
tires. $500. For information, contact Robyn Banks at Riptideelec@aol.com
Upcoming Events
Monthly Meetings
Historical
Sewing Society Meetings.......On the first Saturday of each
month this group meets at the Columbia Co. Historical Museum
in Lake City. They endeavor to recreate historically accurate
clothing, accessories, and parlor crafts for ladies and
children of the 1800's. This is done through shared
research, guest speakers, workshops and seminars.
Each monthly meeting includes a period project or
participation in a living history event and always lots of
fun! If you would like to be added to their email list
for monthly meeting information or need help with a
period sewing project, contact Glenda Reed historicsewing@aol.com
The
Golden Teacup Society......The society has started monthly
meetings at Walter Jones Historical Park in Mandarin (South
Jacksonville) every second Saturday of the month. They
meet from 10-2, and do a period activity (handcraft, sewing, impression
improvements) and just fellowship. For more information,
directions or to get on their e-mail list, contact Shorty Robbins
at GoldTeacup@aol.com or
Diane Gleason at bzquiltn@aol.com
The Greater Orlando Civil War Roundtable meets every 4th Thursday at 730pm. The meetings are held at the
Reenactments And Events
June 3, 4, 5,
2005. EVENT
CANCELED Fairview, Kentucky. A grand
rededication of the Jefferson Davis Memorial and the Orphan Brigade
Homecoming will be hosted. Everyone is invited to attend this
huge event. Descendants of the Davis family and as many prominent
generals and officers as possible will share in honored places in the
Hearts of the Confederacy. EVENT
CANCELED All reenactors and Regiments of the
Orphan Brigade are invited to be on the Same Field in their
prospective regiments in Camp. There will be music, pageants and
guest speakers, SCV Camps, Sutlers, the world's largest display of
Confederate Banners (Private Collection-Museum Quality)...the
works! It will truly be a "Once in a Lifetime Celebration!"
For the information, contact June Fields at kentucky1861@scrtc.com
Park addresses or phone numbers are available EVENT CANCELED on line or June
can forward them to you.
Your Obedient Servant,
Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Niepert
Hardy's Brigade 3rd Battalion Commander
Brigade Cavalry Commander
5th Florida Company G Cavalry
mayorbob@sprynet.com
(407) 448-4871
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