137 years after Civil War's end Confederate POW's remains being returned........
   Confederate Navy Lt. Edward Johnston hasn't had a peaceful death.  Captured aboard his ship, the ironclad CSS Atlanta, in a 1863 coastal battle with Union vessels, he died within months of becoming a prisoner of war at Fort Warren on Georges Island in Boston Harbor.
   He was buried there and then reburied three times over the years, on Deer Island, on Governors Island and at Fort Devens in Ayer.
   Now he's going home to his final rest in Florida.
   Johnston, who's believed to be the last Confederate POW still buried in New England, will be disinterred tomorrow at Fort Devens, in a ceremony that will include his descendants and local Civil War re-enactors.
   On Oct. 26, he'll be buried in a family plot in Fernandina Beach, Fla., near Jacksonville, with a service that more than 1,000 re-enactors and Sons of Confederate Veterans are expected to attend.
   ''A place has been waiting for him for 140 years,'' said former Norfolk County Treasurer and Union re-enactor Robert Hall, who helped locate Johnston's family. He will be among those at the Fort Devens ceremony.  Johnston's great-great-grandson, Ben Korbly of Philadelphia, said, ''The family is very pleased. A lot of people have worked hard to do this.''Korbly, who will be present tomorrow, visited Johnston's grave site 10 years ago while he lived in Medfield.
Hall and other Civil War enthusiasts say Johnston's story is dramatic as well as poignant because his burial site was identified here but his family was never told of his death.
   ''Typically, you find forgotten graves and cemeteries when someone builds a parking lot or something like that,'' Florida Sons of Confederate Veterans commander John Adams said. ''Things like this don't happen too often.'' Johnston was born in 1827 in Dublin, to Scottish parents, Adams said. They immigrated to Florida when Johnston was 3. He went to sea when he was 14, married in 1852, and enlisted in the Confederate Navy in early 1863.
   He was an assistant engineer on the CSS Atlanta when he was captured with the rest of the crew on June 17, 1863, during a naval battle near Savannah, Ga. He died of pneumonia at Fort Warren on Oct. 13.
   He was 36 and left his wife, Virginia, and five children. She was never officially informed of his death and none of his shipmates contacted her after the war.
   Johnston's and soldiers' graves from other wars were moved from one military site to the other as bases closed. Some of his descendants knew of his burial site by the 1930s, but couldn't afford to return his remains in Florida.
   Coincidental with Korbly's 1992 visit, members of the Georgia Sons of Confederate Veterans and United Daughters of the Confederacy tried to move Johnston, thinking he was from that state. But they couldn't locate any family members, which the Army requires for disinterment.
   Hall got involved in January when he saw an article about Johnston in the Olde Colony Civil War Roundtable, a Massachusetts publication. As a special assistant to the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services, he sent 
E-mails to a long list of Civil War groups.
   By March, with the help of a Florida genealogist, he'd contacted 10 descendants, including Korbly.
The last hurdle was the expense, $10,000, to pay for the disinterment, transportation and reburial. Adams said the cost has been paid by Georgia re-enactor George Hagen Jr.
   Johnston will be laid to his final rest in Catholic Bosque Bello Cemetery with the re-enactment of an official Confederate military funeral. He'll once again be facing the sea, as he asked in his dying request at Fort Warren.  Retired Milton dentist and re-enactor Joseph Ciano will be among those at the Florida ceremony. He says he'll be especially honored to stand at attention on behalf of his state and the Union Army that opposed the rebellion Johnston joined.
   ''This is a wonderful thing,'' Ciano said. ''He was a boy who fought for whatever reasons, and now he'll be home.'' Lane Lambert may be reached at llambert@ledger.com.
 

     BOSTON (UPI) — At long last, Confederate Navy Lt. Edward J. Johnston will be making his final voyage home to a hero's welcome.
     Johnston is believed to be the last Confederate prisoner of war buried in New England.
     But thanks to the efforts of veterans groups and Civil War re-enactors in the North and South, his remains are to be moved from Massachusetts to Florida for reburial this month with full Confederate military honors, 139 years after his death.
     Johnston's new grave will be beside his wife and children in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
     "There's an empty grave at his wife's feet waiting for him," said Bob Hall, a Massachusetts veteran who was instrumental in taking up the cause to return Johnston home. "He'll be buried there."
     Some 500 people plan to take part in ceremonies when Johnston's body is exhumed Oct. 12 at Fort Devens, Mass.
     On Oct. 26, his remains will be reburied with his wife, Virginia, at Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island near the Florida-Georgia border.
     Some 1,500 people — including 25 to 50 of Johnston's 200 living descendants — are expected at the Florida ceremonies, said Dana Chapman, a founding member of the Georgia Civil War Commission who is coordinating the events.
     "They are coming from all over the country," she said, adding that it will be a "hero's homecoming."
     She said Johnston's family had been trying for 70 years to have the body returned but never could afford the expense.
     Miss Chapman had high praise for the "wonderful example" of cooperation among veterans groups in Massachusetts, Georgia and Florida.
     Georgia became involved because it initially was believed Johnston came from that state, but it later was determined his home was in Florida.
     Mr. Hall, an official with the Olde Colony Civil War Round Table, said there had been talk about moving Johnston's remains to a new veterans cemetery in Agawam, Mass., but he argued for returning the Confederate sailor to Dixie.
     "He belongs back home," Mr. Hall said.
     Using the Internet, Mr. Hall was able to locate some of Johnston's living relatives and, as Miss Chapman put it, the effort "just purely snowballed."
     Born in 1827 in Dublin to Scottish parents, Johnston sailed to Florida with his parents when he was 3. He went to sea at 14 and became an engineer. After returning to Ireland for several years, he sailed back to Florida and in 1853 met and married his wife. They had five children.
     When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Johnston, being a sailor, joined the Confederate Navy and was made a lieutenant. He was aboard the blockade-runner CSS Atlanta when it was captured by the USS Weehawken off Savannah, Ga., on June 17, 1863.
     Johnston and other ship's officers were imprisoned at Fort Warren on George's Island in Boston Harbor. On Oct. 13, 1863, he died at the fort, most likely from a combination of pneumonia, dysentery and diarrhea. He was about 39.
     Union guards and other prisoners collected $75 to buy a 1,500-pound granite stone marker for his grave. That marker will follow Johnston's remains on the journey to Florida.
     Johnston's return is "historically significant because it'll never happen again," Mr. Hall said. "There's no possibility of any more Confederate prisoners of war still being buried in New England. He's the only one. It'll be the last time we will be sending a prisoner of war home."
     This year, a member of the Georgia Sons of Confederate Veterans, George Hagan Jr., called Miss Chapman after learning of the effort to repatriate Johnston's remains.
     Miss Chapman recalled that Mr. Hagan told her: "The bill is paid to move him home." Informed it would cost $10,000 or more, Mr. Hagan was undeterred: "I am picking up the tab."
     The procession carrying Johnston's casket will be escorted by state troopers — and greeted along the route by musket salutes by re-enactors — for the three-day drive down Interstate 95 to Florida.
     Draping the casket will be a replica of the flag from the CSS Atlanta, and the Bonnie Blue flag from the casket of Johnston's granddaughter, a former president of the Florida United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Casey Todd wrote........

I have to agree with Ms. Zimmerman as I too have noticed the totally improper attire of increasing numbers of lady reenactors. I don't profess to be perfect; in fact, I'm far from it, but I draw on the knowledge of more experienced lady reeanctors whenever I can; some sutlers are quite well versed in 19th century dress (and some aren't - you have to know who is and who isn't); and the other thing I do is whenver I see a picture of an 1860's era lady, I look at it very closely and try to pick up on as much detail as I can (hair, dress, belt, collar, jewelry, etc.).

I stay in garrison camp with my husband as do a few other of our ladies and we tend to wear either work dresses or camp skirts and aprons. As a matter of fact, I rarely haul my hoop and day dresses along to an event, even though it would be quite appropriate to wear to the ladies tea or going shopping in the sutlery. However, for running their households, an 1860's lady would more than likely have worn a work dress and apron. Or, in camp as I am, assisting with the war effort, they would have left their finery at home.

I think part of the problem lies in the fact of ever increasing numbers of reenactors and I believe many of the ladies who are dressing inappropriately do not have a good source for the do's and don't. I was lucky and had excellent teachers when I first started. There is nothing more amusing (or more annoying) than to see a lady walking with her hoop hiked up above her ankles showing bare legs (or bluejeans) and inappropriate footwear. 

The other problem is, as you point out, the desire by many ladies to dress like Scarlett O'Hara" and if you saw the movie, you know that even her servant argued with Ms. O'Hara over the inappropriateness of some of the dresses she chose to wear. You will also remember the scene in the field where she was digging for root vegetables and vowed to never be that hungry again - she was wearing on a work skirt and apron.

Casey Todd

My husband Jack and I would like to extend a heartfelt “THANK YOU!” to each and every person responsible for putting on the Raid On Ft. Pierce held in Ft. Pierce, St. Lucie County, FL on September 27, 28 & 29, 2002.

Due to job constraints, Jack and I rolled into the event about 10 p.m. on Friday night in our 30-ft. “wagon” with our friends Pvt. Harris and his wife April right behind us in their 35-ft. “wagon”.  Our friends Pvt. Red Theurer and his friend Mali Rogers were already in modern camping in their “wagon” waiting for us, along with Pvt. Silver in his 35-ft. “wagon” who was set up next to Pvt. Theurer. The folks at Registration and those who were sitting around the fire next to Registration were extremely friendly and we were greeted with comments such as, “Hey!  We’re glad you could make it.”,   “Welcome to the Ft. Pierce Raid!”, “Hope you’ll have a good time, if there’s anything we can help you with, just let us know!”  When we asked where modern camping was, the gentleman at Registration not only told us, he personally escorted us over to the site.  When we arrived, we found that the sites were cleared and flat with water and electric hookups!  We told the gentleman that we were fully self-contained and didn’t need these amenities, but he insisted we take advantage of them.  We thanked him and settled in.  Jack decided he’d take his tent and company gear over to the camp first thing Saturday morning.  (Jack is the Company Quartermaster Sergeant).  He always sets up his tent, has the company gear readily available and I “rough” it over in modern camping.  Throughout the entire weekend, people came by with ice and questions such as, “Are you folks comfortable?”  “Is there anything you need or anything we can do for you?”  Would you believe they even offered to drain our septic system for us on Sunday afternoon?!  We politely declined, as we always take care of those things at the area Flying J Truckstops or other areas that offer “wagon” services.  

It’s people such as these wonderful folks who help make our reenacting experience so nice.  It takes a lot of long-range planning, time, effort and good old elbow grease to put on an event, even if it’s not on the scale of a Brooksville or Olustee.  These folks worked just as hard as the “big dogs” and deserve just as much credit.  Please take a moment the next time you see them at a reenactment and say “Thank You”.  

The weekend weather was sunny, very warm and a nice, refreshing breeze visited both days, making the shaded spots welcome areas to relax.  The battles were good in full view, with no obstructions for anyone.  

I was able to get a lot of good photos of reenactors and battle scenes.  These are just a few.  If you’d like to see them all, please stop by our period camp or mosey over to modern camping, pull up a chair and visit a while.  Jack and I like to meet new faces and make new friends.  We’re not hard to find.  Our “wagon” is a 30-ft. G.M.C. motorhome with flamingos outside with straw hats and gray capes. (and you never know what ‘seasonal theme’ will be hanging from our canopy).  We always try to make our camp a warm, welcome spot for reenactors and their families.

Enjoy the photos.  I look forward to seeing you again or meeting you soon!

Kathy Heitman

   Reenactors all hope to do a good job at portraying the real people who fought the Civil War. Most of us have read all kinds of history books and as a result do some good first person impersonations. However if one is to truly understand the War, we must understand the people who fought it. A war is not dates and events that are what most historians get hung up on. It's the people, what they did, what they thought and what the war did to them that are important.History books are written long after events and are tainted with political correctness and the attitudes of those who wrote them. Worst of all, histories are often written by winners. This truly affects what they say. Even those who fought in the Civil War and wrote of their memories did so long after the events. Most of us want to understand the war, its causes, events and outcomes without the clouds of political correctness. To do this, read what was written by the participants at the time events occurred.  If you study what people wrote at the time these events occurred, you can get a better understanding of what really was going on. Reading the letters, newspapers and books written during the war can be a very good way to understand the past. You must always read them with an open mind. Do not look at their world in our terms. Look at it as they saw the war from their own eyes. Their attitudes were very different than ours and their knowledge of the universe was different. They had romantic ideas and had a very strong sense of duty. They believed in the white man's burden. They even saw our nation differently. To many we were not a single nation but, a group of independent states. This was the basics of why the South felt they could "just leave". Their written words can also give a hint of the true horror and emotions of this war and the terrible suffering our ancestors went through. History books, movies, and even our hobby of reenacting often glorify events. To really understand the past and therefore the present, let the past speak to you.
   What follows are copies of three letters in my possession from a Dr. Cushing M.D. from Dorchester Mass. He was a member of the 11th Mass Regt. and marched of to war in the spring of 1862. I have made exact copies of the letters including the grammar, spelling and run on sentences. He was assigned to the Seminary Hospital near Fort Munroe. He was put in charge of a ward of Rebels. As you read these letters, you can see that he was a compassionate man with a strong sense of duty. He did what was needed. It becomes evident that he wrote more letters than he received and was lonely, a common problem during the war. He liked his Rebel patients and did all he could. He got New England ladies to help get him supplies for his 'Succesh" patients. It is also evident that he looked at these Rebels as errant citizens not as enemies. The sick and wounded Rebs were patients, no longer enemies. What he writes indicates that slavery was not a reason he went to war, but preservation of the Union. His letters also emphasize how disorganized the medical departments were that early on in the war and how frustrated the doctors were.
   Read on and enjoy these precious letters. If you have the opportunity, read any letters and newspapers you can get your hands on from the war. When you read what people from that time really felt, it may change your attitudes about what happened. Remember that when you read these letters the past and the dead are talking to you. These are the real feelings of a real Civil War Surgeon written at the time things happened. This is how he saw the war as events unfolded around him.

Hampton May 13 th 1862
Seminary Hospital
2P.M.

Dear Anna
My record up to the present time is as follows. I arrived at Fort Munroe this morning about 9 o'clock and reported myself to Dr Cuyler immediately. He was in a pressing want of help and sent me at once to this place which is about 2 miles outside of the fort, and put under my charge a cottage full of rebels. A large number of wounded are here and arriving. I am afraid that I shall not be able to go to the 11 th Mass. Regt. But if there is most need here, why I suppose that you will not object. If you could see the spot on which I am now located you would enjoy it, for a more delightful place it would be hard to find. In fact just such a spot as we should send an invalid to. As for the need of surgeons, you can judge when I tell you that I landed at the fort at 9 O 'clock and that before dinner at 2, I had dressed quite a number of wounded men. Those who have been here (I mean surgeons), are some of them going home and others are needed to fill their places. I met Dr. Cabot at the fort. He says "I am glad to see you. There is now enough of help." As to my writing to you much it will depend on circumstance, but I will do my best. We have not every convenience, but of one thing you may be sure, that while I am here, I am well housed and so far the preservation of health goes, I am well off as at home. If I had only brought some coffee, I should be all right. Tell the good ladies who are making lint that it will be very useful especially that which is drawn. I do not know how long I shall stay at this place. I should have preferred to be up with our Dorchester Troops, but the call here was loud and I must take that place where I can be most useful. Kiss all the children and take for yourself any number.
From yours truly B.C. (B. Cushing 11th Mass. Regt.)

Hampton near Ft. Munroe
Seminary Hospital
May 14 th 1862

Dear Anna

I yesterday wrote to you a short note that you might know of my safe arrival at this place. I reported myself on Tuesday morning to Dr. Cuyler the medical Director of Ft. Munroe intending to ask him to send me to seat of actual warfare, but I found such pressing want of help on the spot that I said nothing about it, but left him to assign me such a position as he might find best. He said the hospitals in the Ft. were full and a steamer with 500 wounded from Williamsburg had arrived. Dr.Cuyler sent me to this place, where are 640 wounded, under the immediate charge of Dr. Mc Kay Brigade Surgeon. Several N.York surgeons are here. There's Dr. Stedman's brother is one of them. We occupy the same room. I have under my charge a cottage full of rebels. I am to have today or tomorrow about 20 more sent to me. I intend that they shall go home with a better idea of the North then they had when they entered the rebel army. Dr. Coolidge of Boston is stationed at this place a very pleasant man he is. Young Burns of Hingham who was reported as severely wounded at the Battle of Williamsburg is at this hospital but not in my cottage. I have seen him and he is doing very well. He was shot in the thigh but not badly. You would do well to send word to his father that he is doing well and does not suffer, I have just now eaten my dinner, visited my cottage (which by the way I have named "Prisoners Cottage") and extracted a bullet from a rebels back which entered in front and looked in at Dr. Coolidge's ward and now returned to my room write a few more words to you. The building in which I am located is the Chesapeake Female College. It is surrounded by some small cottages which are filled with the wounded as is the main building. We are on the beach with a good air and pleasant surroundings. A piano stands in my room formally the property no doubt of some secession damsel who has left for more southern residences. We are not so well supplied with news here as you are at home although nearer the seat of war. I cannot conveniently go to the fort at present as I have to attend to my patients. News papers or letters sent to the above address will reach me here. Please give my respects to Mrs. Dexter and tell her that I have charge of rebel wounded and that it would give me great pleasure to use, in dressing their wounds, the lint of her making and that I will, while using it take the opportunity to instill such good Union Sentiments into the minds of the patients that they shall return to their homes better citizens then ever. My men are a very intelligent well behaved lot. One of them told me yesterday that he had been too well treated ever to take up arms again.I have just now been writing a letter for one of them to a friend in N.Y. I saw Dr. Cuyler this morning and he told me that some more Mass physicians have arrived but did not recall their names. I have sent word to Dr. Dale that he might send Dr. Wane's son if he saw fit as a dresser.I hope you will see that Pat plants some watermelon seeds. Also that he sets some Brussels sprouts among the raspberry vines. Tomato plants might be set by the side of the path leading from the stone wall to the back door. Tell Pat to put sticks by them so they will not fall on the ground, also to stick the peas. Please plant some mock orange seeds. Mr. Pope will tell you all about them. Some --- --- back of the barn is needed. Take Mr. Pope to see that Pat does not waste any room. Give my love to enquiring friends and ask them to write. Tell Mrs. Gulliva that I should be much pleased to have her write me the news. I think if I were intended to wear a pair of epaulets I should ask Mrs. Dexter to write also, but under the present circumstances I should not have.
Kiss the children all and take for yourself all you want.
Firm kiss B.C. (B. Cushing was a surgeon in the 11th Mass Regt.)
 

Seminary Hospital
Hampton near Ft. Munroe
May 19 th 1862

Dear Anna
I take occasion while waiting for breakfast to write a line. I have not yet heard from you but hope to have a letter by this morning's mail. I have written several notes to you. My health continues good. We are somewhat shut out from news here being obliged to look for it in the N.Y. papers, so you know as much of what is going on as we do. Yesterday two young gentlemen from Boston came out as dressers. We are not quite so much driven now as we have been but we shall have another influx probably after the next battle which is looked for soon. I have not (of course) seen W. Swan but I have sent his letters by the boat. Horace Burn whom I have just seen is getting on very well. We want bandages and old linen here. If you could send me a bushel full, I should like it. when you write me please do not say much about my patients at home unless you think it necessary as I see enough here. I wish I could be a little nearer to the army. From the accounts of the wounded it would seem that they were obliged to be a long time after the battle of Williamsburg before they were attended to owing to the want of o sufficient number of surgeons on the field. There seems to be a want of a system in the medical department. I went to the fort the day before yesterday and on my way back I stopped at the Mill Creek Hospital where about 400 were gathered in one long hall. I thought I was pretty well hardened to the sight of suffering, but I came out of that place sick at heart. You might perhaps like to know whether I am saying that I came out sick. I am only saying that I did ------ come sooner. Please send to word to Mr. Wm. Parker that I cannot find his nephew near Fortress Munroe. Many have been sent to Baltimore and Alexandria and Washington. Neither could I find a Mr. Pierce whom I was asked to seek. Marsh who was killed at Williamsburg was buried near that place and Liut. Granger Adgt. Of the 11TH Regt. Knows where his body lies. Mr. Eddy asked about him. If you can send me the Boston Journal I should like it. How did Mr. ------- appear to enjoy the musical performance yesterday? I supposed he feels much relieved to have me out of the way. How did the social gathering come off? Tell Eddie that I have no doubt that he is behaving like a gentleman and that while I am away, I shall depend on him to look after things and aid his mother all that he can. I will not attempt to say much about this place. My account of what I see would be somewhat like this here. Here is where the bullet entered and where it came out-bring me a sponge etc. Give my love to all tell Anna I want her to prick me some more lint. Kiss the children for me and take for yourself 
all you for you.

Truly B.C.

   After reading these letters, one needs to understand what was happening. Early on both sides felt that the war would be short and were poorly prepared to handle the sick and wounded. There was no good organized ambulance corps and most of both medical departments were unorganized. The Union was hampered by the old system of job assignments. Many of the higher officers were old War of 1812 vets. Promotions were based on seniority not skill. Congress had cut the budget and cut the army to only 16000 men. Many of these men went south with secession.U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Thomas Lawson's goal in 1860 was to cut the budget. Luckily he died and his place was taken by Dr. Clement Finley. Unfortunately he was just as shortsighted. The early part of the war was plagued by a totally inadequate medical department that was short of skilled doctors and supplies. Initially each Regiment had its own chief surgeon, one to two assistant surgeons and several stewards. These men were appointed for political reasons not because of competence. Early on both North and South were plagued by Patriotic but incompetent medical personnel. Luckily for Billy Yank some farsighted citizens convinced Lincoln to set up the Sanitary Commission. It was run by the famous Fredrick Law Olmsted, the designer of New York's Central Park. He and the commission finally pressured the Government to get rid of Finley and despite resentment from the regular army to improve the care of the men. Things started to change but, slowly. The generals on both sides looked at soldiers as just numbers not individuals. They looked at the wounded as only an impediment to military actions. The Sanitary Commission finally forced action, and on April25, 1862  Dr.William Hammond was appointed as Surgeon General. He was a bull at making changes. With the backing of General McClellan, Hammond made proper care of the sick and wounded a priority. He started by changing the basic structure of the base level medical corps. The regimental surgeons were forced to work together on the brigade and division level. Early in the war one regiments doctors would not aid another regiment. Dr. Hammond put an end to this by braking down these barriers and moved medical care to the division and corps level. Dr. Jonathan Letterman was appointed as Medical Director of the Army of the Potomac. He refined the Ambulance Corps so well that the one week delay at removing the wounded at the Battle of Williamsburg had dropped to less than 24 hours for most by Antietam. Letterman's new ambulance corps was established with its own officers and noncoms. Specific systems were set up for the use of ambulances, the supplies they were go carry, and the establishment of field hospitals. Progress was slowly being made.
   The South was in some ways luckier. They were not tied up with the old patronage system. There were also some good medical schools in the south even though not as many as the north. The lack of medical schools meant that many of their doctors were trained in Europe where medicine was far advanced over that in America. Harvard, for example, by the Civil War, did not have a microscope or a stethoscope. The Confederacy also appointed a very capably administrator, Dr Samuel Moore, as Surgeon General. The Confederate Congress was initially shortsighted and greatly under funded the Medical Corps. But Dr. Moore still managed with amazing speed to set up a hospital system and an ambulance system and a medical corps. To try to prevent incompetent doctors from entering the army, he set up a review board to examine all applicants. Medical journals and medical societies were eventually established, but all this took time.  Although dentistry was not a recognized profession prior to the Civil War, Dr. Moore recognized the need for good dental care among the soldiers. He established the system of dentistry that was to become the modern profession of dentistry. General Moore and his command established a good system of field and general hospitals. Unfortunately, States Rights reared it head, even here, as that most hospitals were forced to establish wards on a state by state basis. Surgeon General Moore did such a good job that the Confederate field hospitals became a model for the U.S. Army for years to come. All these advances North and South took time and some like the understanding of microbes wasn't accepted until after the war. The early part of the war was a period of confusion and suffering from the poor medical care. Many died due to these inadequacies. By the time our friend Dr. B. Cushing wrote these letters problems were rampant in the Medical Department. His letters reflect the frustration with all the inadequacies. The shortage of doctors and supplies as simple as bandages is evident in his letters. These letters express a loneliness felt by many and the need to hear from home. These writings also show the professionalism, patriotism, and the guts to get on with the job. What he writes  help us see the realities of this war as they were happening and how one individual looked at the events he was caught up in.

Respectively presented by

Warren Feldman M.D.
Medical Director Hardy's Brigade
 

October 18, 19, 20, 2002.  Hunsader Farms Bradenton, Florida.  Hardy's Brigade 1st Battalion maximum effort event. Set up anytime starting on Wed. the 16th.  Battles, sutlers, ladies tea and a ball. School days Thursday the 17th.  Help is needed for school days (10am to 2pm) contact Lt. Col. Aloisio.  The battlefield is good and there are a lot of sutlers here.  Battles both days and all the usual fun and games.  ALL SUTLERS are to contact Tom for their information.  There will be a $20.00 sutler fee to be paid on site.  This is usually a good weekend of fighting.  The water at this event is highly sanitized with chlorine as per the Health Dept. guidelines and has a strong chlorine taste.  It is safe to drink but you may want to bring your own drinking water so please plan ahead.  This water is fine for cooking and cleaning.  There will be a $1.00 per adult reenactor registration charge to help offset the cost of the firewood.  This year they are having the 1st annual company cooking contest.  The contest is open to all company cooks or any reenactor who wishes to burn something over an open fire.  Registration for the cooking contest or questions should be emailed to Gina Platzer at jplatzer@tampabay.rr.com  The 97th Regimental String Band will be playing at the Saturday night barn dance.  Take I-75 South.  Exit at Exit 42 (SR 64).  Travel 10.5 miles East on SR 64 to CR 675.  At CR 675 go South for 2.5 miles. Preregistration can be done by phone or email.  Contact Tom Aloisio at (941) 727-4465 or you can email him at msmaj@tampabay.rr.com 

October 24th Thursday......Round Table Meeting.  The Greater Orlando Civil War Round Table will present a program about Clara Barton the Civil War nurse.  The meeting will be at 7:30pm on Thursday in downtown Orlando.  It is not hard to find.  We have a banquet in Nov. on the 16th. Speaker is John Koblas author of "J.J. Dickison Swamp Fox of the Confederacy". Tickets are $12.50 per person and it is a catered meal.  Contact Ruth Wood at cwldy@aol.com or 386-738-0343. Reservation deadline is Oct. 31. 

October 25, 26, 27, 2002.  Panama City Fl. area.  The 3rd Alabama Cavalry is sponsoring a campaign tactical.  Those interested contact Steve Grice at 850-722-0129 or email gricehrsmn@earthlink.net.

November 1, 2, 3, 2002.  Ocklawaha River Raid.  Located at the Lake Weir Chamber of Commerce grounds in the town of Ocklawaha on the north side of Hwy 25. Southeast of Ocala. This is a small field, but they do hold two battles and they do it right, lots of fun.  Take I-75. and exit at Exit 67 and go East to Belleview on 484 which turns into SR 25.  At SR 25 go Southeast to Ocklawaha.  The event takes place in the middle of town (Lake Weir) you can't miss it.  Contact Keith Kohl (352)  687-8737  at  cog4flainf@aol.com  (There is a limit on horses.  All cavalrymen please call ahead)

November 2, 3, 2002.  Fort Clinch State Park.  Fernandina Beach.  Federal (Union Army) Garrison and Living History.  Living historians free.  Admission to Park: $3.25 per car. Admission to Fort: $2. Also check at gate for possible candlelight tour on Saturday night. Candlelight tour admission is $3.  Contact the park at (904) 277-7274. Fort Clinch State Park

November 1, 2, 3, 2002.  Atlanta Campaign in Georgia.  Friday school day.  The Battle of Bald Hill will be held on Saturday and The Cheathums Hill battle on Sunday. For more information check their web site at www.atlantacampaign.com or email e.zeckman@mindspring.com

November 8, 9, 10, 2002.  Ft. Meade Jamboree (Battle of Bowlegs Creek) in Ft. Meade, Florida.  Hosted by the 1st Minnesota, Co. D, the79th N.Y. Co. B and the 64th Ga. Co. D.  School day on Friday.  One tactical Sat. morning and a battle in the afternoon and on Sunday one battle.  The battlefield is shaded with lots of trees and a dry riverbed running across it.  The riverbed makes a great natural trench system.  There will be a bluegrass music jamboree, clogging contest, carnival rides, food and more.  Period dance with music provided by the Blue Cypress.  No reenactor fee.  No sutler fee if pre-registered by Oct. 1st.  Firewood, water and hay are provided.  Located at Peace River Recreation Park one mile east of Ft. Meade on Hwy. 98.  Contact Gabe Libraty at (941) 322-2560 or libraty@juno.com or Lt. Terry Leger at (727) 391-6676

Wednesday the 13th of November 2002.  Pat Hancock teaches school in Orlando and would like to have a reenactor or two come out to talk to his kids.  If you would like to help teach some students about the Civil War this is your chance.  Please arrive and be ready to start at 9:30am to 2:00pm.  The school (Odyssey Middle School in east Orlando) is located at 9290 Lee Vista Blvd.  Take the 417 just south of the East West Expressway (408).  Contact Pat at (407) 207-3850 ex. 486 or email hancocp@ocps.k12.fl.us 

November 16, 2002.  Round Table Meeting.  The Greater Orlando Civil War Round Table will have their annual banquet.  The banquet will be on Thursday at 7:30pm and feature John Koblas the author of "J.J. Dickison Swamp Fox Of The Confederacy".   The meetings are held in downtown Orlando.  It is not hard to find.  For more information contact Ruth Wood at  flrb_99@yahoo.com
 
November 17, 2002.  Victorian Christmas - Sunday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Griffin Road Baptist Church located at 4650 S.W. 30th Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 33312.  Cost is $10.00 per person, $2.50 for children under 10 years old. Also please bring a covered dish and a non-perishable food item for a holiday basket for the needy.  Directions: I-95 South to Griffin Road. Go West on Griffin Rd. about 2 miles to S.W. 30th Ave. church is on the N.E. corner OR Take I-75 South to 595. Go East on 595 to 44l. Take 441 South to Griffin Rd. go East on Griffin to S.W. 30th Ave.  For info and to purchase tickets contact: Jolene Wiltsie 954-423-4482 spookynharry@earthlink.net  

November 22, 23, 24 2002.  8th annual Battle at Horse Landing, Palatka, (North) Florida at the Rodeheaver Boy's Ranch.  This is a 3rd Florida Co. A. event.  Help is needed for school day on Friday with demonstrations, talks and kid control.  Living history.  Free paddle-wheel riverboat rides to all reenactors.  Ladies tea. Ball Sat. night. Battle Sat. and Sun. Paddle-wheel boat to shore battle and authentic earthwork battle. 790 acre battlefield. Good pyrotechnics display. Hay and firewood provided. Hot showers available.  Food and carriage rides for additional fee.  There is a $5 reenactor fee, programs $2.  All proceeds go to the Boys Ranch for operating expenses and for preservation and maintenance of historic site of Confederate Captain J.J. Dickinson's finest triumph.  The Boys Ranch is 9.7 miles South of Palatka on Hwy 19.  The entrance is hard to see so be careful.  Sutlers contact (904) 328-1281.  For general info. email the ranch at rodeheaverboys@aol.com snail mail Horse Landing, 380 Boys Ranch Rd. Palatka, Fl. 32177.

November 30 - December 1, 2002.  Ft Clinch Union Thanksgiving and Christmas at the fort event.  Contact Brian Fugate at (904) 277-7274 or email Mary at map1864@aol.com 

December 6, 7, 8, 2002.  Everglades Raid Florida.  Yesteryear Village, South Florida Fairgrounds, outside West Palm Beach about 7 miles west of I-95.  Friday the 6th will be school day.  All the usual amenities, firewood, hay, water and ice.  No fees for reenactors or sutlers.  Battles Saturday and Sunday.  Saturday Ladies Tea (with a Union twist), Saturday night dance.  Sunday Church services in a real Church.  This is a family oriented event.  We "Northern" Confederates need to try to get down south and support our fellow reenactors event.  From the north, take I-95 south to West Palm Beach to the Southern Blvd. exit. Go west on Southern for about 10 or 12 miles. When you go under the turnpike overpass, you will be about one mile from the South Fla. Fair grounds. The red light at Sansbury Way is where you turn right and go about a quarter to a half mile to where the amphitheatre is, on your left.  Turn left there and go just beyond the amphitheatre and you will see it on the left.  From the south, exit I-95 at Southern Boulevard. Go west approximately 7 miles to Sansbury's Way. Fairgrounds will be on your right.  From Turnpike: Exit #99 in West Palm Beach. Go west on Okeechobee Boulevard 3 miles past the Turnpike. Turn left on Sansbury's Way. Go past Belvedere Road. Fairgrounds will be on your right.  Sutlers by invitation only and must contact sutler host Mike Luck at colsmith@bellsouth.net, Other info. contact Bob Jones 954-961-9156,email bobj7connvolinf@aol.com or Event Chairman Ron Spagnoli at  954-583 -4138 ( Eve.)
 
December 7, 8, 2002.  Battle of Ft. Myers.  Caloosahatchee Regional Park.  Lee County Parks and Recreation.  This was the southern-most battle of the Civil War.  Free camping, ball and barbeque for reenactors.  Powder ration to the first 50 pre-registrants.  Two battles Saturday and one Sunday.  Ladies tea, authentic dress contest and living history demonstrations.  18500 North River Road-Cty. Rd. 78. Alva, Fl.  Contact Nancy MacPhee for details and registration (239) 461-7436 or email macpheen@leegov.com 
 
December 7th, 2002.  Saturday.  Labelle, Florida.  Second annual holiday gathering - BBQ at the historic Confederate Captain Hendry's home.  Ladies and gentlemen the Major William Footman Camp SCV, Ft. Myers UDC Chapter 2614, Gamble's Light Artillery and the 6th Kentucky Dismounted Cavalry invite you to a wonderful evening of fun, food and fellowship at the beautiful Confederate Capt. Hendry home.  The home which is on the National Historic Registry is located under large old oak trees on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River and features wrap around porches and a widows walk in the finest traditions of old southern homes.  A dinner including BBQ pork, beef and chicken ($5 donation) will start at 5pm.  Please wear your period attire.  Period correct music, door prizes and raffles.  Please bring a covered dish and an oldtime southern tree ornament.  This is a family event and you may bring your friends also.  Directions: From I-75 take exit #141 (old exit #25) go east 20 miles on SR 80.  Once in Labelle, take a left on Hardee St (Log Cabin Restaraunt on the corner of SR 80 and Hardee St)  Go north and make another left on Fraser St.  you will run right into the Hendry house.  Contact Robert Gates at (239) 226-0881 email scvrg@yahoo.com or Sandy Anderson udcsa@aol.com