Attention....Attention....Due to staffing and location problems, the Lady Lake Living History on October 5th has been canceled.

Adams Express Co......If you have any questions concerning the article on the Adams Express Co. in the last issue, please direct them to Marshall Pixley at Mjpixley@aol.com   I should have published his e-mail address with the article.  Sorry for the oversight.

Special Cavalry Event......Check the upcoming events section at the end of this magazine for information pertaining to an event designed for the mounted rider.

Raffle To Help Artillery Battery......Rice Light Artillery (10th Tenn.) is having a raffle for a custom made basin wash stand to help offset the cost of powder and to purchase clothing for new recruits.  The raffle tickets can be purchased at the blacksmith tent (Mike Luck) the cost is $2.00 for 1 or 3 for $5.00 or 8 for $10.00.   The drawing will be held at Brooksville.  You don't have to be present to win.  This wash basin is custom made by Mike Luck and is valued at $135.00 with all the extras. 

Recruits Wanted.......Rice Light Artillery C.S.A. (10th Tenn.) is looking for a few good men.  You will see plenty of action.  Age or gender no problem.  Contact Don Mann at OldReb53@aol.com

Printing Out This Magazine.....Due to the varying sizes of monitors used today, this website is challenged to find a way to accommodate everyone while still maintaining an enjoyable format.  To this end, we have placed all the information on each page into a table that is 756 pixels wide.  This is roughly 1/2 an inch larger than a typical sheet of printer paper.  To correct the problem this causes when printing information from this site, I would suggest you change your paper option to "landscape".  Hope this works for you.

Hunsader Event......In the last issue of this News Magazine the Hunsader event hosts announced that due to insurance reasons they would not allow cavalry horses to participate in the event.  I wrote a reply to them and both their announcement and my reply were published in that issue.  If you need to refresh your memory on this matter, check the back issues posted on this site.  The horse ban created a lot of email.  I have heard two or three people talking about a boycott of the Hunsader event to show their displeasure with the event host's decision concerning the cavalry horse ban.  Everyone understand that I have not and am not; nor would I ever call for a boycott of this or any other event.  I do not agree with boycotts.  A call for a boycott would be unfair.  The Hunsader people have to protect their interests.  Although I don't agree with their decision and am disappointed with it, I do not want anyone to stay away from the event for that reason.  As a matter of fact, I encourage everyone who had planned to go to the event to do so.  Do not make this a political thing.  Below you will find some of the comments I received.

From John.....How about blaming the insurance company not the event.  these money hungry greedy entities are ruining everything in this country not just this event.  Calls to their home office etc might be the right thing to do.

From Calvin....Since when does the Hunsaders work for an insurance company?  Since when do insurance companies dictate?  Fire'em and hire one that will work for you.  Maybe the wagon driver should be the one defending himself in the court for faulty operational procedures or material condition.  There is ALWAYS an Option.  Here is My option, "If the Cav is not there, Then my kin, my friends, and I will Not be there."  If you and anyone else thinks that there are no other ways, but to lay down. Then good luck with your event.

From Bill......I would think that within 5 to 10 years at the most, reenacting and rendezvousing will be a thing of the past.  Last year at the Alafia River Rendezvous, the bureaucrats would not let them use the well for drinking water, because it was not a community approved purified source.  This year the fire marshal have proclaimed that all tents must be able to prove they have been treated with a fireretardant chemical, "to protect us, for the safety of everyone." Where will it end?  Next year or within five years they will ban explosives, for everyone's safety.  Just watch.

From Ross......I read the emails from Tom and the reply that you sent back to him concerning the insurance liability issue of having horses at the Hunsader event.  First off the use of the word "banned" to describe the disposition of horses at the event is, in my opinion, not quite what is really happening.  If I or yourself was involved in a lawsuit concerning a horse related issue, we would not want anyone bringing horses on our property until the lawsuit was settled.  I do not blame Mr. Hunsader for his actions.

From David.......Given the facts of the matter, the Hunsader people apparently don't have much choice this year.  It is a good event and everyone that can should participate. Let us get out there and have fun any way.

From Joe......I read with some astonishment the news reference the Horse decision at Hunsader Farms event.  I must confess that I can see where the Insurance carrier is coming from, in today's world it seems that people are "Sue" crazy and Insurance is a MUST at events....a BIG must!  Please allow me to say this:  I would rather cancel an event than prohibit Cavalry from attending or better still try to find another Insurance carrier.

From Trish Hunsader....(Hunsader Event Host).......Maybe a bit more background into our situation would help.  Feel free to share this information with anyone you wish.  We are still in the midst of dealing with the lawsuit over the horse related incident 3 years ago.  We are optimistic the plaintiff will not be successful, but the matter is yet to be resolved.  This summer, a man got injured on our property while flying his radio-controlled airplane.  It was clearly his fault as he did not abide by the club rules of staying out of the runway at all times.  Instead of taxiing his plane to the sidelines, he walked onto the runway to pick it up and got hit by another plane.  His first action was to try to collect medical expenses from our insurance company.  After a minor attitude adjustment provided by us, he properly contacted the insurance company of the flying club which I believe covered his expenses.  Unfortunately, our insurance carrier was spooked by the incident and cancelled all of our coverage effective 8/31/02 - liability, workman's comp, fleet, and umbrella.  My brother-in-law Mark worked nearly non-stop for almost two months to find replacement coverage and a new carrier.
   You must understand that Hunsader Farms is a very strange beast to an insurance company.  Most farm insurers will not insure any other type of business.  Most insurers of events want nothing to do with a farm.  Not only do we need to insure the farm, but also the u-pick operation, the packing operation, three produce markets, a feed store, birthday parties, private parties, and the Pumpkin Festival.  It makes for a total insurance package that most carriers want no part of.  The comment from one of the reenactors in reference to our just getting a different carrier is a nice idea and I only wish it was that easy.  Our position as a farming family is that we cannot afford to do anything at the farm for which we cannot get insurance coverage.  It would be unbelievably irresponsible for us to risk the family business, our sons' futures, and all that we have worked for the last 25 years, to continue doing something on the farm which is uninsured.  We have learned the hard way that no matter how careful you are, accidents still happen, and whose fault it is doesn't always have a lot to do with who ends up paying for it.  We also know that most of the accidents that have occurred at the farm have been horse-related.  Remember the flying horseshoe incident?  The average person these days does not think like the gentleman who received 25 stitches in his head from a flying horseshoe several years back at the reenactment.  He was content that we paid his medical expenses and that he got to keep the horseshoe.  If that same thing were to happen again to a less kind victim (heaven forbid maybe even a small child) and we were not insured for the horses (which we are not), we would stand to lose everything we have (except our home which is protected by the homestead exemption).  Our new insurance carrier (with whom we obtained coverage two days before our other coverage was cancelled will only cover the horses that are used for the pony ride (they are secured to a ring).
   Understand that we are passionate about the Pumpkin Festival and the reenactment, but they will only continue if we have insurance coverage to protect us from those people in our society who sue over anything.  We were not confident until the last week of August that we would be able to get coverage for the Pumpkin Festival at all. For nearly two months we were having to deal with the possibility that the Pumpkin Festival was over.
   I am sorry that the cavalry must be eliminated from the reenactment.  We have no other options.  We will not risk our farm just so the cavalry can ride.  Though I sympathize with those who are upset over this matter, I would be truly amazed if any reenactors who truly understood the situation would be mad at us and threaten to boycott the event.  I have enjoyed so much working with all of you in the past, and I don't believe I have met anyone in your group that would be so heartless.
I hope this helps to shed more light on the situation, and I sincerely hope that it will help to calm the anger that is brewing.
Warmest Regards,  Trish

Lorraine Wrote........With all the uproar over the upcoming Hunsader Farms event, I started to ponder the difficult situation in which the event host has been placed.
   We have hosted a tactical at our home for the past five years and it has always been a major (no pun intended) concern of ours that someone might have an accident.  We were very fortunate that the accidents that have occurred over the years were minor and that the participants had the proper insurance coverage. 
   You need to keep in mind that even though you sign a Waiver of Liability, if you decide to pursue it, the host still has to retain an attorney to defend himself.
   Having worked for a major insurance company in the past, I can assure you that portions of the policy will be changed to diminish the exposure to a potential loss.  That portion of the policy may have the rate raised so high that a host would rather exclude that liability in lieu of payment of the premium.  Depending upon the outcome of the above pending claim (and there may be others that we are unaware of), the insurance company may make the mounted coverage a definite named "Exclusion" to its policy.
   A good health insurance policy (provided by that person) should be in place before any reenactor considers taking the field.  Medical expenses are outrageously expensive and the time lost from one's job could be devastating.  If you do not have your own insurance in place, one should seriously consider whether or not it would be worth the risk of taking the field.
Should you accidentally injure another reenactor or spectator, then a whole different type of insurance liability would come into play.
   We as reenactors have taken the attitude that reenactments should be provided to us free of charge with all the amenities.  Bounties are even paid in order to encourage participation.  Each and every one of us should go prepared to be totally self-sufficient and we should all take our trash away when we leave.  Yes, portapotties are a must.  But is firewood, water, powder rations and hay?  When you go camping, don't you take all of your provisions with you?  Don't you pay a fee for the privilege of using a campsite?  I've never been to a "free" movie with free snacks in my life!
   If the event hosts only had to worry about providing adequate portapotties, look at the manpower hours that would be saved as well as being able to re-allocate funds for insurance coverage.
   I'm sure as each of you read this, there will be some who will be completely opposed to my view.  Keep in mind that we must all be flexible and sometimes make major concessions in order to continue to pursue this hobby.  Unfortunately, the dictates of modern times do rear their ugly heads in reenacting.  You never completely leave the "Present" behind.
   Sincerely,  Lorraine Niepert

Dave Wrote........I would like to comment on Lorraine's letter. I must state with all my heart that she is right about the insurance situation. We have been faced with the situation of reenactors not having medical insurance more than once. As we try to incorporate the Brigade, that has been one of the constant themes: having a per event insurance coverage available at very low cost as a second policy or basic coverage for a minimal price. 
   From a personal note, I ran a company for years called Rescue Associates, Inc. teaching young men and women to be fire fighters, EMT's and Paramedics. It got to the point that the liability insurance premiums to cover training sessions became more expensive than the payroll for the instructors who worked with me. Many locations required a million dollar umbrella policy to specifically include their company so we could use their facility to train. In this day and time, the insurance companies dictate what they will and will not cover for their price and not what is equitable for all.
   Please check your personal health insurance from work to make sure you are covered away from work. If you have a high deductible, there are policies to cover that for low dollars per month. (I personally have one because the School Board insurance has a $250 per incident and $2,500 per year deductible)
   We need to reach out, within our own community of reenacting, to find independent insurance agents who might be able to help us with underwriting policies for just this situation. In doing so, we help ourselves through helping the hosts and fellow reenactors.
   As for the stock and supplies, most of you know my poor truck groans with the amount of gear I carry. I was chastised again at Dade City for carrying everything for everyone. That is what I have done in the past and I need to rethink that some when it takes me over two hours to set up and another two hours to knock down. 
   Water is a must and we all would take it if we were going to the beach or hunting. Load up a minimum of a gallon per person per day and you have it covered. For the cavalry though, they have to deal with 20-30 gallons per day of fresh water to keep their animals from getting sick.
   Most of all, we all need to remember why we got into reenacting. Most of us did so to keep history alive for future generations and / or the commradary and friendships which go along with what we do. More than once, my friends in reenacting have grabbed my boot straps and pulled me up. The children of today, and I speak from teaching them daily, are losing their knowledge of history because the teachers and parents have done so. Let's work together to make it happen for those yet unborn to know the truth. There are enough outside forces working against us that we need to stick tightly together within.

I remain your humble servant
D. Riker

HAVE A GOOD TIME AT THE HUNSADER EVENT AND DON'T FORGET TO WRITE AND EMAIL ME YOUR AFTER ACTION REPORT FOR THE NEWS MAGAZINE.  SEE YOU SOON......BOB

   As I mentioned last time, one of the most famous cases of heart disease during the Civil War was General R.E. Lee. They knew about heart problems but not to the extent that we do today. They had no idea of arterial sclerosis, cholesterol, or what a heart attack was. Their diet was eaten without any concern for its nutrition value or the ill affect of such things as cholesterol and fats. Their primary problem was how to feed a large army.  They had only limited means of preserving food. Meats could be salted or dried. Vegetables could be canned or fresh. Breads could be fresh baked or as crackers like hardtack. Insects got into the food. Dampness caused food to rot. Packing in tin cans was new and far from perfected.
   Add to this the intense manual labor, then the men needed two to three times the calories that we use today.  To march 20 to 30 miles a day with 70 pounds of gear meant that the average soldier might have needed 4 to 5000 calories to have the energy to do all this.  For them to consume this amount of energy, they had to eat a lot of fats and starches. Hardtack was often fried and corn meal was mixed with bacon grease to make sloosh. The cholesterol in all this was a killer.  We live in the 21st. Century not the 19th. We know the dangers of this type of diet. Many of our members have coronary problems including angina, heart attacks and heart failure to name a few problems. It is fine to put on a living history but it is not fine to eat and live like they did. For many of our friends it could be outright deadly. Safety is never farbee and a proper diet is mandatory for those of us with medical problems.
   What we medically call coronary artery disease refers to the damage and obstruction of the arteries in the heart. This damage is the build up of plaque or plugs of fatty material in the arteries.  This fatty plug comes from a family of chemicals we call cholesterol.  Cholesterol is both made in our bodies and consumed in foods. It is found often in animal fats but also as saturated fats as found in vegetable products as margarine, coconut oil, and palm oil.  Cholesterol is not all bad. It is part of the normal building blocks of our cell walls. Too much of a good thing however can be bad. Like water you must have it to live, but you can drown in too much.There is good cholesterol called HDL that is not implicated in arterial disease.  You can find it in lean meats, many vegetable oils, and many fish oils. Olive oil, canola oil, liquid corn oil and soy are good sources of polyunsaturated fats.
   The bad cholesterol called LDL is what is believed to be the cause of many of our problems. This is often found in many of the period foods from the Civil War. This is due to the fact that so much of it was cooked in bacon grease or beef grease. LDL is also produced from the consumption of modern products like margarines, Crisco, and any other hardened oils.  Your diet is import to the Medical Corps of both the North and the South. We do not want to be practicing CPR on anyone on the field.  We have all too often had to provide first aid to our friends when they have had a heart attack on the field. We want you to stay healthy so we can all have fun.

"In 1997, Connecticut Valley Arms, Inc. (CVA) began a Recall of In-Line Muzzleloading Rifles manufactured in 1995 and 1996.  This recall was due to the occurrence of very severe accidents when using the rifles.  An extremely dangerous condition and a potential for serious injury exists when firing the rifle even if the rifle may have been safely used previously.  Though over 90% of the rifles subject to the recall have been returned or replaced, our goal is to have all recall rifles returned.

If you currently own or possess a CVA in-line rifle with a 95 or 96 serial number, or you purchased one and gave it or sold it to another person, and the barrel or rifle has not been replaced, you should contact a Company Representative immediately by calling the customer service number below:  (1-770-449-4687) (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST).  Do not fire the rifle regardless of how many times you or others may have safely used the rifle.

To identify the rifle, read the serial number on the side of the barrel opposite the bolt.  The only CVA rifles subject to the Recall are in-line models with serial numbers ending with the last two digits of 95 or 96.  No other firearm models within the CVA product line are affected by the Recall.  Please do not return your in-line rifle before contacting a Company Representative at the above customer service number.

In May 1999, blackpowder Products, Inc. purchased the CVA name and other assets.  Blackpowder Products, Inc. assumed no liability for any product manufactured or sold prior to January 1, 1998.  However, Blackpowder Products, Inc. is continuing the Connecticut Valley Arms, Inc. recall and will cover replacement of the rifle and all related shipping charges.

Dade City Event.......Lt. Col. D. Riker, Brigade Surgeon, Hardy's Brigade writes.........My hat is off to Duane (Butch) and the renewed Mrs. Roxanne Farless for their seemingly tireless efforts to host the event.  Both of them deserve a thank you and some rest after all of the work.  In the meantime, Mrs. Farless found the time Saturday to be a beautiful blushing, and slightly nervous bride again.  Their renewal of vows before General Hardy in a 1900 church had spectators lined up literally out the door.  I am not quite sure who was the most nervous; but after 15 years of marriage, it is great to see that they both still love each other that much. 

To the members of the honor guard who stepped forward and stood the posts in the heat, thank you each and every one.  The pictures speak for themselves.  Awesome is an understatement.

To Ross Lamoreaux and his unit, your first person impression keeps getting better and better.  Thanks for the help with authentic camp.  By the way, he has some great shirts and stuff for sale, check it out.

Heat, mosquitoes and trains drove most of the authentic campers from their canvas into cooler surroundings.  Then came the rains.  During battle times though, the sun broke out and it was the normal Florida cool. 

Sunday's church service was held in the gazebo near camps.  General Hardy, who is a Baptist minister having a church in Apopka, did a wonderful job of talking to us from II Peter about putting old problems in our back pocket and filling our hand with the knowledge the Lord wants and needs us to hold.

Sunday's battle saw members of the Confederate and Union army engaged against artillery and a few daring horsemen. There were six field pieces of which four held the high ground for the Federals.  To Scotty and the men of the 10th Tennessee battery who towed their field piece around, you were as hot in action as you were in face.  To Dave and the crew of the Federal pieces, you kept our heads down and our ears ringing.

Monday's battle saw the addition of a seventh field piece to a small field.  My concerns were eased as we made it through the battle without an injury by some adaptations to the battle plan and some fine artillerymen and inventive 
infantry commanders.

The medical staff was taxed but luckily we had only two heat related situations during the battles.  I wish to thank the officers and NCO's for staying on their men to have full canteens and drink.  The ladies of the medical staff did their wonderful work, even with some confusion, to make sure that the ice and water kept flowing.  Dr. Brian held the Federals in shape.  Welcome back also to Ms. Tammie who was welcomed on Monday to join us on the field.  Ms. Juanita, who portrays Mother Bickerdike, is going to be a great new addition to the team.  Welcome back also to Mrs. Jean, who after having back surgery, spent the hours during the battle talking to crowds of people about the instruments and medicines on display.  Larry, Kevin, Brian, Brenda, Judith, Suzanne, Ruth, Jackie, and Ashley also deserve a special thank you for enduring the heat to help out.

Issues with the parking and blocked fire lanes have been taken to the park manager. 

Hopefully, everyone enjoyed the kick off to the season.

Dade City Event........Dory wrote about the event from the woman's point of view.......Yes, I went to Dade City both days......... the Cavalry was on the shabby side (Sunday), but very understandably, it was torridly HOT for the 3 horses..... I'll bet no water available.  The Cavalry was camped way in the backside (corner) of the shaded parking lot to the left side of the park's gated entrance.  Disappointingly, there was no Cavalry on Monday.   I wonder why?
   Becky and I took some photos of Monday's battle.  Some of the guys (in my Company)  galvanized on Sunday.   We didn't have a strong attendance from our Company either.
   As for the spectators, it was more crowded on Monday.  It was the typical  ' photo, question and answer' times with them......I must have been asked a hundred times........."aren't you hot in those clothes"?  Oh.........this is really cute, a  young child asked Elly if she LIVED there?   All of us ladies began both days looking smashingly beautiful in our new  dresses until the midday sun, literally, wilted us.  I wore heat absorbing  taffeta, to boot.
   ALL  the guys did a GREAT  job on the field and deserve to be commended.  They were all wringing wet (from heavy perspiration) on return to camp.  Some did not look well, very red in their faces and puffed out. 
   That is my synopsis of Dade; I guess we'll  repeat it on Labor Day weekend  2003.

May 18th and 19th, 2002 

SUMMARY:

Over the weekend of May 17th through the 19th, 2002, members of the 1st and 2d Battalions of the 1st New York Volunteer Engineer Regiment, assisted by volunteers from Battery F of the 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, constructed and raised a 23' above grade, single stage, two level signal tower as part of the annual re-enactments held at Fort Pocahontas, Charles City County, Virginia. 

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

The project was first proposed as an event activity for the May 2002 Re-enactments held annually at Fort Pocahontas, Charles City County, Virginia, at the Regimental Meeting held at Fort Harrison-Burnham, R.N.B.P., at the end of September, 2001. Regimental member Mr. John D. Poe presented the tower idea to the group.  It was decided by the membership in attendance to proceed with the idea and to broach the subject with the Fort Pocahontas event coordinator, Mr. Joe Funk, who was also in attendance at the Fort Harrison-Burnham event. 

Mr. Funk then agreed to make the proposal to the Fort Pocahontas sponsor, Mr. Harrison Tyler and his staff, which he did some weeks later at an initial meeting for the 2002 event there. Mr. Tyler was intrigued by the proposal and the group was asked to formalize the proposal and developed a preliminary set of drawings and plans, so that the feasibility and scope of the project could be established. 

Mr. Poe, a Maritime and Civil Engineer took the lead on the design of the project and developed a draft set of plans for an 18' foot above grade, single stage, signal tower and it's bill of materials. This was then forwarded to Mr. Tyler for his approval. 

The group received this approval of the preliminary plans and authorization to proceed in late March. A finished set of drawings and bill of materials for the project was made up, sent to Mr. Tyler and his staff and circulated to the membership of the 1st New York Volunteer Engineers. In committing to the project, Mr. Tyler agreed to provide all the required materials and the membership, for its part, agreed to have the tower up and complete by the end of the 2002 event. Shortly after, Mr. Tyler and his staff met with Mr. Funk and the site for the tower was selected at the Fort. Contemporary drawings of Fort Pocahontas show the existence of a signal tower at the fort, located near the bluffs overlooking the James River in the Western end of the fort. However, because of ongoing, significant archeological projects by the College of William and Mary within the fort, it was considered prudent to locate the new tower in an area that had already been disturbed by years of farm activity. The final site selected, was in a plowed field located off the east point of the east bastion of the fort. The location would also afforded visitors to the event to easily view the construction in progress. 

In mid-April, Mr. Tyler informed the group that the materials were acquired and were on site. However, he had managed to acquire 25' long poles for the main upright members, vice the 20' x 6" x 6" timbers originally specified for the project. Mr. Poe was consulted and he produced an altered set of plans to accommodate the new uprights. These were then presented to My Tyler and circulated to the membership.

TOWER CONSTRUCTION: http://www.history-buff.org/Tower.htm

Over the first weekend in May, Mr. Funk, accompanied by regimental members Mr. Rob James and Mr. Kerry White, visited the tower site and made an inspection of the materials for the project. In spite of inclement weather, the location of the four tower foundations were laid off and excavated to the project depth of + 2' below grade. 

On the Friday of the event, following the establishment of the Engineer's camp in the Headquarters, 18th Corps, area of the Federal Camps, Mr. White at the tower site joined Mr. James. Since the time of the excavation on the 4th, there had been intermittent periods of rain and they had filled with standing water. So the first task to be accomplished this day, was to empty them and remove the mud slurry from the bottoms of the holes. Once a firm bottom was located, the elevations of the four excavation bottoms were shot, using a K&E "Dumpy" (surveyor's level) level and "California Rod". No. 5, crusher run gravel, topped by 2 x 8" x 16" x 2" concrete pavers were then added, the elevations were then retaken and final adjustments were made to bring the foundations to + 1/8" of the project depth called for in the plans. The rest of the engineers arrived at the fort from Florida, early that evening and were off loaded and had their accommodations set up shortly after twilight surrendered to the dark. 

The whole of the engineer contingent assembled at the tower construction site shortly after 7:00 Saturday morning to set up the Engineer Depot and off load the tools for the project. Work on the tower was begun by 9:00, but was halted less than an hour later by a series of vicious squall lines along a cold front coming from the West and then progressively from the North-west and North. In addition to the soaking, the front signaled a rapid drop in temperature from the very comfortable high 60's to a chill lower 50's. In all, a good two + hours were taken as the squalls accompanying the front moved through the area. 

As soon as it had cleared somewhat and the rain had let off enough to allow, work in earnest resumed on the tower. The sequence for this was to be the construction of two major sub-assemblies, each consisting of the cross braces and ledgers forming two of the tower sides. These were then to be raised, using a series of lifts, and the cross braces and ledgers would then be attached to form the other two sides.

To accomplish this, all of the holes for the 5/8" dia. structural bolts being used to connect the various structural elements, were laid off, and then bored through the uprights, braces, and ledgers to facilitate assembly. Adjustments were calculated and where needed, various timbers were cut down to proper length, and the notches for the braces and ledgers were made in the up-rights. At the same time, work was also under way on construction of the ladders that would be needed to ascend to the top of the tower and the lifting tackle for the lifts was reeved. By nightfall, the first sub-assembly of two uprights, ledgers and cross braces had been assembled and work was halted for the day. 

Sunday dawned with cool temperatures, partly cloudy skies and a promise for improving conditions as the day progressed. The engineers again assembled at the site by 7:30 and immediately commenced the manufacture of the second tower sub-assembly. The efforts and the experience gained in the previous days work provided for generally smooth progress at this. However, all did not go exactly as planned. One of the poles being used for an up-right was found to be more oval in section than thought and some of the others were of less taper than others, which required additional notches to be chiseled out so that the bolts could be brought completely through all the structural members and have good purchase. Still and all, both sub-assemblies were ready for erection well before the noon deadline that had been set as a target for the start of the lifts. 

It was calculated that the sub-assemblies, consisting of pressure treated timber, weighed in at approximately 1700 to 1800 pounds each. In order to set them on their foundations and bring them into the upright position, a series of two lifts were planned. The first lift would raise one side of the tower nearly into its final attitude. Then this side would be used to raise the second sub-assembly into position. At this point, the lower cross braces and bottom ledgers would be fitted and bolted in place to stabilize the structure. Keeping the lifting tackle in tension, the mid-level ledgers would then be fitted and bolted, making it safe to remove the lifting tackle. 

To accomplish this, the sub-assemblies were maneuvered into position and stacked one atop the other. Shallow, sloping trenches were dug to guide the butt ends of the up-rights onto their respective foundations, and stops were set to prevent the butts from overshooting the foundations and to protect the side walls of the foundation excavations. A rope bridle was rigged at the upper ledger of the first subassembly and a double, triple sheave, lifting tackle, reeved with 1" manila rope, anchored to a large tree at the top of the east bastion of the fort, was attached to it. To ease the initial lift, a cradle for the lifting tackle was made from crossed 12' x 4" x 4" timbers, stayed by rope backstays controlled by two three man teams. 

A second bridle was rigged in the same location as the first, but oriented in the other direction. Attached to this was the second lifting tackle, consisting of a single double sheave block and a single, single sheave block (gun tackle). A third and final bridle was then rigged at the upper ledger on the second sub-assembly. 

At the same time as this was being done, one end of the two sets of the lower ledgers and cross braces were being bolted onto the first subassembly. This way they would be ready to swing into position and bolted in place in the least amount of time and reducing the time to make the tower stable. 

The first left commenced at about half past 1100, with the aid of volunteers from Battery F of the 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery. Everything proceeded as planned with the butts of the first set of up-rights thudding home on their foundations and the red Engineer guidon lashed to the top of the sub-assembly, rising toward the blue sky. When the first sub-assembly reached an angle of approximately 75 degrees from the horizontal, the lift was halted and the downhaul was secured to a convenient tree. 

It was at this point, that the only hitch in the lift was to develop; the gun tackle for the second lift came partially un-reeved. To fix this, a bosons chair was rigged using the reeving line and a volunteer from the Artillery, the lightest lad of us all, was hoisted to the block and re-reeved it. With this accomplished, back hauls were attached to the second sub-assembly, and the second lift commenced, just prior to the noon hour. When the second sub-assembly was near vertical, this lift was also halted. 

Keeping tension on the downhaul and back-hauls used for the second lift, the downhaul from the first lift was once more taken up and the whole of the structure brought into vertical alignment. Using the lifting tackle and the back-hauls on the second sub-assembly to adjust the relative aspects of the two sub-assemblies to each other, the lower ledgers and then the cross braces were quickly bolted in place, stabilizing the structure. At this point an engineer climbed to the mid-level ledgers on the sub-assemblies and set the mid-level ledgers for the other two sides. With this accomplished, tension was taken off the lifting tackle and the tower stood on it's own. It was now a quarter past 1:00 in the afternoon. 

With the tower stable, the balks for the mid-floor of chess were sent up and put in place. Once they were down, work commenced on placing the upper level of cross braces and ledgers between the two sub-assemblies and the securing of the internal ladder that would connect the mid-floor with the upper floor once the tower was completed. 

Once this was accomplished, the procedure used to assemble the mid-floor was repeated to set the balks and chess for the upper floor in place. A trap was cut through the upper floor at the ladder for access and safety rails were put into place to guard against accidents. The chess on the mid-level floor were trimmed to proper length and the curbs set in place. A second, removable ladder was manufactured to access the mid-level floor from ground level, this being done so that it could be placed out of the way and to discourage the public from climbing onto the tower when Fort Staff were not present. (This two-stage ladder was a deviation from the original design, and was requested by Mr. Tyler on Saturday. It did not pose any problem, as none of the material was long enough for a single stage ladder.) The excavations for the foundations were filled first with the remainder of the No.5 crusher-run gravel and then with the material removed when they were initially dug, which was then tamped down to finish the project. It was now 4:30 Sunday afternoon. 

CONCLUSION:

Over a span of four days, three of which were contiguous, seven members of the regiment, using period hand tools, demonstrated to the public and their fellow re-enactors, just what can be done by even a small-dedicated group of individuals. This was ultimately the result of solid planning and coordination by all the parties involved, from the very earliest conception of the project. Sound engineering, professionally produced plans, bills of material, and countless hours dedicated to learning the carpentry and engineering skills demonstrated in this project were also key in completing the project as planned and within the time allotted. In conclusion, it can be safely stated that with proper preplanning and preparation, the support of the event organizers and coordinators, and given a measure of favorable weather, the nature and scope of event activities undertaken by engineer troops can be and should be expanded to become more of a central part of future events. 

PERSONNEL: 

From the 1st and 2d Battalions of the 1st New York Volunteer Engineer Regiment 

• Robt. W. James, Commanding the 1st Battalion and Event Engineering Coordinator. 
• John D. Poe, Commanding the 2d Battalion and Lead Engineer and tower designer. 
• Vernon Catron, Co.A, 2d Bn. 
• Marty Williams, Co.A, 2d Bn. 
• Phil Giglio, Co.A, 2d Bn. 
• Brian R. Smith, Co.C, 2d Bn. 
• Kerry White, Co.K, 1st Bn. 

• Steve Barton 
• Harry Del Buono 
• Dave DeMarco 
• Randy Gilbert 
• Jeff Jacobson 
• Mike Martorelli 
• Dick McFarland 
• Dan McLean 
• Dave McLean 
• Chris Teti 

The potential for engineer troop's greater participation in future events has been conclusively demonstrated through this project. However, it must be understood that projects of this scope and complexity mandate that they be made a part of the event planning process from the beginning. Projects of this nature impact on all of the areas involved in this planning, from budgets to the event command structure, and must be given equal weight and support by all of the key organizers. It must also be well understood, from the offset, by all the parties, that once the commitments have been made, it becomes incumbent on everyone involved to see through their part, to make it happen, and for it to be ultimately successful. 

Respectfully submitted,
Robt. W. James
Engineer Coordinator, Fort Pocahontas
1st New York Volunteer Engineer Regiment

Response To Marders Letter...(Vietnam Memorial Wall)....Bill Blair wrote.....I also want to thank you for including such heartwarming stories as the one this month regarding Vietnam and our other Wars.  I was fortunate to have been younger than 18 when the War ended.  I remember the nightly news reports of the wounded, killed, and missing.  Over the years I have gained a greater appreciation for our Vietnam Vets.  I think it is terrible how they were treated on their return.  I am glad that now when I see parades, the Vietnam Vets are applauded at least as loudly as our other Vets.  I know this was not the case not too long ago.  I often see similarities in our Vietnam Vets and our Confederate Vets.  It helps me to appreciate them (both) even more. 
   I do hope the Marders get the chance to visit The Wall.  I visited there a few years ago and it was one of the most moving events of my life.  Seeing all those names, seeing the memorials, and witnessing the visitors, was extremely moving.  Our memorials are places of remembrance and places of healing.  We should never forget the sacrifice of our Vets, whether we agree with the "Cause" or not.

Actual Questions......Asked of Rangers at National Parks, [Topic - U.S. Civil War]: Are any of the scenes in the Movie "Gettysburg" real war footage?  [Tom Fasulo answers - Yes, but only from the Union side. The blockade of Confederate ports prevented Rebel cameramen from getting the developing supplies they needed for most of the War. However, Union combat cameramen were well supplied and active on all fronts. While most of the real war footage was limited to distance shots of men charging or defending against Confederate charges, one Union cameraman was lucky enough to capture on film, from a close perspective, the killing of Union General Reynolds at Gettysburg.  Look for this scene the next time you see the movie. A side note: This early film, as a finished product, was very expensive back then. Color film did not exist and each frame had to be hand colored, usually by soldiers' wives in cottage industries, in the same manner in which soldiers' wives were paid to sew uniforms for the Army. However, no more film was taken after the Battle of Gettysburg, as it was this film, freshly arrived from the battle and shown in theaters, which caused the Draft Riots in July 1863 in New York as civilians viewed the carnage on the battlefield and then panicked.  To preserve order, the U.S. government forbade any more battlefield filming and the technique was not used again until the end of the 19th century.]

For Sale......Nice full size limber box.  Wood and iron - not painted.  Would like $50. or trade for any artillery clothing or articles of equal value.  Will send photos if you are interested contact Don Mann at oldreb53@aol.com

Picture Wanted.....Looking for a photo, sketch, or drawing (or source of) of the U.S.S. Fort Henry.  This was an ex-ferry side-wheel boat bought in NY by the USN.  The Fort Henry served off the West coast of Florida during the Civil War.  Contact Lew Zerfas (Sergeants Guard - Marine reenactors) at go.lew@verizon.net

For Sale.....Baker style lean-to tent.  Inside measures 10 X 10, rear 4 foot, front 7 foot.  13oz Sunforger flame retardant.  7 X 10 fly joined to tent.  Each side of tent has windows with roll up flaps.  Two sides joined to tent on each side to make a door.  Includes ropes, wood, stakes and a storage bag.  $650. or best offer.  Contact Mike Luck at colsmith@bellsouth.net

For Sale......The Gun Sacks that you see advertised here every so often have a story behind them.  Ed Smith wrote to tell us about them.......At the 1999 Hunsaders Event; Christine (my wife), and Her friend Debbie were discussing fundraising ideas for our unit. The 79th New York Co "B" (Boy Scout Living History Unit).  On Sunday afternoon as everyone was packing up. They observed a Reenactor Haphazardly wrapping His Rifle in a towel, and placing it in the bed of His pickup.  The Ladies approached me, and asked if there were quality cases available for Reenactor Rifles. My response was that I had seen cases, but that I knew nothing of what quality was available.
   At later events; we searched Sutler Tents, and also did an internet search. Chris, and Debbie decided they could do better, and started making Padded Canvas Gun Sacks for fundraising.  They sold a few to local reenactors, and a few on Ebay. At Brooksville 2000; they cut a deal with Regimental Quartermaster.  At Manassas 2001 Lodgewood Mfg. started ordering our Sacks.  Today: Sutlers from Oregon, Indiana, Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and a National Muzzleloading Supply Distributor are all carrying this product. 
   I want to personally thank that unknown Reenactor for giving us a small idea that two local Ladies turned into a small, but growing business. Without Him; we would probably still be at a loss as to how to raise money.
  Oh....Although it started as a fundraiser; this business is now owned by our two Ladies, and a portion still goes to supporting the Unit... ed.scout@verizon.net

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

September 7, 8, 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.  Take I-4 east to I-95 North.  Go to Ft. Clinch State Park and exit on US1/Fernandina Beach.  Go east thru Fernandina and follow the State Park signs.  Contact the park at (904) 277-7274.  Fort Clinch State Park

September 21, 2002.  Blue and Grey Cotillion (Saturday 8pm to 11pm).  Pinellas Park.  Sponsored by the 97th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company A.  8:00 PM until 11:00pm.  at the Pinellas Park Civic Auditorium, 7690 59th Street. The 97th Pennsylvania String Band to provide music.  The auditorium is next to the Police Station on 59th St. North, along the railroad tracks which cross Park Blvd (S.R. 694).  Admission is $10.00 per person or $18.00 per couple at the door.  No advanced ticket sales.  Contacts:  Dave Krieger Radm1@aol.com (727) 796-8208 (Clearwater),  Dona Casey DelitedFifer@aol.com (Largo) (727) 393-4234

September 21, 2002.  Olustee Civil War Exposition, Encampment and Living History.  Olustee, FL. Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm http://extlab7.entnem.ufl.edu/olustee/, Sunday: 10 am - 3 pm. Admission - Living Historians Free; Spectators: $3 per car. Contact the Olustee Battlefield Historic Site at (386) 758-0400

September 27, 2002.  Round Table Meeting.  The Greater Orlando Civil War Round Table will present a program about the History of Florida 1513-1865.  The meeting will be on Thursday at 7:30pm in downtown Orlando.  It is not hard to find.  For more information contact Ruth Wood at  flrb_99@yahoo.com

September 27, 28, 29, 2002.  Raid on Fort Pierce at the old St. Lucie County Fairgrounds next to the airport.   School Day on Friday the 27th. Dinner provided Friday night for those that assist with school day.  Powder rations to first three Union and Confederate Artillery pieces.  The normal hay, firewood, ball, etc. provided.  No sutlers fee.  Dance Sat night.  Proceeds go to the Explorer Post 400.  Driving directions From the north I-95 to Indrio Rd. East on Indrio Rd. to Kings Hwy.(to 1st. light you come to) South on Kings Hwy to Airport Rd. (first light) head east on Airport approx 2 miles grounds on the north side of the road.  From the south I-95 to Okeechobee Rd. SR 68. West on Okeechobee Rd to Kings Hwy. North on Kings Hwy to third light (Airport Rd.) east on Airport to Fairgrounds.  From the turnpike to Okeechobee Rd. SR 68. Once you exit the turnpike you will be on Kings Hwy. Head north to the third light (Airport Rd.) Contacts: Tim Futch (561) 489-9974 cocfl8@aol.com Rick Eckert surgeon@bellsouth.net (561) 336-3100

September 27, 28, 29, 2002.  Battle of Ol' Bethel in Moultrie, Ga. near Pavo, Ga.  This event is sponsored by the John K. McNeill SCV Camp #674 and the 63rd Georgia Infantry.  Registration fee for the event is $2.00 per person (i.e., reenactor).  Profits go to help preserve the church and cemetery where many Confederate soldiers are buried.  Activities to include a Saturday skirmish and candlelight memorial service Saturday evening.  Sunday there will be a full battle on at 2pm.  Firewood provided for campers.  Take I-75 north to Hahira, Ga. exit Ga. 122 and go west into Brooks County.  At the intersection where Sand Hill store is located aprox. 10 miles east of Pavo, look for a dirt road to the left.  Go to Old Bethel Rd.  Go one mile down Old Bethel Rd. and you will find the battle and church site.  Contact:  Jim Graham at (229) 382-3748 nights or Gary Ursrey (229) 324-7639 nights.

October 4, 5, 6, 2002.  Veterans Memorial Park and Museum, Tampa Civil War Days.  Hosted by 7th Fl. Co. K. Civil War living history and encampments, battles both days.  The living history event will be at 3602 Highway 301 in Tampa.  Contact Lt. Roger Statzer at (863) 644-1048 email statzer@aol.com or Jack Coleman (813) 987-6210 email deadriverjack@aol.com

October 4, 5, 6, 2002.  Andersonville Battle in Andersonville, Georgia.  There will be two battles and lots of sutlers with many antique and craft shopping opportunities at the businesses along main street.  The Andersonville Civil War Museum and the POW Museum is also very close.  Andersonville is 9 miles North of Americus, GA.  The site is in Andersonville itself; not at the park.  To get there, take I-75 North.  Exit at Americus.  Turn West towards  Columbus and travel approximately 5 miles and turn right at Andersonville Historical Monument.  Turn right and travel 12 miles to the battle.  This is a nice little battle for spectators and reenactors alike.

October 5, 6, 2002.  Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach.  Federal (Union Army) Garrison and Living History. Admission to Park: $3.25 per car.  Living historians free.  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.

October 5, 2002.  The Town of Lady Lake is having their 3rd annual Heritage Festival.  Attention....Attention....Due to staffing and location problems, the Lady Lake Living History on October 5th has been canceled.

October 12, 13, 2002.  Civil War Relic and Militaria Show at the Citrus Dome in Winter Haven FL.  We welcome all reenactors. Those in Uniform will get in for free and we will be giving awards for the best dressed.  For all others admission is $6.00.  Contact Judy Jones, Ph. 863 665-0755 or CSA Shows, 600 S. Combee Rd., Lakeland, FL  33801

October 18, 19, 20, 2002.  Clewiston - South Fla.  Special Event For Cavalry.  Due to the ban of horses at the Huntsader event (the host is having insurance problems), all mounted cavalrymen and their horses are invited to a special horse event.  This ride, drill, skirmish and good time will take place during the same weekend as the Huntsader event.  This park offers the mounted rider over 250 acres of everything from open fields to heavy woods and water obstacles.  There is plenty of room to ride and skirmish.  Modern full hookups for trailers and campers.  Great camp sites.  Plenty of good water on site.  Due to the last minute planning of this event, horsemen are required to bring their own hay and firewood.  Nice restaurant and bar on site.  Live shoot is OK.  I must have advanced registration to know how many sites to reserve and how much of the park we will use -- we can have the whole park if we need it.  I also need to make reservations for the big Saturday night feast at the restaurant -- we will dress period correct for this meal.  Bring your horse's coggins papers.  This is going to be fun.  Contact - Col. Moor at kmoore6919@aol.com or Maj. Niepert at mayorbob@sprynet.com

October 19, 2002.  Attention All Company Cooks.  There will a cooking contest this year at The Battle of Hunsaders Farm.  It will be judged and an award given to best prepared on site evening meal.  The entire meal must be prepared in camp nothing pre-cooked and then re-warmed. It must be cooked over the camp fire & be the meal to be fed to units members.   The meal will be of the cooks choice with the ingredients of their choosing. Judging will be based on taste, presentation, and ease of preparation.   All entrants must supply the coordinator with the menu and ingredients by Sat., Oct 12 one week prior to the event.  Judging will start at 6pm the judge will visit each entered cook's camp to observe & judge.  The winner will be announced at the dance that evening.   If you have any questions or to register and enter you mea,l contact the Cooking Contest Coordinator, Gina Platzer  jplatzer@tampabay.rr.com

October 19, 2002.  This is updated information regarding the Camp Cook Cooking Contest. The judging will begin promptly at 5:00 pm in the designated judging area. Camp cooks will be notified on that day where the judging will be. We will be numbering the meals so the cook will remain anonymous to the judges. The rules go as follows:  The meals must be prepared on site. Nothing is to prepared at home. Meals must be cooked on a campfire. You must cook enough to be able to feed your unit. Try to be as authentic as possible. The judges will be judging on authenticity, taste, and presentation. Prizes will be for runner-up cooking utensils. Grand prize will be a dutch oven. You must be registered no later than Oct 12. To contact me to register or for any questions you can e-mail me at jplatzer@tampabay.rr.com or you can call me at (727)-321-4252. Look forward to hearing from you and good luck!  Gina Platzer

October 19, 20, 2002.  Beauvoir's 14th Annual Fall Muster, Biloxi, Mississippi (Gulf Coast).  This is a recreation of an 1861 Confederate Boot Camp.  Union is also welcome.  This event is complete with camp activities, drill demonstrations, period music, skirmishes, tours of Beauvoir, and the Jefferson Davis Presidential home and library.  There is also a Civil War museum on site.  All reenactors are welcome but participation is by invitation only.  For the "off hours" you can visit some nice casinos within walking distance of the encampment. I recommend the Beau Rivage hotel.  It is better than a 5 star hotel, has a great casino, and several fantastic restaurants within the complex.  From Florida, go North to I-10.  Take I-10 West through Alabama  to Mississippi. Go South on I-110 a few miles to Hwy 90.  Go West on Hwy 90 a couple of miles and Beauvoir will be on your right.  However, it is easier to fly into the Gulfport-Biloxi Regional airport (about 10 miles away) and rent a car.   Contact (228)  388-9074

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 25, 2002.  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.  For more information contact Ruth Wood at  flrb_99@yahoo.com

October 26, 27, 2002.  Ft. Clinch Confederate Garrison (North of Jacksonville, Florida).  Live, eat, sleep and cook in a real Civil War fort.  School of Soldier, Living History, no reenactor fees, no horses and no battle but lots of real history fun.  From Central Florida, take I-4 East to I-95 North.  Go to the Ft. Clinch State Park Exit (US 2 Fernandina Beach).  Go East into and through the town of Fernandina.  Turn right at the State Park sign and follow the signs to the park.  Contact the park at (904) 277-7274.  Fort Clinch State Park