Florida Reenactors
Online News Magazine
written by
Robert Niepert
mayorbob@sprynet.com

This News Magazine, its articles, photos and all the
information contained herein are copyrighted
and may not be reproduced in any form without
written permission of the editor and its authors.

General Information

Founder Of Hunley Honor Guard Leaves Us.......Many of you may have met Steve Burt.  He was the gentleman who started the Hunley Honor Guard at the Hunley Lab.  He spent many hours organizing and participating in the honor guard.  Steve was a very friendly and active fellow reenactor he was also the recipient of the Palmetto Battalion's Soldier of the Year award.  Unfortunately Steve passed away.  Our heartfelt condolences are extended to his family and his wife Sandy.

Ocklawaha River Raid Details........All are invited to attend the 19th annual reenactment of the March 1865 Union raid and ensuing skirmish with local troops in Marion County.  The reenactment will be held at a NEW SITE this year, the Marion County 4-H farm site at the intersection of Highway 464 and Highway 35 just southeast of Ocala.  All branches of service are welcome; there is plenty of room.  Hay, firewood, water, portalets, and modern and authentic camping are provided.  Stores, lodging, and restaurants are located nearby.  Powder rations provided to the first eight cannons pre-registered by October 25th.  The weekend will include two battle reenactments, a ladies' tea and civilian activities and a ball Saturday night.  For more information. contact Major Keith Kohl at cog4flainf@aol.com  For driving directions to the new site, check the Event Roster page of this site.

Olustee Event Information.......The Battle of Olustee Web site at http://extlab7.entnem.ufl.edu/olustee/  now contains all the 2004 rules, regulations, application forms (for all branches and educational exhibitors), medical and minor child permission slips, schedule etc.,  for reenactors and spectators.  This information is provided by the Olustee Battlefield Citizen Support Organization, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection - Recreation and Parks, and the USDA Forest Service - Osceola National Forest.

Remembrance Stones Set..........A somber service commemorating the lives of Rose Mary Kelly and Ruth Frank took place on the 14th of September at Yesteryear Village (West Palm Beach).  At 4:00pm, bricks with the ladies' names inscribed on them were set into the sidewalk in front of the Olde Red Level Baptist Church.  The church was rescued from a site close to the Crystal River battlefield and moved to the Village where it was restored.  Yesteryear Village is filled with restored homes and businesses that have been moved together to create an old fashioned town.  The stones in the sidewalk will not only honor their lives but will serve to help us remember these two exceptional reenactors.
  Rose Mary Kelly was part of the 7th Conn. Infantry and volunteered many hours working at the Village.  Rose was taken from us by cancer.  Ruth Frank also volunteered at the Village as she would spend many hours at the Olde Soldiers Home where she sat on the front porch and painted her artwork.  Ruth died of heart failure.  She leaves behind her husband Wess Frank who is a member of the 7th Florida Vol. Infantry Co. B.  These ladies will be missed by us all.

New Union Artillery.........A new artillery unit has arrived!  Denny wrote to tell us about it.......
  The 1st U.S. Artillery Battery A. made its debut this weekend at the Dade City Battle event.  Not only is this a new unit but this is also a new gun owned by Denny and Debbie Rosenow.  The authentic bronze 12-pdr. Mountain Howitzer was manned by the 1st U.S. Artillery Battery A. and our very close friends from the 3rd U.S. Artillery Battery E.
The 1st U.S. has already signed up for all events for the upcoming season and is looking forward to an exciting year.  Debbie and I would like to personally thank all our Union and Confederate friends for all your assistance, support and knowledge you have given us through the last seasons, for you all have been true friends.  Anyone interested in joining the 1st U.S. Artillery Battery A., please email us at FirstU.S.Arty@juno.com

10th Tennessee Goes International......It is rare that a Florida company goes international so I am proud to announce that Hardy's Brigade and the 10th Tennessee now have members in England.  The photo at left was taken a couple of weeks ago at one of their recent reenactments.  It shows a portion of the twenty-three members of the 10th Tennessee Co. F. which is based in Leigh Park, Havant Hants, England.  Company F., commanded by Capt. E. Anthony and his men display a positive and self-confident Confederate presence for us overseas.  The 10th Tennessee as we know it today started right here in Florida when Col. Rick Justice founded Co. A., dismounted cavalry.  Col. Justice moved to Missouri where he started another dismounted cavalry unit, Co. B., leaving Maj. Rick Brass in command of Florida's Co. A.  Some of the members are pictured here on the right.  Soon 10th Tenn. Company C. (dismounted cavalry) formed in Ohio within a year or two.  Maj. Niepert started Company D. (mounted cavalry) at about the same time Capt. Don Mann set the cornerstone for Rice Battery and Banks Battery (artillery) which is attached to the Florida 10th Tenn.  Lastly, our friends in England founded Co. F. and they are also in the process of adding an artillery piece to their company.  All companies from A to F are members of Hardy's Brigade.
 

Hardy's Brigade Incorporation.........All companies need to supply General Hardy with updated member rosters reflective of the current season as soon as possible.  This is to update the information for incorporation papers.  Should the listed officers and N.C.O.'s change during the season, please advise General Hardy so he may modify the information with the state.  Be advised that the maintenance fee due from each company is $10.00 for the year.  Please get this to General Hardy with your updated roster.

Youngsters On The Field........To clarify a point, the minimum age for a rifleman is 14 years of age at a Hardy's Brigade event as long as that person is of adult size and is well drilled in the manual of arms and proficient with the weapon.  Further, it is recommended that event hosts consider the age allowed on the field for liability sake.  The age of the color bearers should also be consistent with that of a rifleman.  Remember, the color bearer was a position of honor but also one of the highest targets and most often killed on the field.  The minimum age for any position on the field is 12 at Brooksville per the event host committee.

Canteens.......Please remember to instruct your personnel that they are now required to have a canteen (or water bottle in haversack) AND cup in their possession on the field.  These may NOT be shared items.  Each person must have their own or they may not take the field.  This will be part of the inspection process that will be discussed in a future mailing from the Chief of Staff.
 

MOSQUITOES
Medical Directors Report
Warren Feldman MD
Medical Director Hardy’s Brigade CSA.

For those of us in Palm Beach County, we have just had our fourth case of Malaria. None of us living here have ever seen a case of Malaria in Florida during our life.  On top of this, we have West Nile Virus and a record number of Rabies cases. Many of these illnesses are new to our area and no one is immune from them. We have illegal immigrants from many areas were these horrible illnesses are common. We have tourists from all over the world.

 They bring these diseases with them and they get picked up by local insects, animals and people. The very fact that these problems are here means that we have to take them seriously and take precautions.

   Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. You must protect yourself and family with insect repellant with DEET. Long sleeves and long pants are important. Mosquito netting at night is also helpful. 

   There are other potential hazards. There can be ticks in the taller grass. Be careful in wood piles for snakes and scorpions. Never let you children approach wild animals. We play in the open, in fields and woods and the problems we face with disease are getting worse.

    This is no joke. Do not worry about being Farbee. I have treated Malaria and if the choice between West Nile, Malaria or being Farbee, I will gladly take Farbee. 

Respectfully Submitted,
Warren Feldman MD.
Medical Director Hardy's Brigade CSA. 

Recent Events

Battle Of Dade City.........Larry Rowe (10th Tenn. Co. D.) recently attended the Dade City event and had the following to say about it........Recently Joellen, Clint and I (Larry) attended the battle of Dade City; small but very laid back battle, actually perfect for a one day event.  Unfortunately, we could only make it on Sunday.  Upon our arrival, we met up with several members from the 10th Tenn., (The company to which we belong).  I spoke with Bruce Borders "aka" Jeb Stuart, Bruce and his wife were attending and he had also brought along a horse and mule.  I brought my new horse "Blaze".  I figured this would be the best battle to break him in.  My new horse did very well and I thank him for that.  After helping Bruce and his wife Pam set up camp, it was close to battle time.  The battle was at 3:00pm and by that time the sun was baking at its hottest.  We got dressed and went on to help fight off Union soldiers.  About  15 minutes into battle, God blessed us with a light shower of rain which felt good for about five minutes.  After it stopped, it seemed it got 10 degrees hotter.  Another gentleman rode with us but please forgive me I can't remember his name.  We had a total of three horses on the field.  We tried our best to help hold off the Union soldiers but they over ran us and took the battle on Sunday.  I understand it was a different story on Monday as the confederates took over the battle as they pushed the Union forces back for a win.

Blue Gray Cotillion.........The beautiful old red brick building known as the Pinellas Park Civic Auditorium was converted into a 1860's period dance hall last Sept. 6th.  The auditorium was nicely decorated and the ball's hosts were in place to welcome their guests.  Larry and Jo Ellen Rowe, Laura Temple, Lisa Krou and Dave Riker were a few of the many reenactors who recently attended the annual Blue Gray Cotillion.  I was told that everyone showed up in their best period correct uniforms and dresses.  As in years past, the Federal reenactors outnumbered the Confederates.  Fortunately, a battle didn't take place.  Among the seasoned veterans, several new potential reenactors attended also.  The 97th Regimental String Band did their usual great job providing everyone with an evening of music.  In addition to the dance, the usual 50/50 cash pot and several other nice items were raffled off. 

A Little More.........The Blue and Grey Cotillion held on Saturday, September 6ts was a great success.  The exact number of attendees is not known. There were enough to fill the Pinellas Park Auditorium to sufficient capacity and squeeze just enough room to perform the Virginia Reel.  It was a wonderful way to start off the 2003/2004 re-enacting season seeing many old friends and meeting new ones. It is so heartwarming for myself to see those I have somewhat forgotten about during the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. The first event is always a good time to catch up on lost time with old friends. 

The gowns this season were as beautiful as always. There were many deep emerald green, forest green and burgundy-colored gowns, embellished with ribbons and flowers. I think besides the dancing, I enjoy seeing all the gowns. I am so inspired by the creativity of my fellow women re-enactors by seeing such a display of artistry. 

The 97th Regimental String Band was phenomenal as always. Rick. Moock’s humor is incomparable to say the least. His direction and comments to the dancers make for an amusing and comical evening.  The “broom dance” (a version of musical chairs in which an odd number of men jockey to find a new woman partner each time the music stops) created quite a stir, especially when Rick changed the tide and had the women jockeying to find men to dance with. 

It was a wonderful event with a good time had by all. I have observed that people are always willing to show a newcomer how to dance the reel. It is so heartwarming to be with people who are giving of themselves, sincere, and honest in spirit. That is indeed the greatest gift that I have obtained from being with re-enactors. 

Sue Ellen Gehrke
97th Penn.

Live Fire.........Lyle Hegsted took his mortar to a live shoot over the last Labor Day weekend.  You may remember that Lyle who lives in Washington State, is the man who built the Williams Gun featured in a previous issue of this News Magazine.  He said they were using Elephant brand powder for a while but switched to Goex.  The Goex worked much better under live fire conditions.  After a few shots, the mortar was sighted in and they did fine but the match was drawing to a close.  Although they didn't win anything, Lyle said they all had a good time.  Pictured in the photo at right is Lyle's 5" bore mortar.  This photo was taken at an earlier event (Memorial Day).  They placed fourth in that event.  Look closely at the upper left section of the photo and you can see the shot leaving the mortar.  Lyle is presently building a working replica of an Agar Gun.  The ammo hopper has been completed and now he is finishing the cylinder advance, cylinder lock up, the firing cam and he has started the final fitting of those systems together.  When he completes the gun, I will write a article about it and put it in a future issue.

Letters To The News Magazine

Dade City Heat!
Medical Directors Report
Warren Feldman MD
Medical Director Hardy's Brigade

    There were over 20% casualties by the end of the first day's actions.  The sick and injured abound, some seriously.  Almost everyone was affected.  It had been a hard day for both armies.  Exhaustion was universal.  The Medical Departments of both North and South worked together to help the sick.  There were bruises and gunpowder burns, sprains and strains and heat injuries.  Worst of all, this was not a real battle, but a reenactment.
     Dade City was a horror show of heat.  The air temp in the shade was over 94 degrees.  The heat index on the field, a bowl with no breezes, was probably well over 120 degrees.  This was supposed to be fun but I saw many people sick with the heat.  I estimate over 20% of those present, suffered from heat related problems at one time or another.  The children among us suffered the worst.
     Heat injuries can be deadly.  They come on in minutes.  The earliest signs are stomach and muscle cramps, weakness, a sense of ill feeling and thirst.  At the severe end, are high fevers, confusion, collapse and death.  The older among us are more likely to have problems than young adults.
     Worst of all, our children are the most likely to become ill.  Children prior to puberty are not tough.  They are by the nature of biology, very fragile.  They have the least stamina.  They can get heat injuries fast and die fast.  They must drink a lot of water.  If they are thirsty, it is already late and they are now dehydrated.  Nobody should wait until thirst sets in to drink water.  In reality, when conditions are severe, our children really do not belong on the field.
     All units need strict rules as to safety.  All units need to set up their own standards of who can take the field and who should not.  Children and those with chronic illnesses like heart disease do not belong on the field when the heat or cold are severe.  There are many other activities that these can do.  They can be Provost Guards.  They can do living histories.  Our youngsters can demonstrate period activities like rounders, knitting, cooking, and other period children's activities.
     Reenacting has become a great family activity.  It can also be very period correct when done right.  Reenacting can teach our kids real history, patriotism, and clean fun.  I believe the children belong there.  However, they must be monitored by their parents and as we deal with firearms, safety is important.  Let's find them the correct activities and protect them from the dangerous problems like extreme heat and cold.
    Finally, even we as adults must get our act together.  When conditions of heat, cold, and severe rain occur, we should change our plans for reenacting.  In hot weather, our battles must be early in the day, during the cooler hours, and not in the peak of the heat like at Dade City.  Our life and well being is far more important then the misguided whims of some of our sponsors.  We must also set standards of temperature conditions that would trigger the cancellation of a battle.  Common sense is not farbee.  If we keep making our friends sick or injuring them, then the insurance industry or the government will close us down.  The nature of economics makes us far more at risk for ending reenacting due to injuries then from our fire arms.
Respectfully submitted,
Major Warren Feldman MD
Hardy's Brigade CSA

Reenactors Books

Humorous Reenactors Book.......Kip Grunska who is a member of Battery A, Third Regiment of New Mexico, has written a book concerning his experiences as a reenactor in Civil War reenactments.  It is called From Farb to Pard  and tells about comical actions in various reenactment battles.  It can be previewed at www.ahhbooks.com

Federal Muster Book........The Genealogy Club of Osceola County has just recently published Boys In Blue.  It is a transcription of the original muster book for the L. L. Mitchell GAR Post in St. Cloud, FL.  It contains almost 750 names of men who were Union soldiers and went to St. Cloud, FL beginning in 1909 to help settle the town.  It gives muster begin and end dates, rank and company along with some personal information.  Boys In Blue  is available from:  The Genealogy Club of Osceola County, PO Box 701295, St. Cloud, FL  34770-1295.  The price of the book is $25.00 which includes tax & shipping.

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

Check for these and other Civil War books at www.amazon.com or Barnes and Noble at www.bn.com

History Section

I found the following article rather interesting.  It was written and sent to me by one of our readers in Australia.  I am not opening up the slave debate issue here so please don't email me a lot of "this history book says this about that" or the "south's sins" or "the north proved they were right" etc., etc.  Just read the article for its information about the early slave traders (way before the Civil War) and draw your own conclusions.  If you feel that you may become upset by what you may read please skip the next article.  Thanks.

Who were the Real slave traders?
By James Gray
Sons of Confederate Veterans
American Civil War Round Table
of Queensland, Australia

Few know that most slave ships arriving in  America flew the flag of “Great Britain”. Once the United States became an independent country, it was the U.S. flag which flew over slave ships, sailing out of “northern” ports, legally and then illegally for over fifty years; the Confederate flag NEVER flew over a single slave ship. 

Empires were founded by slavery. Great Britain could never have realized their economic value had they not dealt in slaves. The growth of the British economy from 1688 to 1802  depended on the slave profits. Without it, they would not have acquired the “necessities” enjoyed each day like sweetened bread, coffee, tea, chocolate or tobacco.  Slavery brought in approximately 18,000,000 Pounds per year.

The slave trade was one of the most important business ventures of the 17th. Century. The nations of Europe stabilized themselves and developed their economy mainly at the expense of the African people. During the latter part of the century, Colbert, a Frenchman, stated “no commerce in the world produces as many advantages as that of the slave trade”. Cities like Liverpool, Amsterdam and Bristol, England were built upon slave labor; as was many of the northern cities of America. Erick Williams stated “the capital and raw materials derived from African slave trade contributed significantly to the Commercial and Industrial revolution”. According to James Rawley, the “black slavery was essential to the carrying on of commerce, which in turn was fundamental to making the modern world”. In other words, according to those men, the modern world was build on the blood, sweat and tears of African ancestors. 

Great Britain became the leader of the slave trade in 1629, only ten years after its conception, and within 250 years had transported double the number of Africans into slavery as all other countries combined. Slavery was formerly established by the House of Burgesses in 1670 with law declaring “all servants not being Christians imported into this colony by shipping shall be slaves for their lives”.  In 1713 Great Britain was awarded a contract to import slaves to the Spanish Indies and for the South Sea Company. The painting at right is of Dodson Foster (1730-1792).  Dodson was a Quaker merchant whose first investments were in slaving.  The profits were immense. Bristol, then Liverpool, England, developed into prosperous slave ports, trading manufactured goods to Africans for human cargo. By the 1780’s Britain shipped a third of a million slaves to the New World; the British national economy depended on the trade. The prices for conspicuous consumption was high. Prime field hands brought $1,200 to $11,000 in the late 1850’s; an equivalent of $18,000 in 1997 dollars. England transported annually some 15,000 slaves to the shores of America. In 1796 alone, England transported 97,000 Africans into slavery and operated more than 800 slave ships out of Liverpool, England.

New England, in America, soon joined England in the slave business. In 1663, Massachusetts  entered the slave trading business, followed by Rhode Island. The largest slave trading ports in America were located in Rhode Island and soon rivaled those of Liverpool. The wealth and economy of New England was based solely on slave trading and exporting rum; and the southern most colonies were NOT part of that odious slave trade. 

Rhode Island merchants controlled from 60 to 90 percent of the American trade in African slaves throughout much of the 18th. Century; according to Jay Coughtry who teaches at the University of Nevada, in his book, “The Notorious Triangle”. Ship owners sent vessels from Newport, Bristol Warren and Providence to the west coast of Africa for slaves. More than 100,000 Africans were taken aboard 934 Rhode Island ships between 1725 and 1807. 

More ships made the voyage but Mr. Coughtry stated “The owners, the family members, had actually razored out the signatures of the family member. That’s a telling sign. Northerners, New Englanders, don’t want that stigma of any association of slavery because New Englanders turn out to be the most vocal abolitionists”. Bob Weisbord, history professor of the University of Rhode Island stated that Newport, Rhode Island  was the largest slave trading city in the 13 colonies, with the largest number of ships engaged in the business. Rhode Island’s slave trading history, however, is not well known and is not taught in public schools.

The John Brown House in Providence, the historical society’s headquarters, was named for an American Patriot; but Brown also was a slave trader, as was his brother, Nicholas, for whom Brown University was named. When President John Quincy Adams visited the John Brown house, he called it “the most magnificent and elegant mansion” in America; built with slave trading profits. 

George Whitfield, a renowned preacher and orator, stated that “Slavery is actually a humanitarian institution.”. At left is a photograph of a slave prison in England.  He said one should participate in holding slaves, to “lay a foundation for breeding up [slaves] posterity and nurture and admonition of the Lord”.  He said, “As can be seen in the New Testament, freedom from slavery is freedom from ignorance, error, prejudice, lust, passions and other moralities. The concept of slavery is true for any person. But, the real issue at hand is that blacks are not really human beings at all. They are not descended from Adam, but rather, are descendants of Cain and carry Cain’s mark of blackness. Blacks are beasts without rights or claims to religion, and thus, they are eternally damned by God. These factors show that blacks are not humans to begin with, and therefore, can be held in bondage”. Such was the belief’s of “northern” Christians. Northern whites concluded that the extermination of Indians and the enslavement of Africans was logical in that whites were civilized and others were barbaric.

As early as 1774 the citizens of South Carolina and North Carolina passed laws forbidding any importation of slaves. In contrast, in 1787, the United States Constitution  passed laws forbidding the U.S. Congress from banning the importation of slaves into the country for an additional 20 years. This was a direct result of the influence of “New England” slave traders. Other northern states were also involved in the slave business as well. The state of New York led the market in slave trading, followed by Philadelphia, Pa.. It was a lucrative business and made northerners wealthy and powerful. The largest slave trader and owner, in the south, was actually a “black man” from Boston, Mass. residing in New Orleans, Louisiana. He had considerable holdings, a lucrative business and an elaborate home; in addition to owning some 2,500 slaves of his own race.

Slavery was NOT a product of the south as is falsely stated, but solely created  and ran by wealthy northern merchants. It was not for “humanitarian reasons”, but was operated solely for economic profit, power and  cheap labor in the establishment and construction of major northern cities and plantations; before being introduced to rich land owners in the south who migrated from the north. 

African Chieftains who captured their own race in raids on rival tribes sold their own people for a “few gallons of rum”; to New England slave traders. The slaves were then transported on northern slave ships and sold in New England slave markets at fantastic profits; at least those who survived the torturous and horrendous voyage. Even after slave trading was banned in 1808, Northern slave traders continued to smuggle 40,000 slaves a year to America; saying little for the U.S. Government's laws and policing of the problem. A New York City slave ship, in 1858, was discovered to have landed some 420 African slaves  on the coast of Georgia; avoiding northern scrutiny. As late as 1861, five vessels were seized and destroyed that were being outfitted specifically for slave trading transports. 

President Abraham Lincoln freely and openly admitted that “the North was as responsible as the South for the existence of slavery” in the country; a mild admission since it was the “north” that instituted and profited from slavery from the very beginning. 

It is a documented fact of history that the “Constitution of the Confederate Sates of America” OUTLAWED the African slave trade in the south completely, before the War Between the States even began. 

Items For Sale And Wanted

For Sale........CARGO TRAILER FOR SALE. 16'long box by 8 1/2' wide and 7' inside height. Already set up for a sutler but inside shelves and sub floor can be easily removed should you want to haul a cannon or two. Trailer is built on a heavy duty frame with 10 thousand pound axles, has almost new tires and a mounted spare, has electric brakes. Some slight amount of the usual dings but nothing seriously wrong with the unit. Original cost was about 6000.00. will sell for $3300.00.  Delivery may be possible. Email John Boger at yoursutler@earthlink.net

For Sale........Grey shell jacket size 42 / 44  hand made.  Richmond style tunic with the belt loops.  Only worn once.  Asking $100.00.  Contact Kurt at kshilberth@aol.com

For Sale........Original Plantation saddle.  Rebuilt.  Asking $300.00 OBO.  Contact Kurt at kshilberth@aol.com

For Sale........Proven cavalry horse.  20 year old gelding.  $2,000.00.  Horse trailer.  $2500.00.  Contact Kurt at kshilberth@aol.com

For Sale........A member of the 37th Alabama, Co. H. is selling her Sibley tent, which is quite new. Includes stakes. For information, email Cheryl Lokey at Civilwarrose0220@aol.com

For Sale........Medical Identification Cards for all reenactors.  Durable, PVC plastic cards (like your driver's license) - not laminated.  This is a great way to help facilitate proper medical care should you have a medical emergency at a reenactment or anywhere.  Your unit's name will be printed on them as an extra identifier.  For more information, email, Jamie Gilliam Byrd (37th Alabama, Co. H.) at identitypass@aol.com

For Sale........Nine foot "A" Frame tent with poles and stakes,  $125 (very good condition).  Lots of other smaller items to use in authentic camp also for sale. If interested, please call Vickie Shenise at 352-799-9285.

For Sale........Pull along utility trailer, new tires, new light harness, new carpet inside, able to sleep inside,  $200.  If interested, please call Vickie Shenise at 352-799-9285.

Wanted........Boy's clothing.  Looking for trousers and shirts for little boy, size 24-months/2T.  Contact Gina at cook1864@cfl.rr.com.

Wanted........Woman's dresses.  Need a dress or two for the few reenactments as well as some living history.  Need about a size 10 to 12 but can do some alterations if necessary.  If you are getting out of the reenacting hobby or have changed sizes and want to sell some used stuff, contact Willie at williewood@netzero.net

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

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

For Sale........American Civil War Armies: Union Troops (Paperback 1986) by Philip Katcher - List $14.95. (very good condition - due to  small crease on cover - not very noticeable)  $6.00 - includes shipping.  And American Civil War Armies 4: State Troops (Paperback 1987) by Philip Katcher - List $14.95 (like new condition) $7.00 - includes shipping Or both for $12.00.  Contact Tom Fasulo at fasulo@ufl.edu

Upcoming Events

September 26, 27, 28, 2003.  Raid on Fort Pierce.  NEW DATE and NEW LOCATION.  Two battles.  Sites for modern hook up for a fee and showers will be available.  Directions:  I-95 to exit 126 (old exit 64) This is Midway road (SR 712).  Go east approximately 5.5 miles to Savanna County Park (the park will be on the left).  If traveling from the west coast you can take SR 60 to I-95 south, or SR 70 to SR 712 and follow the above directions.   Contacts: Tim Futch cocfl8@aol.com Rick Eckert surgeon@bellsouth.net  Dwight Dovel A75thovi@aol.com

October 4, 5, 2003.  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 3, 4, 5, 2003.  Veterans Memorial Park and Museum, Tampa Civil War Days.  Hosted by 7th Fl. Co. K. Civil War living history and encampments, battles both days.  This 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 3, 4, 5, 2003.  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.  Contact Captain Ricky Burham at (229) 439-4529

October 10, 11, 12, 2003.  Alabama.  Third annual battle of Newton.  Newton is about two hours west of Tallahassee.  Free ice, wood, hay and water.  Cavalry, artillery and infantry welcome.  This is a fairly small size event but they have support of the town.  The reenactment takes place at a large wooded park.  Please RSVP.  Contact Joe Rich email at joerebnal@aol.com

October 11, 12, 2003.  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

October 18, 19, 2003.  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

Your Obedient Servant,
Major Robert A. Niepert
Hardy's Brigade Cavalry Commander
10th Tennessee Cavalry Company D
Editor/Publisher
mayorbob@sprynet.com
(407) 448-4871

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