Marmaduke's Raid 1863

[Campjacksonboy]

When: Sept. 26-28, 2008
Where: South Eastern Missouri
Why: Do something different.
Who: Frank Aufmuth, Silvana Siddalis, Anna Allen, Terry Sorchy

Details still being worked out. Website link pending moderator approval.
Frank Aufmuth

[biddler165]

I hope that I am back from Baghdad in time to be there.

[moarkcav]

Frank:

I am sending you a PM re this event.

Thanks,

Chris Talburt

[Charles Heath]

Website link pending moderator approval.


The event guy likes it. :)

http://campjacksonboy.googlepages.com/home

[Old Reb]

Was this event site posted by the same Frank Aufmuth that was last seen in the Kisatchie area gnawing bark off a pine tree and blowing a whistle?

[boozie]

Frank,

You Trans Mississippi boys know how to put on the best times. I heard the rumor from some Missouri fellows at Shiloh. You can count me in!!

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Terry Sorchy and I are working on the guidelines for the Federals. As of right now we are going to portray one of the three companies(that was there) of the 32nd Iowa.

[DougCooper]

This event, like anything Marse Aufmuth touches, will have an important preservation focus as well - that of helping to preserve and protect a series of small federal forts and redoubts strung across that part of Missouri to guard against CS forays from Arkansas. I am humbled to be asked to help with this portion of the event...stay tuned.

Gonna be a good one - take a gander at the google satellite map of the area.

Meanwhile, here is the preservation blurb from the website:

During the Civil War there were a string of fortifications that stretched across southern Missouri. This network of forts included large earth fortifications in Cape Giradeau, Pilot Knob, and Rolla. Beyond these, to the south, existed smaller earthworks or redoubts in places like Bloomfield, Patterson, and Ellington. In fact these fortifications seem to have stretched across the southern portion of the state. They were strategically placed to protect Missouri from Confederate invasions that would come out of Arkansas. At least a few of these earthworks are still extant. They sit in various places some waiting to be discovered, others under the care of various groups or individuals. Patterson's Fort (a.k.a. Ft. Benton) sits atop a hill overlooking a small town in obscure woods; Ellington's sits on public land in a state of secrecy, and what is left of the one in Bloomfield forms a boundry between private land and what was once the town dump.

For over ten years the site at Patterson has been under the care of a small historical society. With few volunteers and little funding they have worked valliantly to preserve this valuable piece of history. Just thirty miles to the west is a redoubt, outside Ellington. Protected by its obscurity, sits a piece of Missouri's Civil War history waiting to be discovered. The dream of preserving the history at both sites has been accomplished by a few individuals. Proceeds from Marmaduke's Raid will go towards their cause.

[Anna Allen]

Ah, man...Frank, you removed the ladies' silk shoes from the C.S. Guidelines. And I really thought you were being serious...:p

[MO-Pard]

When: Sept. 26-28, 2008
Where: South Eastern Missouri
Why: Do something different.
Who: Frank Aufmuth, Silvana Siddalis, Anna Allen, Terry Sorchy

Details still being worked out. Website link pending moderator approval.
Frank Aufmuth

Frank-

Could one expect this to be in the mold of a BGR-type attitude and feel?

Definitely know it will be quality.....

Best Regards

[Silvana Siddali]

Well, that's what I think, Jay. This event will be held on private property, so there won't be any modern intrusions of any kind (and that includes portapotties.)

Anna and I will post civilian info & standards pretty soon. In the meantime, you'd think Frank would know how to spell my name, after all these years. :rolleyes:

[Old Cremona]

In the meantime, you'd think Frank would know how to spell my name, after all these years. :rolleyes:

It's a nineteenth century thing.

[Shotgun Messiah]

I have waited for along time for this to be "Officially" announced. ( even the event guy has smiled upon it)
When Frank first mentioned this event a long time ago, I was stoked and could hardly contain myself. I knew where he was talking about , And knowing the rugged South East Missouri countryside, That THIS would be the event not to miss.
I began tellin everyone I knew that this would not be a dissappointment and it must be done. Its not often that you can be on private property and have a event like this . It will be here that you can let it all hang out.

Not to mention that this will be the same year as Athens and New Madrid.
A Grand time in Eastern Missouri this year.

Nothing will stop me from defending my home from Foreign invaders nor prevent me from being here.

[Hairy Nation Boys]

It is about time the Trans-Mississippi gets some attention. I am currently working on Athens for '08. We have some exciting news! But you all will have to wait :)

The US guidelines are about done. Boys in blue get ready!

[semoreb]

Frank,
Might this be the subject we discussed last year at our small get together. I am very interested if so. If you need help let me know more.

Your old comrade,

semoreb - James Maupin

[Campjacksonboy]

James
If all goes well it will indeed be the same place.
I will contact you off the forum.
I could use some help
Frank

[Campjacksonboy]

Keep your calendars marked things are progressing well. Anyone wishing to help can go over to the preservation forum and buy raffle tickets for Mr. Gobtop's raffle for the federal kit.
These forts are virtually untapped academically and untouched by the reenacting community.
More information will be out soon.
Thanks Rob.
Frank Aufmuth

[Shotgun Messiah]

mmmmmm untapped... {drool}

[Silvana Siddali]

Frank and I did some work on the site a couple of weekends ago. I'd like to describe the valley for those of you who haven't seen it. It's pristine woodland, about 70 acres in all. The valley is a cool, ferny, mossy, quiet place. The ground is studded with glittering geodes and creek-washed rocks. Not to get too poetic, but it really is a beautiful place. It's about 2 miles from Clearwater Lake, where I suppose we could swim after the event is over on Sunday.

What is particularly interesting to me is that there are no manmade features (other than the road Frank and I worked on) newer than, say 100 years. There are two overgrown 19th century sinkholes created by lead or iron prospectors, and several "marking trees" shaped by (we think) Cherokee Indians about 200 years ago. When you're actually in the valley you hear nothing except wild birds. The civilians will be in a little grove, at least on the first day, somewhat below the hill where the federals will have their redoubt.

Within a 15 minute drive there are several Civil War-era redoubts and forts, most of which have been sadly neglected. The one called Ft. Benton is the target for our preservation efforts. One thing I'd like to add, too, is that for those men who have been interested in the possibility of doing a civilian impression, this might be the perfect opportunity. The southeastern Missouri men who were avoiding capture & conscription by both armies fled into those woods, calling themselves "Mossbacks." The men who join our refugee band would have to be constantly on the alert, hiding from both armies as well as bushwhackers.

I'm going to try to add two pictures -- one is of Clearwater Lake, the other is the top of the hill leading to the valley.

[Silvana Siddali]

Sorry about the double post, let me try that again. Here are the pics.

[Campjacksonboy]

Thanks Silvana!
And to shoot down the boo birds, Silvana only saw part of the 70 acres. There is an additional plot of unknown acreage, perhaps over 1000 that will also be at our disposal. Not to mention the roughly 5 miles of gravel and dirt roads for the Confederates marching in. Spring, Lake, River, creek, bla, bla, bla.
Frank Aufmuth

[DougCooper]

Check out the satellite photos of this area and you can see its pristine nature very well. Nary a modern anything along the route.

[WestTN_reb]

Count me in for this one. It's close to home, and sounds like fun. I'll even go Federal just for the heck of it.

[rkg]

Thanks for the shots Silvana, my grandparents lived very close to there when I was younger. My dad, brother, uncle, and I used to go fishing over at Clearwater lake. You picture brought back a pleasant memory. Thanks again,

Robert Gobtop
Ol' Sipley Mess
ONV
Mo Forts Raffle
"Just tryin' to help save some forts and clothe 1 Fed."

[LindaTrent]

I've been in touch with Silvana, and we're planning on attending. Ain't close to home though. :eek:

Linda.

[Old Reb]

Yo, Frank,
Can I bring a group as partisans, ya know, armed civilians that are not loyal to no one and mainly want to drink whiskey and steal from the unarmed civilans? We could pitch in with the rebs or the yanks for whiskey, bacon, and coffee. Loyalities would not be tops on our list.

[Charles Heath]

Uncle Tom,

I'm fixin' to go do some bushwhacking myself, but more towards "Manassas Gap" than the Sho Me State. The event is only on about 5 square miles, so it isn't anything big enough for the Trans-Miss folks to be interested in doing. This hobby never gets dull....

[Old Reb]

Marse Frank has offered the more unruly and independent folks of the Southern Trans-Miss a pretty sweet deal and while the amount of whiskey, bacon and coffee is still open to negotiation, the idea of terrorizing innocent civilians and maybe taking a few pot shots at wayward yanks has definant possibilities.

[huntdaw]

Mr. Frank has asked me to command a Confederate company at this event. The other two company commanders will be Mike Kupsch and Doug Cooper I believe. With the idea that it is never too early to plan and with Mr. Aufmuth's blessing, I am beginning my recruiting drive.

Mike and Doug are mighty fine fellows and will make excellent commanders. But, I would also like those of you coming to this event to consider joining up with my company when registration time comes. I would consider it an honor indeed.

Marmaduke's Raid is being held in my old stomping grounds so I won't get you lost like that city feller and westerner might do. I'll keep you out of the poison ivy but can't say the same for ticks and chiggers. And any spoils gathered along the way will be divided liberally among the men.

I would also advise folks that this is some rugged SE Missouri country where just about everything is on a grade. It's like a Rich Mt. but the hills aren't as big. There are a lot more of them though. It's also like a BGR except the hills are a bit steeper and there's a lot more of them. Either way there are a lot of hills with a nice valley thrown in for some variety. Please prepare yourself accordingly.

All for Missouri!

[Alamo Guard]

Wonder if there is need for a preacher in the wilds of S.E Missouri?

[Campjacksonboy]

We always could use a little 'ligion.
Frank Aufmuth

[DougCooper]

[QUOTE=huntdaw;72153]The other two company commanders will be Mike Kupsch and Doug Cooper I believe. QUOTE]

Comrades, much to my GREAT regret, I already know I cannot make the event due to it falling on my son's 7th birthday. It will be a good one for sure and my heart will be with you guys.

[Campjacksonboy]

Look for registration information in January.
All is well in the Trans-Mississippi
Frank Aufmuth

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Fderals:

Just a reminder we will be portraying the 32nd Iowa Co.A. We will have only one company. We want to try and have an actual sized company. Not many little ones. Also, I am reworking the federal guidelines. Nothing big, just want to write up something about the 32nd and change some of the guidelines.

Terry Sorchy is our captain and the other postions will be announced later.
If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. hheadlog@aol.com

On to Outpost!

[huntdaw]

Registration will be opening up for this event before too long and I wanted to let folks know that I will be one of the Confederate company commanders. I would like to extend an invitation to please consider joining up with my company when you register.

I will guarantee you plenty of exercise in the clean, fresh air of the Missouri wilds, hearty vittles (I hope) and whatever pie we can steal - I mean acquire - from the other companies that will be with us. Join the "Cracker Company" and all your wildest dreams will come true.

(I'm Michael Comer and I approved of this ad)

[GA_Tarheel]

My pards and I in the Blue Ridge Mess are really looking forward to this event. As a Trans-Mississippi theater event, it will indeed be something different. Will keep our eyes peeled for the registration information in January. Thanks!

[Coatsy]

Micheal,

Nice ad.... I'll keep silent about the bounty I am offering for the company I am commanding at Marmaduke's Raid. Something about war roosters, sweets, steak, and lots of marching... I mean not marching but totally taking in the beautiful Missouri scenery. Yeah that's it......

Micheal Comer and his "Crackers" will be a good unit to join up with. :D

But...... The OCN Jeeorgia Texicans (dismounted) are looking for some good folks from the southeast (heck the east as well!) wanting to head west across that Big Muddy for a quality event that pits us agaisnt the Terror of Middle Tennessee!!!! SORCHY!!!!!!!

To get the destination there are rumors of carpools, bad OCN singing, good camraderie, and tales of something somewhat taboo all the way from the Greater Atlanta area up through Tennessee, past Ken-Tuck-EE and finally into Missouri itself. Don't miss out.

(I'm the OCN and I approve this blatant muster advertisement for the OCN Company at Marmaduke's Raid in September of 2007!) :tounge_sm

[huntdaw]

Just bring lots of pie Herb. My boys will be needing pie.

(Paid for by the Pie for Crackers political action committee)

[AZReenactor]

I know the Cannibals and friends will be organizing carpools and caravans heading East from Arizona and California for this gathering. I also sure hope to see a good number of the old Shit A** Platoon from BGR there for an opportunity to support Hollar and again serve under the command of the Terror of Middle Tennessee!!!! SORCHY!!!!!!!

Good times!

"Texans?!?...tastes like chicken."

[Eureka Independent]

Hi All

Man oh man I am looking forward to this event! Working with Terry as the attached US Topog Eng will be a blast as it was at Outpost III!

I'm looking forward to the car pool out from here in the west with my fellow Canabals and pards.....Good Times all the way around:)


Don S

[RJSamp]

Sorry about the double post, let me try that again. Here are the pics.

Drat, I'm looking at that gorgous 'road' leading into the dense woods and within 5 seconds I spot poison ivy on the right side for the road.....

no scorpions, right?

[Silvana Siddali]

I spent a couple of days last June helping Frank build that road and I can state positively that there was no poison ivy anywhere near there. Believe me, I know exactly what the plant looks like and would certainly have cautioned future participants about its presence.

[Campjacksonboy]

I can second Silvana here. You most often find poison ivy at the edge of the woods down there, not in the middle. The picture was taken in July when the undergrowth is at it's thickest. It will look a little tamer come Septemer but just a little. If you saw anything it was most likely sassafrass, may apples, and young trees trying to grow. Otherwise, poison Ivy is pretty easy to avoid. The road will be a little more pronounced come September as well.
Yes there are scorpions but in the 37 years I've been going there I've only seen scorpions twice (Once in 1977 and again in 1987) but those sightings were 5-10 miles away from the event site. I'd be more concerned about copper heads and rattlesnakes personally...Or in your case Mr. Samp, the Confederate Army.:baring_te
Frank Aufmuth

[Terry Sorchy]

Frank and the Boys are really going all out for this one. It is going to have many surprises, coupled with a longer event (3 days) and an immersion rich environment.
I am greatly honored to be chosen for this spot for such an event. We are working very hard putting this together right down to the smallest details so you all (or Ya'll for my southern bretheren) will have the utmost in historical experiences.
The women and men that are putting together the civilian end of it are really busting tail to. I cant tell you what they are up to because Miss Silvana is keeping that a closely guarded secret. But it is going to be quite a show for the citizens to.
Hope to see you there. You will deffinatly not regret it.
Cheers
Terry Sorchy
"Terror of Tennessee" (I like that):D

[huntdaw]

Perhaps Mr. Samp is referring to Virginia Creeper, common throughout Missouri woods and often mistaken for Poison Ivy, but it has 5 leaves as opposed to 3. But you do need to take care and have an open eye if you are allergic to the bad stuff.

Copperheads - no reported deaths from a bite ever recorded in Missouri. They just make you feel so sick you wish you were dead. Hard to see in the leaf litter and they like to lay along the side of downed logs and in downed tree tops etc. Always look where you're gathering firewood before you pick anything up. To give you something to think about when marching: I have heard it is seldom the first person to step over one of these little darlin's that gets bitten. They are not overly aggressive, so the first person to pass gets their attention, the second person gets them frightened and the third person gets nailed. I've known a few people that have been bitten and they've made it just fine after a period of agony and swelling.

Timber rattlers - they are in the area but don't like the commotion that a moving army makes so I would think they would clear out ahead of any large group of people moving. Might wander into your camp at night though:eek:

Those snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them though, believe it or not. All they know is that you're going to eat them and they don't want that to happen so they go away.

But, the only thing you'll really have to worry about is the elusive grayback. Known to travel in packs, they move through the woods like the will o' the wisp snapping up their favorite prey, the blue-bellied aggressor, only to disappear as quickly as they come back into the depths of the forest. The grayback is quite vicious when cornered and is extremly aggressive in its hunting technique and can often be identified by its distinctive whistling call.

[Alamo Guard]

For those men or women who may claim to A) wander into poison ivy, B) be bitten by a snake, C) encounter one of the afrementioned graybacked demons, let me ensure you that a certain preacher shall be there with plenty of Natchez Spring Water and a hardy dose of fire and brimstone for your misery.
For any of you blue clad demons who treated me in an "Ungentlemanly Way" by tossing me in the ditch at BGR, may I say to you.......:rolleyes:,Get my drift?
If the "babes in the woods" however first get to my supply of course you men will understand what happened to the aforementioned nectar.

[Thomas Alleman]

I was wondering since Marmaduke's men were both mounted and dismounted were the dismounted organized like infantry units or just a loose assortment of troops and are there any accounts of the troops in the field on say appearance and mood of the army? Good background info would be a great help to get in the mood for this one. I do want to go mounted somehow, I just need a horse. Also were the dismounted troops waiting for horses and had equipment for them if they arrived?

[Campjacksonboy]

Thomas
The disposition of the 21st Texas was not all that good. I do not have figures of how many were dismounted in the regiment. 1/5th is from marmaduke and is out of everyone in his command.
The 21st (and I hate to throw this out) did not have the best of discipline. From what little I have been able to garner, when they got to Patterson some of the houses and buildings were on fire. Instead of heading out of town to capture Col. Smart, whole companies apparently dismounted and were seen looting the town. It was with the most strenious efforts that Lt. Col. Giddings got his men in persuit of the retreating federals.
The actual commander of the Regiment was Col. Carter. He was a man of the cloth but seemed to be more wrapped up in getting command of his own brigade. He went so far as to contest his brigade commander.
They did not conduct themselves well on the raid. The Confederate artillery under Pratt began firing two miles outside of Patterson. This alerted the federal garrison which promptly fell back to Pilot Knob as they were ordered to do if the Confederates arrived in any force.
The federals didn't get off entirely easy they evidently had a hell of a fight about 10 miles north of Patterson at a place called Stony Battery.

I did post a reading list under the "21st Texas" Thread.
Frank

[Mike Nickerson]

This is going to be a novel change! The Critter's measuring up to be "typical" (rough around the edges cavalry) of the Confederate unit being portrayed! My-oh-my, I have to drag my pony the 950 miles just to see how this event turns out :D

Mike Nickerson

[Pvt Peck]

Well I might have to take Mr. Comer up on his fine offer of pie, I am a first rate pie & grub thief so like the sound of his "ad".

My mother lives back in Springfield & my kin is from Missouri so a family visit may have to turn into a campaign! I'll keep an eye out for the registration in January. Besides I want to catch me a Federal Topographical Engineer and sell it Barnum to put in his museum of curiosities.

Edward Parrott

Arizona living historians= taste like chicken too! (sorry Troy had to do it!)

[boozie]

Well, I don't need any pie to show up for this one. Holler's company will be ready for a brawl. Nothing like a storm of boys from the midwest and west coast to rattle some chains.

[Pvt Peck]

Scott:

Did you have some relatives with the surname Childress? I think I saw that on another post. My grandparents in Missouri were Childress folk. my great, great grandfather John Marion, his brother & a cousin all served in Georgia regiments in the war. Just wondering if we might have some fightin' Childresses at this event.

Edward Parrott

[boozie]

Scott:

Did you have some relatives with the surname Childress? I think I saw that on another post. My grandparents in Missouri were Childress folk. my great, great grandfather John Marion, his brother & a cousin all served in Georgia regiments in the war. Just wondering if we might have some fightin' Childresses at this event.

Edward Parrott

Edward,

Yes, my GGG Grandfather was Isham Childress a Revolutionary War vet from North Carolina. They lived in Rutherford County Tennessee and moved to Illinois before the war. His Grandsons were in the 66th Illinois carrying the Henry Rifle. George left a diary of his service 61-65, the college has in Champagin and the Lincoln Library also has it.

So yes there will be a little Childress blood marching in Missouri between us.

About the only Missouri tie I know of from that time is John Busenbark who served in the 1st Missouri Engineer Reg't. U.S.

[Campjacksonboy]

A few good men are needed. Must be willing to manhandle and serve a replica of Marmaduke's Mountain Howitzer (With the aid of a horse).
There are a limited number of spots for the crew. Impression is Confederate. Please inquire before registering.
Frank Aufmuth

[unionreb]

This is going to be a novel change! The Critter's measuring up to be "typical" (rough around the edges cavalry) of the Confederate unit being portrayed! My-oh-my, I have to drag my pony the 950 miles just to see how this event turns out :D

Mike Nickerson

Mike,

Don't worry about your boy. I drag my boy a whole lot further that 950 just to come play with you folks back east. Just stop about every 4-5 hours and let him out of the trailer to stretch and have a little water (bring some from home for on the road). I already have my invite, so will see you there.

[csabugler]

Bradford,
Trust me, ole Nickerson knows the drill. :D Geez, he's got a road tractor AND a Ford dually for hauling. You coming back to the Mill this year? I got my freaking Smith working when I got home from O3.

[csabugler]

Did you have some relatives with the surname Childress? I think I saw that on another post. My grandparents in Missouri were Childress folk. my great, great grandfather John Marion, his brother & a cousin all served in Georgia regiments in the war. Just wondering if we might have some fightin' Childresses at this event.

Edward Parrott
__________________
Edward Anthony Parrott
"Humbug"


Ed, were those Childress' in GA at the time? My ex is kin to that name in Henry county, GA. They have some original letters from one of the extended family, tho I am not sure wether he was a Childress off hand.

[Jerry Ross]

Frank,
Is there any kind of limit or ratio on the number of Cav/horses at this event versus dismounted? Thanks

[Campjacksonboy]

Edward
Talk to Coley about that or have him talk to me.
Frank Aufmuth

[Mike Nickerson]

Bradford, how about you leavin' that Texas size snore back in Texas this time around? My point wasn't about how far it is, but the fact that for once we will be "normal"!

Mike Nickerson

[Pvt Peck]

Ed, were those Childress' in GA at the time? My ex is kin to that name in Henry county, GA. They have some original letters from one of the extended family, tho I am not sure wether he was a Childress off hand.[/QUOTE]

Yessir they were. In fact from what my uncle has done in the way of research they are the Childress family who lived right near Chickamauga. From what my uncle has sent me my GG grandfathers mother was at the CHildress farm during the battle. Boozie's family came from NC which is also where our line came from as well, guess we all might be related! I'd love to see copies of the letters and see if any names tie in to what my uncle has compiled about the family. Thanks for the heads up.

Edward Parrott

[unionreb]

Bradford, how about you leavin' that Texas size snore back in Texas this time around? My point wasn't about how far it is, but the fact that for once we will be "normal"!

Mike Nickerson

Mike,

Question, did you get stepped on by the elephant? If not, don't complain.

Bradford

[unionreb]

Bradford,
Trust me, ole Nickerson knows the drill. :D Geez, he's got a road tractor AND a Ford dually for hauling. You coming back to the Mill this year? I got my freaking Smith working when I got home from O3.

Patrick,

Too many out of state events in May. Going to Kansas City for Stand of Colors with my Texas unit.

Bradford
Terry's Texas Rangers

[Coon Dawg]

Being that I am already excited about the event in Missouri and having registered and paid, I was looking here and on the Raid’s website for a registered list and/or paid list and was wondering if that was being kept hush to give the event participant that unknown feeling or if someone has just not thought of or had time to post a registered list out there for all of us.

Joel Phillips
The Coon Dawg’s Mess (http://coondawgsmess.googlepages.com/)
Valdosta, Ga

[Campjacksonboy]

I'll attach the registered list to the home page some how. I will list the names as Union, CS and Civilian
Frank

[Coon Dawg]

Just saw the registered list on your website. Awesome! Thanks a bunch Frank.

[Silvana Siddali]

I found this article in an 1857 issue of the Magazine of Travel, written by an engineer named Warren A. Isham who had traveled through Iowa & published his diary. I thought those who were coming as civilians might find his description of backwoods hunters & their guns interesting.

BTW, this description comes from a series entitled "Sketches of Border Life," which ran in the magazine for a couple of years. I just discovered that Google Books has scanned most of the magazine, so if you want to read the rest of this (as well as many other really interesting articles on country life in the late 1850s) check out the magazine & search for the series title.

pp. 179-180



“Now and then [hunters] may be met in the woods, a speciment of the genuine backwoodsman, rough and hearty, sociable and full of yarns relating to his calling, his rifle and dogs being as rough as himself. The hunter holds in special contempt the exploits of amateur shooters, with their double barrelled shot guns, and finely polished rifles . . . He generally carries an old fashioned rifle, that has been an heir-loom in the family, and which is valued for its good qualities rather than its appearance. All bright ornaments, such as are valued on our finished rifles, are carefully avoided, and the blacker the barrel, and greasier the stock, the more it is esteemed, so long as there is a bore that will send the ball to the very spot intended, and without fail. . . .

He loved most dearly his uncouth old rifle. Holding it up, and looking at it affectionately, he would say, “Mebby you think, boys, that this ere old gun wont shoot, cause she haint got any shiny fixens and fancy flumididdles on her; but I tell you she’ll put a ball right into the spot every time. I don’t want none of yer brass and German silver fixens round my old Continentaler. Why, look at yer! I’ve actilly seed a feller come out yere with one o’ them are fancy fixed up consarns, and what he called a shootin’ jacket, and big boots that buckled up around his chin . . . Well, he had brass and silver on that are gun to that amount that he actilly skeered every deer and turkey out of the woods …

[EVOC]

That is good article and gives some perspective on the people, place and time. It would be interesting to know if this individual became accomplished at shooting men in those woods during the War. Perhaps a double barreled shotgun would have appeared more attractive in that case.

[Campjacksonboy]

The event is about 6 weeks away.
I implore you if you are coming, this would be a good time to start exercising.
We won't be sitting around camp just frying bacon, this is not a living history. I'm certain that those coming are campaigners so If those of you who can would just go out and walk, jog, run, hit the tread mill, stair master or whatever. This would give you an edge so you are not finished the first time you climb a hill. 15-20 minutes for 6 weeks is just enough time to build yourself up. We only give the Cross Country team about three weeks so this is doable. I'm not asking for the "Grayhound Squad" or Marathoners but every little bit helps.
Those who have walked the site can tell you what it's like. This is not the event for stragglers the action is in the front.
Where stand you?
Frank Aufmuth

[moarkcav]

To piggy back off of Frank’s post. For those of you bringing horses make sure to get some miles on them before the event and not just in the arena. They need to be prepared as much or more than you do. I would also recommend getting a tube of electrolyte paste for them and keeping it in your saddle bag. I know it is not period but it can make a big difference in their ability to recover for the next day. Also get your saddle out and check all the points that come in contact with buckles etc. and the stitching to make sure nothing is going to break on you.


Chris Talburt