Death March #10 Summer 2008

[Charles Heath]

Date: Late August 2008
Name: LHG’s Death March
Location: New Location in New Albany, PA
Sponsor/Host: Living History Guild
Capacity: Two small companies
POC: Doug Oakes
Email: oldsoldier51@yahoo.com
Civilian & Kabuki POC: Terri Olszowy
Email: olszowytm@yahoo.com
Website: None
Forum: None
Listserver: None
Preservation Component: None
Event Type: Campaign
Estimated Distance: TBA
Notes:

[Charles Heath]

Folks,

God only knows what Terri & Doug and the rest of the Living History Guild gang have cooked up for the 10th iteration of this damned fun and surprising event during the weekend of 22-24 August 2008, but if you like wearing that gray stuff, especially the blue-gray stuff, and can find New Albany, PA on a map, and don't mind getting wet, hungry, eating strange (yes, strange to me, too) food found in odd places, reading a little history beforehand, and tramping around in the woods a bit, well, come the heck on. I've had a darn fine time every time I've been, and for those who long for the old Mudsill's March event so often linked on this forum, well, you've missed nine of them.....sans the live ammunition of course, but don't ever rule that out.

If you are interested in the confederate wing of things, then email me at heath9999@aol.com for more info. That includes proxy emails for the CS four legged types with hooves, too.

Look for a more official announcement sometime after Winter 1864, as some of us are knee deep in that event as well.

[nrandolph]

Charles has hit it right on the head! I live eight hours away from this event and believe me it has been worth the drive! I had a great time the last two years! Doug and the rest have always come up with interesting scenarios and the fellows on the Federal side are some of the most companionable I've met! Confederates seem to have plenty of tricks to dole out over the course of a couple days to keep things plenty interesting. You should really consider making it to this fine event!

Neil Randolph
1st WV

[Charles Heath]

Neil,

"Osmer" sent out the following tonight:

"Clash at Crittenden's Farm"

Death March X
Aug 22-24 2008

Sponsored by:The Living History Guild

Potomac Legion Member Unit

Location: New Albany (Bradford Co.) Pennsylvannia

".......I recieved information that the enemy was preparing a large force to drive back Gen. Pope and attack either Washington or Baltimore....To facilitate the withdrawal of the Army of the Potomac from the Peninsula and gain time by a demonstration against the enemy,Gen.Pope pushed his forces across the Rappahannock, occupied Culpeper and threatened Gordonsville...(Extract ReportNo.1,Maj.Gen Henry W.Halleck,November 25, 1862)

"....While the main body of the army awaited the development of McClellan's intentions,Gen.Jackson,now reinforced by A.P.Hill,determined to assume the offensive against Gen. Pope,whose army still superior in numbers lay north of the Rapidan...." (Extract reportNo.26 Gen.Robert E.Lee)

The result of these two commanders,intent was a collision that occured Aug 9 1862 on the farm of Mrs Crittenden.Mrs Crittenden lived in the shadow of a large mountain referred to as Cedar or more propheticallySlaughter Mountain.Both armies'cavalry had been in contact and the commanders knew each was in the area,but neitherquite sure of the others strenth and disposition. The combination of open crop fields and wooded undulating terrrain led to some confused infantry fighting, with each side gaining the rear of the other at some point during the battle. the fighting ebbed and flowed through Mrs.Crittenden's cornfield,with the Confederates ultimately holding the ground by nightfall. The cornfield itself was responsible for the capture of a Union general and an unobserved flank advance by the Confederates. The action closed with an informal truce to bury the dead,following which the Federaal army retreated.

This years event will focus on the fighting between the Confederate skirmishers and one of the two leading regiments that crossed Mrs.Crittenden's cornfield. It is our tenth anniversary and we are hoping to have several opportunities built into the event that aren't often an option to actually execute.New Albany,Pa. is a rural agricultural area and we will be on the interior acreage with little or no modern intrussions.

The event runs from Friday night , with a shuttle to the bivouac site,finishing by noon Sunday.Those wishing to arrive Thursday night may do so,just contact us in advance.

Event impressions:

Federal-111th Pennsylvannia infantry, 1st Maine cavalry, Knapp's Battery

E,Pensy;vannia Light Art.

Confederate- 13th Virginia, 7th Virginia Cavalry, CS artillery TBD

Historical summaries will be published and sent upon registration.A good read for the event is "Stonewall Jackson at Cedar Mountain" By Robert K. Krick.Barnes and Noble has it for $19.95 plus shipping.

FEE: $15.00- covers rations and event insurance

Registration Deadline: Untill filled or Aug 1, 2008 .The host reserve the right to freeze registrations to maintain appropriate force ratios.

To register or request invitation info: E-mail Doug Oakes at

oldsoldier51@yahoo.com

Unform Standards D.M.2008.

Confederate Infantry uniform and kit requirements:

1 Jacket: Jean cloth Richmond Depot Type 1(with trim) or RD 2 shell jacket,Confederate frockcoat, or civilian sack coat.
2.Trousers: Jean cloth or civilian preferred; Federal Kersey trousers are acceptable.
3.Shirts: Civilian shirt is strongly encouraged.Fed -Issue domet flannel shirts are strongly discouraged.
4.Hats and Caps: Quality Civilian hat or Confederate forage cap.
5. Canteen:Confederate tin drum is preferred.Federal canteens acceptable.
6.Waistbelt: CS belt preferred (rolller buckle belts are great).US belt acceptable if it's all you have. Avoid wearing a belt wit "CS"
7.Bayonet Scabbard: sewn or two- rivet CS pattern is preferred.
8: Haversack: White canvas haversack or U.S. tarred black.
9. Shelter :Consider avoiding shelter altogether.If foul weather is forecast bring a shelter half or fly.
10.Baggage:Blanket rolls are preferred.CS knapsacks are acceptable.Fed knapsacks are discouraged.
11.Blankets: Civilian blankets or carpets are preferred.US blankets are acceptable.
12.Long Arms: Enfield rifle-musket preferred.Springfield acceptable.

Federal Infantry :Uniform and kit requirements:

1.jacket: Fatigue blouse or frock coat.
2.Shirts: Domet -flannel Federal -issue shirt is strongly encouraged.Civilian shirts and waistcoats are also acceptable.
3.Caps: Forage cap required
4.Canteen: Smooth -side,leather strap preferred.
5,Waist belt:US brass with leather or no keeper acceptable.
6.Scabbard: Two rivet pattern preferred. Seven rivet reluctantly accepted.
7.Shelter: Bring a shelter half .Three panel preferred
8. Baggage ouble-bag knapsacks are preferred.blanket rolls acceptable.
9.Great coats: NO
10. Long Arms: 1853 Enfield is preferred. Model 1861 Springfield acceptable.NO SMOOTHBORES.

Federal Cavalry TBD per Cavalry Commander.

Federal Artillery TBD per Artillery Commander.

Applicable to everyone regardless of Loyalty Affiliation:

1 Miscellaneous:Bringa all appropriate items: gum blanket, haversack, mess furniture you feel you need but be prepared to carry it!

2.Ammunition:MINIMUM 60 rounds of ammo.

3.Rations: Period -correct rations will be issued.If you bring any rations at all-and it is preferred that you do not-make it just a couple of crackers or corn bread and coffee.

Brian "Osmer" Swartz
__________________
Living History Guild



Maybe we'll do Halltown in August 1864 another fine year. :wink_smil

[nrandolph]

Charles,

Yeah, I got that from Doug Oakes in my mail this past weekend. I see that you're going to be the Confederate commander? Should be interesting!

Neil Randolph
1st WV

[Charles Heath]

Neil,

Yes, you heard correctly. The Living History Guild's events are some of the best kept secrets in the hobby, and it is safe to assume Death March #10 will be full of surprises, as usual. I'm looking forward to the next site visit to metropolitan New Albany, PA. It's going to be a sad day when Doug & Terri are no longer cranking out events.

[Charles Heath]

Boys,

At the risk of sounding like an online Amazon.com book blurb, customers who liked Glendale-Malvern Hill 2008, Payne's Farm, the nine previous Death Marches, (yeah I could go on and on), and other events where the ass-sap flows, participants have to think a little outside the box, may like Death March X: "Clash at Crittenden Farm" during the weekend of 22-24 August 2008. This ought to be interesting for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the event is on new, fresh, relatively unknown ground for the second year in a row, and Doug and I know too many of each other's tricks for this to be a simple Point A to Point B campaign event, so if you thought digging up fresh graves to find the rest of your vittles was interesting last year, that probably just skims the surface this year. One of my first questions as confederate commander was: "Which barns can we burn?"

The CS infantry regiment selected for this scenario is the 13th Virginia, and we'll probably select a primary and secondary company fairly soon. The H. E. Howard regimental by David F. Riggs is out of print, but still available as a used book from the usual sources. It is good reading, and I lucked on to a copy a while back. We'll probably do a bit of impression tweaking in the near future, but nothing major.

If you are interested, shoot an email to Terri "O'Chevy" Olszowy at olszowytm@yahoo.com

We had an event organizers meeting here at The Bunker this morning, and I believe the event listserver will be cranking up fairly soon, but this is the current info for this effort is:



"Clash at Crittenden's Farm"
Death March X
Aug 22-24 2008

Sponsored by:The Living History Guild
Potomac Legion Member Unit
Location: New Albany (Bradford Co.) Pennsylvannia

".......I recieved information that the enemy was preparing a large force to drive back Gen. Pope and attack either Washington or Baltimore....To facilitate the withdrawal of the Army of the Potomac from the Peninsula and gain time by a demonstration against the enemy,Gen.Pope pushed his forces across the Rappahannock, occupied Culpeper and threatened Gordonsville...(Extract ReportNo.1,Maj.Gen Henry W.Halleck,November 25, 1862)

"....While the main body of the army awaited the development of McClellan's intentions,Gen.Jackson,now reinforced by A.P.Hill,determined to assume the offensive against Gen. Pope,whose army still superior in numbers lay north of the Rapidan...." (Extract reportNo.26 Gen.Robert E.Lee)

The result of these two commanders,intent was a collision that occured Aug 9 1862 on the farm of Mrs Crittenden.Mrs Crittenden lived in the shadow of a large mountain referred to as Cedar or more propheticallySlaughter Mountain.Both armies'cavalry had been in contact and the commanders knew each was in the area,but neitherquite sure of the others strenth and disposition. The combination of open crop fields and wooded undulating terrrain led to some confused infantry fighting, with each side gaining the rear of the other at some point during the battle. the fighting ebbed and flowed through Mrs.Crittenden's cornfield,with the Confederates ultimately holding the ground by nightfall. The cornfield itself was responsible for the capture of a Union general and an unobserved flank advance by the Confederates. The action closed with an informal truce to bury the dead, following which the Federaal army retreated.

This years event will focus on the fighting between the Confederate skirmishers and one of the two leading regiments that crossed Mrs.Crittenden's cornfield. It is our tenth anniversary and we are hoping to have several opportunities built into the event that aren't often an option to actually execute. New Albany,Pa. is a rural agricultural area and we will be on the interior acreage with little or no modern intrussions.

The event runs from Friday night , with a shuttle to the bivouac site,finishing by noon Sunday.Those wishing to arrive Thursday night may do so, just contact us in advance.

Event impressions:

Federal-111th Pennsylvannia infantry,1st Maine cavalry, Knapp's Battery E, Pensy;vannia Light Art.
Confederate- 13th Virginia, 7th Virginia Cavalry, CS artillery TBD

Historical summaries will be published and sent upon registration.A good read for the event is "Stonewall Jackson at Cedar Mountain" By Robert K. Krick.Barnes and Noble has it for $19.95 plus shipping.

FEE: $15.00- covers rations and event insurance

Registration Deadline: Untill filled or Aug 1, 2008 .The host reserve the right to freeze registrations to maintain appropriate force ratios.

To register or request invitation info: E-mail Doug Oakes at oldsoldier51@yahoo.com

Unform Standards D.M. X 2008.

Confederate Infantry uniform and kit requirements

1 Jacket: Jean cloth Richmond Depot Type 1(with trim) or RD 2 shell jacket,Confederate frockcoat, or civilian sack coat.
2.Trousers: Jean cloth or civilian preferred; Federal Kersey trousers are acceptable.
3.Shirts: Civilian shirt is strongly encouraged.Fed -Issue domet flannel shirts are strongly discouraged.
4.Hats and Caps: Quality Civilian hat or Confederate forage cap.
5. Canteen:Confederate tin drum is preferred.Federal canteens acceptable.
6.Waistbelt: CS belt preferred (rolller buckle belts are great).US belt acceptable if it's all you have. Avoid wearing a belt wit "CS"
7.Bayonet Scabbard: sewn or two- rivet CS pattern is preferred.
8: Haversack: White canvas haversack or U.S. tarred black.
9. Shelter :Consider avoiding shelter altogether.If foul weather is forecast bring a shelter half or fly.
10.Baggage:Blanket rolls are preferred.CS knapsacks are acceptable.Fed knapsacks are discouraged.
11.Blankets: Civilian blankets or carpets are preferred.US blankets are acceptable.
12.Long Arms: Enfield rifle-musket preferred.Springfield acceptable.

Federal Infantry :Uniform and kit requirements:

1.Jacket: Fatigue blouse or frock coat.
2.Shirts: Domet -flannel Federal -issue shirt is strongly encouraged.Civilian shirts and waistcoats are also acceptable.
3.Caps: Forage cap required
4.Canteen: Smooth -side,leather strap preferred.
5,Waist belt:US brass with leather or no keeper acceptable.
6.Scabbard: Two rivet pattern preferred. Seven rivet reluctantly accepted.
7.Shelter: Bring a shelter half .Three panel preferred
8. Baggage ouble-bag knapsacks are preferred.blanket rolls acceptable.
9.Great coats: NO
10. Long Arms: 1853 Enfield is preferred. Model 1861 Springfield acceptable.NO SMOOTHBORES.

Federal Cavalry TBD per Cavalry Commander.

Federal Artillery TBD per Artillery Commander.

Applicable to everyone regardless of Loyalty Affiliation:

1 Miscellaneous:Bringa all appropriate items:gum blanket,haversack,mess furniture you feel you need but be prepared to carry it!
2.Ammunition:MINIMUM 60 rounds of ammo.
3.Rations: Period -correct rations will be issued. If you bring any rations at all-and it is preferred that you do not-make it just a couple of crackers or corn bread and coffee.

Brian "Osmer" Swartz
__________________
Living History Guild


I'm looking forward to my first site visit in a few weeks, and I understand a portion of the land will be planted in corn, which means a number of things for us....so put those target dimes out there at ten paces.

[Marc29thGA]

Sent my registration form in a few weeks back. Looking forward to it! Hope to roll it into a vacation and Higher HQ is planning on an adavnce scouting to the finer shopping potential around Scranton...:cry_smile

[Charles Heath]

Marc,

If you happen to be a railroading fan, especially of steam era equipment, the relics of Steamtown, formerly of Bellows Falls, VT, were moved to Scranton a number of years ago, and it is a fine NPS site with operating equipment. There is a mall nearly attached to this site, too. It's worth a stop....Steamtown, that is. The mall is, well, just another mall to a shopping challenged male.

[Marc29thGA]

Charles,

Thanks for the tip - we may have to check it out. Both my Mother and Grandfather retired from the Maine Central RR.

Y.O.S.,

[SCTiger]

Count me in on this too. Got to see how it's done.

[Charles Heath]

Gribble,

A little head start on the reading material:

13th Virginia at Cedar Mountain (http://hjem.get2net.dk/ronlarsen/Cedar%20Mountain.htm)

Some of the company desigations are darned interesting.

[Marc29thGA]

Thanks for the link on the 13th VA. I’ll print it off and add it to the nightstand reading. I started to read “Stonewall Jackson at Cedar Mountain” a few days ago. Not too far into it yet, but so far a good read.

“Red Clay to Richmond” has a section on Cedar Mountain from the 35th Georgia’s point a view - read that one last spring.

Y.O.S.,

[Charles Heath]

Folks,

The listserver is up: Death March X (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Elmira_Death_March/)

While this commo tool is pretty much a clean slate for the moment, this is a good time for potential participants and curious onlookers to jine up for the duration. For those who wonder where in the heck New Albany is located, give Mapquest a whirl:

North Central Keystone State (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/New+Albany+PA/)

We'll have a good time.

[nrandolph]

Charles,

I won't have to drive all the way up to Erie then across the Southern Tier Parkway for this one! Looks as though all I'll need to do is go to Youngstown and across Pa. That's sure to cut a couple hours off the trip from last year and leave me to be a lot fresher to chase down or get chased down by you all! Might even see if I can talk another one of my WV friends to comin' with me...it'll look pretty much like here, I suppose.

Neil Randolph
1st WV

[Charles Heath]

Neil,

Coming off an event where the scheduling and mapping were pretty tight, it's a real shift in mindset to move from that environment to one where the event is not a confined field and posted time operation, and participants generally walk in the daytime, sleep mostly in the night time, and find themselves exhausted come Sunday morning. Other than that, pretty much anything can happen. Considering how fuel prices are quenching a good number of folks' thirst for long distance travel these days, we may see more folks within the region finally getting around to trying this type of event.

Doug has this habit of finding hills that generally only go up, and up some more, and then up a bit more. Ask Grumpy Dave to verify this peculiarity along the NY/PA border.

[GrumpyDave]

If you've never attended this event, it's one you should consider. The folks who put this together each year do yeoman's work to give the participants a great and authentic experience. The location isn't a big travel deal from NY, NJ, OH, MD, VA and of course Pennsyltuckey. I'm only sorry the maker of the "Grumpy" family schedule has placed our family vacation over this event. Sign up and go, you won't be disapointed, or, rained on.:eek:

[Charles Heath]

Grumpy,

Yep. This long running series of events is one of those gems that hasn't been discovered by the hobby at large. You'll be missed, but your cursed rainfall won't be missed at all, or is that your rainfall curse? Either way!!!

The listserver is now active, and the initial message (concerning the enjoyable joint site visit a couple of weeks ago) was posted today.

[GrumpyDave]

Doug and Terry want to see you there!

[Charles Heath]

Grumpy,

Oddly enough, the vagaries of thunderstorms and trees on train tracks allowed the US commander, CS commander, and civilian coordinator to enjoy a site visit to the original battlefield a couple of weeks ago. The Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield and CWPT have done a fine job down that way, and seeing the site of the Widow Crittenden's home is a working farm as opposed to yet another residential development or strip shopping center, is uplifting. Darn glad to see wheat ready to be harvested, in fact.

[JustRob]

I'm glad to say my registration went in today. See you folks in the field.

[MLovejoy]

How is the registration looking for this one?

[Charles Heath]

How is the registration looking for this one?

From the registration list Doug released today, the number of 2008 "Crittenden's Farm" registrants just may beat the 2006 "Retreat From Fisher's Hill" event. Of course, these events have never been about numbers. ;)

See you in the field, by the ford, through the stream, next to the old sawmill site....

[nrandolph]

This is a very good event within easy access to most of the northeast and mid-Atlantic. I've been to it two years in a row now and had a great time both years. If you like some marching and pretty much non-stop skirmish action and some surprises (no, I don't know what they are this year), then you should really make an effort to come to this one.

Neil Randolph
1st WV

[Charles Heath]

This is a very good event within easy access to most of the northeast and mid-Atlantic. I've been to it two years in a row now and had a great time both years.

Neil,

As the window for registration closes in a few days, the traffic on the event listserver will pick up quite a bit. I'm looking for a few fellows to round out Co. H, 13th Virginia, and they can find their registration form and information in the files section here: Crittenden's Farm 22-24 August 2008 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Elmira_Death_March/)

If someone can't find the registration form, then I can send you an attachment by email. Jjust send me an IM or email me at:

heath9999@aol.com

Although this event won't feature a one-day 42-mile jaunt down Virginia railroad tracks, nor will it have the thrill of a 36-mile dawn-to-dusk hike over three of Kentucky's finest hillocks, and I know how broke down disappointed you are in all that, but the strapping young boys of Company H aka the "Winchester Boomerangs" will likely have wet feet, soggy shirts, soaked drawers (for those fancy pants who wear such) and sore toes. In looking at the average (mean) age of the registrants thus far, our "young boys" average about 45 years of age, so that tells you something about who in the NY, PA, & MD, area likes to get their campaigner mojo going outside of skinner row. 'Nuf said, except to say if Bill "Sticky" O'Dea finally registers, the average age will increase to about 105.

Several fellows have asked about the quaintness of the town of New Albany, PA (please do not go to Indiana looking for this event, or you shall be disappointed, but the land is a bit flatter, just a bit) using the well known Vermont "QT Index." This isn't Vermont, but the town has more amenities than Burkittsville, less stop signs than McDowell, lacks the world class (and coma inducing) Amish Bake Sale of Mespotamia, it doesn't have the tunnel of Tunnel Hill, nor the salt water of Cape May, nor does it have the fabulous mummies of Philippi. The good news is New Albany actually has a gas station. It may have a bank, but I'm not so sure if that bank will have an ATM. The gas station does.

Who have we duped, conned, er, uh, um, recruited to wear gray in the midst of Pennsyltucky?

Co. H, 13th Virginia

Averill, Marc Gazelle
Bills, Tim Jaguar
Bordonaro, Joe Mercury
Boulden, Paul Hare
Berndt, David Hermes
Carter, Robert Greyhound
Deese, Gregory Impala
Heath, Charles Turtle
Hoffmier, Eric Whippet
Krahling, Dan Fox
Phillips, Thomas Coyote
Rainey, Paul Lion
Renault, Greg Wildabeast
Ryan, Colin Elk
Ryan, Mike Antelope
Zulinke, David Roadrunner

Hot damn, we almost have enough for a firewood detail!

This is a good event to travel light. Make sure you have a sharp knife, and leave the living history geegaws at home, as they will likely get ruined.

People ask about rations. Keep asking. We won't know until we get them, but considering where we are and what we'll be doing there is a good chance for some corn in your future. Yes, that would be corn and corn by-products, and most likely field corn at that. Odds are we may have some corn meal in need of a good sifting, and with fresh corn shucks available and abundant, this will be good reading:

Scott McKay's Legendary Contribution to Corn Culinary Excellence (http://members.aol.com/cbbelt/Food/shucks.htm)

A Pennsyltucky freshwater fishing license discretely hidden in that period wallet, along with a furnished line may provide for a relatively tasty meal Friday evening -- if you can find bait. Unfortunately, and this does border on tragic, we will not be able to retain possession of the large stock pond Saturday.

I'm enjoying Rigg's regimental, and really ought to pick up a copy of Buck's book, as well as this happy little journal edited by Swank.

[Marc29thGA]

Charles,

I take it “Food Network” will solicit those of us who survive for the best corn recipe (fried corn, boiled corn, corn soup, corn chowda…)?

Actually, I just finished Buck’s book and it was full of information and a very enjoyable read over all. Not a sleeper battle history at all, it holds your interest right through.

Gazelle? I’m not that graceful…

Y.O.S.,

[Johnny Lloyd]

Mark-

You going to Death March? I'll go only if I have a carpool going... gas is killing me travelling to these events- all of us actually... :rolleyes: -Johnny

[Charles Heath]

Johnny,

Send up a flare over on the New England Campaigners listserver. A few of the NH fellows may be making the trek down, and maybe a couple of others are looking to carpool to save a few bucks. With the loss of the Tarbox property for Tom's event, some of those other lads may be looking for something to do in August. That once busy list has been dead quiet for a while.

Marc,

Feel free to transcribe a few of the more things from early August 1862 out of Buck's book, and post them on the listserver. After talking with Terri this morning, you fellers may be sick of corn before all is said and done. Speaking of event listservers, I need to toss out a couple of things today.

As much as I'd hate to jinx things this late in the game -- I hope y'all like hosses and wagons.

[Marc29thGA]

Johnny,

Yes, I am - first quality event that has had the sun/moon/stars + reasonable distance line up for me. Next year’s event forecast is looking hot, dry and sandy; so I need a good "fix".

Was getting ready to send out a message on the NE Campaigners Board, so this could work. Tried to get a few other guys I know locally to go, but no bites so far.

If you decide to go, we could work something out.

Charles – I'll try to do that.

Kindest regards,

[Johnny Lloyd]

Roger that... I'll get back to you. The only way I'll go is a carpool. You doing CS? I'd like to do CS there- had enough blue for a year... LOL :p- Johnny

[Marc29thGA]

Yes - CS, a proud Boomerang!

[Marc29thGA]

Actually, I just finished Buck’s book and it was full of information and a very enjoyable read over all. Not a sleeper battle history at all, it holds your interest right through.


OK - I really should of had more coffee this morning before staring across the room at the bookshelf. It was Robert Kirck's Book, "Stonewall Jackson at Cedar Mountain" I just finished.

Geeze - is it Friday yet...?

Sorry about that.

[Marc29thGA]

As I was digging through some books and surfing the web for ammunition information as possibly related to the 13th VA for DM-X, and one search turned up this site:

http://www.mdgorman.com/Other_Sites/richmond_arsenal.htm

I hadn't seen this before and it has some nice accounts of production at and around the arsenal. I have not dug too deep into this site yet, but have enjoyed the few tidbits I have looked at so far.

Still digging and reading....

Take care,

[Charles Heath]

One of the best kept secrets in the hobby.

Those of you on the CR listserver have already seen this, and more, but I figure the last few CPH folks from NY, MD, WV, and PA who aren't already registered for this event may want to take a last minute plunge, or not. LOL

================================================== =========================

Folks,

Today is the postmark registration deadline for Crittenden's Farm (a Cedar Mountain scenario) in New Albany PA during the weekend of 22-24 August 2008. I'm heading up the road for the work session, and am passing along this reminder for the usual excellent reasons, plus:

- Doug Oakes of the Living History Guild, and also a CR member, gave me the registration figures for this event last night, and while we all know about Reenactor Math, and the fact registrations do not necessarily translate into the proverbial boots on the ground, this iteration is by far the largest yet. How large? Well, you need to get off your butt, register, and attend. I'm impressed, and not much in this hobby really impresses me anymore.

- Mike Epler (also an LHG member) and his extended family, friends, and neighbors, are turning themselves inside out to support this event from the mystery forage items to water tanks to moving equipment and "farm stuff" around so we don't trip over it. Anyone who will plant a small corn field in this day and age (think diesel prices, even with the ag discount) for the sole purpose of having reenactors destroy it, is pretty damn special.

- New Albany is close to I-81, I-80, US 15, PA 14, and US 220. Look it up on Mapquest, and it is closer than you may think in terms of time and distance. I'm surprised to see we not only have 2 out of the 3 reenactors in Maine coming to this event, but 1 individual from as far away as Washington State.

- Gas prices are dropping. Okay, so a dime per gallon doesn't buy much anymore, but at least the price isn't hovering around $5.00 per gallon the way it was predicted -- knock on wood. If you haven't managed to get to an event this year, then this is a good one to get the wool and jeanwool on again.

- The site itself is pretty, and while not pristine in the strictest since (some of the maple syrup operation is visible in places, but I find it interesting nonetheless) the town is at least as nice as McDowell or Mespo; the stream is ours to use, and once we cross "Cedar Run" the modern world is pretty much left behind, so this isn't one of those dreaded encampment and skirmish events. While this event isn't 8 or 10 square miles like many of the previous renditions, the site compensates by having certain admirable vertical qualities.

- The $15 covers the usual event insurance, and period rations and forage items. I find insurance to be a necessary evil, but the latter interests me, in that Terri typically takes a lot of care to prepare period foodstuffs, and some of the ways people find their rations can be out of the box, pushing the envelope, or whatever the trendy term for boogity is this week. Corn and corn by products may well be in your future.

- Like Jackson at Cedar Mountain, my butterknife may or may not be rusted into the scabbard for all I know, as I haven't had the inclination or reason to buckle it on since 2004. Frankly, logistics interests me more than admin or tactics. That's right, some of the current members haven't seen me lead a company in ages, if at all. Since this is Doug's turn to "win," I'm not too worried about it, other than keeping you folks from drowning in "Cedar Run." Oh, and we are going to play with Gilham's again, and from the getgo, no one is going to be perfect, although I have asked Paul Boulden serve as fugelman. Don't have a copy of Gilham's? Well, here is a start on a digtal library:

http://home.att.net/~Cap1MD/Drill.htm

- Snoring loudly will be permitted Saturday night. After all, you will have crossed a fine body of water, found some food somewhere, climbed a right fair hill, destroyed some cornfield, recovered your wounded pards, and otherwise used the majority of an approximately 1-square mile site. I can't give it all away, but period transportation has been a recurring theme for the last few of these events, and this one is not likely to be an exception, and, should you do so, a period opportunity to clean your funky ass may present itself.

- I'm pretty sure if you are reading this and you can't get the darn thing in the mail until Monday that nobody is going to find a ruler and whack your knuckles. That being said, don't test it. As you know, much depends upon having an accurate headcount forecast.

Let's make this easy. No online folders to find. No documents to download. No .pdf files to wade through. The registration materials are posted in many places, but this can be pasted into an email or MS-Word document, just copy, paste, print, complete, and mail it to Doug with a check for $15.

================================================== ====================

Clash at Crittenden's Farm
Death March X
Aug 22-24, 2008

Sponsored by: The Living History Guild
Potomac Legion Member Unit
Location: New Albany, Pennsylvania

This year's event will focus on the fighting between the Confederate
skirmishers and one of the two leading regiments that crossed Mrs.
Crittenden's cornfield. It is our tenth anniversary and we are hoping
to have several opportunities built into the event that aren't often
an option to actually execute.

Event impressions:
Federal - 111th Pennsylvania Infantry, 1st Maine cavalry, Knapp's
Battery E, Pennsylvania Light Artillery
Confederate – 13th Virginia Infantry, 7th Virginia Cavalry

FEE: $15.00 - covers rations & event insurance

Registration Deadline: until filled or Aug 1, 2008 which ever comes
first. The hosts reserve the right to freeze registrations to
maintain appropriate force ratios.

================================================== ===================

Registration Form
"Clash at Crittenden's Farm"
Aug 22-24, 2008

STARTS FRIDAY @ 10 pm
Later arrivals MUST coordinate in advance.
On site cellular service is limited.

Registration is by individual & open to all Potomac Legion member
units. Non-PL units or individuals should contact the appropriate
US/CS commander PRIOR to registration.

Send registration/checks ($15.00), by Aug 1, 2008 payable to:

Douglas Oakes-- 2627 Comfort Hill Road, Wellsburg, NY 14894

Last Name: _________________________________

First Name: ________________________________

Telephone#: ________________________________

Mailing Address ____________________________

____________________________________________

Do you belong to a Potomac Legion member unit? YES NO
Have you served in a leadership position before? YES NO
Would you be interested in filling an NCO position if needed YES NO

Home unit affiliation: ________________________________________

Event Impression: US Inf Cav Art
CS Inf Cav Art
Civilian (invitation only)

Military participants MUST be over 16 to carry a firearm.
I am over the age of 18. YES NO (If not, then provide the
following information) I am under 18 but over 16 and will be
accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Name: __________________________

Relationship: _____________________

Contact information: ______________________

Do you possess any medical training? Yes No If yes, indicate
certification:_______________________

Emergency contact:

Last Name: _________________________________

First Name: ________________________________

Telephone#: ________________________________

Mailing Address ____________________________


List any allergies or medical conditions impacted by an extended foot
march under the above conditions.
__________________________________________________ ____________________

Medical information will be kept confidential. If you prefer, bring the info
in a sealed envelope to the event. Envelopes would only be broken
open in case of medical emergencies and will be returned to you
unopened at the end of the event if not used.

I understand this event requires good health & can potentially cause
injury to me or others and shall hold harmless the Living History
Guild and its members from all instances in which any injury should
occur. I have faithfully represented the information above & provided
necessary personal medical history for use in emergencies.

Printed Name: ____________________________

Signature: _______________________________

Date: ______________________

================================================== ===================

I look forward to seeing you there, and remember, these efforts typically end early Sunday morning, so people can use that day as travel time....and Rob Carter is seeking good folks with rifles for this one.

[Charles Heath]

Well, another year has passed....and a couple of items are worth mentioning.

Registration is closed, although a couple of envelopes may slip in there tomorrow and Wednesday.

Fish might not be jumping in knee deep Cedar Run, but the mudbugs are aplenty.

The work day stretched into two days, and quite much was accomplished. I sure hope Mrs. Crittenden likes her house and barn, and Calvary Church is probably in better shape than the original.

With 11 water points it is possible to go thirsty, but I don't rightly see how.

I'd feel bad living in PA or NY and missing this happy little gathering.

Time to load up the listserver.

Nice maps, too.

See ya soon.

P.S. The second site visit for DM XI (2009) went well, too. Don't toss away those "ANV visits the AOT" impressions just yet...not just yet.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Any chance that someone might have a few original images of the men from the 13th VA?

Thanks,

Paul B.

[Charles Heath]

Paul,

Pvt. Kennedy Palmer, Co. H, 13th Virginia is an excellent image. A photo from the MOC collection is reproduced on page 82 of Rigg's H.E. Howard regimental, and may be online. Buck, Terrill, and Macon are also in that collection, as well as some postwar shots and that Powell Hill feller. Palmer's image is dark, but his blanket roll is plainly visible, and he is wearing, er, um, well, some darn nice looking boots. His weapon appears to be an Enfield with a sling.

Palmer was born circa 1843, was a printer by trade (one of 8 in the regiment), and enlisted on 4/19/61 at Winchester in Company H. He was absent sick during the period Sept/Oct 1861 to Nov/Dec 1861. No record is found for him from Jan 1862 to October 1862, except for POW at Shepherdtown 5/7/62. He was at Fort Delaware, and exchanged 8/5/62 at Aiken's Landing. Wounded at Bolivar in his right leg, which fractured it on 7/4/64. Absent through final muster 2/28/65. Died 13 Jan 1916, and is buried in Riverview Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia. He was listed as a "good soldier." This is from the roster in the back of Riggs' book.

Young Palmer looks a lot like Caleb Horton, only better fed.

[BishopLynch]

When we arrive in New Albany, where exactly do we go to check in to the event? Cant seem to find that in this thread or in the info packet. Sorry if I missed it.

[MLovejoy]

There was a posting to the list server today which has that info in there (Final Adminstrivia). There are some directions to the Fire House to where I assume registration is.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

I'm sure this will seem redundant to those of us on the YahooGroup...but the following was posted this afternoon:

Directions :

New Albany Fire Department Address – 75 Main St, New Albany PA
Below is the best way into New Albany, but you are certainly welcome
to use whatever route you wish.

From the South-
o Choose your poison to Williamsport PA & take Route 220N
o Stay on 220N until you see a large white sign that says NEW
ALBANY PARISH
o About ½ mile on right you will see a Dandy Mart & a large
whit sign with CW painted on it
o Turn right
o Drive through parking lot to the rear & you will see the
New Albany Fire Department just to the left across the street.

From the north:

o Choose your poison to I86/SR17 Waverly exit 60
o Stay on 220S until you see a large white sign that says NEW
ALBANY PARISH
o About ½ mile on left you will see a Dandy Mart & a large
whit sign with CW painted on it
o Turn left
o Drive through parking lot to the rear & you will see the
New Albany Fire Department just to the left across the street.

Cell service can be hit & miss along 220 & areas of New Albany

Emergency numbers:
Terri Olszowy 607-425-5222 cell
Epler Bed & Breakfast 570-363-2350 land line


Looking forward to a great event!

Paul B.

[Charles Heath]

Folks who are planning to attend this event, and are not on the event listserver or failing to read their pre-event information may find a rude awakening in store. Just a thought.

Time to catch up with the pre-event reading (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Elmira_Death_March/?yguid=25647636)

[BishopLynch]

Sorry Im not a member of "the group".

Thanks Paul for your help.

[Charles Heath]

Greg, that is the single most amazing thing I've read all day. Catch up with me sometime and explain the rationale.

[Charles Heath]

Folks,

Looks like some of the AARs outside of the listserver wound up in this thread, so here's a connector to connect the dots:

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19234

Terri posted 41 photographs last night on the listserver in the photo section here:

http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Elmira_Death_March/photos

In looking ahead to next year, and one of the possible themes (corduroy) the Official Records contains nearly 300 references to corduroying roads, to include some how-to information about stringers (and the lack thereof duringthe Peninsular Campaign), covering with brush and soil, or just soil alone. Pretty neat stuff, and there is more out there about using side rails and small branches as "forks."

On to the next event!