The Lonely Patrol, Sept 26-28th, 2008

[paulcalloway]

Date: 26-28th September, 2008
Name: The Lonely Patrol
Location: Marlboro, VT
Sponsor/Host: Tom Craig
Capacity: Two to four companies of infantry with small civilian component
POC: Tom Craig
Email:Tom-Craig@sbcglobal.net
Event Website: TBA
Listserver: New England Campaigner’s Yahoo group
Preservation Component: Donation to CWPT
Notes: 1st of its kind EBUFU event in New England. Will feature a 5 mile march, overnight picket scenario, and possible interaction with civilian refugees
<!-- / message -->

[Johnny Lloyd]

Tom Craig,

Please let me know the work weekends and if you need help up there. The event site is 2-hours north of me or thereabouts.

1st of its kind EBUFU event in New England. Will feature a 5 mile march, overnight picket scenario, and possible interaction with civilian refugees- Paul

The authenticity is badly needed here for those that live here in New England. That's why I want to help support this. Good stuff.

Thanks- Johnny Lloyd

[Marc29thGA]

My time from work is already approved for a long weekend as well as with Higher HQ. Looking forward to this close event!

Kindest Regards,

[Tom Craig]

Guys,

Thanks to you for your early support. And thanks to Paul and the Mod Squad for posting this event in the Tier II folder.

For everyone else stay tuned for more info, or sign on to the NE Campaigner Yahoo group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NewEnglandCampaigners/

Take care,
Tom Craig

[Tom Craig]

Fellas'

Below is a more detailed description of what the event will offer. Registration will open on April 1st. Preliminary US standards have been posted on the Yahoo group, and the CS ones will follow soon.

Take care,
Tom Craig

The Lonely Patrol
September 26-28th, 2008
Marlboro, VT

Scenario: This event will depict the actions and movements of the 13th Connecticut Infantry and the 14th Louisiana Infantry in late September of 1864, in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Both regiments were engaged in the battle of 3rd Winchester/Opeqoun, and both armies were licking their wounds and lying relatively quiet.
A company of the 13th CT has been sent on a routine picket assignment. Their orders are to secure a river crossing and to gather any forage that may be in civilian hands in the area. They have also been ordered to round up partisans who may be operating in the area. The 14th LA has been ordered to make a sweep of the general area as part of Early’s efforts to determine Sheridan’s strategy. The 14th has also been instructed to gather forage for the army and offer what protection it can to the local population.
Neither unit is aware of each other’s location or instructions. Both have been advised to avoid a general engagement but to gather any and all information possible about the enemy.

Historical Basis for the Event: This event is based off of an episode that occurred to the 13th CT while on picket. The actual event happened to a battalion of the 13th, but for our purpose we will focus on one company.
The 13th spent most of its career in the West and Deep South. Frowned on by their Western comrades, the 13th was perceived as a spit and polish, paper collar outfit by the rough and ready Westerners. Having seen relatively little action before transferring to the East the 13th was relatively well supplied, and very well drilled.
The 14th LA served as a direct contrast to the 13th CT. The 14th was a rough hewn group of men from Louisiana who seem to have known no rules or law. Notorious for drunken brawls, the 14th was trouble from the start, but proved itself in hard fighting with the Army of Virginia.
The civilian population of the Shenandoah had faced three years of war by this point; with armies marching back and forth taking what they pleased. The arrival of Sheridan’s army to the Valley brought a whole new level of destruction and hardship to what had been the “bread basket of the Confederacy.” Most able bodied men were serving in the army, but there were still some on the home front that either tried to stay out of harms way, or were actively involved in partisan raids on the Federals. The women and children were left to pick up the pieces of what was left, and carry on with life as best as they could.

Focus of the Event: This event is intended to be a campaigner/progressive (C/P) type of event that focuses on recreating historical events as closely as possible. The event is a “semi-immersion” type event, meaning that every effort will be taken to minimize the impact of the modern world on the event, but that non-period things like cars and modern houses do exist around the event site. Also the event will encourage, but not require 1st person, so modern conversation will take place.
Participants in the event should come prepared to serve as a soldier in the Civil War and should expect some hardship and difficulty. Every effort will be made to ensure safety, but hardship was a way of life for the soldiers. If you are not prepared to serve as a soldier despite the weather or fatigue, then I suggest that this isn’t your event.

The Details:
Event Site: The event will take place on the site used by previous events hosted by Rob Tarbox of the 6th NH. The site is located in Southern Vermont in the town of Marlboro. The site is easily accessible from Route 91 and is less than three hours from the Boston and Hartford areas.

Logistics: Logistical support will be graciously provided by Rob Tarbox. With the possible exception of Friday night, there will be NO modern sanitation facilities! Bring a small supply of something to clean up with.
Fresh and potable water will be supplied as part of your registration costs. A ration issue is currently under consideration. If one does occur it will consist of minimal rations such as bacon, hardtack and coffee.

The Event Plan: The actual scenario will remain undisclosed until it unfolds. The event will feature a 5-6 mile road march on dirt roads. There will be movement across country on woods trails, and there will be an overnight outpost scenario on Saturday evening. The amount of skirmishing will entirely depend on the way that the scenario unfolds, and how the commanders follow their orders. If you are looking for a powder burning tactical, this will not be your event!
In addition there may be civilians of various loyalties that will be encountered and must be dealt with in a period correct manner.

Participants: Participation in the event is by invitation, and walk-ons WILL NOT be allowed. If you are a member of the New England Campaigner Yahoo group you are invited. If you are not a member of that listserv, please contact me at: tom-craig@sbcglobal.net for an invitation.

Registration: Registration will be by individual. This will ensure that all participants are aware of the rules and can meet the event standards. Registration will open in April.

Standards: Uniform guidelines and standards will be posted soon. The standards will not be designed to exclude participants, simply to ensure a reasonable quality of historical impression. If you passed muster at an event like September Storm, or Payne’s’ Farm then you will be totally fine.

Commanders and Rank Structure: All participants should expect to serve as privates. Rank will be assigned prior to the event on an as needed basis. Company commanders will be determined at a later date.

General Rules and Expectations:
-Participants should expect to act and serve like Civil War soldiers

-Participants should gear their impression to the standard of period, everyday, and common (PEC). No specialty impressions, stray hat brass etc.

-No female soldiers

-A brief visual inspection will be performed at registration. Only items of period construction should be carried with the exception of a car key, modern medicine, and a small amount of toilet paper.

-Any food brought to the event must be in a period container

[Johnny Lloyd]

Gents-

I have heard this event has been cancelled. Tom, is this true? If so, are there any other quality events nearby for those in New England during the month of SEP 08?

Thanks- Johnny Lloyd

[Tom Craig]

Johnny,

You have unfortunately heard correctly about the Lonely Patrol event. Things were moving along nicely until the elderly landowner decided to sell most of the property that the event was to be held on. We've tried in vain to find another site, so I have decided to pull the plug on the event.

As far as I know there are no other quality stand alone events for "us" in New England. There are a couple of campaigner adjunct efforts being planned, but no stand alone events.

Take care,
Tom Craig

[Johnny Lloyd]

Tom-

Bummer... darn. :(

How about Old Bethpage Village in Long Island? Ever heard of it? John Greenfield
("3rdalainf" screenname) knows about the site and it is a great historical village for an event.

-Johnny

[WoodenNutmeg]

Bummer... darn. :(

I'll second that.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Correction- John Greenfield's screenname is 3alabama

- Johnny

[Tom Craig]

Johnny,

If I can find an alternative location for the event I am still more than willing to host the thing! Bethpage isn't in New England, but it isn't THAT far removed. I know the site has been used for picket post events in the past, and plays host to a mainstream event, so obviously the site is reenactor friendly.

I will contact John. To the rest of you, keep the date open just in case we are able to salvage the event!

Take care,
Tom Craig

[Marc29thGA]

Fingers and toes are crossed, Tom.

Scratching my head for possible contacts here in Maine with 100 acres, but so far nothing...

Y.O.S.,

[Tom Craig]

Marc,

Thanks for your support! There may be hope yet to salvage the event with a new event site. I will know more next week and will keep everyone posted.

Take care,
Tom Craig