At High Tide Aar

[Johnny Lloyd]

All:

Okay... I'll be first...

That was a darn great event for a mainstream one!

More to follow... Johnny

[cprljohnivey]

A friend of mine brought his family to the event on Saturday to see the show. He saw NOTHING!!!!!!!! The spectator line was so far away from the action, and over a hill. After the first fight, no one on the spectator line was told it was not over. He and most of the people around him went home he said. He wants his money back. That was piss poor planning in my opinion.

[Wild Rover]

Heard this a few times- the announcer had a script I wrote detailing the lull and the starts and stops of the CS advance and why, and then was to occur, and what people were to expect.

Perhaps it did not go as planned....if not that is my fault.

[Bob Minton]

Chris,

I don't know what the Sat. crowd was to start with, but when we were driven by (Army of the Ohio, portraying 19th IN) there was a good number left. And we were driven by, directly in front of the crowd, I'd say within 50 yards. Can't ask for much better view than that.

No time for a full report, but I enjoyed the event immensely and am anxious for your next such effort.

A tip of the kepi (or Hardee) to all those who had a hand in putting an excellent event together.

Bob Minton
Army of the Ohio
14th OVI/3rd Arkansas

[GeraldDuval]

I certainly enjoyed this event. The absolution and prayer for the Irish brigade given on Sunday gave me chills...up till the announcer's loudspeaker broke through talking about the 1st Minnesota.

I don't know about anyone else, but the march up to the wheat field and the fight itself were the highlight of my weekend.

[DougCooper]

There is an old saying that if we can't see the spectators, they can't see us, but at every event, some folks get mad when some of the action is out of sight. Kind of like being a soldier in the ranks I guess. This ain't Yankee Stadium or the Collosseum of Rome. Sunday should have been perfect for the last part at least. Saturday was tough because we were using the whole field and some parts would have been out of sight no matter where you stood.

At many events the spectators need to move like watching a golf match. That means marching from the slope of a hill to the other side, following the action. I overheard some of loudspeaker commentary - a good idea. As I rushed to my car to head to the airport I heard many positive comments and clapping from the crowd.

I remember the 1988 NPS event where a crowd member was interviewed. Back then, as at this latest event, you could not see much of the action from any one point and it often came toward you. He said:

"All we could see were smoke and flags, but it was fantastic and we really appreciate the efforts of those involved.'' Like a lot of things in life, attitudes and patience change over time.

For what was available land wise, and the rich history of this particular piece of land hobby wise, I thought it was the best we could expect. Dang woodchuck holes were a nuisance though :eek:

[cprljohnivey]

"At many events the spectators need to move like watching a golf match. "

The spectators were stopped by police from leaving the limited roped in viewing area according to my friend who attended Saturday.

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

I had a great time this weekend.

Personally, I had to pull teeth just to get the weekend off before Independence Day (consequences of the "retail world"). That being said and with vacation time being rare and far, I wasn't looking for a full scale-immersion event. I had to frequent some of the businesses around "Mecca".

I think the nice thing about "At High Tide" was that there were still enough campaigners (given the large attendance) for one to make the most or less out of the weekend. For instance, I did see a several questionable impressions this weekend but I fell in with the Liberty Rifles and the U.K. "Lazy Jacks" under Pridgeon's Shenandoah Legion. I'll be dog-gone if we weren't the dirty, roughest sons-of-b&%$#^es around! So, to me, any farbiness didn't distract me from my surrounding.

The fights were fairly good, I had one of those "moments" twice. Once, when were snaked through some reeds/high grass at the bottom of a hill and then come out onto the field (I felt like a tiger in the jungle). Also, seeing the golden eagles, the flags, then shimmering of rifles barrels, and lastly the blue coming over the crest of the same hill.

It was also nice to meet people in person! My mess mates have deemed me the "Yearbook Reenactor" from now on. :rolleyes:

ALSO, the Cody J. Harding performance of "Macbeth" was an exceptional treat.

I hope everyone had a good time, I'm squeezing as much juice as possible and heading back up to da 'burg for the next two days. Find me around town!

[davidf]

I thought the event was good. Just a couple of issues:
Why were spectators only limited to 1,000? I heard that the sutlers suffered from lack of business, and if this event was meant to raise money, why not allow more in?
Why was the spectator line not extended so they could view more of the battle (referring to earlier post on this as well, I agree that is should have been)?
Way too many waiting periods. During the march and during a couple of the battles, there were way too many times that we were waiting in ranks doing nothing. ANd with this hot weekend, the longer we were out in the sun and humidity, the more sapped of energy we were. Also on this note, on Sunday, why did we send out for people to fill canteens and then we moved before they got back? It screwed up our ranks a few times.

Some positives:
Even though we did portray the 2nd Wisconsin on Saturday, my favorite scenario was doing the 1st MN on Sunday, it was really cool to go into combat against a whole rebel brigade and get slaughtered. I think both those battles were good (I can't really comment on wheatfield scenario, didn't see much of it).
Good calls on cancelling the Saturday afternoon dress parade and Saturday evening battle. Though I must say, I think for troops that were marching, that was the fastest "march" I ever saw when we were going into camp to get away from the storms.
I think the event was the perfect size, each side at any time had at minimum of 3 veteran sized regiments at any time, and at maximum 4-5. It was "big" numbers you could say, but they were managable "big" numbers.

Like I said, a good event, but you could still say it was a mainstream event. If I had to label it, I would say it was a mainstream event more targeted towards campaigners.

[Jim of The SRR]

I had a great time at the event. For a 'mainstream' event I was impressed with the camps, impressions, quality of sutlers, and drill. Wasn't perfect, but a great improvement from most events. I believe that this event is the way for us to progress and improve. It is a successful compromise event. It had numbers and some standards. I honestly would like to see less serious reenactors improve their impressions and step it up and attend events like this. I would also like to see more 'hardcores' put away purist ideals for the sake of progress and support events like this as well. I truly enjoyed the 1st MN assault on Sunday.
Many thanks and kudos to Jim Moffett, Rob Murray and the Western Brigade for doing a great job. The battalion did a fine job at drill! We were happy to be part of the effort (Company H). Thanks to Mr. Heath for the fine porcine products he provided in our ration issue.
Thanks to Chirs Anders for making this happen and providing us a better alternative than Goofysburg.

I have some event pictures up at:
http://www.geocities.com/saltriverrifles/AHTpics.html

Regards,
Jim Butler
SCAR www.geocities.com/scar_civilwar
SRR www.geocities.com/saltriverrifles

[37thtenn]

jim,
after looking at your pictures,i think we were in front of you guys on saturday.

[Western Blue Belly]

Way too many waiting periods. During the march and during a couple of the battles, there were way too many times that we were waiting in ranks doing nothing...



Welcome to the Army...

[Johnny Lloyd]

I had a great time at the event. For a 'mainstream' event I was impressed with the camps, impressions, quality of sutlers, and drill. Wasn't perfect, but a great improvement from most events. I believe that this event is the way for us to progress and improve. It is a successful compromise event. It had numbers and some standards. I honestly would like to see less serious reenactors improve their impressions and step it up and attend events like this. I would also like to see more 'hardcores' put away purist ideals for the sake of progress and support events like this as well.

Regards,
Jim Butler


Jim-

Amen to this one! I couldn't have said it better- and you know I "have the propensity for speech" according to Tom Gingras and the Akward Mess.

:rolleyes:

It was nice to see an event of this size so well done with many considerations planned well-in-advance.

Look at the great things:

Our camping area was well-policed of farbism. Our drill wasn't perfect, but we worked well together and tried to help one-another. We had great company/fellowship. We taught the public a bit of a lesson in history too... what a great weekend and well-worth the trip!

For a large-sized/public-invited event, that is about as good as it comes.

Nice to see I'm "infamous" from your website, Jim. It musta been the singing of so many "j-Honey Lloyd" songs in the rain. Didn't ya'll bury that guy anyway? His tombstone is below... ;)

Huzzah! :D:p

Tanks to Jim Moffet, Rob Murray, Jim Butler, Charles Lemons, Charles Heath and Mrs. Lawson for such great company! After all, it is the people that really make the events enjoyable! ;)

It is a successful compromise event. It had numbers and some standards. I honestly would like to see less serious reenactors improve their impressions and step it up and attend events like this.

Jim, I think you coined a new term... a 'compromise event'. I guess 'carpe eventa' are megafarb fests that have a contingent of campaigners at them. A 'compromise event', I guess, is one that is designed for the more-serious hobbist that hasn't attended or doesn't attend a full-campaigner event. It is good for campaigners that don't want to attend megafarbonzo fests, but want to see numbers, keep personal standards and have fun, I feel.

Dead on, sir- I'd like to see less serious reenactors improve their impressions by coming to these events also.

Thanks- Johnny

PS- My wife and her family were 'taters and she felt a bit shorted with not seeing most of the battle on Saturday. I can only speak from the point-of-view of a participant that it was fun.

[LindaTrent]

Since Hank was going anyway I decided, in the 11th hour, to go along for the ride. My biggest mistake was buying both Saturday and Sunday's tickets together. The only satisfaction is knowing that the money went to preservation, though it would have been much easier to just write a check.

9am (http://www.wmhf.org/athightide/programs.html) Public Programming begins in Living History Area
11am "Battle of Willoughby Run"
5pm Public Programming ends

I just assumed, as did a majority of other spectators that this meant that the camps were open for public interpretation, and/or that there would be presentations going on in some specific location. Instead, many of us who arrived at 9:00 Saturday morning were shocked to find out that the camps were closed until after the battle, and that the sutlers were in the military camps so they too were off limits until after the battle, and that the "public programming" prior to the battle consisted on Saturday of the Union doing some drilling for about 15-30 minutes, and then on Sunday the cavalry doing some manuevers for the public for the same length of time. The remainder of the morning until the battle there were no public programs, no sutlers, and no camps to visit. So from 9:15 (or 9:30) - 11:00 there was literally nothing we could do, and no programs going on that we could find, and the hill was void of any covering from the hot sun.

One point of interest was watching the runaway cannon as it was being hauled up the road and broke loose from the truck and rolled back down the hill. They went down, re-hitched, and took the cannon back up, apparently no damage done. :)

The spectators were stopped by police from leaving the limited roped in viewing area according to my friend who attended Saturday.

Yep. There was caution tape strung around and the spectators were required to stay behind it, and there were folks there to make sure we did. The fighting on Saturday was for the most part on the other side of the hill, and out of sight. Yes, the Yankees marched by and such, but the Confederates, for the most part, were out of view. Sunday's battle we were able to walk up to the top of the hill and see the fighting, as the yellow tape was situated so we could stand up there and watch. But as a spectator I did feel that we really got the short end of the stick.

A few ideas for the next time:

1. Have more programs for the public before the battle.
2. Have printed out programs for the public so we know exactly when and where presentations are going to be held. Just saying over the PA system that a presentation will be held at "x" time at the "living history area" is very difficult to hear and understand. To me, the living history area was near the camps, or in the field where the battle was fought, but not at the ticket booth/food vendor area. I wanted to hear the medical presentation and missed it because I was down in the medical camps waiting for the presentation to begin, and even staff couldn't tell me who was doing it, when, or where. By the time I found it I heard "that's it. Are there any questions?" Disappointing.
3. Have the sutlers in the same location as the food vendors where the public can access them from 9AM to 5PM instead of just from 1-5 on Saturday and not at all on Sunday (many of them were striking camp as soon as the battle ended).

Linda

[ewtaylor]

A friend of mine brought his family to the event on Saturday to see the show. He saw NOTHING!!!!!!!! The spectator line was so far away from the action, and over a hill. After the first fight, no one on the spectator line was told it was not over. He and most of the people around him went home he said. He wants his money back. That was piss poor planning in my opinion.


There was still a large crowd when we were fighting in front of them. There were also a large crowd of spectators who viewed the camps and "robber's row". Your friend should have stayed like the others, he missed out.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

I just assumed, as did a majority of other spectators that this meant that the camps were open for public interpretation, and/or that there would be presentations going on in some specific location. Instead, many of us who arrived at 9:00 Saturday morning were shocked to find out that the camps were closed until after the battle, and that the sutlers were in the military camps so they too were off limits until after the battle, and that the "public programming" prior to the battle consisted on Saturday of the Union doing some drilling for about 15-30 minutes, and then on Sunday the cavalry doing some manuevers for the public for the same length of time. The remainder of the morning until the battle there were no public programs, no sutlers, and no camps to visit. So from 9:15 (or 9:30) - 11:00 there was literally nothing we could do, and no programs going on that we could find, and the hill was void of any covering from the hot sun.



Hmmn...now the neglect to mention the Confederate demo Saturday morning is a little disapointing...While I was unaware of the time the demo was done (as I was in ranks)...the combined battalion of the PSL, SWB, LR, and NSR did perform battalion drill for the spectators sometime Saturday morning...even fired about 5-6 shots for the Spectators.

I knew what I was getting into when attending this event..and wasn't expecting any immersion experiences...This was to be an oppurtunity to hang-out, catch up with old friends and make some new ones; conduct business, and just have fun. To that end from the participant side it was great.

Paul B.

[Bob Minton]

There was at least one Confederate battalion drilling Sat. morning while we were doing the officers walk thru from 8:30-9:30 or so.

One comment on the 'long pauses'....those were in place to allow folks to refill water. Our battalion was the last to disengage Sat. afternoon and had to rewater before the scenario started again. (by design). Same thing happened on Sunday as we were in reserve we could see the Conf. battalions in the distance watering before they came over to kick the crap out of us. (which they did!) They also allowed for some added length and flow to battles which was a nice change.

Bob Minton
Army of the Ohio
14th OVI/3rd Ark.

[LindaTrent]

Hmmn...now the neglect to mention the Confederate demo Saturday morning is a little disapointing...While I was unaware of the time the demo was done (as I was in ranks)...the combined battalion of the PSL, SWB, LR, and NSR did perform battalion drill for the spectators sometime Saturday morning...even fired about 5-6 shots for the Spectators.Paul B.

Sorry. Let me just say that I only remember one drill prior to the battle while I was in attendance; it may have been CS and not US. What I do remember is that there was a gentleman who was telling about how many soldiers didn't know their left foot from their right, etc. My apologies if I remembered the wrong side.

What I do remember is many of us sitting there looking at our watches after the presentation had ended and realizing that we had yet an hour to go till the battle, and a half hour had already passed.

Linda.

[Hardtack Herring]

The Liberty Hall Fifes and Drums performed a public Demo at the Living History area at 3pm on Saturday.

Sorry you missed it Linda... It was rather good.

[LindaTrent]

I just looked at my photograph notes and you are correct, I have down CS drill. My apologies.

Linda.

[ajroscoe]

I think that the "At High Tide" event was an event that should serve as a bench mark on the road to creating more and better "compromise event." I attended last year's "September Storm," and I thought that this event was far better. For the weekend, I was part of B Company, 1st Minn, "The Stillwater Guard." Doug Cooper commanded the company, which had picked first person roles weeks before hand. We made sure that except for the times when we were marching off to a scenario as another specific regiment -- e.g. the 2nd WI for the Iron Brigade -- we maintained those identities. Granted, that was difficult with the other companies of mainstreamers in the battalion not doing that, but we did the best we could. It added tremendously to the experience.
Before the battle Sunday, we had a soldier of A Company, 1st Minn (the reenacting unit) come over and say that he was very impressed with our company's conduct and was happy to see a group that was doing it right for his unit. I think that proves that by coming to these events and doing what we do, we serve as an example. No one in our company came there to rub anything into anyone's face, and I was proud to serve under Col. Moffett in the Western Brigade. We simply did our duties as soldiers and showed others how we handle ourselves.
I think the charge of the 1st Minn was the more amazing thing I have ever done reenacting, I had no problem feeling in the moment, despite the crowd watching. In fact, it took me a minute to snap out of it after the scenario ended when my First Sergeant ordered me to get a detail to retrieve our company's packs from the charge's start point. I think that this is the start to where our hobby should be aiming, to bring progressives and campaigners into companies and battalions of mainstreamers at events on a larger scale but with attainable, historical scenarios as the keystone. Anyways, thank you Chris Anders, Jim Moffett, and Doug Cooper for giving me one of the best experiences of my life. I'm sorry for anyone who didn't go and enjoy themselves.

[Dbackfed]

I had a decent time at the event. Portraying the 2nd WI with drums beating, knowing we were going into action with well over a hundred men in our regiment with several hundred around was chilling to some degree. Charging as the 1st MN was great, even though our ranks became disorganized. Meeting some of the sutlers I hear great things about was wonderful. Ezra Barnhouse, E.J. Thomas, Nick Duval (I never met the man before, but he treated me like I was one of his best friends), I enjoyed seeing the faces behind the name. [deleted - unnecessary commentary - MJC] I wish the spectators could have seen more. I felt bad for my parents who traveled from Chicago with us to watch this event. Sunday was slightly better for the spectators I feel.

I enjoyed seeing the battlefield where these two armies faced. There is too much to see in a weekend, but maybe I'll get out for the 150th. I loved seeing the large numbers at this event, wish more confederates could have made it, but seeing this many attend helped to envision what the real numbers were like. Thanks to everyone that came.

[Shantyman]

I had a good time. The highlight was defenatly "MacBeth" being preformed by men from PDL and a swim in the creek even though I got bit in the foot by a crawdad. I was very glad to meet the Lazy Jacks, and of course seeing old and new friends again. There was a great fife and drum jam in the sutlers where we saw our friends from the Fort McHenry Guard. There was also "The Great Banjo String Hunt" Which took me to every camp along the line that had any music coming from it. Someone even went into town lookin for 'em. Paul finally got his banjo goin....10 muinits later it rained.

[Will Eichler]

I rarely do a "me Too" post, but this event calls for one. I was with Mr. Roscoe marching under Doug Cooper. The prep for the event from regimental level down to our company's Jeremy Bevard providing our company with a roster of men (with backgrounds about many) to choose characters from really helped make the weekend memorable.

Though I still have to say that Outpost last October was the overall best event I've ever been to, this one takes the cake easily as the best "larger" event I've attended.

Thanks to Chris Anders, Kevin Air, Mr. Dunfee, Jim Moffet, Rob Murray, Charles Heath and the rest of the staff who worked behind the scenes both at event, combat command and regimental levels to bring this event together. Finally, thanks to Doug Cooper and all the lads of the Stillwater Guard, Company B for the weekend who allowed me to serve you as your first sergeant. It was a true joy.

Best to all!

Will

[hta1970]

I had a great time! I was serving as acting Surgeon to the Confederate Second Brigade. Many thanks to you boys who served in the Ambulance Corps during the first day. I think everyone who did learned what really hard work that is to move wounded in battle especially when our troops are being routed as happened by the creek and those high weeds.

I had my period moments a few times out there both the first day at Willoughby Run and the second day in the Wheatfield and beyond...

Some of the wounded were so realistic in their portrayal or men suffering from wounds I knew they would not survive caused me great pain knowing all I could do was give them pain relief (sorry to all who don't like allspice) and get a name to send home. One boy gave my orderly a letter to send home as a last request... It was touches like this that really brought home the cost of battle and war on the boys of '63.

It was great visiting the boys in the brigade during sick call Sunday morning. You all looked great and seemed to be enjoying yourselves and your food.

I hope others will consider volunteering for Ambulance Corps duty during future events.

[DougCooper]

I had a great time! I was serving as acting Surgeon to the Confederate Second Brigade...

I had my period moments a few times out there both the first day at Willoughby Run and the second day in the Wheatfield and beyond...

.

Comrade a period moment for we federals was standing up on "McPherson's Ridge" and seeing a group of stretcher bearers with stetcher run to support a CS battalion going into action across Willoughby Run. They would soon be needed.

I echo exactly what Jim Butler, Will Eichler, Andy Roscoe and others said of this fine event. Many of you know my opinion that it took two to sunder the hobby in the name of "progress", and we campaigners are just as guilty for the decline in quality of the big events, perhaps more so because we took some of the best leadership away. The result was predictable. Big events became a shadow of what they used to be and our faction largely forgot how to do battalion and brigade maneuvers - we ceased to be part of the army and became satisfied with good kit and smaller and smaller events.

This event brought us full circle from the 125th Gettysburg, where I stood as a rear rank #2 among thousands of troops in a great event. We are back. Last weekend we saw 1,500 troops doing well planned scenarios lead by excellent officers and staffs at every level from division to company/battery/troop, all operating together with medical, commisary, QM, etc. In short, it was the Army. After 10 years, Chris Anders dared to return to Gettysburg and take it back from the money changers of GAC. He and his staff delivered.

The mix of impressions was obvious, but in the words of a member of the Lazy Jacks, if you think of it all as Civil War Wallpaper, you can concentrate on making your experience the best it can be...and set an example for all.

My only regret is that between chase duties for Silas Tackitt's group of hardy 15.5 mile CS marchers on Thursday (hot!!!) and commanding one of the best, most cohesive group of soldiers I can remember Friday to Sunday, I was not able to spend much time with old and new friends on both sides and on sutler row (now that was a collection of quality for the ages).

Thanks to 1st Sgt Will Eichler and the superb men of the recreated 1st Minnesota's Co B "Stillwater Guard", Jim Moffet, his staff, officers and men of the Western Brigade, Steve Dunfee and his staff at Division and our opposite numbers in gray for a job extremely well done.

Lastly, from us who were there, our unending thanks to Jim Moffet, Rob Murray, and James Owens who convinced the NPS to let them design the Western Brigade's 5 mile march from the First Minnesota monument across the battlefield to the event site, stretching the normal procedures to allow maneuvers (Jim needs to run for Governor). Half way across the real Wheatfield in a 180 man line of battle I suddenly realized that we were likely the first men to do this since the heroes of both sides made it the vortex of hell on July 2, 1863. God Bless them all.

And as usual, I forgot to bring my camera...

[OldKingCrow]

Wow !!!! Now that is what I am talking about. What a privilege.

There are those here who would kill to experience such a thing.

Really.

[LindaTrent]

BTW, while I was disappointed with the spectator pre-battle, I want to add that on one of the days I was sitting next to a gentleman who is somehow involved with the modern US military, and when military VIPs come into the area he's the one who often gives tours of the battlefield. He seemed to really know his stuff, and he was sitting there telling some of us that the Irish Brigade should be doing "x" and just then they did it, the same went with all the other manuevering out on the field.

Of course, from time to time, he would say that "x" should be coming from a certain direction and then added that due to the size of the field they sometimes weren't quite able to do it, but they did the best they could with what they had to work with. He was impressed since the event had to have boundaries that the boys of 1863 didn't have. He was impressed with how the boys came from as close of a direction as they historically would have. Geez, that was cool to hear because most of us spectators don't know the blow by blow moves of the '63 army by regiment and brigade. He also said that certain men should be the 1st Minnesota (I think that's right), and shortly after saying that the boys appeared up on the hill. That was cool.

It was also cool because I questioned whether or not the cannon fire would be of any use over such a large terrain (long distance), and he said yes. Wow! I learned something! In fact, I did learn a lot over the weekend. I also got to play with my camera which is something I don't get to do at events when I participate. I'm putting some of my favorite pictures up on a website which I hope to post here later today.

So, while I have a few complaints from a spectator's point of view, I do want to add that I did enjoy the fact that a gentleman who was able to give us regiment, battalion, and battery positions was sitting there saying "x" should happen and then it did. How cool is that?

Linda.

[LibertyHallVols]

I also had a great time at the event. I was very surprised to be registering by the same barn where registration was held for the 135th "Reenactasaurus Rex" in 1998!

I enjoyed the chance to put faces with names from the A-C, such as Jason Spellman, Terre Lawson, Bill Lomas, Paul Boulden, and of course Mess'r Silas Tackitt, as well as many others.

Basic needs were met quite well (Water - Firewood - A Place to Poo) Camp sites were quite nice (woods, rather than open fields). Scenarios were well-thought out and came off rather well.

While there were some (ehem) questionable impressions present, the best of the best were also there. The Liberty Hall Fifes and Drums did a fantastic job (as usual). Also, I was very impressed by the Liberty Rifles their rendition of "MacBeth". I was as impressed by that play as I was the "Allendale Melodians" the first time I saw them. Fantastic! It made the event for me! Thank you, gents!!

Thanks also to Silas. I really enjoyed serving as adjutant. It was my first time in such a role and it was a valuable experience for me. My apologies for any newbie errors!!

[FranklinGuardsNYSM]

Well, this was a good one.

It's one of the few times I can remember a large-scale battle scenario being recognizable -- it's not often you can pick out units and identify them by their positions in relation to your own and others. Some highlights:

-Hearing the Iron Brigade's field music with "The Campbells Are Coming."
-Jari and the band on our end of things, as well as the field music which performed a functioning role throughout the weekend.
-A company of 40 men on paper that grew even larger in actuality. It was a pleasure to host the Lazy Jacks! You're always welcome.
-The Ambulance Corps! I was one of those who received the opiate after taking a hit at Willoughby Run, and enjoyed the opportunity to interact with them. The Novicki-Vac seemed to be everywhere, too. Tim Cole had a bothersome thorn, and before long was surrounded by red hatbands and was literally being operated on! Thanks for coming to his aid, gang.
-The storm Saturday night...after getting everyone squared away, we sat on the edge of the woodline, huddled in circles under gum blankets, as Lars Prillaman, Chris Semancik, and I launched into older-than-dirt hymns and murder ballads. Amazing little moment there while the lightning flashed overhead.
-On Sunday, being behind the crest of a ridge, and hearing a peculiar cheer, followed shortly by the sight of the green flag rising in front.
-The 1st Minnesota's opening volley, which seemed to have some real stopping power behind it.
-A stellar assortment of vendors, and not having to walk three miles uphill-both-ways to get to them.
-Seeing old friends and meeting others in person for the first time, of course.

Chris needs his rest, of course, but I hope that we've not seen the last of this sort of event. Thanks for your hard work.

[DougCooper]

I had forgotten another highlight I cannot recall ever seeing before. While slinking through the CS camp with old comrade Jon Egglestone from the Lazy Jacks Friday night, we saw the CS band playing at night sitting in a circle with candles on each easel to read their music. The candle light and soothing airs gave an ethereal quality to the moment. Well done.

Mark's comments on the 1st Minn's volley is dead on. The same can be said of the reply from the Rebs which arrived in our line at roughly the same time. Several of us (the entire battalion had fates) were knocked out of the ranks. Emotions were running very high as we double quicked down the slope, schooled as we were on the history of the charge and the men involved. I hope the public understood a little of what happened that day. They were still clapping when I stopped for a moment to give a preservation appeal.

[LindaTrent]

For those who are interested I finally have my pictures up as well. They will be left up until around July 31st at which time I will take down the site to save space. If anyone wishes to see the pictures in their original scale please let me know and I will forward them to you, or put them up on a private page.

I tried to get pictures of the ambulance corps, and images that showed the large numbers as much as possible, as well as lots of horses. If you had a horse at the event, I probably have a picture of you even if I didn't post it. Unfortunately, I'm short on photos of the CS since my battery died just as they came into view on Sunday.

http://cw186165.homestead.com/AHT2008.html that is the first page which will link to the second and third. The third is solely a page for the horse-drawn ambulance, and is full of photos of it both on and off the field.

If you get a red x just right click and tell it to show the picture. I get that error occasionally.

Thanks,

Linda.

[pvt_jb]

I had spent some much time reading, researching, writing and thinking for this event I almost feel lost now that it is over!
I know I had a great time portraying the 1st Minnesota Company B all weekend. The Friday march made me appreciate a number of things and made some very unforgettable memories. Doing the march on little sleep, an empty stomach, with heat and humidity also gave me some reflection on what they really might have felt during some of their marches.
The Stillwater Guard was a great company to be with and I am very proud of them all. We had two or three drill hiccups but I know we did an outstanding job out there. The Corporal’s especially ran their butts off handing details. I loved how on Sunday morning almost the entire company was preparing for dress parade by cleaning their rifles, polishing brass, brushing off clothes and shoes. It really showed the dedication that we had to what we were doing. I hope that those efforts showed and I believe that they did by a couple of comments we received.
I was disappointed that the evening battle was cancelled with the storm. However, to see how fast a column of troops could really march with some real motivation was an experience. So was getting six men and all of their gear under one small shebang.
To finalize I want to say that Doug did a fantastic job as our officer. He was around when he needed to be, was friendly with us as if we had been together for sometime, but he was also just distant enough too. It really was how I pictured a combat company officer would be with his company. I was happy to serve under him and I look forward to that opportunity again.


Sgt. Sam Nickerson
1st Minnesota, Co B

[Tapsbugler]

I had forgotten another highlight I cannot recall ever seeing before. While slinking through the CS camp with old comrade Jon Egglestone from the Lazy Jacks Friday night, we saw the CS band playing at night sitting in a circle with candles on each easel to read their music. The candle light and soothing airs gave an ethereal quality to the moment. Well done.

Doug

THANKS

The CS Band was the 26th North Carolina Regimental Band (AKA The Federal City Brass). Speaking for all the members there, we had a smashing time playing for the boys and would have played much more Saturday night had not the rains come through.........

The 26th NC Band was a group of Moravian musicians (which explains all the hymns we played) that served from spring of 1862 till their capture just before Appomattox. They were at Gettysburg playing on the 2nd day, after their regiment was nearly wiped out on the 1st, on the battlefield cheering the men. Their performance on the field was noted:

"When the cannonade was at its height, a Confederate band of music, between the cemetery and ourselves, began to play polkas and waltzes, which sounded very curious, accompanied by the hissing and bursting of the shells."

We'll be up at the big event this weekend with the 26th NC Regiment up at CSA HQ.

Thanks to Chris Andrers for hosting a wonderful experience for us!

Best Regards

Jari Villanueva
the 26th NC Regimental Band

[Wild Rover]

I am glad to hear so many folks had a good time. And Marc is right, I need a break, one to focus on my family, especially my wife who has for so long stood by me as I ignored her time and again to put on events.

Putting these on is not an easy task, and takes a huge toll of one's personal life.

that is something I now focus on.

I will be sure to follow up with an AR in a bit, but first things come first.

Pards,

[Swag]

Chris you did an outstanding job as always, the Suskies had a wonderful time, and I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next season. I must agree with Rob Williams that the wheat field was amazing...I had a "moment" or two there and I wouldn't give that up for the world. There were lots of good memories made this weekend, and I think that makes up for every Farb that I had seen....and in the long haul there were not many at all; which helped to becoming immersed whenever possible. So again thank you Mr. Anders and the WMHF for putting this on.

[Rob Galbraith]

I had a wonderful time at this event.

The most memorable for me was portraying the 116th Pa of the Irish Brigade. Thank you to the gentleman who did such a fine job portraying Father Corby giving Absolution. It was also wonderful to execute the Irish Brigade's maneuvers and go into the Wheatfield inverted. We pulled it off pretty well and were full of a lot of steam as we crested that ridge and saw the Confederate's heads and flags rising above the grass.

Thank you to Chris and all of the organizers. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

[Chip42]

Everyone:

Well, 2 days out from my return home and my heart is full. This event must have had a serious effect on me, because I’m still trying to adjust back to “real life”. I’m not going to lay out a full AAR, rather I thought that I would throw out some highlights from my arrival on site to the end.


-Being part of a group that assisted Charles Heath in unloading a 400+ pound barrel of salt pork

-March across the battlefield.
Really set the tone for the event. Jim Moffet and his staff did a great job of teaching and leading. The walks across the 1st Minnesota Charge field and the Wheatfield gave great perspective and helped me to understand the gravity of what we were going to attempt to recreate over the weekend. I think it’s safe to say that that was a once in lifetime experience. Thanks to the support staff for keeping us hydrated. Water, lemonade and switchel (BTW, once you’ve tasted this concoction, you’ll never forget it…) kept the boys going.

-My first experience being part of a functional company—The “All-Stars” of which include:
Doug Cooper: He has to be recognized as “soldier’s leader”. He led, taught, checked on, complimented and even brought treats (molasses, cane sugar, etc…). Doug, that ankle you turned on Sunday is probably still sore. However, you put pain aside that day to stick it out with us. I think all the men of the “Stillwater Guard” appreciate it.

Will Eichler, Jeremy Bevard, Tom Steele and our Corporals. You fellows were an outstanding NCO staff. You always found ways to “make it happen”. Our ration, and ammunition issues were smooth and timely. You guys acted like you’ve been doing that stuff for years.

The “Stillwater Guard”. Great group of fellows. The people really do make the event. Ya’ll really took up the mindset and acted as soldiers through the course of the event. We took care of each other in everyway we could. It was a great experience to watch as we jelled. One of the toppers I thought was polishing our brass Sunday morning to get ready for Dress Parade.

The battles. Scenarios went well. 2-3 “Moments”. Best of which lasted a good 10+ minutes as we as the 1st Minnesota watched our lines melt 2-300 yards distant and then receive our orders to “Take those colors”. Chills like I haven’t felt in years….
I was disappointed about the cancelation of the battle Sat. evening, but the time spent in camp with my comrades during the storm was worth it.

I always say, it is unfortunate that we shut these things down so quickly. By the time that everybody is tuned up, it’s time to go home.

Thanks to Chris Anders and the organizers. I think you all have set the bar in relation to these types of events.

Thanks again to Co. B Stillwater Guards. You boys are sweeter than Apple Butter..... ;)

Pvt. Augustus "Beerkeg" Koenig

[PieBoy96]

I'm glad many of you enjoyed our abridged performance of Macbeth on Saturday night! Credit to Cody Harding for editing and organizing the play. The Lazyjacks who joined us for the weekend seemed to be quite amused by our rendition of it!

Everything about the event was great... I thought the site was excellent, camps were laid out in a logical and simple manner, the battlefields had good terrain and proximity to everything else, the sutlers provided an excellent array of high quality goods, and the scenarios were well scripted... and more importantly, actually followed! Thanks to the PSL who welcomed the LR for the weekend. Marc H. is right... we started the weekend with a company of about 38 and ended with around 42... how often does a company actually grow by Sunday morning?

Here are a couple photos from the weekend. More will be posted on the Liberty Rifles (http://www.libertyrifles.org) website in the next day or two.

[charding4496]

Thanks to everyone for your kind words regarding the play and even more importantly thanks to the fellas from the PSL battalion and the 4th KY for being such a kind and forgiving audience. The lack of light and the rain delay almost canceled the whole show but once the stars poked through we figured we had to put it on.

Also, I want to thank the fellas from the Liberty Hall Fife and Drums for joining us and putting on a bit of a show of their own. It certainly helped keep the crowd entertained while we were scrounging for our props and scripts in the darkness. I also appreciate those who put up with the noise from the play a little later than we had hoped - the rain pushed our performance back an hour or so. So thanks for bearing with us.

Lastly thanks to all the cast members who put up with my scatter-brained directing during our practice on Saturday afternoon. You all made it a success!

And for the sake of adding to the already laudable comments - good work Chris. In spite any of the events minor kinks or missteps, there was an overwhelming amount of good things about it. There's no doubt, I'll definitely be at the next one!

[Marylander in Grey]

Col Chris,
It was an honor to serve under your command.
I greatly appriciate the men who volunteered and were volunteered to serve Doctor Aycock and I. Very hard work it is to evacuate wounded.
Hank Trent it is apleasure to have had the oppurtunity to work with you. Harry Aycock you are amazing. John Novicki what are we doing next?
I had goosebumps all weekend, to be among those at the top of this hobby was very humbling.
Gentlemen the most memorable expierience for me was not witnessed by most, it was the presentation of the 1st Tennessee Battle Flag to the CMF prior to the Willoughby Run Senerio in memorium of our beloved Colonel Daniel Garnett Snyder.
IRYOS,
P.S. Tim Cole thanks for being such a great sport.

[BWT]

Mr. Fisher,

I am not a part of the CMF however i was there for the flag presentation and yes, it was a very special part of that event even though i did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Snyder.

[rebinnj]

Great event, except for the lighting show that canceled the night tactical.

After completing a 15 mile march starting at Caledonia State Park on that Thursday, in 90 degree heat and still have energy to make it through the weekend, it just boggles the mind of how they were able to do it through the year and still run in and fight.

[Silas]

Jeff, I can relate. This is my first post since returning to Latte-land two nights ago. I'm exhausted. I've done longer marches, but never harder. The early march to the Cashtown Inn was great. Beyond there, it whumped. Things took a turn for the worst when that idiot tried to run us over just before Flors Church.

I snapped a few photos during the early hill climbs, but none during the march through that region beyond Flors Church where we baked, baked, baked. I tried to attach some of the few photos I took during the march, but the system isn't too happy with them. I'll try later when I've got more time to figure out the problem.

[BillO'Dea]

Some pictures forwarded to me by James Owens and a few taken by myself can be found on our mess page (http://www.rugglesrag.com/at_high_tide.htm)

Bill O'Dea
Salt Boiler Mess / 122nd NY

[Duvall Leatherwork]

I want to thank everyone for supporting my business and making the event worth every minute of my time!

To all the folks who put in all the hard work to make the event happen, I thank you as well! I will attend every Western Maryland Heritage Foundation event I am invited to!

The one question I have, is why this event was not advertised on the AC Forum??? Quality events should be marketed to everyone...and I am wondering where the marketing for this event was on this forum?

Nick Duvall
Duvall Leatherwork
314 Wyoming Ave
Kingston, PA 18704
(570)283-9297
duvall_leatherwork@hotmail.com
www.duvallleatherwork.com

[64OVI]

Bill...thanks for the link for the pictures at Sachs Bridge. That was a nice "extra" moment near the end of the march. By chance, on the 5th picture in the gallery, do you or anyone know who the offficer is as the battalion came thru? I spent some time talking with him and failed to get his name.

Kent Dorr - Ohio
"Devils Own Mess"

[Hank Trent]

The one question I have, is why this event was not advertised on the AC Forum??? Quality events should be marketed to everyone...and I am wondering where the marketing for this event was on this forum?

Obviously I can't speak for the AC Forum folks, but I was there and while I had a good time for a mainstream event and thought it was excellent for that, I can't see that it was a campaign event except for the adjunct march, nor did it have the quality of a Winter '64 or Immortal 600 or other similar non-campaign events (depending on how one defines quality, of course).

Guess it depends what one is used to, as to where it falls on one's personal authenticity scale. The last Anders event I attended was October '62, and I think that October '62 was well within the scope of a c/p/h event and exceeded many in quality. I don't think AHT did, nor was it meant to.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[BillO'Dea]

Kent, sorry I don't know the fellow, Perhaps some one else will.
The bridge photos were sent to James Owens from Jim and Gloria Smedley of The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania (http://www.tbcbspa.com/)
I agree it was one of the highlights of the weekend and was thinking as we approached it that it was going to pour soon and I hope we stop right here.

Regards,
Bill O'Dea
Salt Boiler Mess / 122nd NY

[Eric Tipton]

The one question I have, is why this event was not advertised on the AC Forum??? Quality events should be marketed to everyone...and I am wondering where the marketing for this event was on this forum?
Since there are eighteen threads about AHT in this folder, I wouldn't exactly say that it wasn't advertised here at the AC. ;)

We talked with Chris several months ago as to where AHT would be listed and it seemed to fit best in this particular folder. He agreed and since then, he and others have posted updates and information in this folder accordingly. :D

[64OVI]

Thanks Bill. As you say, hopefully some will recognize him. I marched with him at the rear of the column from the bridge back to the event site. He had been in the movie Gettysburg and pointed out numerous locations where scenes were shot. He had many stories about the filming and about his experiences as one of Chamberlains Lts in the LRT scenes.

Kent Dorr - Ohio
"Devils Own Mess"

[Wild Rover]

Hank, Eric and all,

This is the best folder for this event, and yes October 1862 was a totally different event.

Events have different goals and objectives, and I enjoy a wide variety of them, taking a small piece from each to knit my quilt of CW experiences.

Some pieces I got at October 1862 I could not get at AHT, and vice versa...

I just try to keep it honest what I hope for each event, and what others can as well.

Personally I am going to help with a few events yet this year, but refocussing my life for now. I have spent the past 10 years doing one event after another and am taking a break for a while.

Pards,

[DougCooper]

Personally I am going to help with a few events yet this year, but refocussing my life for now. I have spent the past 10 years doing one event after another and am taking a break for a while.

Pards,

Chris - in my opinion the hobby (the whole hobby) is fortunate indeed that you took the risk and put on this event. Thank you.

[Tarheel]

Just got back to London this morning. On behalf of my Lazy Jack comrades many thanks are due to many people. Firstly, to Mr. Anders and all those who contributed to the creation of the event. It passed by a very considerable margin the "is it worth crossing the Atlantic for?" question. Secondly, to our newly-found and welcoming chums in The Liberty Rifles with whom we had the great good fortune to fall in with. Speaking as a Brit, Macbeth (The Scottish Play - remember!!!) will now have an entirely different resonance. To hear the immortal Bard's words declaimed in drawling Kentucky was a life-changing experience and very probably much closer to the bawdy Tudor version than those uttered by some drama-school infected actor. The fiddle, banjo, bones and tambourine musical entertainment which followed was one of those pure, magic moment delights where the present WAS the past; an experience one will treasure. We'll be honoured to fall in with the LRs any time we can.
Warm regards and thanks again to all.
Patrick Reardon,
The Lazy Jack Mess, UK

[jake.koch]

I was a little bummed out by the weather Saturday night canceling out Cemetary Hill. In a way though the weather more then made up for it by forcing a few of us that had been too lazy to throw together any shelter to rush somthing together. I loved the comraderie of the event. We were able to meet some other fellas out there with some excellent impressions. The NCOs and officer of my company (B of the 1st Minnesota) looked like they had been doing their job for the last two years. It was one of the smoothest unit conglomerations I have ever been a part of.

It was pretty awesome to be the 1st Minnesota for Sunday. Laying there and watching the troops to the front give way, then doublequicking it into an overwhelming number of rebs was definately one of my new favorite moments in reenacting. It definately gave me a better appreciation for what they did and a better glimpse of the thoughts going through their head. I have nothing but good things to say about this event. It just goes to support the fact that us westerners won the war the easterners started!

[adamite_man61]

I had a great time at this event. To echo the rest of the guys in our unit, the camps were set up nice, the battles had their moments, the storm added an ambiance, the swim in the creek and of course the Macbeth performance. The sheer size, age, (and yes even weight), of our company was probably the most authentic I have ever been a part of. I do not understand some of these complaints. For exemple:

I thought the event was good. Just a couple of issues:
Why were spectators only limited to 1,000? I heard that the sutlers suffered from lack of business, and if this event was meant to raise money, why not allow more in?
Why was the spectator line not extended so they could view more of the battle (referring to earlier post on this as well, I agree that is should have been)?
Way too many waiting periods. During the march and during a couple of the battles, there were way too many times that we were waiting in ranks doing nothing. ANd with this hot weekend, the longer we were out in the sun and humidity, the more sapped of energy we were. Also on this note, on Sunday, why did we send out for people to fill canteens and then we moved before they got back? It screwed up our ranks a few times.

If the spectators wanted an NFL style show, then they could pay the arm and a leg and go to the circus this upcoming weekend. In my opinion, this was not a 'spectator' event. Waiting in the ranks happens all the time, better get used to it. And finally, davidf, I am a little disappointed in a Gettysburg College student. As a former founder of the PCG, I should expect the members to know that there are numerous first hand accounts of units that sent canteen details and when they returned could not find their units. This happened to us as well on Sunday and I thought it added that much more to the event.

Since the majority of a soldier's time was spent in the camp I find it better when the life in camp at the event emulates history more so than the battles. And with our performance of Macbeth, and the rest of the 'goings-on' that occurred in our camp, I was very happy with the event.

Eric Esser
www.libertyrifles.org

[Hardtack Herring]

Sadly, after spending 26 years in this hobby it seems people still can not agree on what a mainstream , progressive and hard core event is.

My advice to everyone….. Attend an event and make it what you want it to be. I find that if I do that I normally leave an event happy and satisfied.

Event organizers can only do so much planning. We make the show happen.

[BillO'Dea]

Just in the funny story line.... When we marched up to do the evening tactical. The hill gave one a 360 degree panorama view of the Adams county hills and sky, This is going to be neat having the rebs charge us here. Kevin my mess mate and fellow corporal in the color guard said look to the west. I knew at once the thing was blown and we going back to camp and thought of Recon one where I saw a fellow running from a lightning storm at right shoulder shift.
The Battalion unstacked. We got the word to case the colors and we did it correctly but in a hurry, the battalion left faced, quick stepped away leaving us. I had to say "guide around the colors"to the companies after us.
Lightning getting closer too.
The wind was picking up and us three were last off the hill and while hobbling along in my blistered Groucho walk, there was a real moment seeing that many troops run for the trees. Hey boys you deserted the colors :wink_smil

Glad I went and thanks Chris Anders and the volunteers, we owe you alot
Bill O'Dea
Salt Boiler Mess / 122nd NY

[BishopLynch]

I fell in with the Liberty Rifles for this event and I can say it was one of my favorite events I've done since being in the hobby. That may sound strange to some, given some of the complaints about the event, but it was not the battles which gave me that period rush, but several occurances before battle and in camp. I have to echo Eric's post above:.

Since the majority of a soldier's time was spent in the camp I find it better when the life in camp at the event emulates history more so than the battles. And with our performance of Macbeth, and the rest of the 'goings-on' that occurred in our camp, I was very happy with the event.

This is what made the event for me, the camp happenings. From sitting all huddled in the road on Saturday evening with our gum blankets draped around us, listening to several of the guys sing songs and talking ablout lightning striking people, to returning to camp late Saturday night for the performance of Macbeth. Seeing about 60 guys filthy dirty huddled around a makeshift stage lined with bayonets serving as stage lights really was a period moment for me. Even the comments from the crowd and the mess ups in the play added to the moment. I thought how the performance of the play was a great touch as that would have been something they would have done to get their minds off things for a while and have some fun.

As a former founder of the PCG, I should expect the members to know that there are numerous first hand accounts of units that sent canteen details and when they returned could not find their units. This happened to us as well on Sunday and I thought it added that much more to the event.

This happened to me once on Saturday and was a period moment. I wasnt upset at losing my unit, instead I kept thinking wow this is just like they talk about in their diaries.

The only battle rush for me was charging through the marsh at the Feds at the top of the hill on Saturday. Going straight into those reeds with everyone yipping and hollering for a few moments felt awesome.
I took a hit so I could get a ride in the ambulance but they left me saying my wound was mortal. I was so pissed.
Anyways, thanks to the event coordinators for putting the event on and thank you to the Liberty Rifles for letting me fall in with you all, I had a great time.

[DougCooper]

Just in the funny story line.... When we marched up to do the evening tactical. The hill gave one a 360 degree panorama view of the Adams county hills and sky, This is going to be neat having the rebs charge us here. Kevin my mess mate and fellow corporal in the color guard said look to the west. I knew at once the thing was blown and we going back to camp and thought of Recon one where I saw a fellow running from a lightning storm at right shoulder shift.
The Battalion unstacked. We got the word to case the colors and we did it correctly but in a hurry, the battalion left faced, quick stepped away leaving us. I had to say "guide around the colors"to the companies after us.
Lightning getting closer too.
The wind was picking up and us three were last off the hill and while hobbling along in my blistered Groucho walk, there was a real moment seeing that many troops run for the trees. Hey boys you deserted the colors :wink_smil

Glad I went and thanks Chris Anders and the volunteers, we owe you alot
Bill O'Dea
Salt Boiler Mess / 122nd NY

Citation for Bravery for Cpl William O'Dea, 122nd New York

For conspicuous gallantry and extreme attention to detail on the evening of July 2, 1863, Cpl O'Dea, despite hobbling foot injuries, crowds of double quicking soldiery and extremely threatening heavens, successfully cased the National Colors, avoiding injury to the same, himself and his comrades while helping carry said colors off the field. This was despite the certain knowledge that of the 900+ lightning rods in the division, his was the most prominent and most likely to gain connection with a million or more volts of electricity at any moment.

His intrepidity and selfless devotion to duty in the face of Mother Nature's wrath inspired his comrades and elicited the greatest admiration from all who witnessed his conduct, mostly just after the witnesses safely arrived in the treeline. He is hereby awarded the Ben Franklin Brass Key device for wear on his lapel and the thanks of a grateful nation. :D

[Gus49OVI]

Just make sure that Gingras wears his uniform....

Gus

[BillO'Dea]

Doug i will wear it most proudly. Chuck the color Sgt deserves mention . I wish i knew his last name. He was 66 and had bad thumbs but was game the whole weekend where as I fell out after seeing the EMTs nearby and some pretty staff girls in chairs. Thinking the former were going to come in handy.

Bill O"Dea
Salt Boiler mess /122nd NY

[davidf]

In reply to those who replied to my post about the canteen details thing, yes I knew that, but don't you think we could learn from history and not repeat the same mistakes; especially in comparison to how more controlled a reenactment is compared to a battlefield? It doesn't matter. I move on. The event was still good.

[hta1970]

I took a hit so I could get a ride in the ambulance but they left me saying my wound was mortal. I was so pissed.

Sorry about that! You know 19th Century triage was the reverse of today. We take the wounds we can save with the greatest ease first and the severe wounds last. A leg would would have gotten you on the ambulance. Gut, chest or severe head wound, well you would have to wait a while to get an ambulance ride for those wounds. So next time remember it's a leg wound.

[shubal]

Thanks for letting the NSR in on the event. We all had a good time and it's a beautiful site, partially owned by that Land Conservancy group? Very good to be back in that part of the country again.

Too bad about Saturday eve. I guess there was no chance the event could have been advanced off of the historic timeline. Probably too difficult with spectators around still...
We were REALLY looking forward to that scenario and as North Carolinians, were very grateful for the opportunity we were about to get. I know we had the LR guys fired up too as a platoon was going to come around the flank with us. That battery was about to get steamrolled.

I think some of our boys had their sleep disturbed a bit on Saturday eve. Maybe we just missed the invitations :). I zonked out after the wind died down and didn't hear a thing. Thanks to our brigade commanders for having an extra fly!!

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Thanks for letting the NSR in on the event. We all had a good time and it's a beautiful site, partially owned by that Land Conservancy group? Very good to be back in that part of the country again.

Too bad about Saturday eve. I guess there was no chance the event could have been advanced off of the historic timeline. Probably too difficult with spectators around still...
We were REALLY looking forward to that scenario and as North Carolinians, were very grateful for the opportunity we were about to get. I know we had the LR guys fired up too as a platoon was going to come around the flank with us. That battery was about to get steamrolled.

I think some of our boys had their sleep disturbed a bit on Saturday eve. Maybe we just missed the invitations :). I zonked out after the wind died down and didn't hear a thing. Thanks to our brigade commanders for having an extra fly!!

A Special Thanks to the North State Rifles for having 3 Virginia boys in their ranks for the weekend (and Gilhaminites at that). We enjoyed working with yall in battle...and the in camp discussions were 1st rate.

Paul B.

[BishopLynch]

In reply to those who replied to my post about the canteen details thing, yes I knew that, but don't you think we could learn from history and not repeat the same mistakes;
I dont think people are going to want to hold up the whole event so a few guys can fill canteens and find their units just where they left them. Its an authentic, if not overlooked detail which adds to the authenticity of the event. Yeah it sucks, but hey if your a reenactor youve got to remember that it comes with the territory.

[DougCooper]

In reply to those who replied to my post about the canteen details thing, yes I knew that, but don't you think we could learn from history and not repeat the same mistakes; especially in comparison to how more controlled a reenactment is compared to a battlefield? It doesn't matter. I move on. The event was still good.

David - I think the point is it is not an authenticity thing, its an army thing. All weekend, just as in all wars, we were always making logistics calculations, mostly about water. Its frustrating, just like it should be. You think you have only a few moments to rest and don't have time to send a detail...then it looks like you might...then it looks like you are running low and have to send a detail anyway...then you suddenly have to move based on the tactical situation. In terribly hot weather this calculation goes on all the time. My company poured the remainder of canteens over their heads before sending the details, poured one to another and moved them around. When we thought the detail might be left behind, we kept a few canteens back just in case, and always had an NCO keep track of where the detail went to fetch them back if required.

Its those kinds of pure army things that make it interesting...and authentic. Hurry up and wait was invented by the Army, not reenactors :D

Some folks have mentioned the music at this event and I wanted to thank the federal tooters and beaters in the Western Brigade. They were absolutely superb and really added to the experience far beyond just their practical use. RJ Samp, as usual, ran the army. His bugle is just different enough in pitch where we always know its him and can prepare for the next command to filter down, even without a prelude call. Our battalion bugler excelled as well.

[dedogtent]

The 2nd Delaware and myself really enjoyed this event. Chris Anders and Co. did exactly what they said they would do. Give us a quality event at Gettysburg instead of the usual circus. My cap is off to them and everyone that participated in giving me some great memories of last weekend. The ground, camps, music, sutlers, the number of troops, it all seemed to fall right in place. I think the hobby will survive and grow if we concentrate more on these types of events, my opinion of course.

[Jim of The SRR]

To elaborate on the event pros and cons:

Pros:
- The land attained was great. Very close to Gettysburg and still had few modern intrusions.
- Camps and impressions were not perfect but more than met my expectations based on what was promised.
- I was pleasantly surprised by quality of camps and uniforms (not perfect, but the best I have seen at a mainstream event).
- An opportunity to drill with a larger battalion.
- Buglers, musicians, stretcher bearers, surgeons, etc.
- Our battalion had period correct rations issued to us.
- Battle scenarios improved (not perfect, but not a silly powderburner). Some attention was paid to regimental specific battle scenarios.
- Quality sutlers!

Cons:
- One part of Fed camp had to access water via a ladder.
- Too many visible modern items in the sutler area. Bright modern lighting used in the evening.
- Limited public present and their limited visibility. What would be great is if there was an event where spectators could walk along a permiter line as the battle moves.

In spite of that, I give the event a 9 out of 10 for fulfilling its promised goals and quality.

My friends (new and old) and I had a grand time at the event. In my humble opinion, this type of "compromise event" is an important part of our future as reenactors. If mainstreamers refuse to progress and improve and hardcores refuse to compromise on puritan standards then we have no future. I wish others would see this and attend these events and have a great time. You can still attend farbfests and immersive/campaigner events throughout the year. But, it seems critical that we try to come together if both sides are willing to compromise for the common good of supporting a larger scale effort. My hopes in a good future for reenacting was renewed with this event. Hopefully, I won't have to travel across the country to attend my next one, but would gladly do it again. Thanks to Chris Anders and the organizers for their efforts.

Just my 2 cents.

Regards,
Jim Butler
SRR www.geocities.com/saltriverrifles
SCAR www.geocities.com/scar_civilwar

[njrebel]

Ref: At High Tide
I've been to a few campaign events to say the least. At High Tide was very well scripted and spontaneous. It was easy and hard. The battles both Saturday and Sunday I thought wre fantastic, especially with the heat and waiting for battle calls.

My wife and children were spectators and they saw action on both days and knew to move for better viewing and my son is only 3.

I had a great time with all of Company C of the CVG in the mud, sweat and blood (real). I worked with the ambulance corps so I got a bird's eye view of the campaign. I can't wait for the next event that I can attend.

Also, hats off to Chris Anders and the rest who put this event together. It was a great time.

Long live the Southern Cross
Yours in Service,
Private Ben Lanza, C.V.G., Company C

[DougCooper]

Jim brings up a good point on sutler row lighting. In the future it would be useful if such lighting was toned down and equipped with shades on the side facing the camps...or better still, period lighting that reflects the quality of the sutlers collected (the highest quality level of vendors ever assembled at one event of any size).

Chris Anders had to compromise on "camp space versus battlefield space". I think he made the right choice and his designation of the "Camp of Convenience" as a separate area was brilliant, even if a few "convenience campers" somehow wandered into our area while we were out marching across GNMP. Looking at the sign they missed later, the arrow for their direction was obscured by some tall grass :eek: Once those types unload, it is a monumental effort to move them again, but we at least got them out of ear shot and mostly view.

[CJDaley]

Jim brings up a good point on sutler row lighting. In the future it would be useful if such lighting was toned down and equipped with shades on the side facing the camps...or better still, period lighting that reflects the quality of the sutlers collected (the highest quality level of vendors ever assembled at one event of any size).

I give up.

[Strawfoot]

I for one truly regret missing this event. We flew a five-ship C-130 mission out of our base that weekend, which hadn't happened in about ten years. Needless to say, passes distributed to miss drill were almost negligent.

It sounds like this event created by Chris Anders was closer to any successful 'mixed' event the hobby has experienced since Raymond 2001, or even Perryville 2002. Maybe not on quite a scale, but probably better in quality. That in itself speaks wonders for what Chris has built on over time.

I know the man has taken some heat over the years, and I'm also well aware that he has put in a lot of sweat, effort, and hours away from his family. My hat's off to the guy and I look forward to meeting him at some point.

Not having been there, I have little to contribute. But a main bone of contention seems to be the oddball individual yahoo impression which sprang up here and there throughout last weekend. It's my opinion that it really only takes one jackass wanting to stick out and be different to ruin any feeling of immersion. Like it only takes one small needle to burst a zeppelin...

Chris, your events have proven themselves. Can't you make it new policy to go into these mainstream battalions and remove the one or two individuals who may stick out like a sore thumb? Maybe at the very least have them remove the offending items? You don't really need special staff to do this, just let it be worked up the chain of command by the troops who are there to witness such offenders. As your staff investigates the complaint, let them make the final call.

This may seem like a trite request, but I can guess where it'd be a huge bone to throw to the hardcore elements attending.

Anyhow, well played sir.


Mike Phineas
Arlington, TX

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Jim brings up a good point on sutler row lighting. In the future it would be useful if such lighting was toned down and equipped with shades on the side facing the camps...or better still, period lighting that reflects the quality of the sutlers collected (the highest quality level of vendors ever assembled at one event of any size).



Are you kidding me?

Let's face it...it is cool when sutlers can be placed in an immersive experience, but that wasn't this event.

Considering that the only real time most people had to shop, was late during the day...how would you resolve the lighting on sutler row?

The quality and safety of light offered by period lights is questionable at best. People do want to see what they're purchasing, when using period lamps, the quality/intensity of the lighting just isn't going to be reached...short of using expensive reflective crystal lamps...it just isn't going to happen...not to forget the safety hazard of open flames in tents, full of people and $$$$$$$$$ worth of merchandize.

It was an impressive collection of vendors...but I suggest that if anyone had a problem with the lighting seen on sutler row...they keep it to themselves, unless ready to offer a viable, and safe alternative.

Are we to expect to have complete darkness when sleeping? Boy that's spoiled...after leaving sutler row Friday evening...I noticed the lighting and roar from several of the camps, was much more intense than that which was seen on sutler row...maybe that's where there needs to be a resolution.

Paul B.

[Hank Trent]

Let's face it...it is cool when sutlers can be placed in an immersive experience, but that wasn't this event.

Considering that the only real time most people had to shop, was late during the day...how would you resolve the lighting on sutler row?

I think that sums up the frustrating thing about these kinds of events. One can't assume that ideas which make the experience more historically accurate will be seen as a positive contribution. Everyone's pulling in different directions.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[nrandolph]

For this event, I was a cook at Federal HQ and didn't bring my rifle and accoutrements with me, and while I missed participating in the battle part, I had the rare opportunity to see both battles from the spectator viewing area.

What I was most impressed by was the obvious lack of maneuvering problems by the battalions on both sides. I've been to larger events where you end up nearly side by side with the enemy and facing the opposite direction, which makes the scenario ludicrous! You didn't see any obvious problems such as that, and that kept the scenarios very believable for the crowd. In fact, there were many beautiful, if I may use that term, moments of maneuvering such as going from a column of companies to a battle line that looked very precise. It was obvious to the watchers that the commanders of the battalions and the soldiers themselves had a level of drill understanding that you don't often see at an event of this sort. BTW, even though I knew it was coming, the charge of the 1st Minnesota was electrifying! Easily the military highlight of the weekend for me, it caused me to take my hat off and yell even in the middle of the crowd...great job guys!

Also, because of the length of the scenarios (up to two hours), I had expected to see more folks dropping out of line and straggling because of lack of conditioning. To both sides credit, once again you just didn't see that happen, and it's even more impressive when you consider that most battalions had on packs or blanket rolls. It was interesting to see how units, once "wrecked", were moved out of view and recycled into another part of the same scenario, thus giving the illusion of reinforcements constantly being fed into the battlefield. Great job how the 26th NC/Federal City Brass moved back and forth in the woodline Sunday giving the impression both sides bands were there and playing away during the battle! Chris Anders and whoever else helped in the creation of the scenarios did a fine job and should be heartily congratulated for their work on those scenarios. I was very disappointed in the cancellation of the East Cemetery Hill scenario, but understood completely as I was next to the artillery with Julio's tripod camera watching large lightning strikes only one ridge away...good call on that one!

The camps looked really great! Once under the canopy of the trees, it seemed as though there was a whole little city stuck back in there with an appropriate level of "city" hum all the time. Some great looking shebangs.

I was happy to see so many folks I knew, even if I didn't always know your names. The opportunity to work with Ron Myzie and his sons, work beside Bill Watson, and laugh at Rich Hill made it a weekend of both hard work, in spurts, and just a whole bunch of fun. I had a hard time believing we were done on Sunday. Sometimes for me, the test of a good event is how long it takes before I turn on the radio on a long drive home......I never turned it on! I had plenty of good moments to remember and think about all the way back to West Virginia. Thanks to Chris Anders, all who helped him, Ron Myzie for asking me to work with him, The 26th NC Band, and everyone else who made it a wonderful weekend!

Neil Randolph
1st WV

[crabby]

Originally Posted by DougCooper
Jim brings up a good point on sutler row lighting. In the future it would be useful if such lighting was toned down and equipped with shades on the side facing the camps...or better still, period lighting that reflects the quality of the sutlers collected (the highest quality level of vendors ever assembled at one event of any size).


There were several of the sutlers that did use period correct lighting (us included). Did that make us "better" sutlers than the rest, not really - but we did add to the ambiance of the period. Sutler row, by nature is not an immersive area. The only proper way to have sutlers set up would be in a camp setting (as regimental) or in a period town setting (as done in Perryville two years ago). A lot of the quality sutlers are not geared in their set ups to do so - this does not make it a bad thing. Just remember when a sutler row is part of the event you may not get an immersive experience.

Just my $0.02

Just all me Crabby

[Jim of The SRR]

Let's not throw up our hands are argue over the lighting. Maybe there is a way to just compromise and correct the problem. My companies camp was at the furthest distance away from teh sutlers and had no impact on us. However, I can tell you it was a concern to those whose camps were nearby. Some solutions could be to shade the back side of sutler tents so the modern lighting doesn't light up the camps. I can tell you that the lighting from the sutler area was so bright into parts of the Fed camp that it looked like a runway. So maybe some compromise to a solution is in order in the future. There is no perfect event. We just try to address it at the next one. Lets keep these type of events moving forward and not argue over the things we can fix.

Jim Butler

[1st Maine Trooper]

Once again it seems as though Chris Anders and company have pulled off an event that was very pleasing to the infantry folks. From a cavalry perspective things were very lacking. For the first scenario I will say this. While there were not enough horse soldiers present to give any measure of justice to deeds of the 1st Division, what was there, was poorly inaccurately used. A 25 man dismounted skirmish line with no vidette's out front in no way represents the history. Buford had his men dismounted on Herr's ridge with elements stationed as videttes out front and on active patrol. No at the event we could not have replicated that BUT we could have the men dismounted in a defensible position with a vidette out in front. There was ample ground available. Overall a poor sceneario. Also the impressions of the dismounted cavalry were very poor. Their drill was not from Poinsett's, their camp was atrocious easily taking up 3 times the space of that used by the mounted men. The space was filled with all forms of tentage.

After "Buford's Stand", there was nothing else for the cavalry to do until the 9 AM Sunday demo for the public to be followed by a small amount of courier duty for Sunday's scenario.

In short this event held little for cavalry and what was there left much to be desired.

Dave Myrick

[Norsk]

Chuck the color Sgt deserves mention . I wish i knew his last name. He was 66 and had bad thumbs but was game the whole weekend.

Chuck's last name is logan. He did a bully job carrying the flag, sore wrists and all. There were a few times when the wind kicked up and I'm sure it was quite a strugle but he pushed on. (by the way he wrote a thriller set in part in a civil war reenactment. A good read. http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061136696/South_of_Shiloh/index.aspx )

I had a great time. This was my first time as orderly sergeant so the battles are a bit of a blur since i was so focused on my job. Col. Moffet did a great job with all of the Battalion movements. Double boiling our salt pork which was issued from a wooden barrel was wonderful. I would agree that this was a good mixed event and would like to see more like it in the future.

[flattop32355]

I think that sums up the frustrating thing about these kinds of events. One can't assume that ideas which make the experience more historically accurate will be seen as a positive contribution. Everyone's pulling in different directions.

Agreed. But also in that equation is how hard one chooses to pull in one's chosen direction.

We all have preferences, and they aren't particularly limited to those between mainstream and cph; they settle all the way to the individual level.

For example, I could complain that the Federal and Confederate camps were too close together, and should have been out of sight to each other. But under the circumstances, it was best for them to be where they were, so I'm content with it.

Other examples could be made, but their impacts were negligible, unless I chose to elevate them. From my end, they were easily discarded as non-critical to the overall event and to my own personal experience. I got a mostly satisfying version of what I was expecting; not perfect, but very good.

[Hank Trent]

Agreed. But also in that equation is how hard one chooses to pull in one's chosen direction.

Not sure I understand what you're saying. Yes, one can get a satisfying version of what one expects, if one lowers one's expectations. That's not what I mean.

What I mean is as simple as this:

If one gives a suggestion at some events about how to make the experience more like the history books, the objections if any are usually along the lines of: too expensive, not enough manpower, land owner won't allow it, etc. There's a basic agreement that offering a more historical experience would be a good thing, if it were possible.

If one gives a suggestion at this kind of event about how to make the experience more like the history books, the objection might be: But we don't want it to be more like the history books; we prefer it the way it is. There's not even a basic agreement about what's trying to be accomplished.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[John McPherson]

I fell-in with Sykes Regulars of the National Regiment with two of my pards from the Seattle area. We were well-received and found the event to be one that featured the most outstanding set of sutlers that we've ever experienced. Yes, the weather was hot & the battle scenarios both exhausting and chaotic; we expected that. Mr. Anders has done a service for all of us in putting together an event that upped the standards for Civil War reenactments in Gettysburg. I thank him for making the personal sacrifice as I had no qualms about skipping the GAC event in lieu of AHT. I reenacted at the 135th event back in '98 and I found the AHT event to be superior in every way.

Now, our battalion ended its second assault across the Wheatfield as the 2nd US and ended up in control of the field. We spotted Rebel colors just over the rise to our left, but they vacated their position. We even pushed the Rebs to our front off the field. Our battalion expected to take heavy casualties, but no flank attack came. Did the scenario get a last minute change?

John McPherson

[flattop32355]

There's not even a basic agreement about what's trying to be accomplished.

I'd have to say that's true for just about any event, at any level. For an AHT style event, the experience can approach what you wish, allowing that you have to allow for others as well, letting the "blemishes" roll off to the side. Goals may not blend smoothly, but they don't necessarily have to clash.

There were a whole lot of people experiencing MacBeth, while I was experiencing trying to get some much needed sleep. Both were period correct, but not fully complimentary. My "period moment" was disturbed, but I could live with the cause and let it pass. Maybe not the best example, but there it is.

Some events have everyone on the exact same page, or at least close to it. It's rarified air, an exceptional thing rather than typical. That's why they are so special.

[Hank Trent]

For an AHT style event, the experience can approach what you wish, allowing that you have to allow for others as well, letting the "blemishes" roll off to the side. Goals may not blend smoothly, but they don't necessarily have to clash.
Sure. I ignored the other cook in our camp bragging about his cooler and his Gatorade and his stories about the meatballs and chili he liked to cook for reenactors, and cooked my salt pork and hoecakes for the two other men who cared about that. Before the event started, he complained he needed to get a box for his cooler, and I said another option was to do without, and he made it clear he would never do that.

So I couldn't cooperate with him; I couldn't teach him; he couldn't change me. We each just ignored the other, and that made both our experiences acceptable.

That kind of thing is what I expected, on both a micro and macro level. The payoff was supposedly to see large-scale realistic evacuation of the wounded. Didn't get to--the medical work still stops as soon as the battle ends. Oh well. I don't think that was a failing of AHT, though. I don't think it can be done.

But I really don't prefer to go to events to ignore other reenactors. I'd rather go to share experiences with them.

There were a whole lot of people experiencing MacBeth, while I was experiencing trying to get some much needed sleep. Both were period correct, but not fully complimentary. My "period moment" was disturbed, but I could live with the cause and let it pass. Maybe not the best example, but there it is.

You may have been disturbed in the 21st century, and the man you were portraying may have been disturbed in the 19th century, but if both activities were admittedly period correct, how was your period moment disturbed? If that's the definition, I've had numerous period moments disturbed at even the most accurate events, when hoards of soldiers interrupted my peaceful civilian life by marching in and fighting on the quiet fields where I was living. :D

Unless you mean the performance was historically inaccurate for that specific night in Gettysburg, because all the soldiers would have been too tired to put on a play, and therefore your period moment of being among exhausted soldiers after Gettysburg was disturbed. I dunno--haven't researched the historic situation that closely.

Some events have everyone on the exact same page, or at least close to it. It's rarified air, an exceptional thing rather than typical. That's why they are so special.

And that's why I've been glad to see more focus on them, where the purpose is to bring like-minded people together so each has to ignore as little as possible, rather than events where the best advice is to ignore as much as possible.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[Wild Rover]

I am glad you all had a good time...nothing will ever be perfect, but you, the participants made the event what it was.

Thank you for coming, support each other and work together to make this hobby better, for only through working together can you do that.

God Bless,

[cwdoc45]

There were a number om magic moments for Federal Medical staff. The crest of the Wheatfield on Friday in line of battle gave us that time as we knew that we were going to have massive numbers in a minute dead or wounded. The Sunday wheatfield as we again crested the hill and the johnnies were there waiting for us, On the covered bridge with the rain & the 180 men on Friday waiting for orders to proceed, and the death & wounded of the 1st Minn. on the field. My hats off to Maj. Gen. Air for a great event from the federal side & Chris for the overall event. As Westerners, we always wonder about integration into eastern events. This was a magic moment event. For one of our stewards this was his first national & it set an almost impossible standard for excellence.

While there might have been small stuff that didn't go to the expectations of some participants, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. Events like these are far & few between. For us the $500.00 in gas money from Chicago/Wisconsin was worth the trip for the battles & the people that we worked with & the new "pards" that we gained.

[KarinTimour]

I had a wonderful time, and I'd like to thank Chris, Kevin and all of you who made it possible. It was a joy to connect up with so many old friends, make new friends and get a chance to meet so many of you whose posts I read here through the year. I agree with everyone else, the quality of sutlers at this event had to be seen to be believed. I got to meet in person some of my fellow sutlers from farther away, and see the most recent offerings from old friends.

There has been much discussion recently about some of the sutlers who have left reenacting. Yes, we're business people, but we also care deeply about the craft and the quality of what we are producing and vending. We know money is tight, and we understand that you may not able able to buy the latest widget this year. I know I speak for my fellow sutlers when I say that it's a special treat to hear from those who are currently using our goods. A lot of you stopped by to give "field reports" and it was a pure pleasure to hear how socks and knitwear made a difference at past events.

It is a special treat to get to "talk sock" with people who are interested or who have a question or two. In all my years of reenacting, this event offered the highest number of opportunities to show and discuss the various socks, documentation, fit, etc. Got a lot of questions about what socks the Marylanders would have been wearing, which was a lot of fun to discuss.

I've only started to come out to events as a sutler -- this was my sixth foray onto sutler row. Every event teaches me something about refining my set up and responding to customers. This event was no exception, and I'll be leaving more stuff behind next time around.

* Signed up for an emailed price list? They'll be going out later this week. If you didn't sign up for it at the event, but would like one, drop me an email (ktimour@aol.com).

* Once I get caught up more in my current orders, I"m going to start doing small runs of Federal Issue Stockings (more about how to get in on this in the future).

* I've got limited vacation days between now and the end of the year, and am considering going to Cedar Creek rather than Remembrance Day. I"m looking for feedback -- DONT hijack this thread, send me an email at ktimour@aol.com if you have thoughts either way.

Thank you all for a highlight of my summer, and an unforgettable event,
Sincerely,
Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeping Hats, Balaclavas
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[DougCooper]

I had a wonderful time, and I'd like to thank Chris, Kevin and all of you who made it possible. It was a joy to connect up with so many old friends, make new friends and get a chance to meet so many of you whose posts I read here through the year. I agree with everyone else, the quality of sutlers at this event had to be seen to be believed. I got to meet in person some of my fellow sutlers from farther away, and see the most recent offerings from old friends.

There has been much discussion recently about some of the sutlers who have left reenacting. Yes, we're business people, but we also care deeply about the craft and the quality of what we are producing and vending. We know money is tight, and we understand that you may not able able to buy the latest widget this year. I know I speak for my fellow sutlers when I say that it's a special treat to hear from those who are currently using our goods. A lot of you stopped by to give "field reports" and it was a pure pleasure to hear how socks and knitwear made a difference at past events.

It is a special treat to get to "talk sock" with people who are interested or who have a question or two. In all my years of reenacting, this event offered the highest number of opportunities to show and discuss the various socks, documentation, fit, etc. Got a lot of questions about what socks the Marylanders would have been wearing, which was a lot of fun to discuss.

I've only started to come out to events as a sutler -- this was my sixth foray onto sutler row. Every event teaches me something about refining my set up and responding to customers. This event was no exception, and I'll be leaving more stuff behind next time around.

* Signed up for an emailed price list? They'll be going out later this week. If you didn't sign up for it at the event, but would like one, drop me an email (ktimour@aol.com).

* Once I get caught up more in my current orders, I"m going to start doing small runs of Federal Issue Stockings (more about how to get in on this in the future).

* I've got limited vacation days between now and the end of the year, and am considering going to Cedar Creek rather than Remembrance Day. I"m looking for feedback -- DONT hijack this thread, send me an email at ktimour@aol.com if you have thoughts either way.

Thank you all for a highlight of my summer, and an unforgettable event,
Sincerely,
Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeping Hats, Balaclavas
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

Karin - it really helped advance the cause of your fabulous socks and caps by having many examples pinned up in front of your tent, so those of who own them in double figures could point them out to shoppers even when you were busy. I had to wear a back up pair of shoes for this marching event that did not fit and would have been completely hobbled if not for the federal issue socks and a pair of homespun you make. Thanks!!!

[CJDaley]

I've only started to come out to events as a sutler -- this was my sixth foray onto sutler row.

Karin,

I'm personally very happy to see you out on sutler row, you're a much needed addition to the tailors, leatherworkers, tinsmiths and other craftspeople.

I personally have stopped carrying knitted goods of my own and send people directly to you from now on. People ask me for socks, scarves & mittens, and they get pointed to your tent...win/win in my book.

Hope to see you out on sutler row more often in the future!

[August77]

Karin,
We couldn't have asked for a better neighbor, it was really nice to meet you! Sorry I ripped your tent loop, hopefully the field repair is holding up! Your knowledge of socks is unsurpassed and I wouldn't hesitate to send anyone your way who is looking for a high quality, authentically made pair. I look forward to receiving my very own.

As far as the the event goes (from a sutler's viewpoint), I must say it was run smooth with little or no problems that I could see. Tim & Debbie (S&S Sutler) did a great job of getting us in place and giving us all the pertinent information we needed (and they made sure we had ice all weekend). We had a great time seeing old friends and meeting new ones as always. As far as I'm concerned that is the greatest part of this hobby.

Thank you to the WMHF and everyone involved for allowing us to take part!!!

[KarinTimour]

Gentlemen:

Thank you all for your kind words. Doug, was sorry to miss you, know you were busy, glad the socks worked for you in the shoe crunch.

Chris, it's always a pleasure, I can't thank you enough for all the mentoring you've provided.

Bill, it was both great to finally meet you and have you as a neighbor. Thank you very much for your help in getting the fly and the tent up. Don't give the tent loop a thought -- that tent has seen some wear, and stuff happens. Impressed me completely that you had it repaired in about two minutes flat!

Sincerely,
Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeing Hats, Balaclavas
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[64OVI]

Does anyone who was AHT know who the blacksmith in the sutler area was? I meant to go back on Sunday but missed out. I'd like to order something from him.

Thanks

Kent Dorr - Ohio
"Devils Own Mess"

PS...Karen it was nice to meet you, even if I wasnt the Kent you thought I was. I think that Kent was a medical reenactor from Pa...at least I remember another Kent on the old CWReenactors newsgroup.

[With All Due Respect]

I'd like to join the chorus of much deserved praise for Chris Anders and all the others who made this such a superb event. I thank all of you who were so supportive of my new sutlery, The Rest.

proprietor of The Rest

[damnyankee14th]

Over all I have a very nice time.

Pro's
-Camp sites were awesome.
-Not too bad as far as the Farbs go. I had some loud guys with thier Kitchen and ton of crap outside my tent Friday night, but they finally quieted down. Sat night they were too wet and tired. Cool how the weather and running around in the heat makes farbs more authentic at night
-Hardtack pudding. Havent had that since I did a whaling event in Mystic Conn.

Cons
-Some Farbs, but they had it beat out of them by the weather.:D
-Ladders over the fence with heelplates
-Suttlers were not open enough, # or 4 were closed every time I went.
-Maybe it's just me, but after 18 years in this hobby, the "battles" just dont do it for me anymore. Guys standing 100 yards apart, blasting pounds and pounds of black powder at each other, and complaining that the other side does not take hits, just looks stupid to me and is booring. I like a good volley and batallion manuvers as much as the next guy, but 3 hours in battle, standing less than 200 yards apart? We would be destoyed, no? I dont know the answer, but I am just getting sick of these "run around and shoot" things

Over all it was not a "streamer' event but it was not a total hard core 3am guard mount event either. I liked the focus.

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

One final note that I absolutely beg to report,

I had written a letter describing army life before I was mortally wounded during the Willoughby Run scenario. I've read quite a number of personal letters; people like guns, knapsacks, &etc. By my forté is the personal memorabilia and I don't think I could ever write one that does the old justice. The one I transcribed was a compilation of letters from a 3d Reg't S.C. soldier ("Bud") and Francis M. Russell (140th Reg't P.A.), with some slight changes.

If you'll indulged me:

Dear Mother and family.
We have had a hard time of it for the last six weeks. We left Fredericksburg on the 2nd day of June, and marched at the rate of twenty miles a day until we got into Pennsylvania, and fought one of the Bloodiest Battles of the War. We passed through some of the Prettiest country I ever saw in my life, they have the finest land in the world, and some of the ugliest women that I ever saw, they are mostly Dutch. They have the Finest houses you ever saw, all made of brick, and there is a house every half mile. Our Generals would not allow us to touch a thing, and the consequence was we had to live on one pound of flour to a man for four days. I had to eat wheat. I would take it and boil it in a cup, and salt it, and then eat it, and it was good, at least it was good to a hungry man. I received your letter of the 21 of June on the 2d of this month, and was glad learn that you were all well. I wish that I could have been at home during commencement.
Sis, I am Bare Footed, haven't got a shoe to my name. Sis, you must excuse my short letter this time, for this is all the paper that I have got in this world. I have not seen Tom on the March, I heard from him since the fight, he was not hurt. Cousin Ben is well at this time. Greg Randazzo was left in the hands of the enemy, he was hit in the side with a grape shot, and it broke three of his ribs, but the shot did not go through the skin. Randall Allen was wounded, but he was not left. We lost 80 men in our Regiment in all, Killed and wounded and missing. I did not get hit, but I thought they would hit me every time they shot. there was not one man in our company that was badly hurt, there was four of them got slightly wounded, but are with the company at this time.
You must excuse this exceedingly bad letter as I have written in great haste. My love to you and all. Write when you can and a long letter as I am very anxious to hear from you.

I remain your affectionate,
J.C. Spellman.

I wish you would send me some postage stamps as we have not got paid yet, my money has run ashore and I want to write some and so on. Yours, J.C.S.

Anyhow, the more interesting and thrilling part was the fact that my parents (Mr. & Mrs. Spellman [I, at first, thought I had a forgotten wife!] :rolleyes:) received the sweaty, stained letter via modern USPS today!

Messmate Greg, how you ever got in contact with the Ambulance Corps with my letter is a complete and utter mystery to me. I thought it had been lost for good! Perhaps it's more "legendary" not to reveal the the specifics to me. :cool: Took me a while to write that sucker too!

I remain in awe, and glad to be in your mess,

[BishopLynch]

Oh Jason, While you were getting yourself mortally wounded in the fight I only was hit by a piece of grape shot that somehow just broke my rib but didnt break my skin. Lucky me. One of the chief surgeons read through them after you handed them to him and, as you requested had them forwarded to your folks. He saw my name in one of the letters and I gave him your ma and pa's address. Why am I telling you this....youre suppossed to be dead now.

[Bob Minton]

Wanted to offer a few random thoughts of my own.

First, thanks to Jim Moffet, Rob Murray and all those who had a hand in the march on Friday in the park. The Army of Ohio appreciated the chance to take part in such an awesome thing. Seeing around 170 armed and uniformed men marching across the Wheatfield with flags flying was awesome!

Thanks to Chris and all those who had a part in putting on this event. Our men had an outstanding time and are looking forward to the next one. I appreciate the respect you preached for both sides and how you are providing these events that have something for progressives as well as mainstreamers (or you pick the adjectives...hardcore, farb, whatever)

And I must comment on the respect I had for the Confederates on Sunday. We were in reserve to the Federal right of the Wheatfield. We heard the Wheatfield battle, saw an occasional glimpse of a flag or troops while we waited. Then, after that battle you boys reformed, watered down and came at us like tigers. I absolutely was in awe when I looked thru my lines and saw you all coming at the double quick. To have the wherewithal to do that after having already fought one battle was something to behold. From this Federal officer to all of you Confederates who drove us back across that field to the waiting 1st Minnesota a well deserved tip of the kepi to you all. Well done!

Can't wait to do it all again!
Bob Minton
Colonel, Army of the Ohio
14th OVI/3rd Arkansas

[hta1970]

Jason,

That letter getting back to you was the entire work of Hank Trent. He was serving as my orderly and mentioned to me that he was given a letter from a soldier who was mortally wounded to be sent home to his parents. I instructed him to get it to division headquarters to be sent home to your parents. Well, much to my surprise, Hank disobeyed my orders and went about preparing the letter which was sent to you all by himself. I saw his handiwork on the Field Hospital Forum and I think we were all in awe of what he had done, including a letter from a surgeon to your parents. I would have never thought of such a thing and will be sure to remember what he did for you and the thrill you had at getting Hank's letter. He is the man you need to thank and he is the man who has inspired me to do the same in the future. My hat is off to Hank for disobeying my orders. Best orderly a doctor or any officer could ask for.

Below you will find Jason's original letter along with the letter to his parents and the envelope which Hank put in a modern envelope to send to Jason.

[Chris Montague]

First and foremost, hats off to all who put on the event. Planning and preperation go a very long way. Great vendors, great rations, great fun!

My only complaint is that I felt like some of the company commanders, at least on the Confederate side, did not do a lot of research on the issuing on more that a few of their commands (ex: fire by file from the right......isn't it always from the right?). I dunno, just me being a bit nit-picky perhaps. Did anyone else notice this?

All in all, a great time for us Californians who dont get to go back east too often.

Pards,

[John Rouse]

Abstaining from using labels such as mainstream etc., and from the perspective of a spectator, a few observations.

I was in attendance Sunday, and overall was thoroughly impressed by the oration for, and the abs