Marmaduke's Raid AAR

[Charles Heath]

I had fun. How about you?

[AZReenactor]

I reckon I did too. :-)

[Abrams]

I had a great time. Sore muscles and not one tick after close examination.

I enjoyed the company of my fellow civilians for the first part of the event, and the federals for the final part. I got to meet the enigmatic "shotgun man" too, so my mind was set at ease about that.

Three Cheers for Frank for hosting and his hard work to pull this one off.

It was great to meet so many people that I have only "met" on these boards too. I survived Mr. Heath's cooking, in fact, found it quite palatable. Just don't look at it too closely, and its fine.

A jocular time was had by all I wager...

[M_Kupsch]

Frank put his heart and soul in putting this event together. He wanting it challenging, physically and mentally, with lots of opportunity for 1st person interactions between the military forces, irregular forces (Mr. Yearby's company), civilians and the moss backs. I think he met his goal and surpassed it.

[Old Reb]

When I heard that the rebs had crossed into Missouri I rallied my boys and we made our way across the Black River arriving Thursday afternoon. One of the boys, being a local, guided us toward Goose Creek Valley and told us it was a short half mile. That short half mile turned into more like two miles and it seemed the boy had been drinking and could not find the trail. But finally we found the trail and stumbled in the darkness down a rocky trail and camped for the night on a narrow bench just off the trail. At first light I made a scout of the valley and then returned for the rest of my men. We broke camp and moved up the valley, then down the valley to its mouth at the Black River. There we hid in the willows for a spell and some of the boys commenced to drinking. Sad to say, one of the boys threatened to shoot me, so I had to shoot him, but the will of the Lord stepped in and the powder load was a weak one and the ball only bruised him a bit. Toward dark we made our way up the ridge and slipped right close to the yankee fort. We could hear them talking and all, but being a small force and one not inclined for toe to toe fights, we camped without a fire and the darkness and the lay of the land kept our position safe from detection. During the night another one of the boys stumbled in after being lost down in Arkansas for a week. When the Yankees in the fort began their bugling, we slipped down into a holler, cooked breakfast and then made our way back up the creek to a location across the valley from the yankee fort. My boys were anxious to meet up with the rebs so they could help us get at the Missouri Militia scoundrels we heard had taken refugee there. Patiently we waited like coyotes in the brush and heard the slow movement of the rebs entering the valley along the wagon road. They made their way to the ridge near the yankee fort and unlimbered their artillery and commenced to shelling the fort. The boom of that barrage lifted the spirits of my boys as did the whiskey that had been liberated from some civilians earlier in the day. Finally, we cross the valley and I had the boys spread out to cover the flank of the rebs and I made my way up the ridge to meet with the reb Colonel, a little wisp of a man with devilish eyes from Texas. I assured him we would support his cause, cause his cause was our cause, or at least for getting at Leeper’s scoundrels hiding like scared chickens up there in that yankee fort and not being ones to be braver than attacking women and children. We met up once again with some local fellows we had met earlier and were glad to see us and us glad to see them ‘cause it made us a pretty sizeable force of irregulars. After an hour of guarding the rebs flank, we got bored and since we heard there was a large group of civilians up the valley, we moved that way to see what we could find. It was right easy finding the civilians and I do not think they were any more pleased to see us than most folks we run into, but they did supply us with whiskey and coffee. Being that we could hear a skirmish going on down the valley, we felt our best advantage was to stay with the civilians and the loot we had taken from them than risk life n limb down with the rebs. We were making ourselves right at home and even found a fiddle player and a banjo player the rebs had brought with them and requested they play for us. We also had heard that the reb Colonel had left his cherry bounce in one of the wagons and so we began searching for it since the civilians whiskey supply had done been drunk. At that time, the teamsters boy came running out of the woods yelling that Yankees were coming. This riled me profoundly since the banjo player was in the middle of my favorite song, but the boys responded with the furry of ground hornets having their nest disturbed and drove the Yankees off. To my delight, they had actually captured three of them. I was certain they were Missouri Militia but after a lengthy interrogation, they convinced me they were truly soldiers from Iowa. My boys wanted to hang them, but I prayed on it, and the teamster supplied me with good rum to help my meditation and we turned them over to the rebs to do with what they please though some of my boys wanted to hang them regardless ‘cause they said they didn’t come all the way from Shannon county just for whiskey. Being more like a kindly uncle to the boys than a captain, I reasoned with them and reminded them I wasn’t beyond shooting my own, and they relented. With the yankee prisoners gone, and the civilians out of whiskey, and having snuck off with the reb colonels cherry bounce while we were concentrating on our prisoners, we decided to leave. We made our way up the valley a piece and then snuck back down along the creek for the night. Again the whiskey flowed and I listened to they boys brag about capturing the Yankees. At first light we made our way down the creek to its mouth, through the willows at the mouth, up a ridge, along a holler and slowly made our way toward the yankee fort to support the rebs. We were a bit late and the Yankees had done fled but that left us with the loot and rum and canned tomatoes and a pot of black beans and when the rebs moved out to chase Yankees we helped ourselves to what they had left and rummaged through the yankee colonels tent. The fighting was right fierce along the far ridge but we were too busy rummaging to get involved. Later the reb Colonel come up the hill and told us to man the fort in case the Yankees came back. We were about done with manning the fort and manning forts ain’t much in the cards for our type, so I told the boys to pack up and we were going back across the river where we would rest up before renewing our chase on the Missouri Militia all the time relieved that the Yankees were gone from that fort and the rebs would be soon gone too.
Captain Tom McClure
Reves’ Scouts

[moarkcav]

The highlight of the weekend for me was Mr Yearby’s hour long interrogation of the three federal prisoners. That was pure entertainment. I had a great time, met a lot of new folks, and was all around really pleased with the event. Thanks to everyone for making this happen, especially Frank.

Found the Cherry Bounce on Sunday morning. That is some good stuff. As it was 6:30 in the morning on a Sunday and having an empty stomach. A few swallows did me well.

Chris Talburt

[BorderRuffian]

I had a bully time of it.My thanks to Frank for his hard work in the orchestration of this event.I know there was a lot of blood,sweat, and tears put into it.The local community got involved as well by providing shuttles,sharing water sources,etc.If it raised some interest and awareness in local history that is a great thing as well.The more that can be done to preserve the fort remains at Patterson and Ellington,the better.
It was also great to see familiar faces and meet new ones too.Saturday night music was fun,thanks go to Carl and Dave for bringing banjo and concertina.Hope everyone made it back home safe.

[Hairy Nation Boys]

I would also like to thank Frank for all his hard work and dedication to this event. I remember last November sitting at the Rams game talking about this event. You need to relax and know that the event you put on was OUTSTANDING!


Xavier Aufmuth also needs some praise for his role in the event. Xavier was at our fort the whole weekend. Not once did this young man leave first person. When we "captured" him on Friday and began to ask him questions his answer never missed a beat. From what others say the whole weekend he stayed in character. Frank not only did you do a great job with the event but with your son also!!!!

Thanks also goes out to the men of Co.A. This was my first time as company commander (it showed at times) and I couldn't have asked for a better group of boys to fall in with. With Lt.Owens, Orderly Busenbark, Sgt Arnold, Sgt Todd, Cpl Bogum, Cravens, Bervard, and Knierim you all did a great job! Thanks for putting up with my mistakes. Also to Terry, Abe, Scott and Eric. Thanks for the help.


Now sh*t A$ses get ready for INTO the PINEY WOODS!

[Old Reb]

My aar was from my bushwhacker view. This is my serious one to throw out praise. First I praise the good Lord for creating the Ozarks and giving us good weather for the event. Next, I want to praise Frank for his hard, tireless work in putting together the event. My hat is off to him and my many thanks. Next, I want to thank Silvana for doing such an outstanding job in deploying the civilians at various points and how meager they camped and I praise all of them for an great job in acting as true refugees. Next, I want to praise all that made the journey whether as Federal, bushwhacker, Confederate, or mossback. It was a good event. I enjoyed it. As for Holler’s praise of Xavier, I must praise another Aufmuth boy, and that is Samuel. As I interrogated the captured Federals I noticed he was guarding them with a stick. And when I asked him what he was doing, he told me he wanted to shoot them and that he would also shoot his brother for helping them. Beautiful! Now, those Ozark hills make the little nubs in Kisatchie like mole hills, so see you all in Kisatchie next March.

[Scott Gutzke]

This was one heck of an event. My body still aches from the rough terrain and the many rocks that I ended up sleeping on. My brogans are nearly destroyed. I now see how equipment literally fell apart on these guys!

The highlight for me was when the final big push happened and the defeated army straggled back into camp. We came back so piecemeal I wasn't sure that everyone was there. I had Mr. Trueblood sound orderly call and no one from Company A arrived. I called for 1st Sgt. Busenbark, only to learn that he was captured. I then called for 2nd Sgt. Todd, but learned that he was taken also. Finally, 3rd Sgt. Arnold came. He immediately stepped up and took care of business. This is how it is supposed to work and it was great seeing Company A adapt to the loss of some of their leaders.

There are too many people to thank. I'm sure I'll miss a few, so sorry!
-Frank and others for putting on a great event.
-Terry Sorchy for running a great battalion--even though he did sneak off on a few scouting adventures of his own, much to the chagrin of his staff.
-Jason Reinholtz for being an outstanding adjutant and helping me immensely and Eric Fair for being an excellent bugler.
-The cooks under Sgt. Heath for feeding the men and putting up with the staffs many demands.
-The company officers, Capt. Holloway, Lt. Owens, Capt. Gerow, Lt. Murray, and Lt. Moffet for their fine leadership. I would also like to point out that while this was Capt. Holloway's first time commanding a company in a battalion (great job by the way, sir), it was also his first time commanding a battalion under fire. When Major Sorchy left to try to get our prisoners returned, the battalion was just being fed. Suddenly several rebels appeared and fired on us from our front. Capt. Holloway went to work and proved a capable leader. He listened to various suggestions and made the right decisions. The fort was never in jeopardy. The battalion staff really enjoyed working with you, sir.
-The most important men in any army, the Orderly Sergeants, Busenbark, Liechty, and Ackeret for making my life easier. Their good humor and excellent leadership ability kept their men busy and willing to adapt to ever changing situations not of our making. Thank you!
-The NCO corps for running the companies smoothly. You are the definition of professional and an excellent example to your men.
-The men of the 32nd Iowa for ding everything asked of you and more without complaint. Great job and I hope I get to serve with you again.
-The Barnhouse's for excellent meals. Mmmmmm....
-To the gallant foes for keeping us on our toes. I still swear there were two cannons and many more soldiers.
-As always, it was great to see old friends and meet new ones.

This was a great event. The Trans-Miss. theater rocks!

Charles H. Huntley
Sgt. Major, 32nd Iowa

[lambrew]

All....

I had a great time, and want to thank all involved in the planning of this event. To the Officers, NCOs, and men of Co.A, thanks for letting me serve with you. It was the first time I met many of you. Thanks to Vinnie, Double D, Cpl Bogum, Cpl Hog Sh#*, Capt. Hollar and everyone for making me feel welcome. I would follow you boys through heck without a canteen! Sorry I had to miss out on Saturday night Sunday morning. I hope all went well. I look forward to serving with you again.

Your Obedient servant....
Sean Collicott

[elcid01]

Great event, and must say all the side work payed off. This was the 2nd event i traveled to Trans Miss to attend and they all were spectacular in there own accord! Thanks Frank for a great event..

To the Co A Men... great to work with you, and you are truly a bunch of S#$t A$$'s.. Truly honored to be in a company that can toe the line..

To all the men that made the scouting party on Sat afternoon.. you deserve honors as those ridges would have broken any other men. Tim, Troy you made the event for me, leading you on the scouting party around the Confederate lines. Upon retun to the fort you fell into the platoon and stepped off again. We made that crueling trip twice in 1 hour, and you showed what the S@#t A$$'s can do.. honor to serve with you..

Holler.. you led a fine company.. counting the days to IPW

Boozie.. ill see you in a couple months at frederickburg. looking forward to sharing the bottle and pipe again with you.. excellent job as orderly

Tim, Tod.. what can I say fine NCO's and great soldiers!

Terry once again led a fine BN, and proved he is the man for the job...

Moss Backs.. you made the event interesting, as the scouting party always seemed to run into you though out the weekend... great impression!

Additional note to Ezra Barnhouse! thank you for the wonderful addition to the Ft and more importantly the total event!

Cheers all... now back to nursing my Redbug bites!

Co A 32 IOWA the best Company I have served with in this hobby...

[Cravens]

My best event yet! I could not have asked for for a better bunch of boy's to fall in with. It was constant toil and fun. Holler, Skip, Boozie, Tim, Preston, Hyram, Terry, Abe and all of the men I served with were the best of the best. If I missed anybody I am sorry. To Boozie, I thought I chewed a lot of tobacco, but you can hold your own. Skip, I thought I could could walk fast! That was a hell of a patrol we went on to the mossback camp. Preston and Tim, heard a lot about you and I can now see why. Excellent men with a lot knowledge. Hyram you are friend and a SHI% AS# always as is Lem, Jake,Jefferon and the cooking Uncle Beau,Thanks to Terry and Frank and everyone else for putting this on. INTO THE PINEY woulds I go!

Greg Colvin(David Cravens)
Hog Shi%
Hairy Nation Boy's

[Old Reb]

One minor point of clarrification seems needed. Reve's Scouts were not mossbacks. They were an independent command friendly to the Confederate force entering southeast Missouri. While they were armed mossbacks in the area that were friendly with Reve's Scouts, they were also independent of any command. No Federals vistied the camp of Reves' Scouts, because the scouts had no fixed camp. The encounter with the scouts was while they were visiting the civilians. The little civil war in southeast Missouri that was part of the Big Civil War was very complicated. Hope this helps.

[BenjaminLDavis]

Hello to all,

I have not yet shaken off all the travel, but here goes:
Many thanks to Frank and all the organizers, this one was special. Good weather; bad
terrain, except down in the washes; great group of living historians on both sides. It does
not get any better than this.
Memories: black night with nothing but your ears to tell you if there is anything out there
in front of your post; filling in the latrine, fit punishment for the joke at Sgt. Gutzke's
expense; watching our cavalry go thru the woods on ground I could barely walk on with
all those rocks, up and down them hills from hell; picking bones out of a very tasty soup
of chicken with some tack added; the assualt on the Confederate stronghold, which left me
very dead (my apologies to those Rebs who came and found no haversack and I had drunk
almost all my water - "Hell, he ain't got nothin' worth takin' ...!"); the sutlery, and the great
oysters Jasper and me shared; the turtle in the cup; the stuff that wound up on my musket
butt; chiggers; me, Jasper, and Rich Propp stuck for a time in the biggest bramble patch
I have seen; chopping down trees for the redans; Brian and I stumbling over to watch
the fun and the singing; getting surprized by the second cannon on Sunday; finding
the Reb pickets on the ridge, who saw me the same second I saw them; Jason being
everywhere and making sure everyone was OK; did I mention the Rocks?
Had an absolutely superb time! Hope to see all my comrades again real soon.

Theodore Phillips, Co. F, 32 Iowa aka Jim Schumann

[Campjacksonboy]

Well we survived and no one got too hurt. Did I hear rumblings about rocks??? Oh, sorry I grew up with those rocks I thought the terrain was normal.
We had a scary (what I consider scary) when the wagoner almost tipped his trailer in a ditch with all his oxen and wagon. I didn’t think we would ever get the oxen out of that trailer on Friday but we did. Ike did a number on the trails I had spent a year clearing. It took all day just to get one of the wagons in and I was astonished to see the second one on Saturday. Thanks go to Gery Barker and Doug Harding for getting their wagons in and helping make the civilian side of the event. I’m glad Paul Arnold and his dozen mighty men pulled their gun in on Sunday. Those guys lugged that gun for two miles to get it up on that hill Saturday afternoon and they fired it like wild men. I’m glad Terry attacked our position Saturday otherwise there weren’t any patrols we could see and the whole weekend would have been pretty uneventful. Brian Hicks was full of good ideas about scouting parties and helped make me look much better or at least clearer than I really was.
My (I use this word loosely) “company” commanders led their men over difficult terrain on some pretty difficult scouts. Herb Coats, Mike Comer, and Mike Kupsch thanks for keeping the men in your squads together.
Tom your scouts were about as historically correct as they could be staying in the fort.
The ending didn’t work out quite the way I planned it but then the similarities between that and what really happened were pretty uncanny. Even in 1863 William Physic Zuber didn’t really care to charge around the next bend so he just went back to Patterson to find the rest of the army there. So the army pretty much dispersed the way it had back in ’63 just earlier than I wanted it to.
Terry without you I would have been worried about running an event, and two armies you took the federal army out of my hands. Thank you for that.

Thanks go to my Dad (who will never see this) for letting us set up on his land. As well as the Corps of engineers which was land that I don’t think we used enough. As well as the neighbors I didn’t know we had who let us cross their land and use their wells.

Raffle winners will be contacted via e-mail so we can hook them up with their prizes. The account is not balanced yet but with matching funds Ft. Patterson a.k.a. Ft. Benton will get about $3000 and “Ft. Barnesville” in Ellington will get around $400. If you did the IOU plan on raffle tickets please pay up.

In all I think things went well but I’m going to need time to allow my hair to grow back.

Glad you enjoyed the evnt.

Mingo Swamp
1863

Dear Sir:

As ordered I crossed the Black River and scouted the roads with a local farmer named T.J. He had been misplaced by the federal occupation of his home and was very willing to show me the trails. Because of recent storms we found parts of the road to be impassable and out of concern for our supply wagon we cleared what we could.
Returning to the River I found Captain Kupsch and placed him in command of the battalion and organize them as they crossed the river and ordered him to cook three days’ rations all foraged from the local population. I then set out to find out the condition of our wagon. When I arrived I found the wagon on a dangerous spot in danger of tipping over and the oxen in danger of falling. A small party of us were able to move the oxen to safety and right the wagon with much effort. I was half astonished that the animals could walk after the tumble they had taken.
I ordered our wagoner to meet us at the river crossing but hours later we still had not seen him and learned later that it took the whole day for him to move his wagon less than two miles. The recent storms had done much damage to the roads and he spent much of it clearing the way.
Once the wagon was on it’s way we returned to the river crossing and organized the men into a company and sent out last minute water details. This ground has been very rough on the animals and I found my command save one man dismounted from lack of forage, animals injured and drowned in the swollen river. Dismounted we proceeded up the Patterson road about two miles where we met up with our wagon. The poor man was exhausted after a tedious journey following a very rough road to our rendezvous point.
Shortly after we arrived at our bivouac at dark. Pickets were sent out but besides hearing very fait female voices in the distance nothing of circumstance happened all night.
Early on the 27th instant we awoke at 5 am after a short breakfast heading down the road about ½ mile until I felt contact with federal patrols was imminent. We traveled through the woods parallel to the main road for several hundred yards until nearly upon a group of civilians in the woods camping. We sent patrols forward but I was surprised to find no federals in the area. I sent two patrols forward to look for federals and continued to the civilians’ wagons finding them with several watermelons and sundry items. They informed me that a mounted federal patrol had visited them earlier that morning. Although the man had parole papers from Vicksburg the federals did not give him much trouble. Other civilians scattered as we arrived. Most of them were very hospitable towards us. Up to this time we occupied a rise in a stand of pine trees giving our artillery an advantageous position.
After the patrols returned I learned that there wasn’t a federal between us and the fort. Knowing we were very close to the federal fort we moved forward to occupy the tip of a ridge along the Patterson road overlooking a valley perhaps 600 yards beyond our former position. “Pratt’s battery” commanded by Paul Arnold did valuable service to the army moving his gun around. That mountain gun proved to be worth its weight as every man on the battery had to pull it nearly two miles to get it into position. Once in place we began shelling the fort. Even the enemy was surprised by their rate of fire. During a subsequent parley they thought we had two guns and even timed them at 17 seconds per shot.
We spent most of the day sending out pickets to various points only losing one man captured. However even direct sorties against the fort usually failed to get the federals attention. Around 4 pm our position was assaulted but the ground being good and our artillery hot at work we were able to push them off without too much trouble.
Earlier we formed a plan to make a demonstration against the federal fort and on hearing dinner call sent up a small force. Hearing the drums roll in their fort I knew we disrupted their dinner. We were followed back about 105 yards by their cavalry and had a trap set to capture them when one of the men on my right fired prematurely but evidently hit the Major’s horse and sent him spinning off the saddle. The surprise ruined we fell back to our position on the hill.
Sprits were good in camp that evening. Men sang, rested, and did guard duty. We pulled pickets up the hill that evening and the men slept on arms that night.
At this time I received orders from Marmaduke to surprise the garrison and capture it with all its men and weapons. We fired a shot with our artillery before advancing deployed to the right of the fort as skirmishers. Arriving at the top we found the fort abandoned save their cooked breakfast and a couple of men who were either captured or shot. Their sutler had been left behind either looting him or trying to pay him in confederate greenbacks. Capt. Reves company to our left just arriving at the fort. With some effort I reformed the company and sent them after the federals. Our skirmish was short. After climbing a few hills we pushed the federals off the first ridge and seemed ready to push the federals back when the entire left end of my line disappeared.
In turn the federals pushed back I found myself on the front line alone the federals pushing forward and one hand to hand encounter and my army dispersed, I handed my pistol to a captain of the company in our front and surrendered.
For all I know everyone made it back out of those woods and are hopefully living well in that snake infested, flooded, Mingo Swamp.

Frank Aufmuth
On to the Piney Woods

[missourirelics]

Well, let's just say artillery is rough business in the Ozarks. We pulled the piece into the site Friday (proabably about a mile to a mile and a 1/2), then waited on the infantry to catch up. Then pulled another mile or so into the forward Confederate position. I'm not sure just how many rounds we fired but it was probably 125-150ish, I'll now more when he counts how many we have left.

Just for those who keep saying two cannon. There was only one, we just moved the dang thing A LOT! The oxen showed up Sunday morning and pulled us into battle with the Federals. Really can't say enough about the fellow Confederates and Federals we faced. Saturday afternoon's fight was pretty wild.

Great event, thanks Frank for putting it on!

Paul Arnold

P.S. We found out how to move the cannon much faster......run over a ground hornets nest!
Marmaduke's Artillery

[Charles Heath]

Frank,

Rocks? Heck, that soil was so rich, deep, and loamy that Billy dug the standard mess fire trench with a canteen half and bayonet in about five minutes. How could anyone possibly complain about having gravel roads anywhere they walked?

I hardly ever comment on the minstrel shows, since they have become about as common as a hardtack issue these days, but if the object of a minstrel show is to entertain, then they were successful beyond their mission statement. Johnny, Tom, Don, Dave, Billy, and I laughed during the show, and even Captain Obvious was giggling most of the way home. While the lads may have their own name for their musical ensemble (minus one or two on detached duty), we simply applied the moniker of "Ethiopian Joculars." What a fine hooty hoo.

Xavier aka "Spot," may have learned some new vocabulary and colloquial references to anatomy, bodily functions, and livestock during his stay in the fort. We tried to keep him well fed, warm, and in returned he shared his largesse from those many sutler visits where he appeared to gain weight as if by magic every single time the Barnhouses turned their backs. The lad has a bright future in burglary, larceny, and footracing.

We trotted out a couple of old reliables, and tried a few new things around the serving line this time around. The desiccated potatoes are as utilitarian in 2008 as they were in the 1850s. The "cabbage currie," a recent NARA find, was an experiment that appeared to go over well, just from the anecdotate evidence of a kettle practically licked clean. Some of the boys had never had that 1845 red flannel hash aka "the bloody flux," but a few of them knew it by name, and a couple came 'round looking for third helpings. It is nice to use a pair of root crops in context with some fine salt beef from Uncle Beau, although I suspect the lads were chinking a winter hut somewheres about. The gunpowder tea went over well with those who were looking for something other than coffee. I understand the Bayou Yeti enjoyed the beans, but needed a little boost from the pepper sauce conveniently located nearby.

The plentiful hickory nuts were the best I have enjoyed since I was a boy. Tasty. Sweet.

(Uncle Tom, we will see you on that dark and bloody ground next March, and it was good to see the Father of All Waters not once but twice in the daylight. This morning I gazed upon the mighty Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay, and thought about just how darn fun this is.)

[Silvana Siddali]

I'd like to thank Frank, too, for two years of hard work. I'm looking forward to hearing the final tally on the preservation fund. All who attended the event and donated their money, raffle goods, and hard work at the many work weekends should be proud of themselves.

I had such a fantastic time. I especially enjoyed all the unexpected interactions with the Mossbacks, Reve's Scouts, the Confederates, and the federals we met. That was one of the most interesting parts of this event-- you never knew what would happen next or what you'd have to talk yourself out of. I would like to thank all the civilians for their incredibly hard work -- many of them prepared for almost a year, getting into condition, practicing carrying all their gear, writing letters to each other, and learning Southeastern Missouri history. Hank and Linda Trent were great fun as always. I hope Linda is still speaking to me after she found herself facing down -- very calmly I might add -- the business end of two barrels of a shotgun I aimed at her in the middle of one very dark night when I couldn't identify her footsteps.

Since everyone is praising Frank's children, I would like to add that his daughter is just as excellent at first person. He had asked the civilians to take care of Megan. She was completely in the period and was a great tough little sport the entire weekend. Never lost her sense of humor even when she was being eaten alive by chiggers. I guess we are looking at the next generation of hard cores.

I'm not sure I can really pick out just a few highlights. Sleeping on that sandbar under a starry sky with the coyotes howling; being annoyed by the Scouts (I'd like to know how a Deacon of his church can possibly think that the Gospel of St. John is from the Old Testament); sneaking the Cherry Bounce off the wagon & then running right out from under the Scouts' noses, only to be rescued by another party of ruffians & taken to their hideout high atop a ridge; just catching glimpses of people in the woods or the prairie and trying to figure out whether I could trust them ... I have to say that this was, for me, one of the most interesting events I've ever attended.

I could think of a lot more, but for now I'd just like to thank everyone for a wonderful time. One of the best things about this hobby is, of course, all the friends you make and the great new people you meet. That valley was so beautiful that it was hard to leave.

Yes, indeed, on to Piney Woods.

[pvt_jb]

My pards and I had a great time. The rocks seemed to grow from the ground. No matter how much I cleared a spot to sleep another rock would poke me. I was very upset having to leave Saturday evening and pull my two pards out of there too.
My thanks to the Sgt Major for donating a rag to wrap around my finger during the Saturday assult and another big thanks to Jason who tended to me when I made it back to the Fort. Jason, thanks for helping me pack up too. Also, a thank you to the friendly neighbors who drove us back to the car and gave us directions. For those that might be interested, my finger should be fine in a few weeks.
It was a horrible feeling watching my company (A) get charged, hold their ground and then were forced to run. I was very happy to seem some of them when they returned. I hope I was successful in getting the urgent message to parole the prisoner in time. Perhaps the three of us leaving added to the realism of the attack since three men were gone that night. Thanks to everyone who made that event and the experience possible. I had many moments there that will not be forgotten.

Thank you!!!

[IowaYank]

I know that myself and the rest of my pards in the Horse Hair Mess all had a GREAT time this weekend. A big thank you to Frank for all of the hard work you have put in the last year.

It was quite the experience to come back from our patrol on Sunday morning and finding that ALL of the federals but one had abandoned the fort. With no idea from the major that they were going to leave; and having no orders on what to do, we did what we thought was best. Dismounting we manned the walls of the fort with our carbines to hopefully slow the advancing hoard of Johnnys, partisans, etc. We were firing our carbines as fast as we could but eventually the shear numbers overwhelmed us. You guys sure did look good rushing up the hill from my perspective.

One thing I will remember for awhile was Charles telling us that we did indeed smell like horses. In the truck on the ride back we all commented that we didnt think that we smelled like horses, but then again maybe we are just too used to it!

It was good to finally meet you Chris, hopefully we can ride together sometime.

[moarkcav]

There was a BRAND NEW tin cup that I found in the back of my suburban. I am not sure how it got there. If someone stuck it in there by mistake please let me know. It is a tapered cup with a riveted handle, very heavy. Nice cup. Send me a PM or email if you think that it is yours.

Chris Talburt

[Rmhisteach]

Pards and Comrades,

I had a good time but I am throughly exhausted.I tried to watch my beloved bears last night when I got home and I couldn't keep my eyes open. Thanks to Frank and all who accomplished all the behind the scences things that made this event good. And thanks to all who attended aqs well .

The good- a beutiful location to look at
- The opprotunity to create, man and operate within a fort was very cool.
- kinship from the others - specail thanks to Sgt. Liechty for paper supplies:D
- Co. F the "Hardin county Billygoats" did a fine job and supplied more information than even asked for.
- Good grub. Thanks Chawls no Mule chow this time.
- Attention to details . Telegraph , Sanitary commission , fatigue duty all added to the event.
- Sutler- Mr & MRs. Crab saved my Butt. Literally .
- the fact that it was a good event only 5 hours away!
- descent Fir per. I had some good dialogue with a number of tthose involved .

the Bad
- Many of us got our butt's kicked by all the hill climbing.
- Not getting to interact with the Mossbacks much .
- not getting to defend the fort that we worked so hard on . I guess that is how the army works.

The ugly
- Seeing po ole Phillips filling up the sinks
- Having a turtle in my porriger????
- Sore ankles and hands that look like they have wrestled with farrel cats ( briars)
- Seeing Leiser with a headache all day.

[23rdIllinoisIrish]

Well, after spending 3 days north of Swampeast, Missouri I thank God for how beautiful my southeastern corner of the state really is, chiggers and all. Thanks to the Aufmuths for their land, skills, and hard work. Thanks to Silvana and the other civilians for putting so much work into the event so many months before it even started. As a Mossback I had the unique experience to avoid capture from 3 warring groups and found it quite enjoyable...dare I say exciting!

Everyones' impressions were top notch and the oxen and wagons (and cannon I hear) added a whole new dimension to an otherwise stellar event.

Favorite moments of Marmy's?
-"Gis' let 'em go. He's drunk!" Thanks Forrest and the fellas at the top of the Confederate line for slipping me through
-Being woke up from a nap under the pines with a Confederate column moving down the road just 50 feet in front of me and deciding between running or staying put and praying
-Using the capture of the Federal troops by Revve's Scouts as the diversion needed to slip off into the brush

Great event...need sleep!
Thanks,
Matt Shomaker

[Anna Allen]

Had an absolutely awesome time in south-east Missouri this past weekend. The civilians got there Thursday afternoon, so it was nice to be able to start out earlier than we normally would at weekend events. I've found the events which last longer than a weekend really mean so much more to me. They also make me want to stay out there even longer. As hard as it was to sleep on the ground every night with no soft bed or pillow or warm shower, I'd definitely stay out there much longer if I could. This was a true experience, one which I'll never forget. There were so many wonderful moments. It's hard to really describe each and every one of them, so I'll try to write out some of my favorite experiences.

The first night we slept out by Goose Creek and the ground was rocky/sandy. Let's just say that was not the most comfortable spot to sleep on. I hadn't slept very well the previous two nights, so I figured it would be easy to fall asleep this first night. Didn't happen. Instead I was awake the whole night gazing at the beautiful sky above me, catching a few falling stars and hearing some very interesting noises. If I heard correctly I thought someone mentioned that there was a mountain lion spotted. Perhaps not, but I did hear some strange noises that night. Another funny story that comes to mind was earlier Thursday evening Mr Anderson (Hank Trent) found the belongings and a rifle right next to the area we were going to be sleeping at. We ended up taking the rifle and I was a little worried we may have a visitor while I lay there awake that night. No one showed up, though Silvana and I did think for a moment there was someone prowling about during the night. As the person was coming out of the bushes, she took the rifle and pointed it at them. The person came closer, without saying a word, and we found out just in time that it was Mrs. Tope (Linda Trent). It was kinda funny and gave us something to talk about later that morning. The next day we found out the rifle and other items actually belonged to our friend Bailey Smith (Jay Stevens). It really was a bit of a miracle that he happened upon us later that afternoon. I don't know what he would have done for the rest of the event if he didn't have his things!

Friday there was a bit of excitement with a few fed cav who came to our camp and found the old flintlock Frank let Silvana and I use for the weekend. We stupidly had it sitting next to a tree, when we really should have hidden it from view. They threatened to return and we feared there would be more men to trap us from leaving that spot, so Silvana and I decided to take little Megan and all of our belongings with us and head off away from the federal side. After hiking for quite some time and finding there was no water in the area, we decided perhaps it was better to return. We made sure the coast was clear and then came back to spend the night where we had originally planned to sleep. It was funny that we didn't spot the federals the whole weekend, though I heard later some of them were lurking about.

Probably what made the event for me was the guerrillas and the bushwhackers we ran into at various times throughout the event. I barely saw a confederate or a federal the entire time, except for a few more confederates who were filling their canteens with water. Tom Yearby and Fred Baker, you guys are a riot and you're also terribly mean! One moment they were nice to us and all of a sudden they turned and put a guard on us and wouldn't let us go! One of the guys, the one in the red shirt (sorry, I can't remember your name, though I do remember meeting you at BGR) took his rifle and shot it in the air next me because we wouldn't do what he told us to. Took me back for a moment there! Let me just say, Tom, you fit the part and I felt like I was really there in the presence of a horrible bloodthirsty bushwhacker, driven on hard whiskey and fighting. That time when you guys were praying over the prisoners and told us women to take off our bonnets was priceless. That whole scenario was great and definitely made me think for a moment whether or not this was all real or fake.

Silvana and I were trying to think of a way to get out of there. I guess there is something about being held prisoner that is suffocating and the free-spirit in me which makes me dislike it so. I had to find a way to get out of there, and fast. Fred and Tom were keeping a close eye on the both of us and they also assigned one of their men to guard us so that we would not leave. Somehow through the commotion of capturing the three federal prisoners, I noticed Fred was talking with our guard a little bit away from where Silvana and I were standing. Seeing this moment of opportunity, my heart started to race and I let Silvana know of my little plan of escape. I noticed a trail not far from the camp that we could run to hopefully in enough time that no one would see us and we could wait there until the coast was clear. So we made a mad dash for it. A few of our friends noticed, but didn't say anything. We were hiding in the grass when our friends Dave, TJ and Paul were walking towards us (the guerrillas). Dave asked if we wanted to follow them to get away and we agreed that was the best plan. So we headed off, my heart was still racing. I wanted to get the heck out of there. I felt like I had already run a marathon that day and my feet were aching, but we kept pushing on. TJ was in the front and led us pretty far away from our previous camp, over a stream and up the side of a cliff and into their camp (which, btw, they found the night before with only one candle - that is skill). We were up far enough that if someone were to come looking for us, we would hear them before they could get too close. Of course no one did look and I don't even think the other bushwhackers noticed we had left. They had other concerns on their mind. However, in my head I was in a different time and I knew that bushwhackers were murderers and I didn't know what they planned for us. My only regret is that we worried a few people that night. I'm very sorry to Frank, Carl and the others for running off like that. I know you were expecting us that evening, but pretty much the moment we got up to the camp on the side of the cliff, it became dark and there was absolutely no way I was going to find my way down that thing without getting incredibly lost.

I've also learned a lot, like never wear cotton stockings again, ever! I have two huge blisters on my feet. Luckily I brought wool stockings with me and quickly changed into them the next morning. I also discovered that you can get by with a lot less than you think. And after a few days of no sleep, you quickly find that you adjust to your surroundings and eventually it's not a problem. I still had a rough time getting more than a couple hours each night, but I'm fairly certain that if I was out there longer, I would have had no trouble. I also discovered you get very dirty very fast. Especially when water is hard to come by. There is no way I'm going to wash my hands instead of taking a drink. I've been dehydrated before because of lack of water and it's no fun. So my nails were packed with dirt and even now I still have dirt ground into my skin, but you do what you can and call it good. And believe me, I'm not the type of person who likes to be dirty. When you are out living in the woods, you have no choice.

Hopefully I didn't ramble on too much! There were of course many more moments, but I can't write them all here. I don't think I've been pushed harder than I was at Marmy's. So far this is the best event I've ever attended. I think it's wonderful how the hobby is moving and that these types of events are starting to get planned more regularly. Before they were unheard of. Frank, I want to thank you so much for doing this. I know you worked your butt off and I'm sure you will need a very long time to recover. But I do want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I truly had the best time. I also enjoyed having little Megan along with us. She is a sweetheart! I hope she didn't mind too much when Silvana and I both acted as her mother. ;-) She also is a natural at first person. There were only a few times we had to remind her that we were "in the period," but she was always a good sport about it. And most of the time she kept us laughing. Also I want to thank Silvana for coordinating the civilian side. I know she worked really hard to put this together and did an excellent job at it. I think I can safely say all the civilians had a blast.

I'm attaching a few pictures that were taken before the event started. Pardon the modern cars in the parking lot. I wanted to get after pictures so that you could see how gross and dirty we all looked, but unfortunately I forgot. :)

Up next...Piney Woods and Bummers!

Few more pics here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracefullady/tags/marmadukesraid/).

[Coatsy]

All,

I had a great time at the event. So did the miscreants I brought with me from the Peach State. (including the new guy I brought) I thoroughly enjoyed the event site, the march from the river, the scouting, shooting some Yanks, the camraderie, and looting the fort.

The rocks I can deal with and I did. The blisters on my heels will subside, the brogans can be replaced. It is the redbugs that are killing me now. Yaargh! I guess the charge of the Half Naked Georgians & Hoosiers on Saturday afternoon did have some consequences.

Once again Frank and company put on a stellar event.

And it was good to see the Bumblebee back in action.....

Joel, Runyon, Cas, Andy Martin, Baby New Year, AJ, and Eric Prater (newb) thank you for joining me for some fun shenanigans. Thanks to the Comer, Kupsch, and Arnolds gents for a solid band of un disciplined dismounted recreated Texicans. And thanks to the Ground Hornets for not shooting me when I went for a canteen fill.

Finally thanks to the civilans who were there. Although I didn't speak to many of you, just being there and not knowing whose side you supported kept me wary. Especially the gent with the parole papers. That was a darn good moment for me.

[GWHall]

Hills, rocks, dark, "garrison" duty mixed with "campaign" duty, unknown enemies at unknown locations, patrols getting split up, discovering ravines are deeper than they looked at first inspection, finding out locations marked on maps may not be correct, hitting the enemy and getting pinned down and pushed back.

This was my first time portraying a 1st sgt in a battalion (however small it was). Thanks to the gentlemen of the battalion command and staff for their efforts.

A BIG THANKS to Frank for all of his work to make this event happen.

[WestTN_reb]

Arrived on site Friday morning just in time to miss drill (darn!:D).

Friday
I fell in with 2nd squad, 2nd Platoon of Company A. As we marched along the road, I really started regretting my decision to enlist in the first place. That hill was steep!We arrived on post and immediately set out work details to start felling trees and commenced to building breastworks. Our supper was an interesting glop of purple that tasted alright as long as you didn't have to look at it. As night fell, the pickets from Company D fired at something, but when we went on picket, we never saw a thing.

Saturday
After pulling picket from midnight until 6 in the morning, our company was pulled off the line for breakfast (cold leftovers from the night before, and the hardtack could be used as cannon ammunition) and a rest.

As the rest of Company A and Company D went on patrol, two other men and myself volunteered to watch the upper redoubt since the majority of the garrison was gone. We had only been there about an hour when we heard leaves crunching in our rear. We crawled over to some low bushes and waited. Within seconds a man in civilian clothes carrying a pistol crept out of the woods, then another in a distinctive yellow shirt, then another. We waited until the three were clustered together, then opened fire. They came right at us, and not knowing how many there were, we feared we would be overrun and captured. As luck would have it, the rest of Company A was returning from their patrol at the exact moment we fired. They immediately hurled out a skirmish line and pushed the enemy out of the area.

Later in the day, our pickets fired upon some Rebs to our front. Lt. Owens deployed our platoon in an effort to sweep them and hopefully capture them. After our sweep, 2nd Squad continued up the next hill, then Lt. Owens sent me to inform Sgt. Todd and the rest of the platoon that he was going to continue on. After waiting for an hour or so for them to return, we withdrew to the fort.

Some time later, Lt. Owens and his party returned and an expedition was mounted to strike at the Rebel camp. I again volunteered to stay in the fort, since so many were going out the fort was practically undefended. As I listened from the upper redoubt, I could hear firing, screaming, and above it all the harsh tones of a bugle. It was maddening not knowing what was happening. When the men returned, I found out that we had taken some losses and been forced to retreat.

We settled in for supper, only to have it interrupted by the shout of "Rebs to our front!" Capt. Holloway rapidly deployed the entire garrison and sent out pickets. After determining that the Rebs had left, our platoon was sent out on picket until 10 o'clock. We heard a minstrel show going on in camp, but didn't get to enjoy it.

Sunday
We were awakened at 6 to go out on picket again while the rest of the garrison got breakfast. Once the rest of the boys had been fed, we were ordered to sling knapsacks and eat on the go. I received black beans and a flour tortilla, which made Sgt. Arnold jealous since all he got was the contents of the "mystery pot".

As soon as we finished eating, we were ordered to abandon the works. We were marched out and into a draw with hills on all sides of us. Our platoon deployed as skirmishers up the side of the hill to our right.

Shortly, we heard firing to our front, then a cannon opened up. Capt. Holloway was ordered to fire on the gunners. Suddenly, 1st Platoon of Company A started to fall back and they informed us that the Rebs were moving up the ridges on both flanks with the artillery in the center.

Our platoon was ordered to advance, and after about 20 feet, I looked to my left and saw Rebs moving on the road below me. I fired, then shouted to Capt. Holloway that they were there. He informed me that 1st Platoon was already dealing with it. I moved up the hill and suddenly found myself face to face with 2 or 3 Rebs using a pile of deadfall as cover. Sgt. Todd led myself and 2 others to drive them out. As we got right on top of them, suddenly nearly a dozen Rebs boiled out of the woods right at us. I fell back as fast as I could move, loading as I went. Just when I thought I was a prisoner for sure, the rest of my platoon smashed into the Rebel flank and captured the whole lot of them, including two fellows they called "Runyon and Hicks". We reoccupied the works and were dismissed from service following our victory.

Modern
I'd like to thank Capt. Holloway, Lt. Owens, Sgts Arnold and Todd, my Corporal (whose name I can't remember) and all the great guys in 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company A. I appreciate the opportunity to serve with such fine men. To the fellow whose seat I spit on, I hope your butt didn't get wet. Oh yeah, Dutchie still has the blasted turtle.

PS: Charles, the combination of cabbage on Saturday and beans on Sunday morning has still got me playing a one man minstrel show.

[LindaTrent]

I hope Linda is still speaking to me after she found herself facing down -- very calmly I might add -- the business end of two barrels of a shotgun I aimed at her in the middle of one very dark night when I couldn't identify her footsteps. Nope. :eek: Just kidding, that was just exactly what you should have done. :D We just walked in the door about 20 minutes ago, and I have to get some sleep. I'll write my AAR later this afternoon or tonight once I gather all my thoughts.

Oh, and Ron Mueller, Hank and I had a great time hanging out with you on Friday and part of Saturday!

More later,

Linda.

[Abrams]

Oh, and Ron Mueller, Hank and I had a great time hanging out with you on Friday and part of Saturday!

More later,

Linda.

I had an absolutely wonderful time with you two also. I could not have asked for better companions. Hank found us an excellent hidey-hole. Good shade, good water, good wood, and off the beaten track enough to keep us safe, while the cannon and rifle fire showed us we were close enough for it to be exciting.

Shooting stars, rock-bowling, a little Thoreau, fishhook making and enjoying the outdoor living with minimal creature comforts was a blast with you two.

I hope to spend time with you-all again :)


I really did enjoy our time together. :)

[Thomas Alleman]

Well I enjoyed myself and our small company's, small being the main word here. Where was everyone? This thread should be short because only a few the proud, the real men and women showed. This was the wildest country, equipped with real ground hornets, was that the surprise Frank? Got bit by one. Rough ground that older gentlemen and younger alike did battle with along with the enemy. The river was great, the march was hard, the fights were spirited and my feet took a beating. So maybe next year just plan on fewer events with maximum showing. One hundred and fifty on each side would have been amazing. Those who showed fought in some of the hardest ground that I have ever been on and it was worth it. Good job frank and try not to get captured.

[Charles Heath]

Speaking of fun times, the contents of the USSC box appeared to go over well. Who ended up with the two quilts provided by Major "Lil' Nappy" Sorchy's wonderfully generous bride? They were a pair of handsome quilts indeed.

Meanwhile, the circus act to get stamp, ink, and stamp pad to meet up with the goods in that box was a thing of rare beauty. Actually saw men using soap and towels.....fabulous. Simply fabulous.

[lambrew]

The hills were steep, rocky, tangled with under growth, and briars. Nary a smooth place to be found to rest my weary bones. The foe seemed to melt into the forrest. Many is the time I heard the lament "If the johnnies want this ground they can have it!" Saturday afternoon I found I could run like a deer straight up those hills. The charge of "The half naked Georgians" gave wings to my feet! The experience of this event will not be forgotten. A busy soldier is a happy soldier, and that is exactly what I was. Thank you again for the great time. To the Georgians: Next time I won't be so easy to put to flight!:baring_te:D.

Your most obedient servant....
Sean Collicott

[Eric Fair]

I'll add one thing to the numerous and well deserved compliments to this event. From the perspective of a member of the Federal Battalion staff, one of the things that struck me and that I found most interesting was the level of uncertainty for the event. From simply trying to ascertain where we were on a map, to trying to find out if there were CS forces in the area and where they were (and trying to figure out whether there were bushwackers, mossbacks, CS forces, or all three out there), we were guessing all weekend. Everyone's loyalties that approached us were suspect - even young Xavier was examined and questioned several times. Just a really cool dimension that you don't have at every event.

The other thing that sticks in my mind was the real anger (and I think it the above mentioned feelings fed into it) that we felt when we found out that Bushwackers had taken three prisoners Saturday evening. There was actually some talk about sending a large force to the civilian area early Sunday morning to try to sweep them out and capture as many as possible.

Like I said, something you don't experience at every event and I'm glad I got to be a part of it.

Thanks to everyone for the really good time this weekend.

[Cfarrell]

Everyone,

I'm not one to write AAR's so I won’t. I'll just say a few words. I had a great time even though my stomach was bothering me the entire weekend for some strange reason. From reading everyone's post I wish I could have been in a dozen places this past weekend. But I was fortunate enough to serve under Uncle Tom Yearby (Tom McClure) this past weekend.

I really want to say thanks to Uncle Tom for one, who lead us the entire weekend and keep us safe! A second thanks goes to the platoon leaders Cody Mobley and Adam Johnson who also did a great job. Another thanks goes to my pards I served with this past weekend. We operated like we had been doing this for a very long time.

Thanks to Frank who put this on. It was really nice to get away from work and see some pretty country...oh, and the event was nice too. :D

Terry, it was nice to meet you and hope the wire worked out. If not maybe you can find another use for it.

Special thanks go to the three Iowa boy's we captured Saturday evening. You boys had to do one heck of a march to get around behind the Confederate lines like you did and had it not been for young Sam sounding the alarm you might have had some bushwhacker's hog tied instead.

Warm Regards to All,

[cstaples]

Thursday: After arriving a bit late and missing the other refugees, I and sister Nancy hurried our way into the darked woods, our worldly posessessions in our cart. We decided not to go far as the terrain was unsafe in the dark. We set up our little camp. The stars were so beautiful and the woods alive with song. Fri: after a lovely pot of coffee we moved on down the hill not knowing what was over the next bump. The trail was steep and we bravely moved on until one of the fallen trees damaged our beloved cart. The camp site now decided and our hope that my husband Jeremiah (Brian) would some how trail us from the farm and save our goods we set up camp. We did venture out meeting others and finding that danger was nearer then we liked we retreated for safety. The nights were filled beautifully with stars and we were visited by a walking stick (bug) that we nicknamed Fred. Saturday we again ventured down the hill and around almost running into a group of rebs pushing a cannon! after the danger of being seen had pasted we ran back to safe spot, little did we know that we would soon be visited by some of these rebs with yaks not far behind. Coming close to being in the middle of a shoot out was frightening. Then another group of rebs came by and threatened us over a can of northern peaches. Taking some of our food and threaten to burn our belongings! One even drank our cold (only) coffee.
I have to Say Thank you for all the hard work that went into this event. I Enjoyed it all very much, only wishing our little cart had made it down the hill :cry_smile
This being a first of this type event for me it was a dilly! THANK YOU ALL

[Old Reb]

To Mr. Alleman asking, "Where was everyone?" I quit asking that question years ago, but it is still a good one.

To Anna: The shot gun you uns took was the least of his concerns. It was the whiskey that had him upset.

To Charles: Didn't see any of my boys toting quilts, just shoving food into their mouths and washing it down with rum.

To Eric: You uns could have swept your blue hearts out and never found us Saturday night or Sunday morning.

[John of the Skulkers Mess]

Really good timing weatherwise. Ike was what 1-2 weeks ago. And yesterday there was rain in the Missouri Bootheel!

:wink_smil

[Eric Fair]

To Eric: You uns could have swept your blue hearts out and never found us Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Yeah, we that's what we kind of figured. We had an ongoing debate all weekend on whether it was better to be in Missouri or to rejoin the rest of our companies in Louisiana. I think we finally decided that while the swamps and bayous of Louisiana didn't sound appealing, it would be better than chasing ghosts in Mizzourah.:)

[Hank Trent]

I won't repeat all the positive things everybody has already said about the event--the beautiful land, the high level of accuracy, the obviously well-thought-out organization--because they're all true, but here's another: I really liked the way the event was set up to allow everyone to get the experience they wanted. Since Linda was attending too, I wanted to be a civilian with her, but I asked her, did she want to pretend to hide from the army but actually plan to experience searching, harrassment, threats, my possible conscription, etc., or did she want to really do our best to avoid it?

She said she wanted to see if we could actually hide as if it was real, and that's what I wanted also, so that's what we did. It was a great challenge to try to avoid the federals, the confederates, plus bushwhackers or highwaymen, using only a period-drawn map and guess-work to find safe places to hide, while staying close enough to natural water sources. It sounds easy over several square miles, but we ran across tracks and traces of others in the most god-forsaken places, including the shotgun and gear of the now-famous "Mr. Shotgun," and a footprint trail of what we later found out was a fellow civilian.

The only time we saw any hostile men was when we were sneaking east back to the civilian gathering place Sunday morning along Goose Creek and met a group of quasi-military men sneaking the other way. After a brief talk sizing each other up, we each went our own way, and that was it.

We camped in a secluded area with most of the other civilians the first night, in an even more secluded area with Mr. Romine (Ron Mueller) the second night, and when he wanted to volunteer at the federal fort, we camped by ourselves the third night, and rejoined the other civilians Sunday morning.

It was exactly what we wanted from the event, and a great, challenging, tactical-type experience, though if we'd made a mistake and been found, we'd have been satisfied with that outcome too. If other civilians wanted the military-harrassment experience, or civilian men wanted to volunteer for either side, they knew how to best find that, and it made for a nice variety of options, in a huge complex area, so everyone could get out of the event just what they enjoyed most.

Ron--here's a funny story. After you left, I was lying where you'd had your fly set up, and glanced up, and hanging from a bush overhead was a fishhook, lead sinker and leader! After we went to all the trouble of making that hook from a needle!

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[Charles Heath]

To Charles: Didn't see any of my boys toting quilts, just shoving food into their mouths and washing it down with rum.

Uncle Tom,

Whilst Bev and I were picking up the stearite/adamantine candles in some hideously streetscaped suburb of Dee Cee, we spied what had to have been the remains of a CONEX container of nice little towels suitable for a good USSC distribution scheme. Since they were only 45 cents each, and we had already aquired the good old army brown soap for issue, that set in motion "the box." From that box, two of the federals received absolutely gorgeous quilts to take home and enjoy....gratis. Thought we saw some ginger snaps in there, too. Nice for the lads to have some little take home items in addition to the little bug bites. It's nice to operate in a land nearly untouched by mosquitoes, and the few little ankle biters were of no consequence.

The USSC stamp by way of the image posted in the AC Forum Material Culture Social Group and a trip to Kinko's or some copy place or another came from Jim "Snoozy" Moffet, the ink from the vast resources of Sam Walton's Mercantile (one located at nearly every interchange in Arkansas and Missouri), and my child bride sat down and plucked those "Made in Somesuchplace that you can't Pronounce" tags from the towels. That arrangement sure beat the bid on the repop towels from Lowell, MA, back in the day. The USSC thing came together by accident. I would really say "serenditpity," but there is a Tommy G. imposed 50-cent fine on big words.

Speaking of 50-cent words, I hope the adjutant enjoyed the safety, security, and serenity of his oral "A-s P--g." As we departed the Mistuh Clay Depot Staging Area & Electric Car Demo Zone" he said it was still working just fine. Thank God for Wisconsin cheese as a remedy for what all us old Aztec Club men instantly recognize as...well, you know.

Sorry we were not able to leave you fine home team sorts any of the fried apple pies, but they seemed to have R-U-N-N-O-F-T before they were able to cool sufficiently. War is Hell.

On a more serious note, I'd really like to thank the ONV for the use of their nesting mess kettles, Co. A, 1st Minn. for the use of their kettles, and both of those fine groups for the use of their mess pans, knives, serving utensils, and "stuff." While I feel bad about some poor feller having to lick clean the bean kettle, the coffee kettle, and the slops kettle Sunday morning after we departed, well, that was about the only way the brave men in the Rebbanese Liberation Army were going to have a breakfast courtesy of Uncle Sam. For safety reasons, we doused the fire before closing down the food service area, so the "captured" chow was not as warm as it could have been.

We needed a camp dog, but we did have Spot hanging about as an acceptable substitute.

How many events have an iron prospector? That was very nice, and it was good to see Amos again. I swear his twin brother was at Glendale-Malvern Hill earlier this year. Isn't it funny how we see the same folks so often? ;)

Jocularly yours,

[Hank Trent]

How many events have an iron prospector?

Anybody else driving down from St. Louis notice the "charcoal burners" hard at work along the roadside, with the woods freshly cleared and huge mounds of wood smouldering away to make charcoal for the iron furnaces? Okay, so it was just the highway workers widening the road and burning the excess timber, but it was a nice touch to help get one in the mood coming through the iron region.

There's a nice deposit of limonite ore on the hillside on the south side of the second hollow off the river below Goose Creek, but I don't think it's large enough to be profitable, at least not until they extend the Iron Mountain Railroad further south.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[boozie]

Well, there is not alot I can add to what has already been said. To the men of company A, you were great! The work, patrols and picket duties kept coming without stop and you boys put your backs into it and did not complain. I am proud to have served with such a great company and I hope to see many of you at Into the Piney Woods.

The best part for me was the attack on Captain Tom McClure and his boys. I was not very happy in being left waist deep in the thickets with Preston and Troy while the other boys RAN!!!:sarcastic But, being captured by McClure's boys turned out to be one of the most memorable things that happened to me at this event. Captain McClure, i'm glad the answer to the prayer was not to kill us! Thanks for some great first person Ground Hornets, you guys are great!!

Holler and Skip, you boys ran a smooth company. Great Job Preston, Tim and Cpls. you worked your butts off making me look better than I should have!

Thanks to Frank for another great event.

Scott Busenbark

[Charles Heath]

Hank,

Our little carpool kept seeing wheat fields being burned over, and that was something that went by the wayside around 35 years ago back east. In a modern sense, that was kinda nice to see something I remember as a young fellow, and how about the number of grain bins under construction and/or recently completed? Maybe the modern day farmers can make a few coins while the demand is high for small grains as fuel.

While we were tinkering around with the shanks mare shuttle through Clay's yard, Frank came by and I asked him about the geology of the area, since the gray-white igneous rocks, and that conversation started some additional fun. On the way out, we went by Patterson, and the road construction revealed a heck of a lot of red sandstone, which usually means iron. I see some online resources about minerals in SE Missouri worth a good perusal, and did you see any of the longpipe fungi? Uncle Beau and I were wondering if they were the edible variety of golden straw mushroom, or something to be avoided. Fungi is not my strong suit, so we didn't harvest any, but the large hickory nuts were darned good. I never did venture out to get any of the grapes, but they had rave reviews from those who did.

Did anyone stumble into the lead ore digs? I'd liked to have seen them.

[Lone Guard]

Adding to others, I had a great time.

Thanks to everyone who helped put this event together, and to everyone in Company A.

I'm finding it hard to get back into school studies, a few days ago I was chopping down trees and building a fort; today I am spending my time in the library reading and getting ready to write a book review.

Oh well, at least I took some chigger bites back to Arizona remember the event by.

[Old Cremona]

My only regret is that we worried a few people that night. I'm very sorry to Frank, Carl and the others for running off like that. I know you were expecting us that evening, but pretty much the moment we got up to the camp on the side of the cliff, it became dark and there was absolutely no way I was going to find my way down that thing without getting incredibly lost.



I quite understand, Anna, and you and Silvana had a thrilling experience. We did miss your endearing charms at our little musical seance that evening. And we're perhaps just a tad jealous of our mess mates who joined you in your adventure. Just remember, at the next Boonesfield, you owe the rest of us Taters some "Anna and Silvana time," okay?:D

Frank, you hit one out of the park. Thanks for putting on such a magnificent event.

[BrianHicks]

I greatly enjoyed this event, and would like to thank Frank for asking me serve as his SgtMaj. The men in the ranks of the 21st Texas were all outstanding. Although our three small detachments were... err.. rather small. They performed all of that was asked of them magnificently.

To the men of the Artillery Piece.... Bully Boys.. Bully!! You preformed exceptionally well. The rate of fire was remarkable, matched only by the fact that you men hauled, tugged, rolled and dragged that piece of artillery through that mountainous terrain.

Sylvanna and Anna, as always... it was a pleasure to interact with you, I do however wish that I'd had greater opportunities to visit with you and the other civilians more often during this event.

It was great event, and I'm pleased to have participated.

[huntdaw]

I came back from the event recharged and enthused.

I give my thanks to the men of Co. F, 21st Texas. About half of our company didn't make it due to real life interferences but the ones that did performed in a most excellent manner and I was pleased to be their company - section?- leader.

Fortunately, we had quite a few shotguns in our ranks so it made our numbers look bigger on the line. When we were hit by the Federals on Sat. we were holding the right of the line. Our position consisted of 4 men and myself. I had men out on water detail and two were chasing a mossback we had seen off to our right. When we were attacked, I was worried to say the least. If a few more Federals had moved to their left they would've had us more than likely. Thankfully, Corporal Wimmer-Brown and Pvt. Gobstop heard the firing and left off the mossback chase to hurry back to help us. They came in down a ravine and opened fire into the Federal flank which gave them some pause and they did not extend their line any more.

At the end, we had lost all support and it was me and 8 men trying to cover the artillery piece. We fell back and fell back always looking for support to come in on out left. Only later did I find out they had been cut-off and surrendered. We finally decided to make a final stand with the gun instead of running. As we finished our deployment, Mr. Sorchy approached with a flag of truce. After I was informed we were pretty much the only ones left fighting, I figured the event was over and we decided to give up.

My hat is off to Sgt. McGuire (Dave Parent) and Cpl. Wimmer-Brown who took the challenge of being an NCO to heart and performed very well. I also appreciate the efforts and elan of Messrs. Gobstop, Hill, Alleman, Whelan, Wimmer-Brown and Baird. I was very pleased and impressed by how you worked over the weekend.

Good times.

[the other nathan]

AAR - Sunday AM Guard Duty

1:30am
OOG woke up Lieut. Murray. I was sleeping lightly and awoke also. Shortly there after the 1st Sergt. and myself woke up the rest of the men and told them to pack their napsack and put their traps on. Having rolled their blankets, the men fell in in full marching order and we marched off to the reserve post.

2:00am
Lieut. Murray was briefed by the OOG and the Sergt of the Gaurd briefed me. The Corporal of the Gaurds (current and relief) and I marched off to relieve the posts. Lieut. Murray, now the OOG decided that due to the conditions, some of the post should be rearranged. (Post 3 was 5ft from the works and 15ft from the sally port.) He pulled the rear guard post and realligned the posts to better prevent the enemy from flanking us.

2:15am Orderly Sergt. Liechty and myself posted ourselves near the pickets so that our night vision would not be ruined by the fire at the reserve post.

We passed the night without incident. The relief was woken up and marched out to relieve the first shift right on time. When not on post the men sleept on arms. As Sergt. of the Guard, I rounded to each post and the men stayed alert and vigilant throughout the night. At the end of our duty, we were relieve and marched up to our Co. street and then fed for breakfast.

2nd Sergt. Nathan Willar
Company D
32nd Iowa Volunteer Inf.

[Mcguire]

The most awe inspiring aspect of this event was the realization that armies manuevered and fought in this hostile and rugged terrain. I couldn't imagine having to be a part of that. Two and a half days was brutal enough!
Frank did a great job, as everyone else has agreed, it's to bad that this event was not supported in the way it should have been. Oh well, people missed out on an extrodinary experience .

I tip my hat to Mike Comer who commanded Co. F. He kept his head when others about him were losing theirs... I was proud to be his Orderly Sgt. and I'm proud of the men who served under me. Co. F ended up supporting the gun on Sunday morning after our other two companies disinegrated under the Fed advance.
We ended up having to accept Major Sorchys surrender terms after the capture of our commanding officer. ( Terry seems to have Frank's number. He whupped him at Outpost as well)

Not to beat a dead horse, but those of us on this side of the hobby need to support one another. I have fallen in with the Tran Miss. boys at both LBL and Outpost. They support events east of the big river and it is only right that this support be reciprocated.

[Coatsy]

Boozie,

You'll find this amusing to add to your "situation" on Saturday. Two of my guys, still half naked, went on a canteen run to the camp where your company attacked the Independent Scouts. Jordan and Eric P saw what was happening and pitched into the fight yelling "Third company, deploy on me". Both of my guys said your company began to retreat shortly afterwards.

Hey at least you got to keep your shoes.

Also to add to Mr. Comer's comments I had 4 gents not able to make it to the event because of real life. I can't fault them and it is just a hobby after all. But I'll tell the tales of Marmy's Raid for some time to come. This, plus Winter of 64 have been the two best events that I've attended so far this year.

Thanks again to all who attended, and to all that planned this event.

[Huck]

Dear Pard

It has been sometime since I written to you last, so I take keyboard in hand and write you a few lines of our pards Huck's latest adventure in the hobby. As you know Huck has been on forces hiatus due to work and family. Over the last 7 months with all the talk on the board he has been chomping at the bit to get back out in the field to see old and new friends alike. So with that in mind I will tell you a bit of what he did over this past weekend. The event was called Marmaduke's raid.
He flew from Colorado Springs to K.C to meet up with his friend Mike. As you can remember, Huck was asked to be Mikes Orderly Sgt, for the company that Mike was commanding in the 21th TX CAV. Both of them left KC at around 6am on Thursday morning and headed east. Pick up two other pards along the way and the Band of Brother were on their way. They listen to bugle calls and other period music on Huck’s I-POD which helped put them in the right frame of mind. Arrive in the area with little to no problems, only worry was if they would see Ned from Deliverance running though town. We found the staging place with little to no problem and once we arrive, we were glad to get other pards.
Once at the staging area we all got changed, and then jumped into a SUV to be ferried over the river, thinking that other would follow soon. Which didn’t happen, however the 4 of them, Mike, Hick Patrick and Ben made the best of it and made themselves comfortable as possible? They were smart enough to pick up some beef and potatoes and for breakfast they had a nice apple pie. The night was very comfortable, they didn’t have to spoon. The four pards had a nice evening of watching the star and listening to some strange creatures in the woods across the river.
Then on Friday morning after the apple pie and coffee was consumed very quickly before people started showing up, mostly so they wouldn’t have to share. Once everyone who was portraying the 21th TX Cav was accounted for (guess General Marmaduke's didn’t have to much control over his army) rations where issued. Huck being the top notices orderly Sgt inventoried the rations and help come up with the idea on how best to cook 30 pounds of bacon. Let’s just say the biggest grease fire was created. The fare for the event was salt bacon, cornmeal, potatoes and apples. Rations were then issued out and then the soldiers relaxed.
Now this small group didn’t march right out to find the Yankees, a few took a swim in the river, which Huck found very refreshing and he ending up doing it twice on Friday. At one point a car with two local women drove in the area and was very shocked to see people on the sand bar, and people in the river. As you remember Huck can be a bit shocking (or other people have said a bit wild) but he kept himself in checked. You remember on the unit he falls in with, the avatar it said “What the Huck” sometime he lives up to that, this moment didn’t.
Anyway around 4pm the unit marched out on the way to Friday bivouac site, up one hill and down another. Huck had told me that he was very surprised that the pack and blanket roll weren’t giving him problems as in the past. I figured that it was because living in the thin air of Pikes Peak. They arrive at the first full night rest place around dusk, which wasn’t bad, however Huck was detail to run the first shift of pickets. He took charge of his company since his company commander was feeling a bit under the weather. He posted the pickets and set the relief. After four hour Huck was glad to be able to finally get some rest. Knowing the Col. would have them all up well before first light incase the federals marched up on the 21st TX.
Now on Saturday morning breakfast was had by Huck and his pards once that was done. Huck formed the company and took roll and reported the finding to his Capt (Mike, who was feeling much better). The company was formed and Huck and company march down the road. I am not going to bore you to death about the next couple of hours but they did run into two women ½ up one of the hills. Both parties didn’t know what they others intentions were, but one of the ladies was kind enough to give Huck some cold coffee which he was greatly appreciative of. Huck and company marched a while long, found themselves on top of them hill. Were mission during this phase of them event was to find the location of any federal pickets in front of either fort. The company found itself along a path just down the hill from the federals but was visible because of the trees. But they were spotted and the cry from one of the federal to Cpl of the Guard and his post number. With that cry, Huck and company left as quickly as possible.
Now after that Huck and company were given a bit of rest, Huck and Dave West plus one other were detail to patrol up a hill to the right of the federal fort. If you ever have a chance to be friends with Dave, count yourself lucky, he’s a good Pard. Huck told me about a comment that Herb told him, about if Huck was going to wear that bright yellow battle shirt. Remember that shirt was from a battle shirt deal years ago on the AC. The patrol had to move light and fast so they only took what they need, and Huck wore his Bumble Bee Battle shirt. Huck said something to me later that week, some sort of bounty placed on that shirt. Anyway that is either here nor there. The Yankee’s must have thought he was a bushwhacker. Anyway after 2 hours or so in the custody of the federal army Huck was exchanged. He was somewhat sadden to go because he really enjoyed the conversation with the guards and the nice Christian woman who supplied him with fresh tobacco which he greatly enjoy. Huck came to realize that yankees’s were just like him, had the same thoughts, something not a gentleman would say to a lady, but had the same hopes and dream of home and family. After the exchange Sgt Huck brief Frank, he was the gentleman who put on this fine event and was portraying the Col from the 21 TX. But don’t tell the Yankee’s that he was sent on a scouting mission and was able to count location the general locations of the federal picket posts on the side of the hill. Sort of what Lt Owen Skip (I think that who he was) did about the same time. But Huck did find out the value of Bumble Bee (that is the name of the shirt) it is 4 to 1Four Federal for one Huck wearing bumble bee.
We after the exchange Huck and friends sat down to a well earned rest and some great music by Carl, the banjo man, and were looking forward to a visit by some local (period) civilian women who were reported in the local area. But sadly that never happen, but the music was prefect anyway. If you ever have a chance to hear Carl play you should.
Well the boys found themselves having a rough night sleeping, sort of being on a side of a hill, something about sliding out from under the blanket, but it wasn’t say bad because the company didn’t have to pull picket that night as they did the night before. Sunday morning rolls around the boys were heating up the last bit of rations and getting ready for the assault on the federal position. So thoughts of home and heart and women we would never get to see again if the lord above calls Huck and company to stand in front for judgment. Well lucky for Huck he wasn’t hurt, only hit with a spent ball, mostly because he and everyone else were tired of up one hill and up another. Frank who grew up in that area seemed not to mine one bit, but then again being a runner Frank wasn’t fazed. But all had a great time. So Huck and friends made it back to the top of the hill, but along the way he ran into his friend Charles Heath spent a few minute chatting about the last couple of days, than heath for the re-fill of his canteen while in the care of the federal army. Charles knows how to take care of people stomachs. Going back to when Huck was captured, it was because he tried to stanch Heath from the federal camp and take him as a POW. In hindsight Huck told me he bites off more than he could chew. But it was all in good, got to see his Pard Eric Fair again and a few others who he can’t seem to remember at the time when he told me this story.
So Huck made it back down to the vehicle staging point, got out of his civilian clothing, and had the need to take a bath, so Huck in good old fashion grabbed a bar of soap and headed to the lake, washed up and noticed he was covered in Chigger bites, to the point you can call it the CHIGGER POX. Good thing he doesn’t have to see his wife in Omaha for two weeks or we would have some explaining to do.
Well the ride back to KC was uneventful, talk of future events, something on the lines of a picket post or something dealing with General Order No 11, along with talking about what could have happened to the civilian ladies, who the Tater, the group of guys Huck was hanging with, where hoping to visit with. Arrive back in KC at a good hour, talk with Patrick and Ben, the other two gentlemen in Mike’s SUV about things and head to Mike’s house in search of food. So other than dealing with the Chigger POX Huck is going great and he sends his best. He hopes to see you very soon at some future event, maybe the one in GA in 2009.

I remain your servant
William Green
Sgt 21 TX Cav Marmaduke's Army

[Huck]

My hat is off to Frank for a wonder job and to everyone else I had a chance to meet with over the weekend, all I have to say is .....Bully, Bully

[Coatsy]

Chigger Pox is an apt way to describe the affliction that has beset many of us former mounted/dismounted Texicans. :tounge_sm


I still had a blast!

[Huck]

I seem to be bathing in Caladryl Lotion. I am cover from mid torso down, counted over 250 bites along on parts that I can see.

[Sarah Belle]

Thursday night staying on the sandbar with shooting stars above was spectacular, even though we woke up soaking wet. Thanks to Mr. Anderson and Mr. Romig for taking care of us otherwise unescorted women. We were a bit frightened by the found shot gun, but its owner gave us a lot to talk about. Sorry for going through your bags Jay, but really it was great to see everything you carried. I was truly impressed with the authenticity. After waiting for the wagon for most of the day on Friday it was neat to see the oxen brining in the wagon. Thankfully it also brought us Ewing girl’s Uncle Ruyle.
Saturday brought a lot of excitement. Our uncle sent us to the road to hide out at the creek for safety. So while Uncle was being conscripted by confederates in the woods we were questioned by Bushwhackers at the creek. Luckily Mr. Smith vouched for us and we were left alone, this time. After waiting for quite a few hours and worrying for our uncle’s safety by the creek, we built a fire and ate some lunch. The long wait gave me the opportunity to take off my shoes and sock and wade in to the creek, it was fantastic. After finally being found by our Uncle we returned to our camp in the woods above the wagon. While enjoying some watermelon that the lovely Miss Meg had procured for us we were ambushed by the Bushwhackers and told to drop the watermelon and to go down to the wagon. After some harassment and the stealing of our watermelon we were allowed to go back up to our camp. I do have to say Captain, you were fantastic, and oh so mean.
While up in our camp we warned the group of Bushwhackers, not once, but twice of coming Federals (sorry Iowa boys, but really you shouldn’t underestimate civilians, even women and children). I tell you I learned my lesson, never tell someone who is off to the necessary to watch out for Federals, they just might be out there (sorry Lizzy). We believed that the Bushwhackers should have thanked us for our help with the Federals, but all they did was threaten us with a noose and to be killed in our sleep. We began to get quite worried when the Silvana seemed to be getting into some trouble with the Bushwhacker and then disappeared. But we were able to spend some quality time with Miss. Meg, who was a joy to have around. Reading Tennyson by candle light in the woods was rare experience. So was being woken in the night by a man with a big stick standing at the foot of your “bed” looking for his daughter and Silvana and Anna.
Sunday brought the opportunity to see oxen lumber through the woods and to chase a nervous horse through the woods. It was all new and great. This was my first immersion event and except for the hard ground, ticks and no bath, I had a great time. Thanks to Frank and Silvana for organizing this event. It was great to meet so many nice, and not so nice people. Hope to see you all at other events

Sarah Belle Ewing
Brandi Jones
Corn Fed Comrades

[Brian Baird]

Frank,
Many thanks for all your hard work to make this event happen. It was well worth the effect to come down on Wednesday to help out. Thanks for the Pizza & beer.
Brian Baird

[Campjacksonboy]

Brian
I can not thank you enough for your help on Wednesday.
Frank

[Coon Dawg]

21st Texas, Company H I am way up here hundreds of all-fired miles from my home near Austin and all I can do is think about how much I miss my wife and daughter. I seen many strong men almost go all to pieces spending too much time worrying about their wife and children. All I can do is pray to the Almighty that this thing is over before too long and rest in the comfort of knowing that that my wife is a strong Midwestern girl who can take care of herself. Ain’t no doubt about that. Hell, I believe if they put her in charge of the 21st we would all be the better for it. And don’t think I don’t miss Amos either. Me and that horse had been together for going on near bout 15 years until he decided to go and get cold as a wagon tire back a couple months ago. I ain’t never walk so many miles all my days since.

Friday Afternoon Camped near a Lake. Some of the boys took a dip. I spend most of the afternoon cooking up some rations cause our captain told us we might be moving out soon. Talked to Chris and he told me something I didn’t know. He said he’d been riding his mount for near bout 22 years. Sure does make me miss Amos. Captain came by and told us to he was ready for us to move out. Filed my canteen up from the Lake. More walking and sweating. Stopped by a lady and a little boy’s seven by nine house. She didn’t have nothing to eat but she let us fill up our canteens from her well. Don’t guess that lady had expected company. Got to talkin to an old boy named Carl from Captain Kupsch’s company says his family is from near these parts. He said “he used to know when company was coming cause mama would put a ham hock in the peas.” Sure got me to thinking about my mama and her cooking.

Friday Evening Made camp on a rocky hill. Only had one shirt that was wet with sweat. Had to take it off and dry it by the fire along with my socks. Captain must of thought it was a good idea cause he decided to share my fire and do the same. Shared a cup of coffee and a hot dinner with my mess mates. Aint’t so bad when you got folks taking care each other.

Saturday Morning Woke at dawn. Checked to see ho much tobacco I had. The Almighty has blessed me this day. Moved up and over the mountains. I ain’t never seen so many briars, rocks, sticks and giant cockleburs in all my life. Didn’t see a Federal soldier most the mornin. Bumped into a few civilians though. One fellow said he had been paroled out of Mississippi. Captain did not believe him at first. Thought he might have been a Dutchie so he started asking him questions in German. Captain came back and said that the mudsill had a look on his face that told him he was telling the truth. Said he was too gall darn stupid to be telling lies. You can’t trick the captain no sooner than you can catch a weasel asleep.

Saturday Afternoon The 21st, Reve’s Missouri Scouts, and Pratt’s battery had them Yankees held up in their Fort at the top of the mountain. The Captain along with us boys were drying out our clothes when we heard gun shots from a top the mountain. The Captain yelled “to arms boys, to arms” and next thing you know we are all we are all running up the mountain all possessed like in nothing but our trousers, cartridge boxes and caps boxes. When we arrive the Federals were trying to flank Pratt’s battery. About that time Captain yells “refuse the left flank boys” and we along with the Sergeant Major skedaddle down the hill where the fighting commenced to get hot. Captain told the boys with the double barrels to get in close in personal like and at the same time told me and the others with rifled muskets to stay back on top of the hill and pick em off. We gave em hell and fight before they decided to retreat back to the Fort. Andy a fellow from our mess tried to take a prisoner and a fight broke out until the Sergeant Major pulled out his pistol and ran forward. Seeing that he had no choice but to surrender or be shot the Yank momentarily decided he should choose to live. Then moments later decided he might try to make a break for it. That is when the Sergeant Major and the fice got rowdy until the Sergeant Major threaten to pistol whip him then took him by the scruff of the neck to the rear. Moments later, we heard gunfire from our rear where Reve’s Missouri Scouts where set up. That is when the Captain sent the youngest of company H to lend a hand. They came back later saying that they, still shirtless, along with Reve’s Missouri Scouts captured 3 Federals. Captain said that they was so white he bet the Federals thought they was ghost. Moments later, Captain asked that I gather up a canteen detail and make sure Company H gets some water. To get to a safe water source, I had to pass through the Missouri Scout’s pickets. Their Irish was up and I do believe if the Sergeant Major had not been too far behind they might have cut me from ear to ear with those Missouri toothpicks they was carrying. You ain’t never seen such carrying on. Those ruffians had those Federal boys hog-tied and were debated whether or not they were going to leave em for dead or take the bounty. When the drinking commenced, I got real worried. At one point, the ruffian’s Captain stuck a pistol to one young boys head and decided then better of it. He told him that he reminded him of his sons and then ask all of to take our hats off and prey with him. I just knew if the Sergeant Major did not bring them back alive there would be hell to pay for our boys if we ever got captured. Luckily, for them and us the Scouts agreed to the bounty and we were on our way back up the mountain with the Yanks in tow. They looked real shook up. Therefore, I decided to offer one of them a bit of my tobacco. Didn’t have much to spare; however, figured that he would probably do the same if he were me. The younger one of the three commented that they were animals. I did not say nothin but in my mind I agreed. Got back to camp and turned over the Yanks to the colonel. Keep their weapons.

Saturday Evening Built a fire and boiled some coffee. Went over heard some boys from Captain Kupsch’s company playing the fiddle, banjo and pots and pans. The colonel even came over and played the bones and sang one of my favorite songs Old King Crow and a few I ain’t heard before.

Sunday Morning Captain woke us up and said we should get ready to move out. Said we were going take the fort. All three company’s formed up. Came in contact with Federal Cavalry. We deployed as skirmishers. The colonel asked who among us had rifled muskets. A few of us volunteered. It was me, the Sergeant Major and one of my messmates out front. It felt good to be with my messmate Andrew. We been together so long that I can read his mind. And the Sergeant Major, well…he has got the Lord on his side. One of the most courageous men I know. The cavalry probably knew they were outnumbered cause they stayed way out of sight. One of them sent a few rounds whizzing by my head at a perdy fast pace. The colonel was trying to get us spread out along the ridgeline and before he could do so the cannon from Pratt’s battery went off. It sure seemed like a long time before we got the command to attack. Then the Captain gave the command and we were off to the races. Hooping and hollerin. By the time we got to the top of the hill, I was plum tuckered out and the Yanks had skedaddled. The good thing was that they had left all there goodies. The boys went wild tearing through all there belonging. As luck would have it, I had to guard two boys that were captured. So they only thing I was able to eat was a handful of peppermints. After a while the colonel asked us to form up. He wanted to chase them Yanks clear back up North. So we formed another skirmish line and headed back down the hill. It was hard to see through the briars and trees. When we got near the bottom of one ridge, the Yanks came thundering up the hill like demons. They were everywhere to the right and left of me. I did not have the energy to run back up the mountain so I had to stand my ground and fight. However, the Yanks were too much and too many and I had to lay my weapon down and surrender.

Private Joel Phillips, Rock Island Illinois

[rkg]

I had a great time at this event-start to finish. Frank did a great job putting this together. It had a very special meaning to me to be running around in my g grandfather's footsteps there in Missouri. Thanks for that opportunity Frank, it meant a great deal to me. To all the guys in Co. F, nice to have met you, hope to see you in the field again soon. The only draw-back, my chigger-pox appear as if I have taken a double barrel shot gun blast to the legs below the knees. Hope they are gone by Into the Piney Woods. Thanks to all involved,

[AZFarrier]

Thanks to every one who put this event together. I think it was worth driving from Arizona. The weather was agreeable and the rock beds realligned my back. For not doing infantry in years the Co" A" Boys treated me well and kept the snickering and laghing down to a minimum.

Thanks Holler, Skip, Boozie, Sgt's Arnold & Todd, and all the Cpl's that kept me moving. Let me tell you I needed the exercise.

In short this event reafirms my opinion that Cavalry is the way to go:wink_smil!

Thank you all again for the experience.

[IowaYank]

Andy, I agree with that statement. Sorry we couldnt get a mount lined up for you. Would have been great to have you ride with us.

Dan

[knitter1861]

Thank you to all the individuals that made Marmaduke's Raid a success. I'd like to share my story:

My sister and I had decided that we had had enough and should we have torun off again we would be prepared. As we prepared to gather our belongings, a bug flew into my hair. As I swiped at it, it stung me. I had been stung by a large brown hornet and my hand was very painful for a time. Knowing that we were in danger, we continued to prepare incase we ad to flew. Rumor had it that confederate soldiers were in the area and taking food from any one in their path. We realized that we were going to be in that path so we fled. A neighbor said we would be fine to go down the hill and so we did. Because it was close to dusk, we chose to only go into the wooded area for a short distant and camp for the night.

At daybreak, we gathered our bedding and once again loaded our cart and made coffee. We did have a chuckle/concern and hoped that not being able to get the matches we had to stay lit for making a fire for a pot of coffee was not an omen. Little did we know what we were infor. Because of the matches and the damp deadfall wood, it was nearly two hours before we had a pot of hot coffee. It kind of didn't matter because we did not really have a distination. We talked about going to the other side of Clear Lake but then thought maybe not because sister Sara's husband wouldn't know where we would be should he return home. We continued down the same hill to find the terrain increasingly steep. The road was routted and rocky and trees were fallen onto the road. It was necessary for us to work around the deadfall and then as the road got steeper, the cart pushed me as I approached a large tree trunk across the road. Before I could tell Sara to stop pushing, the front leg of the cart hit the tree and seriously cracked the leg. We were able to unload and lift the cart over the tree trunk and we continued. At this point, we began to think that the neighbor might have had some devilish intent. He seemed nice and helpful! Why would he send us down this path? We went a little further and watched the trail continue to get steeper and rockier and we stopped because we realized that we were a long way down and had to go a long way further but we would never be able to go back up again especially with the front leg of the cart in serious condition. We decided to stop the cart and pack the rest of the way down the hill. We had understood that other individuals from Patterson would be in the area and we wanted to see how everyone was fairing and if there was any news.

We packed the rest of the way down and realized that we were in trouble. The terrain was much more than either of us could manage or want to manage. There were additional tree trunks on the road which meant that we couldn't take the cart to the bottom of the hill and we also new that we didn't have the strenth to get the cart up to the top of the hill. It was a horrible feeling. We had just lost our belongs to confederate soldiers at the homestead and now we had the potential for loosing all our possessions in the cart. We did talk with Miss Sara Belle and she told us that there was no drinking water and she tried to tell us what she knew about where soldiers were possibly located. Miss Sara and I walked toward the direction that Miss Sarra Belle pointed to as to the possible location of the federal fort, but when we saw a very large snake skin, we decided that it was time to return to the cart and take our chances. The trip up the hill was worse than the trip down the hill. We ended up unloading our things that we packed down and taking some for a short distance and then going back to retrieve the next load. It was tiring and we drank most of the water in our canteens by the time we got back to the cart.

For the rest of Friday, we stayed with the cart and pondered over what to do. We listened and heard nothing till evening after dark. It was voices and a faint bugle call that we could hear but they were far off. The trees made a canopy over us so we didn't see many stars. We were cozy on our feather tick and with wool blankets we fared well.

Saturday morning, we were up with the sun. Because we didn't have a water source, we chose to not make coffee. We also thought it might not be a good idea to make a fire because it would have had to be in the road. Mid morning we were concern to find men approaching us. They seemed nice enough. They told us they would not hurt us. I was uneasy and decided not to talk to them unless I had to. Miss Sarah was very upset with me for making her do the talking. Afterall, I am the oldest. But I said she didn't have to talk with them and tell them what she did say. I am not from these parts having come to Patterson only eight years ago because my deceased husband was mining in Pilot Knob. He died 18 months ago and I chose to go with with sister and her husband in Patterson. We decided that once the soldiers were out of sight, we needed to keep our things packed and food things needed to be in various bags or pouches so that if they came back and took more from us, they wouldn't take all. I had discovered hazel nuts on the ground and began busying myself with collecting them to add to a quick bread I wanted to make as soon as we get home, if that happens.

With a nap behind us in the afternoon, another group of soldiers came along. This time it was federals and I was much relieved. They asked us a few questions and went on their way and so I continued to think about collecting more nuts. Confederate soldiers also came along in pursuit of the federals. They didn't go far and then returned to ask us a bunch of questions. They were much more agitated and didn't like us much. They didn't like my silence and then started to go through our belongings in the cart. As they looked for a gun, we told them we had none, our bedding was turned over and the canvas canopy taken down. Then they accused us of being northerners because of the newspapers we had and a can of peaches with a Massachusttes label on it. I tried to explain that my grown boys live in Wisconsin and yes I was from Galena, Illinois. I didn't want them to hurt my sister or her things and thought it would help us it I just confessed. They were mad and threaten to burn our things and leave us stranded. Then, the leader said if we were not gone by morning, he would come and burn everything. As they left, I had a smile on my face. Though they took the peaches and our apples and some carrots, they didn't look very well because they missed the candy mints and dried strawberries. I was relieved that they also didn't see the ten pound bag of sugar with a federal quartermaster label on it. We managed to keep most of our things though we had just decided to have potatoe biscuts, peaches, apples and sausage for dinner. Oh well, the peaches and apples would have been good but at least we were not taken as prisoners and we had the opportunity to get out in the morning. That night we busied ourselves playing games we hadn't played since we were little girls. In the back ground through the day and part of the night, we heard cannon fire and gun fire. We were in a relatively safe place for the time being. Tomorrow was an other story.

Sunday we awoke knowing that we had to leave the cart and run on foot with what we could carry. As we walked up, I continued to gather hazel nuts and could almost smell the bread that will be made. It was the bright spot in the otherwise dark time. We lost the cart and most of our belongings, but we had our life and hopefully the confederates had not burn the house down so we had a home to go to once they leave.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Sorchy
Citizens of the Old Northwest

[the other nathan]

The event site said no cameras because they would have someone taking pictures.

Does anyone know if this happened?
Are there pictures to be had?


Respectfuly Yours,

[boozie]

Yea Herb, I was told that little gem on the way home. I was even more hurt you didn't come and see me when I was moved to your camp!;) It was a grand time.

Oh, I have a confession Mr. Hicks, I did have my orderly book and roster with me. I guess I hid it well sine it was not found on the pat down.


Boozie,

You'll find this amusing to add to your "situation" on Saturday. Two of my guys, still half naked, went on a canteen run to the camp where your company attacked the Independent Scouts. Jordan and Eric P saw what was happening and pitched into the fight yelling "Third company, deploy on me". Both of my guys said your company began to retreat shortly afterwards.

Hey at least you got to keep your shoes.

Also to add to Mr. Comer's comments I had 4 gents not able to make it to the event because of real life. I can't fault them and it is just a hobby after all. But I'll tell the tales of Marmy's Raid for some time to come. This, plus Winter of 64 have been the two best events that I've attended so far this year.

Thanks again to all who attended, and to all that planned this event.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Well...

After being proverbially 'zonked' for the past 2 days in regard to missing quality sleep for 5 days of the past 7, I'm now semi-recovered.

First up, let it be known that I did survive over 22-ish hours travel time to Missourah with Marse Heef in tow... a world record perhaps? LOL :sarcastic:wink_smil

I had loads of fun at Marmy's. Perfectly honest... ANY day I spend out of the office and at a quality event with my reenactment buddies is a wonderful day. I'll travel another 2500+ miles round-trip for that. :D

So the overall story for my company goes: Mr. Murray's/Moffatt's company on the blue side was rear guard in the fort for the whole weekend save for one patrol to the right flank of the federal encampment. Really, not a bad proposition... close to the food/sleeping area, and away from those devillish rebels. Had I been the commander for the Federal forces, I probably would have done the same thing- due to the small size of our company, it was better used as such... So I perfectly understand.

My only regret (and literally only one) was that we didn't get to interract with the civilians very much. Oh, I saw Mr. Abrams and the Prospector within the Yankee camp, as well as little Xavier (aka Spot/Pip from Charles Dickens novels) the guide, and this was quite fun. It would, however, have been neat to have experienced a bit more the main draw for me to this event- civilian interraction and the unpredictability of such.

After a great meal at a Bob Evans, Chawls Heef, myself, Tommy Gingras, and Billy Birney had a great AAR conversation of the event. Tommy and I advocated the use of O/Cs (Observer/Controller) for this event in the future (and others like it) like we had in real US Army field excercises. This person would be a period-dressed kabuki/referee that would know the locations of encampments and how to direct units into/around certain scenarios in order to 'spread the full experience' around to all that attend the event. The OCs could function as the point-of-contact for emergencies and to have a cell phone handy.

Also, as a referee these individuals could tap participants on their shoulders and judge them as temporarily killed, wounded, or captured in a way such as to make it more interesting/challenging for all. By using this method, we could enforce 'dead platoon' rules too finally (...remember Steve Ewing's lack of a platoon due to this non-enforcement at Pickett's Mill? I think I remember hearing Steve talking about such there. Good idea... but a darn shame it didn't materialize fully.).

All calls would be final and this would be agreed to in the registration form.

In events where there are few civilians, two opposing sides usually call their own rules, but when the full experience of an event relies on encounters and certain events to occur, an OC would be ideal. (Hint, hint... suggestion for Bummers '09???:rolleyes:)

Other than that one small thought, I think all went darn well and I'm glad I got to come along for the ride. :D

Thanks to the great men, leadership and fellowship of the Federal forces this past weekend too... it was fun and you are all very competent/caring as leaders of men. (Messrs. Sorchy, Gutzke, Leichty, Moffatt, Murray, Tipton, Goff, et al.)

All the best, and I'll see ya'll at Freddysburg in Va-gini-ah in November!

Huzzah... I love this stuff... ain't this a great hobby... :cool:

Your friend always- Johnny Lloyd

[Hank Trent]

It would, however, have been neat to have experienced a bit more the main draw for me to this event- civilian interraction and the unpredictability of such.

......

Tommy and I advocated the use of O/Cs (Observer/Controller) for this event in the future (and others like it) like we had in real US Army field excercises. This person would be a period-dressed kabuki/referee that would know the locations of encampments and how to direct units into/around certain scenarios in order to 'spread the full experience' around to all that attend the event. The OCs could function as the point-of-contact for emergencies and to have a cell phone handy.

......

In events where there are few civilians, two opposing sides usually call their own rules, but when the full experience of an event relies on encounters and certain events to occur, an OC would be ideal. (Hint, hint... suggestion for Bummers '09???:rolleyes:)

If you mean the OCs would facilitate the military encountering the civilians, then speaking only from the civilian side, for me that would have changed the event dramatically into something I wouldn't have enjoyed nearly as much. It would take away the whole tactical potential from the civilians' point of view, because if we're all required to camp where the OCs know how to direct the armies to us, it would change our experience into a scripted one.

Many of the civilians were camping in ones, twos or threes, moving when and where they wanted, however they thought best, just like real life. As a civilian, I think there are an overabundance of events where you're there only for the purpose of being bullied by soldiers without any realistic chance of avoiding it. An alternative like Marmaduke's Raid, for civilians who want to have their own open-ended tactical challenge, is really nice. October 62 was the same way, and there, the civilians harboring a deserter were captured at the very end, but it was completely open-ended--if we'd been a little smarter or luckier we might have got away.

If an event is set up so the inevitable purpose of being a civilian is to be bullied, threatened and robbed, okay fine, just like some events are set up for the US or CS to make a blunder and be slaughtered (Pickett's Mill and that US charge up the hill, for example). The participants know that from the start and it's a historical re-creation rather than a tactical.

But it was a breath of fresh air to attend an event like Marmaduke's Raid where civilians could actually use their wits on a big playing field, instead of waiting in what common sense tells you is the wrong spot, to get hit once again.

Maybe, at most, have OCs know the location of a certain civilian location, like the stranded civilian wagon, but allow other civilians to do what they wish, so those who want to meet the military could stay there and those who wanted the tactical experience could choose where to go? But I thought both sides of the military did know where the wagon would be.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[BrianHicks]

Yea Herb, I was told that little gem on the way home. I was even more hurt you didn't come and see me when I was moved to your camp!;) It was a grand time.

Oh, I have a confession Mr. Hicks, I did have my orderly book and roster with me. I guess I hid it well sine it was not found on the pat down.

The 'Pat-Down' was rather cursory.. at best. My asking was more of a requirement than a real desire to have your papers. Afterall... we had the Federals right were we wanted them.... hemmed in on the hill top, inside their works on the business end of our artillery piece. :)

[Johnny Lloyd]

If you mean the OCs would facilitate the military encountering the civilians, then speaking only from the civilian side, for me that would have changed the event dramatically into something I wouldn't have enjoyed nearly as much. It would take away the whole tactical potential from the civilians' point of view, because if we're all required to camp where the OCs know how to direct the armies to us, it would change our experience into a scripted one.

Many of the civilians were camping in ones, twos or threes, moving when and where they wanted, however they thought best, just like real life. As a civilian, I think there are an overabundance of events where you're there only for the purpose of being bullied by soldiers without any realistic chance of avoiding it. An alternative like Marmaduke's Raid, for civilians who want to have their own open-ended tactical challenge, is really nice. October 62 was the same way, and there, the civilians harboring a deserter were captured at the very end, but it was completely open-ended--if we'd been a little smarter or luckier we might have got away.

If an event is set up so the inevitable purpose of being a civilian is to be bullied, threatened and robbed, okay fine, just like some events are set up for the US or CS to make a blunder and be slaughtered (Pickett's Mill and that US charge up the hill, for example). The participants know that from the start and it's a historical re-creation rather than a tactical.

But it was a breath of fresh air to attend an event like Marmaduke's Raid where civilians could actually use their wits on a big playing field, instead of waiting in what common sense tells you is the wrong spot, to get hit once again.

Maybe, at most, have OCs know the location of a certain civilian location, like the stranded civilian wagon, but allow other civilians to do what they wish, so those who want to meet the military could stay there and those who wanted the tactical experience could choose where to go? But I thought both sides of the military did know where the wagon would be.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net


Hank-

There can be a compromise here between the civilians' needs and the military needs, I feel. Perhaps there need only be OCs for the military boys since our freedom of movement/freedom of decision is limited to what our units's leaders will do?

The OCs for the military boys would know the general location/objectives of civilians in the area as well as the opposing force, but might or might not choose to tell the leaders of the military units information.

The OCs for the civilians might just observe and interject only if something goes way wrong. Other than that, the civilians would be at their own pleasure to move about like you said you had so much fun doing. That is, IF there is a need for a civilian OC. There might not be.

Company D of the Federals got rear guard all weekend save for one small patrol. This was fine with me, I'll happily do what is needed of the team, but the draw for me to come to this event was the unpredictability of potential civilian interraction while trekking through the terrain. (Perhaps in this case, we were the victim of unforseen circumstance.)

NO civilians that I know of, save for the pro-Union Mr. Abrams or the prospector, even bothered to head toward the Union fort. I expected refugees, Jayhawkers, anti-Unionists, etc. to be trying to run our lines 24/7. Perhaps having an OC to make the suggestion to some of the civilians to head toward the Union lines would have lead into more interesting scenarios for civilians/military participants at the Union fort? We could have a whole group taking the Oath of Allegiance, seeking protection from Confederates, attritting our manpower/attention due to having to post a guard on them 24/7, stealing supplies from us, spying on us... etc. This just didn't seem to happen.

Hank, I think you would have enjoyed spying on us as a civilian... right? :D

Heck, forget OCs... how about a 'mission card' that would tell the civilians the general idea of what their objectives might be? It would then be up to the civilians to fulfill the mission/scenario as they see fit? That sounds like great fun.

Anyway... it's just a suggestion for future events that are dependent upon some help from outside sources to make the magic happen.

I still had a blast. So did the chiggers on my legs...

My 2 cents... Johnny Lloyd :wink_smil

[Silvana Siddali]

Yet I believe at least two civilian men did volunteer at the federal fort. One allowed himself to be captured and the other went willingly.

But really, why would respectable civilian women "bother" to go toward a federal installation? In Missouri, the only women who ventured near federal forts like Ft. Davidson in Pilot Knob were pro-Union refugees. If you read the event guidelines you would have noticed that the civilians in the Patterson/Piedmont area were former Virginians & Kentuckians who would have been anxious to stay as far away from any U.S. Army installation as possible. Moreover, we civis started on Thursday and stayed at the event longer than any armed force, but in that entire time we only encountered one scouting party of federals (two mounted men) and three federal pris0ners.

We organized the civilians in such a way as to maximize the possibilities of interactions, but the fact that they did not actually enter the federal fort has more to do with an effort at historical accuracy than anything else. I must say, I would have resisted any effort to "choreograph" our activities strenuously. I would absolutely not have enjoyed being directed by someone in a tree house. Some of my most memorable and interesting experiences at the event came about purely by accident, as when Miss Anna spotted not only an escape route but also a thirty-second window of opportunity to sneak away from the ruffians who detained us.

If you talk with any of the civilians (especially the women) or read their AARs you'll see that we had plenty of interesting, dare I say exciting, interactions.

Johnny's point is well taken to the degree that military-civilian interactions are the best part of an event (at least to our way of thinking :o) and I think he raises a valuable point for discussion. Not in this thread, of course, but maybe somewhere else. It would be great to think of civilians as a vital & integral part of an event and not to think of them as "toys" (or, as Miss Anna calls it, as a "side dish") for the military. I would have serious hesitations about attending an event where I could expect to be directed by an observer.

[Hank Trent]

There can be a compromise here between the civilians' needs and the military needs, I feel.

First, let me say that I think your original idea is fine. I'd just hate to see it done all the time, leaving no events like Marmaduke's Raid left. And, also, many civilians prefer guaranteed military harrassment, so for some civilians, their needs would be different, and they'd want to be found just as much as the military would want to find them. That actually was an option at Marmaduke's Raid as well, if one stayed with the "stranded" wagon.

My only objection is against "improving" civilian events like Marmaduke's Raid out of existence, because I don't see it as an improvement, just something different.


The OCs for the military boys would know the general location/objectives of civilians in the area as well as the opposing force, but might or might not choose to tell the leaders of the military units information.

It's my understanding that this was the case for some of the military leaders at MR, who knew the location of the "stranded" wagon. However, I believe it would be impossible for anyone to know the general location of individual civilians in an area 2-1/2 miles long, unless the civilians reported their plans ahead of time or were restricted in their movements, which would take away the whole beauty and perfection of the way Silvana and everyone planned the civilian part of the event.


The OCs for the civilians might just observe and interject only if something goes way wrong. Other than that, the civilians would be at their own pleasure to move about like you said you had so much fun doing. That is, IF there is a need for a civilian OC. There might not be.

You understand that civilians were allowed to maneuver in groups as small as one individual, and could mix and match as they chose, right? Unless there was one O/C for each civilian, or civilians were restricted to staying in certain groups, I think it would be difficult to have civilian OCs. It would be like being hovered over by the cameramen on Survivor, unless the event was split into two options, with civilians who chose to pre-script some of their plans and stay with an OC, and others who could do what they wished. As I understand it, that was sorta the original plan, with an optional fixed civilian camp in a location known to the military, but all the civilians who wanted to do that dropped out, leaving everyone mobile.


NO civilians that I know of, save for the pro-Union Mr. Abrams or the prospector, even bothered to head toward the Union fort. I expected refugees, Jayhawkers, anti-Unionists, etc. to be trying to run our lines 24/7. Perhaps having an OC to make the suggestion to some of the civilians to head toward the Union lines would have lead into more interesting scenarios for civilians/military participants at the Union fort?

This is confusing, because there were two prospectors, Amos and me, but in this case you're referring to Amos. :)

I'm sorry, but the wonderful, magnificent, perfect part of Marmaduke's Raid was not having an OC tell me I needed to do something stupid and illogical, based on the man I was portraying and the circumstances I was in. At another event, I might portray a different person, aim for a different outcome, pre-plan a specific activity, but I wouldn't see it as an improved event, just a different kind of event.

I have no idea what the military was promised at Marmaduke, so can't comment on whether promises were made and not fulfilled, but have to say that from my viewpoint, the civilian end was promised and delivered perfectly.


Hank, I think you would have enjoyed spying on us as a civilian... right? :D

No, at this particular event, I would have felt as stupid and farby doing that, as artillerymen doing a suicide charge with pistols at a mainstream event. If an OC had "suggested" it, I would have told him where he could stick his suggestion.

Gil Anderson (me) promised to take Mrs. Tope to safety, and despite his rough edges, he was a man of his word. He never would have been the type to go off on some personal or patriotic mission that would put himself at risk until he'd completed what he promised. The "fun" part for me at this particular event was being allowed to try to do what he would have done and trying to succeed at it.


Heck, forget OCs... how about a 'mission card' that would tell the civilians the general idea of what their objectives might be? It would then be up to the civilians to fulfill the mission/scenario as they see fit? That sounds like great fun.

Um, in general, I don't think civilians at this kind of event need an artificial mission given to them. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems that most had a very clear idea of how they'd react and what they wanted or feared, based on who they were portraying, and an ongoing sense of whether they were achieving or failing in their characters' plans.


Anyway... it's just a suggestion for future events that are dependent upon some help from outside sources to make the magic happen.

I realize I sound negative, so I want to emphasize that it's an excellent suggestion, but in my opinion, it would make for a different kind of event, not a better one. I'd like to be able to attend both kinds, and not lose the beauty of the Marmaduke's Raid experience.

A good example was at W64, when the army marched out to confiscate rations at that plantation house. The civilians there knew exactly what would happen, how to get it back on track if the military made the wrong choice, etc. But the civilians themselves where following a tight script, with a known outcome, and while I enjoyed it thoroughly and would do it again, I also would never want to lose the freedom and autonomy granted by the Marmaduke's organizers, at other events.

Um, have I complimented the organizers of Marmaduke's Raid enough yet? In case I haven't, I just want to say, I think they did an excellent job. :D

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[Abrams]

I could see a mission card as a neat idea for an event. I also absolutely enjoyed the freedom of having no scripted mission.

I will add as a civilian, I had planned to spend a night or two alone, and then work my way to the fort, as I wanted to both see and work on the fort. Well, my plans did not work out as I had foreseen. This added a nice "I am no longer at the helm, but am being carried away by events" and even I did not know how it was going to pan out. When I was discovered early on Thursday by the ladies, and asked to assist them, how could I refuse? Suddenly, I am no longer sure if I will spend any time alone dodging patrols as I had anticipated. It was a neat feeling to be carried away by events I had not anticipated.

After Hank, Linda and myself split off from the ladies, I found their company too fun to go slinking off by myself, and decided to hang with the Trents. We had a fine hiding area, with good water, shade and firewood, and I felt it a normal reaction to refugees like ourselves to just try and wait-out the conflict brewing nearby before moving through the area.

Finally, by Saturday, I did want to see the fort, and feared the event ending before I could. I had to come up with a good reason to leave the Trents, but has having trouble coming up with anything good. We had remained in first person the whole time, and while I wanted to explain to them that I truly enjoyed their company, I did want to experience some time working on the fort, and needed to take my leave of them. I was talking with Hank, and started to say that I hate it, but I was going to drop my first person for a moment to explain my actions, and he just spoke simply, "then don't." I cannot put into words how that affected me, but I was impressed. Suddenly, my brain kicked in and I came up with a good reason to leave them, and I remained in character. Thanks Hank. Next time I'll try harder before I resort to leaving first person.

Thus began my lonely trek to find the fort. I wanted to swing wide of the rebs, and climbed what I thought was the hill adjacent to the action judging by the rifle and cannon fire. The hill was steep. The ravine between me and the fort was formidable. I had to work my way around, and cover much more steep terrain than I had anticipated. Several times I laid down to die and let the good Lord take me. But each time, He returned my breath, and I had to keep walking, heh.

I loved the open ended feel of it. I loved the unanticipated encounters I had. I would change nothing about this event, from my standpoint.

But I could see the value of an event with a mission card, and an attempt to steer the event to promote more encounters. That sounds like fun.

I'd love to try that out too.

[Beth Crabb]

My only regret (and literally only one) was that we didn't get to interact with the civilians very much. Oh, I saw Mr. Abrams and the Prospector within the Yankee camp, as well as little Xavier (aka Spot/Pip from Charles Dickens novels) the guide, and this was quite fun. It would, however, have been neat to have experienced a bit more the main draw for me to this event- civilian interaction and the unpredictability of such.


So I guess John & I only dreamed we drove over 500 miles, used a cart to haul stuff into the fort, feed the officers and slept on the rockiest ground ever seen??? :(

Well if it was a dream, it was a VERY good one!

Mr. Lloyd one thing to keep in mind regarding civilians, many of the best interactions are very subtle. It is more than "trying to run our lines, stealing supplies from us, spying on us etc."

[Old Reb]

Subtle is good. We had a very brief interaction with the two civilians near the mouth of Goose Creek Sunday morning as we were on our flank march toward the Federal Fort. It was brief, but seeing them there when we did not expect them there was good and I am sure my exchange, however brief, with the man that if he told any one he saw us I would hunt him down and the icy iron glare from the woman was as good as any long winded exchange.

[pvt_jb]

You did not dream all of that Mrs. Crabb.

Both of you being there was outstanding. It was another first for the Michigan men there to interact with a period sutler with period currency and prices. Thank you for your hard work.

We also wished we had a chance to interact with civilians more. However, I understand what Hank is saying and I'm glad the event was allowed to flow naturally for so many. I wouldn't want it any other way. More civilian interaction will come at another event I am sure.

[Charles Heath]

Beth,

While observing the brisk freemarket activity that Adam Smith would have appreciated, I couldn't help but paraphrase something an incredibly frustrated Seth Williams wrote back east when dealing with skinners, vendors, merchants, and I won't use the term he used here, but "it is fascinating how a certain class of people nearly always seek protection with this army when they have a wagonful of goods, and just as they manage to sell the last item they suddenly need protection no longer." That wasn't precisely the case with the stranded Barnhouses, but it brought to life some of the descriptions of CW vendors who just happen to find themselves in the midst of willing buyers.

Thanks for taking the starving officers & Sgt. Major off our hands, and I'm sure their digestive systems thank you as well. For what it is worth, this is the third event where we in the cookhouse and the sutler/merchant and his charming better half have been able to coordinate a few things beforehand, and I do believe this works well. On the other hand, it may be considered collusion later in the 19th century....

P.S. I seem to have lost that skillet within days of arriving back at The Bunker. It seems my child bride has latched onto the darn thing.....

P.P.S. For a brief shining moment, some claim they saw the ghost of Erasmus Hopkins behind the "counter" at the sutlery. Bah!

[LindaTrent]

Subtle is good. We had a very brief interaction with the two civilians near the mouth of Goose Creek Sunday morning as we were on our flank march toward the Federal Fort. It was brief, but seeing them there when we did not expect them there was good and I am sure my exchange, however brief, with the man that if he told any one he saw us I would hunt him down and the icy iron glare from the woman was as good as any long winded exchange.Hi Tom,

So that was you, eh? It was us. :D

Linda
who's still working on her AAR. :)

[Old Reb]

The free flowing, unscripted aspect of the event, especially regarding bushwhackers, civilians and mossbacks was the highlight of the week-end for me. Powder can be burned any where, but the subtle or not so subtle mix of people bumping into one another was the best I have ever experience, even better than the chicken killing at Franklin. I appreciate that Frank let us be independent and that Silvana positions the civilians for a true refugee experience. So, I like free flowing and unscripted.

Linda, your glare scared me and I was suppose to be a hardened bushwhacker.

[Gallo de Cielo]

Frank deserves a great deal of credit for what he did to make this event happen. The site was fantastic as were all the folks he asked to take on leading roles, be they US, CS, civilian, mossback, ox drover, bushwhacker, or other.

I arrived late Friday night, fresh in from the left coast, and joined my chums in Reeve's Scouts in a cold, dark camp. By dawn the next morning we were moving and kept moving constantly. Our loyalties were to ourselves, our appetites, and our livers. I enjoyed the heck out of our time with the civilians by the ox wagons as well as hauling in the three Federal prisoners. Too, I enjoyed the company of my compadres in the Ground Hornets.

The ground was fantastic, the weather was great, and the effort put forth by everyone, whether they wore blue or grey, trousers or petticoats, was first rate.

I did end with a heck of a gut ache, due largely to the captured provisions in the US fort. Cold coffee, a whole bunch of vinegar, tomato juice, a bottle of hot sauce, pickled onions and peppers, and rum made a vile swill and likely I won't mix them in the same proportions in the future. Likely some of my pain was due to Charles Heath doctoring up the food before the Federals skeedaddled.

Hope to see everyone in the Kisatchie woods come March.

Kind regards,

[Charles Heath]

I did end with a heck of a gut ache, due largely to the captured provisions in the US fort. Cold coffee, a whole bunch of vinegar, tomato juice, a bottle of hot sauce, pickled onions and peppers, and rum made a vile swill and likely I won't mix them in the same proportions in the future. Likely some of my pain was due to Charles Heath doctoring up the food before the Federals skeedaddled.

Fred,

You may have a hard time believing this, but Uncle Tom and I actually coordinated this aspect of the Secesh Sunday Buffet prior to the event, to make sure there was nothing wrong with the food beyond the normal situation. The beans were cooked especially for you fellows, and the documentation Uncle Beau found for some federal cavalrymen writing home describing tortillas added a little to the variety that morning. You'd have had more tortillas, but some starving federales down at the marina Friday were famished enough to tear into them with vigor.

We did one thing on the side of Smokey-the-Bear safety, and that was to douse the fire completely before departing the fort. Unfortunately, that meant the coffee, frijoles negros, and chicken-cabbage combo meal contents were pretty much cooled down by the time the home team arrived to take the fort. The beans had thickened nicely, and the four smoked ham hocks (with shanks) were falling off the bones. Some of the federals had the soupy top layer for breakfast, and you can imagine the "field music" inside their vehicles on the way home. We had two "master blasters" in the back seat of J-Ho's little blue 4-dr Ford truck, and the trail home was a mighty rough olfactory receptor neuron road to trabble. Having fed the lads both cabbage and beans, the results were predicatible. As Sherman said, "War is Hell."

Boston translation: "Wicked faatz."

The vinegar in a white jug with the blue eagle that would normally house a tasty fermented small grain libation was the slight-of-hand work of those sadistic and onery Cheeseheads. The boys received a touch of that as an anti-scorbutic Saturday morning at the hands of Marquis de Sgt. Major. I had a couple of slugs from the jug and found it to be quite tasty and effective in removing the canton flannel from tooth and gum, and not a man one reported to sick call due to scurvy.

How'd you thieves miss the oysters? ;)

See you in March.

[MO-Pard]

We were a bit frightened by the found shot gun, but its owner gave us a lot to talk about. Sorry for going through your bags Jay, but really it was great to see everything you carried. I was truly impressed with the authenticity.

Ah Shucks!

Thank you, that is the ultimate compliment.

Best Regards


AAR still coming.......I'm about half finished, but have been playing catch-up at work.

[Johnny Lloyd]

So I guess John & I only dreamed we drove over 500 miles, used a cart to haul stuff into the fort, feed the officers and slept on the rockiest ground ever seen??? :(

Well if it was a dream, it was a VERY good one!

Mr. Lloyd one thing to keep in mind regarding civilians, many of the best interactions are very subtle. It is more than "trying to run our lines, stealing supplies from us, spying on us etc."

:confused_

Sorry... mea culpa... No offense intended... I didn't mention your excellent wares and presence at the fort. You are included as well... :wink_smil

I was thinking about the civilians that were outside the fort in regards to your last statement. In my own mind, I considered you and your husband to be included with our forces.

-Johnny

[pvt_jb]

You'd have had more tortillas, but some starving federales down at the marina Friday were famished enough to tear into them with vigor.


and they were mighty tasty too!!! :D

[LindaTrent]

At long last, here's my AAR. :rolleyes:

What was Marmaduke's Raid like? Well... it was pretty much what the organizers said it would be, only lots better. :D The pre-event information included topographical maps, the 1860 census, some background of Patterson and the immediate area, etc. to give participants an idea as to what they could expect in regards to the steepness of the terrain, water location, and other miscellaneous things. Silvana and others were very helpful in answering questions about the historic local area, iron mines and so forth. I can't rave enough about all the positive aspects of the event! :tounge_sm

Like most adults living in Patterson, my character wasn't born in Missouri. One of the states from which people immigrated to Missouri from was Kentucky, and I chose to be born in Kentucky and lived in Patterson for about 10 years. I portrayed a widow, who had sent her children to Illinois to live with their older brother till trouble settled down. Unfortunately it didn't. We had been frequented by both US and CS raids and had suffered greatly, so my character didn't wish to run into any military -- she'd had enough.

One thing Hank and I didn't want to do was drive all that way only to be by ourselves the entire weekend (we can do that without traveling however many miles), so it worked out really great to camp out the first night with most all the civilians, and then the next morning we took off with Ron Mueller who stayed with us for another day and a half. Not only did he give us someone else to talk to, but he was really good and really helped to add to our fun and overall experience. We had some really neat conversations, and enjoyed sitting out looking at the stars at night.

Hank picked out a perfect little camp that was ours for both Friday and Saturday night. It had large stone deposited by the river in two sections of beach that made crossing it treacherous if taken too fast (twist ankle kind of stuff). We knew that it would allow us time to quickly depart into the woods ahead of the army should they find us, so we felt secure, and indeed we were. At night, when we finally went to bed we were lullabied to sleep listening to the river gently lap upon the shore, and should we open our eyes we'd see a combination of willow branches and stars overhead, and feel the sand underneath. It just doesn't get much better than that. I believe we found Milton's "Paradise Lost." I really didn't want to leave it on Sunday morning, but I didn't have a choice as the event would be ending in a few hours and then it would be back to the 21st century.

On the way back we were careful to try to avoid detection by either army, but alas the bushwackers accidentally ran into us on their way to flank the fort. They let us go with a warning not to tell anyone we saw them, and we asked the same of them. We finally found Silvana and gang at the wagon with two large shorthorn oxen grazing nearby. We all (still in character) shared our experiences with the armies, and talked about how we might find our homes upon returning, and wondered many other things that people wonder when they've been forced to refugee. All too soon the event was over and we all carried our stuff back up the hill that we had come down.

What an event! Oh, and did I mention the quartz? Yep, my suitcase was heavier coming home than it was going. :cry_smile

Linda.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Hank/All-

Please don't be mislead if I haven't explained myself well enough. I feel that certain events (possibly consider Marmy's, Westville, Bummers) are the kind where civilians constitute almost a "3rd force". I certainly agree with Miss Silvana's feelings that civilians should be considered as important (and in certain events such as these previously mentioned- the focus of the event) as the blue or grey forces. Civilians add a wonderful aspect to our hobby and they should not be ignored, misused, disused or underestimated.

Well... Suppose 20 civilians show-up to an events and want to all be anti-Union portrayals? Well, I think in this case, the blue boys could lose-out on great interraction and an important facet of why they might have come to an event. The chances of this happening I don't think are great, but you never know.

I certainly don't advocate "controlling" the civilians, but I do think we could benefit from more organization, but only in certain events where civilians can be deemed central to the action. At Outpost, the civilians were not the focal point of the main scenario- so they were dealt with just fine. But in events where civilian interraction is a big part or a main part of the event action, like Marmaduke's, then more organization of the civilians could be helpful.

I think the military boys might have benefitted from an OC with each of their forces so that there would be a controller for 'dead platoon' (which can be fun to take a break from the action for 30 minutes or so and march back into the event under the command of a different commander from a different direction- this is challenging on commanders as well), give ideas and suggestions to commanders they might not have thought of, as well as a central point for EMS contact/safety concerns. Just an idea.

No "rigid control", but just "casual suggestions from a third party"... you could take the suggestion or leave it at your pleasure as the participant.

Hank, I know how feisty and independent you are, so I sure ain't telling you a thing... ha! :wink_smil LOL

Sorry if I didn't make that clear...

All the best... Johnny Lloyd :D

PS- Anyone got some good pics of the event? I have none due to the rules posted for the event.

[Amos]

I was the lead prospector who allowed myself to be taken to the fort. If I wouldn't have been sick, I would have never gone anywhere near the fort. Friday morning I guess it was Reeve's Scouts who came down the ravine about 20 yards to the left of where I was. Sounded like a herd of cattle. :tounge_sm
Too bad the Fed's didn't check my pockets. I had some stuff they might have wanted to look at.
I was pretty disgusted that I drove 13 hours and then got sick. :mad:


Chuck "Amos" Reynolds

[LindaTrent]

Well... Suppose 20 civilians show-up to an events and want to all be anti-Union portrayals? Well, I think in this case, the blue boys could lose-out on great interraction and an important facet of why they might have come to an event. The chances of this happening I don't think are great, but you never know.

So I take it you're being hypothetical here and not referring to Marmaduke's Raid in particular? If so, I must respectfully disagree. Great interaction isn't always dependent upon both civilian and military being on the same side. There's been a lot of great interaction between anti-Union civilians and Union military and vice-versa. Some of the greatest highlights of events for me is getting caught by the opposing side and having to maintain my poise and keep a clear train of thought as I try to talk my way out of situations, and I have heard military reenactors in their AARs agree about how much fun they had too.

But, if you were referring to MR specifically then yes, if the boys in blue remained in the fort all weekend and the civilians didn't wish to approach the fort then they did miss out on some cool interaction. But again, historically the citizens around Patterson did tend to be of the Southern persuasion, and after two years of raids from both sides, didn't particularly relish meeting up with either side.

But as it turned out several civilians were in the fort over the weekend. Amos, Ron, the Crabbs, and maybe a few more civilians, so I'd say you had a pretty fair number show up.


But in events where civilian interraction is a big part or a main part of the event action, like Marmaduke's, then more organization of the civilians could be helpful.

I don't know what you mean when you say more organizing of the civilians could be helpful. Silvana was the civilian coordinator and I think she put on one hell of a great event. Since you weren't on the civilian list for this event you weren't able to see the incredible amount of hours of detailed planning and organization that Silvana put in. The maps and emails and massive historic information provided to the participants, and the effort spent keeping the historic demographics realistic, I think it might be best not to complain about a lack of organization.

I can honestly say that Silvana's goal was to have the civilians be as historically accurate as possible, not only in their clothing and gear, but also in who they chose to portray. Perhaps the next event will have a more even mix of Union and Confederate civilians, or tip the scales more toward Union, but regardless our job is to try to recreate who lived in the area, and if the military encounters us then they will encounter someone similar to what they would have in 186x.

Linda.

[IowaYank]

Chuck, so you actually were sick?? I thought that was all in first person. I was the younger of the three cavalry troopers that took you in on Friday. I must say, that jerky you had was awful delicious!! I would not have been so calous if I had known that you acutally were sick!

[Amos]

I didn't think you were calous. I was just glad you weren't EMM. I was going to stop by and give you cav. guys the jerky on my way out but I got to gabbing and it slipped my mind.

Chuck "Amos" Reynolds

[Johnny Lloyd]

I don't know what you mean when you say more organizing of the civilians could be helpful. Silvana was the civilian coordinator and I think she put on one hell of a great event. Since you weren't on the civilian list for this event you weren't able to see the incredible amount of hours of detailed planning and organization that Silvana put in. The maps and emails and massive historic information provided to the participants, and the effort spent keeping the historic demographics realistic, I think it might be best not to complain about a lack of organization.

I can honestly say that Silvana's goal was to have the civilians be as historically accurate as possible, not only in their clothing and gear, but also in who they chose to portray. Perhaps the next event will have a more even mix of Union and Confederate civilians, or tip the scales more toward Union, but regardless our job is to try to recreate who lived in the area, and if the military encounters us then they will encounter someone similar to what they would have in 186x.

Linda.

Linda-

No, no criticism of Silvana or Marmy's is inferred with that statement at all. I personally haven't the right to criticize Miss Silvana's known wonderful organizational talents. :D

I'm just referring to events in the future like Marmy's with heavy civilian interraction with the military this might be an idea to be considered.

Perhaps OCs are an idea/concept best left for military portrayals since civilians might be resistant to the idea?

-Johnny Lloyd

[lambrew]

Johnny I agree totaly with one point you made. "A central point for EMS contact/safety concerns." A list of who is a Paramedic/EMT participant at the event would be helpful, as well as a way to get a hold of the local modern Fire Brigade. I was called over to help my pard when he got hurt on saturday. At first they were waiting for Boozie to return (not knowing he had been captured) when my pard happened to remember what I do for a living. When I got to the tent I found nothing to improve upon as far as the treatment allready rendered. Thanks a lot fellas for taking care of my friend. I did not get a chance to thank you before we left, and I'm sorry about that. In the future I will let it be known at regestration. Not doing so will not happen again. Thanks again for taking care of my pard, and let me know when I can return the kindness.

Your Obedient Servant....
Sean Collicott

P.S. Stay safe out there, I hate to have to go to work on someone.:eek::D I'll say a little prayer to keep us all safe.
Your Friend....

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Company A had three known EMT's or firefighters. I had submitted their names to Battalion. That was covered.Boozie and I put together a medical kit. We did not have anything for burns. We will now.

Holler

[lambrew]

I figured you did. I feel guilty I did not throw my name in the hat as well. You fellas did a great job! Thanks a ton.

Yours....
Sean Collicott

[Lone Guard]

I was the lead prospector who allowed myself to be taken to the fort. If I wouldn't have been sick, I would have never gone anywhere near the fort. Friday morning I guess it was Reeve's Scouts who came down the ravine about 20 yards to the left of where I was. Sounded like a herd of cattle. :tounge_sm
Too bad the Fed's didn't check my pockets. I had some stuff they might have wanted to look at.
I was pretty disgusted that I drove 13 hours and then got sick. :mad:


Chuck "Amos" Reynolds

I remember seeing you, I was one of the two young infantrymen that met you just as you came in the fort. Quite a few of us thought it looked like you had more than an impression going there.

[Cfarrell]

I believe one of the things that worked for Marmaduke's is the fact that the civilians were for the most part spread out over the valley and not scripted or assigned special tasks. As we (the bushwhackers) treked back and forth across the creek bottom we spotted a number of civilians in the distance, but only interacted with a few of them. We honestly never knew when we would stumble across someone in that valley which for myself was really fun.

To let Linda and Hank in on a little secret...one of our main goals was to find Mr. Trent. We had a special rope all tied up just for him cause we knew he would play along. Unfortunately it was rather difficult to locate you two, and by Sunday morning when we stumbled across you we were making our approach to the federal fort and had little time to stop.

Again, it was a really nice event!

Johnny, I see what you are saying, but I think an OC or something like that is probably something geared more towards the military side and tactical style events.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Johnny, I see what you are saying, but I think an OC or something like that is probably something geared more towards the military side and tactical style events.

Yeah, that's what I'm getting from this conversation too. :o

All the best -Johnny

[Campjacksonboy]

"Johnny I agree totaly with one point you made. "A central point for EMS contact/safety concerns." A list of who is a Paramedic/EMT participant at the event would be helpful, as well as a way to get a hold of the local modern Fire Brigade."

Perhaps you weren't on the command level but there was a written plan if someone got hurt. We also had a phone up the hill along with numbers and a contact (Mr. Hunter.) to call whomeever needed to be called. Besides that the U.S Commander, C.S. Commander and civilian coordinator all had radios with a plan on when those were to be taken out and turned on.
The "emergency plan" was sent to all commanders, co's and EMT's that we knew about and was an updated version of what they used at New Hope, GA. I had also had contact with the EMS of Reynolds and Wayne Counties as well as the local Volunteer Fire Dept and The Corps of Engineers. We had evacuation routes, first aid kits, and a stretcher.

For my own part I didn't know anything about the incident until the event was over and I heard a vague account of what happened from a non-participant an hour after the event was over. My question is did any of the Company officers know about this? Why didn't I? If the incident was serious enough to warrant an ambulance, as I had been told one had been requested, the event should have been stopped.

It seems the man was ok after a trip to a distant hospital.

But yes there was a plan. Why wasn't it followed?
Frank Aufmuth

[Hairy Nation Boys]

If you are refering to cpl who had burns on his hand. Yes, I knew about it. I talked with him, Jason Reinholz first looked at it and treated the wound. Terry was told and we got one of his pards who is an EMT to look at it. At that time his pard suggested that he go to the emergency room to have a doctor look at it. At no time was an ambulance ever mentioned. (that is if it was for this incident) I have no idea why you didn't know about it at the time. I was to busy trying to figure out who was leaving etc. Jeremy is doing fine(I e-mailed him Monday) and last I heard he got a sticker for being such a big brave boy!

Frank if this is the incident and you have more questions please feel free to call me. 319-341-5885

Once again Company A had a plan if someone got hurt. I carried bandages etc and a cpr mask. I cannot comment on the other companies but we were ready. Jeremy sought help, his hand was looked at and he was told to go to a doctor. Lets not get wrapped up in what should have been done or said.

Frank, the event was great! It was worth all the time and effort on all parts. Hopefully we can have another great experience at The Lost Tribes.

[Abe]

Holler and Frank

Yes, Jeremy showed up after Saturday's battle with a few of his pards back at the Fort. He informed me that he had a flashoff go off in his hand. Jeremy washed his hand with clean water. His burn was treated with burn ointment and bandaged. We waited for a medical call from one of our EMT's which also happened to be one of his buddies. He rightfully called that it was better to go seek medical attention. At no time was this what I would call a medicall emergency. I know that company commanders had medical kits with them and the battalion had a medical kit inside the Major's tent.

We actually used mostly bandages throughout the weekend due to cuts and scrapes. I think that the company commanders and Lt's did an excellent job taking care of their men and informing the EMT's if there were any concerns. Now Charles' cooking, that is a different matter all together.


Lt. Charles Aldrich
Adj. 32nd Iowa
"the only federal not to leave the fort during the event. I would have liked to seen the valley"

Jason Reinholz
Mess #3

[Charles Heath]

Johnny,

The O/C feature has been tried at a number of events, and for some who don't particularly care for that term, the older "engineer taped" version from the OG 501/507 world was "referee" or just "ref." Some of this is an overlay from the "Nam in Wool" period of the hobby (1999-2004), but in spite of several spectacular failures, having a go between the period world and the modern world has been successful a few times, but more often than not is has not been good.

- One 2000 era event in NC had moderate success, with two issues. One was the lack of period clothing, and the second was a shortage of fate cards. A possible third issue was the fact the fate cards needed to be collected after action. Ouch.

- Another 2000 effort in VA started out with a half dozen mounted O/Cs, and ended up with one mounted, and one detailed to perform brain surgery on the event logistics. The issues here were lack of coverage (obvious), and the patient died. Mercifully, this event was called due to rain.

- Similar efforts in 2001-2004 in VA met with similar ill-fated results.

- Fast forward to 2008, and at least one event on this circuit used O/Cs in an effective manner, although with a couple of minor glitches which were invisible to most. This event was more complicated than 99% of what happens even on this wing of the hobby, and it wouldn't have happened without a little something extra to prevents some fairly serious problems.

(Right about now, some fine fellow is resisting the urge to pipe up about some farb or mainstream tactical where blah, blah, blah happened. Please keep resisting the urge, because those events are apples and elephants, and I'm not always sure if the apple hasn't already been through the elephant. )

I can think of one event in the distant past on approximately 85 square miles where this feature, and some gentle nudging could have allowed the armies to actually make contact (Yes, Jim, that one.) and a future event where on over 40 square miles where this could be a really good tool. Insofar as the citizenry is concerned, other than making sure someone doesn't wander off site, and/or making sure certain event critical planned interactions happen, there isn't much that could or should be done for free form events. Fact is, this is the opposite end of the spectrum for events that typically run on what might as well be a railroad timetable.

As to medical personnel and accidents -- folks, use your chain of command. I can't think of many events where the EMTs and others weren't identified well in advance, and someone wearing straps and stripes is likely to know who and where they are. In the 21st century sense, there is still "the golden hour." Most events have an EMS plan for man and beast, with some more detailed than others. The average participant may not be aware of the specifics, even if such was included in the pre-event information.

This is good stuff, and we should talk about these things.

Just for fun -- our mess kettles are the original weapon of mass destruction!

[Johnny Lloyd]

Ok Chawls... I surrender. Since there was historic precedent for the idea that falied and I didn't know about it, then it's a moot point.

Forget I even mentioned the idea. :confused_

Gads... I've been defeated by a force of unarmed civilians! Ha!

LOL :wink_smil :D

All the best- Johnny Lloyd

PS- I've thought medical emergencies have been dealt with quite well at authentic events. People always seemed quite well-prepared. (Think the snakebite at Pickett's Mill... that was well-handled with the out-of-place bugle calls/speed-of-movement- good show there)

I dunno. Since there were questions about it... Perhaps a packing list from a qualified EMT "Event how to..." thread can tell people what they should have standard in their EMT bags?

[pvt_jb]

My finger never required an ambulance. A friendly neighborly ride to get to the marina but that was it (and we could have walked back if needed). No emergency plan needed to be activated. At no time did I ever want the event to even pause for a moment for my minor injury. Our Sgt Major coming over to check on me and give me a rag to wrap it in was plenty. It was then my choice to stay with my battalion to see the assault through. It wasn’t until the truce was called that decided to head back to the Fort to have it looked at and took a pard with me. It worked out well at that point because I was able to further stress the need to release the prisoner. Plus give some preliminary info on the assault.
Thanks to loading correctly my index finger was just next to the muzzle when it cooked off. Sure wish I had an explanation for why it did it. Fired a few times with no problems and went to load another round and flash! Cap was still on and everything. Eight years and never had that happen. Hopefully it was the once and only time.
Yes, Holler, I did get a sticker at the hospital for being a brave little boy!:p Along with a strange quizzical look when I was explaining the what, where and how it happened:rolleyes:.
Hope that puts it to bed if that was the incident being referred too. The event was fantastic so thank you again for all of those who put their sweat and tears into it! It is very much appreciated and I would do it all again.

I look forward to seeing you all in MO in October next year!!

[biddler165]

I agree with PVT JB. All of this discussion over a little flash burn. I don't see the point in it.

See y'all in LA in March

[Gallo de Cielo]

The Ground Hornets often work to increase resistance to flash-burns. At one winter muster at Mansfield, one man laced a pile of tinder with a cartridge and he and two other pards put their faces about 8 inches from the pile to get the match to catch the twigs. When she flashed off the boys were only blinded for the remainder of the night.

Regards,

[Dale Beasley]

Ladies and Gentlemen, and those of you from Texas,

I was unable to attend this event. My wife is due very soon and she began to have problems. But I had wanted very much to attend. I am very sure Terry Sourchy and others did a fine job in leading and we don't have to wonder if Frank did his homework.

My point: There are issues of Medical Support at other events that I have attended that simply scare me to death. Not only medical but legal issues as well. I attended an event recently where cowboy medicine can not be used as the standard. Signing a release statement simply does not erase a persons legal rights. The Full Faith Clause that protects our reenacting soldier must always come first. I addressed this issue on another thread, but I got toooo close to the light and it was shut down. Hope, luck and Cowboy Medicine can not be the Standard. I will not go unheard on this issue. AND would welcome a Thread where those of us who know the law and practice could formulate a Care Plan of Action.

Combat Medical Bags come to mind. For those of us who have used then know this plan has been tested. A packing list of basic material for each soldier to pack would be helpful. Snake-bite kits need not be brought.

Johnny, good points, however EMTs are registered by a State and can only practice in the State they are registered in. So, if a EMT/Paramedic practiced in GA when they are Registered in North Carolina, they are in violation of the laws that govern the practice and puts the organization that formed the event in legal jeopardy.

As I am about to retire from the Active Military, I hope to become more active in this hobby and help formulate active care plans for these events.. not only to protect our reenacting soldier but our interest in this hobby.

If I can help until the time I retire please contact me.

GO ARMY!

[lambrew]

I did not intend to start a fire storm on this one. The injury was not that bad, and the plan in place was perfect. I meant no critisim on this event or those in charge with putting on the event. My post was meant to be taken in general as a good idea for all events. Reading my own post I can see where it could be misconstrude, and for that I humbly apologize. I feel like a big ol' heel and I should.:confused_:o Please forgive me for the undue trouble I caused.

I have the honor to remain,
Your Humble Servant....
Sean Collicott

[cstaples]

This is how I understand things. I being a former E.M.T. serving a vol. sq. for over 12 years here in Wisconsin.
Yes you can be sued, but you can be sued for nearly anything by anyone. The major point is to do no harm and to not treat opposite to your training! Anyone can render first aide if they like but if you are trained you are held to a higher standard of care.
Parameds are differant as they can give some drugs that's were they might find them selfes getting in trouble state to state. I will always offer basic first aide but that's my choice, I also tell them I am not lic. anymore.

[AZFarrier]

Quote Dale Beasley:"Johnny, good points, however EMTs are registered by a State and can only practice in the State they are registered in. So, if a EMT/Paramedic practiced in GA when they are Registered in North Carolina, they are in violation of the laws that govern the practice and puts the organization that formed the event in legal jeopardy. "

Dale Yes and No. Yes Each state registers EMT's/ Paramedics, but many states recognize National Registry of EMT's (NREMT). If your an EMT in Wyoming your still and EMT in MO. You though can't operate in a higher level of care unless you have a base hospital in that area. Higher level of care includes IV's, Intubation, Crics, ect. Currently EMT Basics are designed to operate with out much medical control, namely they can't administer drugs (exept Oxygen) outside their area. Most states limit their EMT's to CPR, medical histories,wound care, splinting, and vital signs.
Each state though has it's own form of a Good Sameritan Law. This law protects a citizen from Legal prosocution if they act or do not act on an emergency situation. They can not be sued as long as they operate in good faith, not charge for the service (money or any other gift) and do not go out of their scope of practice meaning you can't do a procedure you saw on last weeks ER re-run or your favorate M*A*S*H episode.
I was there when Jeremy burned his hand and I did a quick look over, by the time I saw it the bleeding was controlled and it was isolated to his hand. I as a Paramedic could do no more for him then any one with a basic first aid kit and a little training.

I agree that we all need a list of EMT's,Paramedics, and/or firefigters on these events. I don't believe I was on that list for co A but I really didn't see any problem that required emergency medical attention but if there was I would have been the first to jump in.

Dale I'm sure you already know all this, I was just putting it out for those who are un aware of the Good Sameritan Law and how it protects the good citizen who has the courage to do the right thing.

P.S. "Go Navy!":wink_smil

[EVOC]

The Good Samaritan law in Texas only protects lay people. When a medical professional performs any kind of medical procedure other than basic first aid, they can be a target for any bodily injury attorney.

Like a previous poster said, "anyone can be sued for anything". As individuals, medical professionals, including EMT's have to live with their own conscience and sensibility on the matter. If I have to reach into my medical bag for a suction device to prevent a man from choking on his own blood, it is an easy decision.

Go Navy.

[AZFarrier]

Joe yes your right but as an EMTP assisting in an event out of my state I am considered a lay rescuer with advanced medical knowledge. I will not have any advanced life support equipment and can only offer basic life support at best. In those cases If I am sued They will put a Paramedic and a lay rescuer on the stand and based on the situation can only ask what they would do as a bystander and partisipant in the woods at a reenactment (Fire Service Law).

You are right that the ambulance chasers (No offense to those of you ambulance chasers reading this) will find a loop hole in any thing. That is why I also subscribe to a legal protection and assistance company (tax deductable).

Back to the intent of this post, I as a Firefighter/ Paramedic and as a reenactor, I will assist ANY ONE if they become injured or sick at an event. I will do my best and try to stabilize the person to the best of my ability until the local emergency responders arrive and take over with out fear of legal recourse.

[Campjacksonboy]

No harm done on the posts. If this raised a little awareness about medical issues and plans and such I can rest much easier the next time I get a silly notion to plan another event. Or the other guy that gets the same silly notion won't have to lie awake at night going over the what if's. New Hope provided a wake up call that forced me to look more deeply and improve the plan I originally put together. When I called the local EMS the guy on the other end thought I was crazy. "You're going to take 200 men where?"
While there was a plan there were concernes about the location, how help would get in. How we would get the injured person out. How we would contact EMS was also an issue with no signal for cell phones and radio's that only transmit a half mile. Fortunately I had the Corps of Engineers on board and they agreed to open the access road to the bottom of Goose Creek. The local EMS knew there was going to be an event, however Our site as unique as it was, was remote and that posed considerable challanges.

I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew there was a plan. There was. I wanted the official story, I got it.
I'm glad everyone involved is ok and that we didn't need to use the plan.
People say they had a good time and that made it worth all the trouble.
Frank

[Dale Beasley]

Frank,
I know the event was a great one, and the fact that you were putting it together was another reason I hated to miss it. But Nature will take its time in doing things and I think we should have a baby by the end of the month.

The issue is not about this event, and no one person here is to blame that this issue was brought up. While having dinner with my wife (also an RN) and her mother who is btw an attorney, who puts no faith in the good samaritian law. We can say we are a brotherhood, and we would never sue anyone, but we know that is not true. The event organizers are under legal obiligation to provide a safety net for injuries and a plan of evacuation. Also, we can not have folks practicing outside not only their ability but outside thier scope.

So, I am going to leave this thread in regards to medical issues, but it is a very good topic, one with much experience input from many accross the field. One that needs to be addressed.

I forgot.....GO ARMY Beat NAVY!

[AZFarrier]

Dale I agree. We can go on about this issue to the enth degree so I think we beat this dead horse enough.
The event was spectacular and sorry you missed it. Maybe I will be firing in your direction in a few years.
Congrats on the baby, I have my 2nd due in Feb, that means my reenacting has slowed down for a couple of years.

Go Tars! (not NC)

[Johnny Lloyd]

I don't know about anyone else, but my chigger bites from this event still itch something awful. :confused_

They somehow got-in through my long drawers that were tucked-into my socks... yikes... that's never happened before to me at an event. :eek:

I woke-up last night at about 2am and had to scratch my ankles like crazy.

But... it was still worth the trip. LOL

Always your friend -Johnny Lloyd

[Coatsy]

Stomp'n Johnny Lloyd, I too have my share of Chigger/Red Bug bites. I aparently took one for my command because most of them report that they had few if any chigger bites. I however have over 100 from my feet to my hips. Luckily the important parts were spared. Even with this atrocious "wound" I still would not have changed a thing in regards to the event! I don't think I would have called an EMT for the horrible, mind-itchingly bites of doom! (no knock on the folks that need one btw!)

Contingiency plans for reenactors with chigger bites be damned! My "cowboy medince" and total "hard-kewlness" were all that I needed to survive. Well that plus my blankie. :tounge_sm

I R the Hard-Kor-y-ness! Damn the Chiggers full Speed Ahead!

[Sarah Belle]

Did anyone see any ticks? I had TONS of the tiny buggers all over my legs, I was horribly unlady like and pulled down my socks and picked them off all weekend. Now where the tick went in there are TONS of little itchy bumps:cry_smile hopefully these go away soon!!!

Brandi Jones

[rkg]

I had 1 tick, but I could give Coatsy a good run for the money on the number of chiggers I had. :cry_smile
Johnny, I too had my drawers tucked in my socks, but they found me. Here is how I got rid of the itch on my legs...Epson salts.:eek: Take a hot bath, with epson salts in the water, and I also put a handful of salts on my leg and rubbed it into the area of the bites. Did it sting??? No, not really all that much, but it sure took the itch away. Give it a shot, it might work for you.:wink_smil

[Huck]

I have been doing with my 250 plus for a weeek now, pretty much dried up and just from time to time feel this over powering need to itch the living "blank" out of me.

[huntdaw]

I must be living right - I didn't get anything. Course, I'm a Missourian and the critters were probably infatuated with all the fresh game in the area so they left me alone.

[BenjaminLDavis]

I bragged to my good comrades Dan Barker and Brian Brenner, who were complaining of
chigger infestations, that I had somehow miraculously escaped! Thought I had, but when
I got home I had at least 40 bites , , , they seem to have a taste for us Northern boys,
musta drained the taste outa you Missouri fellers years back!
I keep remembering things from this one: the true sign of a great event!! Frank, if you
can take the strain, have another, and I and my pards will be there!

[biddler165]

No chiggers or ticks. A few small patches of poison ivy.

[Old Reb]

Rick,
I atttribute the lack of tick and chigger bites among the bushwhackers to the fact we drown them by the many times we waded up and down Goose Creek. Or, it could have been our blood alcohol level was too high. One of our fellows did go chasing a bobcat but lucky for the bobcat he didn't get caught. I feel real bad for those bitten by critters. Real bad.:cry_smile

[Abrams]

No poison ivy, ticks or chiggers here, and I was amazed because I did do some trailblazing at times.

Like Mike said, maybe they were used to the taste of us, and wanted to try out some fresh blood and do a little traveling and sightseeing to new areas of the country on their new hosts, heh.

[Hank Trent]

No chiggers or ticks or anything for Linda or me either.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[Scott Gutzke]

No ticks or poison ivy here. Only about a half-dozen chiggers on my ankles. That's nothing compared to the 90 or so I had a Vicksburg last year! I guess there are some small advantages to being on battalion staff and not really getting to leave the "comfort" of the fort to go on patrols. :D

Charles H. Huntley
Sgt. Major, 32nd Iowa

[Johnny Lloyd]

I guess I forgot my flea and tick collar at Marmy's...:eek:

-J-LLO:wink_smil

[AZReenactor]

I had three ticks and a multitude of chigger bites. I suspect I picked them all up while a prisoner of the Mossbacks (or whatever they call themselves). I know if I were some sort of blood sucking vermin, I'd be looking for better company. ;-)

[Mcguire]

No chiggers,ticks,lice,crabs,scabies, or cockroach infestations here!! My secret; 98% deet available at all finer outdoor stores and army surplus locations near you!!! Really, when the tick alert was sounded on the forum prior to the event I went and got some preventive medicine. When I came back from Fighting Withdrawal a couple of years ago my wife found a tick on my back that escaped unnoticed for over a week. My doctor had to dig out a portion of the little bugger and because it had a red ring around it he ran tests for lyme disease. It came up negative but boy was I nervous. Now I don't leave home without it.

[MO-Pard]

WOW!

I know when I have been to a great event, because I cannot stop thinking about it
and the memories and period moments keep coming and coming. I waited after BGR
because of this to post any AAR and before I knew it 4 weeks had passed. So, I
guess I will share what I can and just amend it as more surfaces.

First, thank you everyone who made the effort to get there and made it the real
deal. I was one of the last to leave and I don't know of anyone who didn't
have a great experience and one of the best and unique events they attended. There
was concern about numbers early, but folks rallied to the cause, stepped up and
seems they were rewarded for it. Thank you all for making it a killer event.

I personally arrived on site on Wednesday which is something our mess prefers to
do to get used to the area and not look like you just put your impression on. I
apologize for the ruse I put most of my messmates through as to my status. I was
asked just after BGR by guerilla chieftain, Tom Yearby of the Ground Hornets to be part of the irregular
impression of Reeve's Scouts. This impression had been a dream for years so
I accepted before our mess even had a company. But the impression was kept quiet
from most and very few knew, which also made it more interesting when I encountered
some of you throughout the weekend. Reeve's Scouts, were a large irregular/guerilla
contingent, loosely organized and never at full strength in any one place. There main purpose was
to serve as a sort of pro-Southern police force keeping the Federals, most notably
Leeper and Wilson of the Misssouri Militia (Federal) in check. They also served
as scouts and rode with the likes of General Jo Shelby, Sam Hildebrand, etc during
Marmadukes and Price's campaigns. They later became the 15th Missouri Cavalry
CSA. Anyway, I arrived wednesday with the intent of scouting the valley, woods
and trails. After going a short distance Wednesday night, I bivouaced on the side
of a hill with such a slope I am still surprised I got to sleep, (which was no problem.)
I arose Thursday morning, prepared rations and terrible coffee and tracked down
the lakeshore over the rocks and boulders to the valley about a 'half mile.'
Looking down the valley from the lake was an incredible site. A deep rich green
valley surrounded on both site by very large, and dense green ridges.

I spent the day looking for trails and orienting myself to a map of the area, which
was necessary for my impression. I found some great areas to bivouac, a cool spring
and many trails which were on no maps. I had the distinct honor, of being asked
to portray Baily Smith for the weekend, who lived just across the Black river and
rode with Reeve's Scouts. Even more of an honor it was Frank's wife's,
great, great grandfather.......and even Sam thought that was pretty cool. After
spending the late morning and afternoon marching/exploring around the valley, I
needed to make plans to get back to the marina and escort in the rest of the Reeve's
boys. I did not want to go back, up those "knobs" in full marching order,
so I stashed my double barrell, haversack, bag of buckshot loads and my snapsack
in a small tree and covered with some brush. I forged my own path up a knob through
the briars and dense undergrowth and then back to the marina.

The rest of the boys arrived and we prepared to head out. Knowing how dark it was
the night before, I advised we really needed to get back to the valley before dark.
However the boys were working on their impression, swilling ale and whiskey, and
who was I to not take part. What would take place next would be one of the most
repeated words of the weekend and a nic-name I'll probably never live down.
When Tom asked me how far to the trail, I replied "a half mile or so."
The boys were up for the march in the darkness and low and behold a mile or so later,
we had marched past it. This road didn't have a street sign and when we went
past it it looked like a driveway with a big diesel truck sitting at the end. So,
the first nic name was 'Half Mile." We got turned around and entered a
trail on the east end of the valley. We literally "caterpillar walked"
in the total darkness at times holding arms, hands or the shoulder of the guy in
front of you...... and the sparks from the heel plates on the rocks in the blackness was a site I
will never, ever forget.

We spent Friday pretty incognito, just recon'ing and moving about the valley,
woods and hills. We spent Friday night maybe 200 yards or so from the Federal
fort. Friday night, Shawn Harla and I volunteered to fetch Fred from the rendezvous
point back on the Black river, so slid out within listening distance of the Federal
fort and pickets and returned around midnight. The next morning we cooked rations
in a ravine, just as the bushwhackers did. We were told to take our time, relax,
finish taking breakfast and enjoy a smoke one moment when Ox shot Cody Mobley by
accident which was quickly followed by, "Let's Move!" Cody recovered
as the round was spent on a light load, and to his credit never retaliated.

We moved out to observe, and heard the Confederate troops coming from far off and
Federals moving about. We later moved to support but the opportunity didn't
arrive. We moved up the valley and enountered the civilians. I had been close
friends with Silvana Keiser's departed husband and had attempted to keep tabs
on her and her neice, Anna's, welfare from a distance and word-of-mouth, but
didn't wish to endanger them prior, for the fear of them facing depredations
from the Federals in the area. To her credit in reality, and the impression, Silvana
didn't know either I was with Reeve's men; only 'fighting for the South.' When we met it was quite the
homecoming and one of the highlights for the weekend. She had a small bottle of whiskey
for me, which I immediately shared with each of the men in my band, (but walked
it to each one to see that no one got greedy or disappeared with it....) each getting
one turn, much to the chagrin of Tom. Cody drank the most. Shawn got the blame.
The other three ladies portrayed some good first person as well and were seated
in the shade to keep an eye on them. I did not know them as personally as I did the others
before the war and could not vouch for their sympathies exactly.......and if I was
wrong, suffer the consequences from my own. The ladies played it perfectly wanting
to help and feed us because of knowing me, but still not trusting the others
entirely. I was asked to read a verse of scripture in the camp from my bible, and
our Captain made sure all removed their hats and bonnets.....but he was a deacon
in his church you know. I chose a rather fitting verse for the occasion which also
happens to be my real favorite, (John 16:20-33) because it talked of us all being
scattered and the tribulations we would face, but to take heart for He has already
conquered. Having forded some creeks, some of us were drying our socks and shoes
by the fire when hit by a Federal scouting party. The boys, sans the sock boys,
were in the woods and up the hill in an instant. And anyone who walked into camp
was immediately surrounded and faced with revolvers and shotguns covered from all
angles. Shawn and I, now with socks, having missed the fight and being out of whisky were pitching
for a fight, so asked permission from the good deacon to go recon. We headed out,
and soon met up with a differnent independent group of guerillas, (TJ, Dave and
Paul.) The five of us climbed the knob, passed a couple civilian ladies who had
recently been robbed (by my boys) and around to get a look at the Federal forts
defenses. We heard shooting and decided to move toward the fire to help out Marmaduke's
men. TJ had spoke earlier about the how the best period moments at events seem to be those "Oh Sh$%" moments. We certainly had one here as in moving to overlook the fort, we had come down a large hill, and coming into view in front of us we found we were on the flank of a Federal company falling back to the fort. We all dropped down in place. My heart raced because in order to retreat we had to scale that very large knob and still circle back to the place the rest of our band were with the civilians. And we could easily be cut off. TJ fired the one loaded cylinder in his revolver and then we all unloaded and headed up the knob as quickly as possible. The moment continued, at least for me, because when we left our fellow guerillas back at the civilian camp, Shawn and I left in 'full marching order", should we be come separated and have to meet up later that night with them. Those who trained with me know I was in great shape for this event and the hills, but all that gear and the heat of the moment continued my heart racing. We rested at the top and reloaded. We then started back on down the hill to the civ camp when we came face to face with 3-4 Federals. I don't know which party was more surprised to see the other and shots were exchanged. One Federal, went down (nice touch! whoever you were...) and we took off like rabbits to the east, up and over more hills. We arrived in camp maybe 20 minutes later and found the rest of the Reeve's boys had 3 Federals captured. What transpired next was more period moments, as the fate of the Federals was deliberated and things grew more and more intense. Tom was the leader, but there was an underlying uneasiness between the men and many were losing patience. Many wanted to hang them. TJ and his independent band wanted to shoot them. Tom wasn't sure what to do. It grew more tense as the seconds passed, because all worried a Confederate officer may show or their may be a mutiny among the guerillas. The Confederates wanted all prisoners for interrogation, but when they didn't cooperate with the Confederates, they were returned to the guerillas, for "paroling." When Sgt Major Hicks showed up all the guerillas were even more frenzied. After receiving 'divine guidance', Tom turned the boys over to the CSA. Many of the boys were not happy with this and tempers flared. This is when the civilians took flight. By the end of the encounter, true to form, the civilians who initially welcomed the Reeve's boys
had grown irritated with and feared them. They asked me (Baily) if there was anything I could
do, but I told them "I was under orders and not if I wanted to sleep through
the night tonight." I did see them escape though, and spoke not a word. Preston, Boozie and Troy did an excellent job and significanly added to the experience. I am still surprised they were released especially after lying to Tom about having captured me and some of our boys.

We moved out with night falling and chose a new location to sleep beneath the stars. My clothes all they way down to my drawers were completely soaked, so I put on the rank, but dry shirt I had worn the first two days in the valley. I hung the wet shirt and sack coat over a rather leafless bush to dry. After all the boys shared laughs about the day, I curled up in my blanket to hear the sounds of coyotes close by. My initial reaction was concern as we were on a trail and near a stream, but my slumber soon overtook me.

The next day we were on the move before sunrise. The clothes I rested on the bush, now bowed the bush over and the clothes were even more drenched from the night dew. No time for filling canteens. We came across the Trents while crossing the creek. As Tom engaged them we slowly surrounded them should there be any trouble. Tom forced Hank to cut the telegraph line running up to the fort. We had orders to rendezvous with Marmaduke's men or the scene would have been different if time were allowed to tary. After going out of our way and scaling more knobs than planned, we heard the shots near the fort and were down one knob and scaling the hill of the fort quickly. The Federals had fled, and the famished Reeve's boys thoroughly enjoyed the bounty left behind. Beans, Pickled peppers, etc. The best food we had in days. Not to mention the officer's whiskey and rum. It was no wonder, (and historically correct) the Reeves boys didn't want to leave the fort and go fight.

I was also the previously discussed, "Shotgun Man." The civilians found my stashed items when we didn't make it back to the valley that night. I was rather distraught and mortified to see them gone. All my food, my defarbed shotgun and the 60 handrolled buckshot rounds I spent hours rolling and putting those 'string baskets' around the shot. I also had some period-correct spirits I had saved for years for just such an occasion. Thank you to those who found and took care of it. You saved the event for me.

This event is right up there with BGR for me. The distance wasn't as great, but the terrain more than made up for it. I too, went through a pair of brogans from fording creeks up to our knees and the rocky slopes. This event had something for everyone and the dynamics of the US, CS, civillians, mossbacks and guerillas all interacting and at times preying on each other was unlike anything you'll likely experience in any other event. It is events like this that recharge and get folks excited about the hobby again. If you are feeling burnout, certainly hit an event like this or Piney Woods.

My only regret or concerns were two. I worried maybe the civilians didn't have as good a time because maybe interaction wasn't as much as they expected. After reading this, I am pleased to see this wasn't the case as they liked what autonomy they had and didn't have to be 'military victims.' The other regret was that we didn't use but a tiny fraction of this valley and hills. It had so much potential and was a pristine paradise. Maybe more patrols, outposts or objectives. I do hope Frank offers a continuation of, or even the same event, in the future. I thought the numbers were great as the terrain wouldn't allow normal 2-rank tactics, but more "hardened CS Men" would have been a plus.

Anyway, one of the two best events I have ever been to. Thank you to everyone who made the effort and made it possible.

Best Regards

[Hank Trent]

Tom forced Hank to cut the telegraph line running up to the fort.

Inquiring minds want to know, was that the "telegraph line," or was there a real one?

When Linda and I first ran across it, we thought it was the telegraph line too. Then I looked closer, and saw fishhooks hanging off it. Hmm, new way of tapping into a telegraph line, I thought. Then I noticed that vines from last summer were growing on it, and in fact, it only continued a few dozen feet farther toward the fort before ending. Was the water that high earlier in the summer, that someone had a fishing line that far up in the trees?

The fishhooks were hanging just a little below face level, and Linda and I had almost run into them already. When we saw y'all, we guessed you were sneaking to flank the fort, so shooting us would have given away your position. When one of your group almost tripped over the line, I thought it would be a good time to emphasize that I was well armed for close-up combat, so if you tried to kill me silently one of you would be going with me. I pulled out my knife and cut the line for that reason, but also to drop those darn fishhooks someplace safer, since y'all were headed toward where they were.

But that wasn't the real telegraph line, was it? Where did the yanks run the real one? I was hoping it might run down the military road by the wagons, and was sorry to miss seeing it.



I was also the previously discussed, "Shotgun Man." The civilians found my stashed items when we didn't make it back to the valley that night. I was rather distraught and mortified to see them gone. All my food, my defarbed shotgun and the 60 handrolled buckshot rounds I spent hours rolling and putting those 'string baskets' around the shot. I also had some period-correct spirits I had saved for years for just such an occasion. Thank you to those who found and took care of it. You saved the event for me.

That provided quite a bit of entertainment for the civilians Thursday night. :D I was sorely tempted to keep that shotgun and ammunition, and the bottle and flask as well. But I wasn't sure what the rules were, for confiscating others' weapons, so I sent the shotgun off with Silvana and the other civilians and showed her how to use it for her "protection," figuring that any civilian who lost his weapon would eventually go to the civilian coordinator at the wagon location and thus be able to recover it. Didn't know at that time that you were part of a sorta-military force.

Linda said afterwards she was convinced that Ron Mueller and I had set the whole thing up just for some excitement Thursday night, and there really was no owner of the gun. :D

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[Charles Heath]

Jay,

That AAR was a wonderfully good read.

As for me, I do believe I was shorted my fair share of chiggers, ticks, and skeeter bites. Who do I thank?

[Huck]

I think that would be Frank and the great state of Missouri for that. I just wish now all the scars and bite marks would go away, especially since my wife hasn't seen me since before I left for the raid.

[MO-Pard]

Hank-

Really? I certainly thought that was the telegraph, and it provided another period moment for me.....thinking these were pro-Union folks tipping off the Federals. I may have been the only one in that regard. You are also correct we probably would not have shot you, although on second thought it would have provided a diversion. The Irregulars in this area rarely shot their captives. If they couldn't strike a deal of honor and loyalty, it usually involved a noose of hemp, hickory bark or grape vines. But there were certainly many occasions, documented, where the irregulars behaved differently or passed up opportunities because they had to be somewhere else.

Anyway, I enjoyed the encounter with you all if only for a moment. There was real tension in the air.

I wouldn't have minded, I suppose, losing some of the rounds and food. But I can't fathom the hours I put into making the snapsack, and all the rounds from scratch. I suppose I could have bummed food, but with all the physical activity I was burning A LOT of calories and constantly eating small portions. I probably wouldn't have minded losing the flask, but again, the 'Spring Water' was something I had saved since getting it from a dear friend in Sturgis many years ago. Basically, everything you found was many weeks, hours and years of 'prep.' I wouldn't be so concerned losing stuff when captured, but this way really caused me concern and really took me out of the 'moment.' Thanks for taking care of it. By getting it back it provided several others many, many moments during the event as you can tell.

[Charles Heath]

Hank & Jay,

The telegraph line ran but a short distance from the desk to the trees between the cookhouse and the fort wall out the back of the fort to roughly Clay Hunter's back yard near the little white shed/garage on his neighbor's property. This was a short run, and as we Iron Chefs predicted whilst watching the wire go up -- it was tall enough to clear a man on foot, but the mounted folks almost discovered this slight lack of clearance the hard way. Terry had a nice trick to complete the circuit, too. How nice it was to see and hear something we don't see and hear in the field all that often.

I almost hate to admit this, but I am old enough to remember when telegraphs (and ticker tape machines) were actively used as railroad communication. They've gone the way of rotary dial "mobile" phones in vehicles, too.

[Terry Sorchy]

Well here goes. It has been over a week since the event and my body is just now getting back to normal. Let me start out with the trip to the site. Dave, Nancy, Brian, Char and Skip made our way uneventfully down on thursday through the beutiful winding valley's of Missouri. We arrived at aboout three and got the ladies cart set up. They moved down a path that had many felled trees because of the post Ivan invasion and did not make it to where they wanted to be. We then lugged our loads to the camp area and Marse Cawls told us where he wanted the equipage. The boys then went to the marina and waited to see who showed up. We greeted everyone and began some of the organization. At this point the US was very low on numbers but that steadily improved throughout the night. After a chilly night we arose to do final prep for the mail call and sanitary commision box. We had officers call and sgts call and the men commenced to drilling. The companies did a fine job at school of the soldier, company and skirmish drill and we even got an hour of battalion drill in. At one we marched up the road in a column with cavalry screeing us and arrived at the fort with only a few stragglers. The men were then formed into details to go on guard, fatigue, patrols and rest. The sound of trees being felled filled the air as the fort became erected. Our front was built friday and our patrols filled the valley.
Chawls had a hearty meal ready for the men and some displaced merchants were found by the camp and invited in to do business with the men. The telegraph was set up, lines were strung and our hilltop became our home. With sinks dug and the streets laid out the men set down to an uneasy night not knowing where the enemy was. A guard company was formed under the wactchful eye of the adjutant and sgt. major and were deployed. The night was pitch black and rounds were very difficult to do for all posts, but the men worked tirelessly and effectively.
Saturday dawned clear and cool, the sun then turning the day very hot. The men realized that the area on the hill grew one thing very well, ROCKS. They were everywhere. The ground was very unforgiving but the men were more than up to the challenge. Works were completed on both flanks and redoubts built to our rear. We wished we had two more company's to properly man the works as we were stretched thin. Private Lyodd came over and sent out messages to our main force and received what few messages that came in. Mail and a box from the Sanitary commision were passed out and some of the men got new quilts. Bushwackers were seen in the valley during the morning and our patrols were sent out after them. As each patrol came back the maps were then readjusted and plans were made. A citizen was found wondering around in the afternoon apparently ill and trying to find shelter. When questioned it was concluded he was a lead miner trying to find new sources of ore. He was made as comfortable as possible and given food. Our guide,a young boy from the area was very useful to us as far as knowing the countryside even though some had apprehensions of his loyalty. I made him a home near the HQ and he worked in the commisary for a part of the day. Shots rang out and it became apparant we were being set upon by the rear. The men behaved valiently, and even though we had two wounded the enemy was driven off. We captured one of them, a sgt. Green of Texas. It was then we realized that these were not Missouri irregulars or bushwackers, but CS troops under the command of Marmaduke. He was questioned and seemed resigned to the fact that the war was over for him. He was fed and watered and put under guard.
In the midafternoon the patrols came back and stated that they had found a rebel force down the valley. A force was assembled with the 1st platton of company A and the second company F. Second platoon of company A was to sweep around the flank and come in behind the rebs while we attacked the front. Our two forces started out and I formed the men into a line in the valley opposite the rebel stronghold. We had heard cannons all morning but didnt realize that it anchored the center of their line. As we pushed back their infantry, the artillery they had opened up with telling effect. Just at the worst moment for us some of their reserves came up on our right flank and forced us to retire. We had first platoon Co. A very badly mauled by the artillery and flank fire and they lost many men wounded and one captured. A reb officer then appearred wearing citizens clothes. I didnt know what rank he was but we parlayed and he asked for a prisoner exchange. Shots were heard during the parlay and I berated the reb officer asking him why his men were firing. He asked his command and they said they were not engaging us at all. It was not until later that I found out the grim facts.I sent a runner to the fort to bring back sgt. Green,whom we had left shackled as we left. He was exchanged for private Wickham and we deployed a rear guard and retired up the valley to the fort. A very tired and demoralized column reached the fort and rolls were called. It was then that Lt. Owens arrived with what was left of second platoon. His command was set upon by irregulars in overwhelming numbers and three of his men were captured. The rest retired to the fort and took up positions. It was then I realized that I must do something to get these men back. It was reported at first they were taken by Mossbacks and knowing that they set upon reb and US alike I thought I might have some leverage with the CS commander to find them. I had our cavalry saddle three horses and with their escort we all proceed mounted down the valley. Providence must have shown on us at that moment for drums were heard and shots rang out in the fort, just as we reached the valley floor. My men and I came down the road and directly onto the flank of a rebel attack. My mens Spencers and pistols were used with telling effect and the attack scattered an fell back. At that time a spent ball hit my horse and he reared up landing me on the ground then stepping on my legs. I painfully remounted and carried on, this time with a white flag of parlay. We were stopped by rebel picketts and they asked what we wanted. The story was told and the same reb officer that I had met before stated that they had our men, not the Mossbacks. He stated that they didnt have food for them and would be happy to parole them without weapons. This done we retired to the fort and reports were made. Mrs Barnhouse berated me on my return stating that she had warmed my meal three times and I should not be going out on such recklas foray's. The Adjutant and Sgt Major and Senior Captain did a fine job in the defense of the fort. Private Lyodd then received a message stating that we had Marmadukes entire command of 5000 men in front of our three undersized company's and Col. Davisson wanted us to retire with all haste to Pilot knob as reenforcements. The picketts were out and my leg was looked at by the steward. He stated that it would be very painful for the next few weeks. I took solace in the fact that my leg did not hurt as much as my back because of all the rocks I slept on.
After officers call we turned in for a short respite.
Iwas up at four on Sunday, with the rest of the staff and more reports buzzed on the telegraph. It stated that we were to burn everything we could not take with us so as not to let anything fall into the hands of the rebels. The men were woken with fife and drum and the camps were struck. It seemed such a shame to abandon such a formidable position we had worked so hard on. But we had orders and if we had stayed we all would have perished. Forms and extra stores were burned or destroyed. The men were formed up and with our cavalry as a rearguard we headed to Pilot Knob. As we had marched about a mile and a half down the valley we heard shots fired. I had the men go Into Line Faced to the Rear and we formed a line of battle to await the onslaught. I put out skirmishers to our front and in a short while they reported hearing sounds from the fort. It apears that the johnnies found what we had not destroyed. Just then the skirmishers to the right and left detected movement on the ridges. I had second platoon comapny A extend in a line up the ridge to our right and company's D and F to our left. The rebs were brining up their artillery in our front but were kept at by by the terrain and accurate fire of our men.
I heard a shout to my right from the adjutant, stating our right was being turned. I asked how many they had and the reply was 6 men. We had 24 men on line on that side so I told him to drive the outnumbered enemy and press them back. The command was also given on the left flank and D and F went forward on the ridge with a yell. Our men captured 6 rebs on the left and many more on the right along with the fine rebel officer I had met yesterday. It appears taht his irregulars enjoyed themeslves to much in my mess chest and were not up to guarding his flanks.
I called a parlay with the confederate officer that was guarding the gun in the center. He had about 9 men plus a gun crew with him. After telling me he was loaded with double canister and would send me to hell If I advanced, I asked him to look on the ridges to his left and his right and to see the 60 rifles pointed down at them. I also told him we had captured his Commander and after describing him he asked me how long he had to decide. I stated 10 minutes. Five minutes later he came back and told me he accepted my proposal. Company's D and F then formed up and went back to the fort, reformed the battalion with company A and the event came to a close.
Afterwards the raffle was done and everyman there helped take equipment to the road. I am going to say this in a lump statement. THANK YOU EVERYONE on the federal side for doing such a FANTASTIC job at this event. Thanks you Frank for all your hard work putting this on. To all the Rebs, Mossbacks and Citizens, BULLY job.
If you want to know who the heroes of this event were just look at the registraion list for the event.
The drive back was painful and my leg is still swelled twice its size and has the most woderful three shade purple blue and green color. It sort of looks like something Chwls made for supper one time. but it should be fine.
I cant wait for Piney Woods. Boys it was my HONOR to serve with you. If you liked Marmadukes I implore you PLEASE register for Piney Woods. We want to field six to seven federal company's. Lets keep this battalion going!
Cheers:D
Terry Sorchy
akaGustavus Eberhart Major 32nd Iowa Infantry