Fort Moultrie, SC 1859, May 30th-31st, 2009

[SCTiger]

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Fort Moultrie, the Tramp Brigade H.I.O. will sponsor this event which will continue the same standards and characters as seen for the December, 2008 n(1858) event.

We will have an annual event until 2011 and the beginning of the 150th anniversary. The three events (08, 09 and December 2010, will help prepare for that.)

There has been some concerns about the Federal Standards, if you have any questions you should examine the standards. Dress uniforms are optional, well made, early war fatigue wear is required. The LH will occur on Friday and Saturday, we will conclude early on Sunday, if you have a desire to visit Charleston.

This will be the only event the TBHIO will sponsor in SC and we will still attend other events for the next three years.

[OldKingCrow]

Do you have a schedule we're coming to watch ? Got a B&B on Sullivan's ready to go.

Chris Rideout

[btfire]

A schedule is available on the event web page (http://www.trampbrigade.com/Events/Moutlrie1858.htm), along with standards and reading materials.

[SCTiger]

This is event is on "hold" until we get written approval from the NPS , I should have an answer by December 1st. We are still lobbying in earnest to make this happen.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

I am pleased to announce that the Tramp Brigade Organization of Historical Interpreters (http://www.trampbrigade.com/), a member unit of the Southeast Coalition of Authentic Reenactors (http://www.geocities.com/scar_civilwar/), has received approval for our proposed 1859 Living History at the National Park Service's Fort Moultrie Unit on Sullivan Island. This event is a part of the National Park Service's commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the construction of the US Third System Fort Moultrie in 1809.

We have been afforded the opportunity to recreate the life of the US Army Garrison of Fort Moultrie in the Spring of 1859 and the citizens of Moultrieville in their interactions with the Garrison and in their civic duty in the South Carolina Militia. This Living History will occur in the preserved parts of Fort Moultrie constructed in 1809 and used during the 1850's, as well as the adjoining area around the Fort. The following is a summary of event information...

Name - 1859 Fort Moultrie Living History
Dates - May 29 to 31, 2009 (Friday evening to Sunday midday)
Location - NPS Fort Moultrie Unit, Sullivan Island, SC
Coordinator - Pete Berezuk - pete.berezuk@gmail.com
Event Type - Semi-immersion, Stationary Living History
Host - National Park Service - Fort Moultrie Unit (http://www.nps.gov/fosu/historyculture/fort_moultrie.htm)
Sponsor - Tramp Brigade Organization of Historical Interpreters (http://www.trampbrigade.com/)
Website - http://www.trampbrigade.com/Events/Moutlrie1858.htm
Discussion Site - AC Thread and Tramp Brigade Forum (http://trampsbrigade.freeforums.org/)
Impression- Pre-war 1859, 1st US Artillery Company E, South Carolina Beat Militia and local populace
Preservation - This Living History will increase vistors to Fort Moultrie
Registration - Registration is currently available on the Tramp Brigade Website (http://www.trampbrigade.com/Events/registration.htm). Registration fee: $15, provides for support services and cooked meals from Saturday breakfast through Sunday breakfast.
Notes - The Federal Garrison will be performing interior guard, non-firing artillery drill and infantry drill with musket firing demonstrations. The South Carolina Beat Militia will be conducting a monthly muster per the South Carolina Militia Law and conducting infantry drill. The Civilian Interpreters will be providing vingettes of activites in the area of Fort Moultrie, including a camp kitchen, local merchants and visitors from Charleston. The Commanders of the Federal Garrison and South Carolina Militia will be announced shortly.

[Matt_E_Wright]

This is a fantastic opportunity to authentically portray the pre-war Regular Army. Thanks for taking the effort to make this happen.

See you there,

Matt Wright
The shoulder scales and ostrich plumes aren't just for farbs at the ball mess

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Matt,

We are certainly looking forward to you and our fellow living historians to help recreate a forgotten piece of history at a great site. Thanks for the interest...

[dave81276]

Greg or Pete,

I was wondering how the NPS was dealing with ammunition. Since the regs for the beat militia call for 24+ rounds and caps, will we be fined for lacking rounds that are in NPS custody?

[Matt_E_Wright]

How are you guys weighing historical accuracy vs. uniformity for the Regular garrison? Would you rather have a mixture of heavy artillery and infantry frock coats in the ranks, or would you prefer that everyone show up as infantry so there's a greater degree of uniformity?

Also, what are the sleeping arangements for the Regular garrison? Are we sleeping in barracks and if so, do we need to bring our own mattress ticks?


Thanks,
Matt Wright

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Matt,

Thanks for asking the question. It will be addressed by email to the registered participants in the next day or so, but here is the intent...

We know most reenactors do not have Artillery Frock Coats, Artillery Dressed Hats or Dark Blue Trousers. The revised regulations require each participant to have a Forage Cap, Sack Coat and Sky Blue foot pattern trousers. The Artillery Specific Dress Items are encouraged and will be authorized for wear during the event, except for specific formations at the Garrison Commander's Discretion.

Note, we do not want to mix specific Infantry items such as the Frock Coat at the event. We hope the revised Federal Material Standards allow the maximum participation and provide an example for the public on Pre-War Artillery Uniforms.

Please feel free to drop me a PM or Email (pete.berezuk@gmail.com) if my answer isn't clear. I will be sending out an Email to the registered list (which you are on Matt) shortly with the full Federal material Standards

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Greg or Pete,

I was wondering how the NPS was dealing with ammunition. Since the regs for the beat militia call for 24+ rounds and caps, will we be fined for lacking rounds that are in NPS custody?


Dave,

That is a great question. We will be sending out instructions via email, but that is something that in my head appears to have slipped through the cracks. It will be addressed this week with the Militia Commander and Coordinator for the purposes of the muster.

Thanks again for going beyond just reading the announcement and pointing out a specific item of the history we wish to recreate.

[SCTiger]

I just wanted to add that we are still planning for a series of Living History Programs to culminate in April, 2011 with the firing on Fort Sumter. We are in negotiations with other organizations to make this happen. Let's recreate the 1st U.S. Artillery the best way we can.

I know this has been a roller coaster ride and Pete has done a lot of hard work, so I would encourage everyone to make this happen for a couple of reasons. First I would like to honor the 1st U. S. Artillery at Fort Sumter and especially Major Anderson. These events will honor that commitment to duty, regardless of who was right or wrong about starting the War. It's about Soldiers doing their job. Later I get to honor my ancestors who fought for South Carolina.

Secondly (and this why we love this hobby) we get to do something that very few people will ever experience, stand on original ground and represent a pivotal moment in our history. The occupation of Fort Sumter, in January. 2011 will be the first military movement and the first 150th event.

If we can get enough people for May, then we will have the support for the Occupation/2011 event . It's more than bricks and old cannons, it's about those Men in the Army and the Civilians who were there. This will be one of those "don't won't to miss events" and a very unique experience.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

I am pleased to announce that Brian Hicks will the Commander of our Federal Troops, their guiding impression will be of E Company, 1st US Artillery and Skip Owens will be the Commander of our South Carolina Militia, whose guiding impression will be the 2nd Company of the 16th Regiment, a beat company of the South Carolina Militia.

We are currently accepting registrations on the Tramp Brigade Website at http://www.trampbrigade.com/Events/Moutlrie1858.htm - and shortly the first in a series of pre-event communications will be sent out to our registered attendees.

The event dates are locked in for 29-31 May 2009 and our registration will be closed on 22 May 2009. We have the following caps for participation, 30 Federals, 25 Militia and 10 Civilians. All roles are still available for those interested.

The Tramp Brigade Organization of Historical Interpreters (http://www.trampbrigade.com/) looks forward to your attendence and support at a unique event in the Carolina Low Country.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Pre-Event Communication #1 was sent out on 10 April 2009.

The most important pieces of information was the posting of slightly modified Federal Material Standards (http://www.trampbrigade.com/Events/FortMoultrie2009_D_Federal_Standards_V2.pdf) and the Militia Material Standards (http://www.trampbrigade.com/Events/FortMoultrie2009_E_Militia_Standards.pdf) on the Event Website (http://www.trampbrigade.com/Events/Moutlrie1858.htm).

We are inside of 7 weeks until this first of a kind Living History at Fort Moultrie and are still looking for Living Historians for all of our roles. Please visit the Event Website (http://www.trampbrigade.com/Events/Moutlrie1858.htm) to register if you are interested and feel free to contact me directly at pete.berezuk@gmail.com if you have any questions concerning this event.

[Coatsy]

All,

Pete, Brian, and the Deese have been working pretty hard to get this event together. Some of us have done LH's at this site, some have not, but in my view this is a unique event that does not oftern get to be recreated.

I'm portraying one of the Regulars so that means I've got some kit purchasing/tweaking to do. It is not as hard or as expensive as one might think. If you are at all interested sign up! This is one of those "impressions" that I've always wanted to do and now I have a good excuse to do so.

I'm toting some of Georgia's most nefarious to this event, let's add some more. (not more nefarious Georgian, we've capped on that)

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Herb, Thanks for the kind words and endorsement...

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Buglers, Drummers and Fifers!

To pull off a proper ante-bellum Federal Garrison we need your specialty impression. I have reached out to a few musicians that I know already. I've decided to cast our net wider in the search of functional musicians interested in exercising their art.

If you are interested in supporting our event, on a first come, first served basis, functional musicians willing to fill roles as a Bugler, Drummer and Fifer with the Federal Garrison will have their registration fee waived for the Fort Moultrie 1859 Living History.

Please contact me directly at pete.berezuk@gmail.com to express your interest.

[SCTiger]

I was asked about the equipment and baggage that one could bring to Fort Moultrie for this event at Knoxville.

Props for the garrison living area. Period chairs, tables, lanterns chest etc, are encouraged. If there is anything else special you want to bring email Pete or myself to get clarification. Arrive early if possible.

Tents: If anyone can bring some tents for the Militia camp and the Civilians contact us.

The Federal and Militia commanders will have the authority to issue passes to town on Saturday night, we will maintain a watch in the Fort and the camps all through out the night, so no equipment will be left unguarded. We have to be strict on the "no alcohol on NPS grounds" rule, as well.

Any other ideas or suggestions, send me a PM or e mail.

[Charles Heath]

Jeepers! I even heard people talking sweetly about this event (and the follow ups) while in Pennsyltucky this past weekend. No shrimp, cheese, or grits were harmed in the production of this post.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Pre-Event Communication #2 was sent out on 30 April 2009.

We are just 4 weeks away from this event at historic Fort Moultrie and are still looking for Living Historians for all of our roles. Our registration will remain open until 22 May and we will not allow walk-ons.

Please visit the Event Website (http://www.trampbrigade.com/Events/Moutlrie1858.htm) to register if you are interested and feel free to contact me directly at pete.berezuk@gmail.com if you have any questions concerning this event.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Pre-Event Communication #3 was sent out on 11 May 2009.

We are still looking for living historians eager to recreate the history of the Old US Army and the SC Militia on Sullivan's Island the weekend of 29 to 31 May 2009. Our registration will remain open until 22 May and we will NOT allow walk-ons.

Please visit the Event Website (http://www.trampbrigade.com/Events/Moutlrie1858.htm) to register if you are interested and feel free to contact me directly at pete.berezuk@gmail.com if you have any questions concerning this event.

[Spinster]

Also, what are the sleeping arangements for the Regular garrison? Are we sleeping in barracks and if so, do we need to bring our own mattress ticks?


Thanks,
Matt Wright

Sure wish I'd seen this back when Matt wrote it. I might have actually gotten motivated to say something earlier :D

From one of the pre-event communications:

Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen,
Mrs. Lawson has graciously offerred a run of bed ticks and pillows available for delivery at the Fort Moultrie 1859 Living History. If you are interested please contact her directly concerning it at thlawson@bellsouth.net to place your order and arrange payment. Listed below is the description and information concerning these items (I have a set and they are absolutely wonderful...)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For any garrison event, a bed tick is a useful item. It does not take up much space, and adds greatly to the comfort of the common soldier.

The U S Sanitary Commission gave specific directions for straw ticks in the USSC Bulletin, Vol. 1, Number 31:
"Bedsack of burlap or ticking, 2 yards and 12 inches long; 40 inches wide. Sew all around. Cut opening in middle 27 inches long; close with three [3] buttons; put a stay at each end of opening and one under each button. Required, 3 knots linen thread.
Pillow Sacks of ticking or crash: 16 inches wide, 30 inches long. Leave openings in middle of one end. Close with two buttons."

For this event, a combination set consisting of bedsack and pillowsack will be available for $45, delivered at the event site. Preorder is required and may be made by PAYPAL to thlawson@bellsouth.net

Mrs. Lawson will be using a variety of period tickings and crash for this project. While US Sanitary Commission markings are not necessarily appropriate for a pre-war event in this time and place, the mark is easily concealed. You may find it useful to have the USSC stamp on your bedding for other events. If you do NOT want a USSC stamp on your bedding, please specify when you order.

For other questions concerning this offer, please write Mrs. Lawson directly at thlawson@bellsouth.net Deadline for orders is May 15.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your obedient servant,
Peter M. Berezuk Event Coordinator,
1859 Fort Moultrie Living History 29-31 May 2009http://www.trampbrigade.com/Events/Moutlrie1858.htm

[Rob Murray]

Dang it all Mrs. L, you've got mail!

[Pvt_Sullivan]

ROB,

Does that mean you don't need my spare Bed Tick?

[Spinster]

Peter,

Given his height, he may need both:rolleyes:

Seriously, this standard length produces a sack that is about 6' 8" --and that's because I tend to double seam the ends on these, so they can be used to carry all sorts of plunder.

What really surprised me is how little space they take up when folded.

I think I'll sew big red tassels to the corners of Rob's, so it will match his sleeping hat. I've still got some of that yarn around here somewhere.....

[Rob Murray]

Pete,

I'll have to ask Mrs. L. Though taken at face value, I would say not.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Did someone say Peelers??

With only days leading down to the event, I'm pumped!!!

I haven't been this excited for an event in a loooooong time...Virginia/Maryland caravan is all registered...since that's 5 peoples, that means we're in 2 vehicles...should have space for at least 1 more body...

Paul B.

[GWagner]

Hate I can't make this event. Sounds like a good time.

[Spinster]

C'mom and register Galen. You know you want to. Its not like you don't have the civilian kit for this thing already......

Besides, I think Col. Bartsch made the Montgomery to Charleston run in less than 3 hours one time. I could be wrong though, as I was cowering in the back seat with my eyes closed for most of the ride:p

[Pvt_Sullivan]

My thanks to all for the good wishes and support for this event.

Registration closes on Friday 22 May, 2009. That leaves just two days for interested living historians to get registered. We will not allow any walk-ons, because all participants need to be on our NPS Roster for the event. Registration is available through our website at...

http://www.trampbrigade.com/Events/Moutlrie1858.htm

We currently have 31 living historians registered. Unfortunately all civilians roles are filled, but we are actively enlisting additional Federal Soldiers for the Fort Moultrie Garrison and can accept additional men for the South Carolina Militia.

Any questions about the event should be sent directly to me at pete.berezuk@gmail.com

[Clsinclair]

Folks,

I did a living history at Fort Moultrie with the Palmetta Living History Association (P.L.H.A.) about 5 years ago and we stayed in the fort from Wednesday through Sunday and I was a very positive experience. About 50 infantry men stayed in one big room and a Mr. Ulmer (Lt. Colonel of an Artillery group) and my cousin Kevin Sinclair and myself stayed in a small room to ourselves. I can still hear the echo of snoring coming out of the larger room.

Point is, if you can go to Fort Moultrie you should go. There are plenty of ghost within the walls. My daughter is getting married next weekend (again) so that is where I will be.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Thanks for the plug Claude, my congratulations on your Daughter's Marriage and it was a pleasure serving in your command at Resaca also...

Folks, today is the last day for registration. We are at 36 registered participants and do have room for more. We are especially looking for additional Federal Soldiers. If you have any questions please contact me directly at pete.berezuk@gmail.com

[SCTiger]

Claude:

Thanks, maybe the next LH we have we can get together.


I wish the AC would have placed this on their "upcoming events" calendar. It could have helped. We have worked hard to make this the best antebellum LH possible.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Pre-Event Communication #4 was sent out on 24 May 2009.

Unfortunately registration for this event closed on 22 May and we will NOT allow walk-ons.

Please visit the Event Website (http://www.trampbrigade.com/Events/Moutlrie1858.htm) for further information on this event and feel free to contact me directly at pete.berezuk@gmail.com if you have any questions concerning this event.

[Clsinclair]

With the 150ths around the corner there will be plenty of opportunities for both sides of the hobby to work together. There's Fort Moutrie, Fort Johnson, Fort Sumter, Fort Marshall(will have to check to see when it was started), the battery and much more. The 26th NC will be coming down and will be SC troops. LH groups will be needed for Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie. The Governors committee has had several meetings but nothing but generalizations have come from the meetings. There are plans for a week long LH and although artillery can't be placed in the forts, they can be placed on the beaches. The firing on Fort Sumter will be a awesome.

[Spinster]

Okay, here's the plan as I know it, and subject to change.

I am leaving Tuscaloosa Wednesday morning, arriving Charleston Wednesday evening.
I need to dump event gear at that point, to include tables, buckets, bed ticks and such.

Rob Murray is flying into Charleston Wednesday afternoon.

Thursday morning, Rob, myself and my seven passenger van is leaving Charleston and heading for Maryland. We plan to get in the vicinity on Thurday, and have yet to figure out where we are staying, but we'll find a motel somewhere.

Unless we find a ride for Kimberlee Bruce from Chattanooga up there, we will pick her up at the Baltimore airport on Thursday evening as well.

Friday, we will go to Charles Heath's funeral, and back to Beverly's house. Accordingly to second hand information, Billy Birney says we will then hit the road by 3:00 pm, headed back to Charleston and Fort Moultrie. This puts us back at Moultrie at about, oh, before dawn, on Saturday.

Seats currently occupied in my van---3: Me, Rob, and Kimberlee. Four seats available for the round trip Charleston to Charleston, or any portion thereof.

My cell phone is 205-242-7322. My land line is 205-758-9635. I seem to have one in each pocket right now.

Billy Birney will be driving down to Charleston in the same time frame. Rob is going to try to lay hands on some walkie talkies to make this Midnight Express a bit easier to run.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Missus Lawson,

Given the trying circumstances, I greatly appreciate your efforts to honor Charles and help our humble event in Charleston. I'll be calling later this afternoon to make sure you have directions and other needed information (like Greg Deese's and my addresses).

If you hold to a 3pm departure from Frederick, MD and you go through Culpepper and not Sodom on the Potomac... you can make it to Charleston in 9 hours, putting you here about midnight. I will be up and waiting with my cellphone.

Thanks for the hundred kindnesses and consideration Terre.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Comrades,

I'm certain Charles Heath would not want us to belly up on his account. So we will still be holding the Fort Moultrie 1859 Living History this weekend on 29-31 May 2009 as planned.

We do not however want any commitments to the Fort Moultrie Living History to interfere with the commemoration of Charles Heath's life. So, the full registration fee of anyone who is unable to attend the Fort Moultrie Living History because they desire to attend Charles Heath's Funeral will be donated in his name to the Fort Sumter / Fort Moultrie Trust.

It appears that without exception, our registered participants are making arrangements to both attend Charles' Funeral and then come to Fort Moultrie. I am humbled by and thankful for their dedication and perseverance. I wish everyone godspeed on their travels and will be standing by on my cell phone (7575674737) in case we are needed on Friday and Saturday to assist any of the travelers.

During the Fort Moultrie event, we encourage our participants to be in mourning at their discretion. I have some black silk available for mourning bands. Charles was planning to attend the event and spend his time fishing below Fort Moultrie, we will have a remembrance of Charles for the participants there on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday Evening 30 May at approximately 7:30pm after the public has left the site.

[MD_Independent]

Mrs. Lawson and Pete,
The 3 PM departure is an 'at the latest' suggestion. Charles taught me a good bit, but the best lesson was 'put the miles behind you before dark...". And I intend to do so this time around by leaving as soon as decorum will allow. "Got some lil white pills and my eyes 're open wide.." and "We've got ourselves a convoy...".
Ready to get in the saddle.
Bill Birney
CRs

[Pvt_Sullivan]

I know some of our participants are already enroute. I wish them safe travels and look forward to seeing them shortly.

For any emergencies, please contact me directly at (757)567-4737

[Spinster]

And we are grateful to Kind Providence for the many Traveling Mercies that brought that caravan back into Charleston safely. Regulars and militia at the Fort, guards out, and a magnificent show of lightning in the post-midnight sky. Time for rest, for dawn will come early.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

I would like to offer my thanks as the event coordinator, to all the living historians who made the journey to South Carolina to participate in and attend the Fort Moultrie 1859 Living History this past weekend.

Each participant put their best effort into recreating the Federal Garrison (Company E of the 1st US Artillery), the South Carolina Militia (2nd Company, 16th Regiment) and authentic Civilians providing meals and services on Sullivan's Island.

The Tramp Brigade Organization of Historical Interpreters and I are humbled and thankful for your help in making our event a complete success in its goal to provide the public a recreation of life on Sullivan's Island in 1859.

Over the next 18 months, the Tramp Brigade will be coordinating for a larger event in December 2010 or January 2011, titled "To Prevent the Effusion of Blood" (http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22591) and we look forward to working with the living history community to create an even better experience for our participants and the public for the start of the 150th Anniversay of the War Between the States.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Pete/Brian/Greg,

I know our group of Virginians had a GREAT TIME!!!

Kiev,

Thanks for tolerating our group of Virginians in the Militia Company.

Paul B.

[Mgreer]

I had a good time.

Pete, Brian, Greg, et al.
Thank great work. I definatly enjoyed watter boarding Brians son that helped pass the time.

Marvin

Hmmmmm Herbert had a good time too, but nobody wanted to come sleep with him hmmmm.
Thats ok he was just lonely waiting on the muscley armed malitia men. hmmmmm
Call me!

Herbert P.

[Kiev Thomason]

I am a little late here , but none the less. I had a great time. The site was awsome and the Tramps did a good job hosting the event. This being their first outing I think they did outstanding. Folks just don't know what it's like putting on an event until they do it ...and now they know. Good job gents!

To all who were in the 16 SC. You guys did a good job making a ragtag looking group come full circle. We drilled well and looked the part. Great time being your 1st Sgt.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Kiev,

Thanks for the kind words and unvarnished critque off-line. Both are highly appreciated by us and at some point, I intend to write the proper After Action for those people crazy enough to try their own event with 40+ participants so they can possibly avoid my mistakes.

I listened a great deal to Charles, Ley and your advice in planning and leading up to this one. I still made some avoidable mistakes, but that is how you learn.

Keep some space on your calendar for January 7-9, 2011 we'd like to invite you and Armory Guards back for some more fun.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

I had a good time.

Pete, Brian, Greg, et al.
Thank great work. I definatly enjoyed watter boarding Brians son that helped pass the time.

Marvin

Hmmmmm Herbert had a good time too, but nobody wanted to come sleep with him hmmmm.
Thats ok he was just lonely waiting on the muscley armed malitia men. hmmmmm
Call me!

Herbert P.

Marvin,

It was good seeing you too. Look at the new tagline in my signature.

Thanks for filling in some comic relief and being helpful in our endeavor.

We'll see you in July near your place in Atlanta.