Authentic Company @ Battle of River's Bridge

[Brad Malone]

The Palmetto Living History Association is putting together an authentic company for the annual River’s Bridge event here In South Carolina. This battle was the only strong resistance that Sherman faced while in SC. This is a mainstream event, but we get to have our own Progressive section of the works and have our own immersion event inside of an event. Our time is spent building and improving Breastworks and rifle pits, performing picket and guard duty, and staying engaged with the enemy throughout the day and night. The event is held in Bamberg County, less than a mile from River’s Bridge State Park, The site of the original works and bridgehead. We will be portraying Co. C of the 47th Ga. Infantry

The dates for the event are Feb. 6,7,& 8.

I know that this is last minute, but anyone interested in coming can email me.
bmalone263@yahoo.com

I will be the Company Commander.

Here is a little info on the battle;

On February 2, a Confederate force under Maj. Gen. Lafayette McLaws held the crossings of the Salkehatchie River against the advance of the right wing of Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman's army. Union soldiers began building bridges across the swamp to bypass the road block. In the meantime, Union columns worked to get on the Confederates' flanks and rear. On the 3rd, 2 Union brigades waded the swamp downstream and assaulted McLaws's right. McLaws retreated toward Branchville after stalling Sherman's advance for only 1 day.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Ya'll:

I can attest to this event being very fun as I have attended it from 1998-2003 on a regular basis (as part of The Citadel as well as independently), even if it is a mainstream event.

I can guarantee that if you can make it, you won't be disappointed.

In fact, Brad, you made a great Confederate cap pouch repro w/lead finial of one from the SC Relic Room and I bought it from Neill Rose at the 2003 River's Bridge event. It has seen heavy service in the years since and was a wonderful investment of fine craftsmanship, sir. :wink_smil

I wish I could be there, but I currently live too far away to attend the event... for now.

All the best- Johnny Lloyd:wink_smil

[cannonfodder]

Looking forward to it Brad!
Do you have a list of guidelines you would like to post? (Uniforms, accounterments, weapons, tentage, bedrolls,etc.) From my understanding we will be hiking into camp. I don't want to underpack and hike in and being winter (even in S.C.) wish I'd brought something along. But also I'd rather not overpack either. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
See you there!

[Brad Malone]

Jeff and all,

Here are the guidlines for the 47th GA at River's Bridge.

Jackets:

Columbus Depots-

Jean Cloth Frock Coats-

Civilian Sack Coats-

** These jackets are to be made from Jean Cloth and of period construction**

*** No S.C. buttons (We are portraying a Georgia Unit) ***

***No Richmond Depots are allowed***


Trousers:

Confederate Military type-

Civilian trousers-

** Made from Jean Cloth and made of period construction**

*** No Sky Blue trousers allowed***

Shoes:

Confederate shoes- preferred

Civilian shoes- preferred

Federal brogans- limited numbers

** Shoes are to be properly constructed from original patterns***

Headgear:

Kepis- properly constructed using accurate materials

Slouch Hats- Real wool felt hats (Black, Brown, or Tan) with authentic linings and sweatbands.

***No US forage caps***

***No hat brass, hat pins, animal parts or anything else allowed on headgear***


Undergarments:

Shirts- Should be made of correct materials and patterns (No modern shirts)

Underpants- same as above

Socks- Period socks of either wool or cotton (No rag wool socks)


Leathers:

CS issue or Imported English leathers- properly constructed from original patterns

Frame buckles preferred on belts. (NO SC or US BELT PLATES)

** Equipments is to be properly constructed**

*** No US leathers, a few pieces can be allowed but no full sets***


Accoutrements:

Confederate issue haversacks only (NO US HAVERSACKS) proper construction only

Confederate issue canteens preferred (US ok in small numbers) Proper construction

only (no stainless steel) Canteen straps should also be authentic.

Confederate Knapsacks preferred (US ok in small numbers) proper construction

CS and US Blankets- should be of proper materials and construction.

**Blanket roll is preferred over using US knapsack**


Muskets:

Enfield- preferred

US 1842’s- 2nd Choice

Springfield- Ok in small numbers

**Musket slings need to be taken off if they are not correct**


If anyone has any questions, they can contact me at bmalone263@yahoo.com


Thanks

Brad Malone

(Captain Joseph Thompson 47th Ga. Co. C)