Consider.....

[MO-Pard]

I would encourage anyone who wants to experience some good first person interaction/period experiences to consider taking a turn being a POW at this event.

You have several days on campaign so it isn't like you are spending most of the event as a POW. You will gain greater perspectives, period moments and experiences as well. At most weekend events you sit off in a corner and wait to be exchanged. Here, you will travel, on campaign, with your 'hosts.' And there is nothing more rewarding and meaningful, than when exchanged and you are reunited with your messmates. In that regard, it is an experience for them as well as they deal with the separation and concern for you.

At BGR there were some guys who seemed to get captured everyday....

[WoodenNutmeg]

This is very interesting, Jay. Kudos to your points. You are more than correct, as more often than not, the experience of a "prisoner" is not fully realized during weekend events. Being immersed for days, however, with the enemy, with little or no personal belongings in reach, is surely an experience that cannot be matched. Listening to "foreign" stories and banter, eating only what your given/offered...surely there are some who are attending IPW that would love to take on such an impression. I think the self-fulfillment of accomplishing this "challenge" could have far reaching effects for those who choose to participate within the role. Even if it is the 21st century and even if we are only reenactors, five or more days in the Louisiana woods at someone else's mercy surely takes its toll on you, one way or another.

[PogueMahone]

The POW experience is not going to be what a CW soldier would have experienced. The primary failure is that POWs are moved away from the front line at the first opportunity, not marched along with the advancing column.

All first hand accounts I've read indicate that prisoners were gathered into manageable groups and headed to the nearest railhead for transport to the interior of the captor's lines for processing and separation of officers from enlisted.

And, I may be wrong, but I don't think the exchange of prisoners between active combatants was the SOP for either army. This does not include the parole of surrendered armies, such as occured at Donelson, Vicksburg, etc.

[Johnny Lloyd]

I'm a prisoner only if ya catch me and I don't catch you first, ya filthy rebel...:p

Good point, Brother Jay. There have been many events where I was wondering how the "other side" was actually doing. On a personal note rather than a period note, since many of our fellow compatriots in the hobby play one side more than the other, I rarely if any get to see these people at an event- even if it is to be their prisoner at that event.

Never thought about it really, but a good point nonetheless... Johnny Lloyd :wink_smil

[MO-Pard]

This is very interesting, Jay. Kudos to your points. You are more than correct, as more often than not, the experience of a "prisoner" is not fully realized during weekend events. Being immersed for days, however, with the enemy, with little or no personal belongings in reach, is surely an experience that cannot be matched. Listening to "foreign" stories and banter, eating only what your given/offered...surely there are some who are attending IPW that would love to take on such an impression. I think the self-fulfillment of accomplishing this "challenge" could have far reaching effects for those who choose to participate within the role. Even if it is the 21st century and even if we are only reenactors, five or more days in the Louisiana woods at someone else's mercy surely takes its toll on you, one way or another.

It really does... It isn't often we have the opportunity to take on this role at events. It really kind of ties the two sides together and the other way (other than shooting at each other) to interact.

Imagine the POW's mindset... fear, dejection, fatigue, worry, uncertainty, personal survival, etc. How would you feel? Will you see your friends and family again? Would you attempt to barter for better treatment? Would you keep to yourself? Being a hero would be the furthest thing from your mind....

Oh- It certainly isn't my decision, but with both sides having POW's, there is motivation to exchange them and return them to the ranks as soon as possible, (so don't feel you will be in such a role more than a day. )

[MO-Pard]

[QUOTE=PogueMahone;137488]The POW experience is not going to be what a CW soldier would have experienced. The primary failure is that POWs are moved away from the front line at the first opportunity, not marched along with the advancing column.
{QUOTE]

Joe- You are correct, however, the point being ,having the opportunity to take on the role and interact. Those experiences no matter how long, and the spirit and benefit of such at an event like this is the highlight. The railroad aspect ( I so love Choo-Choo's) would be nice but not within the scope of the event. Maybe at BGR/Piney 3.

I know you weren't against the idea by any means though.

[PogueMahone]

I know you weren't against the idea by any means though.


As far as I'm concerned, it is just another stick fort concept.

The focus of this event should not be combat or skirmishing, but movement on a day-to-day basis.

[Old Reb]

I agree with Joe.

[Charles Heath]

I, personally, like a good movement every day. Just sayin'.

[BrettKIllinois]

Forget that, I got captured at duck river and it sucked... no shoes to wear when you go to the sink... I don't think so, I'd rather be dead.

[WoodenNutmeg]

[...]I got captured at duck river and it sucked...no shoes to wear when you go to the sink...I don't think so, I'd rather be dead.

Ha...case in point.

[Johnny Lloyd]

As far as I'm concerned, it is just another stick fort concept.

The focus of this event should not be combat or skirmishing, but movement on a day-to-day basis.

Darned if I didn't forget the focus of this event for a sec, Joe.

But I do agree with the principle of what Jay said... sometimes it is nice to 'see how the other half lives' at events for me...

...but not without a fight. :rolleyes: :p

All the best and see you in the Piney woods... Johnny Lloyd:wink_smil

[Auld Pelty]

I ain't surrendering and no yankees are going to take me prisoner unless I break a leg and cannot crawl off to a good hiding place.....maybe a stick fort.

[ajroscoe]

I'm pretty sure trying to be taken prisoner for the experience is something no Civil War soldier would ever have done, and is therefore farby. If I get taken prisoner, so be it, I will experience the whole thing, but I'll be damned if I try to get taken prisoner.

[Old Reb]

Yes, let's put the how`cool it would be to be a prisoner to rest. It would be so unauthentic to try to get captured so that you could experience it is simply a rediculous idea. Sorry, Jay, but it is.

[MO-Pard]

Yes, let's put the how`cool it would be to be a prisoner to rest. It would be so unauthentic to try to get captured so that you could experience it is simply a rediculous idea. Sorry, Jay, but it is.

I think this thread has digressed and missed the initial point and intention, rather unfortunately.

I am by know means advocating anyone, especially my men, purposely getting captured. So let's get the intentional white flags and the dropping arms and running to the other side visions, out of the discussion.

This event (if it is like BGR) is about survival, under challenging physical and mental conditions. It is also, or became about relating to those around you whether it was your messmates, your company, your batallion, officers or possibly the enemy. As such, this relating, produced the best first person I experienced at any event. You can relate to all of those very easily, with the exception of the adversary, whether pursuer or pursuee. I was captured at Outpost under no fault of my own and not intentionally. We were about to be cut-off, and although I quickly informed our officers of the company (Ox) closing in behind us unseen to all else, we were ordered to stand tight and try to repel that advance with barely more than a section. We followed orders, and me and my platoon were all overrun and captured. The resulting FP and experience were rewarding and more period than most I have had out in the field over the years.

For those who know me, realize if at all possible I dont' advocate anything unauthentic. Rather, as authentic and challenging as possible, (and I also know that turns some people off as well.) That is why we are here. I harbor no hard feelings, because I honestly this has digressed of point and intention. To purposely, and unrealistically, do something to get captured is unauthentic; I certainly agree. However, the POW aspect is IMHO undrerepresented at most events. There were POW's. To not have POW's would be unauthentic in and of itself. In a "pursuing" campaign like this, you will arguably have more who get swallowed up. If you are cut-off, or gassed (don't be a hero), or in a situation it is pretty apparent, surrender. Self preservation would take over for anyone. I have also seen more than enough guys trying to be a hero or being unrealistic, (aka unauthentic.)

Alright, so now that all that is out in the open there is one other aspect in regard to all this, which the participants much decide or consider. "Hits" are of course secondary to the whole purpose of this event. Many would argue it would be unrealistic (aka unauthentic) to not have a few hits/casualties occasionally. (BTW- there was a pretty good distribution of hits at BGR...) The 28th LA will be pursued for 5 days, and all CS full well know, up front, if they take a hit, they will be captured and a POW. Anyone who does consider taking a hit, does consider being a POW, there are no two ways about it.

So, there isn't a blanket 'high road' for anyone. Which would be more authentic (taking the postive view here) for everyone's most authentic experience? No CS hits all week because anyone who even considered it was to some, possibly unathentic, Or, folks who are caught in unfortunate circumstances or choose to take a hit, full well understanding they will becom POW's?

I think I know which most would prefer. I will not consider anyone, who ends up whether by their choosing to take a hit or gets backed into a situation geting captured, unathentic by any means. If you were unathentic, you wouldn't be here.

Very Best Regards... Gotta go pack. Anyone arriving tomorrow night come on by and hang-out.

[Old Reb]

Well, since the subject is now authenticity, I will see what I can do to make it rain, be humid, warm, the trail mired with sticky gumbo clay, the bayous chest deep in water, the hills high and the bottoms low, and then it should turn cold. I want people to be miserable at this event because a soldier's life is one of boredom, misery and brief periods of extreme terror. I doubt there will be time for boredom and if you have any terror, it will be of your own making, but I will do what I can on the misery angle. As soon as the CSA Sgt. Major, Mr. Ox shows up, I will prime him well to help be in this mission.

[MO-Pard]

Well, since the subject is now authenticity, I will see what I can do to make it rain, be humid, warm, the trail mired with sticky gumbo clay, the bayous chest deep in water, the hills high and the bottoms low, and then it should turn cold. I want people to be miserable at this event because a soldier's life is one of boredom, misery and brief periods of extreme terror. I doubt there will be time for boredom and if you have any terror, it will be of your own making, but I will do what I can on the misery angle. As soon as the CSA Sgt. Major, Mr. Ox shows up, I will prime him well to help be in this mission.

Awesome! Some of the best period moments are the suffering and banding together to overcome. That's when you lean on the lads in your company and pull each other through.

Best Regards

"Half Mile"

[Old Reb]

Correct, Jay. Such thinking is often overlooked by folks who check the weather forecast for an event in advance, and make their final decision whether to attend or not on the weather. A soldier has no control over the weather. It is what it is and he is there. A soldier never forgets the terror, for it is branded on their brain forever. They quickly forget the bordedom when it passes like the wind. But the shared misery with their brothers is something they keep with them forever. It ain't about burning powder. It is about soldiering. Now, to go finish packing and fill the little bottle with popskull. See you in the Kisatchie, Half Mile!

[Spinster]

Jay,

Don't forget your socks ;)

[Coatsy]

"A soldier has no control over the weather. It is what it is and he is there."


Yup, I definitely agree. If it rains it rains. If it snows it snows. If I get hit by bayou mud balls by the Bayou Yeti then I get hit by bayou mud balls by the Bayou Yeti.

[Kiev Thomason]

Jay ,
I see your point of view. I for one have had a great time at events after I had been rounded up and marched to the rear. However some folks may look at it different...I see what you were aimed at.

Lets do it!!!!!
leaving around 9 a.m. :)