Federal Campaigner Adjunct @ Rivers Bridge 2010

[GWagner]

All,

It is my intention to raise a 100 man battalion to oppose the Confederate works at River's Bridge SC in February 2010.

These are tentative plans, as the planning committee has not yet met, but I wanted to put the word out becasue there is a good chance this will happen.

Shermans men marched through the swamp, building a cord road in icy conditions in 1865. The PLHA (Brad Malone and Neill Rose) has done an excellent job putting together a Confederate immersions scenario in the works, and I propose they need a legitimate foe.

I would like for 3 men to raise 30 man companies for the event, near Erhardt SC in February 2010. As I am the private type, I would also need a BN Staff. At minimum a Bn Co, XO, Sgt Maj, and Adjutant.

Registration for the BN will be minimal...maybe just enough to cover a coffee and cracker ration issue Sat morning (around $10.00 or so.)

There is the possibility of a Friday preservation march involved, whereby we spend the night at another location, and march in Sat morning to camp. I will try to work that out. I would like to see a scenario where Confederate pickets are pushed back into the works when we come into camp.

Go here to read info on the battle.

http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/94rivers/94facts3.htm

I have a very well done report I will be posting excerpts from as I have time.

If you would be interested in serving on the staff, or raising company...please e-mail me at gpg.wagner@charter.net and I will keep you posted.

[GWagner]

From:

The Strongest Position I Ever Saw In My Life:
Mapping and Site Study of the Rivers Bridge Battlefield


"In January of 1865 Sherman launched the invasion of South Carolina. His army of more than 60,000 marched into the state in two wings, just as it had through Georgia, to confuse the Confederates and prevent them from concentrating their forces in opposition.

The left wing, led by Major General Henry W. Slocum and comprising the Fourteenth and Twentieth Army Corps, moved up both banks of the Savannah River as if threatening Augusta.

The right wing, consisting of the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps under the command of Major General Oliver Otis Howard, marched from Beaufort with the appearance of threatening Charleston. In reality both wings were headed for the state capital of Columbia.

The left and right wings were to make their first junction on the railroad line that ran from Augusta to Charleston. To get there, however, they had to first cross the Salkehatchie River.

In his initial advance, Howard’s right wing moved inland from Beaufort and quickly outflanked Confederate defenses at Pocataligo, a depot on the Charleston-Savannah railroad line. The small Confederate division there under the command of Major General Lafayette McLaws evacuated its fortifications on the night of January 14 and withdrew to prepared defenses farther inland on the north bank of the Salkehatchie. There the Confederates hoped the rain-swollen river and its thick swamp would impede the Union advance. Howard resumed his advance at the end of the month. His troops marched up the south bank of the Salkehatchie, intending to take
one or more of the major crossings.

The Fifteenth Corps under Major General John Logan advanced toward the northernmost crossing at Buford’s Bridge. The Seventeenth Corps, led by
Major General Frank Blair, headed for Rivers Bridge, about six miles downstream."

[Charles Heath]

Galen,

Any chance the dates for this event will be the weekend of 5-7 February 2010, since the actual battle was 2-3 February 1865? Just asking since a few fellows who like winter huts may have something going in the northlands two weeks later, and the weekend in between is one of those Her Daze.

Rev. Chris Crabb would likely enjoy assisting with the pre-event historical materials, and he is back in the Palmetto State.

[GWagner]

Mr Heef,

It was the 2nd weekend this year...the 14th and 15th. Not sure on a date for 2010 yet.

Will let folks know as soon as it is available.

[Rob Murray]

Mr. Wagner,

You should get together with a certain Mr. Williams from S. Carolina. I'm told you know each other.

[Charles Heath]

Rob,

Hardly anyone knows Dan by that name. Hehehehe.

Galen,

Brave men to fool with Valentine's Day like that!

Chris's email is Secesh65@aol.com if you want to mine his resources. Make sure you visit the outhouse before getting on the phone. Just a friendly hint, because he talks as if he was born in Wisconsin. Between a potential Rivers Bridge and the Five Forks event, this month is filling right up. Marse William's email is dwonfire@msn.com, just in case you don't have it handy.

[GWagner]

True, you are correct...I believe it was the weekend before Valentines.

I checked and it was...Feb 7-8. So it will most likely be the first weekend.

Forgive me...I do recall my phone number on occasion without the help of whitepages!

Rob...Mr Williams?? Again...the phone number analogy.

[Clsinclair]

Galen,

River's Bridge has always been the first weekend of February. The Williams has to be Bobo. Everyone in that area uses an alias. Cornbread comes to mind. Bobo and Cornbread sometimes travel to events together.

[Rob Murray]

Galen,

You have a PM.

Claude,

I thought Bobo and Cornbread came as a pair? :eek: But you are correct, it was Bobo I was refering to.

[Silas]

Bobo's emphasis is likely to be Aiken. I've spoken to him a couple times since Piney Woods about a road march of approximately 35 miles - mostly along rural, dirt roads - to Aiken during the weekdays before the reenactment. He says he's got a route all picked out. Having never set foot in South Carolina, I don't know the area. Regarding the Aiken reenactment, I have heard enough about it to make me leary of such an event ; however, a multi-day, serious road march has been known to peak my interest.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Galen,

I'll bring this up to the Low Country folks. We'll consider it for our 2010 Schedule...

[GWagner]

Peter,

I appreciate that. I am hoping if it comes together, we can do a little road march into the site Friday.

[boreguard]

What part of S.C. is that in ? I want to see how long it'd take my fellow unit members to drive from Southeast La. and Soutwest MS.
Thanks

[GWagner]

All, the event is in Erhardt SC. It is appx 5 hours from Montgomery Dennis.

The event is a go....received this from Mrs Cornbread:

Galen,

Well, we finally had our meeting this past Sunday and it looks like there will be a RB 2010! Your proposal to raise a Federal campaign group was well received and you may proceed. It looks like the date will be January 29-31, 2010 as Super Bowl is Feb. 7th.

I believe we can accommodate this number in two areas--the one you were in last year and another area to the left and below the works. Our one concern is that you make everyone aware that the weather can be very unpredictable at that time of year so watch the weather reports and be prepared!

Thanks for taking this one and helping to improve the event.

Sherry Key.

[Possum]

I'm in. Sounds like a good time.

[GWagner]

Ok folks. We have a Bn Commander and Sgt Major.

David Neel will command, and Jeff Black will Sgt Major.

Dave and Jeff have excellent federal impressions, and are very well versed in Bn, Company and Skirmish Drill. They are founding members of the Yellowhammer Rifles.

I have some interest in company command, but nothing solid yet. If you are interested in commanding/raising a company for this event, please let me know.

My intent at this point is four 25 man companies.

Co A.
Co.B (color company) - Andy Redd (tentative)
Co C.
Co D

Registration will be $10.00 and will cover a ration issue and preservation donation.

We will portray the men of the 32nd Wisconsin, Third Brigade commanded by Col John Tilson.

http://www.civilwaralbum.com/misc7/riversbridge1.htm

Please e-mail me if interested, so Ii can add you to a list to receive a registration form.

galen.wagner@dps.alabama.gov

Registration form to follow.

[Clsinclair]

Galen,

I did talk to the president of the 25th SC and he stated that he is trying to get the event back where the battle took place. The works are still there and the causeway is still in place. Randy Burbage of the 10th SC regularly puts on a march on much of the Federal route but he didn't do it this year. Another member of the 25th was working on an overnight campaign march but he fell ill and couldn't continue with the plans. I think what you are doing is great.

[GWagner]

Please let him know that this effort would love to "be" the march next year, whether there is any othe rinterest or not.

I plan to do a cracker and coffee issue Sat morning on the march route if it all works out.

[Charles Heath]

Galen,

Is there any chance you and Bobo will work together to support each other's marches? It just seems two, perhaps three, marches at the same general timeframe in the same geography is a bit much. Just a thought between cups of coffee this morning.

[Clsinclair]

Galen,

A march was discussed with members of the 10th SC this weekend at Resaca. Rick Davis will be the direct contact and Randy Burbage could help with planning the route for the march.

[GWagner]

Charles,

I don't know anything about other marches...but this one will take place Friday evening/Sat morning in conjucntion with the event and will be for the Federal campaign BN for the RB event..

Is the march Bobo is planning the one down near Beaufort? If not, fill me in.

[Clsinclair]

Galen,

I know that there was once a discussion about a march in Aiken but that has been scratched. I think Bobo was discussing that. Another person is planning a march in the low country around Beauford, SC.

[Sgt Scotti]

Michael Kirby (508 Preach) is the one that wants to start planning a march in the Beaufort area (St Helena). After talking to him at Resaca this past weekend I believe he was looking at the fall of 2011/1861. But questions about that Im sure can be more accuratley answered by him.

[GWagner]

Thanks Scott, I couldn't remember who that was.

I plan to be there for that one. Did y'all ever catch up with Maurice Ungaro in Beaufort?

Semper Fi!

[Sgt Scotti]

Unfortunatley, I have not made contact with him. Now that you reminded me of him, I think a gentleman in his position would be just the man to talk to about an effort here in this county, Ill bring it up with 508 Preach. BTW I went into the museum here on base and asked for DR Wise, he was out for the day, apparently he does alot of lecturing, but the museum has really come around since I was last in there in 2003.

[GWagner]

Make sure you ask Dr Wise about his attic full of pics.

Also, Maurice has alllooottt of contacts in that area. His wife is head of the Beaufort Chamber. An asset for sure.

I'll be over in the area for the Water Festival July 16-19. Maybe we (me, you, Maurice, Preach, and whoever else is in the local area) can meet at a local watering hole, and have a meeting of the minds.

[MD_Independent]

I generally avoid adjuncts like the plague, but, in this case, I'll make an exception. With a chance to do four '145th's' of Sherman's tour of the southeast, from Bummers to Ft. McAllister, to RB, to LBL, you can count me in.

It's only a ten hour drive. I would offer a ride to anyone in the mid-Atlantic who would like to squeeze these four events in, but we all know there aren't any serious campaigners here anymore, so I'll save my breath.

Bill Birney
Columbia Rifles

[GWagner]

Bill,

I would certainly love to have you. I will be meeting with Rob Murray this weekend about him commanding one of these companies. That'll give you a home if you make it.

What I still really need, as you alluded to, is a company commander from SC who can organize the core group of good authentics locally.

Looks like the march will happen...details to work out still.

Thanks,

[GWagner]

Update:

I am working/planning on a march in conjunction with the event. The route should take us over mostly battlefield ground. I will work with local folks who have setup preservation marches at this event over the past several years.

Chris Crabb has offered his help with his research to aid me in planning the activities, and I will work with him over the coming months to gather more info about the 32nd Wisconsin.

I have commissioned a vendor to provide a cracker ration issue Sat morning. This will fall in line with the $10.00 registration fee. The issue will also include coffee. Depending on numbers, I may try to incorporate some pork or boiled beef as well.

I am starting to see that 2010 could not be a better time to try to pull this off. This event is play billed as one in a tour of Sherman’s March events going on. I am getting pretty good feedback, and interest.

Please spread the word, and ask anyone who may be interested to e-mail me at this address; galen.wagner@dps.alabama.gov

Now for the Guidelines.

HEADGEAR: 1)Hardee Hat 2) Documented Civilian Style Hat (Black or Dark Brown Preferred). 3) Federal Forage Cap.

COAT/JACKET: 1) Four-Button Sack Coat 2) Federal Shell Jacket 3) Frock Coat.

GREAT COAT: 1) Great Coats are strongly encouraged. It is likely to get down near freezing at night. It has, however been very tolerable before at night. We just never know.

SHIRT: 1) Wool Flannel Federal Contract Shirt. 2) U. S. Issue Domet Flannel. 3) Civilian Shirt. Wool or Homespun.

TROUSERS: Sky Blue Infantry-Pattern, Wool Kersey of Proper Period Wear, Materials and Construction.

DRAWERS: 1) Military Issue. 2) Civilian. All of Proper Period Wear, Materials and Construction.

FOOTWEAR: 1) Government Issued Brogans. 2) Civilian or Military-Style Shoes. 3) Military or Civilian Boots.

SOCKS: Military or Civilian Socks. Hand-Knitted Cotton or Wool.

CANTEEN: U.S. Issued Smooth-Side With or Without Jean or Wool Cover.

KNAPSACK: 1) Bedrolls. 2) Double Bag Soft Pack

HAVERSACK: U.S. Issue Black Tarred Haversack of Proper Period Construction with Roller-Buckle Strap.

CARTRIDGE BOX: US Issue .58 or .69 Caliber Box with or without US Box Plate, Sling and U.S. Breast Plate.

CAP POUCH: 1) U.S. M 1850. 2) U.S. Shield Front.

BELT: 1) Late War Leather Belt with Brass Keeper Strongly Preferred. or 2) Early War Leather Belt with Leather Loop.

MUSKETS/RIFLES 1) M1853 Enfield. 2) M1861 Springfield. 3) 1842 Springfield. 4) 1855 Springfield. No 2-Band Weapons.

SCABBARD: 1) Two-Rivet Scabbard. 2) Federal-Sewn Scabbard. Safety: Must Have Attached Finial.

BLANKET: Brown or Gray Federal Issue Blankets

TENT: Shelter Halves/Dog Tents (Of proper material and construction)

GUM BLANKET/OIL CLOTH: 1) U.S. Issue Gum Blanket with Small Grommets. 2) Tarred Oil Ground Cloth. 3) Ponchos -

EYEWEAR: No Modern Eyewear of Any Kind! (Contacts Excluded - Solution in Poke Sack).


Compliments of Chris Crabb:

"The boys of the 32nd Wisconsin had already did some fairly tight action on February 2nd(first day of RB battle). The 25th Indiana (also of Tillson's brigade) had the advance, pushed back some Cornfed cavalry in the direction of Broxton's bridge. The 32nd Wisconsin then took the advance and teamed up with the 9th Illinois Mounted Infantry to drive the Confederate Cavalry on the RB road back. Once they pushed them to the intersection of the RB/Buford's Bridge road, Tillson's brigade (including 32nd Wisconsin) guarded the crossroads.

So by the second day of the skirmish at River's Bridge, those boys had already fought some of the fights opening action. If you could find some good fairly good ground in the rear of the swamp to camp your battalion may be a good idea. Tillson's boys didn't sleep in the swamp, and this would replicate nicely the boys as they camped on the fairly good ground on the 1st day.

The second day of the battle/skirmish at RB, this was when Mower's division, including Tillson's brigade were ordered down into the swamp. The 32nd Wisconsin originally threw out three companies of skirmishers on the left of the road to the bridge. Shortly after three more were added into the mix. So these six companies were pretty much crossing on fallen logs, working their way through the swamp/river. Eventually they got across the last (of three) channels of the river, and the last three companies were thrown forward."

More to follow as it becomes available.

[Mudslinger]

Galen,

As a former PB member, and veteran of River's Bridge, I have a commitment of 15 Federal campaigners from the Acorn Boys Mess. See you in February 2010!

[Mudslinger]

Galen,

I had an ancestor in the 27th OVI, who was part of the flanking action on the cordouroy road at RB. Since Buford's and Broxton's Bridges were both destroyed to delay the advance of Sherman and the 17th Corps, they were instructed to lay down suppressive fire so the rest of the Brigade could cross. The 27th OVI was in the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 17th Corps (O.O. Howard). That was our principle impression at Rivers' Bridge.

27th OVI (http://www.ohiocivilwar.com/cw27.html)


I would recommend Fred Polston of the PB as a company commander. Fred is a life-long friend of mine, and has YEARS of experience in the PB and reenacting/campaigning in general, as well as the RB event (he took me to RB, my 3rd event in 1989). He may be willing to do it, if Claude doesn't mind releasing his Sgt. Maj. for the weekend. Please Claude? For one event?

[Mudslinger]

Galen,

PM Sent, we have our 20 rifles. Some of the boys from the 9th OVI are consolidating with us. Just let us know what our company designation will be.

[GWagner]

Co A. - Captain-Andrew Potter; 1st. Sgt.-Nick Miller (Ohio Company)
Co.B - - Captain Andy Redd (Alabama Company/Color Company)
Co C. - TBD (South Carolina Company)
Co D - TBD

I am shooting for each company to have 25. If you want to register and are not affiliated with one of these companies, I will fill in where necessary.

If you are interested in raising Company D and commanding it, please contact me.

galen.wagner@dps.alabama.gov

[Mudslinger]

Galen,

I know it's been YEARS since I've been to RB, and have done the march. I'll be in SC several times between now and December. We should get together and cover the route with Randy this fall. Just a thought.

[Mudslinger]

Galen,

It may seem a bit to soon to push the issue, but I know there has been a push for a c/p/h element at "The Columns" in Florence, SC. Could there be a chance that we could raise a battalion for that event as adjunct? Perhaps the same boys from RB can go down the next month in March?, then do the LBL event-Backwater 1865 to complete Sherman's Carolinas Campaign. It would be nice. Bummers, Ft. McCallister, Rivers' Bridge, Columns, and finally Backwater 1865. Like Bill said....it would be nice.

Here's the info from the 23rd SC website:


The Skirmish At Gamble's Hotel depicts an encounter that occurred on March 5, 1865 when 500 federal soldiers, under the command of Colonel Reuben Williams of the 12th Indiana Infantry, marched into the Florence area to destroy the railroad depot. These federal troops were met by a group of Confederate soldiers who drove them away with the help of 400 reinforcements from the area home guard.

The Columns is a popular name for The Harwell House at Rankin Plantation, a beautiful antebellum home that dates back over 100 years. The name refers to the 22 Greek style, Doric columns that surround the home on three sides.

[GWagner]

Are you trying to get me beat up?:tounge_sm

Ok...I just had a organizational meeting with the powers that be.

We have setup a isolated campsite Friday night...with ration issue, and adundant firewood and water, then a Saturday dawn 5-7 mile March directly into the skirmish at the event site.

Best part, only pavement we have to touch is to cross one road. The march will be on pig trails, and through woods the entire way.

More to follow...look for a registration form soon.

[Mudslinger]

Beat up? Naw, not at all.....they don't whip boys from Bama in the Lowcountry, just the ones who''ve moved up North. The march sounds great! Any details on the ration issue yet? Is it still just coffee and beans, or did you add to it?

[Andrew Jarvi]

I can't do two events that far south in such a short time, unless I hit the lottery by then.

[GWagner]

I have finalized planning for the march portion of the Rivers Bridge event with the hosts. I have asked the event staff that this march be reserved for the Adjunct Bn. only, so our experience can be top notch. It is unbelievable how cooperative and supportive they are being with our efforts. Thanks to Rick Davis for that.

We will camp Friday night at a site down the road from the event site (The Boyer home site). Water, and wood will be plentiful. It is very isolated, and there should be minimal modern intrusions. Everyone will be ferried out to this site from enactor parking. This is where I plan to do the ration issue of at minimum crackers and bean coffee either Friday evening, or first thing Saturday morning. I will try to incorporate slab bacon with 5 lbs issued per company. Pete Paolillo will being baking and issuing the crackers, and will serve as the Bn Quartermaster Sgt for the weekend if he chooses…or after the ration issue a slacker private.

We will wake up before the rooster Saturday morning, and march about 5-7 miles down mostly pig trails through completely wooded areas. The only pavement should be a road crossing. I expect the march to take about 3 to 3 ½ hours. We will come into the event site from the low area, and move directly into light skirmishing. This will go on until the battle Saturday. We will then move into bivouac for Saturday night.

Skirmishing will commence just after church call and the State Park memorial service Sunday and continue until the battle that afternoon. I would implore all who plan to attend not to leave early Sunday. If necessary, plan to spend Sunday night and make your drive Monday. The event host has offered for anyone needing to make a long drive to camp Sunday night. I plan to do this more than likely.

I have a Bn staff, and two companies solidified. The goal being four 25 man companies, I need two company commanders. I expect the Ohio and Alabama companies to fill up rather quickly. I plan to fill the companies based on geography. I need a SC/Georgia commander to place folks from those areas with. The forth company will simply be filled with straglers from wherever they register from...Tenn, etc.

If anyone is interested in commanding either of these companies, with minimal logistics on your part other than spreading the word to folks who may want to fight behind you, please let me know.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

So, what's the historic impression for this...what's the background of the action taking place??

Paul B.

[GWagner]

On February 2, 1865 a Confederate force under Lafayette McLaws held the crossings of the Salkehatchie River against the advance of the right wing of Sherman’s Army. Federal 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. (March based on this movement) On February 3, two Union brigades waded the swamp downstream and assaulted McLaws’s right. McLaws retreated toward Branchville after stalling Sherman’s advance for only one day.

Our action, as stated, will surround the activities of the 32nd Wisoconsin Infantry of which I have collected a good bit of info. The camp Friday night will replicate the "good ground" on which they camped day 1, and then the march into the swampy area, and Saturday night campsite will replicate the 2nd days bivuac.

If you need further info, please check out http://www.riversbridgefedbn.webs.com

[Mudslinger]

From an earlier post:


We will portray the men of the 32nd Wisconsin, Third Brigade commanded by Col John Tilson.

http://www.civilwaralbum.com/misc7/riversbridge1.htm

[huntdaw]

I will be commanding Co. D at this event. Ross Lamoreaux will be 1st Sgt.

I would appreciate others who would like to see SC in the winter to come along and sign up for the company.

[PetePaolillo]

Mr. Comer, I will be honored to be in your company Sir!..since I will probably will be driving with the 1st Seargent up to RB :D

[GWagner]

I am now accepting paypal for registration.

http://riversbridgefedbn.webs.com/registration.htm

[Mudslinger]

We are nearly at full strength and could use a few more good fellas from the OH, WV, KY, PA region for Company A. PM me if interested. These are the units committed so far for Company A:

Acorn Boys Mess (33rd OVI)
9th OVI

[GWagner]

Event planning is going well. Y'all get your registrations in.

[GWagner]

If we don't get some registration money in soon, we'll be forced to scrap the cracker issue.

If everyone who has downloaded an app sends it on it, we are lookign really good.

Pete needs time to bake the crackers though. We have to get at least a ball park number. If you are planning to register, please go ahead and do so so Pete can ge tthe crackers rolling.

[Andrew Jarvi]

Anyone in the Columbus, Ohio area or willing to drive to Columbus is welcome to ride with me, just let me know. Several of the folks that were supposed to go have work or school issues that are now prohibiting them from going.

[GWagner]

Andrew,

Get those Ohio boys to send the forms in so we'll know what the numbers look like for rations. :D

[GWagner]

All,

In light of some recent developments, I will have to make a few changes to the event process.

First, you still need to register on the website...

www.riversbridgefedbn.webs.com

However, the event may charge $5.00 per person. So I am dispensing with the $10.00 registration fee. You may need to pay $5.00 on site, and you WILL NEED TO bring your own rations. We did not get a sufficient number to fool with a ration issue on any scale. I may get some slab bacon and coffe from my own pocket for those who show up.

Please get your tregistrations in ASAP. The march and event scenario is looking very good!

Anyone who has already paid will recieve a refund at the event when they arrive. Anyone who has registered and does not come, will recieve a refund via mail if they choose or I can donate the money to the battlefield. Your choice.

[GWagner]

We are less than 30 days away. Everything is in order. The march is setup, we have a great camp site on site..secluded. We will have one company it looks like. Andrew Potter will command.

Anyone planning on attending, please let me know via e-mail:

gpg.wagner(at)charter.net or galen.wagner(at)dps.alabama.gov

Thanks!!

[GWagner]

Less than two weeks away. If you come, wait at registration for a shuttle out to Boyers for the Friday night bivuac.

See you there.

[GWagner]

Exciting Announcement!

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Robert Szabo, a well known wet plate collodion artist, will be at River's Bridge this year...unless big rain happens, but that is not predicted at this time.

If you are in need of a good image be sure to visit him. Get your pards together and share the cost then draw for the original (copies to all of course).

Safe travels to all,

_________________
Sherry Key

[GWagner]

Looks like we’ll have some considerable precipitation Friday night. Anyone who wants to set up a fly Friday, we can. We can retrieve it/them Saturday after the battle. Saturday will be cool, and Sat night cold…but the rain/sleet/snow should move out by early Sat morning.

Low Fri night is 38…Sat night around 25…so some spooning may be in order. Bring an extra blanket, and a few pairs of dry socks.

Don’t let this stop you. We will use common sense and keep dry. We will not step off in the pouring rain…if we have to delay the march an hour or so, we will.

Look forward to seeing you!