Anybody back yet?

[dusty27]

I'm sure Doug is sleeping on the plane home today or tomorrow, but anyone else attend that can give a preliminary report? Should I plan a trip to G'burg to have Chris measure me for my Federal uniform?:wink_smil

[Iceman]

I do not have official numbers, but from what people were saying, the money raised for battlefield preservation this weekend at Mansfield, Louisiana - not Gettysburg, not Sharpsburg, or any other "hardcore" eastern event - raised more money for battlefield preservation than any other Civil War event ever! The rough numbers right now is somewhere in the ballpark of $25,000!

The event at Mansfield was also the largest garthering of both participants and spectators at any Louisiana historical site. The rough numbers were somwhere around 700 participants, with about 5,000 spectators. Mansfield can't compete with the mega events out East, but in comparison it's the largest event the State of Louisiana has ever had. Hats off to all those who came, even more so to Adam Cecile for his dedication to the push for authentic support for mainstream events in the Trans-Miss. There are already talks in the works for the next preservation march next year.

Nic Clark
Chasseurs de Chalmette

[Old Reb]

Let's say a very brief preliminary report because I am really tired, but the event was a great success. I believe Doug told me that nearly $8,000 dollars have been raised so far.The march was tough, but for a worthy cause. On our first rest break, we possed for a photo op with the moon scape of the lignite mine in the background. Danny, Doug, Frank, and the Mansfield park folks did well with this one, as well as others that helped put on this even and the generous nature of many excellent vendors. Dusty, I will let Doug post about whether you should plan that trip or not. Again, the 15 miles was tough. The nights were down right chilly and the days warm, but from my point of view, it was one of the best preservation events I have attended. The number of bitting and stinging critters was held down by the cool nights. . Maybe one thing that made it so good for me was the fact unlike those that came from the far reaches of this country, and Britain, I had only 35 miles to travel to get back home. Hope others post on this and I will go nurse my tired feet and weary legs.

I'm sure Doug is sleeping on the plane home today or tomorrow, but anyone else attend that can give a preliminary report? Should I plan a trip to G'burg to have Chris measure me for my Federal uniform?:wink_smil

[Cary Davisson]

Hello Pards,
Here are some pics I took Saturday! I hope everyone returned home safely. It was great to meet and see everyone there.
Cary A. Davisson

[high_private78]

Hello Pards,
Here are some pics I took Saturday! I hope everyone returned home safely. It was great to meet and see everyone there.
Cary A. Davisson


Just got back home in Bama about an hour ago.... and am still trying to take it all in... The 15th did an awsome job... there were very few dropouts... and every one that was left Sunday morning finished the march. I commend all the men that made the march and the CO's that led them.. It was great to meet and get to know authentics from all points of the globe.

Jason Reasor
Asst. Surgeon 15th TX
Gold Bond/ Moleskin Mess

[Blum]

Hi,

Happy you had great time in Louisiana and nice to look at pictures !!!

I was among the seven French reenactors who do the travel for the first Red River Campaign in 1994 and I am very disappointed it was impossible for me to go in the USA with you all !!!

Hope everybody is come back home safety and we can look at soon others pictures … :)

[Holy Joe]

Got back home around 7 last evening....excellent, excellent event.

Roughly 80 men attempted the march from Mansfield to Pleasant Hill, with nearly all making it with out any trouble. Word is that some $8,000 to $10,000 was raised by the fellows and the raffle. Combined with the Austin Civil War Roundtable's "twofer" matching contribution, we could see as much as $30,000 donated to the CWPT earmarked for Mansfield.

Gentlemen that participated, I was honored to be a part of this very moving and powerful experience. Your hard work has won you the praise of the Texas General Land Office, Representative Callegari, and the Governor of Texas. You have honored our fathers well...As your Commissary Sergeant, I give you a hearty pat on the back.

Three cheers for Texas, boys!

[Strawfoot]

Though I did not fall in with the 15th Texas, I did attend M/PH. I desperately wanted to join the march, but just could not put a solid enough CSA kit together in time.

Having said that, as a Federal I participated because I wished to catch them in action, and also wanted to do anything I could do to support the effort. Whether it was digging into the wallet, riding with the chase vehicle for awhile, or just doing my best Fed impression and giving them someone to shoot at. Some other c/p/h type Feds and I ended up falling in with the 9th Texas, which does a stand-up job galvanizing as zouaves of the 165th NY. Anyhow...

Seeing the 15th TX for the first time, storming across the field at the Mansfield battle, and flanking a fed battery was awe inspiring. Only disciplined re-enactors could've double-quicked into position that effectively. And in the PH scenario, their battalion front was littered with casualites. You could tell the 15th was over on the reb right flank by the crisp, sharp, volleys coming from that part of the field.

The battalion looked great, even from a distance. During the brief moments I did see the 15th TX function as a military organization (there were short lulls both after the Mansfield battle and before the PH scenario) I witnessed professionalism and soldierly qualities commensurate with what I've seen from groups like the WIG, and AoP. It was one of those cases where even the spectators could see they looked like what civil war soldiers would've really looked like.

I also want to add my admiration for the park employees at the Mansfield Battlefield Park, who are some very sharp types. Utterly professional, serious about their work. That was one beautiful field to re-enact on... Conversely, driving by the site of the lignite mining was a sobering
experience. It reminded me very much of the Kuwaiti desert.

As for the march itself, I briefly wondered why the battalion didn't try the entire distance in one straight shot. Marching 8 miles, then stopping for four hours, might give the cold and stiffness a chance to set in just in time for that last eight miles to be a freaking killer...

I saw more than one campaigner wobbly and weak-kneed Sunday at Pleasant Hill, and knew they were more than a little sore. If they had chosen to march through the night, they also would've been tremendously aided by a very bright and full moon that night.

But having not walked in their shoes, I tip my hat to them and their efforts. The last tally I heard was in excess of 20 grr. Outstanding.

Lastly, I did get a chance to meet Doug Cooper, and never remember seeing an individual looking so spent. As a whole, they really put a shoulder to the wheel. There's a whole lot of guys in that battalion I am proud to call friends.

By the way, I heard rumblings of a special sharpshooter battalion which was historically understrength possibly being raised to scale for Franklin later this year.

Well done friends.

Mike Phineas
Arlington, TX

[srmitchell]

All,
Arrived home about 11p.m. yesterday, and woke up to a loud ringing noise this morning that took me several seconds to identify as a telephone. :D
All I can say is . . . wow.
The event was excellent, the march was taxing but achievable, and even the weather chose to co-operate. I cannot say enough about this event.
Special thanks to Danny, Doug, and Frank for all thier efforts and the efforts of thier staff and support teams. This event was a great example of what a handful of dedicated people can do, and I hope it's effects are felt in that area of Louisiana for a long, long, time.
It was great to meet and march with men such as these.
Forward Trans-Mississippi!

[Iceman]

I just got off the phone with Doug Cooper, and the official grand total amount of money raised by strictly the living historians is $9,737.28.

Nic Clark

[Gallo de Cielo]

I have a feeling that this post will eventually span a lengthy number of virtual pages but I thought that I would take a few moments to share some reflections on the event.

To begin, it was an experience not to be forgotten. In the company that I had the honor to wear the first sergeant's stripes in we had men ranging from age 15 to 60. Some came from Louisiana, Texas, Utah, Idaho, Washington State, Oregon, Illinois, Arkansas, and even from the United Kingdom. Among that group were high schoolers, several PhDs, the attourney who saved Confederate Memorial Hall in New Orleans, businessmen, and several of the finest vendors in the hobby. To say the least it was a fantastic group of men.

The highlights, although too numerous to mention in full, would include Adjutant Wheeley reading the proclomations and letters of thanks from the State of Texas, the mail call Saturday morning, gathering with the full battalion shortly after the march had begun to look over a portion of the battlefield that has been forever and irreperably dismantled by the lignite mine, marching into the dark Saturday night, seeing so many men in the ranks again Sunday morning, and finally, those last fantastic few hundred yards as we marched into Pleasant Hill. I doubt I would be exagerating to say that we were all tired as hell. Many were sore, stiff, sunburned, or blistered but to see the ranks tighten up, to hear the steady tramp of the battalion marching to the step, and then moving into Pleasant Hill with spectators and other reenactors clapping, waving, and cheering was simply fantastic.

I've now acted as first sergeant at three fine events- Port Gibson, TAG, and most recently the Mansfield/Pleasant Hill march- and I can truthfully state that this was the best group to work with, bar none. My fellow NCO's were incredible, as were the men in the ranks. Everyone endured the privations without complaint and almost everyone saw the thing through to the end. Knowing that the men we represented fought in the midst of a savage battle and then covered the distance we split over two days in one has even more meaning now that we've attempted it to the degree we did.

Lastly, the amount of personal time, effort, and energy that so many folks from so many distant quarters contributed was humbling in the extreme. Danny McCoslin (who made the march in its intirety despite a nice line of staples in his scalp), Doug Cooper, Frank Aufmuth, Don Smith, and the countless others who saw this thing through from start to finish really should be commended. Dusty Lind, Jason Reasor, and Chris Rolling all expended significant amounts of time and particularly gasoline in shuttling folks and in making sure everyone was kept in good health. Others expended large amounts of their personal income toward travel and/or preservation efforts. Indeed, the cost of flying from the Pacific-Northwest and Great Britain alone was staggering in and of itself. Some declined to participate as they didn't wish to be a part of a preservation parade. A scant few who had signed up had the usual last-minute sorry excuses but in my mind, the wheat was separated from the chaff prior to the event, rather than during it. It's most likely that those souls weren't up to the challenge to begin with and opted out with the afore-mentioned excuses.

Clearly the amount of fund-raising and attention this event has garnered will set the standard. I'm proud to have been a part of it and I look forward to soldiering again with my new-found, and far-flung comrades from Company B, and indeed, from the battalion as a whole.

Kind regards,

Fred Baker

[Eureka Independent]

Hi All,

A huge Thank You to all who came to help preserve Mansfield.

All of you did the extraordinary. Thank you for your dedication to preserving the history and land where the last major victory of the south was fought.

On behalf of the Interpretive Ranger Staff at Mansfield Battlefield.
Scott Dearman, Senior Ranger
Nic Clark, Ranger
Don Smith, Ranger

Thank you


Don Smith

[huntdaw]

Fine, fine event. It gives me a greater appreciation for what the real fellows did day, after day, after day during campaigns. I was proud to be part of it and offer my little bit of service by being a member of the batallion. As we marched in to Pleasant Hill and then stood in our ranks for the last time after stacking arms, I must admit I got a bit choked up and misty eyed.

Despite the foot-soreness, the cold nights and hot days this will remain a great memory for me and I am indebted to all who organized it. If we have not set a new standard for fund raising for preservation we have at least raised the bar and I am grateful to have been a small part of it.

[Alamo Guard]

Pam and I took our time getting home. We enjoyed seeing natures wrath from all the rain that was dumped on Texas.
The event was in one word awesome. The event will remain engrained for several reasons, first and foremost is the dedication by many people in so many countless ways to make the event happen. Second was despite a few setbacks there was no bickering no complaining and we actually stayed in first person the whole weekend. I think though we need to send a special thank you to the makers of "Boudreaux's Butt Paste", but without the before and after photos.
I felt honoured to serve with such men such as yourselves. It was also great to finally put a name to a face.
I hope for those of you possums who ordered my wifes socks they held up as I told you they would?
After this march I really do remain "YOS".....Dusty Lind
Aloe Vera Mess

[Kris Ruffino]

Hello Everyone
Well I must agree with everyone this was an event to remember. I had so much fun getting to meet and talk to everyone involved in the march. I would like to thank the Lazy Jacks for coming all this way to help Mansfield. The march wouldn't have been the same without Tom in front beet red and sweating, but grinning and enjoying every step of the way. I would also like to than Danny McCoslin, Doug Cooper, The Ground Hornets, The Upstartmess, The Texas Rifles and everyone else that came out and put their bodies to the test to help the cause. In closing I would also like to thank everyone for making me feel welcomed and for being so nice to me. I have never meet a nicer bunch of guys. I was able to get a few pics in between getting water and finding the rest stops for the march. If anyone would like me to send the pictures to them just drop me a line.
Thank you all again
Kris Ruffino

[DougCooper]

One photo says it all - the picture by Chris Ruffino just above of the battalion standing near the Allen House (period hospital just out of the picture) with the enemy in the background. The monsters were hard at work as we stood there and it was an appalling site, as the moonscape behind you shows. To the right of the photo beyond us (now moonscape) Americans slugged it out toe to toe to capture Chapman's Bayou, the only fresh water source. Chapman's Bayou has been eliminated to the east of LA 175. Soldiers were buried there...

The money is still coming in but this morning I turned over to Gary Joiner, head of the Friends of Mansfield, $9737.28 raised solely by marchers and support crew. A second group of marchers, the 19th LA infantry, have generated several hundred more putting the total well over $10,000. This means we will trigger nearly $20,000 more in matching grants and will buy more than half of the 60 acres we are trying to save via CWPT's appeal. In talking to CWPT this AM, we may have the other half covered via private donations or we are close.

Mike Phineas was right - I was pretty spent as we arrived at Pleasant Hill but perked up with Commander Frank Aufmuth's and organizer Danny McCoslin's heartfelt thank you speeches. Actually Danny just looked at us with a face I will never forget and said Thank You. Getting a chance to then go out on the field under that flag and face the stalwart yanks who showed up or galvanized as a big thank you for their service, was a perfect end to a great weekend. I learned allot about how adrenaline kicked in for soldiers...in fact I learned about soldiers - because I watched them come to life all weekend. We did not want it to end, except perhaps to tend to sore and blistered feet and other march induced ailments.

Impressions - we thought not only about the boys of 1864 but about the boys of RR1 and RR2, some of whom were among us.

Seeing Tom Yearby, 50ish, looking as spry at the end as he did at the beginning, remaining in first person all weekend.

Chad Teasley- volunteering so much for fatigue details we finally had to restrain him.

Don Smith, tearing up as he handed over his beautiful handsewn flag of the 15th TX to Commander Frank Aufmuth during the presentation of the colors...and then seeing the look on Frank's face as he handed it to Color Sgt Stephen Johnston

Patrick Reardon, 50ish Lazy Jack, UK Architect of great renown and the ONLY foreign member of the Museum of the Confederacy's Board of Trustees...straighten up and stand tall as he marched into the field at Pleasant Hill on a sprained ankle that resembled the Queen's Blue-Gray kersey in color. He had walked on it for 8 miles fueled no doubt by what Jeb Stuart's great great grand-son calls Patrick's "southern heart."

Adjutant Tom Wheeley, another Lazy Jack and the quintessential officer and gentleman, reading the resolutions and proclamations from the Government of Texas at Dress Parade.

Mike Phineas and comrade, running at full tilt away in the dark from a pile of abandoned federal rations and QM items we were only too happy to capture at the end of the first day.

Dusty Lind reading a letter from home in perfect first person.

A box from the patriotic ladies of McClennan County Texas full of homespun socks for their "heroic defenders in the field." Never seen men happier to get socks...except maybe when QM Lt Phil Graf and COS Sgt Gary White cracked the crate full of "Stockings, 100 PR. Monroe Depot"

Looking out over the moonlit field at neat rows of sleeping men, with pickets on watch in the background in their ghostly undyed cotton jean jackets and overshirts...and knowing Don Smith was right when he said there had never been a better impression of the TMD CS soldier in 1864.

Watching Frank Marek carry his brother off the field at Pleasant Hill (after the march).

Watching Richard Hale and Dave Turpin, Lazy Jacks and real soldiers of the Queen, naturally pick up the RA "SLR" carry with their Enfields and whistle period marching tunes as we tramped along.

Sgt Major "OX" Johnson bellowing as only a Sgt Major would do to get this form or that detail or (fill in blank) to him "more quickly." Superb impression.

KC MacDonald standing over his volunteered ground sheet now full of just issued greasy salt pork (salt fat) with a "bet the soldiers just loved this" look on his face.

Commander Frank Aufmuth losing the mouthpiece of his bugle to the barely concealed delight of the men.

Forming square...and it really looked like one.

Kris Ruffino, civilian logistics savior (wagon driver, etc) calmly pulling at a tick lodged near her navel after the event. Steve Mitchell, soldier par excellence, promptly dubbed her "hardcore."

Shaking the hands of every one of the men of the color company at the end...and seeing the looks in their eyes.

My 1st Sgt Fred Baker, run the company as if he was born to.

There are many more but one really stands out....Danny McCoslin, bruised and battered with 13 staples in his head (ignored Doctor's orders) marching up ahead in his well used TMD Texas slouch hat, looking for all the world like a day laborer in second hand clothes out for a stroll...but with resolute purpose that inspired us all.

Thank you everyone. More coherent details to follow once I deal with the raffle.

[Mark Timms]

Boys:

It was a great pleasure to serve with all of you who fell in with the 15th Texas at Mansfield. The preparation, organization and leadership was outstanding. Kudos to all those already mentioned who contributed so much.

I also found that the intensity level to be about right. The physical toll on all from the march, drilling, fighting, and all-night picket duty for both nights (thanks Co.'s A and C for letting Co. B, who raised the most money for the preservation effort, have the second night off!) was challenging and at times downright drudgery, but the great majority were able to gut it out.

The low point for me was the last third of the Saturday march. After drilling for several hours in the hot sun, fighting the battle, and marching 8.5 miles in heavy marching order at a brisk pace, I was pretty much running on fumes. I vividly remember Frank constantly falling back to the rear of the formation and then bounding back to the front while I could barely keep up! I mustn't have been the only one running out of gas seeing how at least a third of the unit was on the ground and asleep within 10 minutes of arriving at the bivouc site. Pretty much everyone was off in la-la land within an hour or so.

For sure it would have been awesome if we could have slept for 3-4 hours and then have marched the rest of the way to Pleasant Hill, but many of us wouldn't have made it. The march the following morning was almost as hard as the day before. Again the intensity was just right.

At the Pleasant Hill reenactment area I immediately noticed the stark contrast between the serious effort put into the impressions by the 15th Texas, and that of most of the other reeanactors. With the exception of some boys from Louisiana that I saw, the rest of the Confederates were pretty farby. Many of the Feds looked pretty good though. Speaking of the Louisianans, how 'bout them boys marching the full 16 miles to Pleasant Hill in one push! Sure, they didn't do it in heavy marching order and may not have drilled as much as we did before hand, but it still was quite an achievement.

Again, great event! I look forward to the next opportunity to serve with ya' all.

Mark Timms
Ordinance Sgt., Co. B
a.k.a. "Tim Marks" or "Branding Iron"

[DougCooper]

Mark Timms was the Ordnance Sgt for Co B and did a great job - with one hand wrapped in a bandage all weekend... Anybody who has ever seen what a red hot ramrod can do to the palm of your hand (grabbed the wrong one) will know why Mark will from now always be called "Branding Iron."

[Strawfoot]

Doug,

Actually, those were my fellow Red Sock pards Trey Meador and Jeremy "Corn" LeCrone. I spoke with Trey on Sunday, and he said y'all barely bothered with them, heading straight for the stores.

As for the 19th LA... I was walking over to Phil Cavanaugh's sutler tent at the PH camp, making my way through that ocean of a farb's wet dream, and came across a company street of ground cloths and blankets. No tents, desks, recliners, stoves etc...

Though it has been said that if you campaign amongst farbs that does not make you a campaigner, I was still very impressed by the efforts of those boys. I spoke with their Orderly Sgt, who basically laughed and said none of his boys could afford tents. He also said not a one of them would've finished the march if they'd stopped for a few hours to rest.

Though a few of them had some horrible gear, I was still impressed with their attitude and effort.

Mike

Full name on all posts please - Mike Chapman

[DougCooper]

Mike - all I know is the Red Sox run fast - we decided to let you go because we thought you had set the food boxes and pile of stuff on fire - and all we were thinking about was food at that point. I thought the 19th LA looked sharp (good AoT impression) - and as the ONLY other unit with a preservation orientation, it was great to see their effort.

We never did plan on marching through the night or even after a few hours rest because we had to capture those rations, though nobody knew about that except the staff. Also marching in the dark meant marching on pavement - too dark to be down on the side of the road where we wanted to be. We had not had an organized meal since breakfast, and had a very strenous day to boot.

Our first day's march was tough, not because of the march per se but because of what came before. I share this because part of the planning of the staff was to create a realistic (difficult) schedule that kept the men in the dark about what was happening next. They must have succeeded from the talk of the men about food, feet, rest, shade, yankees etc. We did not need to force 1st person, it happened by itself.

Thursday and Friday night - 3-4 hours sleep in the cold.

Saturday:
0530 First Call
0630 Ration Issue and breakfast call
0800 Company drill
0915 Parade, Inspection and Presentation of the Colors
1100 Battalion Drill
1200 QM sock issue and mail call
1300 Mansfield - about 2 miles of double quick and maneuvers around the Union flank
1430 Rest and for me last minute raffle donation assault on assembled troops waiting for buses (one of the 25 winners came from this group).
1530 Step off on a 8.5 mile march

The second day was relatively easy as all we had to do was march 7.5 miles and fight the Pleasant Hill battle. One problem was bad feet, much of which resulted from our first off road stretch the day before which turned out to be a swamp - had been dry as a bone 3 weeks before and no rain to speak of since. Gary Joiner and I poured over the latest satellite photos yesterday morning and he believes that the destruction of Chapman's Bayou has so altered the water table that we may have been stepping in mine outflow or rain runoff no longer allowed to drain. Thanks Dolet Hills.

A great event for a great cause - all of us, and expecially the 5 of us from the Pacific Northwest and the Lazy Jacks from the UK, formed a friendship born of shared goals and more than a little adversity. Beyond the largest ever donation from a preservation march, this sense of unit identity and the 100% effort from EVERYONE will be my best memory from Mansfield 2004.

[Texas Rebel Girl]

Gentlemen:

You have outdone yourself in the recent battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill. As a spectator I can only say that I was totally awestruck. This is my first time at the reenactment having only found out recently that my Great Grandfather and His brother fought at this battle. I was impressed with the pyrotechnics and felt as though I was in the midst of a real artillery duel.


As a proud daughter of Texas and great grand-daughter of a brave man who fought for the 22nd TX Infantry I salute you and thank you sirs.


Patricia Manry

[PigPen]

Gentlemen,

My hats off to all of you. It was a long planning process with more than one stumble along the way. I wanted to say more to everyone as we reached Pleasant Hill but found myself feeling a little choked up. (The last time I felt that way was when I graduated boot camp in '97) Your efforts and time made this a great event for me, and something I will never forget. It was the efforts of Mr Yearby and Mr Reardon (both over 50) who both had twisted ankles, that made me realize the throbbing in my head wasn't that big of a deal. I know many of the men that made that march in '64 were hurt worse than I and that we could do it. We started with 74 men and finished with 68, I think that is something that is commendable in itself. The road was long and tiring but we did it together. I couldn't have asked for a better group of men to stand up for preservation and a cause.

With the amount of money raised I think that we have set the standard for others to follow. I think the small group we had (compaired to Eastern events) raising that much money really says something about where our hearts are. Doug I have said this many times but can not say it enough, we would not have surpassed our goals had it not been for you. I had hoped for $5,000 or $6,000 but $10,000 is remarkable!


I think that Gary did an excellant job with the commisary. Pickled Beef isn't that bad. I must say that one of the funniest moments of the entire weekend was hearing several people ask what to do with the whole corn they were issued. Phil did a likewise excellant job with the Quartermaster issue, I know it was hell keeping up with who got what blanket and how many pairs of socks each person had ordered. Our SgtMajor turned 21 on Friday and as we sat around the fire around mid-night we laughed that he never thought he's be able to stand this late on his 21 birthday. Adam you did a great job, I could have asked for more.

The teamsters. Dusty, Kris, Chris, and Jason. Without yall we would have had no water along the way or anything to do with the injured but leave them on the side of the road. Jason your EMT experience helped a lot of people to finish.

I also want to commend the Ambulance Corps who earned their badges by shuttling the wounded off the field and by carrying the strechers with us on the march. It looked great.

Everyone followed the guidelines and showed up ready to march and fight I couldn't have asked for more or be more proud. This is something that I will truely keep close to my heart for the rest of my days. One day when we take my grandchildren to Mansfield to see the battlefield that their ancestors fought on we can say, "See this land? I helped to save it."

[VanceGuardsLT]

First off, I want to thank those of you who posted favorable comments about my unit, the 19th Louisiana, Company A. Although we still have a ways to go in the authenticity department, we are striving for a better impression. We are probably the only campaigning infantry company in the state, but since last fall, we have implemented stricter standards along with a time frame for our members to meet those standards. Otherwise, we are just mainstreamers sleeping on the ground.

We chose to march the entire distance because we wanted our members to have more time to rest before the battle on Sunday. I've got to tell you, it was a real thrill to be able to participate in such a worthy cause. We started with 26 and finished with 23, quite an accomplishment for sedentary Americans in this day and age. Although not all of us were in heavy marching order, many carried bedrolls or knapsacks. We marched 50 minutes and rested ten, and averaged 2 miles per hour. I am very proud of the men who made the march, both those in the 19th and those of you who portrayed the 15th Texas. It was a real thrill to see the men of the 15th on the field Sunday (Mr. Aufmuth, I was the lieutenant who asked if I could do anything for you while you were laying on the ground). And Danny, you are the man! Talk about picking yourself up by the bootstraps! I just wish that I had had more time to shake the hands of the men in the 15th Texas. They set an example that we all should follow.

Melvin S. Faris
2LT, 19th Louisiana, Co. A
The Vance Guards

[Stephen Johns]

Melvin,

You Lousiana boys did one hell of a job and you should all be proud. Even if all yours boys did not carry all there gear, y'all did some thing that has not been done in 140 years that I know of. Hard core re-enacting is much more than uniforms and gear. Y'all have the right attitudes and mindset and in my book, y'all are as hard core as it gets.

I was way to foot sore to make it to your camp to see how y'all did after we arrived in PH on Sunday but I wish I could have. I would have liked to shake your hand again. (I met you on the bus going back to PH Friday Night). Well any way good job and keep going in the right direction and improving.

Who's up for RR3? Danny, Doug?

[John of the Skulkers Mess]

Good work comrades!


John Pillers
Skulkers

[Campjacksonboy]

This was an awsome event. So much seemed to be at work against us but in the end everything fell together almost as if the planets were aligned.
I never see Dom or Pat post anything about events after the fact so I hope I am not jinxing anything or falling into a 10,000 year old curse.

The 15th had the best battalion staff I have ever seen. Danny McCoslin was the rank of captain but filled the same capacity as a Lt. Col. This event was his brain child. He didn't think he would have time to command but he was so active that had the job come to him there is no doubt in my mind that he could have filled it as an efficient and effective battalion commander. He is a man of vision and out of such men come ideas for events such as the one we just experienced. It is little wonder that the event turned out as well as it did as his vision and hard work were clearly evident. He was an incredible inspiration to the men even marching days after a car wreck with 13 staples in his head and a bruised up leg.

Our British adjutant, Tom Wheeley, had his accent and this way of barking out orders that gave everything he said an air of military precision that would simply be impossible had we have chosen anyone else. He had this way of barking out for the Sgt. Major Friday night that made us all laugh but deep down made me glad I was not the Sgt. Major. He was as good natured as he was professional and well read about his position and it was good to have such a man on our staff. Actually it was quite entertaining listening to Danny try to teach the young man how to speak "Texan". In fact he did seceed in getting Tom to say Lieutenant instead of "leftenant" by the end of the weekend. He traveled so far to be with us and we owe so much to him for making the trip yet he added so much to the climate that he seemed like the gift that kept giving being that he was a very talented officer.

Our Sgt. Major Adam Johnson was perhaps the second busiest man at the event (second only to Danny) going after this report or the other and taking care to make sure the picketts were properly instructed and that the Sgts were doing their jobs. Any time I called on him I could rest assured that any task he was called to do would be accomplished.

We also had Gary White who took care of the commissary with great execution. He was a man who actually looked and acted like a commissary Sgt. However I was disappointed that we had to miss his minstrel show and I hope for another opportunity to see it carried out.

Phil Graf our Quartermaster also saw that no man was left behind on the march. He was as patient as he was gentlmanly and served very effectively at his post as our "rear guard"

Our Aide de Camp, Don Smith was essential in running errands and simply entertaining just to be in camp with. He was our line of communication between us and the park. He is a very knowlegeable man with a wide background who had tea with the Adjutant and taught the major how to drink it properly.

Dusty Lind and Jason Reasor the EMT both serving as medics, "wagon drivers" and such going through the ranks to make sure every man was well and in good shape. I can't recall the number of times I saw both men going through the ranks or standing on the side of the road with full canteens offering water.

There are so many people that deserve recognition for the successful outcome of what was put together but it could very easily go through pages.
I hope I am not forgetting anyone on the staff. Each of these me knew their jobs and did them well.

A most sincere thanks rightly goes to the Officers and Men who portrayed the 15th Texas. This event would not have been what it was without them. their contributions were as wide as their diversity - coming from all walks of life from across the nation as well as across the globe.
I thank them all for being so tolerant and good natured with me. After doing the things that made this event as strenuous as it was - they endured the parade, inspections, presentations, battalion drill, and battle without complaint knowing we had a difficult march ahead. As a battalion they single handedly flanked an artillery battery and chased the federals off the field at Mansfield all at the double quick. I had to call what must have seemed inopportune halts to avoid recieving vollies on our left flank from some of the other confederate battalions. As necessary as they were I am sorry that men such as these were subjected to such trials before the march. I believe we had the longest sucessful preservation march and I believe they raised the most money. Being a Missourian I can bestow no higher honor than to say they would have lived up to the legacy of the 1st Missouri Infantry CSA (Considered best drilled and disciplined of all regiments North or South according to Ed Bearss)

Some things I will never forget:

Our field desk made from Ammunition boxes which formed the writing surface and book shelves.

Sitting with the Staff Friday night and observing a camp full of orderly men in the company streets.

The first person that was maintained.

Danny and others teaching a few of the Brits how to fish with a ram rod.

Some of the cheers when I reached for my bugle to blow halt but found the mouthpiece was gone.

The powerful experience of being handed the Regimental Colors and trying hard not to tear up as I in turn handed them to the Color Sgt.

Forming columns against cavlary (into square) during the battalion drill and watching it work effectively the first time. (We would have been a formidable presence for the Critters)

Did I mention Flanking the artillery and chasing the federals off the field?

The elation of arriving at the 8.1 mile mark of Saturday nights bivouac after an exhausting march and looking back to the rear and seeing all was still intact

Seeing the difference sleep can make on the moral of the men.

The cheers of the men as we turned down a gravel road on Sunday

The singing and whistling during the march from somewhere in the column (God bless them).

The secure feeling knowing we had Sgt. Frank Marek leading the battalion with a good steady pace.

The unsurmountable feeling of pride as the battalion behind me cracked to attention and to the step, as we marched into Pleasant Hill. To the cheers and handshakes of just about everyone that was there.
(Dang near had to hand command of the battalion to Captain Danny McCoslin)

The regret of knowing that in two seconds when the battalion is dismissed that it will be a long time before collection of such men will be assembled again.

To officers and men alike thank you all for the experience. It was all of you that made this event what it was.
Sincerly,

Major Daniel
Commanding 15th Texas
(A.K.A. Frank Aufmuth)

[csasoldier_61]

All

Well I finally have some time to throw in my thoughts about the event. All I can say is WOW!!! I must echo the comments of Danny and Frank in saying at the end of the march, coming into Pleasant Hill and having spectators, and fellow reenactors cheering for us got me choked up just a little bit. I will cherish every experience that I gained from my part in this grand undertaking. Frank's leadership was invaluable and well carried out. Danny if it were a lesser man they would have given up on the event long ago after all of your hardships but you stayed the course and brought the event to fruition. All the Non-Coms of the three companies did a superb job, no matter what I asked for or when I asked for it this form or duty was done. They all did their jobs to the letter that made all of the difference in making this event a success. I just hope that I was able to do my job to everyone's expectations and didn't screw up too much or too bad.

Patrick Reardon the first person exchanges along the march of you teaching a good many of us how to speak French were all very priceless and very enjoyable, and you impressed me so much doing most of the march with a sprained ankle that most people would have stopped a long time before the end. Tom Yearby who no matter what all was going on was always able to make some remark that would just liven up anyone that was around, and toughed out most of the march with a twisted ankle. And to all the Lazy Jacks you all made the event that much more enjoyable and memorable. I hope that one day I can come across the big pond and fall in with you guys. Tom Wheeley reading all the proclamations caused me to tear up, we could not have asked for a better adjutant. All in all this was a great event, and I am actually sorry that it is over I just look forward to the next time I can be with such a fine group of men again for such a worthy cause. My hat is off to all of you.

Adam "OX" Johnson
SGTMAJ 15th TX INF

[DougCooper]

Frank - about the next time, it may not be as long as you think - say the word and we will all line up for the TMD again...and even get you a new bugle mouthpiece :D

Good report!!

[Big Whisky]

Gents,
I would only be repeating what everyone else has said if I were to name everything that I enjoyed about this march. The bottom line is that I was completely impressed. I have been the 1st Sgt. of the Texas Rifles for a little over two years now. Sometimes it is a challenge, sometimes not so much, but there were times during this event that I really got a feeling for being a senior NCO. And having just split from a mainstream unit, it was evident to all of the Rifles that we were in a very high quality group of campaigners.
Thanks Danny, for making this happen, and thank you to everyone who marched this past weekend and made it feel real.
Say the word, and we will answer the call again!
Frank J Marek
1st Sgt of Texas Rifles

[TexReb]

Gentlemen

It was an experience that I will never forget! From top to bottom an excellent event.

It was an honor to carry the colours for the 15th and as everyone has said here, while I could hardly pick up my feet getting into PH, I was overcome with emotion.

To Danny, Doug, OX, Don, Phil, Gary, and all the others, thanks for your work, commitment and dedication.

I also have to say a special thanks to Ryan "Stick" Smith who put up with a great deal of lip from the rest of the Colour Company! Thanks Stick!

While my feet can still feel the pangs of the march, and my blisters are finally beginning to heal, it was one hell of an event.

Cheers to each of you and hope to see you out in the field soon.

Steve Johnston

[Noble Pelican]

Excellant weekend at Mansfield/Pleasant Hill. I want to commend all of the men who marched behind me until the wee hours of the night. Hearing your comments as we passed the lignite mines fueled my resolve.
A special thank you goes out to each and every member of the 15th Texas for your fundraising and marching efforts. Seeing the gash in Danny's head showed me that you were some tough men. I REALLY wanted to have the guys lined up at present arms when you arrived, but decided to let them rest their weary feet due to the upcoming battle.
Our unit still has a ways to go, but we are on the right road. I am glad you noticed our camp among the masses of tents. What's that old saying? Build it and they will come.

Richard H. Holloway
Capt., Vance Guards
19th LA. Vols.

[Bent Rabbit]

I think though we need to send a special thank you to the makers of "Boudreaux's Butt Paste", but without the before and after photos.


As much of a life-saver as the 'smuggled' coffee you shared with me on Sunday morning... :wink_smil

To all of the gallant 15th, it was an honor to march beside you. It's hard to imagine anything that could come close to mirroring what we accomplished this past weekend... There were many, many times it was a supreme effort just to put one foot in front of the other... but to see the Major jogging from one end of the column to the other (on Sunday no less), listening to the various conversations throughout the ranks, witnessing the commitment made by Living Historians from 15 to 60... Inspiration was not wanting by any means.
One of my favorite moments: As we paused in front of the scarred remains of the battlefield for the photos, I turned to look at one of the cranes as it was gouging away, and saw Coop standing at the fenceline giving it an appropriate single fingered salute... :wink_smil

It was an honor gentlemen

[Company Tailor]

...and even get you a new bugle mouthpiece :D

No!! It was hard enough to steal the first one! :wink_smil

Great event guys. Hats off to the movers and shakers behind it all. Definately worth the 24 hour drive.

[pvtben]

Hello Guys,

I also made the march. I did not fall in with the 15th but I did with the 19th. It was a grand march and I am willing to do it any day to save as hallowed ground as the one we did. I am so proud of myself as well as every one in the 19th and in the 15th TX. As I am gaining on my authenticity I , by doing the march, get a better feel of the real soldier. It was a great event and it was well worth marching 15 or so miles. The fact that men would wear themselves for the preservation of a battlefield is just breath taking... Thanks 19th and 15th TX I do appreciate the men who did the march. As I am not to far away from that battle field it helps me and assures me that I will be able to come back next year and still be able to walk on to the existing battlefield. Thanks again

Pvt. Benjamin Neal Jenkins
19th LA infantry
Vance Guards

P.S.

The event was great cant wait for next year.

[Chad Teasley]

Comrades,

Back at my adopted home in Washington state, and finally a little time to check the A/C Forum.

My deepest gratitude and appreciation to all the Comrades who made Mansfield/Pleasant Hill truly unforgettable for me. I will never forget and will always cherish the memories of what was by far the greatest Living History experience of my life. It was wonderful to finally meet and soldier with so many of the great historians whom I had corresponded with. I particularly appreciate the Ground Hornets for doing such a fantastic job of organizing and establishing the march, and our superb regimental command staff for their excellent leadership throughout. Particularly, I express my deep gratitude to Capt. Doug Cooper, First Sgt. Fred Baker, Sgt. Tim Ruyle, Sgt. Mark Timms, Cpl. KC McDonald, and Cpl. Mike Anderson for the stirling lesson in exactly how a crack company command team should operate. Specific highlights from the experience are nearly too many to mention, but a few from the many that stand out are:

-Dress parade: Strong emotion as Capt. Tom Wheeley read the proclamations from the Texas State Legislature and Governor supporting our efforts...And feeling embarrassed that there were none from my home state of Louisiana. Getting chills up and down my spine when Lt. Don Smith presented the regimental colors to Maj. Aufmuth.

-Mail call on Saturday: Patrick Reardon regaling us with the missive from his beloved back in England, and the story of how he had been busted all the way from Major in His Majesty's 24th Regiment of Foot to Pvt. in the 15th Texas Infantry. Capt. Herrick (i.e. Doug) getting choked up while reading about his children in the letter from his wife. Me actually truly getting homesick as I read the letter from my Beloved, and having to remind myself that I would in reality see my family in only four short days.

-Battles: Adrenaline high at Mansfield as we charged onto the field, and thinking about my ancestor, Pvt. James H. Teasley of Co. H, 28th LA Inf., who did the same thing 140 years ago. Taking a hit, and moaning from a mortal wound as I started to pull out my letter from home...Only to be immediately picked up in a stretcher and carried to a nice shady spot to recuperate. Watching the battle at Pleasant Hill with my Dad and niece because I thought we were going to sit that one out, and being astonished when the 15th Texas suddenly appeared in front of me due to a last minute change of plans...Feeling like a shirker; but enjoying the show nonetheless.

-Rations: Gary White and his commissary staff doing a great job. Eating parched corn and not liking it much. Being aghast at the huge burn on Mark Timms' hand when he accidentally grabbed his ramrod while using it as a spit to cook beef...And him being back in ranks with a wrapped hand in less than ten minutes for drill. Enjoying Darrell Robertson's humor while making breakfast, and his passionate discourse on Confederate cavalry equipage. Having no time to cook breakfast on Sunday morning and consigning myself to being hungry for the rest of the march...Only to find that my messmate and good friend Eric Fair had generously made enough for our entire mess, which we wolfed down in about thirty seconds prior to falling in.

-Bivouac: Thinking that we would never get to the camp-site Saturday night. When we finally made it, collapsing on the ground, and being intensely grateful when Capt. Cooper brought me a hunk of cheese. Feeling a little frustrated when I was unable to find much fire-wood...Then suddenly realizing that my forebearers had the same problem, and that realization putting the problem in a whole different perspective. Being amazed when Jeremy Mazur walked up not five minutes later with a huge load of wood, which he must have gone deep into the woods to get. How bright the moon was. How good it felt to put on a dry shirt (thanks Silas!) and socks (thanks Mrs. Lind!). Laughing at "Uncle Tom" Yearby's on-going exchanges with Lt Phil Graf. Laughing even harder at the hilarious jokes of First Sgt. Baker. Freezing, wet, and getting precious little sleep due to heavy dew-fall all night long, despite snuggling up against Tim Ruyle for warmth...But not minding at all, because it was only a small taste of what They had to put up with.

-The March: Feeling bitter irony as Professor Gary Joiner took the photograph of our regiment in front of the ravaged landscape near the Allen House. Watching Danny McCoslin stride along at the front of our column, as though he hadn't a care in the world...And knowing that he was in reality defying Doctor's orders, and that his head was throbbing in pain the whole time. Seeing Maj. Aufmuth run from one end of the column to the other a number of times to check on the troops. My shoes filling up with mud as we marched through the flood at what used to be Chapman's Bayou. Listening to the Lazy Jacks whistle as though they were out for a leisurely stroll in the English countryside, when I was too tired to hardly even talk. Patrick Reardon continuing to march, despite a severely sprained ankle...And then insisting on filling canteens during a rest break; saying "I have to do my bit" though he could hardly walk. Dusty Lind being everybody's uncle and mother hen combined, and he and Jason Reasor keeping us in good health. Kris (a true angel) loaded down with canteens during a rest break. Greatly enjoying the company and conversation of Dave Gager, Jeff Kelland, Dave Turpin, Tim Ruyle, Richard Hale, and others at the rear of Company B. My back going ramrod-stiff with pride when fellow living historians applauded and saluted as our regiment marched into Pleasant Hill. Choking up when the formation was dismissed, and I said goodbye to Comrades who in the space of four days had become like brothers.

In all, it is no over-statement to say that Mansfield was the greatest event in my Living History career...In fact, it was one of the best experiences of my life.

I will never forget it, and will forever cherish the memories of the event, and the friendships of my Comrades. Gentlemen, it was a great honor to march with you.

Cpl. Chad Teasley
Co. B, 15th Texas Infantry Regt.

[Tarheel]

To all my new friends from Co. B, 15th Texas Vol. Infy.
Ever since I returned to London I've been reflecting on the Mansfield event and, in my mind, trying to put into words all the emotions that it created. Without question it was the finest event I have ever attended. Finest not simply for the organisation, which was awesome by any standard; finest not simply for the Cause which, having seen the mine, was worthy beyond description; finest not simply for the quality of the impressions which were true testament to individual dedication, commitment and a perfect illustration that authenticity is not based on dollars but attitude and a willingness to honour those whom we seek to represent. No, finest because of the character of all those involved, both organisers and, like me, simple participants. I'm sure I speak for all my fellow Lazy Jacks when I say that it was an honour to take part and, even with a sprained ankle, it was a hugely rewarding experience and one against which all other future events will be measured. My personal perfect moments were; waking on Sunday morning with frost on my hat and observing the quiet groups around the fires; the march and its camaraderie [Uncle Tom, that's French for comradeship!!] and the march onto the field at Pleasant Hill, thrilling beyond words and, finally, the presentation of the Colour, moving in the extreme [ can't wait for the photographs].
A deep thank you to all invoved and the Lazy Jacks will be back! Franklin beckons, we'll be there!!!!
Patrick Reardon

[Noble Pelican]

To all my new friends from Co. B, 15th Texas Vol. Infy.
Ever since I returned to London I've been reflecting on the Mansfield event and, in my mind, trying to put into words all the emotions that it created. Without question it was the finest event I have ever attended. Finest not simply for the organisation, which was awesome by any standard; finest not simply for the Cause which, having seen the mine, was worthy beyond description; finest not simply for the quality of the impressions which were true testament to individual dedication, commitment and a perfect illustration that authenticity is not based on dollars but attitude and a willingness to honour those whom we seek to represent. No, finest because of the character of all those involved, both organisers and, like me, simple participants. I'm sure I speak for all my fellow Lazy Jacks when I say that it was an honour to take part and, even with a sprained ankle, it was a hugely rewarding experience and one against which all other future events will be measured. My personal perfect moments were; waking on Sunday morning with frost on my hat and observing the quiet groups around the fires; the march and its camaraderie [Uncle Tom, that's French for comradeship!!] and the march onto the field at Pleasant Hill, thrilling beyond words and, finally, the presentation of the Colour, moving in the extreme [ can't wait for the photographs].
A deep thank you to all invoved and the Lazy Jacks will be back! Franklin beckons, we'll be there!!!!
Patrick Reardon


Patrick,

I sure could have used your knowledge after spending over a year as a Liverpudlian. Yes, I do miss the scones. Funny as it may seem, I gave tours to other visiting Americans of local places of interest connected to the American Civil War. Imagine their fascination with the watchtower of the Birkenhead Priory when they found it was also used as a lookout for the Federals watching the progress of the No. 290 "Alabama" being built. Or gazing upon the state seal of South Carolina atop the entranceway to the University.
And recently, I came as close as marching past you as you set up camp in the field. My bones couldn't handle resting a few hours and trying again as you did so we pushed on that wonderful bright cool night.
Maybe I will have the pleasure of meeting you and your pards at Franklin. I will have a spot of hot tea brewing if you are in need.
Thanks for coming over so far to enjoy one of the finest events I have seen so far in my 24 years of reenacting.

Richard H. Holloway
Capt., Vance Guards
19th Louisiana Vols.

"The sun never set on the British Empire"