Recon III Feedback

[JimConley]

Anyone back from Recon III? Just curious as how the rest of it turned out. I left on Friday because of personal disappointments that I will not get into out of respect, but what did the rest of you think?

[privstull]

Hello,

My unit was the 14th TN sharpshooters battalion company H (Iron Grey Mess). I thought the event was a great success! It was one of the most authentic events I have been too because of the battle scenaros my company was put into. From standing on picket from 6pm-2:00am on Friday to the last battle on Sunday morning, was very well done and came out great. I think this will be one of the highlights of the year for me. This is just my opinion on the event though. Let me know what you Federals thought of it and the rest of yall.

[JimConley]

Ryan,
I was out there with ya on grand guard. I enjoyed that, that's part of livin it, even though the yanks never showed a sign of movement. One of the things that got me was the lack of enforcement on the guidelines, especially uniforms. I do not recall your face, so please don't take that personally, I just expected more. I think the event was built up to more than it actually turned out to be. Glad you had a good time though.

[dusty27]

Jim, with all due respect, how can you judge an event when you left, essentially before it started?

[texandrummer61]

I thought it was a great event, the best I've ever been to, but I expected a more detailed inspection. Some things that got in were definently not appropriate. Apart from that, as a whole, almost all of the uniforms in the 14th Tenn. were great. The battles were well worked out. [to all the union cavalrymen ,I give a hats off to you on the flanking charge on sunday.]All in All, I think the event worked out well, especially on the confederate side.

[privstull]

I agree with the fact that the battle scenarios are some of the most realistic situations I have aver been in,especially Saturday morning when we were all fighting in the "wilderness".

Were any of you Federals in the color guard and in the skirmish line Sunday morning an hour before the final Confederate attack? My company was the one in the trees at a stalemate with yall.

[JimConley]

Jim, with all due respect, how can you judge an event when you left, essentially before it started?
Good point Dusty, but I was just a little let down by what got past the registration desk. I saw some discouraging things about some people that don't belong at an authentic event. I'm sure the battle sequences were great, good ground to fight on. Chris Anders was more than hispitable and made a great gesture by introducing himslef and making me feel welcome. I do not wish to bash the event, I just expected a little better turn out of admirable impressions.

[KathyBradford]

My sons arrived home filthy, exhausted, and grinning ear-to-ear. What more could a mother ask?

They talked of wading through brambles and mud, three of them maneuvering within a few feet of the Federals at dusk, building breastworks, marching through the woods this morning, and fighting in the open field. What more could young men ask?

Thanks to all who made it happen,

[Tom Craig]

I thought it was a great event, the best I've ever been to, but I expected a more detailed inspection. Some things that got in were definently not appropriate. Apart from that, as a whole, almost all of the uniforms in the 14th Tenn. were great. The battles were well worked out. [to all the union cavalrymen ,I give a hats off to you on the flanking charge on sunday.]All in All, I think the event worked out well, especially on the confederate side.

Ian,
As one of those Union cavalrymen I want to thank you for your salutations.

I am just back in CT from the drive, but it was certainly worth the effort to be there. We had plenty of ground to cover, and plenty to do...an oh yeah in between times we got to charge at you fellas to stave off your attack. It was a great time and I look forward to hearing other folks impressions of what went on!

Take care,
Tom Craig
formerly 1st Sgt. 8th PA Cavalry

[dusty27]

Jim, I'm sorry that you let the impressions of some cause you to leave an event. I can assure you that the majority of impressions in the 13th Alabama were above average, in my opinion. I felt the event went well both logistically and tactically.

I personally concentrated on how I was going to feed myself, my duties in the battalion, and what was happening in the field during engagements. I wasn't really concentrating on what the others were wearing.

Friday night was beautiful, Saturday night was miserable, and Sunday's engagement was great, with proper spacing between skirmishers, their reserve and the two battalions behind.

I was sweaty, filthy, tired, hungry and busy. Sounds like the boys during the war to me......

[JimConley]

Jim, I'm sorry that you let the impressions of some cause you to leave an event. I can assure you that the majority of impressions in the 13th Alabama were above average, in my opinion. I felt the event went well both logistically and tactically.

I personally concentrated on how I was going to feed myself, my duties in the battalion, and what was happening in the field during engagements. I wasn't really concentrating on what the others were wearing.

Friday night was beautiful, Saturday night was miserable, and Sunday's engagement was great, with proper spacing between skirmishers, their reserve and the two battalions behind.

I was sweaty, filthy, tired, hungry and busy. Sounds like the boys during the war to me......
You got me. I agree with what you are saying and am now embarrassed that I said anything. It does sound absurd that I took others' impressions that way. I just felt let down because I had such a wonderful envision of how things would look and maybe expected too much. But what more could I ask for? Everyone else seemed to have a grand time.

[dedogtent]

I was with Co B of the 7th Maine and I saw great impressions on the Yankee side. I am tired here so this will be short, but, from Friday night on with me on Guard duty, almost no sleep, falling in with the Battalion as they came marching by at 6am. Then we fought all day in great scenerios till it was almost dark. Falling out to camp in the pouring rain in a cedar grove that ended up being one of the longest nights of my life. Falling back in in the dark scrambling to get our equipment on for another great fight. I thought this weekend was one of the better campaigns here in the East. Of course, your opinion may differ......

[dusty27]

Jim, please don't be embarrassed. I have found that there are no "perfect" events. Some of the best events I have attended are ones where you look outside of what you are actually doing and thinking about the boys of '61-'65 who did this day in and day out, with the added stress of live ammunition.

Walking the muddy trails this weekend gave me a new appreciation for those boys who frequently walked 20 - 25 miles where we only marched 2 - 3 miles all weekend. It is these moments that I enjoy most in this hobby.

BTW, Jim, if that was you with you son at registration on Friday, I was the guy in the frock coat who asked if you knew which battalion you were with:wink_smil

[billwatson]

Jim,

If some of the impressions were not what you expected, I can understand your disappointment. However, I'd like to explore whether there needs to be a distinction made between your expectations and the event guidelines. They are still up at www.cwlhi.org, and if you could tell me what slipped through, I'd appreciate it.

There's no hostility here, we sure aren't perfect. But I'd thought we did a much better job this time than either of the previous events. We even got help from participants, who warned us twice that something odd was coming down the line and would shortly be in front of us.

Thanks

Bill Watson

[JimConley]

Jim, please don't be embarrassed. I have found that there are no "perfect" events. Some of the best events I have attended are ones where you look outside of what you are actually doing and thinking about the boys of '61-'65 who did this day in and day out, with the added stress of live ammunition.

Walking the muddy trails this weekend gave me a new appreciation for those boys who frequently walked 20 - 25 miles where we only marched 2 - 3 miles all weekend. It is these moments that I enjoy most in this hobby.

BTW, Jim, if that was you with you son at registration on Friday, I was the guy in the frock coat who asked if you knew which battalion you were with:wink_smil
You make great points. I really felt some of that when I was on grand guard for 6 hours Friday. I was thinking of Sam Watkins when I was on guard in the dark. He said, about standing pickett on the Potomac, "I was peering through the darkness, my eyes suddenly fell upon the outlines of a man. The more I looked the more I was convinced that it was a Yankee picket. I could see his hat and coat-yes, see his gun. I was sure that it was a Yankee picket. What was I to do? The relief was several hundered yards in the rear. The more I looked the more sure I was. At last a cold sweat broke out all over my body. Turkey bumps rose. I summoned all the nerves and bravery that I could command, and said: "Halt! who goes there?" There being no repsonse, I became resolute. I did not wish to fire and arouse the camp, but I marched right up to it and stuck my bayonet through and through it. It was a stump." I thought of that after night fell and the trees began to appear like Yanks. I really did enjoy the LONG, agonizing duty of grand guard. That's livin it!
Dusty, that was Dad and I that you addressed, sorry I did not recognize you.

[JimConley]

Jim,

If some of the impressions were not what you expected, I can understand your disappointment. However, I'd like to explore whether there needs to be a distinction made between your expectations and the event guidelines. They are still up at www.cwlhi.org, and if you could tell me what slipped through, I'd appreciate it.

There's no hostility here, we sure aren't perfect. But I'd thought we did a much better job this time than either of the previous events. We even got help from participants, who warned us twice that something odd was coming down the line and would shortly be in front of us.

Thanks

Bill Watson
Mr. watson,
I do not blame the organizers at all. That was the first Recon event I attended, or visited. Chris Anders was very welcoming and I'm glad I got a chance to meet a few folks. I suppose I'm just a stickler when it comes to gear. I don't have the best impression by any means. But, some of the construction of garments and some of the garments themselves were just a little wacky. I saw good impressions, no terrible, but some that I was skeptical about. I do not claim to be an authority, but a few items stuck out as being off the path. One example, jackets. Jackets were to follow Richmond type 2 or 3 patterns. I spotted quite a few that were of improper material or simply didn't follow Richmond patterns. I do not wish to pick apart this piece by piece and do not wish to grant open season on myself. Please understand, this was just my opinion and I am not trying to be an unfair a--hole.

[PieBoy96]

Remember, "He who expects nothing will never be disappointed." Go into events expecting the worst, then you'll be delighted to find even "pretty good" conditions. I have loved every event I've ever gone to since my first Memorial Day Parade in May 1997 because I don't expect anything from the event. I am there to make a contribution, and am there on my own time and own free will. I've had my bad weather blues and why-don't-they-take-hits worries, but hey, life is short.


........Anyway, how was the weather down there guys? I take it there was some rain at some point? I was thinking about the event this weekend and wondering how it was going. I'm here at Penn State going into finals week :confused_ so obviously I couldn't make it. If cool events were 2 or 3 weeks into May, more of us college guys could make it!

[GrumpyDave]

"My men follow me out of curiosity." - Captain Chris Peiring, Co. A, 7th Maine recreated.

The drive from home took about 3 hours. The turns to the site from route 29 were clearly marked. I arrived at registration at 1240pm and, checked in with Bill Watson as to exactly what I was to do. As instructed I dawned my kit, went through the signing of the waver form, had my name checked off the registrant list, was issued a "casualty card" (skulker, can you believe that!), and was inspected just like everyone who passed through was. Registration/inspection was quick and painless. There was plenty of help. After you signed your waver form you stepped to the right or left depending on you affiliation for a musket safety and kit inspection. All Federals were required to open their knapsacks and haversacks, which we inspected for anachronisms and alcohol. Now, not knowing much about the common Reb kit, I will have only one short comment to follow. However, I was really surprised at the overall quality of the Federal kits. Now, I was at registration from 1ish to around 10 pm. Here's a list of all others and I saw and had to be corrected before entrance was allowed: 4 or 5 what I would call sutler row quality fed forage caps. But, all had correctly shaped brims, either flat or curled upward. 1 SNY belt buckle. Two plastic containers of percussion caps that were corrected by placing the caps in cap boxes and poke bags. Two side knives, which were removed. Two Rebs with shitty hat blanks and one with a WW2 British canteen. Those three were all corrected by visits to Jersey Joe or Chris Daly. One musket with a non-functioning half cock. That fellow went to his car and pulled out another musket.

Oh, numbers. I specifically counted Fed/Reb names crossed off at registration just before it got too dark to see. 140 Fed, 240 Reb. There were 14-mounted Cavalry on each side. Coly's boys are everything I had herd about them. And one of his boys broke his wrist Friday evening when his horse threw him. Event staff was well prepared for any emergency and help was there quickly. Federal Cavalry was first rate.

Now from registration you would, drop your crap and take you car to the parking area which, was about 2 miles away, then shuttle back to registration, followed by, a shuttle ride of 1.5 miles and then walk another mile to your camp if you were Federal or walking about .75 miles to the Confederate camp from registration. The shuttles were consistently running up to the time I left registration and headed off to find Company A. This company was a combination of PL members and 9 great guys who drove all of the way from Minnesota, 26 hours, for this event.

Edited by moderator for inappropriate contect. JS Mod.

Now understand, at this point I can tell you nothing of the Confederates besides I saw many through the sights of my musket. I was shuttled to the Federal drop off along with another of the folks who was helping at registration. Being instructed to "go down that road and you'll find it." About three quarters of a mile later we hit the picket line. Major Harry explained whom we were and we were allowed to pass. About 200 yards later we hit the camp guard, just before battalion HQ. It took a while to get past the zealous private on guard but entry was obtained. Major Harry and the other private stayed at Battalion. I was told, "The Union camps are that way." So, cresting the hill, I saw campfires so I walked on into...the Union Cavalry camp. I asked for directions. Some pogue private points and says, "They're over that way, through that break in the trees." Having been stupid enough to listen to a cavalry private I walked through the break in the trees, directly into a swamp with calf deep water. I backed out, turned right at the tree line and followed it directly to the guard relief who directed me to my company.

Rations had been distributed to the companies before my arrival. All of the bacon was cooked! Yes, in the dark! Basic stuff. 7 crackers, sugar, ground coffee and bacon. Orderly sergeant Greeves formed us after their distribution and took roll by candle light. Our company had 23 members plus two officers. Friday night was great sleeping. Clear moonlight night. I slept on my shelter half covered by my gum blanket.

Edited by moderator for inappropriate contect. JS Mod.

Saturday reveille was at 0500. No big deal. I awoke to find the only modern intrusion I could see was a telephone line, which ran along the wood line. And, that was about it until we marched back to registration today. All members now present the company was properly formed, NCOs were placed. I was 2nd Corporal, left of the line, beside the 2nd Sergeant.

The Saturday and Sunday taticals, it seemed to me had some general pre scripting. Which would make perfect sense. Two times Saturday we attacked fixed positions through the un-godliest wooded ground I have ever come across. The third we attacked and flanked a Reb picket line. Through the same jungle. Every plant, tree, vine, root, and hole was hostile. As a matter of fact, the crap ate my boiler and much of my skin. Command both days was pretty darned good. Right down to the company level. 90% of the men in the ranks had good knowledge of maneuver and the other 10% had a least a clue. For some reason, company A was always first. All weekend first. The only way you could move through that bullstuff was in a skirmish line. Then half the time you couldn't see your comrades in arms. Guess what happens to a skirmish line when it hits a fixed position? However, there was no way, let me repeat that, no way you could have moved blocks of men through that mess. I got a good Idea what the boys of 64' encountered in the Wilderness. We lost 2 of our company here due to illness. A father son combo. The boy had the flux and was crampy. Common sense prevailed and Dad took him home. That would be the only attrition suffered by our company all weekend. Sunday we defended a ford from a raised position.

"So, "Wrong Way," you ran from the Rebs to avoid being captured and it took you an hour to find us, right?"

Comments here. Water was plentiful. I gotta say those lister bags were anywhere you needed water and nicely hidden. The system devised to "give" casualties was a good one. And, as the weekend progressed was modified to become more realistic. What I mean by that is, it seemed to me, the Rebs refused to take hits. That got fixed. And, that was defiantly a credit to the event staff. Rest was planned between fights and marches. Every effort was made to keep everyone in good health. Saturday it had to be in the 80's and the humidity was high. I'd have to say over the weekend, including marches we did around 10 miles. There's been an abundance of rain around Brandy Station. Most of the roads we walked were "shoe mouth deep" mud.

"Now you are to be known as "Corporal Capture.""

Yes! It rained all night on Saturday. Nothing painful just a 9 hour shower. Now remember, at this point our camp has moved but, is still about 4 miles from your car. So, you don't like to sleep in the rain. How do you feel about walking a long way in the rain with your kit? I'd guess about 15 guys from other companies picked the walk. This I feel, was great planning by the organizers. I mean, heck, it was so humid and, I was so perspired, I wasn't getting any wetter anyway. And, it wasn't cold at all. 99% of the boys got a good nights sleep. Shebang's sprung up everywhere in our cedar thicket camp. Gawd can some of those guys snore! There's an abundance of ticks in the woods. Everyone checked themselves regularly.

You know, some of the staff were making fun of it raining at Recon. And, the Union boys all had the same attitude, so what, it rained.

Things wrapped up today, on time and on schedule. Bob Szabo was on hand for some pictures. Shuttles ran every 10 min. to the parking areas. Exiting was easy.

"I'll give you $20 if you eat that worm."

So, that all said, I'd say the RECON organizers got this one right. I've been around for 5 years and this is one of the top 5 events I've attended. There was good attendance, good kits, and we the grunts were well provided for. The schedule was adjusted through the weekend to fulfill the needs of those on the field. I saw more horse soldiers in one place then I ever have. The guys in our company who drove from Minnesota got their nickel's worth at this one. And, I actually fired 27 rounds. I can think of 10 or 12 guys who, when they hear the stories, are gonna wish they had gone. That's my perspective, for what it's worth.

Part Dux: I have some rest now.

A couple of more things. I forgot there were civilians there. A couple of guys and about 8 or 9 ladies and children. I personally had no interaction with any of them, with the exception of seeing in the distance a teamster and an ambulance driver. Several of the boys in our company did however; encounter some ladies and children who tried in vain to come through the picket line. They were relieved of their food and turned away. Didn't effect me in any way positive or negative.

Firing distances were pretty realistic. In that jungle called the Wilderness, you couldn't see the enemy until you were fired on. So distances were from 80 yards in. Once you got to 50 yards or so, you were withdrawn; you skedaddled, or were killed or captured. In the Sunday scenario, which was a more open situation, we began volley fire at what I would say was at least 300 yards. And, what was left of the opposition only got as close as about 80 yards before they were either shot down, crushed under the hooves of the Cavalry or ran away.

Rations. There were a limited number of yams, onions and turnips available to each company. As it turns out this was a good thing for me since I lost my boiler in the woods on Saturday morning. Some bramble ripped the wire bail right off the thing. Turnips and yams aren't bad eaten cold, my bacon was cooked but with no boiler I was coffee-less all Saturday and Sunday.

I had a pretty darn good time.

[SCTiger]

To piggyback on Dave's remarks, the same experience could be echoed in Company C. There was alot of pre-event coordination and communication, if you didn't read the 120 or so emails that were sent out, then you would be lost. Fortunately most did. I thought the 7th Maine Battalion looked sharp.
The organizers and cadre worked hard on this and it showed.

This was my first time reenacting in Virginia and I was a Yankee ! :). (If you had to portray Union, this was the battalion.) I left Ft. Jackson at 2:30 pm and arrived at 10:40 pm. The inspection and registration staff did their jobs. They continued the shuttle and inspections right up to midnight. Chris Daley also stayed around and supplied me a shelter-half. The shelter half was the most timely and smartest bully-buy that I have ever made. The poles didn't help out but, after I hooked my halve up with Jim Peterson, we had strung a rope over two trees and suspended the dog tent on this. We stayed reasonably dry Saturday night.

I drew late rations and loaded up on bacon, turnips and hardtack, by Sunday morning the haversack was empty. The nco's and the leadership of Company C took great care of us. I didn't see any obvious farbisms, no cameras, modern clothing, lighters, modern food etc. If there were any anachronisms, the guys kept it well hidden. The biggest challenge was staying in first person, but no one was having the usual "reenactor" conversations about the internet, politics etc. No one was up late singing Jimmy Buffet songs (we were too tired). I heard only one reference to Monty Python (it's only a flesh wound!).

The airport was the only major distraction, and I am sure that folks looking down from their small planes were treated to the rare sight of an authentic Union Infantry unit marching across an poen field or deploying as skirmishers.

The battles were the most best, we were on a actual batlefield, the smoke, the confusion and the din of battle was there. The gray ghosts melted into the woods and the Johnnies were very hard to see in their home spun and jean cloth. There was no artillery available and the ground was inhospitable.
The thick brush made command and contol almost impossible, it was easy to become seperated. Knapsacks are real nightmare for carrying in the woods, every vine would snag a strap or leather loop, along with tanglefoot and sharp briars, nothing stayed in place. The thick Virgina mud added to the misery. Brogans were filled with the gray clay, the roads were swamped and impassable for wagons. This wasn't a walk in the park or a parade field reenactment. The Union tried in vain all day to route the Confederates from the "jungle," but Johnny seemed right at home in the briar patch. The boys from Maine were out of their element in the Virginia Wilderness. Quite a few Wow moments that day.

The cedar camp was a welcome rest and the coffee boiler and campfires were quickly utilized. The unit licked their wounds, pulled out briars and sticks from their uniforms, changed socks and shirts and cooked up their vegetables. Union coffee never tasted so good.

The only sour note for me was during the Sunday battle, which lasted about 25 minutes from begining to end. The battle was different from the struggle in the Wilderness and it was great to be on the defensive., an unkown A Company private fired his musket with the nipple cap next to my left ear, part of the cap struck my ear canal, so I had a vicious migraine and ear ringing for the rest of the day. I enjoyed the battle and it was a great experience to see actual "tactics" put in place. There was no talk of breaking a scenario or no other such nonsense.

I actually enjoyed the march back to registration, especially some of the period walking AAR's of the battle. The 7th Maine can whistle and hum, but they could work on the signing :) Both sides CSA/USA treated each other with respect and honor, there was none of this regional BS and modern politics.

We saluted the 7th Maine and as a South Carolinian and SCV member, I was very honored to represent such a brave group of Union men. I spotted by one of the Fort Moultrie 1st SC Regulars, he wanted to know why I was wearing the blue. "We can't always play Confederate!" I replied. I really want to visit Augusta, Maine and see how it compares to Augusta Georgia one day.

On the return trip I went back via I-95, I visited Petersburg and "The Crater".
The 140th anniversary of that blood bath is near, I thought about my ancestors fighting there in July and I can't help but to think of the horror that they witnessed on both sides. We can recreate everything except the shock, the fear, the suffering and the horror.

Even the mediocre fish and chips meal at Denny's tasted like a gourmet meal that afternoon. After an a event like this, you have a better appreciation of what the soldier endured, not a complete understanding. I believe this was the real reason most of us will find satisfaction. We attained 1 millimeter of understanding for evey mile they experienced.

Overall ITW was very successful in that vein. My hat is off to the organizers, staff and all of the participants. Thanks!


Greg Deese
Co. C

[strat35]

Good point Dusty, but I was just a little let down by what got past the registration desk. I saw some discouraging things about some people that don't belong at an authentic event. .
Hi Jim,
I liked the speech Dave gave Sunday morning. It was about all those that
have a great impression and all the right gear but bugged out.The ones that stuck it out were the real hardcore no matter not having all the designer gear. Sorry you feel its all about the correct "look". When your marching through tick infested woods the last thing I care about with the soldier next to me is if they have handstitched cap box, etc...
Should be 90% attutude and desire , 10% look.
Gary Vaught

[YankRI]

A fine event. I served in Company A with Corporal Dave Towsend under the inspired leadership of Capt. Piering and heartily endorse Dave's comments. When I finally got into my own bed on Sunday evening, all I could do was send a small prayer of thanks to the men who went before us on that field. Each millimeter of understanding gained (to borrow Greg's phrase) was worth every scratch, blister, tick, raindrop, muddy sock, stomach growl, and then some.

Some of my highlights:

The waiting; the not knowing what was going on; the hurrying up; the waiting again; the beautiful Virginia night sky on Friday evening; the shirking out of guard duty because of an ill-fitting bayonet; the hour and a half cutting chunks of bacon for the company and then another hour and half cooking it (all in the dark); getting skin, wool, and leather caught up in every conceivable piece of undergrowth out there; losing sight of my file mates on the skirmish line in the confusion of the tangled mess; seeing glimpses of Rebs through the brush, moving this way and that - not knowing where they were going to come at you next; getting yelled at by the 1st Sergeant to keep moving but having no where to go; running into a Reb 75 yards ahead on the muddy trail in the tangled mess (suprising both of us) and both of us managing to get a shot off at the same time (which sent me sprawling on my back into the mud); sitting on the side of the dirt road with the company after the third engagement of the day, weary to the bone, eyes closed, listening to the captain sing "Home Sweet Home"; checking for ticks under the shebang in the dark (found them when I got home); carefully rationing my hardtack and chunks of bacon throughout the weekend and having none on Sunday morning anyway; having the good fortune of being able to sleep a little bit on Saturday night even though wet from the rain; watching the Union cavalry charge, led by Tom Craig, on Sunday morning; seeing Rooster's Black Cock (and hearing that he showed it to the wary Rebs when he got taken prisoner); marching in step with the remaining companies on Sunday morning back to the registration area, looking smart, with a fine bugle cadence; seeing the fine tintype of our company taken Bob Szabo; and much more.

Thanks to all that made it happen.

[dusty27]

Into the Wilderness: From behind the line

My involvement with ITW began several months ago when I was asked to be the Sgt. Major of the 13<SUP>th</SUP> by the battalion commander, Jerry Stiles. It was then that I began to compile a list of the SWB members and guests that would be attending so that we could divide the troops into two companies of equal numbers. This was accomplished two weeks prior to the event. Because of my home location, I also visited the site on behalf of Capt. Stiles on two occasions prior to the event with the overall CSA commander, Dave Pridgeon.

I arrived at the event Friday morning around 1<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com /><st1:time Hour=10:30</st1:time>. I registered and was inspected by Bill Watson. Inspection consisted of weapons check, uniform check, no alcohol and no anachronisms. I didn’t wait around registration to see if these guidelines were followed for every participant, but this is what was written on the checklist and I past the inspection. I then waited for Captain Galleher to arrive. He was an hour late.</font></font></font>


<st1:time Minute="30" Hour="10">0:30</st1:time>. I registered and was inspected by Bill Watson. Inspection consisted of weapons check, uniform check, no alcohol and no anachronisms. I didn’t wait around registration to see if these guidelines were followed for every participant, but this is what was written on the checklist and I past the inspection. I then waited for Captain Galleher to arrive. He was an hour late. I</FONT> visited Chris Daley and met James Miller and Joe Hoffman for the first time. Other members of companies B & D (SWB & guests) began arriving around <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="14">2:00</st1:time>. We walked to the CS campsite and set up the battalion on the higher ground, while the 14<SUP>th</SUP> TN was below us on the slightly rising ground. The OC for our battalion, Jerry Hornbaker, visited our battalion and told Capt. Stiles that he would be following us around, scoring the performance and calling out casualty numbers when necessary. He was very unobtrusive and seemed very fair when assessing casualty rates during our skirmishes with the enemy. There seemed to be a delay in the ration issue and word came through that the rented team of horses for the wagon was not delivered as promised. The rations were transported to the registration area and details from the 13<SUP>th</SUP> were sent to retrieve the rations using ground clothes. The rations were brought back to Co. B’s campsite and the boys went about counting, cutting and separating company rations. Based on company returns, the food was issued evenly to all companies, one at a time early Friday evening. The boys set about cooking immediately. A small battalion was sent out prior for guard duty and we were asked to provide a relief for them to come back and eat. Our boys went out at around <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="10">10:30</st1:time> for a two hour shift but didn’t return until <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="2">2:30 am</st1:time>. Having attended the divisional level meeting on Friday night, we knew that we would be getting a late start on Saturday morning, but we didn’t tell the boys what time reveille was to be blown. People came in at all hours of the night Friday and I was awakened many times by people looking for their company, not to mention the pickets returning late. It was interesting to see the camp come alive from between <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="16">4:30</st1:time> and <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="6">6:00 am</st1:time>. The men came to the event expecting to be on the move early and all were ready to go very early. Our battalion formation began around <st1:time Minute="45" Hour="7">7:45 am</st1:time> and we were marched to the field at the appointed hour of <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="8">8:30</st1:time>. Our cavalry had been up prior to this and had sent back some information via courier and working telegraph. Also, we had not heard of any Federal movements from our pickets. We crossed over some open fields and through some thin tree lines before entering the “Wilderness”. This area was very dense with some old trees, young trees, saplings and briars. No step was uncontested. The boys did an admirable job staying in line, but keeping contact with the other battalion quickly broke down. Our leftmost company, Co. H did their part, but the rest of the battalion needed a few left oblique marches to keep contact. Pioneers were sent out ahead to try to knock down any major obstacles but the going was slow and trying. The 14<SUP>th</SUP> TN began taking some fire in their front, so we were ordered to their support and began taking fire also. The enemy was very hard to see in the dense woods, smoke being the only indication where people might be. Seeing our superior numbers, we pushed the smaller Federal force and were stopped by an OC whistle. We had come dangerously close to the Feds, who had been hit from the front and their right flank while marching down a path in the woods. The boys were watered here and we rested, taking bedrolls and packs off our overheated selves. The OC’s discussed the action amongst themselves. About an hour later, the Federals moved off and we moved back to a low lying area, where our engineers began circling the camp in breastworks. The boys did an admirable job creating works without being able to dig. It was at this time that one of our companies was dispatched on a road guarding mission that took them away from us for the remainder of the day. We were moved out of the camp and sent back into the woods to find the Federals. This we did, but on their terms. The Federals appeared on our left as we marched through the woods. Our battalion went from a column of fours into a battalion front in seconds and began pouring fire in on the Federals. A group of Federals tried flanking us on the left and Cos. H and I refused the line to cover the rest of the battalion. The rest of the battalion left these companies to regroup and if not for the bravery of these men, the entire battalion may have been captured. Cos. H & I lost about half their strength in saving the remaining companies. Again the whistle blew because of close fighting and we were able to move away to our breastworks to set up a defensive position. The Federals hit us hard here and our boys put up a strong defense. The 14<SUP>th</SUP> TN took in the frontal assault as the 13<SUP>th</SUP> tried to flank the Federal company. After again having superior numbers, the Federals retreated and we again took our positions inside the breastworks. The boys had the knowledge of impeding weather and looking through the trees verified their concerns. Because of the low land and saturated soil, it was decided that we should move to higher ground. Our pioneers had found us a nice area on higher ground and no sooner had we begun to set up camp than it began to rain (around <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="18">6:30 pm</st1:time> I think). Gum blankets and shelter halves started going up in many shapes and sizes, some quite effective, some not so effective. Capt. Stiles, Sgt. Mink and myself looked lost but with the help of our Ohio guests, George Alcox in particular, in B company, we were able to construct a tolerable shelter in which we attempted to remain dry and to get some sleep. Thanks to the generosity of the Company B (4<SUP>th</SUP> VA SWB), I got some potato soup for dinner, the warm broth hitting the spot on the wet night. It rained from <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="18">6:30 pm</st1:time> to about <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="4">4:00 am</st1:time>. I know because about every 15 – 20 minutes, I had to get out of the shelter and bail a portion of the structure over my head so it wouldn’t fall in on us. Many faired better than us and some did worse than us. Some (very few) were so miserable that they left the event, walking the 3-4 miles back to the parking lot, getting soaked all the way. We again arose around daybreak on Sunday morning. We were told we would move out at <st1:time Minute="15" Hour="19">7:15</st1:time> so the boys packed up the camp and we marched out the “road” to an open field. Now when I read about how muddy the roads were, I have a better idea. We hit the field which was probably 500 – 600 yards wide and the battalions formed up quickly, as we were being observed for a hill in the distance. Two companies from our battalion were sent out as skirmishers and with the skirmishers from the 14<SUP>th</SUP> TN, the entire field was covered, with a reserve company in each battalion. Because our left most companies were sent forward, I went forward with the skirmishers. I was nervous about our left flank as there was a group of cedar trees in the field that could have provided cover for the Federals. We sent two skirmishers into the trees but they found nothing. The Feds had a skirmish line out in the field that fell back after seeing our battalions advancing. We were ordered through a small ford and to reform on the opposite side under fire from the Feds. The 14<SUP>th</SUP> TN went through first, reforming on our right. We went through and reformed on the left. As we advanced up the hill, Federal cavalry came out in front of us. It was here that the battalion commander and I both were determined to be casualties and we went to the rear. This action was the final of the day. We marched back to the registration area, about 2 miles by my calculation. Most of the men made the march. Shuttles provided aid to those who didn’t. I followed the battalion and provided help to those along the way who needed it. When I got back to registration, I hopped on one of the first shuttles to the parking lot and changed out of my rain and sweat soaked clothes, found two ticks, said some goodbyes and left the event, satisfied that it met or exceeded my expectations. I would attend a similar event in the future. It was tough going, but I think it was one of the best events I’ve attended with regard to living like the soldiers of the time. We got what we needed; food, water, and medical and I thank the many who made it a good experience for me personally.</P>

</P></FONT>

[ephraim_zook]

More as I have time, but I want to express my utmost respect for everyone who stuck it out through the rain and who were rairin' to go on Sunday morning. One specific confederate (identity unknown to me) sticks out in my mind:

The fella showed up at the Saturday evening meeting of OCs at the federal commissary, looking for a pair of tweezers and some topical medicament because he had a tick embedded in a most unfortunate :o part of his anatomy. I chased down our hospital steward, who provided the wherewithal and the victim took care of himself. Later I saw him making the long walk back to his company in the downpour. I was in the "modern logistics mode" at the time and offered him a ride. He turned it down and continued plodding down the road through the puddles. Hurrah to him!

Ron Myzie

[Dave Pridgeon]

Anyone back from Recon III? Just curious as how the rest of it turned out. I left on Friday because of personal disappointments that I will not get into out of respect, but what did the rest of you think?

Mr. Conley,

It’s a shame you couldn't get past this initial disappointment. What would have awaited you was an awesome campaigner event. With over 450 participants, the vast majority with good impressions, we did experience the Wilderness.

My view was from the Confederate side at the event. Many impressions of our community here in the East, that has been window dressing in the past, became a necessary, functional part, including signals, and telegraph (over 1 1/2 miles of wire run) letting us know every Federal movement that was in the open. The effective use of pioneers cutting and marking trails for couriers, and to water sources, meant that we could and did establish an effective base of operations anywhere we chose in the Wilderness.

Our regiments where able to move through the terrain, some of it nearly impenetrable, because of the effective use of the bugle. The battalions and their companies were able to stop, and recollect themselves, again rebuilding a solid front then moving forward, all controlled by the single sounds of a bugle.

An old inivation was rediscovered, and for the first time implemented here in the Eastern community, the development of a sharpshooter battalion that performed all skirmish duties. These sharpshooter battalions basically became the permanent skirmishers. We followed the basic pattern developed by Robert Rodes, and Major Eugene Blackford, first used so effectively on Jackson's Flank March at Chancellorsville, and which later became the standard operating procedure for Lee's army by the spring of 1864. Our companies were each also pulled from a battalion, and consolidated, under the command of a captain, and had drilled in advance to operate as an independent force. They also recreated the patches of a sharpshooter battalion that exists at the Maryland Historical Society.

As concerns uniforms/impressions I would like to say this. When I left the largest mainstream organization here in the East, the one I had played a major part in forming, the ANV, it was basically in search of a change of two things. One was the desire to bring together and serve with folks that constantly wanted to improve and upgrade our impressions and get the best portrayal possible. The other was to bring together folks that had the "heart" to do it right in the field. This weekend that meant living in tick infested woods, willing to be part of 24-hour operations that would totally exhaust you, willing to be functional and continue on totally soaked, willing to march through ground so soaked the mud was capable of sucking your brogans off, and willing to exist off the rations given to you. It was men like Mark from the Fourth Texas, twisting an ankle but continuing on to the end on Sunday. The overall majority in attendance had the "heart" to emulate the Confederate soldier this weekend.

I am not saying here that obtaining proper kits are not a vital part of what we try and accomplish. However you have to look at the entire body of work an event represents to evaluate its success. Too often simple heart and effort are overlooked. When the original veterans look down upon our efforts and take measure, I have to think that although someone’s coat may not have be totally correct, the fact that a private was willing to endure all the various conditions thrown his way this weekend, and pushed forward because he kept thinking to himself that is how “they” (the original veterans) would have done it, has to mean something to the boys upstairs. It’s just really a shame you didn’t stick around for the second part of the equation. Sometimes it’s important to look past whether an impression you are evaluating has a pedigree or not.

-Dave Pridgeon
Pridgeon’s Shenandoah Legion
(formally The Fifth Battalion)

[Moose]

I was in the company (Co. I, 13th AL) that was sent off to gaurd the road early in the morning. We got to the road and broke our company down to platoon two platoons. Each platoon was guarding a different section of the road. We waited there all day for action, none came. We heard the battle ragging in the thick wood we had left earlier that morning, and we saw a few "casualties" straggle through our lines to the aid station.

We were seperated from battalion all day, and no runners were sent to us. Finally our Captain took a detachment from our company to go find trouble. They stumbbled upon the Fed caverly and they also engaged some of the infantry. After that we got orders to move from Divison and ended up marched to the feild the Feds came through in morning and some how ended up as an advanced guard.

I had to leave early because of finals here at school, so I can't speak of our action on Sunday. But, although we didn't see much fighting I had a great time. Sitting down by the road and listening to a raging battle was one of my period moments. Not knowing any information because we had been cut off from battalion, not knowing what was going on. The only person I talked to was the Capt. from Co. H and he said that we were taking heavy losses in the attack. It was a different experice to not be in the fight, but know that it was going on. But we had our orders to guard the road, and that is what we did, even if the Yanks never came.


Joe "Moose" Caridi
IFW Mess

[KathyBradford]

Ron,

That man's name is Greg Platt. This is his first full season. He's a good example of someone who may never be able to afford the most elite gear (long story involving expensive health situations in his family), but he will give 110% every time and then offer more. The men back then would have been proud to know him.

[JimConley]

Pards and Freinds,
I feel as if owe many of you an apology. I may have spoken entirely too soon and I am sorry. I may have looked into the whole thing too harshly. I never made any intention to bash the event or anyone that participated. I expected a little too much I suppose. Having looked back and after hearing nothing but great accounts of the event, I am ashamed to have voiced any discontent on the subject. I would like to thank Chris Anders, the event organizers, and all that went out of their way to make my dad and feel welcome. We were very thankful for all of the kind comments on our impressions and will make every effort to redeem ourselves next time out east. Thank you and my apologies go out to all. And lastly, my hat is off to all of you that stuck it out and made the event a success.

[DukeRPSC]

It was a good event. I'll leave it to others to elaborate how and to what extent. Not perfect by any means and there were problems. I hope most of the shortcomings were beyond the ken of the average soldier or trooper as we tried to handle these at higher levels of command so the impact wasn't felt at the level of the man in the ranks or in the saddle.

Battalion command ( and almost any position on staff ) is not fun. It's about delivering fun and challenges to those who've agreed to submit themsleves to our authority for the weekend. It's a working weekend and certainly ITW was one such. I hope the man with the musket or with reins in hand feels his investment was adequately or, dare we hope, well repaid. I believe our staff and commanders on the Federal side did the best we are capable of delivering.

[billwatson]

Jim Conley:

Stop fretting. Next Recon you're on inspection detail at registration. :-) :-) :-)

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

"Should be 90% attitude and desire, 10% look."

Gary,

I don't agree with this statement at all. Both "attitude" and "look" deserve different catigories.

Here's how it should go:

Attitude = 100%

Look = 100%

Anyway, I'm glad you guys had a good time at this event. Sounds like a success!

[jchristiansen]

I was struck by the number of relative newcomers to the hobby who attended the event. I was in Co. E, 7th Maine, and there were two or three "fresh fish" who had never been to a campaign event; another handful had only been to one or two such events. These gentlemen performed their duty admirably. I commend them for their efforts, and wish them the best in continuing their CPH experience in the future.

I also salute the battalion command staff, the company commanders, the NCOs who looked after their men, the boys who gave their all to keeping in first person, and to every man who toughed it out on Saturday night to finish the event. Because of your efforts, I left feeling as though I had been part of a disciplined, veteran fighting force. My heart swelled with pride and comradeship as we marched out singing. Thank you.

John Christiansen
33rd Wisconsin

[DukeRPSC]

Mr. Schwieterman:
I agree wholeheartedly with your holistic approach to the hobby.
-Get the gear.
-Get the knowledge ( read!!)
-Get the attitude.
-Get with the program.
-Get out there.

[DukeRPSC]

"Because of your efforts, I left feeling as though I had been part of a disciplined, veteran fighting force. My heart swelled with pride and comradeship as we marched out singing. Thank you."

I cannot adequately convey how much this part of the experience meant to me. Our bugler, Mr. Villanueva, was instructed to bring the battalion to the attention and step coming in the last couple hundred yards to registration late Sunday morning. There had been singing in the ranks as we marched out of the event. When the battalion came to the shoulder, officers drew sabres and Mr. Villanueva toodled a series of martial airs, the feeling, the sound and the image was indescribable. I hope everyone participating in the hobby gets just such an opportunity and a sensation.

Were we not there? Did it not seem real?

[S.M.A. Smythers]

Reading all the great AAR's that have been posted so far has now got me even more fired up for the big event upcoming here in the Western Theater. I'm of course talking about Pickett's Mill which is just a few weeks away. Ticks, rain, mud and hunger...man I can't wait! Great attitudes and great impressions, that's what it's all about.

[Will Rumsey]

First I would like to thank the boys from the Stonewall Brigade. Thanks for letting us fall in with you.I believe a good time was had by all.I would also like to thank Mr Stiles and Mr Stidley for a job well done.Ill fight under you fellers any day.I thought the event was great. Two things that stand out in my mind. The first was Saturday morn after we had managed to somehow get through that mess of briars ,mud,stumps ,sticks and some of the thickest woods Ive every seen.As gunfire erupted on our left we finally managed to spot the yanks and as the gray line moved forward we pressed em and the rebel yell was given and the boys stepped up .I looked down the line to see the flag being waved in the smoke.It was awesome. I dont know how it look from the yanks view but to me this was one of those moments that you dont forget.I must say I was a little disapointed because right after that the whistle blew.I thought we were pushing the yanks pretty good at that point and it was just getting good. The second was at one point in the battle when the yanks were pressing our breast works on the left and reinforcements were needed. We were on the far right and it had become a mess with fellers from different companies plugging holes along the line.No one was in command of us as the privates kept up the fire and plugged holes.The colonel came running down to where we were yelling and grabed a corporal and put him in charge and he formed up a quick and I mean quick company and ran to the far left where we plugged the hole and then charged the yanks.My hats off to the colonel and the corporal.Good job.All in all I felt the event was great.The only think being that I must have misunderstood how the tactical would run.Thats my fault.I thought it might be like some of the ones Ive attended in the past. Where it just plays out. I really didnt like the whistle and stopping just as it seemed to be getting hot but like I said that was my fault for not knowing.Like to say my hats off to all that stayed .Your tuff as nails.I bugged out at dark and yes it was a long march back.I had had enough. I didnt even know earlier in the week if I would make ITW because of leg injury but somehow my pards pushed me through that far.Thanks.One last thing. As we left the woods and marched down the dark road, muddy, tired, soaked,misrable, it was then I realize that to me ITW was about pards.Thanks pards.

[BillO'Dea]

Just impressions of Into the Whistle from a rank and file

Our company sometimes in twos sometimes singularly, moved through second growth in reserve of the main line with no more than 30 yards of sight.. The same wild flowers that must of been present, The little things count more now At one point walking over bones, a hip and spine half buried in last seasons leaves. Losing the main body but hearing the firing, smoke rolling through the trees. Suddenly the whole line is in view and the Yankees like we rolled them right up, Capturing a Rooster, said he had to let his captain know, I thought I think we bagged him too, I said well just go yank I am not in the mood to go find the rear in this maze. I let the rooster go.
Found a old regular Army pal during the truce,, we've both gotten grayer since them days. Didn't know the Rooster was his at the time.

Later being ordered to aggressively patrol the muddy road to a point where a huge fallen tree blocked it, My comrades found no pickets and realized the enemy had stacked and sat with flank in the air and per orders we pitched in to them. First time I've ever been applauded by my fellow Civil War sufferers. We retreated amazed and confused, growling in general. Reporting back to the colonel this strange occurrence. I didn't care I just wanted to get prone.
Finding well made breast works and a cordon stakes on the perimeter, Boys had been busy while we toyed with the strangers.
Starting a desperately needed coffee fire only to sent back out to man that great log in the muddy road. Half the brigade following me now since I am the poor sap that knows the way. The Lt didnt believe me i had half the brigade with me when i got there. They pitched into a body of those folks just beginning an attack. We did a fighting retreat leap froging companies. Till some one blew a whistle. Time out. Guess we didn't give up Virginia fast enough to suit some people Filed back to the breast works and thought nice spot for the night. Come and get us Billy. Laid around long enough to dry the shirt off and pack up is sounded. I have no life with out the army.
Typically after marching more we set up the coops and gather wood in a steady rain. This going to be a long night .No one seemed to be in the mood to refortify. Along dark once again our company is sent out to patrol. Some thought it better than sitting in a wet muddy hovel.
I coffee cooled and dried by company L's fire realized just how far away from home i was, hungry wet, A fife melody in the rain is a wonderful thing.

The boys played with the strangers some more and got a bit bewildered, Gone longer than they should been Told the bugler Piston, sound the recall boy. from the comfort of my small dry space, that's your dad out there. they came back to flooded homes. But a great bonfire

I deserted in the morning, I'd had enough, I get home sick, from afar got to watch our boys giving battle on that great ground that's been saved. Pagent and panarama in golden fields in the morning. Nice way to end it

Got to help my fellow sufferers by giving shuttle rides, felt more useful anyway.
Met the "Horse Trader" from James river again, I had captured him there, some how now he was wearing the uniform of the strangers.

Them daily garlic pills all winter kept the ticks away
Soaping the socks and i am no longer the blisterman.
Coffee takes away hunger pains.


Three weekends in a row I have no life with out the army.

Bill O'Dea
Syracuse
In memory of
John Day
Co A 14th Tenn.

[Amos]

"I really didnt like the whistle and stopping just as it seemed to be getting hot " The OC's had to stop Saturdays engagements 3 times and I stoped it once. Why? Because it was becoming unsafe. Seems some of the CS troops wanted to charge to within 10-15 feet of the US line. There was even 1 yahoo who walked up to within 5 feet of our lines calling for us to invert our arms and surrender. So in the interest of safety, the engagements were stopped to open the distances back up to a safer range. One time, the stop was extended to look for a Lt. who was doing some E&E through the woods. That didn't stop some of the yahoo's though. During the cease fire, they charged out of the muddy road and started to fire on the US troops. The US OC quickly ran them off. Then there was the 6 morons who were attacking the US bivouac after the last engagement. Some people just don't get it I guess. :sarcastic


Chuck "Amos" Reynolds
SgtMaj. 7th Maine

[Will Rumsey]

Well that explains the whistle then.I just never have heard them used before but better safe than sorry I reckon.

[billwatson]

The very first whistle:

One would think, with the huge area we had at our disposal, that the inevitable initial collision of forces would have been someplace other than right on the edge of our site. But there it was, and the federals found themselves out of maneuver room, pushed up against a site boundary.

I agree with Amos: Out of the hundreds on site, we had a handful that thought they were at some other event. I "wounded" one overwrought Confederate who was standing six yards in front of the federal color company and the federal command staff sassing them after the cease fire blew. He was about 20 yards closer than he would have ever gotten.

One insight I came away with is that the rank and file in some companies made too much noise during the battle, failed to hear the commands of their own officers, to the point that in one case they thought they didn't have any officers. The gunfire wasn't sustained enough to present a hearing problem, it was the yowling and howling. I dunno, if it was me out in front, I'd be listening real hard and hoping I'd hear my lieutenant tell me "Ok, we're going back now!" Rather than shouting platitudes. But I don't know, do men in battle shout platitudes? Maybe, but it sure raised havoc with command and control, and under circumstances that kind of cried out for extra measures to keep that command and control.

Quite a lot of fun, though. I thought the best moment was when I came out of a soggy doze about 10 p.m. Saturday ngiht and realized that the Confederate camp was happily singing in the rain. Possibly even more impressive, one was still inclined to sing as camp was broken in the wet dawn on Sunday

Bill, please sign all of your posts - Mike Chapman

[JACKSONVC]

I got out of the hobby a whole bunch of years ago because the then community of reenacting did not want or desire campaign style events. Marching was something you had to do on the rectangular football field sized battlefields. 1 man to a wall tent and camp baggage being the rule.
My hat is off to all of you fellows out there who made me happy I rejoined reenacting. I was picked up by Co F, 14th Tenn under Cpt Compton. From what I saw, tactics and the use of tactically correct maneuvering was outstanding. The finest moment was moving thru the thickets and marshy ground in single file from double files on a battalion front. Once within striking distance of the union line, we quickly redoubled, then were ordered into line of battle. Each man knew his duty and place and as we swung into line, independant fire was ordered. It was an awsome scene, as men stepped into line, they lowered muskets and fired into the Union line. I must congradulate Col Anders on conducting and sustaining a very well organized and effective attack.
Field fortifications were constructed, for lack of pioneer tools (picks and Shovels), logs were emplaced to construct some fairly strong positions. Obsticals were emplaced. When attacked, this part of the line was very easily held, allowing the reinforcement of our left by troops from the right.
As I stayed near a fire all night long, drying out what the rains intended to keep wet, thirsting for a pipebowl of tabacco, I could see my comrades doing the same or trying to sleep in the morass that we were plopped down upon. I could of told them the higher ground was going to be dryer, but the Col said this is the place, what is a mere Private to do. As long as there is a fire, coffee can be made and the body warmed.
Sunday morning, a good part of the 14th was well up before reville, too wet in most cases to sleep any more. With shocked looks, muskets were looked after, gear put back on, soaked tents and ground cloths rolled. Fires were put out and the march began again. Up the muddy hill, the trail marked by the footsteps of the Alabamians. Footsore and tired, I hefted my body up the trail with my comrades, mud klinging to every step, slowing our march but not stopping it.
Eventually, we came upon an open field, a sight that none of us had seen since Saturday morning. An area devoid of briars, thorns and undergrowth! Battle lines were formed, skirmishers sent out and the attack was underway. We left oblique march, then front, then left again, then are ordered to halt and fire. After a few volleys, we charge down a wet hill towards a small bridge, the federals have retreated to their main line up the hill. We reform our Battalion and advance, Yankee cavalry is on our flank and are driven off, but alas we are not able to break the union lines.
This was a great event and alot of fun to do. I cannot wait until next year. Again, thanks Col Chris Anders and all of the 14th Tenn.

[BillO'Dea]

"they charged out of the muddy road and started to fire on the US troops. The US OC quickly ran them off."
Amos
If youre calling me a yahoo I was following orders from the big bugs, cease fire or not, which i never heard about, directly ordered to pitch into anything we found, that wouldnt of happened if pickets had been put out. Who screwed up on your side?
Bill O'Dea

[Tom Craig]

ITW AAR
8th PA Cavalry

Being freshly returned from the foray “into the wilderness” I thought it would be good to share some thoughts from the cavalry perspective.

Registration
Arriving at registration things were quick and simple. The check in was brief and too the point. The shuttling of vehicles seemed to be quick an efficient, and the presence of sutlers at registration seemed like a pretty good idea. Our platoon even got to have a fine image struck by Mr. Szabo.

We had to spend several hours at registration due to a horse snafu and so I got to see a fair number of the folks who came in. The Federals that I saw were almost all tricked out in good kits and seemed well prepared. Not being an expert in Confederate gear, I would say that most or all of the Rebels were tricked out well. I did see three different gal troops in gray, but that’s a whole other issue.

The only flaw in registration from my perspective was the lack of water for horses. For those of you who host events water for horses is a serious logistical need. When you’ve got guys coming from GA with animals, you need to have water handy when horses get off the trailers.

Rations
The rations were standard fair and despite a glitch in transport seemed to be well handled. The boys who handled our dropped most of our hardtack and several of our onions on the ride back, but those are the fortunes of war…we were able to score some later by some enterprising foraging.

On Patrol
The Fed. Cav. spent the majority of the day Saturday doing cavalry work. We scouted, patrolled, and guarded the flank. That kept us out of the “Wilderness” but it certainly kept us busy. We were up at sunrise and didn’t stop moving until near dark.

We didn’t see much of the enemy to engage, but we did have a run in with the Critters and with the civilians. In our run in with the civilians we searched their belongings, questioned them as to their general intentions, and confiscated their flag. They did a great job of portraying a scared and hard luck group of women caught up in the midst of a nasty battle!

Our run in with the Critters was brief but vigorous. You boys looked great and our little “skirmish” was right out of the history books and a real rush. It is awesome to see authentic cav working together (or against each other) on an original cavalry battlefield! My only regret is that we didn’t get another chance to lock horns.

Saturday night we commandeered the barn at Fed. HQ and spent a warm dry night. The animals looked pretty jealous but they were happy for the long fresh grass. At a point like that it is easy to appreciate just how happy the “boys of ‘61” would have been to find such a barn to take shelter in.

Sunday’s fight found us lying in wait on the flank to surprise the Confederate advance. As the Rebs cleared the ford we rushed on them and put a halt to their advance. It was awesome to see the stunned looks in their faces, and to hear the cheers of our fellow boys in blue. It was also pretty cool to be assessed casualties and have consequences for our actions on the field.

Summary
The Fed. Cav had a great time at this event. Was it perfect? No, but no event is. We had to deal with hardship, fatigue and adversity like our forefathers did. We did the job of cavalry, often operating far from any support, military or logistical, and came out in fine shape.

Hi’s
Riding with a great bunch of guys at Brandy Station
Patrolling the woods looking for Reb
Working with the Critters
Interacting with the Civilians
Sunday’s charge

Lo’s
Dealing with trying to get water for the animals
Cooking rations at midnight on Friday
Ticks!

Take care,
Tom Craig
Formerly 1st Sgt. 8th PA Cavalry

[Wild Rover]

If youre calling me a yahoo I was following orders from the big bugs, cease fire or not, which i never heard about, directly ordered to pitch into anything we found, that wouldnt of happened if pickets had been put out. Who screwed up on your side?
Bill O'Dea[/QUOTE]


Bill,
You guys were not sent out until the 'break" was said to be over by the O/C's we had with us.....not sure if there was a breakdown or not in communication, as we did everything we could to stay within the rules in the 14th.

As to the distance factor, when one is in the woods, and by the time you can actually see the enemy, it is decision time, go forward or backwards, the distance is too close just to stand and shoot each other to pieces, when a quick rush, or a "swarm" (the period term for the attack style of CS forces) will solve the issue and perhaps mean far fewer casualties than just shootin' it out.

I do not envy the O/C's at all, because the nature of the terrain for Saturday made thier job hard, real hard, especially when tactically it was time to "swarm" . I never spotted a Federal on Saturday futher than 30-40 yards out, and tactically and historically it was proper not to stand still.

We were not tryng to yahoo anything, just be period and tactically correct.

In retrospect perhaps the few number of O/C's combined with the short distances dictated by terrain, the speed of the action and the intensity of all involved both made the event and caused some issues. But those issues cannot take away the overall sucess and enjoyment of this great event.

Nothing is ever perfect, but this one had something for everyone.

Still hoarse here...

[Cleaveland]

I would like to say that the 13 hour trip to this event from Georgia was well worth it.
1,beautiful site
2,good fed cav to fight with, for a change.
3, good infantry,
4 It was a nice suprise to deal with foes who understood and respected our efforts
5 good civilians

I hope everyone who attended this event will take what they learned with them to the next event they attend, and add to it. The potential is so much greater for good events than most people realize, untill they participate in an event like this one. I feel that even the best efforts of the past could have been better, and if People will start supporting good events with more conviction and in numbers, we will end up being able to have more of them attend.

[FWL]

Bill I was in the union battalion at the time you discovered us and our orders we to stand down. Hence no pickets, no real time. The general scuttlebut was there was something else going on elsewhere that caused our "break". Who knows? As a privates we enjoyed our discovery probably as much as you, wish we could have responded but orders are orders,ours is to obey not to question.

Thank you to you and the rest of the confederates, great event. We loved the look on your faces, what was it three of you? And 75 to 100 of us ?

Frank Lilley
Co. B
Weeks Falls Mess
China, Me

[BillO'Dea]

Frank as i said it was the whole company patrolling the road under orders to see whats in our front, count them and fire at will. When 4 parolled yanks under a yank NCO passed us earlier before the log we thought the jig was up and sent back for more clarification, The orders stood. Our point person saw you were all parked we did what we were told. When the OC explained something was up we left and reported it. In any case if pickets had been posted they could of told us what was up before we got close to the clearing.

it was a great event, I wish we'd met there
Bill O'Dea

[Amos]

Bill O,
Your a bully fellow, but we'd been in an OC safety stand down for over an hour. The ranges were too close and we had some people missing. The US OC and 7th Maine staff were discussing sending in a couple of companies to look for our missing people when you came out of the woods. If someone ordered you to go attack anything you came across, then they didn't get the word or dropped the ball.
As we were told we'd be going back into the woods to attack you guys again, we didn't post any pickets. It was thought it better to rest the men before going back in.

Chuck "Amos" Reynolds

[billwatson]

That stand-down was accomplished by bugle, not whistle, and it is entirely possible not everyone understood it to be anything than a local command for a unit to cease fire.

Hate to take the mystery out of it, but the situation at the particular time under discussion was pretty simple. The Yankee infantry, being in a compact formation, took advantage of that fact during the stand-down to march the entire regiment out to rewater from the lister bags on Brock Road. The Confederates, being spread out and having fortified, sent canteen details to the same point. Not all the Confederates got the word -- some were disconnected from the chain of command by the turmoil, some were so far out they probably didn't hear the cease fire. Fog of war, no big deal, folks need to cut each other some slack and allow for confusion.

Three stand downs:

1. Yankees up against the site boundary, due simply to where first contact was made.
2. A missing lieutenant, with no certainty whether he was missing for 1864 reasons or 2004 reasons. (He was evading capture, and turned up at federal headquarters, but nobody knew that and we stopped 1864 for a bit and began searching for him in case he was hurt.)
3. A cease fire because the Yankee attack on the Confederate fortifications had ended and the Confederate counterattack at one point on the line had disintegrated into little pods of buzzing men who were not only without effective command and control, they were oftentimes beyond the reach of the OCs, all three of whom were on the line swatting down exposed Confederates like the Hand of God gone amok. But it took a few moments to address all the individual situations. When it gets to the point where folks aren't learning about the consequences of what happens when what amounts to an ad hoc Confeerate skirmish line moving through heavy brush and briars hits a concentration of line infantry, it's time to stop and back off, because that's why we were there, to learn what the consequences are.
The federal regiment had tried to slide around the Confederate position and hit them from the northwest; that put them in a reasonable position to exit to the Brock Road lister bags to seriously rewater and rest.

The incidents Bill O'Dea and Frank Lilley are talking about happened during that prolonged watering. The incidents also helped the OCs reach the conclusion that we had to in effect rewind the scenario, put some real distance between the opposing forces, and move on to other things, which we did.

Hope that clears things up.

[Charles Heath]

All,

Congrats on having a successful RECON event. By many accounts, this iteration appears to have been the proverbial "smashing success," and the event which finally provides the CWLHI with greatly needed redemption. To put this in simpler terms, after three "learning experiences," it's nice to see Charlie Brown finally kick that football before Lucy snatches it away from him. He understood persistence. The CWLHI folks have paid their dues, and should become equal partners in the EBUFU process. In order to do that, some things need to happen.

First of all, I'd like to speak to something longer term. These events, when successful are very good things, however, it appears the 24 hour "honeymoon" period has ended, and the carping, backbiting, and mud slinging has begun once again. Instead of making the "camplaigner" stereotype come true, take the time to bring out the positives, and build upon what just happened. Most of all, if you enjoyed this event, as others have in other places for many years, take the time to express delight about those features you most enjoyed, and if there are things you didn't like, make positive suggestions as to future corrective measures whether it's hay, water, or some lights at registration. Those are positive things.

Another positive aspect is the demand for future events of comparable or higher value. Once they have seen Paris, it is hard to keep them down on the farm. Yes, I am speaking of deconfliction in action, rather than just words. The die is cast, and the calendar is set for 2004, for the most part. The events for the 2005 season are just now making themselves known in public places, and it would be good to see the principals for those efforts begin to communicate, coordinate, cooperate, and perhaps reciprocate at some point.
Events are not created equally in size, scope, and geography. I believe people can agree that a local event has a certain market, like a COI; a regional event has a larger market, and if people would work with each other there could be larger events of a similar quality. It's a simple idea. It worked well for several years. It is long past time to revisit the notion.

Don't ruin the afterglow of this event by mudslinging. Use the momentum to build something longer term, something positive, and something for the betterment of this end of the hobby. It has been six years almost to the day since I saw a campaign event with 1,200+ participants. That level of participation has not been achieved since 1998. The momentum from that event was quickly crushed in the abomination that was 135th Gettysburg. What a crying shame.

So, what is next? Obviously Pickett's Mill, but that is a scant three weeks away, and registration ends in a little over one week. Most folks are not going to be able to change gears and make the event. The next pearl on the string in this necklace of events is most likely To The Gates of Washington (unless I've overlooked some larger effort out there). Beyond that, there is the usual cycle of quality summer season NPS living histories, and Burkittsville in September. For a reason, I do not mention the carpe eventums or campaigner adjuncts, as the intent is to finally get to a steady stream of stand-alone events. Again, congrats on what sounds like a fine event, and use this time and era of good feeling to take a hard look at 2005, and plan accordingly to keep future conflict at a minimum.

Keep the momentum going, and reach out to open doors where they have been shut in the past.

Yes, I said that.

Charles Heath

[Strawfoot]

Alright, who posted that and signed Charle's name to it??? Seriously, GREAT points, and I am definitely in.

I am also more than a little encouraged to see ITW end on a successful and positive note. I attended the second Recon event at Cedar Creek, and believed there could've been an outstanding outpost/picket scenario after Saturday's action if the rains hadn't washed it all away. A lot of the names I see in these AAR's I remember from that event. Quality names.

The big question about momentum is how it is used. The olive branch is already out there, and it'd be nice to see something happen in 2005 with campaigners both east and west attending in force.

Mike Phineas
Arlington, TX

[Wild Rover]

Mike,
That is something that has been discussed time and again, perhaps in the kentuck/tenn region............

But that is another thread.

Still sore and hoarse....and loving it!

[C.G. Williams]

All I gotta say is, trenchfoot, snakes, ticks, briars, mud and the rain made the weekend a bit of heaven. One of the best events I ever attended. I want to thank the staff and NCO's of company "B" for an outstanding time..We did make history, we made in through a weekend of Recon without withdrawing early despite the rain. Looking forward to 2006.

[billwatson]

"The big question about momentum is how it is used. The olive branch is already out there, and it'd be nice to see something happen in 2005 with campaigners both east and west attending in force."
Mike Phineas



McDowell is not a CWLHI event, but is the same weekend next May. I will be attending a planning meeting soon for McDowell. It, like the Recon series, changes as it goes along -- McDowell six years ago and McDowell last year were utterly different in terms of overall quality of impressions, overall depiction of history, overall attitude of participants. The components of McDowell can and have changed, with the overall focus remaining fundraising for the McDowell battlefield -- one of the great kicks of the event is driving up each year and seeing the fruits of the last event's efforts in the form of battlefield explanatory plaques on what had been private land. And the history depicted is always some slice of the McDowell history.

It probably doesn't belong in a forum right this second, but if anyone has suggestions for McDowell please pass them along to me by email and I will bring them to the attention of the planning committee. The problem in discussiing them in any forum is that possibilities get passed along and somewhere down the line the story gets garbled and gets passed along again as fact. I'd be glad to hear all kinds of possibilities -- by email.

As it now stands, I will be the overall federal commander at McDowell in 2005. I have a deep and abiding interest in expanding the talent/leadership pool. Fellows who have had leadership thrust upon them in the past and would like to once again just shoulder a musket might want to think about the final preparatory touches for understudies who can successfully take over some of the on-the-field roles -- new captains, new sergeants, new field officers and staff.
-------------------------
In terms of CWLHI, Recon III is over but planning for Recon IV is beginning. Additionally there is an officer school partway finished and we will have our first noncommissioned officer school, in two parts on two weekends, this summer, with a limit of 30 attendees. There are 18 signed up right now.

"The Civil War Living History Institute is dedicated to activities promoting excellence in interpretation of Civil War history."

[Dave Grieves]

Chawls Heef, superlative post!

I am so tired from ITW that I believe it will take me a week to recover. :tounge_sm

My thanks to the boys of Co A, 7th Maine, for assisting me in assisting CPT Piering to lead the company. You're a bully set of fellows with a first rate attitude.

[SCTiger]

Hopefully this new momentum will generate a new era for authentic events, maybe the great deconfliction, east vs. west and ego wars are finished? Olive branch, rainbows, hugs and handshakes?

People actually crossed state lines, paid $1.80 a gallon for gas, ignored upcoming mainstream "140" events, ignored the past Recon failures, ignored foul weather reports, ignored the war and showed up for Recon III. So what happened? Recon III didn't enjoy any "great" conditions, yet 450 showed up.

Charles could actually see a 1600 person event, if this is a new trend. Maybe this forum had something to do with it? Maybe "saving" the other hobby has grown tiresome and boring and the market for authentic events has came back with avengence.

Recon III may not have been "perfect", but it was 100 percent better than any standard reenactment and judging from alot of the comments on this thread, the pendulum is swinging toward the c/p/h and there was alot of "new" reenactors who wanted to avoid the circus events. Just my flaming 2 cents.

[Rother]

Mr. Watson,
I think we all understand now all of the issues it that particular stand-down and can live with it. What I think that Mr. O'Dea, and so do I because I was also on that patrol, takes the most offense to is being referred to as a YAHOO in another post. We were following orders from our superiors not a bunch of half drunk red necks out having a good time as the term yahoo would suggest. I still think that it would have been a great senerio to see all of the union troops scattering around trying to unstack arms and return fire. But then safety issues would have come into play with 60 plus soldiers with fixed bayonets charging at a company of 10 skirmishers and the senerio would have been stopped.
Overall I had a great time and can't wait to do it again.

Ron Roth

[FWL]

All,


Don't ruin the afterglow of this event by mudslinging. Use the momentum to build something longer term, something positive, and something for the betterment of this end of the hobby. It has been six years almost to the day since I saw a campaign event with 1,200+ participants. That level of participation has not been achieved since 1998. The momentum from that event was quickly crushed in the abomination that was 135th Gettysburg. What a crying shame.


Keep the momentum going, and reach out to open doors where they have been shut in the past.

Yes, I said that.

Charles Heath

Charles, I responded to Bill O'Dea in a positive way not to mud sling or question the CWLHI Staff on the "time out". I think this forum can be a constructive way to get issues out in the open after the fact as a running AAR. As privates we have tunnel vision out there. Most of the time we're really not sure what's happening except for that confederate group directly infront of us. The stand down incident Bill O'Dea and I referred to was actually pretty amusing from the Blue point of view and I really enjoyed reading about Bill and pards marching backing grumbling to report the strange occurance to their command staff.

Would the rank and file preferred not to have stood down? Sure. But that's not a bash at all on the OCs, whatever they think, if they want us to stand down, fine. Its no big deal. Its great to see a positive discussion on this forum after an event.

Frank Lilley
"Low Private"
Weeks Mill Mess, Co. B
7th Maine

[Bill Cross]

The CWLHI folks have paid their dues, and should become equal partners in the EBUFU process.
To those who know, this is quite a statement. Though not in any way connected to the CWLHI, I'd still like to applaud Mr. Heath for the gesture.

... the carping, backbiting, and mud slinging has begun once again. Instead of making the "camplaigner" stereotype come true, take the time to bring out the positives, and build upon what just happened... take the time to express delight about those features you most enjoyed, and if there are things you didn't like, make positive suggestions as to future corrective measures whether it's hay, water, or some lights at registration. Those are positive things..
The problems of the event are not insurmountable, and it's a testament to Tim O'Neill and his staff that they are encouraging a "no holds barred" AAR process. With many events and groups, even a mild rebuke results in frayed feelings and animosities that outlive the original problem. And to a certain extent, the problems of the event are the problems the hobby at all levels. Realistic engagement distances are just hard to maintain when almost none of us has real combat experience, and absolutely none of us has real CW combat experience. I can disagree with my good friend, Chris Anders, about the boys jumping forward on the attack rather than staying and dying: this event was 1864, and both sides had learned by then to run away from certain death. But our disagreement is constructive criticism, not the usual carping. Though using blanks, at 10 feet or less, even blanks can do serious harm. The staff of the 7th Maine was upset Saturday because of the safety issue. The event staff may need to have more OCs if future events have terrain like that; there were none of these problems on Sunday morning when the CS forces attacked the Federals in open country in a mini version of Cowpens. And when Bill Watson points out some some command and control issues on the gray side that were non-historical and dangerous to the participants, then we should all listen, as he had no vested interest in the outcome and no unit loyalties to the participants.

That doesn't take away from the wonder of the event, including the chills I felt when Saturday morning we heard the Rebel bugles intimating that hot work lay ahead of us, or the personal satisfaction when my son said "that was a REALLY cool event."

Another positive aspect is the demand for future events of comparable or higher value.... Yes, I am speaking of deconfliction in action, rather than just words..
For deconfliction to work, we need at least three things:

1.) an end to the personal vilification that opens wounds and then keeps them open; if you (and I mean not just Charles Heath, but all of us) want cooperation, then it means reaching out. I'm willing to do it, which is why I have answered your post.

2.) an admission that we cannot coordinate the schedule to please everyone all over the country. When a thousand miles separates two events, we need to accept that rescheduling them will not SIGNIFICANTLY alter numbers, and get on with it. The dream of a "hardcore national" is alive, and I wish those who want it success. But maybe McDowell will be a hardcore almost national simply because it's a solid event that folks can reasonably be expected to drive to from a large portion of the country. It's very hard to say we need something closer to those in the West when McDowell is only a few hours beyond Tennessee and fellers are driving down from Vermont and even Canada.

3.) the acceptance that we'll only succeed if we grow the pie, not piss on someone else's slice. Curt Schmidt has pointed out many times the arc of involvement in this hobby from fresh fish to jaded, burned out veteran, and I'm seeing evidence of this all the time as good friends tell me "I'm burned out." The only way to expand our numbers is to bring in people who have the right attitude, and some of the wonder and awe of my son. Kits are up in quality overall, and even the first-time campaigner is likely to have a better kit than some veterans of 5 years ago. There were a number of first-time campaigners in the 7th this past weekend who were wet and cold, including two teenagers. Their lieutenant tried to find them a barn to sleep in, but they didn't leave, and by morning were veterans.

Maybe "seeing the elephant" these days means lasting out Recon weather?
:wink_smil

Let's drop this bull about "bridge events" and "fence sitters" and accept those who are willing to play by our rules. I inspected a large chunk of the Federals at ITW, and only had to make a few minor changes. Why? Not because we compromised standards, but because everyone knew up-front what was expected and complied. There wasn't a single knapsack with any unit designation on it other than 7th Maine. There wasn't a single camera in the ranks, not a single flash around the campfires, because we told'em the disposable cameras would be confiscated and destroyed. The boys who came played by the rules. Bully for them!

Keep the momentum going, and reach out to open doors where they have been shut in the past.

Yes, I said that.
Sounds good to me. However talk will only get us so far. The real threat to our hobby isn't the OTB, Charles Heath, Bill Cross, or farbs. The real threat is the growing obstacles to putting on good events. It's not deconfliction that caused a senior bureaucrat to squelch a very promising USCT event I was working on, it was fear of controversy. It's not deconfliction that killed Reams Station. As the hobby's doers get burned out and leave, as the land gets harder to secure, as the backbiting makes people want to quit or actually leave, the prospect of large (by campaigner standards) events shrinks. Instead of sweating deconfliction or demanding that folks attend THEIR event as some tit for tat, we should instead be encouraging as many events as we can. There aren't that many right now; we should BE so lucky as to have too many good events.

I agree with John Cleaveland: let's have LOTS of them, and while we're at it, get more folks into the campaigner wing of the hobby, more folks going to good events, and have NUMEROUS hardcore SEMI-nationals. I'll throw out another possiblity for mid- to late-May 2006 in the Richmond area. The details are intensely complex, and planning is no further right now than the "yeah, let's talk about working together" stage (though the scenario is framed and it will be very different than most of what's going on). Richmond's pretty centrally-located if you live in VT, Ohio, Alabama or the Carolinas. And it just turns out that was where a lot of the history we celebrated took place.

[Wild Rover]

Hey Bill,
Will dig around and get out the article John Pagano wrote on the "swarming" CS attack style in the latter part of the War.

Both times we rushed you guys we had a perceived distinct advantage-

1- First fight- I had a battalion on line with a company in reserve and we came up on a Federal line in open order, with a platoon in closed order to our left front. Upon spotting them at less than 30 yards, we fired and rushed the 40 or so to our front with the 100 plus in our ranks....seemed reasonable in that situation.

2- the Breastworks fight- perhaps a mistake was made there, but we had turned your right with our reserve, and the left with a battalion, and when the middle started to fall back we rushed out attempting to bag the "bunch" . The terrain was thick and we could not see the line to our front, only Feds to our front we saw were falling back so we jumped on them. With the firing of the flanking groups on your flanks, when we saw the middle start to quiver, we advanced, figuring one last attack would seal the deal.

My personal goal for the weekend was to show the boys a good time, while using the evolved CS tactics.

We were that aggressive at Recon II, but the numbers on the federal side kept it more even.

If anything I believe the CS forces at that point had evolved thier tactics far above the Federal forces (with Sharpshooter battalions/brigades/corps), and it was only the wieght of Federal numbers that kept the advantage on the Federal side, IMHO.

I think the difference this weekend was that the numbers favored the CS side, and we were "playing to win" and win big.

When I find that article again, I will email it to you....unless I get John's permission to post it.

Thanks, and you guys did a great job!

[BillO'Dea]

Amos, if I had known Brain Emerson was potentially lost , hurt or in trouble, my personal mission would have changed, to a sweep the field to find him with you guys and I'm sure Robby our officer would have concurred.
I just marched 9 miles with Brian the weekend brfore.
regards, Bill O'Dea

[Bill Cross]

Both times we rushed you guys we had a perceived distinct advantage-!

During the first fight, I was isolated on the Federal left (middle actually, since my left wing had been gobbled up), so I didn't see it.

The Breastworks fight was the problem. Two CS OCs complained about a lack of discipline in gray among some particpants at that particular point, and the Federal OC was giving out casualty cards to Johnnies, too. Realistically, that attack would have collapsed, as we did not waver so much as retire behind some deadfall and would have cut that charge to pieces. But this isn't about tactics, it's about safety, and it's unsafe to charge up to within 10 feet of folks firing like that in dense, foot-tripping vegetation. The OCs all said it was a problem, and they corrected it by Sunday.

Chris, your boys performed very aggressively and I don't have any problem with that; heck, we tried to warn brigade that our schedule would allow you to get through the Wilderness before we had taken up our position along the Brock Road, but orders is orders.

And I want it perfectly clear this discussion is not to "blame" the CS side, but to learn some lessons for making this kind of event more realistic and more historical. Without resorting to CW paintball, we're really breaking new ground here. Most events use a scripted scenario, but for those who don't know about the Recons, OCs (observer/controllers) act as "umpires" to assess casualties. The system is still evolving, but the CWLHI is about as responsive to input as anyone could ask.

The numbers disparity is an issue that the event will have to deal with, and again, is a problem across the hobby. That's not carping, or criticism, just realism. There are practical ways to control it (capping CS registration like at the last Burkittsville or Pickett's Mill this year) or deciding on a ratio of forces (shutting down one color temporarily or even permanently if it fills up too fast).

I want everyone reading this thread to know that the analysis now isn't pointing fingers, but is an attempt to make better an event that has proven very satisfying to the rank & file on both sides. Because you and I are both friends and have worked together to build this and WOTJ, we can set a pattern for this kind of discussion.

And you know we rolled up your left flank in the middle scenario! a 50-50 split of the battles over 2 days ain't bad when you're outnumbered almost 2-1. :wink_smil

[Wild Rover]

Bill,
Agreed- I saw some of the boys on our right a little too close and a little to spread out...but without tons of O/C's, they could not control everything all the time due to the nature of the terrain. Once in the open it was no problem, but with both sides chomping at the bit to "pitch in", they had a tiger by the tail.

Perhaps if the O/C is used in future events in heavy terrain, I would recommend no less than 1 per every 2 companies. Wood fighting is mostly open order, and with vision reduced, the numbers would have to increase.

However, I will say that with thier limited numbers, they did a fantanstic job. No event is ever perfect, we all know that, but rather should improve with experience.

Saturday round number 2 we watched as the 13th went forward for a recon in force, and then heard the battle open, followed by gobs of casualties coming in....seemed darn realistic. We just finished our breastworks and peered into the woods, waiting for you guys to appear.

Once you shifted to our left, we moved all our companies but one to that area to contain and hold, while the boys on the right flanked, or attepted to...when I saw what appeared to be the feds falling back, we went forward.

Three Maxims I have dug out-

Find: the enemy
Fix: the enemy in place
Finish: the job

It was a great event, and everyone involved did a great job. If anything we have learned just how aggressive we all are, and need to set up large numbers of O/C's to control it for Number 4 if we use the same style terrain.


It lent great realism to the event, when we started to lose casualties-

On the initial fight, we pushed so hard and quick we only lost 2 men out of 100. On the breastwork fight we lost 12, most on the counterattack. Now on sunday that was a different story, with by my guess over 50% casualties. Waiting on the adjutant to complete the AAR with all the numbers.

It was a great time, and moving forward we can build on its success and work as a team to overcome any issues.

Pards,

[Dave Grieves]

It's interesting to hear the gray side of how scenario 2 went. I couldn't tell what we were up against as I tried to control the left wheel of the right wing that came into contact with your reserve battalion. I could see the unit in line, but in the dense woods I thought it was only a company. It was very difficult to control the boys and keep them from running; some ran no matter what I did. I wanted to prevent a wholesale route like the one earlier.

It was a very realistic experience for me. I was very sore and hoarse at the end of it from running along the skirmish lines and screaming to keep order.

[Wild Rover]

Dave,
It is neat hearing form both sides...I can't wait for the final AAR's...initially you had one company in skirmish order there, but there were 2 and then finally 3 companies that moved out of thier works and swung right into your left.

I still have no voice.....Like I said, I think it will be great to hear all the AAR's...now if we can just get it aminated on a map...lol

Pards,

[billwatson]

Numbers disparity is easily dealt with for the next version. Whenever registration for one side gets 20 percent ahead of the other, it is stopped until the "short" side catches up to within 10 percent. With so much registration for this event taking place so many months ahead, this should be quite feasible. And it should make for even earlier registrations, which is a Good Thing.

By the way, so far as I know none of the OCs have any problem with questions being asked about the stand-downs. I think we just need to do some more advance work to convert those periods into appropriate soldierly activity -- no fighting, no tactical maneuvering, but a stand-down doesn't have to mean "no military activity at all." There's always coffee to be boiled and weapons to be cleaned and pickets to be set ... etc.

The enthusiasm everyone is demonstrating in the wake of the event is having quite an effect on staff, believe me. It's getting everyone pumped for the next one. Just the opposite of burn-out.

[Charles Heath]

Bill,

This time around, actions need to be more than mere gestures, or like Sisyphus and his rock, the cycle will begin anew. I cannot count the number of times this end of the hobby has been at this point immediately after a good event, only to flatline a few weeks later. This is the time to connect to the next dot (event at bat), and the next (event on deck), and the event after that on the horizon.

Kevin often speaks of communication. Pogue adds in cooperation, coordination, and reciprocation. Nothing new here. Over the years in thousands of posts on a multitude of forums, listservers, and adding in the phone calls and face-to-face conversations, a few things become apparent. You have seen these before, many times, and none of it is new. Ceteris parabis, there are givens and druthers.

Givens:

- The average active reenactor attends 6 to 8 events each year.
- A calendar has 52 weekends, but only about 35 of them are useful.
- People are willing to drive long distances to 1 or 2 events each year.
- Stand alone events have less authenticity detractors than do carpe eventums and campaigner adjuncts.
- Event organizers are few.
- Land availabilty for linear events is limited.
- Overhead isn't getting any lower.
- Certain 19th century resources, such as transportation, are in short supply.
- Events are designed for different scales, and this should be recognized.
- Significant events need 6 to 8 weeks in between as a buffer.
- Some events are elastic, and some are inelastic.
- Pop up events cause damage.
- Messes are halfway houses.
- Geography is a factor.

Druthers:

- Not all opportunities present themselves in an orderly fashion, but those that do should be incorporated into a logical system rather than having every event a haphazard hodge podge.
- Communication, cooperation, coordination, and reciprocity should be rewarded.
- This EBUFU process requires some give and take to get it back on track.
- Standing companies are the building block for battalions.
- Season 2004 is all but over. Start with what is on the table for 2005, and move out from there.

I agree with your 1, some of your 2, and most of number 3. Unfortunately, the success of this is not up to you or I. It's up to the individual event principals. I believe there is a great misunderstanding when it comes to the scale and scope of events, for company level events in different regions rarely have any effect on one another. Battalion events tend to have a greater gravitational pull, brigade events a little more, and so on. The real problem comes when someone isn't aware of a good battalion size event nearby and schedules a COI or something flexible right on top of it. That's why it is good to get event dates out in public early and often. How early? About 2 years works for the time being, as the old N/SA 5-year plan was a good management tool, but it has pretty much evaporated.

"But maybe McDowell will be a hardcore almost national simply because it's a solid event that folks can reasonably be expected to drive to from a large portion of the country."

Hold that thought.

"Curt Schmidt has pointed out many times the arc of involvement in this hobby from fresh fish to jaded, burned out veteran, and I'm seeing evidence of this all the time as good friends tell me "I'm burned out."

Some of that has been sadly predictable. Remind them some fine day the best rank in the reenactor armies is that of a private. They'll find it refreshing to attend an event as a participant rather than cultivate yet another event from seed to fruit. The heady feeling after a well executed event does subside and folks who were on the verge of burnout find it returning within the month. The post-event buzz doesn't last forever.

"Maybe "seeing the elephant" these days means lasting out Recon weather?"

Spending the night out in the rain, snow, and mud is a rite of passage, even in this hobby. There is much to be said for shared hardships, and there is a difference between shared hardships and unsafe conditions. Sometimes I wonder if we could just throw people in a pond and let them see how fast wool dries, if we'd be ahead during the dreaded rain showers.

I don't agree with the shotgun approach to event planning. Having many events is a good thing, but one need not eat the whole box of chocolates in one sitting to enjoy them. In other words, over the past few years, more and more folks notice how one year is overcrowded with good events, and the next year is a little lean. Remember 2000 was the Year of the Preservation March? It had at least four, and three were almost on top of each other. What to do? Encourage event development, and place them on the calendar in the out years. Reward these folks and their events by giving them more time to organize. I'll be burned at the stake for suggesting such in a moment, but it won't be the first time, nor will it be the last.

"... have NUMEROUS hardcore SEMI-nationals."

This would be the same as the regional events. That's what generally happens when two events with national level potential conflict with each other, and dilute the potential numbers for either event.

Nothing said thus far is new, and most of it has been posted at least 5,000 times over the years. Sorry to bore folks who have been paying attention, but I'd like to borrow the EBUFU calendar from Phil Campbell for a moment and look at 2005. There's a number of events that need to be added, some that have been cancelled, and some that may need to be deducted. This is in a little different format.

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January XX-XX 2005 - Woodlands - SC - 4 companies - Chris Crabb

February 18-20, 2005 - Sumter SRO - SC - 1 company - Dave Chinnis

February 25-27, 2005 - I600 - GA - POW LH - 3 companies - John Cleaveland

March 3-6, 2005 - 1860s Conference - PA - Civs - N/A - Carolann Schmitt

March 11-20, 2005 - A'boro to B'ville Sherman March - NC - UNK - TBA

March 25-27, 2005 - Glorietta Pass - NM - Cancelled - Kevin Black

April 1-3, 2005 - Sailor's Creek Preservation March - VA - 2 battalions - Lester

April 1-3, 2005 - Shiloh LH - TN - 1 battalion - Jim Butler

April 29-30, 2005 - Port Gibson March - MS - 1 battalion - John Cleaveland

May 6-8, 2005 - McDowell - VA - (also seen 13-15 as dates) - 4 battalions

May XX-XX, 2005 - Railroad - SC - Unk - 2 companies (?) - Cory Pharr

June 3-5, 2005 - June Tactical - VA - Cancelled

June XX-XX, 2005 - Brigade Drill - PA - 2 battalions - Doug Oakes

July XX-XX, 2005 - Coming Home - MD - Unk - Chris Anders

August 5-7, 2005 - Athens - MO - 1 battalion - Frank Aufmuth

September 1-2, 2005 - Island Mound - MO - 1 battalion - Phil Campbell

October XX-XX, 2005 - Corinth - MS - 1 battalion - N/SA

October 28-30, 2005 - Payne's Farm/Mine Run - VA - 3 companies of 2nd VA and 2-3 co. of 151 NY (150 infantry per side) - Dusty Chapman (edited by Mike Chapman)

That's what the 2005 EBUFU Calendar has thus far. This far out, there are some holes, and a number of good events haven't risen to the surface yet. To look at it another way:

Woodlands - Had a wet beta test. Could be a good snowbird event for January 2005, and may be in competition with a number of garrison the fort type events. Couple of companies, some cavalry, and a basic outpost type scenario. Local event with a few long distance folks.

SRO5 - 52nd PVI LH with about 70 men cap. Awful close to I600 in style, geography, and calendar. Depending on the status of I600, it could be "the" event for that timeframe. Local if I600 goes forward. Regional if not. Folks will get hung up in Olustee and wish they made this event.

I600 - Had a lot of support from several regions. It would well be considered a regional event by size, but national by appeal. Since it isn't likely to attract or hold 400+ participants, it's a regional with a lot of pull. No word on final approval.

1860s Conference - One for the civilians, and those who remember they were civilians before and after they were soldiers. Regional event with national interest for civilians.

A'boro to B'ville Sherman March - A week long event may be a bit much with no advertising as of yet. Not much out there in terms of details. The Bentonville 2000 march was fun, and just about right for a campaigner adjunct. The swamp was nice, and maybe that same snake will be waving hello this time around. Almost on top of the Sailor's Creek proposal, and that makes it a regional event at best, at the moment. Week long events tend to be hard sells, too.

Glorietta Pass - KIA - A number of folks were looking at this, and I wanted to mention its demise.

Sailor's Creek Preservation March - Feel like I was just there. Good event. Another campaigner adjunct. Rain washed away a large number of troops last time around. Almost on top of the Bentonville proposal, which makes it a regional event at best. Same thing happened in 2000, with little or no ill effects.

Shiloh LH - Probably the critical path for the Bentonville and Sailor's Creek efforts in terms of adding 1-2 additional companies from the west to either or both of those engagements. Regional event.

Port Gibson March - Was supposed to be a one shot deal, but Mother Nature turned on the blast furnace for record temps. This would make for a good national event nominee, except for the events the five weeks in front of it, and the McDowell event the week after. Would this be better moved to 2006? Could be, but Recon IV would typically be slotted in May 2006. With November 2006 wide open at the moment, a Fall Recon would give a change of pace especially if the Brandy Station site is to be used again, and, no, I'm not going to predict less rain with season change. All or any of that is going to take some phone calls, and that CCCR thing. What a coup if it were to happen. This is thinking outside the box, but it is not our decision to make. Given the distance and the heavy schedule, it will most likely be a regional event, if held in 2005.

McDowell - It has been 4 years, so why not? Just kidding. D.W. Alexander's Cavalry was from Tennessee, and the 12th Georgia Inf. hasn't been beaten to death too badly. I say this because what if the WIG came to McDowell? What if they came as Ohio or WV troops and helped the federal numbers? Just a thought, but again, it is not our decision to make. With Port Gibson so close, it will most likely remain as a regional event, however, with some minor calendar work, it could be a national event nominee.

A battalion scale eastern federal NPS type LH has been mentioned. Nothing firm.

Working On The Railroad - A late May event in South Carolina. Whew. This is a local event with regional potential.

June Tactical - Cancelled

Brigade Drill - A good learning experience, and most likely a regional event at best. It may end up being a rope drill, but good instruction is still good instruction.

Coming Home - Most likely a local or regional event with the scenario. This one has the potential for deep immersion.

Athens - The AARs from the last one were positively glowing. It will probably attract national level attention, but the mileage (really not that bad) will deter some folks from attending. This event has potential, and at least one battalion size group has tentatively committed to attend to support the ATM.

Island Mound - Between Athens, another Chickamauga LH, and the N/SA event a month later, this will probably get shortchanged from Regional to Local. The timing looks good.