Perryville 06 Preservation March

[Justin Runyon]

Posted for Chad Greene due to forum problems:

The Road to Perryville

On October 1, the Union Army of the Ohio filed out of Louisville. General
Don Carlos Buell’s three corps moved along parallel roads that converged on
Bardstown. At the same time General Joshua W. Sill and a smaller force of
infantry and cavalry marched directly towards Frankfort from Louisville. A
powerful cavalry screen moved several miles in advance of each column to
cloak the Union movements and drive away Confederate cavalry.

Buell’s total strength numbered nearly 80,000 men, with 19,000 under Sill’s
command, 13,000 in the 1 Corps, and 22,000 in each of the II and III Corps.
The I Corps’ smaller size reflected the detachment of an infantry division
to Sill’s column. Despite these numbers, many of Buell;s regiments remained
green and untested, having only recently formed. Total CS forces in
Kentucky numbered about 50,000 men, and many of them were veterans.
However, they lay strewn across the state in a rough arc stretching from
Bardstown across the Kentucky River to Mt. Sterling. Further complicating
the Confederate situation they did not possess a unified command or plan of
action. Polk was left to his own devices at Bardstown, while Bragg
addressed political affairs in Frankfort, and Smith remained focused upon
northeastern Kentucky.

The Union advance benefited from good roads and Confederate surprise. The
columns moved rapidly. By October 2, Sill had reached Shelbyville, which
lay only 30 miles from Frankfort. The same day I Corps neared Taylorsville,
the II Corps moved to Mt. Washington and the III Corps approached
Shepherdsville. Confederate cavalry patrols were driven back without being
able to secure accurate information regarding the Union dispositions.
Against the avalanche of Union forces advancing upon Bardstown from the
north, Wharton’s small cavalry brigade struggled for survival. To the
west, Wheeler’s larger cavlary force fared better, but it, too, failed to
slow the Union juggernaut. On the road to Frankfort, Scott’s cavalry
brigade retired in the face of Sill’s column.

So went the Union advance through Bardstown. Each Corps marched towards its
Confederate foe via different roads that ultimately would converge in a town
named Perryville.
Source: Staff Ride Handbook for the Battle of Perryville
Dr. Robert S. Cameron
United States Army Center

The March
The 2006 Preservation March will be on Saturday morning 7 October 2006. The
marchers will be in close proximity to Major General Alexander McD. McCook's
I Corps route to the battlefield, but this is not designed to be a precise
replication of McCook's march. Instead, the Preservation March will provide
a representative view of the Federal approach, incorporating events and
elements of both Major General T. L. Crittenden's II Corps and Acting Major
General C. C. Gilbert's III Corps' arrival on the field at Perryville.

The march will benefit the Perryville Battlefield Preservation Association
and Kentucky State Parks, and proceeds from the event will go toward
restoring the 18th US Infantry Regiment's battle flag, which the Perryville
Battlefield State Historic Site recently acquired from the Kentucky
Historical Society. The flag dates from later in the war, but the battle
honor "Chaplin Hills" (an alternate name for the battle) appears prominently
on it. Veterans of Perryville marched and served underneath this banner.
Approximately $25,000 is needed to conserve the flag and prepare it for
display.
Each marcher's registration fee will be set aside and put toward the
conservation effort.

The Preservation March and the remote campaigner campsite will be
administered and under the command of the Army of the Pacific. The march
is open to all Union Infantry, Mounted Artillery and Cavalry. Confederate
participation is open to all Cavalry, Mounted Artillery and a limited number
- no more than 100 CS Infantry willing to portray an unorganized Confederate
rear guard retreat. This infantry must be able to do fully functional
skirmisher impression as a group. This is not a “bushwhacking or sniper”
impression.

This march will be physically demanding and will entail some limited action
over private land. Marchers and mounted individuals should be prepared to
cover approximately five miles with 1 mile on a paved wartime road.
Confederate forces should retire from the march at the conflux of the
Dixville Crossroads and return to their respective commands. All US
participants will retire once the column has reached Loomis Heights on the
park. At that time all US participants should return to their respective
commands to participate in the Saturday afternoon Battle “The Fight for
Loomis Height,” which will begin at 2:00 P.M.

Anyone wanting to participate should approach their respective command
structure for more information. Registration for Perryville closes on
Friday September 8 at midnight. If you have not already registered please
do so immediately. Please also check the Perryville website for event
authenticity standards and more information. www.perryvillereenactment.org (http://www.perryvillereenactment.org)


Thanks,
Chad Greene
Reenactor Coordinator
Perryville 06

[huntdaw]

Justin,

Do you know how the Confederate side will be selected? Will this be limited to a particular group or will there be an opportunity for others that are capable of doing this type of action to join in? Has a commander etc been selected yet?

[Justin Runyon]

Micahel,

I don't have any thing to do with the event or army organization. Drop Chad Greene a line at chadgreene104@aol.com , he is the reenactor co-ordinator.

[Joni House]

Thanks to all who are participating on the preservation march.
Thanks Again,
Joni House
Program Director
Perryville Battlefield

In the News Today!!!!
Effort made to repair Civil War flag
About $25,000 is needed to repair a flag that belonged to the 18th Infantry U.S. Regiment.


PERRYVILLE - A special fundraising effort to conserve an aging Civil War flag will be held during the Battle of Perryville re-enactment on Oct. 7-8.
Money will be collected to help repair a flag that belonged to the 18th Infantry U.S. Regiment. The regiment fought at Perryville and placed the battle honor on the flag "Chaplin Hills" - another name used for Perryville.
The flag, which will be shown at the museum at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, dates from after the 1862 battle, but veterans of Perryville marched under this banner.

The preservation effort is a joint effort by the Kentucky State Parks and Perryville Battlefield Preservation Association. Approximately $25,000 is needed to conserve and prepare the flag for display.
As part of the fundraising effort, re-enactors will be conducting a "preservation march" during their stay at Perryville in October. The marchers will follow the route by Union Maj. Gen. Alexander McCook's I Corps to the battlefield. Each marcher's registration fee will be put toward the conservation effort.

Chad Greene, a re-enactor who lives in Perryville and has served as a park volunteer since 1983, is organizing this year's march.
"Thanks to Chad and many other re-enactor groups, we're able to preserve historical items such as this flag as well as battlefields such as Perryville," said Chris Kolakowski, executive director of the preservation association. "These groups play a key role in preserving our past."

This year's Battle of Perryville re-enactment is serving as the national Civil War re-enactment and is expected to draw more than 5,000 participants.
More information, including the schedule, is available by going to the Department of Parks Web site at www.parks.ky.gov and clicking the Battle of Perryville 2006 logo.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early because of the time it takes to park and get to the state park. Parking will take place at Perryville and the admission ticket includes a bus ride to the park. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a chair.



CopyrightThe Advocate-Messenger 2006

[crabby]

Michael,

You might try contacting the Army of the Tennessee, Mike Moore for info on the Confederate participation.

Crabby
AoP





Justin,

Do you know how the Confederate side will be selected? Will this be limited to a particular group or will there be an opportunity for others that are capable of doing this type of action to join in? Has a commander etc been selected yet?

[LibertyHallVols]

So...
Who is planning to do the CS side of the preservation march?

[Silas]

So...
Who is planning to do the CS side of the preservation march?
I am not presently aware of any organized effort on the CS side to participate in Chad's march. I do know that the AoT intends to drill its battalions and brigades that morning.

FYI, Gen. Moore is the overall commander. There are two entities participating on the CS side at Perryville. The AoT represents one half of the troop equation; the Unattached Others (U/O's) represent the other half. The AoT is composed of troops under the commands of Gen's Rambo and King. The U/O's are commanded by Warner Todd Huston who commands the brigades of Gen's Flowers and Huckabee.

Since the AoT is not making plans to participate in Chad's march, the troops - if any there be - will have to come from Warner Todd Huston's ranks. You ought to consider asking there. I have remained silent on the prior requests hoping that someone from the ranks of WTH's command would respond to the call. I am sorry to have left folks hanging. There have been reasons for my silence on this issue which I cannot state in a public forum.

This is an issue which needs to be solidly addressed and resolved by command this week. I'll see what I can do and report back.

Mark (Silas) Tackitt
acting Chief of Staff, Army of Tennessee

[coastaltrash]

There was some rumbling from the Un-Un attached Confederates that will be there with for the park's tours and demonstration area (this being the Living History area not "commanded" by Moore or Warner Todd) so look us up.

[Jim of The SRR]

Rather than water-down our campaigner efforts, why doesn't everyone chip in, go Federal with the AOP?

Regards,
Jim Butler

[CFHicks]

Well now let's not get carried away Jim, that would probably be a little too wise, efficient, and thought provoked to actually take place.

[JimConley]

Since the AoT is not making plans to participate in Chad's march, the troops - if any there be - will have to come from Warner Todd Huston's ranks.
Geez :sarcastic

As "Acting Chief of Staff" for the Confederate Living History program, I think something can be done to bring some quality rebs for the march.

Joni and Chad,
I'll contact y'all and ask the guys what they think. If it doesn't interfere with our program schedule, we'll put things together.

[coastaltrash]

Cliff,
Some of us might still have a bad taste about Corinth last year. Keep in mind some of us aren't going to make our own battalion's event that is 2 weeks previous to Perryville. Given the chance to go AOP or do a WIG event, I'd pick the WIG everytime. But we commited to this long before AOP info came out, which if memory serves me correctly, we agreed to it last year at Perryville when we did a similar (yet smaller) effort.

[Jim of The SRR]

So we have a Federal campaigner march, a Confederate campaigner march and a Confederate LH program at Perryville. If this is not diluting and watering down the campaigner efforts, then I don't know what is!
I know Corinth had its issues, but you need to keep your expectations in line when going to adjunct type event. You must make a silk purse yourself out of these events. I know in 2002, the two federal campaigner companies (WIG and AOP) made the battle on Saturday one of the best reenacted battles I have ever been part of (up there with Picketts Mill).

Jim Butler

[coastaltrash]

Oh believe me, I know what I was expecting, and I'm not even talking about quality of the event, I'm talking about treatment towards participants etc. A lot of us walked away from that pretty much sold on that being the last time at an NSA event. I have no idea about the Confederate march. Jim Conley is organizing the LH area so if we participate, it won't conflict with our programs with the park, which is priority #1. I don't see having one organized Confederate Living History area , for the park- planned before an organized AOP statement even came out, and the usual AOP thing as watering down anything. Just seems if we don't support Dom at NSA events then we're taking a leak on the campaigner movement.

[LibertyHallVols]

Sorry I asked.

[Jim of The SRR]

Patrick,

Not to rehash things, but what were basic issues that you guys had at Corinth. Our main issue wasn't so much how we were treated but just too many dang ATVs, modern guys on horse, etc whizzing about constantly. To me, ATVs should be used when the organizers must use them, and even then try not to ride right thro or near someones camps.
No, I don't see this watering down as just a slight at the AOP, but something that happens routinely at events and I too have been guilty as well. Probablt something we could all improve upon.

Jim

[BrianHicks]

Patrick,

Not to rehash things, but what were basic issues that you guys had at Corinth. Our main issue wasn't so much how we were treated but just too many dang ATVs, modern guys on horse, etc whizzing about constantly. To me, ATVs should be used when the organizers must use them, and even then try not to ride right thro or near someones camps.
No, I don't see this watering down as just a slight at the AOP, but something that happens routinely at events and I too have been guilty as well. Probablt something we could all improve upon.

Jim

The biggest issue was the failure in providing water to a Battalion that had been skirmishing all morning, then required to stand in a presentation formation during which a kid was given an ribbon for something he had done at a previous NSA event, then faced and marched into battle without afforded the chance to make canteen runs (we requesrted water prior to, during and immediately after the formation... but our requests were denied. I personaly informed oneof teh Caommand Staff Officers that we had men who were falteringdue to a lakc of water.... but to no avail). After we deployed for the fight, our Wing Commander went searching for water, but he was denied the use of another units water wagons. All three of our Companies were faltering and about to withdraw from the event... right in the midst of the fight, when water was finally brought up, thanks to individual efforts by civilian participants. The bigger issue? Our Brigade Commander knew at sunrise that his water wagons were not going to take to the field that day, but he failed to communicate this to his subordinates, and failed to coordonate for any water support from any other source. Do we really want to compromise our men's hydration and health by supporting efforts such as this?

[Chad Greene]

I've had several questions about logistics and support. We ample enough water for people. Great care was given to the well being of the rank and file. We also have park support services to assist us in any emergency or even the slightest problem. This has been well planned out as far as logistics and care for the marchers.

What I am still lacking is a coordinated effort from the CS side. If you are interested in going and you have an open mind set. If you would like to really experience a little unique history this will be a great opportunity.
Please contact me directly.
The march was designed for the average soldier to have a little suprise and excitment. WE don't want to give away the punches and every detail. It will be great fun and there are no safety concerns for the all participants. I would advise all persons to be aware that they will be on foot for several miles.

We know how to do it - we just need participation. The AOP is primed and ready for this. Who wants to play?
Thanks,
Chad Greene

[Spinster]

Ahh....ummmm.....I'm trying to express something here that's going to be a bit difficult. Please bear with me if I stumble, (I have at this point up for nearly 40 hours on 2 hours sleep) but I think a number of the parties that need to be involved in such are on this thread, and so I'm forging ahead in a public discussion of related issues.

I bought into the concept of this march back in June--my buy-in taking the form of recruiting a list of interested folks for the Park to draw upon to portray Unionist civilians traveling under the protection of the Federal Army.--

Dandy idea, and an excellent 'on the fly' opportunity for first person interaction for civilian and soldier alike. Just our particular cup of tea.

These types of 'on the fly' opportunities assume a certain level of expertise and understanding by all participants---including the ability to maintain period correct first-person interactions in a safe manner even in the midst of 'active hostilities'.

In my experience, about 80% of the AOP can deal with this sort of first person interaction with high-quality civilians on a consistent basis for a reasonable period of time. Great!

AOT troops don't have as consistent a skill level, but still are well above 65%---but they are going to be otherwise occupied that morning on drill, and are not going to be on the march.

And, the Confederate troops who most consistently know how to maintain high quality period impressions and play with these types of civilians have a committment to the previously scheduled program that Jim Conley is coordinating.

Leaving the bulk of the Confederated forces to be drawn from the 'unattached others'---folks who are least consistent in their ability to deal with folks in first-person character.

So, I'm now looking at a situation where we've got civilians of every make and type, women, children, old, young, the lame and the halt, strung out over difficult terrain, impeded by household goods, and trying to keep pace with a fast-moving AOP---and then encountering folks who really don't know how to play right.

Now, I know that civilians coming behind the army are a very very small part of this march effort, but they are also a documented protrayal for this particular time and place.

Nobody wants to know every punch and detail on these sorts of things--part of the challenge is doing these portrayals on the fly. But, I do have some pretty strong concerns about the abilities of some groups of 'unattached others' to deal with these civilians in a period correct manner as they encounter them.

I sincerely hope something can be worked out concerning the schedule for Jim Conley's folks.

[JimConley]

I just heard back from Joni today. Unfortunately, the Confederate Living History group WILL NOT be able to participate in the Preservation March.

It's a shame that it intereferes with the schedule that has been laid out, but that's the way it is.

Mrs. Lawson, I don't know what you and your group of misfits have planned throughout the weekend, but you all are more than welcome to interact with us whenever you like. I know that the Taters and others have done things with you all in the past, and you'd be a welcomed addition to our programs when we're not doing things like drill, etc.

See you all in a few weeks,