Banks' Grand Retreat CS Western Company

[DougCooper]

Bill Treadway and I would like to invite men from the Rockies and Great Plains westward to sign up for the 15th Texas "Western Company" for the upcoming Banks' Grand Retreat Red River Campaign event, March 14-18, 2007. To date we have 13 men registered, from California, Utah, Idaho and Washington and have indications of interest from men in Arizona and Colorado, as well as an expatriot from Georgia who just returned from Guam.

Many of us did the Mansfield LA 2004 preservation march. We are psyched to do it again in the Howling Wilderness of Northwest Louisiana, in the footsteps of Dick Taylor's outnumbered but hard fighting greyhounds.

When registering simply indicate Bill Treadway's Western Company as your preferred choice. Please see the website at www.banksgrandretreat.com and direct any additional questions on the 15th Texas or company details to me at coop2911@msn.com.

I would add that Don Smith (TMD CO) will be leading the Western Federal Company of the 81st Illinois for the event. So if you have a mind to join the boys in blue, he is your man.

[Gallo de Cielo]

Well said!

Bill and Doug are two among many that deserve a tip of the hat for their willingness to come so far as well as to take on the responsibility of raising and leading a company of men in the piney woods.

If I could go as a private, I would gladly shoulder a musket in their ranks.

Regards,

[firstexas]

Thanks pards.

I would like to add my email address if anyone wishes to contact me directly. Please feel free to email me at Bill@newsensations.com if I can be of any service. I am really looking forward to this event. It should be something to remember for a long time!!

Best regards, Bill.

[PvtShot]

Does anyone have a rough idea on the size of this event? It seems that for the length, it would be hard to get any kind of numbers. It would be nice though.

Thanks,
Eliot Toscano
(The Buckras)

[Spinster]

Thanks for your interest Eliot--looks like you are new around here. Like most high quality events, we've got a numerical cap, and expect to hit it.

[Tom Ezell]

Does anyone have a rough idea on the size of this event? It seems that for the length, it would be hard to get any kind of numbers. It would be nice though.


You might be surprised... The last iteration, "Red River Campaign II" had approximately 110 to 120 in each of the two infantry battalions, plus two companies of cavalry, about half a dozen sections of artillery, the kibuki/logistical support, and at least two dozen or so civilians for an eight-day event, Saturday to the following Sunday. The Mansfield march the year before last fielded a quite respectable sized Confederate battalion. It will be as big or bigger than many or most of the other regional events that have far less impressive requirements.

Start walkin'.... They ain't no real bad hills in the area, but it's not purely flat, either. And if you sag or drop off the side of the road, at least at the last event (RR2) they would flat leave your ass there... there ain't no broom wagon coming thru at the end of the day. I would definitely keep Mr. Yearby's coattails somewhere in view!

[Silas]

General rule in reenacting is that quality events tend to have fewer numbers. Lesser events tend to have greater numbers.

I caution anyone who has not attended a quality event like this one to be careful. If you attend, you'll likely find that the usual events lack the luster they once had. You'll find yourself gravitating towards the "hardcore" folks because you'll know they aren't the devils that others portray them to be. You'll start caring more about your kit than you presently do. Same goes for your interest in the common soldier. Events like this open your eyes in ways that the usual events do not.

There must be something right about Banks Grand Retreat because people are literally coming from the extreme corners of the US to attend this one. Then there are my strange speaking friends from the UK. People are not going to come from so far to attend the other competing event - aimed at the masses - that same weekend. People will travel a long way for something good.

Don't let the distance scare you. It's not really that far. You'd be surprised how much you probably walk in a day already. Be more afraid about how you'll perceive the hobby. That will certainly change.

[Campjacksonboy]

I can't really improve on what Silas has already said.

Red River 1 was the event that changed the hobby for me. The cool part is that after the first few days we didn't have to go home. that one still ranks up near the top for me. As the CS commander I can vouch that we already have a sizeable force forming.

Marse Duffer is going to need your help as we will be chasing him out of Louisiana and it will take quite a force to stop my men. We have four companies formed and each have solid foundations. If you havent been to a campaign event such as this, I encourage you to attend but come prepared. If you can do it you will most likely find that this event will be the gauge of all the events you will have ever attended. These longer events don't come around often and if you can break away from Wedesday to Sunday you ought to do anything you can to make this one. You will be glad you did.
Frank Aufmuth
Colonel of C.S. Forces at BGR

[Alamo Guard]

Fearless Frank,
Im sure Captains Marek and Smith shall be up to the task of keeping you off their tails. I know both of these gentlemen and they are worthy of the task at hand.
I would be honored to serve under either of these fine gentlemen at any event. The Federal Company Commanders are top rail in my humble opinion, and as many as possible should join their companies before its too late and the company books are closed.

[Tarheel]

To add an update from across the big pond. We are now up to 15 who will run the blockade to take part in this exceptional event; 12 Brits and 3 French friends.
Getting fit, checking the kit and counting the days!!!!!
Patrick Reardon
The Lazy Jack Mess, UK

[firstexas]

Hi Patrick,

That is great news. I look forward to marching with you. We are up to about 17 guys who are coming from western states for Major Aufmuth's battalion. I am also counting the days and getting fit. This should be an event to remember. Keep those registration forms coming in boys!!

Best regards, Bill.

[tmdreb]

Those are 15 outstanding fellows who have helped to nearly fill my company! I honestly couldn't be more honored, humbled and thrilled at this opportunity to not only be in the reunited company of Ground Hornets and Lazy Jacks, but to serve as its commander.

I know we will be dragging our tired bodies through a dense thicket straight into Yankee ambushes, but I will not be afraid. I've been through a lot with you fine men, and can't wait to do it all again.

[firstexas]

Pards,

It is the new year and I wanted to get this folder back into view. We have 18 soldiers registered for the CS western company at BGR. If you are interested in going to this event please get those registration forms and fees in to Fred very soon. Time is short and March will be here before you know it. If there is anything I can do to help please feel free to contact me. Thank you and I'll see you all in Louisiana!!


www.banksgrandretreat.com

Best regards, Bill.

[Tarheel]

A small update from across the pond. The Lazy Jacks & Friends international contingent has now risen to 17!!! This is our largest ever number to run the blockade and Mr. Welles' entire navy is not sufficient to stop us. Can't wait, and for those reading this thread who are still undecided, join us if you can; it promises to be an event the like of which should not be missed.
Warm best wishes for 2007,
Patrick Reardon,
The Lazy Jack Mess, UK