AAR or something like it....

[BrianHicks]

Banks Grand Retreat, for me, exceeded expectations. Having enjoyed a number of other moving and fighting events which lasted from late Friday night until mid morning on Sunday, I thought I had endured long marches and hard campaigning in this hobby. But….. with this event going from first light on Thursday morning, until mid morning on Sunday, I now realize how that extra 36 hours of campaigning can make a big, big difference in how we experience a campaign event.

Praise can not be strong enough for Fred Baker and Tom Yearby. Their work has truly paid off. Compliments must also be given to all of the other supporters of this event, such as Dusty Lind, Mrs. Lawson and the other civilians.

As already mentioned, the distance covered on the first day did not reach the planned bivouc sites. An emergency MedEvac (thank you to the men in the Federal Column who helped make the field expedient stretcher, and who transported the fella off the ridge line), as well as the general fatigue which wore on the men caused our pace to be slowed and the distance shortened. It was at this point that the abilities of the Organizers, and the support of Dusty Lind and the civilians really paid off. The relocating of water and feed for the draft animals all took place without the men in the column ever being aware of the movements behind the scenes.

The support of the two Mule drawn wagons was exceptional, as well as the sight of a four Ox drawn wagon. This is the first campaigning event at which I have ever seen such authentic logistical support, and as such, it really added to my enjoyment of the event.

The horse drawn Artillery was also a site. On Friday evening when they drew into position on the top of a Hill mass, just as the Federals were withdrawing up to that point… well.. let’s just say that without the Artillery, the Confederates most likely would not have been halted for the evening.

To the Officers and Men in the Federal Column, I’d really like to express my gratitude and appreciation at how well all of you soldiered. I was, and always will be proud to have served as the Federal Sergeant Major for this event.

To the civilians who portrayed the refugees... all of you did an outstanding job! Those first three women we came across, once we found that batch of letters from the Confederate Commander.. well... I hope we weren't to brutal in ransacking your belongings. But I must say.. that jar of peach preserves was outstanding! We passed it down the Federal line, and each man had a spoon full of it while the skirmishing was taking place in the distance!

At the second refugee encampment, we herded the women and children together, and had to get a little rough at one point when two of the women ran up to snatch a bloodied shirt we had found. In that brief exchange there was a bit of yelling and shoving during which I pressed against one of the ladies abdomen and felt the hard ribbings of her corset and demanded to know if she weren't hiding something there! She replied rather incredulously that there was no way I'd ever know, as I had no right to search in such a location! Well... seeing as I've been a married man for many a year, I knew that tone and look well, I realized that there was no hope in ascertaining whether or not she had secreted papers there or not.

The reactions of the refugees was well played. Thank you to all who participated.

And I'd like to also praise the medical staff who doctored and nursed all of the twisted knees, rolled ankles and blistered feet.

To the women who carried those heavy pots of hot food (and authentic food at that!) to the Federal Camp on Saturday night... you were life savers as the men were very fatigued. I fear that the thought of another night of fat back and hard tack was almost unbearable. The hot food you brought in realy rejuvenated them,and greatly boosted their morale. Thank you!

One of the refugee women approached me on Sunday, and informed me that she had attended my retirement from the Marine Corps back in Oct. of 2003 out in California (forgive me Mam' as I can not recall your name at the moment) and that was quite a surprise!


I read somewhere that we covered 22 miles over these three and half days of marching. Wow… quite a feat for so many of us whom are not as spry or young as a few of the fellas where. But we survived. Shared misery breeds bragging rights. And everybody who made it, has earned those rights.

Take your hats off and let the heat out Gentlemen….. we can rest now.

[DougCooper]

Backing up is always harder than going forward, and the fact that you did it so well is quite a testament, especially in the brutal muddy and hilly conditions of the first two days. The other thing I thought interesting was that it appeared to me much easier to see you then for you to see us owing to the colors of the uniforms - you in blue and we in dirt.

At the last battle/skirmish on Sunday AM any notions that we might have had that the federals were worn out or dispirited were quickly dispelled when they came down the hill at us.

Folks, I cannot imagine how Terry Sorchy must have felt when he went from company officer to company commander in 5 days, to suddenly federal battalion commander when he arrived at the event, dressed in his 1st Lt uniform. Few would have been equal to the task at the single most ambitious event I have ever attended. Well done Terry.

Brian I know you had a huge hand in making this a great event, and want to thank you for that...and the sip from your canteen on Sunday morning. I don't think you ever retired from the Corps - but we as a hobby are dang glad you have more time on your hands.

On Saturday evening on the skirmish line, one of our boys yelled over to "give us Banks or give us Hicks" (based on the civilians ID of you as the major transgressor at their camp).

Your picket replied that we could have Banks, but that they were keeping you. Good move.

[Spinster]

Barbara McCreary attended your retirement ceremony--she will be on the road back to California for several days. She is a shining example of how we can learn a person's heart from their writing---we took her unmet and unknown into this community, solely on the basis of what we had seen of her on this board. She pulled her weight, and then some.

And later on down in my AAR, you'll hear more about that precious bloody shirt, and its true life significance.

Had y'all not unhanded it easily, its quite likely that Amy would have pulled that concealed butcher knife from her bosum and retrieved that shirt from you in short order.

[Ginger Lane]

To the civilians who portrayed the refugees... all of you did an outstanding job! Those first three women we came across, once we found that batch of letters from the Confederate Commander.. well... I hope we weren't to brutal in ransacking your belongings. But I must say.. that jar of peach preserves was outstanding! We passed it down the Federal line, and each man had a spoon full of it while the skirmishing was taking place in the distance!

Well, I'm glad somebody was able to enjoy it! I'll keep the preference in mind for the future. Maybe! I think it was the bit with the chemise on the bayonet that was the most distressing to one of our number. :D

[bbodoh]

I eco every sentiment that the good Sgt. Major expressed. I could not have put it any better. My hat is off to Company A. When my pard Terry Sorchy asked me to come to the event 2 weeks before because he needed me to be 2nd. Lt. I reluctantly agreed because I knew I would have little time either to prepare my body physically or my mind mentally for the event let alone to be an officer. I am so glad that I agreed. Then when he was bumped up to battalion command panic set in. I was very happy that he had a back up for company command in Mr. Miller knowing first hand of Shawn's quality and ability as a company officer. When he went down the morning of the first day and the reality of my command set in panic set in again. Thank you boys for your support. I could not have asked for a better group of NCOs. Orderly Sgt. Monson, your tireless efforts were greatly appreciated. No one works harder in a company than the 1st. Sgt. you handled the job well. Sgt. Arnold and Sgt Todd you two are the best platoon Sgts. I have worked with. Your leadership was outstanding. 1st Cpl. Malice your contribution first as Cpl then as Sgt of 1st platoon was great. I cannot forget my other 3 Cpls. either, you guys did an outstanding job. 1st platoon; thank you for your steadfast quiet steadiness and reliability as well as fighting like hornets. Great Job! 2nd platoon, thank you for keeping life interesting and me on my toes as well as fighting like hornets. Great Job! Company A, you are an outstanding group of men and I would march 21-22 mile with you again. It was a pleasure serving with you.

Company A; Rest

2nd. Lt. Brad Bodoh
Commanding Company A, 81st IL Vols.
Mess #3
ONV
WIG

[AZReenactor]

Mr. Bodoh,
It was a genuine pleasure to serve under your command. The fact that you did such a fantastic job with merely two weeks preperation speaks volumes about your character and abilities.

I hope my frustrated, weary, veteran, sick of running from the Johnnies persona didn't give you too much stress out there. I was so relieved when Mr. Munson pointed out that flogging had been taken off the books as an option in '61, but I'm a little nervous about what will take its place for me. ;-)

[Terry Sorchy]

Troy,
I think everyone including myself was tired of retreating. If history did'nt write the script we could have done it a little different. But as it was with our skirmishes and our marches we just got into camps at the write time. One thing I found out in that landscape being chased, and having to turn around a large body of men in a very small space, you take what the manual says and then adopt it for your needs at the time. If I did not seem to be echoing the manual verbatum it is because there were no manuevers in the books for some of the things we had to do. I hope my fatigued mess up on "in the into line faced to the rear" command on sunday didnt detract anyone from the event. I simply forgot the by company into line command. At that point my mind was a bit fried.
Cheers
Terry Sorchy

[AZReenactor]

Terry,
We certainly could have. I'd have loved to have had a real crack at showing the Johnnies what we were made of. Had we been under Sherman rather than Banks we possibly could have. ;-)

[bbodoh]

Mr. Bodoh,
It was a genuine pleasure to serve under your command. The fact that you did such a fantastic job with merely two weeks preperation speaks volumes about your character and abilities.

I hope my frustrated, weary, veteran, sick of running from the Johnnies persona didn't give you too much stress out there. I was so relieved when Mr. Munson pointed out that flogging had been taken off the books as an option in '61, but I'm a little nervous about what will take its place for me. ;-)

Troy,
It was great. It actually was just what I needed at the time and a great first person moment. It took my mind off my feet for a few minutes. My first reaction was to agree with you. My next reaction was wait a minute it is punishable if I agree with him; then, wait a minute, it is punishable for him and I am responsible for making that punishment happen. It was awesome. Thank you for the complements. It was a pleasure serving with you.

Brad Bodoh
Mess #3
ONV
WIG

[FarbNoMore]

Brad,
being thrown in command like that; Bully for you brother. Thank you for allowing 2nd platoon the opportunity to kick some hind quarters.

No quarter next time rebs, 2nd platoon is tired of chasing you cheeky fellows down.

[MarionRifles]

No quarter next time rebs, 2nd platoon is tired of chasing you cheeky fellows down.

Kinda hard to chase us Johnnies down with your backsides towards us!;)

[AZReenactor]

Kinda hard to chase us Johnnies down with your backsides towards us!;)

Ron,
While the script may have required the Federal brigade to retreat in general, there were at least a couple of opportunities for 2nd Platoon to do a little chasing at BGR. You can be certain we are very much looking forward to an opportunity to go toe to toe with you Johnnies without being happered by Banks' inneptness. :baring_te

[MarionRifles]

Troy,

Rest assured that we were glad that Banks was leading you boys, instead of Sherman. We would have had one hell of a fight! Glad to hear you made it to the event.

[boozie]

Brad,
being thrown in command like that; Bully for you brother. Thank you for allowing 2nd platoon the opportunity to kick some hind quarters.

No quarter next time rebs, 2nd platoon is tired of chasing you cheeky fellows down.

Ahh yes. In about 30 years, A Company, 2nd platoon's deeds will shine in the O.R.'s and in it's regimental history. I'm sure we will be a hit at the G.A.R. reunions too.:tounge_sm

[MO-Pard]

My heart, mind and soul, are still out there in the woods.

I still haven't had ample time to digest everything. I have never come back from an event like this before. I don't seem to be the only one feeling this way.

Hope to post an AAR by this weekend.

[FarbNoMore]

2nd platoon and the OR's...

Now that I've thought about it, the OR's don't deserve us!!!

[DougCooper]

My heart, mind and soul, are still out there in the woods.

I still haven't had ample time to digest everything. I have never come back from an event like this before. I don't seem to be the only one feeling this way.

Hope to post an AAR by this weekend.

Yeah, the 21st century is really ruining my buzz :D We are all feeling this way Jay.

[Cottoncarder]

Barbara McCreary attended your retirement ceremony--she will be on the road back to California for several days. She is a shining example of how we can learn a person's heart from their writing---we took her unmet and unknown into this community, solely on the basis of what we had seen of her on this board. She pulled her weight, and then some.

And later on down in my AAR, you'll hear more about that precious bloody shirt, and its true life significance.

Had y'all not unhanded it easily, its quite likely that Amy would have pulled that concealed butcher knife from her bosum and retrieved that shirt from you in short order.



Mizz Terre,
Thank you for your kind words. The biggest Thank You is for the wonderful experience I gleaned from this adventure and your ever strong and quiet tutelage. I couldn’t ask for any greater privilege than learning from the very best in the hobby. This was the event of a lifetime for me.

Definite hi point…five women (including myself) walking to the waterfall, stripping down and climbing down into that beautiful fern covered grotto and shimming onto that make-shift platform for a much needed natural shower. Oh, an experience like that doesn't come around but once!:p

[Stephen Johns]

My heart, mind and soul, are still out there in the woods.

I still haven't had ample time to digest everything. I have never come back from an event like this before. I don't seem to be the only one feeling this way.

Hope to post an AAR by this weekend.


Jay this is exactly how I feel. I could not have said it any better. I long to be in those woods still chasing down federals.

Regards,

[Old Reb]

Heck, fellows, if you all are missing it that much already, come on down and I will lead you up on the northern loop to where the real hills are.

[utahreenactor]

I can’t say I ache to be back out in the woods but my god the event was spectacular! The scenery, the men I met, the physical demands all added up to make it something that I will never ever forget! I don’t have much to compare it to as it was my first "proper" event but I have a feeling most events I will do from now on will seem lackluster because of it. Getting to see both sides of the action as a defector was a unique experience in itself! The jeers that came across the lines from my former mess mates nearly kept me up at night and made me keep my musket in reach every time I closed my eyes!

I do not exaggerate in any way when I say this was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Being sick on the march really gave me a new appreciation of what the men of the war must have gone through. It may have only been a bad head cold but I still felt like I was going to die!

Thank you to all the men who made the journey to partake and an even greater thanks to the men and women who organized the event! If ever given the chance again I will surely be there!

Chase Pinkham

[Silas]

"Hey, Chase Pinkham!
What were you thinkin'?
You signed for three years
To fight for Abe Lincoln."

I'll not forget hearing that Sunday morning, nor the reason why it was aimed at you.

[boozie]

The jeers that came across the lines from my former mess mates nearly kept me up at night and made me keep my musket in reach every time I closed my eyes!
Chase Pinkham

There were many plans for your unwilling return to Company A, but when you were spotted in the Confederate battle line in the "Black Forest", the boys went wild wanting at you. Seeing that blue frock coat sent the blood boiling.:baring_te

Glad you made it home O.K. Chase.

[DougCooper]

"Hey, Chase Pinkham!
What were you thinkin'?
You signed for three years
To fight for Abe Lincoln."

I'll not forget hearing that Sunday morning, nor the reason why it was aimed at you.

We looked around for something for Chase to wear that was a lit less blue but all we could manage was to switch him from a frock to a sack coat...but he still had the forage cap. We did a full blown Oath of Allegiance ceremony, but admonished him that BOTH armies would shoot him should he have another change of heart.

No worries - he soldiered on despite sounding like death warmed over at night. We lost two men to injuries (back and knee) so his reinforcement was very welcome.

To his credit and honor, he revealed very little of import intell wise on his former comrades, despite Ox Johnson's "gentle" persuasive techniques.

And Chase, for the last time - its deserter, not defector ;)

[huntdaw]

I know evertime I would see Chase in Co. B it would make me do a double-take. I just couldn't get used to seeing him in our ranks. Didn't really trust him either.

[MO-Pard]

I was in charge of the rear guard and prisoners that day, and although I worked the prisoners including Chase to take a loyalty oath and desert, I don't know if I can take credit for convincing him.

We were glad to have you Chase and you did a splendid job, despite looking like you had the plague.

This is the first event I have ever been to where someone deserted and fought for the other side. Not that it hasn't happened, but it was a first and a nice touch. Obviously some great first person and 'black board material' for the Feds as well. In fact, the way the Feds handled it really added to the event. It would have been interesting if he had been 're-captured' and then re-exchanged........who would have trusted him?

Bully.

[AZReenactor]

It would have been interesting if he had been 're-captured' and then re-exchanged........who would have trusted him?
Oh, you can be sure if we had recaptured him, he wouldn't have been re-exchanged. Heck, If 2nd platoon captured him we probabably wouldn't have even turned him over to the brigade. ;-)

[utahreenactor]

The idea of being recaptured by the Yankees actually added a level of real stress to all of the skirmishes that I was in. Every time we would advance I would check the ground around me for the quickest and least vine covered route of escape if the Yankees came charging. That in itself added another level of realism to being a deserter (I am pounding the term into my head Doug, don’t you worry!)

Chase Pinkham

[FarbNoMore]

So Chase, had you not been switched to 1st platoon, you would have never deserted? You were that loyal to the great 2nd platoon? We understand Pinky.

[bbodoh]

Oh had we only Caught Pinky, I would have had to turn my back while 2nd Platoon did their thing.

Brad Bodoh
Mess #3
ONV
WIG

[bbodoh]

Mr. Arnold,
I take this as a high complement coming from you. Thank you.

Brad Bodoh
Mess #3
ONV
WIG

[ney]

It was an event not to be missed. Thank you Tom and Fred. I learned far more than I ever thought possible. Though my favorite part was hearing Company A yelling for Pinkham acrossed the lines.

[zachariah]

Hello All,

Cost of gas per man -$120
Replacing broken equipment- $75
Saying I went to BGR -Priceless...

Thanks to all who made this the event of a lifetime.
Several moments from the weekend stand out in my mind.
Did eating cornmeal out of my hand on the run as the Rebs shot at us taste like manna from heaven after days of hardtack and bacon, yes. I learned that standing guard over two women and their children with your bayonet fixed as they stare at you with a mixture of fear and contempt is not the same feeling as drumbeats, waving flags, and glorious charges, but the heart wrenching reality of where is our humanity and what cost this terrible thing called war. I learned that pain and fatigue can make you weak enough to collapse and go no further, but a SGT Major double quicking it up a hill with 2 packs on his back can make you capable of continuing on and finding reserves of strengths you forgot you had.
I kept a period journal as well as my "regular journal". Here are some excerpts:
"Engaged the Rebs at a crossroads surrounded by dense thorny thickets. They got the best of us and we were soon flanked. LT Bodoh pulled us out at the double quick and kept us from being captured." Thank you LT. Not bad for a "green" officer.
"As I was loadin, a Reb appeared with pistol drawn and demanded I surrender. I told him to go ahead and shoot. Luckily, Mr Groves appeared at my side and the reb couldn't decide who to shoot. I skeedaddled as Mr G. fell back." Troy, thanks, Pard...
"The boys and I built a fine shebang our first night until Chase knocked it over. The boy is too sweet to call a Jonah, and we had it back up in no time."
Chase, thanks for switching sides. It made for some great 1st person interacting and I've been singing that song at work all week. Someone asked me if it was a period song. If it wasn't before, it sure will be now...
SGT Arnold, thanks for a wonderful weekend and all your help and support in making 2nd platoon Co A the formidable fightin machine it is.
And to Company A, 1st SGT Munson, LT Bodoh, CPT Storchy, and the rest of the brigade, gentlemen, I salute you.

Michael Bogert
100th PA Co K

[Silas]

"As I was loadin, a Reb appeared with pistol drawn and demanded I surrender. I told him to go ahead and shoot. Luckily, Mr Groves appeared at my side and the reb couldn't decide who to shoot. I skeedaddled as Mr G. fell back." Troy, thanks, Pard...

I knew who to shoot. I wasn't willing to do it under the circumstances. There was a pause in the fighting, and y'all were backing up. Despite your consent, shooting an unarmed man would have been murder. I couldn't do it. I let you go. If you had been advancing or if you had been loaded plus attempted to level your musket at me, I'd have fired without hesitation. Thanks for shooting at me after you returned to your lines. I vowed not to be so cordial should we cross paths again.

Until reading your post, I had wondered if the Federal I faced thought I had an unloaded pistol. Just want you to know that It was charged and that the hammer was back. I carried a loaded pistol at an event for the first time this millenium. I charged two rounds the first morning. Didn't fire a round the entire weekend. I cleared the pistol Sunday morning on the march back to the CS parking lot. It was a confidence builder to carry it, but I continue to believe that an officer's best weapon is the troops under his supervision. Once an officer draws that pistol, he's no longer a supervisor, he's a participant. With only three or four guys with me on that flank, I thought the appearance of a little extra fire power would be a good idea.

Chase, thanks for switching sides. It made for some great 1st person interacting and I've been singing that song at work all week. Someone asked me if it was a period song. If it wasn't before, it sure will be now...

Chase joined my company and my platoon when he jumped the creek that cold night. He was a much better soldier than he appeared at first glance. I continue to hear that song y'all leveled at him after the final skirmish.

"Hey Chase Pinkham!
What were you thinkin'?
You signed for three years
To fight for Abe Lincoln."

Being a deserter, that song stung. The oath that I heard when he was initially discovered in our ranks by y'all was fierce. The oath swearer was so angry upon seeing Chase that I thought we would have to restrain the swearer. Within minutes, the song was sung and it was a good joke.

During our advances, I regularly told him not to get to far in front. I did not want him to be captured. It all made me wonder about the venim spewed upon discovery of real deserters during the war. I kept thinking about the story of an Iron Brigade deserter who was subsequently captured from Archer's or Davis' ranks at Gettysburg. He was discovered by other Iron Brigaders and received a swift execution. After the beating the Iron Brigaders received on that first day of Gettysburg, the execution had to be personal. I didn't want something like that to occur to Chase. He's a good kid even though he did desert.

[boozie]

I'm sure I am not spelling in right, but pvt. Gobtop made the Chase Pinkham song up in all of 30 seconds. The same night the platoon sat around practicing the song togeather, we knew we would meet up with Chase again.

[zachariah]

[QUOTE=Silas;54090]I knew who to shoot. I wasn't willing to do it under the circumstances. There was a pause in the fighting, and y'all were backing up. Despite your consent, shooting an unarmed man would have been murder. I couldn't do it. I let you go. If you had been advancing or if you had been loaded plus attempted to level your musket at me, I'd have fired without hesitation. Thanks for shooting at me after you returned to your lines. I vowed not to be so cordial should we cross paths again.

Mr Tackitt,

My apologies, Sir. That was surprise in my eyes at first followed by dismay. Imagine my distress upon finding myself dead to rights in your aim in the first half hour of our 1st skirmish of the 1st day. This turned to anger when you did not fire. Not wanting to end up in prison, I decided to give my country "the one life" that I had to give and demanded that you shoot me. I assumed your weapon was loaded. I did not even pause to ponder if it might be empty. My hat is off to you, Sir. You are obviously a man of honor and true strength of character. I owe you a debt of gratitude. (both for the lesson and the life) If it makes a difference, moments later I fell with a hit to the arm due to the ferocity of your fire, as did the 1st SGT and several others.
May we meet again under more cordial circumstances,
Your humble servant,
Michael Bogert

P.S. Pinkham, be glad 2nd platoon didn't catch you...

[rkg]

Hey Boozie, you did a great job on the spelling!! I had a bully time with all my 2nd platoon pards. It was the experiance of a lifetime serving with with all of you, and I mean that. I feel lucky and honored to have been part of the Boys. Can't wait to meet up with you all in the field again.

Your pard at the end of the line.

Robert Gobtop

[Rob Murray]

I recieved this first person AAR from one of the Pvts in Co. B, 81st Ill. Since I have not seen one posted, I asked and recieved his permission to post it. The author is Martin Goff.

Rob Murray
last seen commanding
Co.B, 81st Ill.

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Thank you for the kind words about Co.A. We are unruly, dirty and good fighters!

Co.A 2nd Platoon (Shitass Platoon)

[Alamo Guard]

Nice after action report. Alot of fun to read, except for the part about getting my neck stretched.....

[Terry Sorchy]

I knew history would think I'll of me. Wow now I know what Banks felt like.
Terry Sorchy

[Dan Hadley]

Rob,

Martin's AAR was one of the best I've read yet.

Dan Hadley