Babes in the Woods

[Anna Allen]

Wow. What a week. I want to begin by saying how much I am grateful to Fred Baker and Tom Yearby for spending so much of their time to make this a successful event for everyone. You both put a ton of hard work into this and I don't know how to tell you how much I appreciate you both. You were both very kind to Ginger, Silvana and I through the whole week. I wish I could do something for you to better express my gratitude. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed my time down in Louisiana. There were many things that happened that were unexpected. Some good and some not so good, but you both dealt with them very professionally. I also want to thank Dusty Lind for making my week. He was so sweet to the three "Babes in the Woods" (as he called us). He came to visit with us, deliver us letters and gave us news since we were camped so far from everyone. I don't think I would have enjoyed myself half as much if he hadn't been there. So thank you so much for everything, Dusty! I hope I will have a chance to see you again at a future event.

The first night was a little scary since everyone was saying that we all needed to be careful of wild animals and snakes. Somehow I thought I might wake up with a cottonmouth next to me some morning, but it turned out that the biggest animal I saw was a squirrel running up a tree. And no, I did not run into any wild boars along the way and something tells me that if I had, they'd be just as scared of me as I of them. The "howling wilderness" wasn't nearly as scary as I was made to believe. I soon got very used to sleeping in the woods with my two other friends and no one else for miles. The stars were very bright and the trees were so much taller than I am used to seeing. It was truly breathtaking. The first few days it did rain a lot and the area where we slept was very muddy and wet. But the rain soon ended and we were able to hang up our clothes to dry. I found out how easily clothing can get dirty and how hard it is to clean them when you only have so much water and the water that you do have is saved for drinking.

So much happened and I will have so very many memories from this event. Some of my highlights were when the Federals came through our camp Saturday late morning (that's a guess since I didn't have a timepiece with me), took ALL of our food, looked through everything we had in camp including waving our dirty chemises in the air with a bayonet and laughing. Then we got questioned about a letter we received from our brave Col. Aufmuth (his image was included with the letter) and they almost made us take The Oath! We were terrified and I couldn't help but feel a little bit of what someone in the period may have actually felt. I still can't believe they took all of our food. I made a bunch of cornbread for the Confederate army and of course they took that as well. The Confederate boys later found some canned goods of ours in the woods that the Federals had dropped. Actually I believe the Federals had intended those for us since they didn't realize they were taking everything we had to eat for the remainder of the event. I don't think Our Boys realized that and within minutes they inhaled them. I suppose it was better they had them anyway.

Another highlight was while all the Federals were pillaging through our camp, someone slipped me a letter (I wasn't even able to see the man's face as this all happened very suddenly), which was very unexpected. It came from my "brother" who I had written to earlier that week. That moment felt so real and all I could think about was hiding the letter so no one would take it away from me. A few moments later we were taken prisoners and forced out of our camp and out of the way of fire. While we were being forced out I felt someone nudging my left shoulder. I wanted to push whoever it was aside, but noticed it was a man trying to give me a bundle of something. It turns out he was giving me a cloth sack full of his hardtack. I tried to thank him, but he was gone so I hid the bundle under my shawl hoping it wouldn't be seen. We were only held prisoners for several minutes before the fighting began and the soldiers who were guarding us had to leave for the fight. We hurried up and fled into the woods away from the fight, but close enough to see what was going on. The woods had been burned down so it was hard to hide from their view and it was even harder to keep our dresses clean.

Our Boys fought off the Federals and we were able to see them awhile as they rested before moving on. I also got the opportunity to see my brother who had recently become 1st Sgt. He was kind enough to give me most of his salt pork (he was going to give it all to me, but I wouldn't let him) and when he found out the Federals took all of our matches, he gave me the one box he had on him. I wanted to wrap his feet with some cloth, as he wasn't wearing any shoes and they were bleeding, but he refused. I'm sure it was very painful, although he never showed it.

Later that evening the three of us, Ginger, Silvana and I were able to cross the Federal lines with the ox wagon to meet up with the Confederates. Col. Aufmuth found out that the Union army had taken all of our food and invited us to have dinner in their camp. It's a wonder we were actually able to get through the enemy lines. That whole scene was a "period moment" for me. I was pretty worried we wouldn't be able to get a pass. We finally got to the Confederate lines only to see Col. Aufmuth walking in a stream of water with his bare feet and his pant legs pulled up. It was an amusing site indeed. The water seemed a little deep for crossing and after contemplating how to get over, the Col. suggested carrying us to the other side. So one by one, the three of us were carried safely to the other side and we followed the wagon into their camp. We made sure to keep ourselves away from the other soldiers in camp while we waited for Col. Aufmuth, as we did not want to offend the other men by our presence. It may have been a little embarrassing for the other soldiers as I'm sure they were not expecting three women entering their camp that evening. While we waited for the Col., Miss Ginger read to us another chapter of Ivanhoe, which she had been reading aloud to us the previous nights.

Finally Col. Aufmuth was presentable and set up a little "parlor" behind the ox wagon for us. We had such a lovely time visiting with the Col. and the other officers. We were entertained by music, dancing, the most wonderful meal, which I believe had been prepared by one of the Lazy Jacks (btw, it really was delicious) and I was able to see my brother once again which made me very happy. I especially had quite a jolly time dancing a polka down a rough path with the Col. After dancing back and forth several times, I finally told him I was tired and I think he was grateful. Ah, what a grand time we had that evening. It had been so long since I last whirled around a dance floor. Although this was no dance floor, it was nice having someone to spin me around, even if the ground was a bit rough. After dinner it was time to go back as we still had a fair bit of walking left to be done and it was getting late. The officers escorted us to the lines and once again carried us over the stream of water. When we got to the Federal lines, there was another small body of water, but it would have been just as easy to hop over to the other side. Of course they also had to carry us over. (I believe they didn't want to be outdone by the Rebs.) It was rather amusing.

All in all I'd have to say this event was by far one of the best events I've attended. I experienced many "period moments" and learned quite a lot about living on your own in the middle of nowhere. I enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new ones. It was grand meeting all of the Lazy Jacks (or was it "Crazy" Jacks?? ;) )! You all are quite the gentlemen and I do hope I will have a chance to meet up with you again in the near future. I must say that both the Federals and the Confederates were very sweet to us, even though the Federals enjoyed harassing us on Saturday. (We enjoyed it too...) By the end of the week I could have spent another three or four weeks out there. I was just starting to get used to it! Again, thank you to those who made this event and who helped my household and I so much during the week. I can't wait to do it again!

[Silvana Siddali]

I want to add my thanks to Anna's. First, Tom Yearby and Fred Baker deserve a lot of praise for their excellent organization. I know they had to shift gears more than once, rather quickly, because scenarios and personnel kept changing. The logistics, medical issues, etc., must have been daunting, but Tom and Fred were tireless in dealing with everything smoothly and efficiently, and they retained their good spirits throughout.

The event was just fantastic. I learned so much. I can't add much to Anna's report except to say that so many folks were kind, fun, and very authentic. I was particularly thrilled to see so many Lazy Crazy Jacks and their excellent French Pards -- those are the jolliest, friendliest, most good-natured fellows in the world. Every time I ran into them they brightened my day. (They also cook like demons.) I feel that Tom and Fred did a great deal of good not only for our hobby, but for general good will and friendship as well. (And of course historic preservation!)

I'd also like to thank Dusty Lind, who went out of his way to check on us in our lonely forest camp, split logs for us, tell us tall tales, and bring us some very welcome mail. Unfortunately we discovered after comparing our letters that a certain Ladies' Man sent each of us exactly the same compliments. Hmph.

Kisatchie NP is a beautiful site and well worth a visit. I was amazed at the constellations at night, the wild birds flying overhead, and the gorgeous scenic views. I loved every minute of the event. I honestly could have stayed another week and was sorry when it was all over.

Oh, and I should say, the only reason our chemises were dirty was because of the minor flood we had in our tent during the downpour. That red mud is hard to get out!

[IowaYank]

Anna, I do have to say the cornbread and peach jam was very delicious. Getting that spoonful of jam right before the fight started was a welcome addition of flavor to our hardtack and slab bacon diets. Truely was a great time.

It was good to see you again!!

[Anna Allen]

Hey, Dan! I'm glad you enjoyed the cornbread and preserves. Jay Stevens had asked me before the event to make some cornbread so their guys could pillage it, but turned out you guys got there first. :mad: Ah, well. I'm glad someone enjoyed it! And it was great seeing you again after so many years! Glad to see you've changed over to the "dark side" of reenacting. Hope I'll see you at another event in the near future.

[DougCooper]

Tell ya what, young soldiers like Dan are the future of the hobby - I am glad he is over too - a Southern Guard Picket Post and now BGR make him more than qualified!!!

Witnessing one of the "creek carry-overs" was a real treat. Our commander Frank and soldier Rex Porter were tres' gallant!

One aspect of this event which was truly eye-opening and special to me, was the incredible contrast between day to day army operations as we slogged along in the mud together eating bacon and hard bread and drinking creek water, and the 180 change to women and children, rest and good food. It is actually fortunate that we did not get to you guys until day 3, as it made it even more of a contrast.

Terre saw this happen to me close up but when we marched in, tired and sore from running through the woods all day on advance guard and skirmish, the first thing I saw besides Diva was little Anna. She reminded me so much of my little Abigail at home, with big brown eyes, beautiful smile and similar face, that tears filled my eyes and I could not speak for a minute. Not sure what pct was missing my kids, the contrast between our world and yours and simply being tired, but it was moment I will never forget and one I had never felt before. Others among us reported the same thing.

That entire 2 hour period in the camp included more food and water than we could drink despite our protestations that you were worse off than us. I got my damaged toe bandaged, listened to stories of Sgt Major Hicks and Pharoah's Army, and as usual, spent much time speaking with Dusty Lind, Preacher of the Pines (who outdid even his performance in 2004). It made the event and as we marched out, trying to eat with our hands from hats, boilers, cups, etc, while holding our rifles in the other hand, we were so proud of you we felt like raising three cheers for miles.

But then the shouts of the Col and the Capt ordered us back on advance guard looking for the enemy, the memory of our late happiness pushed back in favor of the business of war.

That, and many other memories over 5 days made BGR stand alone in 20 years in this hobby for me.

Thanks

[ohpkirk]

The first night was a little scary since everyone was saying that we all needed to be careful of wild animals and snakes.

You know those woods are wrought with bears. Man eating bears.

[Charles Heath]

Cody, don't you know the alligators were busy eating the bears? After they finished with DeSoto's pigs, of course.

[Anna Allen]

You know those woods are wrought with bears. Man eating bears.

Yeah, I sure saw a lot of 'em last week. mroww

Btw Cody, great hardtack. I was eating that stuff on the way home.

[IowaYank]

Tell ya what, young soldiers like Dan are the future of the hobby - I am glad he is over too - a Southern Guard Picket Post and now BGR make him more than qualified!!!


Thanks for the kind words Doug. I really had a great time at both events and look forward to more events of the same caliber. It is pards like you and everyone else that make me enjoy these events so much. I do have to admitt that I do enjoy being young and having the energy to do these events.

On to The Encampment at Pittsburg Landing!!!

[PogueMahone]

Miss Siddali,

I was the Federal sergeant detailed to lead you away from your camp and guard you with two privates. You uttered the funniest thing I heard all weekend as we steered your little group down the road. Having "fainted" once already, and being revived by your friends, you said you might faint again. One of the ladies said something and you responded "But I enjoy fainting!"

Your dramatic swooning by the tree was also appreciated by this audience.

To all three ladies,

I am truly sorry that we took ALL of your food. I actually felt sorry for you. If it will take the sting from the vile act, that was the best eating we did all week. The preserves were delicious and the cornbread and sorghum mixed up were extra tasty! Oh and the raisins and cherries! My goodness, it was all good. But, I am sorry we left you like Old Mother Hubbard.

We left the canned goods behind because they were too heavy to carry. There was no charity in it.

regards,

[Anna Allen]

We left the canned goods behind because they were too heavy to carry. There was no charity in it.


AhHAH! The truth comes out!

[ohpkirk]

My color guard and I enjoyed the canned salmon.....prior to being told that it was all you had to eat.

At least you had crackers on the way home.

[Anna Allen]

My color guard and I enjoyed the canned salmon.....prior to being told that it was all you had to eat.

At least you had crackers on the way home.

Eh, I could care less about the canned salmon. Glad you boys enjoyed it. One of the Brits made us the most delicious meal that evening so that definitely made up for our loss.

[Spinster]

Don't let Joe fool you, he has charity in his heart---he just wants other folks to extend it. :D

A quiet word from him as he left our place let me know that y'all were totally cleaned out, and I sent a bucket of hot fresh cooked hominey out by that preacherman. Who knows what made it through the lines, but like lighter pine for a quick start and young wagon boys to make you a fire, it was sent.

[DougCooper]

AhHAH! The truth comes out!

I was wondering where the pile of cans came from - for a foolish second I thought the Yanks had traded you prepared stuff for their cans...should have known it was just too heavy for them to carry.

Myself and the advanced guard from Co B were actually in position to ambush the Yank column as it marched singing out of the civilian camp, obviously very happy with having conquered the civilians. They did not even have a rear guard out, thinking no doubt that we were a mile or more away. As the rest of our column was not quite up, we never received the order to fire, discretion being the better part of valor. Had we known of the transgressions that had ocurred, perhaps things would have been different :)

[IowaYank]

Another thing that myself and several others in Company A found quite amusing was the labeling that was written on one of the cans. Written in pencil on the label was the word soup spelled SOOP. We all found that amusing. It also was quite a surprise to see what was in the cans. It was like Christmas all over again waiting to see what would actually be in the cans. Man those were some funny looking and tasting small, round green "tomatoes"(turned out to be peas).

[Cottoncarder]

Don't let Joe fool you, he has charity in his heart---he just wants other folks to extend it. :D

A quiet word from him as he left our place let me know that y'all were totally cleaned out, and I sent a bucket of hot fresh cooked hominey out by that preacherman. Who knows what made it through the lines, but like lighter pine for a quick start and young wagon boys to make you a fire, it was sent.

Mizz Terre,
I was wondering why all that good stock was coming from our larder and into the hands of the Preacher man along with the sending out of the young man. I should have realized it was going for a most desperate cause. A kind, compassionate and gentle heart is always looked upon in good light from our maker....Mizz Bertie

[Spinster]

Mizz Bertie,

This event proved one of my maxims---there is no such thing as too many blankets, buckets, or bars of chocolate.

From the complete bedroll and set of rations that went out in the hands of our English writer, garnered near midnight as we dropped him into an army off schedule, to the cakes of chocolate, jugs of molassas, cans of condensed milk.......one notes no 'real food' in my larder, for folks had that and plenty. What I packed was the sort that sent a man just one more mile, or two or three......

Buckets, lord, buckets, for men and animals and cleaning and cooking 25 pounds of hominy----and then keeping it cooked for the next three days when the army fell behind.

The same thing went for blankets--I started the event on a period camp bed, with two feather ticks, 3 blankets, 3 more in reserve, and a stack of painted cloth. All went a traveling, until the last night found me snuggled in that most delightful of places--on the ground with a two year old and his Mama under a single blanket and an old quilt, listening to the sound of invalid soldiers snoring just outside.

[Alamo Guard]

Miss Bertie,
You know a man such as myself could never see the babes suffer or starve.
I took Ms Terre's hominy as well as some of my own rice, coffee, sugar and even a bar of soap when I heard of their misfortunes with those "sub human dutchmen". After visiting these lasses for days to give them both moral and spirtual comfort I expected and feared the worse.
I was just wondering what cruel fate had become them after the harsh treatment we had received in our own camp? I myself was whipped around like a ragdoll so hard the buttons were torn off my clothes. Women with babes in their arms held at bayonet point. Men of all ages rudely accused of belonging to Confederate Forces. Some fiendish lad attempted to pat search a lady till she connected with a open palm.
The gravest insult of all was not being trusted as man of my word after giving my christian promise. Did these northern hordes have no morals?
I must say Christian Charity was sorely tried while the yankees sacked our little homes. Despite the fact we were in fact tending their disabled and were still under Federal occupation!!!!!!!!
I know the reporter for the London Times shall get a detailed report for his British Reader on the brutal way these lovers of Lincoln treated us.
Regardless It was alot of fun and without hard feelings or reservations I would love to do it all once again.
Finally any food I did beg or barter from you forces did in fact go to the refugees, and no you cannot have the location of that Natchez Spring either.

[Ginger Lane]

I took Ms Terre's hominy as well as some of my own rice, coffee, sugar and even a bar of soap when I heard of their misfortunes with those "sub human dutchmen".

I don't think I ever really got a chance to thank y'all for that. It was such a wonderful surprise to get back to our dark camp (I was half afraid of what I'd find, after being gone for so long) and discovering a little treasure trove on the table. :)

I'm not going to pretend eloquence, especially since I'd only be parroting what Anna and Silvana have already said so far. But it has truly been a thrilling and unforgettable experience for me. Being beholden to so many tireless workers, and to so many (to me) strangers, like the Federal soldier who pressed a piece of hardtack and bacon in my hand when our own stores were being devoured, is simply overwhelming. This is what pulling together means, to not only bring an event off but for everyone to participate and interact with each other.

Finally any food I did beg or barter from you forces did in fact go to the refugees, and no you cannot have the location of that Natchez Spring either.

Aaah! What on earth was that Natchez Spring "water"? That was a libation with plenty of oomph!

Another thing that myself and several others in Company A found quite amusing was the labeling that was written on one of the cans. Written in pencil on the label was the word soup spelled SOOP. We all found that amusing. It also was quite a surprise to see what was in the cans. It was like Christmas all over again waiting to see what would actually be in the cans. Man those were some funny looking and tasting small, round green "tomatoes"(turned out to be peas).

Um, Silvana? Sounds like we might have had a rather, um, interesting dinner even if we had been able to cook. Oops...

I was wondering where the pile of cans came from - for a foolish second I thought the Yanks had traded you prepared stuff for their cans...should have known it was just too heavy for them to carry.

Personally, I suspect a scheming muleteer. Probably tipped off you fellows with a "Free Food" sign. :tounge_sm

[huntdaw]

We left the canned goods behind because they were too heavy to carry. There was no charity in it.

Well they weren't too heavy for me. I spotted them under the tree while escorting a water detail and toted them back stacked in my arms on my musket. There was another fellow got a few too. It was tasty indeed.

I felt bad when I was told the ladies had no food left and I did apologize for my denying them sustenance but it sure was good! I did donate some rice to help them out and assuage my conscience. Plus, I didn't need it - I was full of salmon, peas and mushrooms etc.

[Silvana Siddali]

I feel that I should explain something about the canned goods. We painted the cans and glued period labels to them that were specifically based on northern (mostly from Massachusetts) period labels. The idea was that the traveling preacher, who was doing a lot of yeoman service as a wily peddler and trader, had taken pity on our refugee state and had brought us canned goods that we wouldn't otherwise have been able to obtain. Other than those canned goods, we only had food that was on Ms. Vicki Betts' carefully researched list.

[Charles Heath]

Silvana,

It was nice running into the three "babes in the woods" at the Coyote Camp spring, whilst you gals were dropping off the package for Fred Baker. We assumed it was some sort of medical supply, such as moleskin, and later learned much to our amusement the parcel contained letters (mail) for the boys. That was a most opportune point to find a spring before heading through the burned area.

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Anna,

2nd Platoon Co.A came to your campsite after the battalion so we did not get as much as we would have liked. But, I did get a candle and a bar of soap. The bar of soap made it back to Iowa and I gave it to my daughter who just so happens to collect soap.(she is four and has three drawers full of soap) Not only did she love the bar of soap but she took it to school for show and tell. She told the class that her daddy got it from the rebels while playing Civil War.

Looking forward to Athens in August.

[Drygoods]

My goodness, what a story! I wonder, were the women robbed? Did they take your brooches as well? Oh, I'd have blistered those yankees all the way up and down the road to kingdom come if that had happened to me. Also, about those tin cans of food, did you make your own cans? Not the labels, did you make your own hole-n-cap cans?

[Rob Murray]

Ladies, I was the Capt. that was ordered to search your abode. You had stated that you were Christian women and loyal Unionists. With that in mind I began gingerly searching your belongings. When the Sergt. Maj. found a letter from the commander of the CS forces in a box I had already gone through, the gloves came off. I don't believe anything "bad" happened until that point. The cornbread and mollasses were exellent (ask Co.B) as well as the preserves. The matches came in handy, I was out. Thank you for a wonderful "period" moment. I felt no guilt whatsoever leaving you destitute. Such is war.

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

[BrianHicks]

I'm afraid it was the Ladies misfortune that I crawled into the tent to aid in the search. Alas... I've had some real world experience at such things... and it paid off.

What I'm curious to know is.... with the Conf. Colonel writing letters to each of the three Women... where they aware of the others receiving letters? Was it one huge free-love affair? Or was the Col. just a rake, and playing all three women from multiple angles.... or... where his intentions honorable?

I still have the confiscated letters! Perhaps there may be some hush money required to preserve the Colonels integrity and the womens honor? :embaresse :secret: :teeth_smi

[hooyahmicah]

As we were advancing into the burned forest opposite the ladies' tent, I stopped to rifle through some things...namely a breadbasket. I was very disappointed to find nothing but crumbs. After quickly glancing at a few other items, I ran back to meet up with my unit, sorely disappointed and hungry.

[Drygoods]

hmm, well, I wasn't there, but I sure would have had a tough time holding my tongue while all that thieving was going on. Why gracious me, you should hear what I'm telling my pixel right now. Robbing young women indeed! The good Lord saw what you did and hopefully loaded you petty pilferers over with ticks!!!:p

[Rob Murray]

Mrs. Peebles, No ticks here.:D

Rob Murray

[PogueMahone]

Mrs. Peebles,

I can assure you that any ungracious comments made by you in our direction would have been met with the mocking sound of mules braying. We didn't care. These women possessed something other than hardtack and bacon and we wanted it.

[Silvana Siddali]

You want to know what's really irritating about this? About five minutes before those jackanape blackguard poltroon federals arrived at our camp, we three ladies had just discovered that Col. Aufmuth had apparently penned precisely the same letter to each of us, only varying his compliments with the hair color of the lady in question. He enclosed a copy of his carte de visite for each lady and ended each letter with a verse from I Am Just A Ladies Man. We were talking over what we should do about this situation when the federals boiled up into the camp. So not only did he deceive us in his intentions, he managed to get us in trouble with you terrible fellows.

I'm just really curious about one thing -- why didn't you confiscate that long list of those 81st IL names that was right at the top of the document box? I was completely bewildered when I got back to our ransacked camp & discovered that that list was still there untouched, along with all our federal money and stamps.

BTW, if any of you has our candles, I wouldn't really mind getting a few of them back. Some of those were hand poured beeswax. Just a thought. No big deal either way, though.

[Rob Murray]

Miss Siddali, I did find the list of the 81st as well as I believe the CS and civilian participants. As they were a computer print out they did not see the light of day. There were other things I saw that I will not mention either. The federal money and stamps I found as well. I am an officer and a gentleman. I am not a thief.:D

[Cottoncarder]

Now, now Miss Silvanna had you been with the rest of us you would not have endoured this misfortune. Protection is afforded in groups. Had you come in when called, you would have been a part of the core and most important happenings at the hovel. I'm sure a it was a lesson hard learned. You would have had the benefit of the whole of us and protection from the Yanks and the wild life.

[Charles Heath]

I'm sure a it was a lesson hard learned. You would have had the benefit of the whole of us and protection from the Yanks and the wild life.

Why, yes, I can certainly attest to the "protection" offered by the civilians, for at no time were the stragglers from Co. C, 77th Illinois Infantry ever endangered by roving bands of yanks, rebs, ticks, Desoto's pigs, or mosquitoes. We felt fully protected the entire time, with the operative word being "full." At one point we were feeling outflanked by a swarm of sausage, soft bread, and cheese, but they were handled roughly and we retired back to our stand of arms in good order. Burp. :)

[ElizabethClark]

Innocent folks did have their belongings taken by one side or another, and having lived through that experience, the "outpost" ladies have a very personal layer to add to future representations of that experience, just as those administering the soldier's rest have that layer.

[Campjacksonboy]

I've been out of town and am just getting back into the swing of things.
Perhaps to answer Mr. Hicks question (although a week late). My intentions were completely honorable and I have no need to pay anyone off.
Nor did any of these ladies do anything dishonorable.
As hard as these ladies worked to write letters before hand I felt it proper to reciprocate their efforts (How many letters did you write?). I got to listen to Missa Silvana talk about how she was writing those letters for months and she even kidnapped my wife and enlisted her help to write a few letters in French for the European lads.
Then she broke into my house and started throwing my furniture out and told me I had to move two miles away and said I needed to learn some manners. Miss Anna with her lovely BGR cheer kept throwing things at me and calling me names, killed all the chickens, drank all my cherry bounce, stole all my food, killed me, and danced over my grave.

So I found a period letter changed the location, date, and added a few things and figured I'd spice it up with a little drama. After all I knew those ladies would be in the Piney woods left to their own recognisance.

Yeah all the letters were the same but come on!- three ladies, 6 letters, something had to give.

Any detectible creepyness was borrowed from a notherner of the 8th Indiana Infantry. The letters were found in the archives of the Missouri Historical Society.
Hope you enjoyed the letters and now that you have my picture your welcome!
Frank Aufmuth

[Drygoods]

A man professing love to three women all at once??! Scandalous! This just proves it, those Yankees, scamps and rogues the whole lot of 'em!!

heehheheheheheheheh :D :D



I have to confess though that I used to write letters from people of interest to our old group of civilians. One 81 year old man received 3 letters from different soiled doves accepting his proposal of marriage and 1 letter from a house Madame requesting that he never visit the establishment because none of these fallen angels would 'entertain.' This 81 year old man also got letters/bills from dressmakers and lingerie/corsetry shops for amounts of money to pay for these brides' trousseaus. Needless to say, this 81 year old man was thrilled and delighted when he received these daily letters and didn't wait a second to share them with his fellow men with whom he participated his living history! Daily he was the very man at the front of the line waiting to see what the mails would bring. Belive me, you never saw a gentleman who loved all those ugly,dirty looks the good ladies of the town gave him.:D

[huntdaw]

Actually, Mr. Aufmuth was commander of our Confederate forces. So I guess rogues aren't limited to the Federal side heh?

[DougCooper]

A man professing love to three women all at once??! Scandalous! This just proves it, those Yankees, scamps and rogues the whole lot of 'em!!

heehheheheheheheheh :D :D





We don't let just anybody be the commander of the 15th Texas...Col Aufmuth is an expert at all kinds of tactics :eek:

[Anna Allen]

Col. Frank is my hero. *swoon* :D

I did appreciate the letters, even though he wrote the same one to all three of us (changing it slightly for each lady, like the color of our hair etc.) It was pretty lonely out there in the middle of nowhere and those letters cheered me up considerably. Especially when he wrote about the three pounds of crawfish he ate.

And Frank, of course I'd never dance on your grave. Drink all your cherry bounce, yes, but dance on your grave? No, never. ;) And for those of you who don't know, Frank's got some mean dancing skillz. Especially the polka. Man that was fun.

Good times...

[Alamo Guard]

Just wondering if he ever seranaded you ladies with his bugle? I heard he had welded the mouthpiece to it after the Mansfiled March? :D

[Silvana Siddali]

Yes. He regaled us with some rousing bugle calls in the car on the way to Louisiana. With the windows closed.

[Ginger Lane]

I got to listen to Missa Silvana talk about how she was writing those letters for months and she even kidnapped my wife and enlisted her help to write a few letters in French for the European lads.
Then she broke into my house and started throwing my furniture out and told me I had to move two miles away and said I needed to learn some manners. Miss Anna with her lovely BGR cheer kept throwing things at me and calling me names, killed all the chickens, drank all my cherry bounce, stole all my food, killed me, and danced over my grave.


Bwahahaha! :D

[DougCooper]

Yes. He regaled us with some rousing bugle calls in the car on the way to Louisiana. With the windows closed.

Cruel and unusual punishment to be sure. Frank has actually greatly improved his bugling, and is quite good, but we were still happier with his whistle at BGR. At Mansfield in 2004 he lost his mouthpiece half way through...

...and there was great rejoicing...:D