Pickett's Mill Federal Living History, June 1-3, 2012

[PvtStovall]

Herb,

If Mr. Silliman is an older gentleman, then yes that would be him. He was really nice to us both and very knowledgeable. I hope to see him again at an event.

[Coatsy]

We had a great initial site walk this past Sunday. The only good that has come out of the state's logging of the park, is that there is a path that takes us to where the Federals marched into what is today the park's boundaries. We'll be able to camp near original rifle pits and breastworks that Howard's men, and later Hooker's worked on. Oh.. Many ridges and hill will be climbed... Be prepared for ups and downs.

The water drop areas have been chosen, and both nights campsites are in great spots, and Jim Butler's scorpions are ready for him. The Armory Guards staff will be conducting another site walk when the canopy is out and in its full green splendor.

Parking will be at the maintenance shed access road as usual. We ask that participants be onsite by 8 pm. Atlanta traffic being what it is on Fridays, some leeway will be given. I ride around in that stuff every work day. We are stepping off to Friday's camp site around 9:30 t 10 pm.

The event will end by 11 am on Sunday at the latest, so there is plenty of time for participants to get home. We have a full schedule the entire time we are out there, be ready!

Thanks all.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Sounds great! Can't wait, Herb.

[Coatsy]

A bump for the Pickett's Mill Federal Living History now that many of us have "survived" the Shiloh event. I have received some more registrations. Great! Keep it up. The hardtack for us Billy Yanks. Now, I know many of us have attended an event or two at the park, but for many who are attending, we'll be covering ground that the AG usually doesn't traverse during our drills and previous LH events. James Wooten took me to a spot that I have not been to at the park, and that is saying a lot for me since I've been planning/attending programs and events there for 15 years.

Yes it is challenging in some places. If you survived the recent Shiloh march, then you'll be fine at the Mill.

I'll let Oliver Howard give his view of the area in his own words "...I am on the ridge beyond the field that we were looking at this morning. No person can appreciate the difficulty in moving over this ground unless he can see it. I am on the east side of the creek on which Pettitt's [Pickett's?] Mill is, facing south, and am now turning the enemy's right flank, I think. A prisoner reports two divisions in front of us, Cleburne's and Hindman's..." (OR's)"

http://ehistory.osu.edu/uscw/feature...6/picketts.cfm

The fact that Howard included "I think" in regards to turning the CS flank just speaks volumes of how confusing the area was and still is once you get into the heart of the park.

[PetePaolillo]

Very much looking forward to it. I am in!

[huntdaw]

I guess I've missed the info on this one entirely. Since one of my g-grandfather's was a Kentucky Federal I may have to pay him some homage at this one. Need to check the old calendar I suppose.

[Coatsy]

The AG staff went on another site walk this past Sunday. The tree canopy is out, so another look at our route was accomplished. Registration is still very much open through the webpage. If you have enjoyed the AG led living histories at Pickett's Mill, Lookout Mountain, and Ft. McAllister, then you'll do fine by this one. Not a lot of SOYA, but a lot of sweating.

Event Website: http://armoryguardsevents.webs.com/index.htm

[Pvt_Sullivan]

I'm coming to Georgia for the fun. But then Herb already knew that.

Nothing like Picketts Mill to stretch your legs out, get your fill of ticks and chiggers, sweat the poisons out of your pores, and briefly relive the life of a soldier.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Scorpions, Pete... Scorpions.

[toptimlrd]

Ticks are out and bring your hill climbing legs, that's all I'm gonna say.