Prelude to Chickamauga

[trippcor]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga

Now that I have had a chance to recover from this event both attending and putting it together, I thought I would post a few more thoughts. We set out from the get go with several key goals when planning for this event. The first goal was to try and raise money for a great site. Second goal was to continue to build on what we had accomplished at Return to the Ranks with several groups in Georgia, including the Critter Company, 10th Texas, GA State Line, and Prophet Boys Mess, coming together to put on events. Lastly to build an event that would challenge all those that came from the top down. While we are still waiting to get a final count from Robby concerning the donation, based on all the posts and comments I have received I think we accomplished all three. I could not be happier.

Now about the specific scenario details which based on the posts I think some might find interesting. First we started looking for a historical basis for two small units to bump into each other in Georgia during the fall. It did not take to long to narrow it down to the period that we used for the event. Thanks to the research done by Herb Coats, he was able to find numerous small skirmishes that occurred in the fall of 63 in North Georgia before the Battle of Chickamauga. Thus our event name was born (Thanks to Andrew Jerram for coming up with it).

Originally we start planning to just have two patrols that stumble into each other. It however quickly became apparent given that we would have both infantry and cavalry and site size that if we left it at that then the event could be over by 10 am on Saturday especially if one or both sides were aggressive. That’s no good so we worked to refine the scenario.

Here is what we decided on based on research, our expected 2 Confederates to 1 Federal ratio and the site limitations. The Federals were to map the area a completely as possible and then return to their main force via the Rossville Rd (Aka GA-11). The Confederates were to be screening an imaginary force that was moving down the Lafayette Rd on Saturday then they were to try and hold the two fords on Chickamauga Creek (aka the creek in the center of the property). So which side actually was able to accomplish the assigned military goal?

Regardless of which side actually won, I think on an individual basis it was a great event. I know I was certainly challenged through out. Some of my more memorable moments in no particular order include:
1. Kiev running back after going to answer the call of nature saying three Critters had just popped up behind a log and had him dead to rights.
2. The ringing of the bell at the Harris Homestead some time around midnight after that area was suppose to be secure.
3. The Critter just riding by as we were resting at the Harris Homestead Saturday afternoon with our arms stacked.
4. Running into what we thought were just some federal pickets at the northern ford then realizing it was the entire company. (I thought this fight was a draw)
5. Standing Officer of the guard duty Saturday night and thinking I saw movement at the very edge of the camp only to have it turn out to be a bowel movement.
6. Finding out after the event that Coley knew it was me Saturday morning inspecting the rear rank of Capt Milbert's company. I had no idea we were being watched.

Thanks again to everyone that came. My hat is off to each and everyone one of you. Without you this event would not have been successful.

[Coatsy]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga

The Corpse that did not die was the aquatic commander John Duffer. He had his life preserver on. I think that deflected the bullets.

And where did the Federal Infantry go? Back to Rossville and Chattanooga to deliever the detailed map! (I'll try to scan it and post a link soonish)

The sheep pen was not guarded on the eastern (closer to Hwy 11) and we had two choices where to go when we got to the pen. Down the road to the Rossville Rd (Hwy 11) or down the path, taking more shots, to the Farm House. So the commander choose to not get shot up.

I know you boys were itching for a fight, and we were itching not to get shot up. I'll tell you what charging across the ford and double quicking it was something else. I had a geninue fear of getting mowed down and that is another moment that will stay with me! Thanks guys!

[toptimlrd]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga

You mean our quick forced march up that ridge....and I only heard about 7 or 8 shots fired at us at a range of maybe 200 yards...I'll take those odds anyday. :wink_smil

There were only about eight of us there and a couple of us were guarding our rear. :D If y'all had slowed down a bit, I'm sure we coulda squeezed off a couple more rounds. :wink_smil At least we saw one of you go down, darned if that corpse didn't shoot back later though :tounge_sm

By the way, where did y'all go, we went further up the tree line to try and cut you off but you never reappeared so we went after the Critters.

[AndrewMartin]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga

Thanks to the Federal Infantry for giving us such great target practice as they marched up that ridge early Sunday morning.

You mean our quick forced march up that ridge....and I only heard about 7 or 8 shots fired at us at a range of maybe 200 yards...I'll take those odds anyday. :wink_smil

[CFHicks]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga

"We were convinced that we had reached some sort of portal to the society of beautiful women and lingered about for a while munching on Subway."

Eric, we figured they were strippers or 'working gals' till we saw that rich little creep roll up in the hummer to meet them, can't remember the last time I hated a guy as bad as I did him!

[toptimlrd]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga

Big thanks to Kiev, Tripp, Robbie, Nate, Coley and Hunter for this great event. Also a big thanks to all the guys in the 2nd Company for making me very welcome, especially Corey.

This soon after the event, some of my favorite recollections are watching the sun set while on picket duty Saturday night and at about 8:00 when the Critters snuck up on our little camp right under my nose by moving up along the tree line in the shadows until they were right at the fence and opened up, touche guys. If it weren't for that barbed wire, we would have been wiped out. I can tell you after that, every cow, bush, and falling twig had a whole new meaning. :-) The Sunday battle where we ran up the road flanking the Critters and Federals was also great, getting to the top of the hill and seeing all of the Critters being escorted by our guys, priceless. I also loved the early morning march outs on patrol. Thanks to the Federal Infantry for giving us such great target practice as they marched up that ridge early Sunday morning.

Wish it had been a bit warmer (or I hadn't decided to save weight by leaving my extra blanket in the truck) on Friday night, but I actually didn't mind the little bit of rain on Sunday morning, (wrapped up in the old Gum and went back to dream land). Great impressions at the homestead also, "Mr. Harris", you did an exceptional job in your portrayal; that double barrell was perfect.

Things like this just adds that little extra to the realism.

The only real negatives I have is all the land mines that were out there and I know at least one person who will be a little more cautious about where he lays his bedroll going forward. :wink_smil I hope you were able to get home without your pards discarding your greatcoat somewhere along the way. Also I know there was nothing that could be done about it, but the road noise was a little distracting at times.

Until next time, be safe guys.

[Milliron]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga

Houston, I believe you were shot by our own battalion pickets coming back from your water excursion.

ROFLMAO, is all I can say.

I had a great time. Let's do it again. It will be my last event for a while, and I couldn't be more pleased. Thanks to all involved.

[Michael Comer]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga

Yes, it was a good event and my thanks are to those who worked hard to put it on. All in all, I think it was well worth my time and effort to drive down from Missouri for it.

I was grateful to spend some time with my oldest son who will probably be deployed to the sandbox before we get a chance to do another event together.

Standing an advance guard on Sunday morning at a water supply near the ford was interesting. The rain dripping off the trees kept sounding like movement in the leaves and was pretty spooky sounding - my imagination began working overtime and I was wondering how me and my guard partner were going to get out of there if some of those horsemen came into the clear. The short answer was we wouldn't.

Pulling the first picket duty on Saturday was fortuitous. I got a pretty good night's sleep even with the rain beginning in the early a.m.

Dawn seemed to take forever to arrive.

I also got a real kick out of something on Saturday evening. Our company did a lot of the advance work during the weekend and did quite a bit of skirmish/scouting. As we left the homestead and approached a large rise, two of our boys were sent up top to have a look. As they topped the ridge the setting sun made perfect silhouettes of them. I don't get too many real "moments" at events - there's always modern talk, junior-high humor or something else that detracts from the moment. But this one was truly one of those moments for me. Several of us on the skirmish line below commented on it.

Hats off to Capt. Milbert for taking advantage of a situation and having us high-tail it up that hill after the cavalry. The apparent confusion that set in among the dismounted troopers when they saw us charging up behind them was a real sight - easily the high point of the weekend and a great way to end an event and another one of those moments. Two moments at one event - not bad at all.

The Yanks say they accomplished their objectives and we were told that we accomplished our orders so I guess we'll call it a draw.

[Eric Tipton]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga

Thanks to all the fellas in the WIG and the Critters for yet another outstanding weekend. It has gotten to the point where if you boys said "show up at (Name Location) and nothing else, we know we'll be there. As usual, this is long. I tried fifty words or less, but alas, failed again:

The Good

Uncertainty - Nothing beats the feeling that every time you visit the sinks, or wander too far from the camp that you might get zapped. When moving, it makes you conscious of any noise you might make and keeps your wits keen, not to mention the adrenaline rush. We had a first-timer (on campaign) and he probably said it the best after we left. "That is what I thought I was getting into when I started reenacting".

Having the Critters on OUR side - That was the most realistic use of cavalry I've seen up close at an event so far. It was a lot easier to sleep knowing that if we saw something that resembled a cow/horse, we were safe either way.

Impressions - Didn't see the Rebs up close and personal too often, but the Federals were made up of a lot of regulars that we see often at events.

Movement (See uncertainty) - This is my favorite thing - carrying only what you need and walking the paths in that red clay is something that gives us Northerners a rush.

Interaction at the Harris Homestead - The citizens "living" in the house had just the right mix of being hospitable while being wary of us at the same time. I have to wonder whatever became of that large piece of ham that Joe put in with the beans simmering on the fire. Did anyone get to eat the mixture and was it worth all the fuss that Joe put into the cutting of his "prize"?

Camaraderie - At least with the infantry, we were made up of mostly real northerners and it is always fun to cut up with the boys from the GHTI. Bottom line on events is that the participants walk away knowing that they had a good time. Based on the smiles on people's faces and the AAR's so far - mission accomplished.

The Bad

Boundaries - It seemed like we kept running into the "out-of-bounds areas" that have already been mentioned.

Cow Patties - Hobnails do a great job in rough terrain, but are worthless if you hit a nice fresh cow pie.

Hits - This event made me realize that sometimes the lack of hits has less to do with people's unwillingness to go down and more to do with the fact that they might not even know they are in someone else’s sights. There weren't too many instances where I personally got close to the other side, and when we did, guys did a good job of ducking, taking cover or generally getting down. In this type of scenario, when you know that you could be captured and have your food taken from you, it makes it even less likely that guys will go down and stay down. This isn't a knock on this event. I thought that given the numbers, terrain, etc, that the interaction was pretty realistic. Just something to consider for future tacticals.

I-285 – Damn. We thought we missed rush hour when we got onto I-285 from I-75 at around 7:45 PM. We were mistaken. This was more than made up for by an encounter with some of the lovely women of Atlanta at the Kangaroo three miles from the event. We were convinced that we had reached some sort of portal to the society of beautiful women and lingered about for a while munching on Subway. We ran into some Confederates who can corroborate our story. It was explained to me that this location is midway between the UGA campus and Atlanta and that it is like this every night at this particular rest stop. All I can say is WOW.

Perspective - Saturday Battle

For the record, we moved to the top of that hill because we heard something. Once on the top, skirmishers were sent to our right to "flush out" the enemy. Our left flank was protected by a large open field and our right flank by the barb wire (out of bounds) I was deployed on the far left with Misters Brinkman, Coble, and Ewing. From our vantage point, we could see everything that the Confederates were doing on the other side of the open field and I'm pretty certain that they didn't know we were there. We were feeding the number of enemy troops back to Sergeant Liechty who was then relaying the info to Sergeant Coats and Lt. Petersburg. We counted sixteen troops moving to engage our skirmishers on the right.

The decision was made to wait until we knew a good number of the enemy had moved to our right to react to the gunfire produced by our skirmishers. At the same time, we watched the Critters across the field move into position in a clump of trees and wait. From that position, unless the Confederates wanted to brave a wide open field, they covered our left flank. We were quietly cheering their presence from our vantage point.

In our front was an open field and the treeline which the Rebs stayed inside during their movement to the top. They were firing forward at our main body, which was the intent of the ambush. We were chomping at the bit to move down the treeline on their right, since we weren't spotted. Eventually, we did move down the treeline and fired enfilade into the line of skirmishers who had moved to the top.

We then observed the Critters moving from their position in the trees into the rear of the men who had come to the top and were scattered in the woods. Unless there were more troops still to come out of the main body of the Confederates, their skirmishers sent up through the woods were essentially cut off. Now whether we (the infantry) should have closed the deal on our end is debatable.

When the firing subsided we were re-assembled and moved to the other side of the open field. From the other side, we could not see the position that we had occupied to observe the movements of the enemy.

Bottom Line

I am happy to know that everyone saw success on both sides. To paraphrase a cliche, sometimes, it isn't a matter of who wins and loses, but how realistic the game is played. Given the quality of officers chosen for the event, I have no doubt that they had the utmost confidence from the men in the ranks on both sides. Since each side met their objectives and all had a good time, I'd say that the bottom line equals a success in anyone's book.

"Doing What They Did"....

The time capsule created for this event included many things that the real men might have encountered over the period of two days or even two weeks. In the absence of a large, decisive battle (since we moved by the flank Sunday and "escaped"), I know that the real soldiers had these kinds of skirmishes on a regular basis and the results were either inconclusive or decisive on a very small scale. Just to re-enforce this point, here are some accounts I came across while studying this general time period prior to the Battle of Chickamauga. I was looking for information on the 51st Ohio, who were present in this vicinity during the late-summer/early autumn time-frame. I have highlighted some of the actions that are similar to the “moments” I’ve already seen here in the AAR’s:

On September 16th, General Palmer reported that Colonel "Grose, with two regiments and one section of artillery, crossed the creek and drove a party of the enemy over the hills."

"The night of the 16th," T. J. Wright, 8th Kentucky Infantry, added, "a reconnoitering party from the Eighth and Twenty-first Kentucky of sixteen men and two officers (Captains Wilson and Savage), crossed the river and silently crept through brush and thickets until they came near the enemy's cavalry videttes, two of them standing together. Captain Wilson, of the Eighth, heard them conversing, and crept near enough to hear them debating the probability of General Bragg and Longstreet's combined forces being able to utterly annihilate the Union army under Rosecrans, in case they succeeded in cutting us off from Chattanooga."

On September 17th, General Palmer observed that "early in the morning the enemy's cavalry attacked our pickets at Gower's. After a sharp skirmish, [they] were repulsed with some loss in wounded and 1 prisoner."

Early in the morning of September 17th, around 4:00 p.m., a mounted contingent of the 4th Georgia Cavalry Regiment rode over the pickets of General William B. Hazen's Brigade, posted on the Dry Valley Road near Gower's Ford. General Hazen, with an aide, was personally at the picket post when the attack occurred. "The attack was so sudden," he wrote, "that the horsemen were upon us, and some passed us and were captured before they could check their horses. The pickets took cover, while I sought the friendly shelter of a field of high corn. The affair was over almost in an instant, with a repulse and a loss to the enemy of one captain and several men."

"Early in the morning of the 18th [actually the 17th]," Samuel Keeran, 124th Ohio Infantry, wrote, "a squad of rebel cavalry attacked our camp, firing a volley into our tents before we had got up. Three shots struck Gen. Hazen's tent. We were not long in getting up and ready for business, but when we got ready there was no enemy to fight, but two of the rebs, more bold than the rest, rode up to the bank of the creek and fired at Gen. Hazen, who was then just outside his tent. The two rebs were just across the creek from him. Immediately there were a hundred muskets raised ready to fire at them, but Gen. Hazen drew his sword, saying 'Don't fire.' He also said he admired bravery where ever he saw it. Those two men were all alone."

The next day, September 18th, brought more prolonged fighting north of Gower's Ford in the vicinity of Owen's Ford and Bird's Mill. Around 9:00 a.m., the Federal pickets along the creek near Owen's Ford noted the enemy advancing in force on the opposite bank. Shortly thereafter Confederate artillery, probably from A. L. Huggin's Tennessee Battery, began firing shells into the camps of Colonel Sidney M. Barnes's Brigade. The shells caused much confusion but no injury in the Federal camps.

Barns had been ordering his men into line of battle when the attack commenced. After completing the maneuver the troops marched 200 yards to the rear, occupying "a commanding position in an open field." To protect his front and flank from the advancing infantry, Colonel Barnes ordered the 26th Pennsylvania Battery to unlimber on a nearby commanding hill.

Two regiments from Barnes Brigade, the 8th Kentucky and 51st Ohio, spent most of the day skirmishing across the creek with the Confederates. The Confederates engaged in this action were probably dismounted cavalrymen. John Lindsey dates the skirmish at Owen's Ford as the 18th and involving the 8th Tennessee Cavalry Regiment of Dibrell's Brigade in Armstrong's Division of General Nathan Bedford Forrest's Corps. "Skirmished all day at Owen's Ford," he wrote, and with the aid of Captain A. L. Huggin's [Tennessee] battery were enabled to hold the position taken during the day."

Thanks to all for a great time. See you in the field!

[Jerry Ross]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga

To all concerned ,

I had a great time! I didn't think I was going to be able to make it. Thank you to everyone who puts event on and works their butts off.

Just to let everyone know who led the Critters into the Valley of Death it was I and I alone.(Jerry Ross)

My commander Coley Adair heard me ask to be in the front of the line so I could do some shooting and he said you take my spot and so I did. As we came through the ford we fanned out in a skirmish line went to the top of the hill were located the enemy guarding the only way out I knew. As we heard the first volleys we went to cover and dismounted. We drew down on the Confederates as fired into them as fast as we could. I know me and a pard had to reload at least three times.That is one the chamber and seven in the tube. I don't think a man I shot went down or ducked. I must tell the the company we bought these guns from how inaccuarte they is...

With this happing we could not move forward and I and I alone was to stubborn to back off when I noticed this, I moved to our right to keep from getting flank but it alas ws not enough for our 15 men to handle. When we noticed the men coming from our rear again damn guns did not fire straight again. Many of our guys had already taken hits from the fine shooting sesh.
The men who were able tried to mount up to go out but our flanks were entirely covered we were shot to smitthrenssss.We would not be able to shoot our way out. At least not with the guns we had.

I was a damn fool for letting us get into the mess and a damn fool for not getting us out of it at the right time. Sorry Coley I kilt your men and my self needlesly. To my fallen comrades on horseback I let you down.

Lessoned learned? maybe? Do it again? If my own guys don't kill me first,YES.

I love a good fight and it has been a few years since I have laid down so much powder. I had really thought our Federal infantry was around some where and might have come. But again this D_ _ _ fool ought not assume.

I had a great time thanks again fellas .

Jerry Ross (Moron)
Critter Company (maybe if they don't kick me out for getting them kilt)

[Federal Bummer]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga AAR

As Mr. Milbert has just said, "But somewhere herein the details and accounts from both sides lies the truth". Funny how our AARs have very different perspectives of the same events - I suppose that's why they say that eye witness accounts of the same criminal activity are probably the most unreliable ... and when we read many period accounts of the same actions, we also see the same thing from the men who were actually there. I guess what matters most is what we each take away from the experience that we can use to remember or improve ourselves.

While it's fun to talk a little smack about happenings at an event like this, I think truer words have never been spoken!

[Coatsy]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga

Ah perspective. I love it!!!! Each side has their own "victories" here and they should! Gents on both sides thank you for coming down and braving the Atlanta traffic to the Harris Farm. I hope you take away many great "moments" as I have.

The Good: The interaction at the Farmhouse, not knowing if any "unfriendlies" were in the out buildings, great interaction with the "Harris Folks", and getting to raid the cellar. Joe's successful trade was almost rendered null by the sheer size of the ham.

The Saturday skirmish on the hill and down to the ford. From my, the Federal, perspective we stalled the Confederate advance guard, took potshots at your main body and when the cavalry made their most fortuitous move behind the Confederates and came into their rear. It was marvelous from atop the hill! The Unionist force moved down the hill, still taking shots at the Johnnies, and then linked up with the cavalry to get in the rear of the Confederates. Very cool manouver. I heard from Tripp that Hunter reacted very well to us Federallys atop the hill and shifted the Johhnies away from the Critter attack from the rear at the ford. Good job there to you as well!

I'll tell you AC'ers this, seeing a combined effort of infantry and cavalry on Saturday was something that I have read out of the books. From my perch atop the hill seeing the cavalry probe one spot, and then probe another, find it ripe for the picking, galloping down to the ford, dismounting and coming to link up with infantry was brillianty executed! That is something that I will remember for a long time!

Also the camraderie we had in camp on Saturday night (thanks for the leftovers Johnnies, we enjoyed your camp.) was great. Very "OUTSTANDING!"
The weather was a burden both nights but we stuck it out like the Boys of '61 through '65 had too. No, Knapsacks were not dropped.

The "Lets get the Hell out of here" charge Sunday by the Federal Infantry was great as well. We had NO clue where the Johnnies were, so we hit the closest ford at top speed and double quicked it up the hill to the afore mentioned goat farm, I'll tell you this my heart was fluttering with the unknown factors of "Where are the Cornfeds gonna ambush us?" The postshots by the Johnny's as we went up hill lent speed to my worn feet. The commander, Mr. "Mercury" Petersburg made the decision to take the road out of the area instead of getting smacked by trying to run back to the farm. Yeah we got out of Dodge vey quick on Sunday. Take that as you will.

The Bad: Gents, I tried to get the weather gods to be favorable to us. Yeah it was cold on Friday night, and it rained early on Sunday morning, but it was nice and sunny on Saturday, so I guess we got a good show of the meterological spectrum.

Who won? The Feds? We got the area mapped like we were supposed to, took one casulty on from infantry, alas poor Duffer, I knew him well. Our marvelous cavalry provided a very "Spartans at Thermopolye" for us as well Sunday. So the goal was reached and the map not lost.

The Confederates? Well since I was not on the Johnny side I cannot say, but you all held the field of battle, and captured some nice fancy weapons to boot.

To be lame, I think we all won. From all of the reports I've seen and heard everyone had a blast! That means the goal was achieved from the coordinators standpoint.

The UGLY: Atlanta traffic. Next time us Corn love'n Georgians host an event at the Harris Farm we'll put a warning up "Don't drive through the ATL on Friday from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm

I want to thank everyone who came to the event. It was great to do research and see some of the ideas thrown around come to light.

Tripp, Robby, Kiev, Hunter, The Jerrams, Jeff Yoder, The Beav: you guys helped make the event work. Good job! I'm just glad I kept Nate from marching from one end of the farm to the other on Saturday morning.

[GACornbread]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga

Hello Art:
I suspected the same thing and that is why it was not in my original moments.
As I went for water Sunday morning in the rain, I talked to each picket I could find or maybe all of the pickets who properly challenged me(3). They watched me go and come back. We talked again and then I made my way up behind our pickets. When the picket who shot at me, woke up? I believe he saw me and shot. Then he tried to do what pickets are supposed to do, but he did not recognize the confederate password. His sign was "Harris Homestead". I said "Pharr" and ran as fast as I could to the top of the hill. So maybe, it was our pickets, or maybe it was yankee picketts following me back from the water tank and taking me inside our lines? If so, the Yanks deserve their kill. Anyway, I had a great time doing it. I was inside our lines at the time when the sleepy pickets finally stirred in the rain? Friendly fire in the rain and dark, probably happened to many in the war.

To me I heard pistol shots and musket fire all weekend. Now I realize the Sharp's must sound like pistols. I am used to hearing muskets. So while they are firing at us running up to the horses, it sounds like a pistol at distance? Some should have died charging, but so should Nate's infantry when we ambushed them or the cavalry when we surprised them. And maybe one of the yanks who I shot at trying to ambush me at the water on Saturday night. But, I could have missed too. This is not real war. But, even in the CW many more balls were fired than ever hit anybody. We know the avg "balls fired vs hits" for many engagements.

The fun is always in the tactics, not in who did or did not take hits. Remeber we are doing this as opposed to mainstream. Have Fun, there is always another event because no one ever dies.

Houston White
Tenth Texas

[CFHicks]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga

We all had a great time and it was a damn good event in spite of the plague of barbed wire. Too many excellent moments to list, basically the best of the event took place on Sunday, from the start of the rain to the end of the final scrape, nobody who was there needs me to describe how incredible Sunday was.

Thanks to all those in charge for taking good care of us, and for the much needed tasty food and coffee on Saturday. The whole event was a shining success from start to finish, the only complaints that I heard or voiced myself (besides some people refusing to keel over, as is typical when boys play in the woods) concerned the abundance of barbed wire and the lack of "action". The barbed wire was indeed an unfortunate factor, but the extensive lulls between brief and intense engagements, along with the endless hours spent searching in vain for the enemy, were in truth quite realistic. This event had a flavor and feel to it unlike any other I've attended.

[Paul Jerram]

Re: Prelude to Chickamauga AAR

As Mr. Milbert has just said, "But somewhere herein the details and accounts from both sides lies the truth". Funny how our AARs have very different perspectives of the same events - I suppose that's why they say that eye witness accounts of the same criminal activity are probably the most unreliable ... and when we read many period accounts of the same actions, we also see the same thing from the men who were actually there. I guess what matters most is what we each take away from the experience that we can use to remember or improve ourselves.

Prelude to Chickamauga this past weekend was a great experience. You always know when you've had such an experience when you have a hard time sifting through the many moments that made up your event for you ... and also as you remmber wishing, "I wish so and so were here to see this ..."

It was a great event for me personally. I'd like to thank all those who have already been thanked for their part in planning and executing this event - Robby, Tripp, Kiev, Coley, Hunter et al ... it was a great pleasure to have been involved in just a part of that and to see the spirit of cooperation, the "can do" attitude, the teamwork and the focus on the men who would be attending, and how to better their experience ... that was a refreshing thing to be a part of.

For me as a company commander, just being able to execute orders to post pickets, to send out patrols, to be woken numerous times by my men "seeing" or "hearing" things (including that company of Critters that turned out to be cattle as Andrew already mentioned) to listen and watch as men anticipated what might be just around the next bend, or in that thicket of trees just ahead, or lurking in the damp early morning mist ... whether it be Critters or Federal Infantry ... was a great experience. To watch small coffee fires pop up when we had time to rest - to watch packs and bedrolls being unslung and men relaxing with a pipe or a tall tale ... good moments. To see so many good impressions ... to renew old friendships and acquaintances and to make new ones also.

If I have one regret it would be that fight at the grain silo on Sunday morning. Coley and we had all agreed that we would respect one another's firepower, (how often have we heard that complaint leveled at "mainstream" events?) especially knowing that we were up against Spencers in the hand of fellows who know how to use them; and in hindsight I probably should have pulled my Company back a little earlier. But in the heat of the fight, with orders to stand my ground ... oh well ... still a good fight. I trust there are no hard feelings.

I'd like to acknowledge the tasks that the Critters carried out and the way in which they carried them out - it seems like they screened their infantry very well and it appeared that they were used effectively. We knew you knew where we were ...

Lt. Petersburg - sorry I never got to actually see you this weekend but it was always the threat of where you might be that made the difference ... and my thanks to Captains Art Milbert and Cory Pharr - I have fallen in alongside you before and will always welcome the opportunity to do so again in the future ... and thanks to the men in your companies.

And of course, I would be remiss if I did not thank my own men and NCOs - for your dedication, for doing your duty and for being such an important part of my experience. I hope it was a good one for each of you also.

Thanks for a great event!

Regards,

Paul Jerram
Late Commanding, 3rd Company, CS Forces
Prelude to Chickamauga