Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

[Steven Dacus]

We are excited to formally announce a unique campaign event in May of 2018 in the western plains. If you want to practice your Vedette and patrol duties, this is your chance.

Where: Sweetwater Station, Wyoming

When: Friday May 18th to Sunday May 20, 2018.

What: We will be representing the 11th OVC and 3rd USVI on a small detail escorting a supply wagon from Sweetwater station to another nearby outpost. Attaching a cavalry and/or infantry detail to a supply delivery was a common practice. The route for the event will total 23 miles. We will cover these miles at a very conservative pace. The cavalry will follow vedette responsibilities as outlined in “Cogdons Cavalry Compendium”. The infantry will conduct their duties and formations following Kautz’s instruction on this matter.

This is definitely NOT a powder burning event as we are unlikely to encounter any hostilities. The focus of this event is to portray and experience the common duties of wagon escort. Period rations will be provided.

For many coming from areas not in the high plains, it will be a great opportunity to see how military details completed daily activities with little support. We will be limited on trees to secure the horses, feed for the horses, and firewood for cooking. There is a good chance we will need to burn buffalo “chips” as the original guys did.

For those who have participated in events organized by the 11th OVC, this will be much easier and more relaxed pace. We will be realistically limited by the speed of the supply wagon and infantry support.
If you are interested in participating, either as cavalry or infantry, please reply to this thread on the AC or the Facebook event announcement listed below.

Updates and uniform requirements will be posted soon. Please feel free to reply with questions if you are interested!

Facebook Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/487533968279886/

[Tom Craig]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

Having traveled to Wyoming twice now for events hosted by Steve and the 11th OH I can definitely tell you that it is worth it. If you're looking for pristine landscape, look no further. If you're looking for period experience traveling over distance, this will be a good one. Steve and the 11th are sure to cook up some great period experiences as long as some awesome hospitality.

Take care,
Tom Craig
1st Maine Cavalry

[Steven Dacus]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

The following is the Infantry Guidelines for our event. Please keep in mind that this is an awesome opportunity to march on the original trails that these guys did so long ago. We rarely have opportunity to incorporate infantry into our western campaign events and are excited to raise a small company of infantry. We will be marching about 10-12 miles per day, at the pace of what a wagon is able to do. Therefore, our pace will be very manageable for the infantry.

As a basic summary of the uniform guidelines, the "standard" western infantry kit will be acceptable. We are hoping to get more '63 Springfield’s than earlier models as the galvanized Yankees of the 3rd USVI were outfitted primarily with '63's. However, we will accept '61's.

Fatigue Blouse (or Sack Coat): Indigo dyed wool. Lined fatigue blouses are preferred.

Trousers (Foot Pattern): Sky blue kersey wool

Head Gear: Wide brimmed civilian hats are preferred. Undressed and well-worn Hardee Hats will be accepted. Forage Caps will be acceptable but we strongly discourage its use for practical reasons. If you choose to have hat brass, please ensure it is correct for the 3rd USVI-CO I.

Foot Wear: U.S. Pattern Jefferson Bootees: Black dyed, semi roughed out leather, squared front, accompanied with leather shoelaces. Leather soles can be either pegged or sewn. Heel rims, inlet heel rims, and hobnails are all acceptable. Please note that no modern shoes will be accepted.

Shirts: Civilian Shirts are preferred. They must be of period fabric and construction. Additionally, the Federal Issue Shirt made of domet wool flannel, rectangular body with square gussets will also be acceptable.

Drawers: Either Federal Issue pattern or civilian patterns acceptable.

Spectacles: I know this should go without saying but we had some issues last time. Please be sure to have period glasses if you plan on using them. Modern ones that “look” like period ones will still NOT be accepted. If you have questions please let me know.

Cartridge Box: Late War Federal Patterns

U.S. Pattern Bayonet Scabbard: For this impression we prefer the late war pattern 1863 seven rivet bayonet scabbard. All bayonet scabbards must have a secure brass tip.

U.S. Pattern Haversack: “Standard” black tarred. Please pack accordingly as the majority of rations will be handed out the first night. Make sure you have enough space for all you bring. You will not be able to get back to the vehicles.

Rifle-Musket: The M1863 Springfield rifle is preferred since that is what the 3rd USVI was issued, however, the M1861 Springfield will also be accepted.

Cold Weather Gear: Please bring your shelter half and infantry pattern greatcoat. The weather on the western plains has proven to be unpredictable.

We have come across conflicting information on exactly what this regiment was issued. Many of these western units were given the second rate items due to the focus being on best supplying units in the east fighting the CSA. Therefore, the remaining units out west, generally suffered from random and complicated QM equipage.

[Steven Dacus]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

Cavalry Requirements:

Headgear: A wide brimmed civilian hat is most accurate and preferred. However, a late war forge cap or non-issue/private purchase hat is preferred. Hat brass in this ride is not required but will also be allowed (11th OVC-CO G). Dressed Hardee hats will not be allowed. No hat cords. No stampede strings.

Jackets: Fatigue Blouse/sack coat will be the primary jacket. If you plan on using something else, please get approval first.

Pants: Mounted pattern and infantry/foot pattern accepted. The 11th was issued a variety of clothing and gear.

Shirts: US Issue Shirts, Gray Wool Flannel, or correct civilian pattern shirts will be allowed.

Drawers: Govt issue or civilian. Remember that we might actually have a chance to see your drawers as we could take advantage of a quick bath in the nearby watering holes.

Footwear: The standard issue boot is preferred. Brogans with pegged or sewn soles or below the knee boots are allowed. Heal plates optional. Please refrain from above the knee style boots.No modern cotton, smart-wool, or similar hunting/sporting socks.

Overcoat: Since this is in the western high plains desert of the Oregon Trail, evenings and mornings I (especially in May) get chilly or downright cold. Even though having an overcoat is not required, whatever you bring with you to stay warm must be period correct. Please bring the standard mounted pattern. The Our unit’s “spring drill” that we have each mid-June (because of the snow being present until then), still requires the use of an overcoat during morning coffee. Again, although not required, I strongly suggest one.

Accouterments: Standard black buff or bridle leather sword belt with shoulder (optional) and saber straps are required. Please outfit your belt in the way necessary to load and fire a Spencer, sharps or Smith Carbine. Extra cylinders for pistols will not be acceptable.

A carbine sling will be needed for your Spencer, Sharps or Smith carbine. There is documented evidence to support rigging a spencer rifle to your saddle should you want to try a unique impression.

A haversack will be necessary for this trip as you will actually be living out of it for the event. Pack wisely. A US tarred version please.

I honestly have not found much on what style of canteen the 11th Ohio had. So please keep it correct for late war canteens.
As far as blankets, there was a wide variety of issue blankets and private purchase blankets. We have evidence of soldiers even trading with the Native Tribes and riding with Native blankets.

Cover/Shelter Half: Please be sure to bring your shelter half. Most likely, you will be bunking with someone with your shelter half. There is not a single stick to use for poles in many places, so be prepared for many options. Please also be sure to bring your gum blanket/ground cloth/poncho.

Weaponry

The 11th Ohio was issued a variety of weapons throughout their time out west. However by ’63 most of Company G acquired Spencer Rifles. There were still Sharps, Merrill’s, Joslyn’s, and Smiths so we will accept almost anything. Simply put, I feel sorry for the QM of the 11th.

As far as pistols, the only thing we could find was that these Regt’s had every pistol under the sun. QM records and some diaries indicate that almost everything was used out west for these guys. Therefore, the standard Colt Army/Navy, and appropriate version of Remington’s will be accepted.
Sabers: Must be correctly constructed with wire wrapped, leather bound grip and peened tang. (sabers with the nut on the end will not be accepted). Either model (1840-1860) will be accepted.

Horse Equipment

• Saddle - Model 1859 McClellan - All iron hardware, including jappaned or blued iron bar buckles.
o Wool web girth and surcingle with iron roller buckles.
o Crupper was an issued item for the 11th.
o Breast straps (martingales), were not an issued item for the 11th, in the 1859-1874 standard issue (though troopers would go out of their way to get one on rare occurrences). Any breast strap should therefore be of civilian pattern or field produced (three leather straps joined by an iron ring) Brass heart sutler row breast straps are strongly discouraged. Although we are in the rocky mountains, we are riding on the river bottoms and should not need them over the journey.

Please bring a correctly reproduced or original curry comb, brush, hoof-pick, and horseshoes.
The U.S. issue of black bridle leather Halter and Blackened bridle will be necessary. They can be the 3 or 6 buckle style properly outfitted with link strap and sewn reins. A nosebag will be quite necessary for this trip to properly take care of your mount. A picket pin and rope will also be necessary as we will actually be picketing our horses to eat at night/lunch. No modern rope. Lastly, the proper horse blanket made of blue wool with woven orange stripe will be necessary. Since saddle pads are discouraged, I urge you to consider additional blankets (grey) and your shelter half for more padding if you need it. Although not prohibited (due to individual equine needs), please ensure your saddle pads (if you choose to use them) cannot be seen under your cavalry blanket. Please also ensure your blanket is folded properly (6 layers).

Horses

Generally solid colored (aside from stars, blazes, stripes, snips, socks, stockings, etc) no Paints, Appaloosas or other breeds with stand-out colorings and markings. For those of you that have done your research, yes, I know there were limited documented cases of Indian ponies being used by the 11th, however our goal is the NUG solder in the 11th.

Again, this event is shaping up to be one not to miss or forget.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to PM me or reply to this post.

[J. Donaldson]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

Question about the infantry requirements: You mention overcoats and shelter halves for the cavalry, but not the infantry. Should infantrymen have these items as well?

Very interested in your event. Thanks for the help.

[Steven Dacus]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

Bob,

Great question. In a short answer...yes. However, we have run across some conflicting information regarding those items (thus their lack of being mentioned). There is some evidence that some companies wore private purchase coats or even "fur coats" from the traders. These western units are proving to be difficult in getting solid information. Because of this, the uniform guidelines are just that...guidelines. As long as you have a solid " Western CW" impression, we will accept that. So, please be sure to bring your overcoats and shelter halves. May in Wyoming can be 35 degrees in the morning up to 90 degrees in the afternoon. There is no way of knowing what the weather will be. Hope this helps.

Again, as a reminder, this event simulates a very common action between military posts in the west. A simple and small supply run from one post to another. Some of these trips were guarded with less than 6 people, while others had an entire company. We will be covering about 26 miles over a 3 day window. If you want a mundane, but realistic experience, this is it.

Thanks for the question Bob!

[Michael Comer]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

Sounds good to me. The life of a soldier was pretty boring much of the time and we don't experience too much of that over a typical weekend event. I plan on being there to hang out with some of my pards who always come out east for events in this part of the country.

[J. Donaldson]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

Steve-

Thanks for your reply. I'm beginning the process of looking for a Springfield to borrow for the event. Otherwise, I'm ready to go. I absolutely want a mundane event portraying every day life.

As an aside, I see the 3rd was raised at Rock Island Prison Barracks. Having grown up in the same region as the Island and many times a visitor there, I'm looking forward to bringing some of my "local" history to life.

See you in the Territory.

[Steven Dacus]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

Event Registration of the Spring 2018 Wagon Escort is now open!

Please follow the following link to our registration page: http://11thohiocavalry.com/Event_Registration.html

This event is free for all who attend, however this does not mean you can register with a half-hearted commitment. The events that the 11th OVC hosts are generally very small events in which even the attrition of 1 or two guys makes a meaningful impact on the event. That being said, and as Tom Craig pointed out, this is a great opportunity for a great campaign event that gives you a taste of the challenges of finding enough firewood, water, and appropriate bathroom locations. We will be traveling along side the original overland trails.

Preparation:
Please be prepared to cover 10-12 miles per day. The only water available is at each campsite. Which means you will have only your canteen for the entire march until we reach the overnight location. This distance between watering holes was a normal out west and a challenge many soldiers wrote about. However, we will keep a barrel of extra water on the wagon just in case.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to ask here or on the event facebook page.

[KPavia]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

Finally, an authentic event that doesn't require 48 hours of just driving!

[Steven Dacus]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

Clarifying expectations on any event like this is the key to success and ensuring everyone has a good time. Having high expectations that aren't met is the quickest way to disappoint the reenactors and start a bad reputation.

It is for that reason why I want to make sure everyone registered for this event understands what they are getting into.

1. The trail is just shy of 26 miles and is directly south of Sweetwater Station, Wy. The route is in the shape of a rough horseshoe. We will be covering about 11 miles the first day, 10 miles the second day and about 5 miles the third day.

The terrain is the most bare and barren we have campaigned on. There is literally NOTHING for miles. This can be supported by the countless diaries of soldier and civilian alike stating the same thing when passing through this area 150-170 year ago.

Cavalry guys will need to ensure their horses can picket all night. There is nothing (not even sage brush) to tie your horse to. Plenty of grass...but nothing else.

Infantry guys...there is no wood to create shebangs/shelters/etc from. Do the best you can.

Firewood will be difficult and our fires will not be large as there is not enough wood to support it. We will have just enough wood to heat coffee and cook food. Not much else.

2. We will be living out of our haversacks as much as possible with only what you can bring with you. Don't plan on putting anything in the wagon (contrary to the satire pics we have been posting). We will have no support vehicles and have no cell coverage. Therefore, once we hit the trail, there is no chance to fall out or go back to your car.

Water will be found at each overnight location. We will be using water purification tablets and/or purifiers to make the water potable. For emergency use ONLY, we will bring a 10 gal barrel of water and place it on the wagon.

There will be no established bathrooms.

3. Food/Meals will be provided. However, please understand that the food will be campaign type food. Expect hardtack as your staple, with some other supplement food (meat) for our dinners. Basic rations will be issued out Thursday night before we head out.

4. Even though we will be in a remote location, we will still have some "Visual Pollution". As many of you know who have been to Wyoming, being able to see for 20-30 miles is common. Please do not let this discourage you.

5. We are expecting soldierly behavior. This is NOT a "cool" trail ride. This is a reenactment of the average wagon escort detail that occurred between forts along the Oregon Trail. Therefore we expect everyone to respect the chain of command and obey their NCO's.

6. This event will be the most HOT and COLD, miserable, boring, mentally fatiguing experience many of you will have had in some time. We will all be embracing the "suck", so don't wine halfway through.

7. Overall, we ask everyone to focus on authenticity with your gear, food, clothing, and behavior. Please use this event to improve your overall impression and leave "Farby" things behind. While we all draw the authenticity line at different points, we will expect everyone to not bring any modern items. Please make sure you don't bring your cell phones, modern food, modern food packaging, plastic anything, etc. If we see it, we will ask you to dispose of it. Inevitably, we will allow something that we shouldn't and deny something that could reasonably pass. We understand that we can't be 100% since we do this as a hobby rather than a life style, but again, we urge everyone to strive for their highest level of authenticity for this event. Lets help each-other out.

8. Spinning off the point above, we ask EVERYONE to have a great attitude along the ride. Complaining about the route, how tired you are, how authentic you are, or making fun of other people's impressions is not helpful and will not be tolerated. We are laying out expectations now and at check-in to cover the required stuff, but once we are on the trail....we are brothers in arms. Please respect one another and be helpful to each other

9. This is not a large expedition wagon train. We currently only have one(1) wagon dedicated to this event. While we are open for a few more to join if they wish, the intent of this event was the average supply run between frontier army posts. Please don't expect a mile long wagon train.

As you can see we wanted to be as upfront as possible for all our expectations and any possible "negative" side-notes that the reenactor might encounter. While I tried to give you all the negatives I could think of, we think the positives of this event will far outweigh the possible negatives. So if you know anyone who is still on the fence....GET THEM REGISTERED NOW!!!

The command structure will be announced soon. Stay tuned!

[Steven Dacus]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

Command Announcement and Updates!

We are excited to announce the command for this event. Although a small event, it is even more important to have great command staff as everyone is more intimate and less removed from the command decision than in a normal event. Therefore, we have the following committed to lead this event:

Expedition Commander: Steve Dacus
Infantry Commander: Michael Comer
Cavalry Commander: Gary Gwin

Michael Comer
23CCFD2E-2153-4700-9FF6-41561ADE1A1F.jpeg
Those of you who have had the pleasure of falling under Michael Comer know that we are extremely lucky to have him for this event. He comes with a great deal of knowledge and experience and more importantly, an ability to hold to military standards in a very appropriate way for each situation.

Gary Gwin
13729170_501563330014079_1292472886299464333_n.jpg
Most of you from the east may not know Gary Gwin, but his real-world military experience and his love for accurate impressions has made him famous out west. We are extremely lucky to have him responsible for the mounted component to this expedition.

Lastly, we have been busy finalizing the logistical stages of this event and are extremely excited for many unique experiences, surprises and enough wagons to actually have a "train". While still a small event.

We call ourselves "Campaigners".....I guarantee you this is the most realistic experience you will have with regards to marching, living out of your haversack/bedroll, and covering original ground in the same condition that the original cast did 155 years ago.

To give you a taste of what I mean: We will be walking for three days straight without crossing a single fence or crossing over to a different property. We have 26 miles of untouched, open ground.

The best part is that there is NO registration fee. We want to attract those who truly are campaigners! Test almost every aspect of your field-craft!

Register NOW by clicking HERE

[Steven Dacus]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

If you think you are a true campaigner or are thinking about this event at all, then the time to register is now!

Final plans are coming together well. We have a few fun and unique activities planned that will make this an event not to be missed. We have received many comments of excitement looking forward to truly testing their field-craft.

We currently have about 4 full sized wagons registered which we will pack full of supplies. We are not just escorting empty wagons, we will be escorting wagons packed full of goods and supplies for Sweetwater Station.

Historically, the summer of 1865 proved dangerous for these supply details as there were daily hostilities over the supply routes and the whole overland trail system was shut down to civilians. We have reached the average size of these patrols which is as historically accurate as we can get.

So, if you want the best opportunity to test and perfect your field-craft of packing light, sleeping warm, cooking rations, and walking with actual purpose on dirt trails rather than miles of pavement....then this is the event for you!

The question remains, what is the authentic way to escort a small detail like this? We know what the regulations say, but with these smaller details, the manpower needed to properly abide by the regulations of Kautz and McClellan is not possible. How would you place the protection detail to escort 4 wagons through hostile enemy country with only 20-30 soldiers?

Come out west in May and you will see!

[KPavia]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

Since the Federal infantry were galvanized, has there been discussion on using items that were previously Confederate items, like maybe a blanket? Just thinking about items that the ex-Confederate prisoners might have brought with them out of Rock Island.

[Steven Dacus]

Re: Western Campaign Event: Wagon Escort Detail

Kenny, That is a great question. I have not seen any information or documentation to support that they brought personal items like that once they became galvanized but as a general rule, almost anything was accepted in the far west due to supply issues. My only hesitation to items that they may have had on their person as confederates is that at Rock Island the prisoners wouldn't have had much anyway. Then they were put into another prison camp (Prison "light") in preparation to be issued fed gear. While they may have had an opportunity to bring along blankets they had, I wonder how many actually had any or would prefer to keep an old one when they were later issued full(ish) fed kits. Great question though. If anyone has information regarding this issue, I would love to add it to the scope of the event! Thanks Kenny.

- - - Updated - - -

Are you ready to travel over the original Oregon/California Trail?

The Spring Wagon Escort is coming fast and we were able to get a clear day to scout the trail. The vast majority of the route is along the original trails that our counterparts traveled 155 years ago. See these attached pictures to give you an idea of the route.

We can't stress enough the importance of coming prepared, dressed for warm days and freezing nights. Come in-shape and ready to safely escort more than 2 tons of supplies to Sweetwater Station.

The route is a well worn two-track trail the entire way. The schedule will be as follows:

Thursday May 17th: Arrive no later than 4pm and be ready to be issued rations and sit through a briefing that everyone MUST attend to receive expectations and set the stage for the next three days. We will then load the wagons with the supplies in order for a quick departure Friday morning. As participants arrive, we ask that you unload as quickly as possible and we will escort you to the ending location where we will stage all our vehicles; then drive you back to the start.

Friday May 18th: First Call, breakfast and on the trail by a decent hour in the morning. We will have a total of 10.4 miles to cover this day. If we average 3 mph we will get to our overnight spot in a timely manner with enough time to cook a decent dinner. However, learning from past events like this, we expect there to be issues which will place us at our overnight spot later in the afternoon. There is a creek to get water a mile or so into the day but after that, no water until our overnight camp spot. Once we arrive at our overnight spot, we will divide into details to gather as much brush to burn for dinner. We will then assign guard duty and bed down for the night.

Saturday May 19th: First Call, breakfast and we will get out around the same time as before. Saturday's route is about 8 miles but over a bit rougher country. Troops will be responsible for helping the wagons negotiate some obstacles safely. Once arriving at our overnight location we will assign guard duty, secure the horses and bed down for the night.

Sunday May 20th: First Call, breakfast and we will get out as soon as reasonably possible. The first 1.5 miles is steep and rugged. Outriders will be busy clearing the high ridges surrounding the trail while the column will need to assist the wagons in negotiating some deep ruts. The total route on the last day is 6 miles. We will help the wagons unload their supplies, load up and leave the event after a debrief. So please don't let impatience get the best of you when we arrive at our vehicles. Please help everyone pack up and load up and we will have a closing meeting to make sure everything has been taken care of and then you will be dismissed.

Please keep in mind there is no opportunity to back out once you start. We will be 20 or so miles back in remote country with no cell coverage. We have some emergency contingencies but please understand that wimping out is not an option. Either you don't go, or you suffer through all of it with the rest of us!

We are getting excited as many of you are! This should be a great event! Please let us know if you have any questions!

See our facebook page for pics of the route and descriptions of what you are looking at!

Register NOW by clicking HERE