A Cav mentor! that's a first. Jenna has mentioned a Cav unit in Wisconsin... if it is the same unit I know (can't recall the unit ID off hand) they are a first rate unit. There is also a Cav unit out of West Virginia that does first rate work... I'll see if I can find contact info for them. I don't know which would be closer for you.
The 1st Alabama (the unit galvanizes both ways as needed) is out of West Virgina also IIRC they might help you out w/ a CS impression.
After talking & dealing w/ some of the more authentic style crowd I've come to the conclusion if you want to look fancy & pretty join a unit that portrays eastern Union Cav. If you want a tough hard brawling impression go Western Union or Western CS.
A M1859 Sharps or Smith Carbine w/ an 1860 Colt or New Model Army is fairly inexpensive and available through places like Cabellas, Dunhams Sports and many larger sporting goods chains. The uniform of a strait 4 button sack, slouch hat, cav trousers & shirt can be easily had for less than $200. I say ignore the sword as most men dropped them altogether. The tack and leathers are a bit more expensive as a carbine cartridge box, cap pouch belt, holster & carbine sling all add up in a hurry.
I believe Fall Creek Sutlery (don't buy anything but books from them as their quality control is problomatic) had a book on Cav drill & Tactics.
Let's see 3rd NY Cav, 3rd ILL Cav, 11th KY Cav, 1st TN (Union) Cav (though Captain Sarah Taylor never hid her sex), Pauline Cushman was made a Major of Union Cav, 1st Missouri Cav (Union) had the Colonels wife as an aide and was later on General Hunters Staff once doing a 45 mile ride in less than 24 hours, 8th Michigan Cav & 2nd East TN Cav each had a female bugler one who revealed she had helped bury no less than three other women whose sex was unknown to any but herself.
THe women in uniform were out there. I think any Cav unit would be glad to have an accomplished horse lady in their ranks and if serious I would be suprised if any turned you away. Frankly, as Provost we've had several OUTSTANDING skits about finding a women in uniform in camp. Been a lot of fun.
The most memorable Cav I've ever seen is still the Texas cowboy (in a Infantry unit) who lived & breathed the life of a CS soldier while on the range w/ the cattle... his skit of stealing the Colonels horse and fleeing the field of battle was dramatic and impressive... I swear by the way he rode he was half Commanche.
Do you want me to put together a suggested equipment guide w/ rough prices & possible sources? I could probably do such a thing w/out too much trouble. I could also check w/ my former dismounted cav friends to see if they might sell anything to you at a good rate.
__________________ Few take the trouble to understand or to view the American scene with perspective. And we Americans love to find ourselves guilty of something. However, it is never I who am guilty, but those other Americans, the past or present government or the other political party. Americans almost never find other countries guilty. It is always ourselves or our fancied influence in other countries. Louis L'amour
I would be most grateful for the information that you have suggested, if it isn't too time consuming. It sounds as if I may have several options to choose from and if so, I would be happy in almost any riding impression but my interest would be with the Western CS or Western Union. I only want "fancy" at the end of the day when I will present Jenna the challenge of cleaning me up so that I'm deserving of one of her beautiful Civil War dresses!
Timing is everything Shane and I'm now bringing to fruition dreams that have been put on the back burner for a very long time...this is one of them. For me, the opportunity to combine my two passions is about as exciting as it gets, and how lucky am I to have knowledgable people such as yourself to support me in this endeavour?
From you confession above, it is with a truly heavy heart that I must inform you that no act of contrition will suffice. You ARE going to Hell, my son, make no mistake about it!
Make your peace and prepare!
Now, where's the nearest tavern? A sinner like you ought to know the best!
Father Blue
__________________ "The American people and the Government at Washington may refuse to recognize it for a time but the inexorable logic of events will force it upon them in the end; that the war now being waged in this land is a war for and against slavery." Frederick Douglass
"Loyalty to our ancestors does not include loyalty to their mistakes." George Santayana
Nearest Tavern Father Blue? Why I carry my own in my Haversack... Johnny Jump Up, Cognac or good Kentucky Whiskey?
Ummm, what are you looking at Father, that's just a horse... yes, yes I know it was the Colonel's horse. He died of Dysentery Tuesday night and he... willed it to Private Hepburn in the Cav unit. I was the "executer" of the will. Yes, Father it was a verbal will, witnessed by me and Captain K. Captain K got his fine boots, writing desk and tent. Of coarse those are my saddlebags sir, how else would I carry the Company whiskey ration? No sir, that isn't my ball gown, it's for my wife. Yes, the woman did complain quite loudly when I took it... had a hard time getting it over her shoulders. Why? oh that; she called Mr Lincoln a Tyrant and the men of my Regiment looting, pillaging, thugs. No Father, it was the Sergeant who put her over his knee and spanked her with the ramrod.
Call the Provost? Father, I am the Provost.
Is it true that once in a while a man can be saved on the way to hell?
__________________ Few take the trouble to understand or to view the American scene with perspective. And we Americans love to find ourselves guilty of something. However, it is never I who am guilty, but those other Americans, the past or present government or the other political party. Americans almost never find other countries guilty. It is always ourselves or our fancied influence in other countries. Louis L'amour
Oh boy guys this is getting really thick and deep in here. I'm going to need some pretty hefty hip waiters pretty soon if this keeps up. Father Blue and the Provost, this sounds like a really bad sitcom! LOL!
The group I think that is really good around here is the 1st. Alabalma Cav. I have some friends that belong to that group. They are very good out on the field, but have a great time off. Like at the Wade House event two weekends ago. Three of their guys dressed up in the Three Amegos gear, right down to the big sombreros, and hot chili peppers on their pants. One was Taco, one was burriot, and one was enchelata. They even approached Linclon and asked if they could join the Union army and that they could be paid in pasoes, women, or whisky! They actually got a big bottle of Jack, and passed it around, even to one of the horses! It was an ab****e hoot! You had to be there, but it was just priceless!!
As I am certain you know by now from the papers, these last three months have been very busy for those of us in Uncle Billy’s Army. We have spent most of the last one hundred days within the sound of the guns. I am blessed to be a member of a fine Regiment with many brave and true men. Last week my mess was detached from the Regiment and assigned to the General of the Iowa Brigade as his escort. Several of his escort had been killed and wounded and three others laid low by dysentery after Dalton. Thus we were needed. We were required to act as his escort as well as do some distasteful Provost work.
We arrived outside of Atlanta Friday last and encamped within sight of the fortifications. A hard rainstorm followed by a bitter cold snap greeted us. We were able to set the Generals tent and a couple others with little difficulty. The officers, Sergeant, Courier, runners and a couple others slept in tents but as tentage for us was still several hours behind we slept on the ground. This is something we are not unused to, though that night was a wet cold such as we see only in the winters of Minnesota. I would have slept well I think if I could have kept my knees warm; It made for a long night.
Mrs. Steele and her daughter arrived early in the morning with a group of women from the Christian Commission and a Quaker Parson. We set Mrs. Steele next to the General and the ladies of the Christian Commission set theirs close to hers. The women of the Commission are true angels as they handed out socks and promised to feed us a nice lunch. They fed us a splendid stew and fresh baked bread which was a pleasant change from the hard tack and salt horse we have grown accustomed to.
In the afternoon we moved forward to the lines and partook in a bit of heavy skirmishing. A battery of our artillery was positioned on a small rise to our left and the Iowa Regiment we spent time with at Woodville was in our front. Corporal Steele and I were assigned to guard the General which was sometimes difficult as he was mounted and we were on foot. The Iowa Regiment pushed in the Secesch pickets and thankfully the General decided to dismount when a Rebel gun found him an inviting target for round shot. After he dismounted the Rebel gunners switched to making life uncomfortable for his guidon. Their third shot shattered the staff and the arm of the man carrying it.
The General was angered by this and he pushed himself and us to a position with the Iowa boys. The Second Sergeant handed Corporal Steele the guidon and told him to carry it. I do not believe Steele appreciated the trust put in him by the Sergeant as carrying the flag is a distinctly unhealthy proposition. But he slung his Springfield across his back and carried it into the works. We took a battery of Rebel guns and routed a Secesch battle line from their breastworks.
We paid a dear price for our success. A young drummer boy was killed and many of the Iowa boys we had come to be friendly with were killed and maimed by canister. We traded many good men for three cannon and some piles of wood and earth.
After the battle I saw Corporal Steele searching the bodies of dead and wounded Secesch. A dieing Secesch begged to be “finished so that he might see Gods mercy” Steele granted his request. I thought it murder, but others thought it a mercy. Corporal Steele handed me a pair of fine boots that had belonged to an officer and was able to replenish his tobacco. We visited the hospital and found that neither of the men in our mess who had been wounded had yet been seen by the surgeons. I left to gather wood but Corporal Steele stayed to watch over Private Russell. Perhaps an hour later Corporal Steele returned from the hospital with a shovel in hand and murder on his face. He took me and the other privates from the mess to help dig a grave. We were quite distressed to learn that Private Russell had died. We introduced our shovel to the surgeon who had killed him and took our friends body to make certain he was sent home. Corporal Steele insisted on being the one to wield the shovel so that only he would be charged, I think the surgeon wise enough to not mention the issue as the rest of us might visit him with something more than a shovel.
When we returned to the hospital in the morning to see after the man who had his arm shattered by round shot we found that he had not yet been seen by the surgeons. His arm was shattered and he was in great pain. To make the matter worse several of the Iowa men who had been wounded taking the battery had not been seen either. To further enrage us there were Secesh to be seen before him. Corporal Steele and the rest of us did not take this kindly. The head Steward was informed that if our men were not seen before the Secesh those Rebs would be introduced to the bayonet so that our men would be next in line. While our friend has lost his arm and his trade as a carpenter he will live.
Sunday we were ordered to arrest a man we had all come to like, he was an Iowa man who shall not be named. His shame ended in a courts martial and death by firing party. He was found guilty of sleeping while on guard mount, this is a terrible crime as we are in enemy territory and his actions endangered many more than just himself. The firing party made a swift end to his shame. It was not a duty we enjoyed, though it was one we had to.
I have in many ways become Corporal Steele’s shadow. I do not always agree with his actions, but I think he is a good soldier. I look to him as a friend and I think I have come to adore his daughter as much as he. I am glad that you have not tired of my stories of Little Miss Myra. I remember watching him dance with his daughter, she runs in a circle round him tightening the circle until both are so dizzy they might fall down then she leaps laughing into his arms. That little girl cheered our morning inspection and was seen throughout the camp softening the hardened hearts of men who have seen the valley of the shadow of death too often. There is no doubt he adores that little girl and his wife; I am at a loss to describe such affection. I can only pray that I will honor the woman I choose as mine the way he does his wife.
Word has reached us that General McPherson is dead; at first it was thought a terrible rumor. All mourned when it was learned to be a truth as he was a very well liked man. General Logan has replaced him. We think this fortunate as he is a popular General. Some say that General Thomas deserved the promotion, but I think most of us trust General Sherman to make the right decision where such things are concerned. We are only soldiers and no one asks our thoughts on such matters.
I eagerly read each of your letters and have even allowed others who do not get mail to read them. I have handled them so often that the edges of the paper have grown thin and began to come away. The marmalade and turnip preserves you sent were well received by all. The socks were a gift as though from God, mine were all but worn out. I am glad things go well for the family. It must be a sacrifice to share the home with all of our relations. It cheers us to hear that those at home are still willing to sacrifice for the flag. Anything that you send is appreciated and is a blessing to us. Your letters cheer us and are appreciated above all.
God Bless and Keep you Little Sister
Your Brother
__________________ Few take the trouble to understand or to view the American scene with perspective. And we Americans love to find ourselves guilty of something. However, it is never I who am guilty, but those other Americans, the past or present government or the other political party. Americans almost never find other countries guilty. It is always ourselves or our fancied influence in other countries. Louis L'amour
Got back from my reenactment up in Brunswick, Ohio, and had a very enjoyable time with my first event in over a year and a half!
This is only Brunswick's second Civil War event and it is being held to raise money to help restore a historical farm house and it's outbuildings (barn, milk room, black smith and shoeing area, etc.). It is a worthwhile cause and the organizers were very nice and did everything they could to make reenactors feel welcome in their event.
I had the good fortune to fall in with elements of the 8th, 29th, 41st and 105th Ohio Volunteer Infantry who welcomed me to their ranks and allowed me to set up my display and give lectures and presentations on Civil War equipment, food and personal items of an Ohio soldier during the Civil War. I had a great time and the crowds were excellent!
The Confederate units at the event were the 1st and 5th Kentucky and the 1st and 5th Texas and one unit brought along a cannon, a parrot, I think, it was black and had a band around the rear of the gun so I know it was not a 3" ordinance cannon or such like.
Members of the 5th Texas found out I had leg irons and manacles as part of my display and asked if they could use them in a scenario they had planned on one of their own. I gladly obliged and they had a great time marching one of their 'drunk' privates through their camp, shackled and carrying a heavy log with a sign around his neck with the word 'DRUNK' on it!
There was about 150 reenactors there and about a dozen civilian ladies in attendance. I am going back to this one for two reasons. The event organizers were great to the reenactors and they asked me back so I could do more of my presentations! Quite an honor, in my book.
Well, anyway, had a great time and it was good to get back to the hobby I love.
Thought I would share it with you.
Sincerely,
Unionblue
PS I participated in one skit where I was part of a Yankee scouting party. We were ambushed and while I was deserting under fire, I was shot in the back and killed. While I lay dead on the ground in front of the spectators one of the soldiers ran up and proceeded to take the shoes off my feet, earning gasps and exclamations from the crowd. But then something that has never happened to me before, the soldier who had already stolen my shoes now proceeded to steal my wool socks! The crowd was mortified! After the skit was over and the folks began to applaud, I raised my head, looked at the crowd who was now staring at me and I yelled, "I'm surprised you folks are still down wind!" This got a roar from them while I walked barefoot back to camp to reclaim my shoes and socks. The big surprise was that a Yankee officer had stolen them before the Rebs had a chance to get to me!
__________________ "The American people and the Government at Washington may refuse to recognize it for a time but the inexorable logic of events will force it upon them in the end; that the war now being waged in this land is a war for and against slavery." Frederick Douglass
"Loyalty to our ancestors does not include loyalty to their mistakes." George Santayana
This letter is simply outstanding...I'm in awe of your abilities to create such eloquent letters...please don't stop. Neil, thank you sharing your experiences in Ohio this past weekend - it sounds like a wonderful event with excellent crowd participation. Perhaps if you had taken your socks off before deserting, you would have cleared the battlefield and there would have been no need to pump you in the back with lead!
Dawna, I've been doing the letter thing for years. it works as a way of judging your own actions and is helpful in remembering if skits worked or if they made sense.
THanks I'll add more.
__________________ Few take the trouble to understand or to view the American scene with perspective. And we Americans love to find ourselves guilty of something. However, it is never I who am guilty, but those other Americans, the past or present government or the other political party. Americans almost never find other countries guilty. It is always ourselves or our fancied influence in other countries. Louis L'amour
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