Tales of Events

[unionblue]

Tommy,

I think Steven is reffering to events as reenactors call them. There are as many events as there are weekends in the calander, sometimes more! And they are held all over the country, from sea to shining sea, from Canada to Mexico.

Skits are usually put on at events by individuals with specialty impressions or by units who have developed some rather unique ones over time.

There are Civil War surgeons who demonstrate to the viewing public how amputations were performed to how pills and period medicine was dispensed. There are reporters, paymasters, telegraph operators, temperence women, nurses, nuns, refugees, politicians, to include Jeff Davis and Abe Lincoln. There are those who do impressions of Lee, Grant, Meade, Jackson and other famous generals of the time.

But the skits I like the most are when spectators come to our camp when visiting hours open them to the public. We try to stay in character and involve them in our skits. We let them try our period food or handle our weapons (UNLOADED of course!) or help a soldier who can't read read a letter from home, sometimes with hillarious results!

We have reenacted executions for desertion, court martials and pay lines, which are especially fun to watch when the men are charged for various offenses, such as money owed to the sutler or the washer woman. Sometimes we even put members of the crowd into the payline and get them paid or in trouble.

I myself have been drunk on duty or been 'caught' with dice and cards during knap sack inspection or have stolen another man's great coat or blanket. Being 'bucked and gagged' to demonstrate company punishment to a crowd is an experience in itself! I also like to demonstrate all the different ways a man could get a drink in camp, by filling his rifle barrel with whiskey or hiding it in innocent objects.

We have even done a skit with a rebel prisoner dying of 'consumption' and wounds, and placed him in a roughly made wooden box and taken the body off for burial. We have had period Catholic nuns and priests give last rights before we left with the body. We have had a crowd in tears with this skit, so much so, we had to bring the 'dead' soldier back to life to explain it WAS just a skit! (This skit was portrayed on the Statehouse lawn in the middle of downtown Columbus and this was the boy's very first reenactment, being the dead Confederate lad placed in the makeshift coffin! Do you know what reenacting, first person name his uses because of that skit? Lazarus!)

The kind of skit you put on is limited only of your knowledge of history of the period and your own guts to put it on.

Hope that tells some of the tales.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

(Message edited by Unionblue on November 12, 2003)

[scone]

Tommy , The next Franklin event will oct. 1 thru 3rd in 2004 for the 140th anniversary. http://www.battleoffranklin.com/

We Did a tacticle in early oct. and it was in small wooded area with a creek bed & a ravine..

My company was laying in the ravine at watched two union companies pass on a smalltrail on a little rise a head of us through the brush and timber.

When the two companies started firing on another company of our battalion .. they withdrew past us and as the union solders pased us we completly had them out flanked on botf sides by the use of creek bed and the ravine.. and into a perfect trap. but with all the wooded undergrouth and timber it was easy to see how hard it was to keep any kind of formation much less see in the stuff.. like the wilderness or chickamuga

[scone]

As For skits I have been on the operating table, Showed vistors how to clean and handle our weapons, we have fought in a priod village and protected the women folk.

The fine art of dying with CDV of wife in hand with lock of her hair.

A woman in unit portrays a nun and usualy blesses us all before going into battle. One of our drummer boys his father is actualy a priest and he has come out a few times and has portrayed a priest of the period.

Since I'm relativly new I'm still working on speaking in first person.

[unionblue]

Tommy,

Just for you and Thea, I have been chased out of the homes of Southern ladies (my wife and her friend played the part of outraged Southern belles) while looting and been arrested and charged and forced to do the dishes of said ladies and dance an Irish jig for their amusement.

I am forced to admit I am a better looter than dancer and the 'Lord of the Dance' man has no fear of me, not by a LONG shot!

YMOS,
Unionblue

[scone]

Neil some of those in my group have done that as well .. Always seems to go well with the spectators.

In the few events I have been in or ones i have gone to as a spectator .. Its really hartbreaking to see the lack of knowlege of the period of many of our spectators.

[unionblue]

Steven,

You said it, brother! The lack of history knowledge from the average American is disturbing to say the least! But, sad to say, it is worse in our schools where I give presentations on the typical Union soldier from Ohio and his equipment and background.

I don't blame the teachers so much, as I do the system that forces them to teach a test (SATs) rather than content. I have had many a teacher, from high school down through grade school, talk to me after class to get more information and resource material.

But you are right, the typical lack of concern when it comes to our history, not just the Civil War era, is a black mark upon all of our citizens. How can you learn and prepare for your future if you don't know about our past?

That is another reason I reenact, to interact with the public and help them learn. It works, most of the time, and I feel I am helping instead of hindering.

Good luck next season,
Unionblue

[tamaroa]

My first reenactment was the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. While our unit was at the original battle (11th Virginia) we were not at the area that was being reenacted that day which was the Wheatfield followed by Farnsworth Cavalry charge. We had roughly 20 canon tubes behind us. As they fired they lifted and hit the ground making it shudder. We were marching toward the Yankee lines, sweat streaming down the face, black powder in your mouth, the sting of the salt in the eyes, your chest heaving as you feel the concussion of the cannons firing behind you. I crossed over into the 19th century that day. I forgot where I was. Everything was entirely surrealistic. I loved it!

But, one of the funniest moments that happened to me was when we did a reenacttment at Fort Ward on the outskirts of DC. Fort Ward was one of the many forts that defended Washington, during the Civil War. Well the Yanks were defending this earthenworks fort and it was our job to take it. All of a sudden the sky opened up, water came down as if it were in buckets. Three times we tried to get up the side of the fort, three times I lost traction and slid down. I had on me a beautiful hand made quilt that my wife had made for me and I used as a blanket roll. It was hanging Confederate style from my shoulder. I am also the proud possessor of an original Confederate Springfield, 1863 CS Richmond stamped on the lockplate, which i was using that day.

At any rate, on the 4th try, I made it up the side of the fort. Now I am standing on the wall and some **** Yank leveled his musket at me and fired away!! Man was I mad!! Well in keeping with the spirit of the thing I had to die and tumble back down into the moat at the bottom of the fort walls. As I was tumbling, I realized that I had the musket in my hands and the new hand made quilt on my shoulder. She is gonna kill me is all I thought!!

Well I hit the moat soaked and muddy. The quilt was now impregnated with red Virginia clay. Regina was furious. I said, "what did you want me to do, I got shot I had to die and the ground was muddy?"

After repeated washings, the quilt looked manageable. We still have it in fact. And I had to disassemble the antique 1863 musket and pretty much bath it in oil for a couple of days, cleaned up up real good and it still works (and fires) to this day.

[johan_steele]

Aphillbilly,

I strongly suggest anyone who is serious about researching or trying to understand the men of the Civil War get into re-enacting. After just a five mile route march you begin to understand how fatigued a unit could become. After a half dozen nights under canvas, sharing a 6'x7' tent w/ three other men and carrying your own food & all your gear (except the tents & one kettle)that realization become far more complete. I kid you not, I actually tossed away two books & a deck of cards (into the bus actually) in trying to shave weight from my haversack. It was this route march and others that made me start to question just how much looting Sherman's men really did. I knew they were far more accustomed to marches by then but when you look at the distance covered each day along w/ the destruction of railroads, mills etc onm top of the normal duties... the question arises of how in the hell they carried all that loot.

My 1st re-enacting experiance involved eating nothing but period food for a period of about three weeks... hard tack & bacon, occasional potatoes & Onions, we stole some corn from a field we passed through etc. We drank nothing but water or Coffee (I was exempt from the Coffee because of health reasons so I drank tea). That experiance was an eye opener. One I'd love to repeat... I think on average the unit lost twelve pounds and one fellow who was rather portly slimmed down considerably. We marched everywhere, getting on the bus only to "ride the rails." During which time I think most if not all of us were asleep and praising God for AC. Something not available to troops of 1863. I know my legs built up some wonderful tone... In fact when I went to USAF Basic training I actually went in in better shape than I left after graduating.

The more I realize what I lost the more irritated I become... At one time I had about thirty letters like these. One from almost every event I had attended. Oh well, I guess that means I'll have to start over again.



July 1863

My Dearest Sister

It has been a few weeks since my last letter home to you. I have recovered from my wound and have received a clean bill of health by the surgeon. I have spent the last while in what is called a U.O. Battalion. The U.O. means "Unassigned Others" and is made up of men who are recovered enough from wounds to do light duty, men returning from leaves and furloughs or detachments that have not yet found themselves returned to their Regiments. On Sunday there were several different Companies camped there; all were from different Regiments. There were perhaps a dozen other men like myself recovering from wounds. There were also about a dozen men from the artillery; I believe they were returning from a furlough but I am not certain.
Private Steele was the only other man from our Regiment present in the Battalion. There was a Company present from an Iowa Regiment and another from a Regiment of Regulars. All told, I think we mustered perhaps two hundred men. There was also a General present, I did not speak with him, but Private Steele and his family set their tent next to the man. I know Mrs. Steele fed him at least twice and I saw little Myra in the Generals lap for a while.
We were camped about a mile north of a small Secesh town. It is a wonderful place as there are no Mosquitoes and there is an almost constant light breeze. Our tents were well shaded and only out of the shade for a few hours a day. I firmly believe that this campsite speeded my recovery.
On Sunday Afternoon we were informed by a detachment of Cavalry that part of a Louisiana Regiment was present in force only about five miles away. The General requisitioned a passing battery of artillery, the U.O. Battalion and the Cavalry Troop. We went hunting Rebs… and found more than we bargained for.
There were perhaps two Companies of Secesh in support of a 3" Ordinance Rifle. I am not sure what they were doing there, but we had a good scrap. We formed line near the edge of a forest and watched the artillery battery swing into position and immediately start a hot fire on the Secesh. The Cavalry provided a screen as we moved into position. The Rebs made it quite hot for us as we advanced; several men found themselves wounded, including Private Steele. We were slightly below the Reb position in a small swell of the ground and much of the Secesh rifle fire was high. For a while it sounded as though we were under a nest of angry hornets. We pressed the Rebs three times but they managed to hold their position. We withdrew a few hours after first being greeted by the Secesh. There must have been something wrong with the Reb Cannon as it fired only occasionally and with no effect. They kept trying to flank us but the Artillery would wheel a light gun in their faces and give them a dose of canister. The Iowa Battery used grape and canister to telling effect on the Rebs.
There were perhaps a dozen men from the U.O. killed and three or four from the Cavalry. Twenty or so men were wounded. Most were from the Iowa Company. The General was wounded slightly in the arm. Little Sister you will not believe this but one of the Iowa wounded turned out to be a Woman! She was shot in the arm. When the surgeon cut open her sack coat, he found a bit more than he bargained for! She was placed under arrest and will be sent home. Her comrades were struck dumb by the revelation. I must admit I was completely fooled as I had spoken with her the night before the battle and had no suspicion that she was anything more than a fresh faced boy.
I saw Private Steele in the hospital after the fight; he will have to see a Parson when he gets better as he was cursing in at least three different languages. One of the nurses who had been abroad blushed beet red and I thought she would have a fainting spell from his colorful language. A spent ball had stuck in his forearm but the surgeon was able to save it. He is well; though I expect, he will be on light duty again for a while. The Surgeon that worked on him said that he was no longer allowed alcohol as it had taken far too much chloroform to sedate him.
I hope to be back with the Regiment by the time you receive this letter. Therefore, Little Sister you must not worry about me. We are well fed and have few wants but letters from home. So, please endeavor to write me again with news from home.

Your Brother

[johan_steele]

Aphillbilly,

I've included a portion of my units by-laws & regs... I think it gives a view of what is expected of a re-enactor at the minimum.


I. Mission Statement:
The Third Minnesota Civil War Re-enactors, by accurate portrayal of the typical Union infantry soldier, and particularly the members of the original Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company C, will strive to keep alive and honor the memory of the men who served in the American Civil War (1861-1865), and to encourage interest in and teach the history of this unit, our State, and the Nation during that period in our History.

II. Membership
1. Qualifications
a. Members must exhibit good character and have no standing arrest record or criminal convictions.
b. Members must complete a membership application and pay the prescribed dues.
c. Members must be in agreement with the policies and regulations contained in this document.
d. Members must display an adequate knowledge of the Civil War, its events, people and everyday life, or be willing to learn and to regularly pursue such knowledge.

4. Suspension and/or removal of members
a. Members may be suspended and/or removed from membership by recommendation of the officers and a vote of the membership for the following reasons:
aa. Failure to observe the stated purpose, function, goals, regulations and policies of the organization, as judged by the officers and membership. This includes delinquency in payment of dues or other usage fees, etc.
bb. Actions (including statements) that may compromise the reputation of and/or the existence of the organization, whether on the field of off.
cc. Actions that endanger the welfare of a member or members. Note: Weapons safety violations, particularly at public events, will be deemed especially serious.


I. Purpose and Function
a. The Third Minnesota Infantry, Company C, exists to provide opportunities for our members to experience first-hand, in as authentic a manner as possible, the life and times of a soldier in the Union Army (1861-65), with special emphasis on the original Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company C. Our emphases will be historical, educational, patriotic, social and recreational.
b. We also intend to share our historic impression with the public, thus informing and educating them about this momentous turning point in our Nation’s History, and also to make them more aware of the contributions and sacrifices citizens of our own State made toward the War effort.

II. Membership: We have the following policies with regard to holding membership in this unit of Civil War re-enactors/living historians.

1. Basic Requirements – Each member of the unit will be required to pass muster before being accepted as an active member. Muster requirements are found in Appendix B. General membership requirements and policies are listed below:
a. Age: We welcome all ages to join our unit, but certain activities, notably carrying and/or firing of weapons, may be restricted to those age 16 or older. Those under age 16 are encouraged to concentrate on camp life activities, duties as musicians (bugle, fife, drum) or orderlies to the officers (guidon bearers, etc.)
b. Equipment: Members are expected to have authentic equipment that will fit in with our impression, or be actively working on acquiring such items. For a list of required and optional equipment, please see Appendix A below.
c. Safety: Safety, particularly during reenactment events in the presence of the public, is of primary importance. Those age 16 or older who have either passed a firearms safety course or have otherwise received training and exhibited competence in the use of black powder weapons will be allowed to fire weapons as part of this unit. In certain cases those unit members under the age of 16 may be allowed to fire weapons, providing they have successfully completed a firearms safety course, have the permission of a parent or guardian, and then only after passing muster. Safe use of any and all equipment and safe actions when in the field, drilling or tending camp will be expected of all members. This includes the use of tools (axe, saw, hammer, etc.). Foolish or careless actions will result in discipline, the type and degree of which will be determined by the officers.
d. Accurate historic portrayal (First-Person impression): All our members are encouraged to research one or more soldiers of the original Third Minnesota Infantry, Company C, and to develop a reenacting persona that reflects a particular soldier. Such a first-person impression will be of value when we visit schools, participate in living history events, etc. Some events do have first-person competition, and on occasion we may also have similar activities in the unit.
e. Promotions: Unit members may rise in the ranks based on performance at events (camp and battle), first-person competence, recommendation of the officers, consensus of the rest of the members, or a general display of improvement in knowledge, military skills and the ability to transform yourself into a Union soldier of the 1860s. A unit member may request a rise in rank, which will then be reviewed by the unit, and a fair decision made on the basis of the above factors and others that have a bearing on a particular case.
f. Liability: Please review your personal insurance coverage to be certain that when participating in unit events you are properly and adequately covered in the event of accident or injury involving yourself or others. Having issued this notice of liability, the unit is not responsible for such accidents or injuries, or for inadequate insurance coverage on the part of the members of the unit.

2. Participation (Exclusions)
a. Members may participate in any event, provided they are members in good standing and have attended at least four (4) unit meetings a year, or be properly excused if unable to attend.
b. To maintain active membership in good standing, we require that members participate in at least two (2) unit events each year.
c. Members will be asked to not participate if they have demonstrated disregard for regulations, unwillingness to correct an inaccurate and improper impression, or behavior that is not in keeping with decent moral standards as established and agreed upon by the members.

3. Regimental Organization
a. Command Structure
b. Non-Commissioned officers
c. Privates
d. Surgeons, stewards and nurses
e. Musicians

4. Regimental Duties (Camp & Field)
a. Officers – Responsible for submission of reports, running of the camp and leadership on the field. All members are to report to the commander or his representatives (Officer of the Day, Corporal of the Guard, etc.) with all requests to leave the camp, to be excused from duties, etc.
b. Non-commissioned officers - Sergeants will be responsible for maintaining a unit roster, Roll Call, Recruiting, and carrying out of officers’ commands on the field. Corporals will serve as Corporal of the Guard, arrange for Guard Mount; assignment of unit details, fatigue duty, etc.
c. Enlisted – Privates will be assigned various camp duties including, but not limited to: Specific tasks when making and breaking camp at unit events, fatigue duty, special duties, etc.
d. Surgeons, stewards, nurses – The Surgeon will see to the health of the company in camp and on the field. This will mean conducting sick call and other duties as deemed necessary by the circumstances. The Surgeon will also demonstrate surgical techniques, and may be asked to join with other medical personnel, especially at larger events. However, he will be primarily responsible for our company. Stewards will assist the Surgeon in the performance of his duties, which will include tending to the wounded on the field of battle. Nurses will also render valuable service to the Surgeon. They may be allowed, depending on the rules of a particular event, to carry water to the wounded on the field or behind the lines once the stewards and ambulance personnel have carried the wounded to a place of safety. Other duties may develop as our unit grows and our impression progresses.
e. Musicians – We hope to have a bugler, one or more drummers, and fife players. Other musical expressions, such as fiddle, banjo, vocals, etc. will be welcomed and encouraged.
f. Please note that when the unit participates at larger events, any and all members may also have Brigade responsibilities/duties.
g. Provost Guard – The Third Minnesota has the capability, knowledge and experience, as well as some equipment, necessary to portray a provost guard. We may offer and/or be called upon to perform this impression at certain events. Note: The original Third Minnesota did perform this duty at times.


APPENDIX A: Uniform and Equipment Specifications and Requirements for Active Membership

General: In order for any item of uniform or equipment to be authorized for use at any official regimental function, it must be:
1. Supplied by a reputable sutler/vendor acknowledged to be authentic (as specified on the regimental supply list) with regard to the equipment made and sold, or made of approved materials and according to the pattern specified on the supply listing.
2. Approved as to authenticity and appropriateness by the regimental quartermaster or his designee. Any addition or exclusion from the standard equipment list is also subject to approval, remembering that our intention is to portray a typical field military unit.

Required: (for active members to pass muster)
Forage Cap: M1861 regulation (or 1858 or 1862 “Hardee” hat)
Sack Coat: M1858 unlined (lined may also be acceptable) with pocket, according to regimental pattern and materials.
Trousers: M1861 kersey wool, side seam pockets, according to regimental pattern and materials.
Shirt: regulation slit front style, wool or cotton, according to regimental pattern, or civilian style and materials subject to approval, or late war placket front gray wool issue style.
Shoes: laced bootees of regulation pattern, or civilian boots subject to approval.
Cartridge Box and US Plate with Shoulder Belt and Eagle Plate: M1855, 69 or 58 caliber.
Cap Box: regulation triangular from pattern.
Waist Belt and US Plate: buff or smooth leather, brass or leather clip.
Bayonet Scabbard: buff or smooth, with integral frog, Springfield patterns.
Musket or Rifle-Musket with Angular Bayonet, following patterns: US Rifle Musket Models 1855, 1861, 1842 US Musket Models or such as approved by the unit. Foreign muskets or rifle muskets with 3 barrel bands (e.g. Enfield) and a total barrel length of approximately 40” in percussion or percussion conversion.
Replicas of any of the above specified arms.
Additional Requirements: (for active members who have passed muster) Poncho or Gum Blanket: of regimental pattern and approved materials.
Canteen: of smooth or bullseye pattern, of brown, gray, or sky blue color and of kersey, jean or satinette cover.
Haversack: tarred and of approved pattern.
Blanket: tan with dark brown stripes (gray acceptable).
Mess Gear: as needed and of period style.
Shelter Half: of approved pattern.
Tin cup of approved pattern.


APPENDIX B: Official Regimental Drill

General: The official regimental drill of the 3rd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry shall consist of War Dept., U.S. Infantry Tactics, Washington: J.B. Lippencott & Co., 1861 (Hardee’s Manual) as modified for use of the rifle-musket and taught by the regimental staff and company non-commissioned officers. Note: In some instances, we may follow in part other manuals, such as Silas Casey’s.
Required: To pass muster, recruits shall perform the following portions of that section of the official regimental drill known as the School of the Soldier, exhibiting proper cadence and precision of arm, feet, and musket positions:


APPENDIX C: Firearms Training and Safety

General: Firearms safety is of primary importance to our unit, since we handle and discharge weapons before the public. Therefore, we expect everyone in the unit to adhere to the following policies and rules with regard to our use of muzzle loading weapons:
a. Absolutely no smoking when handling black powder.
b. Do not point a weapon at anyone.
c. Fire only when commanded or approved.
d. Keep hands and face away from muzzle at all times.
e. All blanks to be loaded with 60 grains-this not only provides a good report for spectators, but provides a better indication to you that your weapon has fired.
f. Watch those around you for mistakes and help less experienced members correct them.
g. Ramrods – The use of ramrods is not allowed at most events, particularly when skirmishing against other troops. Where ramrods are allowed, be extra careful to remember to remove your ramrod before firing.
h. It is best to not fire blanks at other troops when within 50 feet, but if closer contact cannot be avoided and historical accuracy demands it, firing closer than 50 feet is allowed, provided the weapon is aimed safely to one side or the other, or up or down, without compromising authenticity.
i. Authentic reproduction blanks only are to be used.
j. Ramrods are to be sprung after firing.
k. Clean your weapon after each use.
l. When oiling the bore, use a light film of oil to reduce misfires on the next use.
m. If you experience a misfire, inform the ranking NCO or the range safety officer for proper procedure.
n. PAY ATTENTION!

APPENDIX D
Policies and Requirements when before the Public:

Expected conduct – Alcohol, except used sparingly as part of a legitimate impression, will not be allowed for use by our members in camp or on the field. Also, cigarette smoking will not be allowed. Reasonable use of pipes or cigars as part of one’s impression will be permitted. Women will not be allowed as part of the camp, especially overnight, unless they are properly attired and serve a legitimate function as part of our historic impression. Officers occasionally had their wives with them, at least for a time, but we will generally discourage this practice.

1. Policies of appearance before the public:
If you must use an item that was not available before April, 1865, do so in a manner which will not detract from the unit’s appearance. Reasonable time will be allowed for unit members to attain to an historically authentic impression.
a. Do not wear wris****ches and sunglasses. Period eyeglass frames and pocket watches are recommended, but not required. If you wear modern glasses, stick them in your haversack when the unit is being photographed. If you do wear modern underwear, keep your shirt buttoned up so it doesn't show.
b. Smoke pipes (briar or clay) or cigars and light them with wooden matches. Dispose of cellophane, tinfoil, and plastic pouches or wrappers beforehand.
c. Drink your beverage from your tin cup, filling it in private and leaving your cans, bottles, etc. in your car trunk or a trash receptacle beyond the campsite.
d. Regardless of what you sleep in, have your poncho and blankets in the field or camp. Take out your sleeping bag and air mattress only when going to bed or after dark, and return them to your car first thing after getting up, before camp opens to the public.
e. Period cooking utensils are tin, sheet iron, and cast iron; not aluminum, teflon, plastic, or WW II G.I. If bringing your own food, remove plastic, cellophane, cardboard, and modern paper wrappers and can labels before coming to camp. Make bags of cloth or poncho material to carry your food; Use wood, horn, or metal containers for condiments, matches, etc.

2. Policies of authentic behavior before the public:
Remember that enlisted men were punished for every deviance from military regulation and bearing. As an authentic private you wouldn't goof off where you could be seen at it.
a. Use the chain of command up and down. A private goes to the squad leader with questions and the First Sergeant tells the squad leaders what needs to be done. Always inform your squad leader if you're going to leave the area so the squad leader will know where you are at all times. The First Sergeant expects the squad leaders to know where members of their squads are.
b. Do not salute NCOs, but address them as “corporal” or “sergeant.” Always salute shoulder straps. Who is wearing them is immaterial to authenticity. Stand at attention and answer “yes sir” or “no sir.” In ranks or on detail the ranking man calls all to attention and salutes for all.
b. Form ranks immediately upon the order to “fall in” or the bugle call “assembly.” Fall in at the attention without talking. Answer the roll call “here, sergeant” as rapidly as you can.

[scone]

Shane ,
Do you know a Margaret Gilbert thats a nurse with the 4th US Medical?