Lee's Lieutenants and Gathering of Eagles at Blenheim - May 7, 2011

M E Wolf

Colonel
Retired Moderator
Joined
Feb 9, 2008
Location
Virginia
Courtesy Post :

Blenheim, located at 3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, Virginia

Known best for the many remains of graffiti carved into the beams and frame of the house which was used as barracks for troops, when Fairfax City was occupied by troops during the American Civil War.

The well known group of gentlemen who portray famous Generals from the Confederacy "Lee's Lieutenants," [Which our own Extra Billy will be making his appearance as "William "Extra Billy" Smith (C.S.A.)], and a newer group "Gathering of Eagles," their Union counterparts representing famous Union Generals, shall be one of the many features there. These two groups have appeared at Gettysburg for the various memorial commemorations.

Meeting the "Lee's Lieutenants" in 2008, at Sully Plantation, in Virginia--the gentlemen representing the many famous Generals are extremely well educated in their research of the person to whom portray.

Living History event only.

Time: Open to the public from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Only negative is the limited parking.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
 
A.a.r.

After Action Report:

List member, "ExtraBilly" was one of the key speakers at the presentation at the Blenheim house. As one of the members of the famous "Lee's Lieutenants," paired with "General Ewell," did a fantastic presentation about the raid at Fairfax Court-House, in which Captain John Quincy Marr, (CSA) became the first Confederate Officer to be killed in the American Civil War.

General Robert E. Lee, is always a magnet and not much more needs to be said. General James Longstreet; General Sam Cooper; General William "Extra Billy" Smith (and list member); General Polk, General Montgomery Corse, General D. H. Hill (and the S.O. 191, 1862 wrapped in cigars); Colonel John Mosby and horse; Lt. Colonel Venerable, and Major H. Von Borcke attended.

Confederate unit was on premise, to which did a great job of having pickets and guard patrols, kiddie drills and marches at their boot camp--male parents joining in made it a very long line of Confederate recruits--sure seemed like 30 in number were on the march.

The Union was represented by the 2nd & 4th U.S. Regulars in their Hardee's uniform (early war). They did excellent drill work.

A 12 pound mountain howitzer and mortar demonstrations took place by a Confederate Artillery unit, Confederate string band was present with live music playing excellently. Demonstrations were offered in various categories and a pair of Belgian draft horses pulled a wagon for a tour loop around the property and unflappable to the sound of artillery.

Only minuses were; lack of handicapped parking and handicap accessible shuttles. Parking was forced onto school lots and shuttled individuals to and from. Reenactors didn't have a close place to park, with the exception of those with horse trailers and artillery trailer. Handicapped access was perfection once on the grounds. Bathrooms though two stalls were kept clean and working.

M. E. Wolf
 
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