Recruiting Plea

[Doc_Ralph]

!!!!!!!!!!!! A CALL TO ARMS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Recruitment Announcements #1 for guys and gals in Spotsylvania, Orange, Stafford, Caroline, Louisa, King George Counties & City of Fredericksburg Virginia.


SPOTSYLVANIA 1st VOLUNTEER SHARPSHOOTERS

nickname: Spotsy Sharps

Motto: "Death from afar…in the shade…in a glade"

Tired of marching? This small band of CSA will offer an alternative to all that. Employing stealth and creeping and camouflage to maneuver into a position to "pick off" USA officers and communion.

Don't everybody rush at once think it over carefully as there may be added danger of critters with all that creeping about.

CSA sharpshooter weapon of your choice.

Command will evolve to 1) most senior guy/gal with infantry experience 2) until then the undersigned will be administration and unit secretary/CO

Progressive group bringing more than basic infantry skills to the battlefield.

Founded this day: Friday July 21st, 2023 A.D./C.E.

By R. Hamiton Ryer
Spotsylvania Court House
Spotsylvania, Virginia

 

[Doc_Ralph]

!!!!!!!!!!!! A CALL TO ARMS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Recruitment Announcements #1 for guys and gals in Spotsylvania, Orange, Stafford, Caroline, Louisa, King George Counties & City of Fredericksburg Virginia.


SPOTSYLVANIA 1st VOLUNTEER SHARPSHOOTERS

nickname: Spotsy Sharps

Motto: "Death from afar…in the shade…in a glade"

Tired of marching? This small band of CSA will offer an alternative to all that. Employing stealth and creeping and camouflage to maneuver into a position to "pick off" USA officers and communion.

Don't everybody rush at once think it over carefully as there may be added danger of critters with all that creeping about.

CSA sharpshooter weapon of your choice.

Command will evolve to 1) most senior guy/gal with infantry experience 2) until then the undersigned will be administration and unit secretary/CO

Progressive group bringing more than basic infantry skills to the battlefield.

Founded this day: Friday July 21st, 2023 A.D./C.E.

By R. Hamiton Ryer
Spotsylvania Court House
Spotsylvania, Virginia

Or communication… haha … I love autocorrect
OTC

 

[captaindrew]

Well if you do a CS "Sharpshooter Battalion/Company" correctly you'll be marching and running around more than anyone. Confederates did create some sharpshooter companies but most of the time they didn't lurk in the shadows like you might think. They were hand picked men from the companies of a regiment. They were usually used as their skirmish company to do all the tough assignments and dirty work. So if you want to run around at the double quick and perfect your skirmish drill then go for it.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

Well if you do a CS "Sharpshooter Battalion/Company" correctly you'll be marching and running around more than anyone. Confederates did create some sharpshooter companies but most of the time they didn't lurk in the shadows like you might think. They were hand picked men from the companies of a regiment. They were usually used as their skirmish company to do all the tough assignments and dirty work. So if you want to run around at the double quick and perfect your skirmish drill then go for it.

Thanks you Sir for the advice. Dang it! No matter… I have seen some of what you mention at my old campground on the Mattaponi River in my beloved Virginia. We had skirmishes as we are talking only small numbers. These guys didn't have it so bad. Having rifles passed up to them in trees. Or sculking about with our Native American scouts. It is true that there was some running with "redeploying" as the Yankees had hidden a cannon in the woods. The guy in the tree never moved and would I guess pick his shots or receive direction from a scout. Once they pushed their line out of the "coolness" of the words we heated them up with a peppering from our boys and girls in the woods and our mountain howitzer. That was about it for our sharps dashing about because there was a second hidden Yankee cannon. B*********!

The 1st Spotsy could get "lost" in the fog of war at a huge event like Cedar Creek. 5 or 6 guys or gals and whose gonna miss us or be able to track us down in that bedlam.? Just saying ….2nd day of our event come "limping" back to the camp and early skadatttle.

For alas while in my youth I was able to do foot cavalry feats like 20 mile a day backpacking in High Sierra. Let's get real … this the Old Dominion in summer and it was hotter than Hades on the gun and really this stuff is no game or joke.

Thanks again sir for your observations vax I will keep them under my hat. Good Lord it's already hot in Spotsy!

OTC
SCH

 

[Old Breck]

So are you just looking for some other old-timers to dress in buckskins or what-have you and run around with Henrys and pistols in the woods, looking to bushwhack the Yanks?

 

[RedRover]

Based on your description, my recommendation would be to just interpret a group of Virginia "home guard."

A Yank described Virginia home guard like this:

"They were not uniformed, being dressed in everything from swallow tail coats and slippers to homespun butternut, and armed with everything that could shoot from a carbine to a flint-lock musket. The members were of all ages, from school boys to decrepit old men. They were commanded by a young fellow in nondescript uniform. His sword and scabbard were the only really soldierly things about him…"

Sometimes they were called out to assist the army.

And sometimes just kept federal troops from straggling in their districts...
From King and Queen County, VA:

 

[Doc_Ralph]

So are you just looking for some other old-timers to dress in buckskins or what-have you and run around with Henrys and pistols in the woods, looking to bushwhack the Yanks?

Sir,

That would sound perfect for private or small events … I think the powers that be … Longstreet or ANV would not want a small rogue unit doing its own thang … God forbid it might rock the scenario or the Union general getting picked off by one of the Sharps. Instant FUBAR!

No sir, We must behave and could even be used on the line or anywhere else needed.

Shoot we don't need a Col. Or Major but a Captain and Sgt Major would do.

If the call to arms is ignored by the old Re-enactor old goats (like me ) who have truly retired - I understand. There are I believe young whippersnappers out there who could be coaxed to come out of the AI CW virtual reality games in air condition basement environment and do some I dunno what do you call it these days - living history?

I called it a pain in the *** at the time but have since mellowed from my harsh assessment of our three years with smoke and sweat in our eyes,

Oh what fun we had loading the cannon on the trailer. Ya think that's fun? And the lovely prospect that the Artillery School certificate guy might not like your drill and call you out as a perfect example of how not to wurm/worm your piece.

If push cones to shove I will represent Spotsy myself on the field at the proper rank level as experience increases I don't suppose attaining an advanced degree from a prestigious Virginia University means squat in the reenacting community and I agree and would resist anything higher than Captain.

My bona fides are real and I can only explain that my reasoning - for returning after a long hiatus - is (and I think the old timers know this) there is an itch and it is hard to explain. Part fellowship with kindred spirits to sleep out under God's blanket of stars in all kinds of weather; the joy seen in the kiddos eyes as they "drill" on the gun and "pull" the landyard; or the thrill seeing the Union artillery at Cedar Creek … you see the flash and have to wait for the report.

That is a long winded answer to your question. Even if old timers could offer advice. I am just like I was when we joined the artillery. Clueless… well this tine I think I have a pretty good idea of what I am getting into.

Thanks again sir,
OTC
SCH

 

[Doc_Ralph]

Based on your description, my recommendation would be to just interpret a group of Virginia "home guard."

A Yank described Virginia home guard like this:

"They were not uniformed, being dressed in everything from swallow tail coats and slippers to homespun butternut, and armed with everything that could shoot from a carbine to a flint-lock musket. The members were of all ages, from school boys to decrepit old men. They were commanded by a young fellow in nondescript uniform. His sword and scabbard were the only really soldierly things about him…"

Sometimes they were called out to assist the army.

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And sometimes just kept federal troops from straggling in their districts...
From King and Queen County, VA:

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View attachment 478343

I see like militia and why not? This concept is fluid and as my mind is not always lucid in such heat. Best to mull it over with some hard cider and should I be blessed with volunteers - the group can decide. But I truly would like to see some local folks come out…

OTC
SCH

 

[johan_steele]

What you are describing isn't skirmish or sharpshooting as was done by the ANV.

The sharpshooters of the ANV were skirmishers par exclance. The US troops on the receiving end weren't just stupid victims but men who returned fire sometimes with artillery and always in a manner that made it suicidal to linger for those sharpshooters.

The re-enactors you see skulking in trees today bear very little in common with the men they pretend to emulate. To the point that those who have done the research are rather embarrassed by them.

There is much written about those men at the time from both sides.

I would suggest getting "Sharpshooters 1750-1900" which is out of print or "Union Sharpshooter vs Confederate Sharpshooter" both by Gary Yee.

"Lee's Sharpshooters: or the Forefront of Battle" by Dunlap

"Sharpshooters of the American Civil War 1861-65" by Katcher

Or just do a search on Amazon for Civil War Sharpshooters. There are ample written by the men who were there.

 

[Old Breck]

If the call to arms is ignored by the old Re-enactor old goats (like me ) who have truly retired - I understand. There are I believe young whippersnappers out there who could be coaxed to come out of the AI CW virtual reality games in air condition basement environment and do some I dunno what do you call it these days - living history?

Yeah, the young kids aren't really interested in what you are describing anymore.

I can't really tell what it is you are wanting to do, other than forming a new group, but based on what I think you're talking about, it's not going to be well received by any reenacting organization (mainstream, authentic, etc) that I can think of.

Not trying to rain on your parade, but what your describing doesn't really sound like it was any actual provenance for any military during the ACW. And if you are just inventing something without historical provenance, what is the point?

You may have more luck with the Cowboy Action Shooting crowd. Or there are other avenues to explore in Civil War period. Have you looked into any type of civilian impression?

 

[Doc_Ralph]

What you are describing isn't skirmish or sharpshooting as was done by the ANV.

The sharpshooters of the ANV were skirmishers par exclance. The US troops on the receiving end weren't just stupid victims but men who returned fire sometimes with artillery and always in a manner that made it suicidal to linger for those sharpshooters.

The re-enactors you see skulking in trees today bear very little in common with the men they pretend to emulate. To the point that those who have done the research are rather embarrassed by them.

There is much written about those men at the time from both sides.

I would suggest getting "Sharpshooters 1750-1900" which is out of print or "Union Sharpshooter vs Confederate Sharpshooter" both by Gary Yee.

"Lee's Sharpshooters: or the Forefront of Battle" by Dunlap

"Sharpshooters of the American Civil War 1861-65" by Katcher

Or just do a search on Amazon for Civil War Sharpshooters. There are ample written by the men who were there.

Excellent information and thanks for the tenderfoot education. No takers yet and so I could easily just join up; I was hoping for a local Spotsy group as in my artillery unit we were spread out all over the state. And I really did like the motto and idea of lawn chairing it in the woods.

Heck it was just a scenario and a small local one at that. I have seen enough things at the 150 1st Manassas and elsewhere … Gettysburg so that I take the "experts" (Safety Officer - oops) with a grain of salt along with humble respect. For IMHO common sense should rule the day with black powder. It's not a game and no joke. IMHO

OTC
SCH

 

[RedRover]

I see like militia and why not? This concept is fluid and as my mind is not always lucid in such heat. Best to mull it over with some hard cider and should I be blessed with volunteers - the group can decide. But I truly would like to see some local folks come out…

OTC
SCH

Yes, like militia, though they were just called "Home Guard" as militia was limited to men aged 18 to 45 (almost all of whom were in the army!). The home guards were what General Grant called "the cradle and the grave" units.

like militia no particular uniform. arms a mixed bag. etc. But more akin to your plan, a good number were not in a physical condition to march, or do other military labors. Just a gun in hand to scout, guard duty, and perhaps defend a bridge or fortification.

As mentioned, in the emergencies of '64-65, many of these home guards mustered to aid the troops. Often in the defenses of fortified places. Couple of examples.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

Yeah, the young kids aren't really interested in what you are describing anymore.

View attachment 478346
I can't really tell what it is you are wanting to do, other than forming a new group, but based on what I think you're talking about, it's not going to be well received by any reenacting organization (mainstream, authentic, etc) that I can think of.

Not trying to rain on your parade, but what your describing doesn't really sound like it was any actual provenance for any military during the ACW. And if you are just inventing something without historical provenance, what is the point?

You may have more luck with the Cowboy Action Shooting crowd. Or there are other avenues to explore in Civil War period. Have you looked into any type of civilian impression?

Yeah… I am beginning to see that it could rock the boat and you are right "what's the point?" As a common sense retired "private cannoneer" i know you cannot beat physics or city hall.

Well, the point is that I can get an Enfield and pitch right in there where needed. And with the little bit of brain matter I have - confront what has dogged my through my brief time at reenacting and that is avoidance of marching.

IMHO I do love the drill and can tolerate the burnt bacon and I know what you are going to say - but as it looks like I am taking the plunge - my period correct foot wear tormented me sorely during the three years of "wear". And that's with insoles and wool socks. Is there still a policy about officers only can wear boots? If so hang it I will toughen up my dogs and do it barefoot. Probably a policy against that or giving carrots to the horses. IMHO

I can really appreciate all the advice and cannot move with alacrity at the moment anyway as my 9 month old GSD b***** pup is a daddy's girl and I can't bare the thought of leaving her for even a weekend. Maybe Cedar Creek.
OTC
SCH

And with y'all liking my posts I should be up to Corporal by next week. Stay hydrated!

 

[Doc_Ralph]

Yes, like militia, though they were just called "Home Guard" as militia was limited to men aged 18 to 45 (almost all of whom were in the army!). The home guards were what General Grant called "the cradle and the grave" units.

like militia no particular uniform. arms a mixed bag. etc. But more akin to your plan, a good number were not in a physical condition to march, or do other military labors. Just a gun in hand to scout, guard duty, and perhaps defend a bridge or fortification.

View attachment 478347
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As mentioned, in the emergencies of '64-65, many of these home guards mustered to aid the troops. Often in the defenses of fortified places. Couple of examples.
View attachment 478353

View attachment 478354

Thank you Sir, well that kills that option as not only am i over the hill but through the valley and facing the high ground again. But having most of my teeth and a fair amount of OAP gumpshin I think that it should be a tad bit easier than artillery. iMHO 1) no infantry school? Drill is something I can do 2) fewer pre req. no finger printing 3) i have most of my duds 4) other gear even tho our tent is trashed. And etc. Marching and obliques will be my Everest but Cedar Creek will be my Rubicon IMHO

OTC
SCH

 

[MAPMFF]

What did I just read.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

What did I just read.

Well my delusions of grandeur and glory have been busted. Alas, however, I am more than sure that my past moments of valor and glory will continue in my possible return to "service " . And yet again, alas , that my OAP status pretty much rules out on riding those noble creatures into battle.

My rationale for returning to reenacting was looking for any possible alternative - in infantry - to avoid marching in the period correct Gettysburg shoes I own. I can recall every painful step (after a while) from Endview to Gettysburg.

Dunno? It's sounds a lot easier than artillery … Do infantry guys have to be fingerprinted and checked out? Do you need any kind of certification to prove that you have been trained in proper loading and discharging of your weapon? Are you offered CPR or first aid training? Do you have the come to Jesus moment when you view the carnage wrought by the hobby (redacted version that is)?

No from what I can tell that there is no school in West Virginia for instruction and drill and so I assume training in donein the unit.

So my dislike of marching has come full circle and back to bite me. I will start out as Buck Private. But not Buck naked or afraid.

OTC
SCH

 

[PrivateBrooke]

As far as I know infantry doesn't require anything like fingerprinting, although some groups may require a background check for insurance purposes. That depends on the insurance though. Training would be done internally by each unit.

Although I will say, infantry is not easy. It's a lot more marching than artillery, and you'll have to carry your own weapon and gear. No offense but if you aren't able to handle that, I would say stick to artillery or do civilian living history.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

So having nine years of Catholic education, I remember that the sisters- when they wanted students to remember something - they would have them write it in cursive on the chalkboard or on paper whatever it is they wanted to …instill. We are talking about for life. This creative method of teaching employed several types of learning visual, auditory (as you could hear her pacing behind you ) and hands on (several meanings of that could occur - the act of rote writing with a pencil or chalk and the real possibility if the quality and lack of alacrity could be rewarded with a physical rap on the knuckles.

Rather than a short assignment like my favorite Bible quote "God is love" It would be more like the formula for a quadratic equation. Or a line or two of Shakespeare. Or a wrong answer on a quiz. Try that a hundred times and you can remember anything.

This is where I start as I am not going to drill with a musket on my back porch - right out of sh the shoot. This Catholic beginning method of learning can then be applied to real life/gunk drilling. Writing it all down- time after time after flipping time so that i will "interro

Rather

As far as I know infantry doesn't require anything like fingerprinting, although some groups may require a background check for insurance purposes. That depends on the insurance though. Training would be done internally by each unit.

Although I will say, infantry is not easy. It's a lot more marching than artillery, and you'll have to carry your own weapon and gear. No offense but if you aren't able to handle that, I would say stick to artillery or do civilian living history.

Time will tell ma'am but I am not going back to artillery. And no money for horses. Civilian history living history is for when I am truly done.

IMHO No offense taken and I think this may be a last hurrah! Maybe two or three more years and as long as I have my teeth. I lost my hearing and artillery helped with that. So WEAR YOUR EARPLUGS! Don't be macho; although I wanted to make sure I was hearing the commands at Number 4 on the gun. That's no excuse and don't abuse your body by being out of uniform on the field-even the dang shoes offer some protection as well as misery. Grandpa says …IMHO

OTC
SCH

 

[RedRover]

IMHO No offense taken and I think this may be a last hurrah! Maybe two or three more years and as long as I have my teeth. I lost my hearing and artillery helped with that. So WEAR YOUR EARPLUGS! Don't be macho; although I wanted to make sure I was hearing the commands at Number 4 on the gun. That's no excuse and don't abuse your body by being out of uniform on the field-even the dang shoes offer some protection as well as misery. Grandpa says …IMHO

OTC
SCH

I'm with you there!

 

[PrivateBrooke]

Time will tell ma'am but I am not going back to artillery. And no money for horses. Civilian history living history is for when I am truly done.

IMHO No offense taken and I think this may be a last hurrah! Maybe two or three more years and as long as I have my teeth. I lost my hearing and artillery helped with that. So WEAR YOUR EARPLUGS! Don't be macho; although I wanted to make sure I was hearing the commands at Number 4 on the gun. That's no excuse and don't abuse your body by being out of uniform on the field-even the dang shoes offer some protection as well as misery. Grandpa says …IMHO

OTC
SCH

Going by some of your posts, I would definitely try it out with a group, using loaner gear, first. Just to see if it's realistically something you can do regularly. Depending on the event, there's a lot of marching. Now I don't expect everyone to be like myself and a few of my pards and insist on going full gear(full knapsack included) for a parade or into battle(I do both, it personally doesn't bother me in the slightest, but I'm much younger, on my feet for work, and participate in athletic hobbies), but it can still be a lot, even with the bare essentials(leathers, canteen, musket).

Might I offer a suggestion? Cavalry. There are, much to my derision, quite a few "dismounted cavalry" groups around. They portray(often badly, but not always) cavalry troopers in uniform and equipment, and follow dismounted battle tactics, but don't require you to ride a horse. There tends to be a lot less marching, less emphasis on moving in formations, much less equipment being carried, and a much smaller and lighter carbine vs a big heavy musket.

Also I had no issues going in bare feet, just as many of the original boys had to, on occasion. It's not something I do all the time though, it depends on the scenario and terrain.