Co. Aytch
by Sam Watkins
Friends if you just read one book on the War Between the States...read this one. This is one I have read over and over. This are the memories of a private not a big history of the battles but what ol Sam saw and experienced.
You can get this book from Amazon from around $2.50 to $20.00
Sam R. Watkins (1839-1901) joined the Maury Grays, First Tennessee Regiment, in May 1861, and fought in all its major battles from Shiloh to Nashville. "No memoir by a Rebel participant is richer in intimate detail than this engaging story.". This is the anecdotes and incidents of Battlefield and Camp in which soldiers of the Army of Tennessee and the Army of the Cumberland fought.
"We march on. The scene of a few days ago comes unhidden to my mind. Tramp, tramp, tramp, the soldiers are marching. Where are many of my old friends and comrades, whose names were so familiar at every roll call, and whose familiar "Here" is no more? They lie yonder at Perryville, unburied, on the field of battle. They lie where they fell. More than three hundred and fifty members of my regiment, the First Tennessee, numbered among the killed and wounded—one hundred and eighty-five slain on the field of battle. Their spirits seemed to be with us on the march, but we know that their souls are with their God. Their bones, today, no doubt, bleach upon the battlefield. They left their homes, families, and loved ones a little more than one short twelve months ago, dressed in their gray uniforms, amid the applause and cheering farewells of those same friends. They sleep the sleep of the brave."
Dispatch 1:
It is my honor to report that the 1st Arkansas Battalion (CS) (Colonel Rob Sanders commanding) will march to Fort Washita in Indian Territory to defend that place against the federal invaders. Colonel Sanders expects to arrive on the evening of 25th September, instant and to be prepared to meet the foe on the 26th and 27th. The 1st Arkansas Battalion expects to march with these units: 4th Missouri Infantry, 3rd ARK and 2nd ARK, 7th Arkansas Infantry, NW 15th Arkansas Infantry, 16th Arkansas Infantry, 22nd Arkansas Infantry. Later dispatches will advise you as to strengths and changes as the march progresses. We will be prepared to galvanize should the need arise.
I regret that we have little knowledge of the gallant foe at this time; however, rumor has reached us that elements of the 1st Federal Brigade (Colonel Don Gross commanding) may be operating in that theater. I cannot speak for them, but have heard we may face the 2nd Colorado Infantry, 77th Pennsylvania Infantry, and 25th Iowa Infantry.
My very, very best to Miss Tula and hope that I will be able to galvanize across the lines on the Saturday night and partake of the pleasures she offers. Please note my new email address.
Your Obedient Servant,
Jim Morris
Major, 1st Arkansas Battalion (CS)
CADDO AUTUMN
Elmore City, OK 4-6 Dec 2009
It is a 2 day around-the-clock tactical. There will not be a choreographed battle, it is just for the reenactors.
The location is on 160 acres with an east and a west gate, that is 1 mile apart.
The Feds get the east entrance and the Confederates get the west. The area has open areas, woods and on the north a butte about 150 feet high that runs the length of the land. There will be judges, but they will not decide if one side or the other wins a powder burning affair with no casualties. Instead they will point out obvious casualties and the CASUALTIES will have to take a 30 minute break. That way commanders will have to form their own strategy and it will eliminate bullet proof coats. In other words, if you take on too many casualties by taking the wrong risks, you will lose.
I don't care if soldiers bring camp followers as long as they are in period dress. We will have hay, firewood and water. I will be putting up two, two-hole privys, one for each side. NOTE. I am not putting up a womens and a mens on each side. Just one each. This is a primitive area and these latrines are going up at Lee Burdines request.
Also we will take a truce on Saturday afternoon and have lunch at the fanciest restaurant in Elmore City. There will be a reenactors special at the restaurant. When we return the war is on again. I will contact the local paramedics and make them aware of what we are doing just in case we need them. I will also send directions when the time comes near.
Sincerely Cap'n Abner
TRIBBEY
The 1st Arkansas went to Tribbey for a reenactment in June. The weather was hot but a nice cooling south wind made the weather bearable! The 22nd ARK, the 16th ARK and the NW 15th ARK were in attendance. There were not as many there as could have been wished for but...a good time was had by all. The 22nd ARK posted the colors on Sunday morning. The Colonel was so impressed that he is considering a morning parade at all camp events.
LONG-TIME REENACTOR HAS ANEURYSM
Ken Gass of the 22nd Arkansas was recently stricken with a brain aneurysm which required major surgery. Ken came through the operation and is now recovering.
L.A. MIEARS
2ND SGT. 3RD ARK CO. E
3RD ARK/1ST ARK DIARY OF
ALONZO MIEARES
This diary is a very interesting bit of history. Several
years ago then Cpt Stev Alcorn of the 22nd ARK, came into possession
of a bad photocopy of this soldiers diary. He got it from one
of Mieares descendants who had "hand copied" it from
the crumbling original. I typed it into the website over a period
of weeks. However only about half of the diary is typed in yet.
It is very interesting. I was prowling around in some of my old
web pages and found that this still works...so I thought you
might enjoy a good read. Preston
GO
HERE TO READ
MUSKET CARE -SPECIAL!!!
The 09' reenactment season will soon be here! Get your gear in shape now!!
It's time to do that SUMMER CLEANING. I recommend a total "off the stock, clean and inspect every part"
procedure. I have a winter special. I will do the complete off-the-stock
deep cleaning,inspection, re-lubricate and rust preventative,
and polish for just $20.00. Yes
thats right I said only $20.00!!! AND... deliver it to you at
the next Battalion event!
ALSO AVAILABLE! The last year of reenacting
wear and tear has affected your Leather items! Preserve it now!
I also clean and re-juevinate accouterment leather gear.(belt,capbox,cartridge
box and bayonet scabbard) Only $5.00 additional with musket cleaning
purchase!"
order now
HAMMERTIME
Col McDowell Drill
booklet
Here is an interesting and quite informative drill manual
click here to download
To print what I sent in book form:(pages printed on the front and back of each sheet)........print the first 15 pages and set your printer to landscape.....
then take the first 15 and lay them face up in your printer and print
the second 15 and it can be then stapled together to form a book.
Col Sanders
C.S. Central Laboratory, (Ordn.)
Macon, Ga., Feb. 9, 1864.
[CIRCULAR]
It has been recently ordered by the Chief of Ordnance that the only patters of cartridge to be hereafter used with muzzle loading rifled small arms shall be that known as the English pattern of Enfield cartridge.
It is important that the troops should be taught to load this cartridge properly - the following instructions upon the subject are therefore published - Ordnance Officers on field service will endeavour to secure their observance, and to correct any irregularities which they may notice.
1. - If the powder end of the cartridge has been "pinched" or folded straighten out the folded portion of the paper - if it has been twisted (as is the case with the cartridges made in England) untwist the end with the finger and thumb.
2. - Tear off the part of the paper at the powder end beyond the stiff inside cylinder, taking advantage of leverage upon the edge of this stiff cylinder, and tearing off as close as possible to the edge.
3. - Pour the powder from the end of the cartridge thus opened into the barrel of the gun, taking care not to lose or scatter any of the powder - Hold the barrel vertically, so that but few grains may remain adherent to the inside surface.
4. - Invert the cartridge, and insert the lubricated end into the muzzle of the piece (without tearing off any of the paper from the ball).
5. - Press the bullet end of the cartridge down into the barrel until the top of the cylindrical portion of the ball is just flush with the muzzle taking acre that the axis of the bullet coincides with that of the barrel, and that the cartridge is pressed directly down - not twisted.
6. - Break off the empty powder cylinder from the bullet, taking advantage of leverage against the edge of the muzzle, and being careful not to twist or pull the bullet out of its place.
7. - Ram the ball steadily down, using no more pressure than is necessary, and avoid twisting the ramrod. Settle the bullet in its place by one or two light taps.
8. - Cap the gun, which is then ready to be discharged.
In case of the gun becoming excessively foul, so as to prevent easy loading in the proper way, as above detailed, the paper of the cartridge may be torn off from the bullet, and the latter loaded naked. As the lubricant is upon the outside of the paper and not upon the bullet this practice is not to be recommended unless it be rendered necessary by the cause mentioned.
J. W. Mallet, Maj.
Supt. C.S. Laboratories
Approved:
J. Gorgas, Col.
Chief of Ordnance
Richmond, Va., Feb. 15, 1864.
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REGISTER FOR THE FORT WASHITA REENACTMENT ONLINE HERE!
fort washita reenactment registration
Go online and register
GHOSTS OF FT. WASHITA
Most reenactors who have spent many nights at Ft. Washita have some Ghost stories. Go here to visit the ghost story site
This is a Oklahoma Historical Society event at the old Fort Washita site. It will be fun! And...the Confederates get the Barracks area for camping!
FRIDAY 9AM-2PM
Educators and historians will give a glimse into the past with 15 living-history Education stations including: Civil War music, games, food, fashions, weapons, medical treatment, drill, cavalry, infantry, artillery, signal corps, refugees and more!
SATURDAY 9AM-5 PM
Civil War Reenactors from 4 states will converge at Ft. Washita near Madill to present a re-creation of a Civil War battle from Oklahoma’s rich history.
LECTURE SERIES PRESENTED AT 11, 12, & 3:30 PM BATTLE-1:30
SUNDAY
Civil War Reenactors are invited to have a GRAND tactical on Sunday.
SEE! CALVARY, INFANTRY, ARTILLERY
580-924-6502
ftwashita@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org
POSSIBLE 2009 SCHEDULE
Here are some of the events we are looking at. If you know of others let us know.
We are still looking for a National event. If you all are interested in a certain one let us know. This would be 1864. Not sure we want to go back east again but let me know what you think.
Jul. 11-12 Battle of Massard Prairie Fort Smith, AR
Sep. 25-27 Fort Washita Event Durant, OK
Oct. TBD Battles of Bentonville Bentonville, AR
Nov. 6-7 Old Washington Old Washington AR
Dec. Caddo autumn- at Elmore City
4-6th
WEARING YOUR GEAR
Stephen P. Hanson
1st Sgt., Co. C, 2nd U.S. Infantry, National Regiment
Rule #1:
Nothing on your body should interfere with anything else on your body or with any Manual of Arms evolution.
Rule #2:
Nothing on your body should interfere with anyone else in ranks in front, back, or beside you in any company evolutions.
General
When looking front-on at a fully accoutred soldier standing at attention, the only items of equipment that should be seen, aside from the straps for all his accoutrements crossing his chest, are his weapon, waist belt, cap box, bayonet, and the blanket, either behind his head on his knapsack or across his body if he is wearing a blanket roll. All other items are behind him and out of sight.
Waist belt
Around the waist, the buckle over the navel. It should not ride low on the hips.
Cap Box
On the right side of the waist belt buckle about half way between the hip and the navel. The straps held in place between the belt and the overlap of the belt extending from the buckle to the brass keepers so it will not slide along the belt. The nipple pick, when not being used, should be inside the cap box in the small loop on the left back corner of the box
Cartridge Box
Behind the right hip and above the buttock. The top of the box about one finger-width below the bottom of the waist belt. With a load of blank cartridges, the cartridge box barely weighs more than its unloaded weight and it is never a problem for the reenactor However, loaded with live rounds (2-1/4 pounds of lead), it is very heavy. If it rides too low, the resulting bouncing on the buttock during a full-day's march causes a great deal of fatigue.
Cartridge Box Sling
Over the left shoulder, the bottom under the waist belt behind the right hip. The belt plate centered on the chest.
Bayonet and Scabbard
Whether using a Springfield or Enfield scabbard, the general rules for position apply.
Hanging from the waist belt in front of the left hip. Far enough forward so the shaft or handle of the bayonet is within easy reach Far enough forward so it doesn't obstruct the weapon at Support Arms or get tangled in the haversack or canteen straps. Back enough so that the shaft of the Springfield bayonet does not clink on the belt buckle or the tip does not protrude to the left poking the next man in ranks. The Enfield scabbard should be back far enough so that, when the wearer is sitting, the scabbard hangs outside the leg, not resting on top of the thigh or hanging between the legs.
Haversack
Hanging from the right shoulder, behind the left hip with the "bulk" of the full bag resting on top of the left buttock, but not high enough to obstruct the knapsack when worn. Worn over all leather gear but under the knapsack straps. Far enough to the rear so it does not obstruct the left arm from hanging naturally against the body or get in the way of Support Arms
A Haversack full of food, even dried food, is bulky and heavy. If it hangs too low, the resulting swing and bounce on the left buttock or thigh will cause fatigue on a long march. Also, a bulky haversack hanging too low (protruding from the bulkiest part of the buttock), and with the cup attached to the strap, will get in the way of the soldier next in line to the left when turning, even half-turning to prime the weapon.
Cup
Whenever possible, inside the haversack, not hanging from it. A bulky haversack with a cup hanging on the outside gets in the way of the man next to the left when turning, gets in the way of the canteen, and clanks when marching. Put some food item in the cup and it doesn't take up any more room than the item placed in it, and also protects some delicate food items from being crushed
Canteen
Over the right shoulder and resting on top of the haversack behind the left hip. It should sit on top of the haversack flap with the canteen center about even with the haversack buckle. If the knapsack is worn, it should be worn over the knapsack straps so it can be used without taking the knapsack off
Knapsack
On the back, packed so that soft items act as a cushion, and high and tight enough so it doesn't bounce or sag and pull on the shoulders. Straps cinched only tight enough so the entire bundle is compact and nothing inside can move or fall out, but not so tight that it is bulky and inflexible. The chest straps crossed across the chest and hooked onto the opposite shoulder strap The blanket tied to the top should ride high and close to the back of the head, not sag over the back of the pack so it pulls on the shoulders and gets in the way of others in ranks.
Blanket Roll
Preferably on the right shoulder so it doesn't get in the way of Shoulder or Support Arms, and does not obstruct the cartridge box. If rolled correctly, there should be no bulk on the top of the right shoulder that will get in the way of firing. Tied behind the left hip, loose enough not to be restrictive, but tight enough not to fall loose or swing when moving Of the two halves, the larger or heavier "bag" should be in the back.
Looking for something that WAS
here but now it' s gone? Try page 6
3RD ARKANSAS WEB BLOG
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3rd Ark blog
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