Schedule of events-Jan-June, 2004
The following events were chosen during the last company meeting.
-March 6,7-Scottsville, Kentucky This event is for the spring battalion drill. Maximum effort is requested.
-April 14-18-Hunley Funeral, Charleston, South Carolina. This is an optional event.
-April 23-25-Battle of Sutherland Hill, Owensboro, Kentucky. This is a company event, and maximum effort is requested.
There are two events scheduledfor the same weekend and both were voted as optional.
-May 14-16-Battle of Sacramento, Sacramento, Kentucky
-May 14-16-Battle of Resaca, Resaca, Georgia
-May 31-Memorial-Wheatcroft, Kentucky
-June 11-13-Battle of Parker's Crossroads, Jackson, Tennessee. This is a batallion event, and maximum effort is requested
After-Action Reports
Paducah, Kentucky
Collinsville, Tennessee
Spring Hill, Tennessee
Bonfires and Bluegrass
Scottsville, Kentucky (Under Construction)
Paducah, Kentucky
Sept. 15, 2003
I arrived in camp with Mike Roach at about 1 PM on Friday. There wasnt much to do except set up camp and get into the mindset. After this was accomplished, we did what every reenactor does on the Fridays of an event-relax. After dinner, we sat around and talked and had a few laughs. Finally when it was dark I decided to go to bed.
I woke up to the beat of the drum at about 6 AM and we had a quick breakfast. We were about to embark on a dangerous mission. We were going to dress as Union troops and scout General Grant's army that was about to invade Paducah. We combined with the 5 KY, made our way down the to the Ohio River. There we loaded a boat and floated up river to the historic downtown area. We easily blended in with those Yankees and marched to the downtown. We came to an ally and halted where we stacked rifles and waited....and waited, and waited. Then suddenly we heard a double loaded rifle shot. We quickly fell into formation and marched to the main street. Many civilians had been encircled and were yelling at us and calling us names. We were ordered to take one sidewalk to keep the civilians from escaping to the alleys and buildings. Then I spied Sgt. Woodward. He was disguiesed as the town minister. He was trying to calm some of the children down when some of the Yanks moved in. Then he raised his bible and I heard him say, "If you live by the sword, then we will die by the sword." I guess that was enough for the yanks to arrest him. Then the city mayor was arrested and some boys they thought were fellow Confederate soldiers.
After the awful witness of such arrests, we marched to the river bank were we had our lunch. After that we made our way back to our camps. We quickly discarded the Yankee Blue for our Confederate Gray. Then Sgt Woodward came back to camp, succesfully completing his reconaissance mission.
In the hours before the battle, we made sure our cartridge boxes were full, and that our rifles were fit for action. After some lounging around, and a few catnaps, it was time for inspection. We formed a line and stood at attention while Sgt Woodward inspected our rifles, cartridge boxes, and cap pouches. As usual, we all passed. After inspection we formed up with the rest of the battalion under Col. Ward. Our single cannon was blasting like there was no tomorrow at the Yankee redoubt that held a battery of 3 cannon.
We moved in one battle line in tow rows untill thier skirmishers starting harassing our left. Col Ward deployed the 1st Platoon on the Ky Company to try and clear them away and to protect our left. The battery in the redoubt opened up on us and the booms echoed in the trees. The Yankee shots were becoming more accurate and our men began to fall. We took advantage of a ditch we came upon and began pouring into their defense. They slowly began to retreat, and we started to advance. W started pouring volley after volley into them and reached the brush(their outer defenses). We sent a few men to clear the brush while we provided cover fire. When enough holes were made we charged through and over the walls of the redoubt. We took many prisoners and the battle was won.
Later we returned to camp to answer questions about the battle from spectators. We greatfully answered them and before long the rains started to pour. We huddled under Capt. Green's tent fly or we just slept in our tents till supper time. Finally the time came and we went to get our very dry chicken. Later we came back and chatted together till dark.
The next morning we awoke to the drum again and did various camp things. About 8:00 we went to the Sunday service by Sgt Woodward. It as a great sermon, especially since it was outside.
When we returned we were greeted with the great smell of apple turnovers made fresh over the fire by Cpl. Brooks. They were delicious and he even made enough to share with the Kentucky Company.
We had our company meeting and discussed upcoming evnts. By the time the meeting was over it was time for us to line up for weapons inspection. Again, everyone passed. After the inspections were complete we formed up with the rest of the battalion.
Our artillary opened up and the guns in the Yankee redoubt soon responded. We began to move as a whole and my platoon was ordered to advance as skirmishers in front of the main line. We encountered stiff resistance, and the Federals slowly gave ground. We advanced and pushed them way back, but not without losing many men. We started taking better aim while we took cover behind the think trees. When our battalions main battle line reached us we rejoined them and advanced on the small fort. After we fired a quick volley, the redoubt's guns opened up at once, and all but 15 were down. We were retreating when I was hit by a lucky shot. The only good thing was that our colors were not taken and they got away safely.
After the command to resurect was given, we formed up in our column and marched back to camp and prepared to go home. After we said our farewells, we made our way home. This was a very good event.
Collinsville, Tennessee
Oct. 3-5, 2003
I arrived in camp on the 3rd along with Mike Roach late into the night. It was a very chilly nigt and we got as close to the campfire as we could. I did not sleep good that night and I doubt that anyone else did. I awoke at dawn and noticed that Sgt Woodward was already awake and making coffee. We chatted for a while till everyone else was up. Later we had a Company meeting and discussed upcoming events, and other important things. After the meeting, Mike Roach and myself scouted the enemy positions. The Yankees were garrisoned in a fort on the top of a hill. They had several abbatises in the front and around it, with 2 cannon on the inside. We secretly watched their infantry drill and counted some 50 Yankees. It was going to be tough taking that fort with the wide open ground we would have to cross in order to even get close.
When we returned to camp we fell into formation and Sgt. Woodward inspected our weapons. We formed up with the Kentucky Company and called ourselves the Cumbeland River Rifles. Lt. Davidson marched us to the area where we were to form up witht the rest of our small battalion. Most of the Tennessee Valley Battalion were fighting hard at Perryville. We marched off to a small area between to hills and waited for the Yankees. The 46th TN, Co. K was deployed to the crest of the hills in a skirmish line. All of a sudden they opened up as the Yankees advanced on thier position. We heard the Federals pour a volley into the 46th. Col. Ward ordered us to move around to the left flank of the Union line and attack them there. The Yanks never even saw us coming. The hills hid us pretty good and all of a sudden a gray line advanced over a hill with the loud Rebel Yell. We halted and fired a volley into them. Several of them fell and they wheeled left and began to fall back. We kept on pressing them and all the while the 46th slowly started to move around their right flank. We began taking hits and they Yanks began to make a determined stand. They put themselves at the bottom of of "U" shaped hill, and it was perfect for us to move around them. They had their backs to a ditch and we took an oppurtunity to crush them. Sgt. Woodward was ordered to stop them from running towards the top of this one hill. He was being successful in holding them off when a Yankee Captain of horseback came at him from behind. We yelled for him to look out. Sgt. Woodward fired his rifle, and the Captain did the same with his pistol. Luckily the Yank missed, but so did Sgt Woodward. But Gene (Im not sure of last name) came to the rescue and fired his double barreled shotgun, and the Yankee was no longer a problem.
The Federals began to fall back across the ditch and the 46th desperatly tried to get through a thicket, that was very thick with underbrush to get behind them. We also began to get behind their left. Some of the them covered they retreat and made a defense in the ditch. Some others were inside some underbrush and firing round after round at us. I, and about 4 others of the company got into a ditch that was perpindicular to the Yankee held one and a perfect spot to fire into the holed up yankees in the brush. They made mistake by firing at once and while they reloaded we charged them and took them prisoner. We watched happily as the Union troops broke ranks a fled back to the fort. Our men were exhausted and took a quick lunch break. Before long it was time to attack the Yankee fort. The battalion was fomed and our lone cannon opened up on the fort. The 46th was detached to the left and ordered to take the road leading to the fort. The rest of us made a direct attack on its walls. Their artillary opened up on us and a few Yanks on horses came out of the fort and took some sporadic shots at us. The 46th advanced quickly, but some new Fededal reinforcements appeared and halted their advance. The 46th fought gallantly and took many casualties. At the same time we were some-what pinned down at the bottom of the hill. The Yanks could not make any good shots at us unless we were standing. We would rise by rank and fire volleys at them. To our left we noticed the remnants of the 46th running to rejoin us. They had pushed back the Federals and rejoined us for the assault on the fort. At the command of Col. Ward we rose up and charged with courage and the Rebel Yell. Most were hit before they reached the abbatises. For the rest of us we met a bloody end at the walls of the fort. I took a belly wound, and layed by the wall in pain. I saw the remains of the battalion retreat back to the woods were it was safe. The Yanks came out of the fort to see what they could take off of our dead and wounded. One threatened to shoot me because of my belly wound. I believed him too, because earlier a seargant had shot a wounded man to put him out of his missary. I used my rifle to help myself stand up and I attempted to get back to our lines. I then noticed Pvt. Ken Powers try to make a dash for freedom. One of those mean Blue Bellies shot him. I tried to make it to Pvt. Powers but another yank came to me and clubbed me with the stock of his rifle. I layed there in the grass, dead, untill we heard the sound of applause and the command to ressurect was given. We formed up and were marched back to camp.
When we returned I took about an hour nap. When I woke up, Sgt Woodward asked me, Pvt. Powers, and Pvt. Goddard if we would like to guard the Ladies' Tea Party. We all said yes and marhced to the large cabin. We saw Miss Lisa Earl, who seemed to be enjoying herself. At the beginning, we were all out front of the cabin when some dismounted Yankee cavalrymen made their way to the the party. We walked over to where they were coming from and challenged them. They seemed a little "buzzed" and they quickly skedaddled. When we returned, Sgt. Woodward asked me if I would guard the back of the house incase they tried to get in from there. I said I would and made my way around.
I was there for a while and many people tried to enter, mostly curious onlookers, but I barred them from entering. A little while later no one came to my post. I was getting quite hot standing there in the sun, untill a Yankee Captain approached me. He tried to get in but I lowered my rifle with bayonet and stopped him from entering. He smartly said,"Wont let a Yankee in huh?"
I replied,"No sir, I have orders to not let anybody in through here."
He responded with a "Well I'll Be D**ned." and left.
I stayed in the same spot for about 30 more minutes, till Sgt. Woodward came around and told me I could come around front. When we were all there we formed up and marched back to camp. For the rest of the day we lounged around and answered questions from visitors. When night came we all wrapped in our blankets and quilts and tried to get to sleep.
We all pretty much woke up at the same time on Sunday and had some breakfast provided by the locals. Shortly after, we made our way to the Old School House/Church for the Sunday Service. The school house was much to small for the amount of people we had, so we brought the benches outside. It was a very good sermon by Chaplain (Im not sure of name or unit) and Sgt. Woodward. For the time being we Rebs and the Yanks were at a peace. I believe we both enjoyed the sermon, but a few hours afterward we would meet in battle agian.
When we returned to camp we prepared ourselves for battle. We had weapons inspections and then formed up with the Kentucky Company to form the Cumberland River Rifles. We marched to the large cabin where we were told that the Yankees were somewhere in the woods. Lt. Davidson led a platoon consisting of myself, Pvt. Ron Goddard, Pvt. Ken Powers, Pvt. Frank Watts, Pvt. Ward, 2 privates from seperate companies, Sgt. Woodward, and 2nd Sgt. Boyd. Our mission was to get behind the Union lines and attack them while they were attacking our main force. We were quitely hiking up huge hills inside the woods, keeping an eye out for the Blue Bellies. Sgt. Woodward was at the point when he held up his hand to tell us to stop and get down. We did so, and he rejoined us. He said the Yanks were up in a clearing and were marching down the path we wanted them to go down. But all of a sudden, a Yankee Captain came at us on his black horse shooting at us with his pistol. 2 more horsemen followed with carbines. We did not fire back because we needed the ammunition for the oncoming infantry. The blue soldiers quickly changed course and came at us hard. They fired while they advanced, and we tried to hold them in a skirmish line, leapfrogging back down the hill. Pvt. Goddard was hit, and the Yanks kept on coming. We turned and ran down the hill to rejoin the rest of the company. We ran to the clearing by the cabin and made a long skirmish line there. When the yanks came down the hill, the 46th emerged from their hiding places and slammed into the Yankee left. They killed many Yanks and ran to rejoin us. The Kentucky Company was also hidden behind trees in front of our lines. The Yanks advanced on our us and the Kentucky Company slammed into them like the 46th had done. But unfortunately it didnt slow their advance. They Yankee artillary opened up on us, and we were forced to retreat. We ran and turned to fire at them, but our shots missed. We ran till it was safe. The Yankee advance was halted and they took the time to execute one of our soldiers who had surrender. They also looted the cabin and chased the women. We helplessly looked on, wishing we could do something about these barbaric acts.
The sound of the applauding crowd marked the end of the event at Collinsville, Tennessee. Afterwards we said our goodbyes and made our way home. This was a great, great event in my opinion.
-The following report was written by Lt. Davidson.
.Spring Hill, Tennessee (Battle of Murfreesboro)
Oct. 24-26, 2003
I arrived on site Friday afternoon with Cpl. Toby. We didn't have too much to get done that day since everything really didn't get started until tomorrow morning, 25 October. I got everying set up and figured out where to pasture our steed. Once all of these things were taken care of we decided to visit the sutlers. There were several there and I was able to pick up a few things that I never knew I needed. I seem to have a slightly foggy memory of a 'raid' we made on the Federal camp that night. The Yanks didn't want to play, but we still had a good time. We posted guards around the battalion camp and the night passed without incident. I want to thank all of you who volunteered for picket duty during this event.
Saturday, 25 October was a much busier day. I had a good breakfast of fried ham, courtesy of the Kentucky Company. The first battle of the day was scheduled for 11:00 a.m.. If I remember correctly, we formed up at 10:00 a.m.. and the 5th fell in with the 31st Tennessee as the Color CMpany. It was good to be on the field with those guys again, as I haven't seen some of them since the 135th Gettysburg in 1998. Early in the battle we were all given a scare, when Colonel Ward's horse went down and rolled over. We were all worried for about 20 minutes until we found our that he was not seriously injured. Major Dukes took command of the Tnnessee Valley Battalion for the remainder of the battle and did an excellent job. There was plenty of firing and a lot of manuevering by our battalion. The only potentially bad thing that happened around our part of the line was that we were halted a little too close to the front of the artillary. We were ordered to lie down to aboid their fire. We found out after the battle that the General did not move us that close intentially.
The afternoon battle, scheduled for 4:00 p.m. was excellent. We once again fell in with the 31st as the Color Company. Colonel Ward was back on the field and the battle was about as good as anyone could hope for. the 5th/31st executed their maneuvers with precision, and our volleys were nearly perfect. We advanced across an open field and through a patch of standing corn, pursuing Federals along the way. They formed a strong battle line in a patch of woods and our Battalion was ordered to push them out. We made several valiant charges, but were unable to accomplish our objective. When the Colonel ordered the final withdrawal, there was only one person left standing in our Company.
The rest of the day passed with much incident, at least, for most of us. A few members of our company again had guard duty for a few hours. The rain started about 1:00 a.m. and continued for about 5 hours. Most of our men were able to keep dry. I was lucky enough to find that Major Dukes had vacated his tent for the night, to seek quarters in town. At the the Colonel's suggestion I made use of his very comfortable, not to mention dry, sleeping quarters.
I awoke, the next morning, to a very wet and very gray dawn. Unfortunately the morning battle was cancelled due to the rain. The afternoon battle was scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Ther was some confusion about when we were to form up for the battle. It kept changing. If I remember correctly it ended up being around noon when we did this. We fell in with the Kentucky Company for this battle. I fell in as a rifleman in the line. I haven't had that experience in a few years. We marched down to the Federal camps and halted. The bulk of the Federals at the event we actually General Rambo's Brigade. He was the Federal commander at the event. There was a small ceremony in which Major General Summers stepped down and handed First Confederate Division Command over to our former brigade commander, Brigadier General Mike Moore. We of couse cheered and saluted both of these fine commanders. Once we moved off toward the battlefield it began to rain again. It was really more of a fine mist or drizzle than anything though. We fought the battle over a cut cornfield and I had a blast. We made several charges and were pushed back. The lines went back and forth across the field several times. I finnaly ran out of rounds and went down with an artillary volley. I looked around and realized that most of the Company had done the same. There were several of us in a perfect row, elbows still touching. Afterwards we all said our goodbyes and went our seperate ways. Some made the trek back to camp, some directly to their steeds and home. The event was over and it was time to return to the 21st Century.
It was in my opinion a very good event and I am not sorry, in the least, that I attended. There were some problems, as can be expected at the big events. I have heard complaints about the water supply and port-a-johns being so far away. There was also the issue of us being placed fairly close to the artillary during the Saturday mornings battle. Please rest assured that all of this has been passed up the line and the Battalion/Brigade/Division is aware of the problems. They are working to get these things corrected before the Battle of Franklin event that will be held at the same site next year. The First Confederate Division is aware of the problems. They are working to get these things corrected before the Battle of Franklin event that will be held at the same site next year. The First Confederate Division will be portraying Major General Patrick Cleburne's Division for the entire event. It is scheduled to be held October 2-4, 2004. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
-The following was written by Pvt. Ron Goddard
Bonfires and Bluegrass-Owensboro, Kentucky
Dec. 20, 2003
The Sutherland family hosted a major Yule-tide event the evening of December 20th, this year, at their farm. You will recall this was the site of a minor skirmish with the Yankees this past spring. The family is doing well thanks to our protection during that encounter.
Privates Derrick Lindow and R. M. Goddard were out on patrol that evening, walking along the creek that leads to the iron overhead bridge. As we rounded the bend of the creek, we could hear the distinct sounds of children laughing and playing on the other side of the creek and atop the hill. As Pvt. Lindow and myself crept across the plank floored bridge, all the while watching out for any straggling Yankees, the sounds of rushing water from the creek below us, muffled the sounds of our brogans.
Upon reaching the opposite back of the creek and starting up the path leading to Sutherland's farm, we noticed that the family left their lanterns at intervals along the path lighting our way to the top of the hill. This put Pvt. Lindow and myself at ease, somewhat, becuase we could see even farther into the woods on both sides of the path and still watch for any Blue Bellies. Upon arriving at the village the first stop was the Rosenthal Schoolhouse which had its door shut to the cold, but this could not dampen the sounds of a lively string band stirring on the inside. We were invited to listen to the excellent music and to warm ourselves. We quickly responded to the offer. The locals came out in large numbers to hear the music and join in the festivities. Pvt. Lindow and I decided to retreat to the large two-room cabin of the Sutherland's. Inside, Mrs. Sutherland was cutting out snowflakes from paper to decorate the rather large Christmas tree in their side yard by the small cabin.
While visiting with the Sutherland's Jerry Millay from Cobb's Battery stopped by and we had a really good conversation about the fight with the Yankees this past Spring at the farm. We also spoke at length of the Battle at Mill Springs and the Sunday morning when we fought in the heavy fog. As you will recall, I was wounded with a broken collar bone from a pistol ball and could not shoulder my Springfield that day. I marched into battle with my arm in a sling and every bit as proud of the 5th even though I had to help with the wounded and stayed in the rear of the advancing army.
Just as we finished our visit and stepped onto the front porch, the locals were torching a huge bonfire. The crisp, cool evening drove everyone as close to the edge of the fire ring as they dared encroach. After some time spent watching the children and some adults roasting Christmas delights on a stick called smores, Pvt. Lindow and I noticed there was even another sting band in the schoolhouse. This band sounded even more lively than the first, so we went along to investigate.
We entered a crowded room filled with locals listening to a five-piece band. There was a man playing bass, fiddle, a refined lady singing and playing fiddle, and I must admit the sight of the lady singing and playing her fiddle so lively, took my mind off of the hardships of being a soldier away from home and in the dead of winter. I can't remember the rest of the instruments except for a banjo being played by a Yankee out of uniform. I know this because I saw him at Sacramento this past spring. He was rolling his arillery piece across the field.
I watched this young man for the remainder of the time while they played their music. I decided since he was unarmed and in the Spirit of Christmas, I would not move forth and take him prisoner as a spy. Our paths will cross another day.
Soon the music was over. The locals went to their separate homes. The fire was burning down to a warm glow. Pvt. Lindow and I left the village and continued our scouting mission.
Scottsville, Kentucky
March 6, 2004
I arrived at camp along with Cpl. Mike Roach early Saturday morning. We arrived at the location at about 8:00 and it was very muddy. Most of the battalion was present and we were eager to begin our spring time drill. We had many cobwebs to dust out, and I think many of the officers did too. We combined ourselves with those of the 50th Tennessee, 48th Tennessee, and another company that I do not remember the name of. We formed up and Sgt. Woodward drilled us, and we performed the commands with perfection. After we saw that the other companies had finished company drill, we broke ranks and ate a quick lunch.
Cpl. Roach, Pvt. Powers and myself enjoyed a small but energizing lunch. We heard the sound of the bugle and formed up at camp, as a battalion for the battalion drill. Col. Ward drilled us with the commands, and perfomed them without mistake, and impressed the spectators with our perfection on "By line of battalion to the front". When we completed drill we all took the time to rest. Some of us found a dry place on some straw that had been layed out, and got comfortable there. We were informed that there was going to be skirmish and half of the battalion was going to go yankee. The 46th TN and the Kentucky Company made up most of the Union force. Our company was divided to flank the Yanks. Our men and the men from the 48th TN were the ones to get behind them. We took a long rout around hills to keep ourselves from being seen. When we came to the tree line we sneaked up the edge for a ways before entering. The Yankee line was a "L" in the woods with a clearing in front of the left side. The clearing was also to the front of the right. Behind their line was a steep drop into a creek. Our boys were up on the hill in skirmish line ready to attack. Our artillery was working on their position, and the Federals were shooting sporadic shots at the men on the hill. When we entered the woods we made our way to the Yank line. We quietly snuck through braving the sharp thorns and bushes. We could see the Yankees firing and their guard they posted did not see us till we were almost on top of him. He warned the others and they right half of their line turned to meet us. At that same instant, the main force led by Lt. Col. Flowers, commenced the main attack. The fighting in the woods was brutal and desperate. Cpl. Brooks single handedly pinned two Yanks to a tree. Their line began to cave in, with them not knowing what to stop; the main attack or us. They began to run across the clearing to the next section of woods. The main attack was halted and Lt. Col. Flowers walked forward under a flag of truce demanding their surrender. One of the Yanks shot him while he was walking forward and the fighting began again. We attacked without stopping and the pressure was too much for the Yankees. When they reached the embankment to the creek they finally surrendered.
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