American Civil War Society, Inc.  

Company Dispatch

Official Newsletter of the American Civil War Society

Signed editorials and letters are the views of the author, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the
 American Civil War Society.

June 2003                  Vol. XVII, No. 5

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President's Privilege

                I hope all had a great time at the Wooden Nickel.  Weather on Saturday was a bit dreary, but Sunday was beautiful.  I noticed we had some new groups in both Brigades that added some new dimensions  to the battles.  The public turned out in force and enjoyed great battles scenarios and Living History.  Many school children attended on a weekend field outing and were all over the grounds asking many questions for their studies of the Civil War.  Special times were set for group speakers and questions.  Education of the Civil War period is what the ACWS is all about and I want to thank all who helped out with the school children.  Thank you to Tom and Wendy Atkins for the special gift they presented to me at the Cotillion on Saturday evening.  I love it and it is on display in my home.

            I also want to give a BIG THANK YOU to the following couple.  To Norma Guinn for all the assistance she gives Nancy at the ACWS membership booth at all the events.  Nancy would be unable to keep up and get some breaks without Norma's help.  Also, to Ray Guinn, for all his help with crowd control for the battles at various events.  Our Constable was unable to attend Wooden Nickel and Ray stepped up and took charge at all four battles.  Yes, they are my parents, but they are also ACWS members who give of their time to help events run smoothly.  Thanks, Mom and Dad.

            The Orange Empire Railway Museum Event was also a great success.  Comments I received from the employees, public and reenactors was that they all had a wonderful time.  My hats off the WBSHA for making OREM an event to remember.

            Thank you to all the ACWS members who attended the Pala Casino fundraiser for our organization. The Casino contacts could not thank me enough for the job well done by our members.  Over 700 "highrollers" attended and ate their meal while we put on a great show for them.  The Pala Casino has made a large donation to the ACWS for our efforts in doing the show for them.

            The City of Julian is having a 4^th of July parade and Civil War Weekend and I encourage all our reenactors to attend.  If we get large numbers in attendance, we can possibly be invited to do an event again there next year.  Plenty of activities are planned in addition to the parade. Please see the article about Julian elsewhere in this newsletter.  Thank you to John Antes for being the Point of Contact for this.

            As your President, my goals are to have the ACWS be THE Civil War reenacting organization the public desires to see and reenactors to be a member of.  New ACWS items and event locations are in the works.

            Stay tuned and keep an eye open at the Julian event.

            I remain, your humble servant,

Ken Guinn

FROM THE EDITOR
Linda Hill

            I would like to thank Anita Locke for the excellent job done on the last two Dispatches.  Because of poor health she will be unable to continue being the editor.  That is a loss to this organization so we wish to tell you how much we appreciate what you have done!  Thanks also goes to her husband, Don Locke, our General Lee, for the help that he gave getting the Dispatch sent out.

            I will be editing the Dispatch until someone else comes forward who would like to be the Dispatch editor.  (Contact Ken Guinn at (760) 365-5390.)  I will need your articles, pictures from events, letters to the editor, etc. by the second Wednesday after an event.  Please send them to Linda Hill, 10288 Country Lane, Yucaipa, CA 92399 or by e-mail to me at [email protected].  That way I will have time to get the Dispatch out at least 2 weeks before the next event.  Thank you.

From The ACWS Webmaster

             If you have not been receiving special emails from [email protected], then perhaps you have changed your email address or your mailbox gets too full.

            If your email address has changed, please send your new one to the email address above.  It will be updated in the database and it will also be forwarded to the Membership Director so records will be current (Please do not forget to include your name for proper cross-referencing).  If your mailbox gets too full, the special ACWS emails get rejected and sent back.  So, please, update if needed and cleanup those mailboxes.

ACWS SCHEDULE

A Message from the Union Brigade Commander

Greetings,
            I have the honor to report that our forces have been victorious in our recent engagement at the Wooden Nickel Ranch. The Confederate troops arrived in force and with reinforcements. Our scouts reported at least one regiment of Texans was able to join them. The enemy put up a very stiff resistance and I fear we would not have prevailed if we had not been reinforced ourselves in the form of the 7th West Virginia. Their arrival was both timely and welcome and I am grateful for their assistance.
            The battle may be won but the war rages on. Although victorious, we have failed to destroy the Confederate forces and our scouts report that they are on the move again. They are heading in the direction of the quaint mountain town of Julian. I am certain that the enemy will not have forgotten their setbacks at Wooden Nickel and at Orange Empire Railroad and will be ready to give us an extremely fierce engagement on the weekend of July 4 - 6.
            Once again, I need all commanders to send out pickets and the provost guard to round up any stragglers. We want to meet the Confederates with as strong a brigade as possible. Please make sure that the men are supplied with at least 100 rounds of ammunition each.
            I look forward to seeing you all on the field of battle. I send my warmest regards to all of you and your loved ones and my hopes and prayers to all of our brothers and sisters who are "in harm's way" at home and abroad.
            Thank you and good luck.
            I have the honor to remain your most obedient servant

Major Jeff Copeland, KCStS

Dispatch From Major Harriott of the Confederate Brigade

 Gentlemen,

            I know it seems that our Brigade has taken a beating in our most recent encounters with the Yankees but I know the conviction and pride in each of you will carry us to great success in our next encounter with our foe. To that end I encourage all of you to make proper preparations so that we are ready to do battle and once again be the victors on the field of battle!
            Our brigade has been offered an invitation to attend three events this year as a combined Battalion in order to fight together if all of you choose. If we decide to attend and are in great numbers, I have been offered the privilege to lead you if you also see fit. The events to consider are the August invitational at Fort Tejon, Huntington Beach in September and Moore Park in November. I for one would be honored to lead you men. I consider it a real honor that we have been invited as a whole as it shows we are doing great things with in "our" Brigade and that our peers have taken notice. I would encourage all of you to discuss these events amongst your companies and company commanders report to me your decisions so we can make appropriate preparations. 
            Lastly, I want to remind all of you of the event over 4th of July weekend in Julian. I will not be in attendance as I have official duty to attend to in Richmond. This event site has the potential to be an annual venue for us so those that do attend I await your comments as to whether we should consider Julian for next year. I look forward to seeing all of you again soon!

Respectfully,
Maj. Harriott

UPCOMING EVENTS

JULIAN PARADE AND CIVIL WAR WEEKEND
July 4 - 6

This is now a full-blown Official ACWS event/weekend.

            The event is Julian is turning into an event to remember.  What started as a simple invitation to participate in the annual parade, has now escalated into a full-fledged event where we seem to be the headliners!  In fact, the theme of the parade is "Remember the Civil War".

            We have been given carte blanch to solicit for donation at the parade, as well as the duration of the weekend, when the townfolk come to watch.  In addition, there has been at least one write-up, to date, about the event in the local paper, an article is also pending in the major San Diego area newspaper, the Union Tribune.

            We will camp and have our battles on a 12-15 acre area.  The weekend is slotted with 4 battles (1 Fri, 2 Sat, 1 Sun).  On Friday evening, we will have a cotillion, with our own Tom Atkins calling and the Occasional Strings for music.  It is open to the public, as well.  After the cotillion, we will have a unique fire-works display which will consist of volleys from our own troops and artillery.  Should really be a sight to see.

            On Saturday night, the town is sponsoring a lyceum.  Everyone is welcome, however, to perform, your material must be oriented towards their chosen theme of "Julian".  Poems, songs, etc about small mountain towns, apple pie, or Julian itself are welcome.

            Some time during the weekend, maybe even after the parade, there will be some commotion in town.  The local Alpine Outlaws, a cowboy group, is planning on robbing the bank.  The Sheriff and his posse will try to curtail the ruckus, but we hear tale that they may need the "Army" to help.

            It will be a very warm reception.  The town is already buzzing with excitement about the forthcoming events.  The town's Sheriff is so excited about the cotillion, that was all he could talk about when last we spoke.

            I can't express how much the town of Julian is hoping it will be an annual event and, well, it will give those of us who can't afford the annual pilgrimage to Gettysburg, a new event to look forward to year after year.

            See you in Julian

John Antes

            **Julian is a very lovely quaint town with some darn good apple pie!  With Gettysburg being rescheduled the ACWS can turn out in force.  Let's all go to Julian to "burn powder" and have a great time.

Point Of Contact for Julian is 2ndLt John Antes, 20th Maine.

If you have questions contact him by email at [email protected] or call him at 760-458-6277.

THE CIVIILIAN CORPS AT JULIAN
By Mrs. Captain Thomas Atkins

             This event has been constantly evolving since its inception; as a result, the usual Civilian Corp schedule has been altered to conform to this Patriotic Extravaganza!

 Friday

             Miss Hepsaba, (Linda Jaharis), Miss Athena, and I will set up the flies and offer to the public the ever popular fan and yoyo painting and corn husk doll making.  Before and during the parade we will be selling 1^st National Confederate flags and 34 Star Union flags so patriots can show their allegiance.  We are also allowed to collect money in our buckets.  We need assistance in these endeavors so I trust we will see bevy of hoop skirted beauties waiting to do their part.  Also, we are invited to march in the parade.  Miss Michelle of the Society for Sobriety will be present.  (It's 4^th of July and she feels her cause of temperance will be needed by overly patriotic revelers.)  Perhaps we can give her some support and march behind their "Banner of Righteousness" in the parade.  Remember, we portray a period when patriotism and duty were 1^st in the hearts of men and women - so use your historical research and your imagination and "gussy up" with sashes, flowers, and the like - lots of color.  Hoops would be appropriate on Friday as we are having a dance that evening.  You may want to wear a dress of lesser volume if you plan to shop Sat. and Sun. (the shops are small, and I heard a rumor about a quilting shop at Julian).

Saturday and Sunday

            The civilian activities for the public will be the same as Fri.  Miss Sue Walters is our new Mistress of Fashion.  She will be hosting a fashion show at 1:30 on Sat.  Be sure to look her up if you would like to show off your favorite frock and hone your persona.

            We were unable to plan for a formal tea on Saturday, however, if you ladies would like to meet after the fashion show, (about 2:30 p.m.), please bring your own cup, chair, and a container of hot water.  We will supply tea, cookies, and sugar.  So many ladies enjoyed our tea and corset presentation at OEMR.  Those present had a chance to sip tea and be edified.  Perhaps we can get together again Sat. afternoon for tea and general conversation.  Chatting together, we get to know each other better.

            Miss Hepsaba is also bringing the materials for the ever present pincushion.  Come by Sat. a.m. to receive instructions and aid.  We have some materials but you may want to use your own fabric.  In which case, bring sewing kit, some stuffing, and 15 (fifteen) 2 1/2 in. squares of fabrics.  It is a relatively quick project and its possible to go home with a pincushion Sunday night.

            Miss Athena will bring her button collection so young ladies (and old) can begin their "charm strings".  These are a "most" for young ladies who would like their "true love" revealed to them!  Please bring buttons (anything that looks period) to share, string, and add to the button tin.

            I believe this sums up the activities for a weekend that promises a lot of excitement.  If you have any questions, please call Miss Hepsaba (Lynda Jaharis) and Miss Athena (858) 755-8274 or Miss Wendy (661) 261-3466

DIRECTIONS TO JULIAN:

From I-5 South or I-15/215 South

Take 78 East to Julian.  When you get to town, the 78 will take a sharp RIGHT...turn left and up 3 blocks to the field across from the Cemetery.

From 5 North or I-15 North

Take 78 East to Julian.  When you get to town, the 78 will take a sharp RIGHT...turn left and up 3 blocks to the field across from the Cemetery

Schedule for Julian

You may arrive as early as Thursday at noon (3 July).

Friday 4 July (for Parade participants):

There is a pre-parade that kicks off at 10 AM on Friday.  The actual parade starts at 12 noon on Friday, and we will be shooting during it, so bring plenty of powder.  Mounted participants are welcome & ENCOURAGED.

0700 - Reveille
0900 - Officer's Call
0930 - Formation
0950 - Head to town
1000 - Pre parade events
1200 - Parade starts 
1500 - Battle
1900 - Cotillion

Saturday 5 July

0700 - Revelry
0900 - Officer's Call
1030 - Formation
1100 - Battle
1200 - Break for lunch
1330 - Fashion Show
1400 - Officer's Call
1530 - Formation
1600 - Battle
1830 - Lyseum

Sunday 6 July

0700 - Revelry
0900 - Officer's Call
1130 - Formation
1200 - Battle
1300 - Living History
1500- Pack-up & thank you

FROM CPL DON HOTCHKISS

Horse for 140^th Gettysburg

            I rented and paid for 6 horses for the 140th Gettysburg event that has now been rescheduled.  Because of the date change, one rider cannot now make the event so I have a horse for rent ($400.00) my original cost.
            To all ACWS members (that can ride) is there anyone who is interested in taking the horse before I turn it back in.
            Also, my brother has rented a 15 passenger van and will be driving roundtrip from Phoenix, AZ to Gettysburg for anyone that wants to ride along and share the cost of gas.  Contact Don Hotchkiss at (702) 240-6863.

Report on Wooden Nickel

To General J.E.B. Stuart

            The Sussex Light Dragoons marched to Wooden Nickel with lead elements arriving on Friday, which was none to soon as Union Cavalry began to arrive later that afternoon.  The Dragoons encamped west of the Confederate Infantry, posting pickets and vedettes to report movement of the 8^th Illinois Cavalry.  As night fell, so did the rain changing the battlefield into a lake and the field artillery into a shore battery by morning.

            Cavalry was of no use under these conditions and we concentrated on drilling and patrolling in Saturday's morning battle.  By afternoon, we received orders from Major Harriott to protect the flank of the Confederate artillery.  Major Harriott's care and concern for his guns was justified for the 8^th Illinois Cavalry took a long march around the lake and forest to strike at the rear.  Our Dragoons were more than eager to match blades with the federal horse soldiers with the horse melee ranging over the southern hills to the artillery wheel hubs (nearly).

            Union cavalry was not our only danger in that area we found out.  At the conclusion of that battle, we had a horse put it's forelegs into some creatures burrow, sinking clear to his belly, leaving the rider virtually standing above his horse.  Fortunately this occurred at a walk and the horse scrambled out without injury, but we had just been fighting over that ground.

            Sunday morning Major Harriott's orders were to advance over the narrow causeway dividing the swamp and locate the Union forces.  We were successful in that, but were driven back by federal cavalry both mounted and dismounted.  The federal cavalry sent a detachment to strike at the Confederate rear but that detachment was badly damaged by Confederate infantry when they tried to ride around the Confederate left flank.

            Our second battle found the Sussex Light Dragoons again advancing down the narrow road through the swamp  but the troop was forced back to our lines as we could not check the Union advance.

            The troop is now refitting and preparing to march to Perris to defend the railway junction and yards there.

 Respectfully Submitted,
Capt. J. Hill
Sussex Light Dragoons

A View from the Saddle
By Lt. M Jones
8th Illinois Cavalry

            The 8th Illinois was unable to make the field of battle forth opening of hostilities on June 7.  There was trouble with 'that devil Forrest' and we were sidetracked by skirmish with his forces.  This deployment  resulted in a 24 hour delay in our projected movement (we rode SLD).

            We arrived on the field Sunday, June 8, with a powerful force of riders (we combined with the SLD).  First combat on that day took place in the town of Corinth as our forces drove the rebellious hordes out.  Much of the early fighting was done dismounted and with carbine as cavalry loses advantage fighting in enclosed areas (don't fight tanks in a city!).  As the enemy was being driven the 8th mounted and attempted a flank maneuver.  We were able to dispatch a small force to the rear of the retreating foe but a truce was declared before any of these plans could be brought to bear.

            The truce was not able to end hostilities, rather, just delay the combat.  We reengaged the enemy with horse, foot and artillery.  The 8^th harassed the enemy forcing redeployment of his forces to meet our threat, only to see us ride away, and be hit by dismounted cavalry coming in on our left flank.

            As the battle continued, the rebs dropped into 'hornets nest' of a defensive position and only due to overwhelming firepower (gatling gun) were our true forces able to prevail. During this assault, part of the 8th was able to swing around the enemy and attack from the rear, just as his resolve was breaking.  We were able to gather large numbers of them for our "Rock Island Resort".

Recollections of a Battlefield Photographer
By Henry DiRocco

            It was with no small sense of excitement, and a little bit of fear tossed in for good measure, that I trudged up the hill carrying my photography equipment. There on the distant summit was my objective, a Confederate artillery battery, being readied for the battle with Union troops that were sure to come this day.
            A photographer by trade, this was my first time photographing the conflict up close and on the field of battle. A series of stunning Union defeats had caused a flurry of civilian activity in Washington. My employer of only a few weeks, Mr. Matthew Brady, had no one else to send out into the field this day. All of his other veteran photographers were already out on other battle fronts with their wagons, leaving yours truly to get a taste of the real thing.
            Breathing a bit harder now, I finally reached the top of the hill, my appearance raising the curiosity of the canoneers. They seemed as interested in my equipment as I was theirs, and they posed for a photo, gathered around their field piece.
            The men were cordial and polite and more than a bit concerned for my welfare, giving me instructions not only as to the safest places to be, but also for what might make for interesting photos during the upcoming conflict. It seems that these two armies, Blue and Gray, had fought before, and they seemed to know what moves the other would take.
            I thanked them and moved on, to prepare myself for documenting the fight which seemed to be drawing ever closer. I hastened behind a fence post to set up my tripod, and had no sooner prepared for my first photo when the canon on the hill behind me went off with a roar that shook both the ground and myself with its fury. The battle had commenced!
            For what seemed like an eternity, the two armies fought, taking and losing ground, back and forth they went. Battle lines moved and flowed like a river overflowing its banks, only this river left behind not water but blood-soaked ground and bodies strewn about like driftwood.
            I stayed for the most part against the fence and tree line, not wanting to get into the thick of the fighting. While soldiers of both sides had treated me courteously before, an errant minnie ball would ask not before striking, and that I sought to avoid. Besides, I was making good photographs, and getting myself killed would do neither me nor Mr. Brady any good.
            Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the defeated Confederate troops lay down their arms to the victorious Union forces, the tables having been turned. A Union Chaplain said a prayer for the dead and dying, strewn about the hillside, and moaning boys and men were carried into the field hospital.
            I packed my gear and headed over to the surgeon to make some more photographs. By the time I had made two or three more images, the sounds of screaming and the piles of amputated limbs had grown to the point where I could take no more. Better to have been killed outright than to take one’s chances in those tents, I say! Back to my wagon and equipment I headed, eager to see what the day’s images would look like.
            Indeed, I had made quite a few good photos this day, one or two being good enough to be published in the DISPATCH newspaper. That should make my employer happy! Additionally, a few soldiers sauntered into camp and posed for portraits, which they seemed please to tuck into a shirt pocket as a token of the day.
            Exhausted as I was, I could see the soldiers were more so, and yet they each showed a spark of determination and hope that I hoped to capture with my photographs on a new day. I listened to the sounds of the night as I packed my fragile equipment into the wagon and turned in, falling immediately into a sound sleep. Before I knew it, the sounds of a bugle playing reveille roused me with a start. The sun was up, and it was time to do it all over again.
            I shall close here, reader, lest I become boring, and thank you for your time in sharing with me a day that I shall never forget.

 

Henry DiRocco DBS Photography www.dbsphoto.com             All images from those and future events should be on our web site, and available for viewing and purchase. Going to www.allseasonphoto.com will let people link to find these and other images. Pricing and ordering information is explained on the site. Should an event not be seen on the site, please contact us and we can re-post it to the site. (From time to time, the service provider cleans house by removing items that do not have traffic.  Wooden Nickel photos are to be removed on July 1.) For specific information, our web master is available for queries: Matt Breneman, (714) 572-1301. To date, we have photographed the following: St. Catherine's Military School, Anaheim Battle of Calico Wooden Nickel.

ACWS Winter Cotillion

Our Winter Cotillion has been rescheduled from December 2003 to Saturday, January 10, 2004.  It will be held at the Queen Mary in Long Beach.  The Dining Room is fabulous and will seat 220 without taking up the dance floor. There will be a sit-down dinner for all.  A block of rooms will also be available for those who wish to make it a weekend to remember!

More information will be available soon.

Make your plans to attend now!

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