What Could Have Been

Reynoldsburg, OH

June 22-23, 2013

Another year at Reynoldsburg.  I always enjoy this event.  It is close to home, has a good number of sutlers, and is generally a good-sized event.  This year, however, saw a light turn-out of reenactors due to its proximity to the two Gettysburg events (the first being next week).  Few reenactors are as crazy as me and willing to burn powder and wear themselves out the week before a major national event that they are attending.

It was not a complete loss.  The 4th Ohio Company B (my old unit) was there with good numbers.  I think they are attending the GAC Gettysburg—the same one the 1st Tennessee Co B and Independent Guard are attending—so there is a week break for them.  But it did make the All-officers meeting a bit different—since the only Yankee officer was Capt Trent Boham of the 4th Ohio.  That meeting actually turned out more of what I would expect such a meeting to be—basically, “we’ll come out over here—you over there, we win today, you win tomorrow, we’ll dance about the field a bit—see you at the battle.”  It was the kind of planning that really makes more sense—not like many that I’ve seen where it’s really a meeting to rub the rank insignia a bit and thirteen Yankees gather around our lone Colonel Julian and all make sure to give their input, extending the meeting by an hour and a half.

Our battalion had good numbers.  5th Kentucky Co B as 1st company and 1st Tennessee Co B as 2nd company and color company were both there.  The 43rd Tennessee, who we only see at Reynoldsburg, also returned, but there numbers were significantly reduced—to about seven.  However, a new company I had not encountered before was there as well—the 1st Tennessee Co H, but also in small numbers.  For the weekend we had the 43rd TN and 1st TN Co H combine to form a single company.  A strange thing I noticed with the 1st TN Co H was what appeared to be a rather large number of officers, with a lack of privates.  They even had a colonel in their ranks.  I didn’t question their officer arrangement—it’s their company, they can run it the way the want—but it did confuse me a bit, because I really never figured out who was in charge.  The combined company mixed things up with each battle—the captain and 1st sergeant of the 43rd TN taking charge for one, with the captain and 1st sergeant of the 1st TN Co H for another.  

Lt John Porter, the Independent Guard’s adjutant, was unable to attend.  I never got information as to why, but I imagine it was a family emergency.  Having become familiar with the adjutant’s role, I volunteered to be acting adjutant.  I did discover that I have a bit of hashing out of my duties during battalion parade—we had three that weekend and each time I gave a slightly different set of commands, forgetting one thing or another.  The last parade on Sunday, however, I nailed.  It did make me realize why Lt Porter always uses a cheat sheet.

They did feed us well, providing cheeseburgers for lunch, pizza for supper, and sausage burritos for Sunday breakfast.  Not exactly period-correct, but who really cares when you’re being fed well.

Honoring the retiring Fred the Mule for his years in reenacting.

Sunday was a bit more laid-back.  There was a tactical scheduled, but apparently only one Yankee was interested in participating.  So when we formed our parade, Col Julian had me take a group of five volunteers over to the Yankee camp to stir up trouble.

We marched behind the Yankee camp and fired a volley.  Some Yankee prick started shouting at us that we weren’t supposed to be shooting there—so I made sure to order another company volley or two as my way of showing a particular finger.  We saw a small squad of Yankees on the battlefield retreating from us, so we made our way onto the field to play with them.  A shot came from behind and I had Tim Ellifrit respond—but the Yankee immediately raised his hands in surrender.  Tim shot him anyway, and he went down.

We pushed the Yankee skirmish line quickly across the field, and as we pushed, we saw the 5th KY join us as reinforcements.  It wasn’t long before we had them.

The battle Sunday was the closest I had ever seen a battle get to a true cluster (using terms appropriate for mixed company).  Had one thing happened differently, the result would have been a mess of epic proportions.  It would have been no one’s fault—it would have been nothing more than the result of two companies of opposing sides taking advantage of the situation before them.  But the result would have been a level of mass confusion between Yankees, Confederates, and public that I have never seen before.  It is a result that I sort of would have liked to have seen, if nothing more that to say I was a part of that—because it would be a story to tell for decades.

The battle started normal—actually better than normal.  The battalion formed a column of companies and deployed to a breastworks.  It was something that although we have drilled for as a battalion, we do not often do in battle—and it looked good.  Usually—particularly with the relatively small numbers we had—we simply march on the field by file—on the flank—and front the battalion for our battle line.  It’s an easy and simple way to deploy, particularly where the space is limited.  But we formed a column of companies from our marching at the flank (it was a little difficult to get 3rd company to understand the intent), then deployed on the breastworks.

We fought there awhile.  Col Julian had me take two volunteers from 3rd company to investigate the opening in the woods to the other field to make sure the Yankees weren’t flanking us.  All we managed to do with that was attract a couple of Yankees to the field with us and take a few pot-shots until the cav came through and helped us out.

We returned to the battle line.  1st and 2nd companies (the 5th KY Co B and 1st TN Co B) were on the breastworks—some stacked split-rails—while 3rd Company was deployed as skirmishers beside them.  As we fought from this point, the Yankees progressively advanced, bringing a howitzer up with them.  Their final advance made me a bit nervous—the howitzer was brought within the dangerzone—we were probably about 25 yards apart.  It was angled up a bit and the company they pointed at (the 1st TN Co B) were on their knees behind the breastworks, so Capt Sharp was comfortable with the situation.  The 3rd company captain realized we had an opportunity.  We were easily close enough that once that cannon fired, the 3rd company could charge it and take it.  I got Col Julian’s approval, so we prepared to charge.  There were about four Yankees with Henrys to the howitzer’s right, so I informed the cavalry on our left of our plans—and told them to occupy the Henrys when we charged.  Morgan told me he had only three rounds left in his pistol—I told him don’t worry about it—just do something.  I realized once we took the gun, the battle would be about over anyhow.

So we waited for that gun to fire.  By this time—with all my running around getting the colonels permission and getting the cavalry ready—the howitzer was nearly ready.  They pulled their lanyard—and nothing.  The gun misfired.

Terrific.  Of course, I had no idea at this time the disaster that awaited us had that gun fired.  The disaster of epic proportions—that would have given a story for my grandkids.  As we were all kneeling there in frustration, grumbling to each other, “C’mon, get that gun cleared—fire that thing!” we had no idea that the Yankee infantry was thinking the same exact thing.  We could not have known that the Yankee infantry had made plans almost identical to ours—only with a different target.  We could not have known that had that howitzer fired, that as we charged that gun, we would be passing the Yankee infantry as they charged our main battalion force—with both sides wondering with words not appropriate for mixed company what exactly was happening.  And the public watching a scene that looked like it was right out of the movie Braveheart.

But such was not to be.  What could have been was not.  We waited for that gun to clear. And waited.  Oh, the frustration.  Jeff Stein was in front of me, expressing all the frustration I felt.  There was no way we could charge a gun that had misfired—it was a hot gun, meaning there was a risk it could fire at any time unexpectedly—and therefore it was not safe to approach.  If this was for real, there is no question we would have charged at the misfire, but safety comes first these days.  As we waited—the Yankees were apparently waiting for the same thing as we, but Col Julian gave motions to the Yankees to go ahead and make their final charge.

Oh well—once the battle was lost I joked a bit with Capt Boham about what our plans were.  That was when I discovered the Yankee’s plans.  The image it brought to our minds brought good laughter.  Had that gun fired, 3rd Company would have successfully taken that gun, only to look back and realize that we were all that remained of the Confederate force.  At least we would not have had to turn the gun to fire on the Yankees, but I think our next concern would have been, “Now what do we do?”

The Battle of Blacklick Creek

Reynoldsburg, OH
June 23-24, 2012

Someone is calling this Ohio's largest Civil War reenactment, but I'm not sure where they get that.  It is large,  and definitely in the running for the largest, but the Confederate side only had three companies to form the single battalion.  There were something like four artillery pieces per side, and perhaps 15 cavalry--which are impressive numbers.  Blue targets on foot were also impressive--but appeared to be about equal to us. I would like to know how they qualify the Reynoldsburg as the largest in Ohio.  I am under the understanding that Hale Farm shows two full battalions per side.  Fort Recovery's numbers aren't quite up to Reynoldsburg, but they aren't far off--I think last year had more Rebels, but lacked comparable Yankees.

But anyway, it was an excellent weekend.  Saturday had two battles, and one battle for Sunday.  Plus Saturday lunch and dinner provided, along with a healthy Sunday breakfast.  None of it was period food--but who's noticing anyhow?  The number of sutlers there was also quite extensive.  At least two gunsmiths, and three large sutlers.  The number of sutlers, in my opinion, puts it in competition with the number of sutlers at Jackson, Michigan.  Jackson still has quite a bit more, but this is only the third year for this event as a full scale event on its own standing.   If based on the number of sutlers--this is definitely the largest event in Ohio.

Pvt Quinn Marcotte's camp

This weekend Capt. Sharp challenged the unit to go on the campaign--to prepare us for some of the nationals we were planning for 2013.  I packed up my knapsack with a full dog tent--complete with both ends--my skillet and plate, my lantern, my coffee pot (very important), poles for the dog, about seven stakes, and plenty of rope.  I topped it off my strapping one of my chairs to the package.  I stuffed both my haversacks with as much food as they could hold.  Once I parked my car, I cootered up, and attempted to put on the knapsack.  I could see the campsite from where I was parked--perhaps only about 200 yards, so I didn't worry about having problems going that far.  But after the third attempt at putting the knapsack on, I began to worry I would be able to get past my car.

I did finally get the pack on--with the poles swing every-which-way and the chair barely hanging on.  As I walked, I could feel the lantern and coffee pot bumping against my backside.  I had originally planned on walking in with my full cooler in my arms, as well, but thought better of it after working for the best way to carry my musket.

I did make it to camp without much trouble--but ascertained that this would be a bad idea if the hike was much longer.  I figured I might be able to go about a quarter to half a mile before dropping over dead.

I set up my dog tent, which was quite the experience since I had never done one before.  The poles I cut were a bit thin--but they were very green, so I figured they would do the job and not break.  It was a bit of a struggle trying to work a balancing act to get everything positioned so it wouldn't fall over, but I finally succeeded.  What I hadn't counted on was that the uprights were extremely flimsy--they would hold the dog, but they certainly wouldn't take the added weight of a canteen or lantern.  One could easily push down on the ridge pole and lower the top all the way to the ground.  The green uprights wouldn't snap, but it sure would spring up in a hurry like a trampoline once you let go.

I was surprised at how well I slept.  I had feared my back would ache halfway through the night, but the only  problem I ran into was a bit of achiness in my calves (I have no idea why).  I did struggle a bit to keep warm enough--some time during the night I lost my nightcap.  I had to use the kerchief in my pocket over my head.  The wool blanket was also just shy of warm enough.

Capt Sharp had a discussion with Colonel David Julian of the Independent Guard Battalion.  The 1st Tennessee is a member of this battalion, and I had expressed interest in running for the position of major on the battalion staff.  The captain ordered me to meet with the colonel, who brevetted me to the position of major for the weekend--or at least until Jackson in August when the elections are held (assuming I at least give the impression I know what I'm doing).  The officer who had been elected to the position of major was not there this weekend, and I had heard he had be brevetted to Lt Colonel.

Being green to command I was not sure what to expect.  I knew what I needed to do for battalion parade and all, but the battlefield was a bit different.  We had only three companies, which gave me third company as my wing.

The morning battle was a challenge.  It went well--we were supposed to lose, though.  Despite this, it had quite the thrill.  It started off standard enough, except the colonel quickly separated my wing off on the left, meaning my first command started at the first shot. 

We were beside an opening in the woods, and we know Federal cavalry might try to work their way through.  So I kept my attention on that hole while the wing attacked the enemy to our front.  I wasn't long before I saw some saddles approach the hole from the other side of the woods, so attempted to get my wing to refuse the flank, knowing they had to move quickly.  My idea was to about-face the company, left wheel them, then about-face.  They would be in perfect position to defend our flank.  Unfortunately, it didn't work out like that.  We knew their level of drill was not on par with the rest of us, but I was hoping they would simply trust me and do as I commanded, not worrying with the enemy to the front.  At the first command, "Right-about face", all I got were a few confused stares.  I finally pointed at the cav units, who were now breaking out of the hole, and said, "You have enemy to your flank!!!".  Somehow, they got into position and shooed them off.  When it happened again, my command simply changed to "Refuse the flank".  The captain did a better job of getting his men at that point.

The last time we had the cav problem I tried to get the wing into position, and was still struggling with them.  I heard someone shout at me from behind and turned and saw the 1st Tennessee about to barrel down on me.  "Now what do I do?" I thought.  I managed to get the men to fall back, but somehow the 1st Tennessee got split.  Their front rank was to the right of my wing, while their rear rank was to my left.  Well, at least we had a solid line with which to defend.

The battle ended fighting on two fronts.  The Federal cavalry was to our rear, while the Yankee infantry ran up our front.  I finally tried to decide whether or not I should sheave my sword--I was down to only one man left to command.

When the dead came back to life, we reformed the battalion to do the normal charge at the public.  When the Independent Guard does this, it is organized.  At the command "Charge," the bayonets are lowered, but the march step remains unchanged--the line is maintained.  The Rebel Yell starts at the command.

Unfortunately, not all units understand that this is the correct way of doing this per the drill manuals.  Many units, including many of the Federal units there that day, think that at the command "Charge", you lower the bayonet and start running full steam ahead.  This is not only totally FARBIE, but also very dangerous--what if you trip in your sprint toward the public?  Next thing you know, you've skewered some kid.

Now I go on this tangent to to explain what happened next.  Third company is not normally with the Independent Guard.  In fact, I was informed that the only time we see them is at this event.  At the command, "Charge", third company began a sprint to the crowd.  There was quite the look of terror on the colonel's face when he saw that.

The second battle was good as well.  I don't remember quite as much from it--it didn't hold quite the significant memories of the first, other than we won.  When we started our charge to the crowd, however, the colonel passed on the fix bayonet command, so the charge was done without bayonets.

Sunday I got up feeling good, despite sleeping on the ground.  My sleeping cap stayed on my head and this time I added my poncho on top of my blanket to keep warm.  I put on my frock and straw hat and got the fire going--it always seems I'm the first one up, so there's never a fire going other than a couple of embers.  What's an officer to do?

The officer's meeting for the battle was much better than Saturday.   The rank insignia must have been kept plenty warm overnight.  The planning was quick--Capt Steiner gave the colonel his two-headed quarter and allowed him to call for the victor of the day's battle. The only disappointment was that the tactical was canceled--for the third time in a row.  The past two years had rain as an excuse, but this weekend was dry.  But the excuse give was that with the tactical at 9am and the main battle at 1:30 pm, the men might be worn out for the battle and not be able to put on a good show.  The captains, however, were offered the opportunity to work with each other the hold a tactical of their own, if they desired.  

The colonel of a Federal battalion that was not otherwise present was there to rally both sides to help guide the future of this hobby--I believe he was from the Army of the Ohio.  He described how in the past units and battalions would have animosity toward each other and not even know why, finally to get together recently and decide to make a change.  What he had to say offered a great hope for the future of this hobby. Too many times I have seen units and leaders try too hard to assert themselves as the most import to this hobby at the cost of chasing away the reenactors who can truly make a difference to the future of this hobby.  Now, perhaps that they will start seeing that we are all peers, regardless of rank or affiliation.  The various units, battalions, and divisions can all work together to continue to improve this hobby--educating the pubic instead of chasing them away with infighting.  There's nothing better than shooting each other down during the battle, only to shake hands afterward, thanking each other for a good time and looking forward to the next.

The colonel also mentioned that the Ohio Village is planning a reenactment sometime next year--something that sounds quite the thrill to us all.  The Ohio Village is probably among the best places to hold a reenactment.  Having grown up in Columbus, I've been to the Village a number of times, and it would be spectacular what we could do on those grounds.  The only concern, which was brought up, was that the Columbus Crew stadium is nearby, and they held vulgar rock concerts there, where foul language could be heard from loud speakers from quite a distance away--perhaps if we encounter that, the Columbus Police will be happy to intervene, as they should have the first time that occurred.

After the meeting, the colonel discussed with the staff his intentions of a breastworks around the makeshift town we were to defend for the scenario.  The battalion was then formed and taken out to the battle field where we took the split rail fencing and bails of straw to secure ourselves for the battle.  During this time, Capt. Sharp notice a platoon of Federals crossing the end of the field, so ordered a few of his men after them--I guess the tactical was on again.  

Once the breastworks were finished, the colonel reformed the battalion and passed command to me to march them back to camp.  Not much to do, but it was an honor.

Back in camp, Pvt Silvers returned from his excursion after the Yankees and relayed his experience of retaking an artillery piece three times.

That afternoon battle was a thrill.  It surprised us that the Federals only chose one direction from which to attack us, making our defense much easier.  In order to have a good line-of-site to them, my wing had to form in front of the breastworks.  Fire was heavy.  I managed to get my pistol emptied somewhere.  I kept my eye on the colonel, and saw him signal me to advance.  Third company's captain must have also seen the signal as he ordered his me out--at the mosey.  As we were advancing out to outflank the Federals, I saw the 1st Tennessee double-quick into a line in front of us and realized that if we didn't hurry, we were going to miss the rest of the battle, so ordered them into the line at the double-quick.  At some point, the Rebel forces uncovered a Gatling gun and mowed down the surviving Federals--at least that was what I was told.  I was so occupied, I didn't notice the Gatling being brought out, even though I knew it was coming.  Yeah, we knew it probably was unlikely Confederates would have a Gatling gun, but it was withheld until the end of the battle, and was used only as a tool to bring the battle to a conclusion--not as something to be the center of attention.  I can only wonder at what the public's impression was.

We again had to do our final charge at the public to give them their thrill.  Despite all the implied warnings, I was concerned third company still didn't understand what we were saying, and it didn't help when we saw the Federals charge in chaos.  So I planted myself in the center of third company at the beginning of the march.  The colonel was requested to allow the fixing of bayonets, and he reluctantly agreed.  I know the concern was only with third company, so I made sure that everything could be done to minimize the concern.  As we approached, the colonel commanded, "Charge", where by first company charged bayonets, color company (1st Tennessee, which out of safety concerns, does not charge bayonets) held at port arms, and third company charged bayonets, then began running forward.  I caught them in time, about-facing and using my sword to force them to keep the line, ordering them to keep in the line.  I was surprised how well it worked.  The line was a bit jumbled, but their race to the finish changed to the organized march the charge was intended to be.

As a final say on third company--the 43rd Tennessee--I like them.  They are aggressive on the battlefield--a good thing--I had to halt their advance a few times to keep them from ending up in the middle of the fray--the captain was quick to command the advances.  I think that they just need to work on some drills.  The charge issue is more of a thing of the Independent Guard--we do things by the drill manuals, and the 43rd is not a member of our battalion.  I think if they spend a bit more time on their drills, they have the potential for being a crack unit out there--they have the heart and energy to do the job well.

I have to say that so far this was by far the best weekend of the year.  Stuffed silly and battling like crazy--even though my normal quantity of powder burnt reached near zero.

Local News Article

Home of the Tomato

Reynoldsburg, June 25-26, 2011

I was told that Reynoldsburg has become one of the largest events in Ohio. I think it came as a surprise to some that there were enough Confederate companies to form a battalion. It was two years ago at this event that I decided to join the 1st Tennessee once and for all—up to that time I was primarily Federal (which is why I’ve been nicknamed “Yankee”). Three years ago this event was merely an extension of the Tomato Festival, and I’ve watched this event grow from a single day event two years ago, to a somewhat decent small to mid-range event last year to an event with around ten sutlers and around seventy to a hundred reenactors on each side. Although the sutlers were small (with one exception) and had limited selections (and a little heavy on public-oriented farby selections), they were varied enough to show promise in the years to come. If they can get just one more large sutler—such as Fall Creek or the Regimental Quartermaster—I think Reynoldsburg will definitely rate as one of the best events of the year. The park has plenty of space to grow, so there is plenty of potential.

In addition to the good supply of food and the significant number of sutlers, there were two Saturday battles along with a planned Sunday morning tactical and afternoon battle.

Granted, the event is heavily supported by the 5th Kentucky, a unit we of the 1st Tennessee are very close with. I feel I should mention this so that you are aware of my bias. But the event is a very good one nonetheless. Food was excellent—three meals provided. A Saturday lunch (a hamburger), dinner (pizza), and Sunday breakfast (egg and sausage burrito) weren’t exactly period meals, but who’s to look a gift horse in the mouth? You can always cook your own meal over the campfire if you are a stickler for period-correct eatin’.

Yankees coming for us

Saturday, the 1st Tennessee was made the Color Company, and I was among those put on Color detail. I had not been part of defending the flag before, so I was honored for the experience, but it is not something I would want to do all the time, since all that is involved is marching at shoulder arms beside the flag for the entire battle. It was not until the second Saturday battle in the late afternoon that I realized I could take advantage of the situation and grab my camera out of my haversack and snap a few shots with no one knowing. Even the soldiers on either side of me had no idea I had my camera out shooting the Yankees (okay, so it wasn’t with a musket—but at least I got some satisfaction out of it).

The 1st Tennessee as Color Company

The Saturday battles seemed a bit on the chaotic side—it seemed the Yankees didn’t want to come out and play. They complained we pushed too hard, but hadn’t they head General Jackson’s statement that once you’ve got them on the run—keep pushing? My advice to the Yankees—get aggressive. Push us—we will respond accordingly, and you will find the battle to be more interesting for both us and the public. I know the scenario is worked out during the officer’s meeting, but you know that all goes to pot once the fighting begins.

Sunday’s tactical turned bust. That can squarely be blamed on the Yankees—the skies were spitting a bit during the morning—nothing a poncho couldn’t deal with—and so the Yanks chickened out. I always look forward to a good tactical—it will take a monsoon to scare me away since they are so few are far between—so I was very disappointed that something less than a light sprinkle was all that it took to keep the Yankees away. Yet, they drilled about an hour later in that same light drizzle—what’s with that? I don’t know—others of the 1st Tennessee tell me the unit has quite the reputation for winning tacticals—is that the real reason the Yank didn’t want to play? Perhaps if the Yankee colonels studied up more on some of the winning tactics used during the Civil War, they could present the 1st Tennessee with a significant challenge.

The Sunday afternoon battle did make clear that the Yankees did have a lot of Saturday Day-lilies. The Rebs had them too, but it seemed a bit more dramatic with the Yankees (maybe it was just due to my perspective?) The numbers were still good, at least, and (at least to me) the battle appeared more organized—the Federals seemed to put on a better assault.

Overall I had a terrific weekend. Let’s see how the home of the tomato grows the event for next year.