C&O CANAL MARCH

MAY 31 - JUNE 1

ARTICLE BY: PVT. KEITH WATIS 3RD MI) CO. B

As men filtered into camp on June 1, they sought the souvenir 'stand that sold Tshirts with the words "I Survived Capt.Don Swope's C & 0 Canal March.", No, it wasn't all that bad. Just ask Zack Swope to sing you his new marching song.

On Saturday, May 3 1, we all met on the C & 0 Canal in Hancock to begin our It 1/2 mile march to Ft. Frederick. At approximately 10 AM we left our starting point and marched down the canal Averaging around 2 miles an hour, we arrived at our lunch stop at about I PM . After eating we took a short rest and then continued on to our camp site At

last, around 4 PM., we arrived at our campsite, hot, tired, sore feet, and Zack singing his marching song. After we ate d inner and refreshed ourselves in the creek, everyone sat down to rest for awhile. Around 9 PM., we all went to steep.

In the morning, after a quick breakfast, we began our march to Ft. Frederick. Those last 3 1/2 miles were tough. And of course, Zack continued singing his marching song. When we finally reached the fort, we all broke down, rested, ate some wonderful beef stew, and prepared to leave. The highlight of the weekend was, no contest, Zack Swope's marching song.

Gettysburg Remembered Thoughts from the 4^th Ohio

Submitted by Larry Berringer The little Bugle Boy of Co. "F"

Wow!, is the only word I could think of to describe out experience at Gettysburg. Finding our camp was somewhat of a challenge and then getting there was something rougher. There was a lot of Complaints about no ice, no garbage collection, and lack of  coordination and planning to name a few. I think the biggest enemy of this was lack of time to plan it.

The battle scenarios we were engaged in had their last minute changes, but thanks to our commanding officer, Col. Don Heitman we came through it in reasonable good shape. Marching up and down hills along with long distances in the beat gives the reenactor even more respect for the men who fought the Civil War.

The last battle scenario was Pickett's Charge one that I do not think anyone will ever forget. Our brigade was to portray the 19^th Maine. They occupied the line to one side of the Angle during the attack. You guessed it, when we got to the battlefield we were a couple of units from the front. Col. Heitman secured us a spot past the wall as skirmishers. We had ring side seats to all the action.  The cannonade lasted 45 minutes and then some Rebel skirmishers came forward, Behind them was a sea of Gray moving at us. It was a sight I don't think I'll ever forget or see again.

On a personal note I would like to thank the other units that were with us, we had a great time. I would also like to thank Jim Miller, and his staff for the commisary and their cooperation.

Getting out of camp was very tough. Once you had your vehicle in camp some of the signs were taken down making it difficult to find your spot again.

I personally had a three hour wait to get to the open highway. And so on closing it was an experi that will be remembered for a long time. We of the 4th Ohio would again thank everyone for the good time we had.

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