It's the start of a brand new year, so we have a brand new banner for the Long Roll, something a bit more exciting and eye-catching than the last. And this is what this year has the possibility of being as well. Look over the schedule, see what we have. Three infantry fights, one of them being in the middle of a huge village, struggling and shooting around houses, behind fence rows, in the middle of streets, and through one angry woman's garden. And Zoar is fast becoming one of the largest events in Ohio, with major military units from both the West and East attending. Two artillery battles, the first taking place on the original Resaca battlefield. Plus, we have plenty of opportunities to have some good fun. There's hopefully something for everyone, and if there isn't, bring it up to the company and we'll see what we can do. Always remember, this company is here to facilitate your reenacting experience, and we can't do what you don't tell us you want to do. Also, if there is any event that you would like to attend that is not on the company list, please feel free to do so, and the captain will help to find you a unit to fall in with. We try to offer you the most that we can for this unusual of hobbies.

The Meeting

The winter planning meeting on the 17th, moved from the 10th due to poor road conditions, was fairly well attended. Ten members, one visitor, and the director of the Marion County Historical Society attended. We hashed over many things and picked out an excellent schedule for the year. We had some nice goodies (cookies, punch and cold pizza) thanks to the historical society. The captain had set up a lab top to play the video that Tracy took of the battery in action at Hale Farm and Jay Johnston showed us the sketches that he had made for the look of the new regimental flag. It's going to look terrific. Elections were held and the artillery ranks have been restored and members elected to those posts. Also, the post of 2nd Corporal has been temporarily disbanded. With the current size of the company, it was decided that there was no need for two at this time. Extra corporals will be taken as needed from the ranks and appointed high privates. Congratulations and condolences to all those elected. Thanks go to everybody who took the time to come out and tend to the business of the company.

Dues

Since the company is standing well in regard to funds, we are once again forgoing the $5 annual dues owed to
the company by each household. The unit does not attempt to make any sort of profit and when we can save you money, we certainly try.

Quartermaster Department

The captain commanding and the executive officer wish to take a complete inventory of all company stores. There are still several individuals within the company that have unit equipment. Those having unit equipment that are still using them, please notify the executive officer of what you have. If you're not using it or don't plan on using it, please get with either the executive officer or the captain and arrange a pick up or delivery. A stock of the company gear needs to be taken, to see what is missing or what needs to be replaced. Your cooperation with this directive is essential and appreciated.

"I never saw such torents of rain come down. The camp beautifully mudy. The
Boys build fires in their [Sibley] tents and smoke their eyes nearly out."

2nd Lieutenant William Ferguson Barr,
Company H, January 13, 1863 at New Haven, Kentucky.

A Night at Heritage Hall

March 27 - 28: 7PM - 10PM

This is our first event and a real money maker for the historical society. In the past two years that this event has been going on, we have been the highlight, covering various wars from the Revolution to the 2nd World War. It has served as both entertaining and educational.

This year, we're adding a bit more. Josh Mann, Dick Mann's son, through his military occupation, is offering the museum a War of 1812 soldier. We're providing the rest.

Gale, the director, would like a large Civil War contingent. We are going to attempt to maintain the other eras but we are going make this force.

What we're looking at doing is all one force, not a variety of different regiments. Company B of the 121st is the unit we will be portraying, and the time they will be in is around the time of the Battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864, the most horrific battle fought by Company B. We have not yet set the exact time they are to portray, but this is the time period. We would like a group of about 4 to 6 men to portray individual members of Company B. This will be first person impressions and you can relate a variety of stories about the unit, most likely focusing on the Atlanta Campaign.

We will have a meeting regarding what we want to do and how we will do it. The captain will provide everyone with the information about Company B.

If we don't get enough, we will take from the other eras.

Volunteers currently known are: Jeff Craig, Jared Haudenschield, Pete Haudenschield, Jay Johnston, Mark Melroy, Robert McLernon, Dan Merchant, Mick Szabo, and Joe Young. More volunteers are welcome.

Drill Locations

As of right now, Delaware Dam has yet to state whether or not we have permission to use their grounds on which to drill, despite the cooperation and enthusiasm of Project Director Ben O'Dell and a re-
submission of our petition to the Army Corps of Engineers' headquarters back in October. It is unsure of if or when this matter might be resolved and we can commence there. Until then, locations are being looked for in Marion and Delaware Counties for us to drill.

For Marion, Sergt. Dan Merchant has secured us the use of the grounds of the New Bloomington Fire Department, which we will use for our April 18 drill. However, the captain would still like a location in Delaware County for the convenience of our southern members. Those of you living in Delaware recommend some areas. Pvt. Greg Patterson has put up the location of Camp Delaware, the original camp of rendevous for the 121st. That will be looked into, but if any others come up, please let the captain know.

The captain is looking into a drill sometime in June and another in October, though no dates have been set.

The April 18 drill will be for both infantry and artillery to prepare for Resaca.

Some Problems with FFD

For those of you who were at the meeting, this will be a re-hash, as nothing new has been heard from battalion. Several member units of the Army of the Ohio have some problems with the leadership of the First Federal Division, under Brigadier General Steve Dunfee. Many of these problems occurred during the At High Tide: Battle of Gettysburg event back in June.

A member of division staff threw out a member of the 41st OVI over some uniform apparel without consulting the battalion or that unit. Another had been the declaration that the FFD will never serve in Eastern events again, something that at one time the 121st itself decided. However, there are new people running Eastern events that are trying hard to make them good, one of them being Chris Anders, who put on At High Tide. There were complaints that the command did not see to the comforts of the men (Jeff, your hated long marches were one of them), and that the staff has been generally disagreeable and unpleasant.

Col. Minton, Quartermaster Kent Dorr, and Sergt. Bernie Biederman of the 30th OVI went to the division meeting in St. Louis, Mo. on January 24 to lay the complaints first hand to the rest of the division. No report of any reaction has been forwarded.

Life In The 121st O.V.I.

Written by Mess 4, Company K

to the Delaware Gazette

which appeared in the

January 2, 1863 issue

Sitting in your camp tents,

On the dirty floor,

(Tents are ten by fourteen,)

Fifteen souls or more

Packed within this little space,

Making one believe

He'd rather "in the parlor" be,

"On a Sunday eve."

Frosty nights are the things,

When a feather-bed

Holds your weary body,

With pillows for your head;

But with one woolen blanket,

Over you to throw,

And head upon your bundle,

'Tis not so fine you know.

Wood to cut, and water

Thrice a day to bring;

Three drills, and dress-parade,

Make a fellow "swing;"

And keeps his body warm, and makes

"His bosom glow with love;"

"Bless me," ain't it pleasant,

Camping in a grove?

Out all night "on Picket,"

Camp guard, on tramp,

Now on "fatigue duty"

Sweeping round the camp;

Guarding train to Lebanon,

(Forty miles or more;)

"Bless me!" lots of duty

On "old Kentucky's shore."

Now we muster courage,

"Tell the noses' all,

Take two grub-hoe axes,

And to work we fall;

Cutting down the timber,

Mortar mixing up,

Cutting out the "chinking,"

Putting up the hut;

Then – the canvass over –

You had better b'lieve

There's little more of comfort

"On a Sunday eve."

Here comes "Jakie," running

With the news to tell,

Of Captain Peters' "rival;"

And what's just as well,

Lots of boxes come, too,

Something for each one;

Sure we're not forgotten

By the "old folks at home."

Now the box is opened:

In it tell you want?

No; I think I'd rather

Try to tell what's not:

Some have boots, some butter,

Cheese, and cake, and socks;

Mittens, peaches, apples,

(Some fruit dried — some not,)

Shirts, tobacco, sugar,

And if I paid attention,

"Many other things

Too numerous to mention."

Friends at home, we thank you,

More than words can tell,

For the comforts

That make the sick one well;

And when round your firesides,

All will please, remember,

That "the boys" are jolly,

Even in December.