EVENT SCHEDULE
January 12-14 Baxley, GA Indigo Rocks
Tactical
February 16-18 Olustee, FL
March 3-4 Savannah, GA Ft. Pulaski
Muster
March 9-11 Averasboro, NC
May 2-4 Marching Through Georgia
May 5-6 McDowell, GA
June 1-3 Pickett's Mill, GA
Members need to contact Jerry
Gouge regarding their desire to participate
in the above listed events. We need to
begin registering now. Some of the events
require a registration fee. Let's register as
a group for each of these events rather
than have individuals sending in their
monies. Contact Jerry Gouge at 800-824-
8083 days, 843-757-3689 evenings or at
PROPOSED CANDIDATES
If anyone has a man they feel would
fit into what we are trying to accomplish,
feel free to mention his name to Jerry
Gouge who will publish his candidacy in the
next newsletter.
Outstanding Invitations
Alan Forrester
Jeff Kirkland
Brian Mead
If you submitted the above candidates for
membership, please get in touch with them
and find out if they wish to join.
Call For Nominations
It is time to elect officer and NCOs. If you
wish to nominate members for a higher
rank, submit there names to Jerry Gouge
by the end of January. The way we will
vote will be by rank ordering the nominees
and the people who get the highest total
will carry the most senior rank. We will
have 1 lieutenant, 2 sergeants and 3
corporals.
Indigo Rocks Tactical
The Indigo Rocks Tactical is January 12-14
in Appling County, GA just outside Baxley.
The tactical is located just off of HWY 144,
12 miles east of Baxley and is being hosted
by George and Harvey Eason of the 1st
Georgia State Line. There are hundreds of
acres of wilderness to fight in with no
modern distractions. There will be
campaign camping areas in the woods for
both sides and there will be plenty of room
for tent camping in a large pasture. Plenty
of parking space is available. There will
be water available and some hay.
Firewood available for gathering and port-
o-lets. Chris Collins will be the CS
Commander and Jerry Gouge will be the
US Commander. Registration fee is $3 per
person. For more information call George
Eason at 912-367-4810 or Harvey Eason at
912-986-9688.
A Study In Consistency
By Steve Acker
As important as hand-sewn
uniforms of the correct cloth, any serious
living history impressionist must concern
himself with what the Confederate soldier
sustained himself on during the Civil War.
Volumes have been written on the subject
of rations. Authors like Wiley, Robertson,
Coco and Daniel have dedicated chapters to
the topic of rations. However, every book
I read on the subject seemed to cover the
period when coffee, sugar, candles and the
like were luxuries only dreamed of by the
soldiers of the Army of Northern Virginia
and the Army of Tennessee. Each source I
studied began with a reference to "troops
being well fed early, but...". Blue beef,
course meal, parched corn picked up from
feed bags and boiled 'anything' as a
substitute for coffee certainly made up the
staple in the mid to late years of the war.
A simple ration for the authentic
portraying a Confederate of 1863, 1/2
pound of salt pork and a handful of
parched corn for the weekend. Let your
stomach growl like artillery. That's the
authentic thing to do. "To be one day
without anything to eat was common. Two
days fasting, marching and fighting was not
uncommon, and there were times when no
rations were issued for three or four
days"(Gragg, 44). But what about the early
years, when coffee wasn't a tale from
Greek mythology?
In preparing rations for an early
war living history event at the Shiloh
Battlefield, I found some fascinating
documents at the Wisconsin Historical
Society. In the archives, I found a number
of original ration receipts for Confederate
units in Virginia, Pensacola, Florida and
near Corinth, Mississippi. These receipts all
fit the time frame mentioned in the title of
this work. From these documents, one gets
a feel for the issue the men of early 1862
consumed.
Based on these receipts and some
other sources, the early months of 1862
seemed like a time of plenty for the
soldiers of the Confederacy. Save for the
hunger caused by a poor transportation
system and retreats, like the men who
fought at Mill Springs endured (10 days of
parched corn as they retreated back into
Tennessee), Confederates seemed to have
eaten fairly well. Sergeant B.H. Green of
the Washington Artillery, stationed outside
Corinth in the spring of '62 had, "soup,
pork, beans, rice and molasses in great
quantities"(Daniel,51). Regulations called
for, "3/4 pound of pork or bacon, or 1 1/4
pounds of fresh or salt beef, eighteen
ounces of bread or flour, or twelve ounces
of hard bread, or 1 1/4 pounds of corn
meal"(Regulations, 1108). "In lieu of beef,
each man was allowed 1/4 pint of molasses
per day and eight ounces of lard every five
days. Additionally, there was a higher than
regulation issue of sugar and rice." In April
of 1862, the survivors of Shiloh, "had 1.3
million half rations of coffee"(Daneil, 51).
The receipts I found support the quantities
offered in this paragraph.
While reading the following, notice
the amounts and the variety of issue. A
man would be well satisfied with the
amounts offered. The quality of the food is
not an item for discussion in this article.
Suffice it to say, the quality often times
suffered thus so did the men.
THE RATION RECEIPTS:
Company H, 1st Confederate Infantry. Ten
days issue for March 1st-10th, 1862, 76
men of ten days equaling 760 rations:
Item/# of rations
Salt/Fresh beef/304
Bacon/228
Flour/760
Peas/380
Rice/380
Coffee/760
Sugar/760
Vinegar/760
Candles/760
Soap/760
Salt/760
Molasses/760
Rations purchased by Lt. W.D. Hull of the
13th Alabama for "use of my mess."
February 19th 1862. (With Magruader in
Virginia)
Item/Amount/Price
Meat/28 pounds/7.00
Sugar/25 pounds/2.00
Flour/40 pounds/2.00
Coffee/4 pounds/2.00
Candles/4 pounds/2.00
Total/15.00
Another officer purchased rations on
February 4th 1862. The officer's name and
unit have been lost to time.
Item/Amount/Price
Ham/30 pounds/7.50
Candles/5 pounds/2.00
Rice/5 pounds/.15
Sugar/10 pounds/.50
Total $10.15
"I certify that the above articles are for my
own use and the use of my mess."
The 17th Alabama of Jackson's Brigade,
Wither's Division, Bragg's Corp received:
Item/Amount
Salt/Beef 8 pounds
Bacon/874 pounds
Coffee/188 pounds
Sugar/1270 pounds
The 5th Alabama Battalion for April, 1-6th
1862 for 481 men or 2408 rations:
Item/# of rations
Fresh beef/1448
Pork/60 3/4
Flour/2405
Rice/360
Sugar/288
Soap/96
I saved the best for last. When I first
found the above, I had a tough time
translating them into actual weights of
issue per man. The following receipt gives
the actual amount of each item per man.
5th Alabama Battalion for April 11th 1862,
one day ration for 120 men:
Item/Amount
Fresh pork/bacon/10 oz
Flour/meal/18 oz
Molasses/1 gill
Peas/1 quart
Rice/19 pounds
Coffee/3 pounds
Candles/12 pounds
Soap/2 pounds
The rice, coffee, candles and soap
must have been amounts per...number of
men. (5th Alabama Battalion served in the
Eastern army through out its existence)
I hope you find the aforementioned of
value as you create your early war
Confederate impression. What I found most
fascinating was the similarity in ration.
Whether in Florida, Tennessee or Virginia,
the men of 1862 ate about the same. Based
on this research, we should be carrying
candles and soap while eating peas, meat,
rice, biscuits and drinking molasses
sweetened coffee. From this, I now know
what I'll be eating at Shiloh and other early
'62 events.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Coco, Gregory A. The Civil War Infantryman: In
camp, on the march, and in battle .Gettysburg:
Thomas Publishing,1996.
Daniel,Larry,J.Soldiering In The Army Of
Tennessee:A Portrait of Life in a Confederate
Army. Chapel Hill:The University of North
Carolina Press,1991.
Gragg, Rod. The Illustrated Confederate Reader.
New York: Harper Perenniel,1989.
Regulations For The Army Of The Confederate
States, 1863. Richmond: J.W. Randolph, 1863.
Robertson, James I. Soldiers Blue and Grey.
Columbia:University of South Carolina Press,
1989.
Wiley, Bell Irwin. The Life Of Johnny Reb: The
Common Soldier of the Confederacy. Baton
Rouge:LSU Press, 1987.
Wisconsin State Historical Society Archives.
Quite the Conversationalist:
Some Basic Tips for First
Person Discussions.
By Rick Musselman, Buckeye Mess
First person interpretation is a
unique and different approach to conveying
information across to spectators and
reenactors alike. First person allows you to
step into the shoes and the mind-set of an
individual of the 1860s. However, first
person is often disdained, disliked, and
downright hated. But, doing first person
does not have to be a painful experience. It
is actually not as hard as you would think.
All it takes is a little practice and some
practical sense. The following tips should
help start you off on the path to having
wonderful 19th century conversations.
In order to do first person, you
must first understand that you have to be
a conversationalist. You will never improve
at it if you don't join into the conversation.
Don't get yourself into the trap of simply
nodding your head "yes" or "no". The first
signs of inexperience at first person are the
typical agreeing and disagreeing of topics
in the conversation. Speak up and let us
know why you have these feelings. A
statement like "I disagree with you
because ." is so much better than a simple
reply. Once that you have learned to break
the ice and make your opinion known,
jump right into the conversation and make
yourself heard. You're never going to learn
about first person conversation unless you
have tried it.
After you have joined into a
conversation and have decided to make
your opinions known, make sure you are in
the right mind set. Your beliefs in the 20th
century might not hold true to the 19th
century. Try to look at it from their point
of view. Certain words and ideas are totally
unacceptable today, however, they might be
perfectly fine for the 1860s. So, based upon
your impression or character, you will need
to alter your modern day opinions.
When conversing in character, there
are definitely some pitfalls to watch out
for. First, your speaking voice should really
not be any different from what it is now!
Quite often you will hear people who alter
their voices while in character. They might
try to sound dramatic, louder or more
poetic. Does this mean that everyone in the
1860s spoke like an actor??? No, so why
should you?? Speak in your everyday voice
and you will sound fine. Second, the biggest
mistake made by individuals doing first
person is to use an accent of sorts. I'm sure
everyone has heard a "lucky charms" Irish
accent, a "Colonel Klink" German accent, or
a "Gomer Pyle" southern accent. A fake
accent is nine out of ten times done very
badly. Leave the fake accents to someone
who has either lived there or who is from
there. Unless you can really sustain a fake
accent all of the time, and have a
believable one, it should not be attempted.
This is something that far too many
reenactors attempt and it really shows. So,
please be easy on the ears of your pards
and leave the lucky charms at home.
One of the other most common
problems with first person, is the use of
modern words or slang. Not only should we
try to put ourselves in the 19th century
mind set, but we should also try to follow
their vocabulary. Do your research and
study what words or phrases were
commonly used or what is period to say. If
you are not sure about a word being period
correct, then don't use it until you know.
This especially applies to slang. Quite often
period slang can be used to highlight a
period conversation. But, one also does
have to remember that even if it is period
slang, it might not be used all of the time.
For instance, "Why that nancy boy has me
just plain peedoodled, he ain't no
huckleberry above a persimmons.".
Obviously this is over use of period slang,
more or less an individual from the 1860s
would be scratching their head over that
one!! Slang would be appropriate to use,
but would be interjected into your
vocabulary at certain times and not all at
once.
Lastly, when trying first person, be
natural. Really the best first person is that
which is not noticed. Someone who is good
at first person should always keep you
guessing. "Is that fella in character right
now or not?" If the conversation is natural
sounding and can't really be distinguished
between your everyday conversation, then
it is getting better. In a good conversation,
the use of period words, or lack of modern
phrasings, will really be the way to tell if
the person is in character. But, first person
should be both spontaneous and natural. It
should not sound canned and dramatic. So,
as you can see first person conversation is
really not as difficult as you thought, it is
just simply a matter of putting yourself in
the right mind set and acting natural. With
that in mind enjoy your next conversation
around the fire.
Living History Fort Pulaski
National Monument Park,
Savannah, Georgia
March 2,3,4, 2001
Fort Pulaski, a brick masonry
coastal defense completed in 1847, lies at
the mouth of the Savannah River. The
Confederate Garrison will recreate the
posting of the 1st Georgia Regulars at the
fort during the early months of the war
(March 15th to May 31st, 1861)."With
mounting guns, infantry and artillery drill,
we are pretty well used up. Besides, the
discipline is very strict, and we are nearly
all new in regards to the duties of a
soldier's life. The weather is extremely
disagreeable. Either a dead calm or a small
gale is blowing. Besides, we quarter in the
casemates among the guns and have no
fire." W.H. Andrews, Footprints of a
Regiment.
Set at the place where actual
interpreted events happened, this weekend
will provide many opportunities for serious
living historians. First person behavior is
strongly emphasized. High standards of
authenticity must be met. Strict rules
governing clothing, equipment and conduct
will be enforced. This event is not
advertised for general participation. Every
participant must apply as an individual; no
unit registrations. Amenities include
overnight lodging in the Fort and all meals
(period menus). Sleeping quarters will be
in restored casemates, with wooden bunks
or beds, wood floors, and fireplaces/wood
stoves. All lighting is by candle lamp. The
weather in Savannah in early spring can be
quite unpredictable. However, as all
activities can be performed within the Fort,
under cover, foul weather is no obstacle.
One rewarding memory of this event will
be the opportunity to occupy the Fort after
public hours. After dark, the Fort is
illuminated only by candle lamp and
fireplace, and echoes to the sound of heel
plates on heavy oak floors and brick
pavements. Please read the entire packet
carefully. If you want to participate get in
touch with Jerry Gouge immediately.
There is limited space.
Event Guidelines Historic Scenario:
March 1861.Confederate Garrison Military
Organization: The Fort will be garrisoned
and function under the command structure
of one abbreviated company. Rank to be
appointed by event coordinator; to consist
of: 1 Lieutenant, 1 Sergeant, 2 Corporals, 1
Musician, 1 Surgeon and the balance
Privates. We are portraying ONE
volunteer company. Participants are
coming from many different re-enactment
groups. For this event, all participants are
expected to obey the officers and NCO's
appointed over them. Participants will stay
in period dress all weekend (Saturday
morning 6 AM until Sunday afternoon 4
PM). NO one will be allowed to leave the
Fort grounds after closing hours Saturday
night without the permission of the Colonel
and the resident Park Ranger.
UNIFORM INSPECTION, Friday,
10 PM. If you have misrepresented your
impression, we reserve the right to turn
you away. We are striving to make this
event as real and meaningful as you are
willing to make it.
IMPORTANT: Due to limited
facilities, the Park Service limits the
number of total participants. Most living
historians are re-enactors, but not all re-
enactors are living historians. We need
only dedicated people who are not afraid to
educate the public. This event is not an
excuse for free accommodations for a night
on Savannah. Your duty and obligation is
to Ft. Pulaski. Everyone is asked to stay
on post from 11 PM Friday until the close
of activities Sunday afternoon. If you
cannot fulfill this commitment, please don't
come. There are always more willing
participants wanting to come than we have
room for. Saturday night activities (music,
games and entertainment) are being
planned.
REGISTRATION FEE: $10.00.
Unspent balance will be given as a
contribution to Ft. Pulaski for unbudgeted
special projects.
EVENT RESTRICTIONS in
addition to existing Park Service rules No
alcohol allowed on Federal Property,
period. No participants under the age of 18,
unless as functioning musicians, who can
demonstrate their duty to the public. No
cigarette smoking during public hours (9-
5).No loud behavior between taps and
reveille. Weapons will fired during
scheduled demonstrations. The Park
Service will inspect all weapons during
Saturday morning formation. Participants
to remain in period attire during off-duty
hours. No stainless steel or enamelware
mess gear. No modern eyeglasses or period
style sunglasses No modern footwear,
desert boots, or bare feet. No modern army
blankets. No modern jewelry, including
wristwatches, post earrings, etc. NO
ANACHRONISMS; if unsure, leave at
home or get prior permission from
coordinator. NO PARTICIPATION
WITHOUT PRE-REGISTRATION.
If you have any questions, please call me:
Point of Contact and Event Coordinator
Rick Joslyn 837 Jones Street Sparta, GA
31087 706-444-7412email
UNIFORM GUIDELINES:
CONFEDERATE GARRISON A company
of the 1st Georgia Regulars. Everyone
should be prepared to serve as a private.
Brevets will be made prior to event and
you will be notified accordingly. Clean
uniform; shoes and accoutrements
blackened, belts black or buff leather. The
1st Georgia Regulars did not receive an
issue of "regulation" Confederate uniforms
until their return to Savannah in July,
1861.All clothing and equipment of correct
material and cut or pattern; to include: 1.
Blue flannel Georgia shirt[source:
Nancy Eddins or Don Roder 2.Civilian
trousers and sack coat 3.Civilian shirt,
socks and underdrawers 4.Jefferson
brogans 5.Civilian hat 6.1861 or
earlier model accoutrements, ie. waist
belt, cap pouch, cartridge box and belt
(correct for your weapon), bayonet
scabbard.7.Pre-war 3-band musket. Any
of the following are acceptable."Weapons
issued from the State Arsenal in
Milledgeville, during period Nov. 1, 1860 to
Nov. 1, 1861:7,051Muskets, Model of
18425,208Altered U.S. Muskets 709
Minnie Muskets [Model 1855 or
rifled conversions]"Personal kit:- Blanket
(pre-war pattern); quilts would be
appropriate- tin cup, plate and tableware-
canteen (tin smoothside, if with cloth cover,
grey or brown jean; or Mexican War types)-
haversack, civilian patterns- any other
appropriate personal items.
On a piece of paper write the following
personal information, copy the certification
and sign the paper. Send paper and check
or money order for $10, made out to Jerry
Gouge to 2 Crabtree Lane Bluffton, SC
29910 I will send in our forms and money
in one big batch.
Name
Address
Phone
e-mail address
First Georgia Regulars
Rank
{CERTIFICATION}: I have read and will
comply with the event uniform guidelines.
I understand there will be a uniform
inspection on Friday, March 2nd . I will
respect and honor the orders of officers
and NCOs appointed over me.
___________________signed date
Act well your part, there all honor lies.
First Person Regulars
Below you will find your 1st Georgia
Regular name from the rolls of the 1860s.
Bonner, Brad - Patrick McCann
Boone, Jim - C. H. Harris
Carter, Alex - Thomas C. Beall
Chauncey, Hamp - William Garrett
Corey, Robert - William M. Crawford
Darnell, Josh - John Smith (Polite)
Eason, George - Andrew Sloven (Dad)
Eason, Harvey - Zachariah Ables
Gille, J. D. - J. H. Frasier
Glock, Rod - George Cole
Gouge, Jerry - James R. DuBose
Green, Ron - John Layton
Haskell, Chuck - William A. Bonds
Henderson, Dutch - William H. Andrews
Jerram, Andrew - Charles E. Bruce
Jerram, Paul - David Gann
Jue, Jeff - Jordan J. McMullen
Karney, Shane - James Reilly (Pudge)
Kelly, Richard - Richard S. Overman
King, Jamie - Benjamin H. Helms
Lang, Andrew - Martin L. Brantley
Matthews, LeBron - William Kearns
(Father)
Maxfield, Phil - Thomas J. Musgrove
Merritt, Hal - James R. Smith
Mitchell, Robert - William G. Humphries
Myers, Ken - William Parrish
Powell, Clint - Thomas Beverly Baldwin
Poythress, Hunter - Patrick Brennan
(Mary Ann)
Rich, Jason - Washington L. Andrews
Scalf, Trace - George Toole
Scott, Brad - John Reilly
Taylor, Mark - John Burns (Luney)
Wynn, Mark - Alvin Parr (Joe Dutton)
Memorize your name for future use.
Let's use the names at Fort Pulaski.
Headquarters First Georgia Regulars,
Camp near Richmond, Va., July 10, 1862.
Captain: I have the honor to submit, for the consideration of the colonel
commanding, the following report of this regiment in the part taken by it
in the affair of June 29 and in the engagement of the 1st instant:
On June 29, just after we had passed the line of the enemy's intrenchments
near Garnett's house, I was ordered to deploy the regiment as skirmishers and
feel the woods in the direction which it was supposed he had taken. Having
crossed a large open field for that purpose, I had scarcely entered the woods
when the fire of his skirmishers was opened upon me. This fire was very
heavy, indicating a large force. In a few moments a battery of artillery,
situated in a field beyond, also opened its fire, discharging shrapnel, grape,
and canister. Notwithstanding this heavy fire the regiment steadily advanced,
driving the enemy before it until, emerging into the field already indicated,
he was discovered in considerable force, and for a time his fire on my left
was very severe. Under these circumstances I withdrew the line of skirmishers
to the shelter of the woods.
In a short time this force of the enemy continued its retreat, and in
obedience to orders I continued the advance of my line. Proceeding steadily
through the woods, capturing on the way a number of prisoners, at the distance
of perhaps 1 « miles from the point already indicated, I again discovered
the enemy in large force, with several pieces of artillery, in a field of
considerable magnitude. The main body of our troops having reached the
grounds, I was ordered to move my regiment farther to the left, still keeping
them deployed as skirmishers, so that I did not participate further in the
engagement which ensued.
On Tuesday, the 1st instant, this regiment, in its position in the brigade,
was ordered forward in line of battle in an attack upon the enemy's position
at Malvern Hill (I believe it is called). We advanced under a very heavy
fire of artillery and musketry in the direction of his batteries over a clear,
open space of great extent. This fire being destructive and the advance being
deemed impracticable from that point of attack, the colonel commanding
ordered the recall of the brigade, with a view to its reformation and a change
in the direction of attack. In consequence of the noise and great confusion of
the battlefield it was impossible to convey this order effectually to the brigade,
and in falling back much disorder occurred.
It gives me great pleasure to state that the officers and men under my
command behaved on both occasions with the utmost coolness and gallantry,
and while there scarcely existed occasion for comparison in reference to
individual cases of prowess, I cannot refrain from making honorable mention
of the names of Sergt. W. J. Garrett, of Company M, Corpl. J. C.
Camp, of Company H, and Private W. L. Morehead, of Company G.
I subjoin a list of the killed, wounded, and missing on both these occasions:
(*)
Killed.Wounded.Missing.
Officers .... 6 ....
Privates 4 38 15
Total. 4 44 15
Very respectfully,
WM. J. Magill,
Colonel, Commanding.
Capt. Charles C. Hardwich,
A. A. A. G., First Brigade.
4 January 2001
Hitlon Head, So. Carolina
Gentlemen,
We have made a good start, we now have 33 members on paper. Typically
we have roughly 15 members show up for our events. I encourage each one
of you to make your presence known and to support our planned activities by
coming to each one. Thus far, we have done a reasonable job in making the
progressive community feel that we are a good authentic group of living
historians. What we have not done so far is attend an event en force so
that we could be a stand alone company. We have the numbers to do this
but we have yet to evidence the dedication to make this dream a reality.
Certain members show up at each activity and some have to make an
appearance. Men we can do better than this. Ft. Pulaski and Pickett's
Mill represent quality living history events where we stand to make a name
for our group. I encourage everyone to attend. Lastly, please make an effort
to keep the communication links open by talking to your brothers in arms,
via phone or email.
Best Regards, I remain your obd. svt.,
Lieut. James R. DuBose