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2nd Virginia Cavalry Co. C
(Most recent posting will be up top)
Acknowledgements from the Captain
Captain Charlie's Final Update: 28 June 08
I send this update out to try to answer some last minute
questions:
Some key points are: The Gettysburg folks want no cars in camps after noon on
Friday. So I am encouraging all participants to arrive as early on Wednesday as
possible to Union Mills. Once you get checked and registered at Union Mills,
stretch out your own lines or tie to picket lines provided, unload essential
gear for the campaign camp. (I strongly suggest that the large units bring all
their long picket lines making sure that you mark your lines and come-a-longs
with duct tape with unit name on it. This step will be a big help to me. We have
large trees spaced at some distances to accommodate our lines.)
Remember your Coggins papers- We don't
want to turn anyone away!
After registration and horses are checked, horses are unloaded, trucks and
trailers can be shuttled to the Sheppard Farm-5 at a time. You will be receiving
your Gettysburg passes, Stuart & Buford Medallions, and registration packet.
Large trailers to lot #2 (the stretch versions w/living quarters, Dennis Harlow
will lead this detail of large trailers when we move early Friday morning).
Smaller trailers to lot #1 down near barn follow signage. You are now registered
for the 145th Gettysburg event, from the Sheppard farm parking areas, I suggest
that you and your pards use this time to travel to the campsites at
Gettysburg-Redding
farm to drop static camp gear, set up tentage, etc. Do not lose your Gettysburg
Passes, Hay chits, and Horse bounty form, I can't replace them. Another note
here would be that they are allowing no vehicles in the Gettysburg camps after
dark!! Your Stuart&Buford medallion is your meal voucher for Thursday morning,
Thursday night and Friday morning. A meal voucher for a drink and a sandwich for
Thursday lunch will be given at registration.
After dropping off necessary gear at the Gettysburg 145th site (maps will be
provided in the registration packet for the trip to the 145th site), travel back
to the Union Mills site for a buffet dinner $8-10, at 7:30 PM unit NCO's will
inspect arms, weapons can then be loaded for expected encounters with local
militia as we traverse the Pennsylvania countryside seeking Ewell's main
Infantry Column. An Officers call will be sounded at 8 PM to handle several
matters. Then finally settling in for the night. Jessica James will be on hand
for a book signing at the Mill, She is the author of "Shades of Gray: A Novel of
the Civil War in Virginia, which just won a 2008 IPPY award for Best Regional
Fiction. Mr. Mike Nugent will be on hand to talk about Civil War Horse tack Mike
is a retired Armored Cavalry Officer and travels extensively offering Living
History segments on Cavalry topics. A time for this segment has yet to be
determined.
Hay will be provided both nights on the ride. Since most folks are very
particular with graining their mounts, I strongly recommend that you have your
grain needs prepackaged for Wednesday night and Thursday Morning. We will be
near our trucks and trailers for Thursday nights feeding. We do have 12% sweat
feed available for those who may want this
feed. Horse water at Union Mills will be from the creek, Horse water at the
Sheppard farm will be from water tanks set up at the campsites. We will have
bottled water available for participants of the ride. If you use electrolytes
for your horses bring it. We are taking out time on this first leg of the ride,
but still a certain pace must be maintained to move this army across country.
Once we have reached the Sheppard farm, the troops will be rested for the
pending battle at 6 PM. Troopers can seek the sutlers food sources with food
coupon provide. Weapons will be loaded, uniforms will be changed as needed to
balance the forces and campaign camping can be established in the beautiful
woods adjacent to the fields. If camping at your trailer floats your boat, then
camp next to your truck and trailer.
The Battle scenarios for the 145th Hanover events will be a bit different than
your normal re-enactment. We are so appreciative to have Mr. JD Petruzzi,
co-author of the book, "Plenty of Blame to go Around" a great work and very
interesting read about a dim and clouded portion of the Gettysburg campaign
concerning the details surrounding Stuarts march to Gettysburg and why we was so
dreadfully detained. Mr Petruzzi not only will be conducting a book signing
there, but he has graciously accepted our offer to narrate the battle, painting
a verbal picture of what unfolded along the Old Hanover Road. The three
scenes/acts that we
will be recreating involve:
1) The action at Gitt's Mills- located on the farm property on this reenactment- also site of the first Confederate Cavalry fatality of the campaign.
2) The 145th Battle of Hanover-the conflict on the outskirts of town.
3) The 145th Battle of Hunterstown, led by General GA Custer,
as portrayed
by Mr. Steve Alexander.
Steve is right now on the Crow reservation leading the
recreation of the Little Bighorn as we speak. He is nationally renown as GA
Custer and we are so delighted to have him with us. In fact, Steve is leading a
detail to dedicate a monument at Hunterstown in honor of CA Custer. Colonel
Darrel Markijohn has offered to lead a detail of 12-14 riders to attend this
dedication and help Steve out. If you would like to be a part of this detail
please see Darrell as soon as possible or mention the detail at registration.
After the battle listen for the dinner call, dinner will be served at the Barn,
after horses have been fed and watered. Commanders Markijohn and Hauser have a
special evening of entertainment in store for the men at the barn. Just remember
one thing as you entertain the notion of staying up late, we are moving out at
5:45 AM to the Pulig farm, our intent is to convoy as a column through Hanover
along the route listed on your maps in your registration packet. Be listening
for the bugle calls. Breakfast will be served at the Pulig farm upon arrival.
Horses can be unloaded and tied to the trailers with hay brought from the
previous nights supply please only take what you need for the morning feeding.
We must feed, change uniforms, eat and prepare for the march to the event site.
We are going to have a large breakfast for all of you, it may be a while until
you eat again. Pack your snacks, trail mix, etc. to curb your appetite if you
must. The opening battle of the 145th Gettysburg starts at 1:30 PM with Buford's
clash with the Confederate infantry. Once we enter the battle at the 145th
Gettysburg event site this will conclude the Stuart's Delay & Buford's
Reconnaissance portion of the ride except for one thing. At 3 PM, I need all
drivers of vehicles involved in the Stuart & Buford scenarios to gather at the
federal trailer parking area and at the Confederate camp entrance along Table
Rock Road to be shuttled back by bus back to the Pulig farm for your trucks and
trailers. Please have someone responsible watch your horse in camp while you or
another family member brings your truck and trailer back to the 145th Site. We
want to do this possibly in one move if we can to expedite this move. So please
do your part and return to those rendezvous points at the designated time after
the battle Saturday.
Thursday morning will start early, with first call around 5:45 AM. Bedrolls and
shelter halves to be rolled and folded, picket lines cleaned thoroughly, horses
fed. A Pancake and Sausage Breakfast to be served starting about 6:45 AM. Boots
and Saddles will be sounded at 8 AM. We will hear remarks from a local historian
Mr.Thomas Legore before we head out of Union Mills searching for a way to catch
our Infantry.
I hope that this clears up some of the questions still lingering out there.
Thank You all for the support that you have offered our unit during this
endeavor! Your participation is all the thanks our unit needs. Officers, please
send this email to all your men!
Travel safely!
YOS,
Charlie Doutt
Captain 2nd US Cavalry Co. A
Captain Charlie's Update: 14 May 08
Time is getting closer to this event. The reenactment season is now in full swing, as we finalize the details for Stuart's Delay and Buford's Reconnaissance. Since this is a campaign reenactment, I have asked Dave Decker of the Lee County Light Horse to provide a reference we used for both Morgan's Raids and Potters Raid. It contains historical info on how to lightly pack your horse in order to preserve your mounts. It is posted on the equipment list page of this website. Please take a look. It should prove useful for both Stuart's Delay and Brandy Station!
In your service,
Charlie
Captain Charlie's Update: 6 Feb 08
We have our registration form and info posted now, as well as necessary equipment for the event. I want to tell you about the purpose of this event. First, it is, as I said before, an opportunity to recreate a page of history and to re-enact the all Cavalry, 145th Battle of Hanover. Second, it is a dual identity ride, providing the chance for each of us, both Blue and Gray, as American's to get to know one another better. We will be all Gray for the first day and Blue for the second. It also an event unlike so many others, in that re-enactors, will have the proceeds they paid, over and above the cost of the event, channeled to the Brandy Station Battlefield Foundation. The spectator revenue, all raised, because of the show that we will provide, goes directly to the Adams County Land Conservancy. The crowds that you will draw at the Union Mills Homestead, as we camp, eat, and share a living history moment will directly benefit and support the Union Mills Homestead Foundation.
We have listed the exact meals provided on the Equipment page to clarify
any misunderstandings.
I have been asked a few times....does this registration include
Gettysburg 145th. No, it doesn't, The confusion there may come from the
fact that we intend to register all Stuart & Buford participants for the
145th Gettysburg Battle Reenactment upon arrival at our event. We
thought this to be a benefit to our participants so that standing in a
registration line on the 4th of July could be eliminated for each of
you. So once you sign your release forms at our registration in Union
Mills, you and your horse could walk onto the Gettysburg event. Again,
You must register for the 145th Gettysburg individually or as a unit
soon, They have no walk ons....can't help you with that one. Also, you
must provide for your own meals during the Gettysburg event, so come
prepared for that.
The Buford Reconnaissance portion of the event will whined us through
the Quaker Valley around Biglerville on our way to the 145th Event site
for Buford's Stand. The Quaker Valley is itself rich in the history of
the Gettysburg Campaign, it is the valley that Ewell's Corps came
through on their way back from Carlisle.
One of the scenario's that will be re-created during the 145th Battle of
Hanover will be the one that occurred at Gitt's Mills, located on the
same property. At Gitt's Mills, elements of the 18th Pa Cavalry, an
inexperienced Cavalry unit, encountered troopers from the 13th Va
Cavalry at the blacksmith's shop. Long distance carbine shots were fired
resulting in the death of a trooper from the 13th Va. This trooper was
the first Confederate fatality of Stuart's push into Pennsylvania.
Our intent remains to provide a quality, event filled program, while
keeping you and your horse fed well to enhance your trip to the 145th
Gettysburg battle.
With Captain David Hauser's blessing, I am proud to announce that their
unit the 2nd Virginia Cavalry, Company C is co-hosting this event with
us. Ha-Zah!
Paul "Maddog" Rice will be co-ordinating any horse drawn units:
Larry Fisher is co-ordinating artillery for the event.
Command Structure for the Confederate Army would be a dual command of Captain David Hauser (2nd VA) and Captain Terry Treat (4th VA) They will post their command structure upon registration of units and individuals participating.
Command structure for the Union Army would featu
re Colonel Darrell Markijohn, USV Cavalry, in command. He will post his command structure upon registration of units and individuals participating.
I appreciate your interest in this event, come help us do something
special this 145th anniversary year! More updates to come!
Captain Charlie's Update: 11 Nov 07
Blue and Gray, we have an opportunity. I would like to invite you and your horse, to take part of a dual ride entitled Stuart’s Delay & Buford’s Reconnaissance. This endeavor is a ride to retrace history before the opening of the 145th Anniversary Battle of Gettysburg in July of 2008. I know, from being a Cavalryman for many years, that you have to have a good cause to haul your horse for hours to do an event. The event to me, had to be historically significant and something that I had never had done before, in order to get my attention. I assure you this ride will offer both. As many of you already know, due to restrictions and development, opportunities to recreate historical rides over the routes taken 145 years ago are disappearing rapidly, and this favorable condition for this ride may never again be available.
With the help, resources, and energy of some fine folks in Adams County, Pennsylvania and Union Mills, Maryland, this ride has come to life. I also realize, that organizing an event of this magnitude is an undertaking that takes much time and devotion. None the less, as the field commander of the 2nd US/9th VA Cavalry, I felt the need to do my part for the preservation of the hobby, to follow the leads of the 6th Ohio Cavalry (Morgan’s Raid I &II), the 4th Virginia Blackhorse (The Mosby’s Rides), and the 2nd Virginia (Hunter’s Raid). Stuart’s Delay & Buford’s Reconnaissance will be hosted by my unit, the 2nd US/9th VA Cavalry, and we would be deeply honored to have you and your horse attend.
This will be a main stream Cavalry event at which women riders are welcome and we observe basic authenticity requirements. (I ask each of you that participate to take a look in the mirror at your impression, and make steps to improve it if need be, and I should not have to explain to anyone the incorrectness of using an English or Western saddle for this event.) We have not established an entrance fee for the event at this time due to some unresolved issues. Organizing an event like this one, truly opens your eyes to the costs of hosting an event. My word on event profit is this: It will be donated to the Brandy Station Foundation and the amount will be posted on our website when that figure is available.
Stuart’s Delay will start at the original Union Mills Homestead. All Cavalryman will be attired as Confederates for this portion of our event to commemorate Jeb Stuart’s thrust into Pennsylvania. As we arrive at that site on 2 July, 2008 before 1900 hours (7PM) each of you will unload your horse, tack, and personal gear for a campaign camp. You will then take your truck and trailer to the next camp (approximately 8-10 miles away) and you will be shuttled back to Union Mills. We are planning to have vendors there for evening meals. Mr. Doug Kidd, (Border States Leatherworks) will be traveling and offering his craft to us for our event.
The following morning we will be treated to a pancake and sausage breakfast by the Union Mills folks, just like was offered to General J.E.B. Stuart and his men 145 years ago. The Confederate Cavalry under the overall command of Mr. David Hauser of the 2nd Virginia, will then head off across country 8-10 miles along as much of the original route as can be arranged. When we arrive at the Sheppard farm, the actual site of the first Confederate casualties of the Civil War North of the Mason Dixon Line, we will be at our trailers again. We will now stand down for a few hours to eat lunch, and all Union Cavalrymen will change into their Blue uniforms. We will have an evening battle, the 145th Anniversary Battle of Hanover around 1800 hrs. This battle will feature Cavalry, Artillery, and some infantry as militia in this recreation. Mr. Mad Dog Rice of the 2nd VA, has offered horse drawn artillery to further enhance our event impression. After the battle, all units and men will be be treated to a fine Pennsylvania dinner. We will rest the evening, camped in the pleasant woods on the Sheppard Farm or in your trailers which ever you may choose.
At dawn on 4 July, 2008 we will pack our horses on our trailers and convoy across to the Dr. Bill and Cassandra Pulig Farm, nestled in the Quaker Valley area near Biglerville, Pennsylvania, 4-6 miles from the 145th Gettysburg event site. Once we arrive at the Pulig farm we will be treated to generous quantities of coffee and food. After breakfast, gear and tack will be off loaded and positioned near the picketed horses. All Cavalryman will be dressed in Federal Blue uniforms in preparation for the Buford’s Reconnaisance phase of the event. The drivers take the trucks and trailers to the 145th event site to park, the drivers then will be shuttled back by bus to the Pulig farm. At a determined time, the call “to horse” will be given and we will be lead across the Pennsylvania country side in a single blue column by General John Buford as portrayed by Colonel Darrell Markijohn, USV Cavalry Commander, to open the 145th Battle of Gettysburg with Buford’s Stand.
The Command structure, under Mr. Dave Hauser and Mr. Darrell Markijohn will be posted in the near future. Mr. Doug Kidd will command all western troops for both phases of the event.
We are arranging for Vet coverage and Farrier service for the event. VALID COGGINS PAPERS ARE REQUIRED and need to be presented at the Vet Check when you arrive. We are working with the Gettysburg 145th people to get one Vet check for both Stuart's Delay/Buford's Recon & Gettysburg 145th. So once you check in for this event, you are covered for the entire week.
(Last update 07/16/08)