Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SOCIETY
Company Dispatch Official Newsletter of the American Civil War Society
American Civil War Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation
of our history for future generations.
Signed editorials and letters are the views of the author, and do not
necessarily represent the opinions of the American Civil War Society.
November-December 2013
2 | P a g e
ACWS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Pres ident – Dave Grimsrud V ice Pres ident – Ken Serf ass
[email protected] [email protected]
Secretary – Vacant Treasurer – Ken Serf ass
Membership – Michele Akkerman Confederate Division–Col. James R. Tebbetts
[email protected] [email protected]
Union Divis ion – Col . Ken Dacey Civilian Corps – Vacant
Publ ic Relat ions – David Cartwright Newsletter Edi tor – Michael Akkerman
[email protected] [email protected]
Federal/Union Division: Confederate Division: Division Commander: Col. Ken Dacey Division Commander: Col. James R. Tebbetts
Adjutant: Capt. Dave Bolin Division Adjutant General: Capt. Dave Grimsrud
Division Sgt. Major: Michael Quinlan (Degregorio) Division Sgt Major/Provost: Vacant
Infantry Battalion Cdr.: VACANT Division Clerk: Sgt. Jay Stilson
Artillery Brigade Cdr.: Major Gary Wear
Division Chaplain: Rich Holt and Anthony Delgadillo Confederate Brigade Staff: Cavalry: VACANT Infantry Brigade Commander: Major James M. Stytle
Infantry Brigade Adjutant: VACANT
Infantry Brigade Sgt. Major: Sgt. Major Ray Daniel
Cavalry Brigade Commander: Major Scott Peca
Cavalry Brigade Adjutant: Capt. John Riddler
Cavalry Brigade Sgt. Major: VACANT
Artillery Brigade Commander: Major Mike Collins
Artillery Brigade Adjutant: 1st Lt. Jose Justiniano, Jr
Artillery Brigade Sgt. Major:
3 | P a g e
Editor’s Note:
If you have an interesting story to share please send it to me at [email protected] . I hope to hear from you at the upcoming events. Have fun, be safe, and love one another. Remember, ACWS is people and pet friendly (yes, your dogs are welcome). I want to thank everyone who has come out to our events, and all of our new members who have joined ACWS so far this year.
I want to mention those folks in our group who have or will be celebrating a birthday in the months of Nov and Dec. Please join me and the ACWS Board in wishing them all a Happy Birthday.
November
December
Michele Akkerman
David C. Baker
Jonathan Liaos
Michelle Bryner
Donald Black
Marti Barth
Carlos Britc
Mackenzie Blansett
Anita Brock
Melissa Blansett
Collette Busic
David Crichton
Marjorie Codding
El Roy Codding
Joseph R. Cronin
Clay W. Cowgill
Jamie Cronin
Travis Combs
Kenneth Dacey
Sharon Coleman
Sherrie Eggert
Robert Slagle
Anne Tebbetts-Frankl
David Cotton
Nicole Foster
Renee DeeDe
Loretta Fowler
Vander Thomas
April Gemeinhardt
Timothy DeBeaumont
Lynn Grants
Jennie Davis
Raymond William Hill
Jill Forbath
Susan Hikida
Ralph Finisterre
Kelly Holt
Kathryn Fernand
Bailey Ledford
Tony Fernandes
Darlene Hipsher-Griffin
Steven D. Fukiage
Terry Milkoff
Martha Gibbons
Ronald Jacques
Travis Gonzales
Connie Jacques
Murice Grants
Rachel Kawfman-Chisnall
Scott Hetrick
Benjamin Kruk
Harold D. Harroun, Jr.
Barry Kivi
Edward Hopper
Ryan Poff
Susan Hopper
Bill LaConte
James Hinds
Ms Sheri Lee Lundberg
Kaitlin Harriott
Shelley Peters
Stephanie Hurley-Ledford
Jacob Reising
Carly Harvey
Christopher Russell
Kirk Illian
Austin Scofield
China Johnson
Donna J. Stytle
Richard Magwood
Daniel Siegel
Kevin Miller
Mary Schuelke
Belen Shields
Ken Smith
Alexander Mussenden
Mateo Torres
Michael Adam Maxfield
Tom Talbott
Heather Nelson
Ashley Ulinski
Debbie L. Quessenberry
Deborah L Valdovinos
Bess Riggs
4 | P a g e
November
December
Joshua Wear Jose A. Fernandez
Sean-Michael Zoch Timothy Stytle
Carol Smith
Ronald Silveira
Rory Strippel
Everett Tomlinson
Karen Taylor
James R Tebbetts
Paul Valencia
David Sklansky
Wendy Pregler
Julie Wear
A Word or Two From the PRESIDENT
Greetings all! Well, as I write this Halloween has come and gone. The year-end holidays are not far
behind, and we say “Good-bye” to 2013, and welcome in the New Year. Many have asked about a
Christmas or holiday party. I am happy to say Calico Ghost Town has invited us to have their party on the
second Saturday in December, that is, the 14th
. Ken Serfass should have details in his writings, so if you
want it, we can make it happen. Looking back at the past year we had some very good events, a few
failures, and we lost a good friend. I just returned from the event at Spring Mountain Ranch in Blue
Diamond Nevada; we made some changes that all seem very positive. Next year is the 150th
statehood for
the Battleborn State, and we are already planning on changes to make it even better. I hope you can make
plans to join us and make it an outstanding event.
Now, I would like to take a few minutes and talk to the members on a personal level. First I want to
thank you all; the fellowship of the ACWS is amazing. This was made very clear at the Noble’s gathering
for Shawn, where many came together to remember a wonderful man taken too young. I saw the strength
we have when we pull together. For a moment of reflection, I just want to say the ACWS exists for you. I
want everyone to feel they belong, that they are a part of the Society. I want your input, suggestions, even
complaints. We can only get better by moving in a positive direction. My wife and I wish you the very best
as we close out 2013.
Regards, David Grimsrud
5 | P a g e
A Word or Two From the Vice-PRESIDENT
From the Vice President November 2013
Greetings once again to all my fellow living historians and
reenactors.
Spring Mountain has passed and by accounts received, it went
very well save for a sad incident on public display by one of our
reenactors. Many already know of this and if you don’t, somebody
will pass it along. We, the BOD, are taking steps to prevent this sort
of thing ever happening again, so please accept that some things
cannot be predicted, but once they are discovered, we will act to our
best to resolve them. Our conduct in public not only reflects on us
individually but also our society and the hobby in general, so our
actions need to be above board at all times.
There is one battle weekend before the season ends, and it
would be great to see the ACWS represented. We are also looking at
one final gathering. Before Christmas comes we hope to meet one last
time this year to celebrate our season and our friendship with each
other. Much like our tree trimming and caroling venture at Vail Lake, we’d like to have the society meet at
the Calico Ghost Town Restaurant for a Christmas party for all ACWS members.
I am excited for November and the final event we have, but also for the Lincoln Shrine Memorial
Civil War Band Tattoo on November 16th
. Three period impression bands, a cavalry brass band, a fife and
drum corps and the Antebellum Marine Band I direct will mass for a ceremony featuring Mr. Lincoln and
allow the bands to showcase music and marching before a final pass in review for Lt. Gen. Grant and Mr.
Lincoln. I am honored to say one of my former Marine students, now the Drum Major of the First Marine
Division Band will front my Marine Band for the marching portion. It is with pride that I hand him the
Mace to lead them on the march for this event.
The weekend of Thanksgiving is this year’s Gettysburg Remembrance Day observance, with several
cemetery memorials and the grand parade through Gettysburg. Of course, this year is the 150th
anniversary
of this and not to be missed. Again this year I have the honor to act as Drum Major in the cemetery
memorials for the Federal City Brass Band of Baltimore MD, and also this time to appear in the parade as
Lt. Gen Grant. Following the parade is an unofficial serenade of band music by members of many of the
participating bands in the parade in the park near the Gouvenor Warren statue on Little Round Top. This
always ends with a selection of hymns and a final playing of TAPS, sans echo. Jari Villanueva, the leader
of the Federal City Band and founder of the TAPS 150 project, always leads this event.
Christmas time is near and the Drum Barracks will be hosting a Victorian celebration on December 7
& 8, with a brass quintet of the Antebellum Marine Band providing selections suitable for singing on
Saturday. That same night, the brass will also serenade at the Newland House in Huntington Beach for their
tree lighting and Christmas gathering.
Our party at Calico on December 14 will also see the brass ready to assist in Christmas sing-along
duty with carols of the season. In cooperation with Calico Ghost town, we will be hosting a Christmas party
there, with Victorian decorating, period carols, a reading of “A Visit From St. Nicholas” and a special
arrival of the jolly old elf himself. All our members and families are invited, and you are encouraged to
RSVP to enjoy a reduced rate on the buffet meal provided. The park is open all day but we hope to have our
activities between 2 and 8 PM, with dinner at 5PM and the party beginning at 6:30 PM until 8 PM. The
flyer with more details is also in this edition of our newsletter.
As always I thank all of you who cooperate in the never ending battle to de-farb our camp lighting
situations and other areas of period correctness. During hours that the public comes through our camps, we
need to do our best to keep all non-period gear out of public site. Many who use the tube lamps use them
after hours, which make perfect sense. If they’re out of period, and it is daylight, please put them away.
6 | P a g e
You are not doing anything to provide “atmosphere” by leaving non-period lamps out or any other non-
period gear, such as blue stoneware mugs or crockery or other modern effects.
I look forward to seeing you all soon, at one event or another and of course, through Facebook.
Fondest greetings to you all and Semper Fidelis,
Gunny Ken
Kenneth J. Serfass General Grant, Capt. of Marines and Bandmaster of the Antebellum Marine Band GySgt USMC (ret.)
MILITARY DISPATCHES
CONFEDERATE DIVISION
From: James R Tebbetts, Col, ACWS Confederate Command To: Readers Members of the Confederate Command Date: November 2, 1863 (+150 years) Subject: Confederate Command Report FALL AND WINTER ACTIVITIES - We now come to the end of the reenacting year. Coming up are the Moorpark and Reagan Library events and the Drum Barracks Christmas Celebration. Hope to see you at one or more of these events. MILITIA/HOME GUARD TOO IS FORMED – In the October Article, noted that we in the ACWS are thinking of forming a Militia/Home Guard Unit for the Confederate side. This based on the requirements of the Conscript Act of February 17, 1864. The act extended the draft to include all able-bodied white males between the ages of 17 and 50. We put our heads together and have come up with the following as an outline of the unit: State to Represent – Arkansas (1st choice), Tennessee (2nd), and Mississippi (3rd). These states chosen as these states are not represented within a South California reenacting units. Arkansas would be the best, could do fighting against Jayhawkers from Kansas as needed as part of a scenario. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arkansas_Militia_in_the_Civil_WarUnits). As noted during reading of this article, the militia existed from the beginning to the end of the CW. Actual Company to reenact would be determined by those making up the unit. Those eligible to be a part of the unit must be: As noted above anyone above 50, or below 14 (to reflect age they can fight with a ‘real’ unit as part of the ACWS). Have some type of disability that precludes them from being in a ‘line unit.’ OR combining age with years of reenacting to be equal to or greater than 50 (variable, can change. I.e. 35 years old and 20 years reenacting equals 55, is eligible for unit, even though under the age of 50.). NOTE Just cuz someone is over 50 does not mean they will be in this unit. The unit is being formed so those that might be a bit long in the tooth have a unit to participate with, but not be as active. Ranks – Same as that in ACWS rules. Commander – Initially unit under command of Confederate Commander. Depending on scenario, perhaps mayor of Civilian Town. Once sufficient to be a standalone unit (Members), they are a standalone unit. The company commander would still report to Confederate Commander or Mayor of Town, as scenario determines. The Commander or Mayor tells the Unit Commander what to do. Activities - At events do living history to describe what a militia unit might do; can sleep in civilian town, local inn, or ??. If at event we have a large civilian town, could include within a scenario where Union attacks town, militia
7 | P a g e
tries to defend, fails, goes to local army camp for help, we return and win the day. Provide Camp guards during other battle scenarios, in Confed Camp or Civilian Camp, or along civilian safety line. Can move around civilian town, sutlers, etc looking for deserters, etc. Uniforms – mostly civilian or a mixture of civilian and military. IF fully uniformed pre-civil war type uniforms (Mex War, Indian wars (1840-50’s), etc. Officers would have the most ‘military’ look. Those that were discharged/disable from Civil War Unit could wear uniforms, but not too clean. Weapons – Preference is non-Civil War (Enfield’s, Springfield’s, etc. as top of the line weaponry would be provided to more experienced frontline units) – shotguns, flintlocks, Mississippi’s, smoothbores, conversions, mid-50’s Springfield’s, etc). Pistols would be allowed, but mostly pre-Civil War types, and no ‘special’ pistols like a LaMat (The one with 9 rounds and a shotgun barrel). Unit Rules – once enough members, they can become a standalone unit, with their own unit rules, in conformance with ACWS Standards. If you have any comments, please send them forward. Perhaps we might have enough members to take the field at the 2014 Calico Event. If you want to join the unit as a ‘charter’ member, contact either Dave Grimsrud or myself. HISTORIC PRESERVATION To: California Civil War Affiliated Groups Subject: Proposed State Historical Marker for Affair at Minter’s Ranch / Capture of Showalter Party Dear Friends and Fellow Aficionados of the Civil War: Here in California we are far distant from the main scenes of the Civil War and consequently there is little in our State to commemorate that war and those who participated in it. Yet, we do have one site at which there was an armed confrontation between Union forces and would-be Confederates. This site is in northern San Diego County where on November 29th, 1861, a small patrol of the 1st California Cavalry led by 2nd Lt. Chauncey R. Wellman captured a party of eighteen secessionists led by California legislator Daniel Showalter who were headed to Texas to join the Confederate Army. This confrontation has often been referred to as the “only” or “closest to” a Civil War battle or skirmish in California. Unfortunately there is no State Historical Marker – or any other type of memorial – commemorating this event. Our Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War has commenced a project to secure a State Historical Marker commemorating this significant Civil War event. It would be located on a well-traveled State highway nearby to the actual location. The permission of the landowner and agreement of the County Board of Supervisors for such a marker have been obtained. The proposed wording for this marker would be:
Affair at Minter’s Ranch - On Nov. 29, 1861, at Minter’s Ranch approximately 2 miles southwest of this point, a heavily-armed party of 18 men led by California Assemblyman Daniel Showalter, trying to evade Union troops from Camp Wright at nearby Oak Grove and reach Texas to join the Confederate Army, were captured by a patrol of Co. E, 1st California Volunteer Cavalry led by 2nd Lt. Chauncey R. Wellman. The Showalter Party was subsequently imprisoned at Fort Yuma. Released after five months, Showalter made his way via Mexico to Texas and became a Lt. Col. in the Confederate Army. This armed confrontation has been termed as the only military action in California between Union forces and Confederates.
The application and historical documentation required by the State have been completed. The State requires that $3,800 for the plaque must accompany the application (there is only one vendor and the State orders the plaque). In addition, there will also be some expenses for site preparation, dedication programs and the like. At present our Camp has just over $800 collected in a fund for this purpose. We believe that the large balance needed can be raised by contributions from the many other organizations here in the state that have an affiliation with the Civil War. All organizations which contribute to the Affair at Minter Ranch fund will be recognized in the dedication program and invited to the event. For further information please email the undersigned at [email protected]. We hope that your group will want to help commemorate this interesting and significant Civil War event in California. Contribution checks should be made out to “SUVCW” with the purpose line marked “Minter’s Ranch Affair fund” and mailed to” Mr. John May, Secretary/Treasurer Sgt. William Pittenger Camp 21, SUVCW 2001 Lee Court Carlsbad, CA 92008-2763.
8 | P a g e
Your contribution to placement of a State Historical Marker commemorating the Civil War “Affair at Minter’s Ranch” and those who participated in it will be very much appreciated. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, Gene C. Armistead PAST EVENTS - Spring Mountain - October 26 - 27 - ACWS Sponsored - West of Las Vegas, Nv. Bit of a drive but well worth. It. Not considering the Sandstone Mountains and baying asses (donkeys, not the unit commanders) site is bit like a farm in the Shenandoah. A good time was held, though we had a much lower than average attendance from the Confederates. We were able to cobble together two companies along with a single gun. Did our best against the ‘damn’ Yankees, winning two and losing two. Temperatures were very pleasant, mid-80’s during the day and low-50’s at night. Spencer/Jackson along with a dance was there for entertainment. In 2014 the event will celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Statehood of Nevada. Though not a ‘150th’ as it relates to battles of the Civil War, it was a moment that cemented the future victory of the Union. Think of all that silver up around Virginia City that went into the Federal Treasury. More information on activities to be held in future newsletters. FUTURE EVENTS - A wide variety of activities are coming up in the local area for the next few months. Besides reenactments, there will be living histories, and live fire opportunities. A good variety of events one can take advantage of in the next few months. Live Fire (Near Seeley, CA – El Centro) - January 18-19, 2014 - Annual event. Monday is MKL day so most all of us have a day off to drive back. Battalion of the Common Soldier (Cherry Valley) - January 18-19, 2014 - UAOW Infantry Brigade Command in conjunction with the Battalion of the Common Soldier will be hosting a Camp of Instruction School of the Infantry on January 18/19 2014 at Mile High Cherry Ranch in Cherry Valley, CA (near Riley's Farm). You and your Company are invited to attend. Over these 2 days we will cover the topics (among others) such as: School of the Soldier, School of the Company, School of the Battalion, School of the Officer, School of the Color Guard, etc. Cost will be minimal to cover any amenities and will be determined. Camp setup can begin in the afternoon of Friday January 17. A more detailed schedule and directions to the site will be forth coming in a later communiqué. If you are interested please respond and give suggestions as to the amenities you would like to see, the less these are the lower the cost per person. From Lt. Col. Gary A. Busic ([email protected]) Yuma, Az Quartermaster Quarters Living history - January 25-26 - Living history event. Calico – February , 2014 – Annual event. Please make sure you have your morning reports into the Battalion and Division Adjutants by the end of November 2013 so that we can have a listing of those eligible for raffle tickets for the annual raffle. Tickets to be drawn on Sunday afternoon. Winner need not be present. We will also be honoring Shawn Stidger with a memorial ceremony Saturday Afternoon. 150th Events - Next ‘big’ one it will be Spotsylvania/Wilderness in April/May of 2014. Not sure if a group is going from South California, but if you are interested in attending, I have an infantry unit you can fall in with back there. Let me know. Possible second choice would be Cedar Creek, in October 2014. Super long range is Appomattox in April 2015. For those with a Louisiana leaning, November 2014 is the 150th Anniversary of the Capture of Camp Moore.
2ND FLORIDA, CO H (HAMILTON BLUES)
In the early days of July 1861 the company was ordered to rendezvous near the Brick Church, just west of Jacksonville, now, and on July 13 the Regiment was mustered into the Confederate service. On Monday, July 15th, the Regiment left by rail for Virginia, arriving in Richmond Sunday afternoon, July 21st. The Regiment was in Camp of Instruction, in the neighborhood of Richmond, nearly two months. On September 17, 1861, the Regiment left Richmond for Yorktown, During the fall of 1861, and the winter following, the Regiment was encamped near Yorktown, forming a part of Major General J. B. Magruder's Command. It was at the siege of Yorktown that the Regiment received its "baptism of fire." On May 5th [1862], at Williamsburg, the Regiment again distinguished itself by its gallant resistance to McClellan's advance. The Regiment was engaged in the battle of Seven Pines, Cold Harbor, Gaines' Mill, Savage Station, Frazier's Farm and Malvern Hill. On December 13 the battle of Fredericksburg was fought. Then in May Chancellorsville and July Gettysburg. It was but a skeleton of a splendid regiment that
9 | P a g e
surrendered at Appomattox Court House -- but 7 officers and 59 men." The Regiment was in the ANV, 1st Corps, Anderson’s Division, and Pryor’s Brigade. Florida contributed more than 15,000 troops to the Confederate war effort. While this was a small number
when compared with other southern states, it was the highest percentage of available men of military age from any Confederate state. Florida troops were organized into eleven regiments of infantry; two regiments of cavalry; and numerous smaller units, including artillery, home-guard, and militia. By mid-1862 most of Florida's soldiers had been sent outside the state. In the Army of Northern Virginia, Florida units were organized into a Florida Brigade. Later, a second Florida Brigade was formed from units serving in the other major Confederate army, the Army of Tennessee. Floridians fought in most of the major battles of the war, including the epic Battle of Gettysburg, where they suffered heavy casualties. Patriotism for the southern cause, so common at
the beginning of the war, was later tempered by exposure to an increasing amount of death and suffering. At first, the South relied on volunteers,
but as early as April 1862 it was necessary to institute a draft in order to fill the ranks. Draftees and those disillusioned by years of war increasingly deserted the Confederate ranks in the latter part of the conflict. Bands of deserters in Florida operated against southern authority in parts of the state. Approximately 5,000 Floridians (about one out of every three soldiers) died or were killed in Confederate service. Many of those who survived were disabled or had their lives shortened due to health problems related to the hardships of military service.
UNION DIVISION
Col. Kenneth Dacey, Commander, ACWS Union Division
Ladies and Gentleman of our Union division: I want to thank each of you for your service to our Division and to those around you this past year. We have had a great year I think, even with some rough patches over the past year. We are little by little improving, and it takes all of us to make this work. Again, thank you all for your continued efforts. I want to thank Capt. Jason Coffey for stepping up and leading our forces at Spring Mtn Ranch in Oct. due to my absence. Now unless something changes, on Saturday, Dec.14th, the ACWS is planning on holding a Christmas party at Calico Ghost Town, similar to what we did last year at Vail Lake. And while there will be no encampment, units are encouraged to set up a shared display during the day for recruiting. More information should be posted in another article in this newsletter.
Above, the flag of the Nation of Florida, prior to joining the Confederacy.
10 | P a g e
Upcoming events for 2014-- Jan 18-19 Live Fire, El Centro, CA Feb 15-17 Calico, Yermo, CA March ?? St. Catherine School, Anaheim, CA More to follow. Your obedient servant, Col. Kenneth Dacey ACWS Union Commander
IMPORTANT NOTICE-- All members of the 71st PA are requested to contact Jason Coffey ([email protected]) and send him your addresses (postal and email) so that he may update his rosters and contact you with some important information.
Civilian Director’s Report
No Report was submitted for this Newsletter’s press times. The Civilian Coordinator’s seat is vacant at present time. Please contact Dave Grimsrud if you are
interested in filling this much needed position.
11 | P a g e
Membership Director’s Report
Well, here we are again at the end of another year of reenacting and the next one is just around the corner. In terms of membership, 2013 has been lackluster in that membership has gone down considerably (about 90 members) since last year for reasons unknown to me. A good reason could be the expense of reenacting—fuel, food, taking time off from work to attend events. But that can’t be the only reason why members from 2012 didn’t renew. If you know why some of these members didn’t renew, please let the ACWS Board know so we can contact them and hopefully our numbers will begin to grow. Membership renewals for 2014 have begun and as it was in previous years, members receive a $5 discount on individual or family membership fees if the renewal is received by December 31. Dues have remained at $20 for an individual (age 18 and over), $30 for a family (two persons) and $5 additional for each child under 18 years of age. The only increase is for the fee for receiving a
mailed copy of the newsletter; it is $7 (up $2) to offset the increase in the cost of postage, ink, and paper. The Board encourages all members to be “green” and have the newsletter sent via email. If you plan on attending the Christmas party at Calico next month, you can bring me your membership renewal and save some postage. And finally, with Calico being the first major event in February 2014, this is what will be done regarding paying dues early and being able to participate: 1. For renewing members, I must receive the completed application and fees by Wednesday,
February 12 in order to prepare membership cards and a gate list to waive the park entry fee. Any applications not filled out completely/correctly will not be processed. NO EXCEPTIONS. 2. For invited units, I must receive a list of those participating, along with signed release forms and all weekend fees, by Wednesday, February 12 in order to prepare weekend passes and a gate list to waive the park entry fee. NO EXCEPTIONS. 3. I will process renewals/new memberships/weekend passes for all participants (military and civilian) on Friday between 3 and 5 p.m., only with a fully completed application or liability release form, and fees in the EXACT amount of cash, or a check. On Saturday, I will accept renewals/new memberships/event passes for combatant participants between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. if they want to participate in the first battle, and payment must be exact cash, or a check. 4. Persons who wait until arriving at Calico to renew membership or buy a weekend pass will have to pay the park entry fee. Military commanders need to remind their unit members of the advantage of renewing early, and should also pass on the above information to any invited units. I hope your year-end holidays are filled with happiness and joy, along with fun times among family and friends. Regards, Michele Akkerman Membership Director [email protected] 951-678-8979
12 | P a g e
Civil War History
“Christmas in Occupied Virginia”
During the Civil War, the town of Winchester, Virginia, was occupied and abandoned by Union soldiers seventy-two times. In this diary entry, Winchester housewife Cornelia Peake McDonald describes what Christmas Day, 1862, was like under strict Union occupation. Once day after this entry was written, Union soldiers threatened to evict McDonald’s family and convert their home into a hospital after her young son was overheard using the unflattering term “Yankees” to describe Union troops. “The day has been too restless to enjoy, or even to realize that it was Christmas. All day reports of the advance of the Confederates. . . . Just as we were sitting down to dinner, we heard repeated reports of cannon. We hurried from the table and found the [Union] troops all hastily marching off. They expected a fight, I was told by one, as the Confederates were near town. We could eat no more dinner, the girls and myself, so it was carefully put away till we could enjoy it. In the evening I went over to Mr. Woods’ to see how the old people were bearing their burden, and to take them something nice from the dessert we could not eat. Found them all very quiet, but sad enough. The poor old gentleman’s head looks whiter, and his forehead more wrinkled than before they [the Union soldiers] came to intrude on his sweet, quiet home.
(from Voices From the Civil: Women and Families, edited by Tom Head. San Diego: Blackbirch Press, 2003.)
The Language of Flowers—The “Christmas Joy” Tussie-Mussie
The tussie-mussie, better known as a nosegay, is a small bouquet of flowers usually held together in an ornate silver holder. During the Victorian era, the wearing of flowers was
fashionable and for young women it was more suitable than jewelry. It was the custom among all classes to give and receive bouquets—and if one wanted them to carry a private message through the Language of Flowers, so much the better. The Language of Flowers assigned attributes to flowers and wildflowers, trees, leaves, herbs, shrubs, vines, fruits, vegetables and grains, and combinations of these signified a particular sentiment when sent to someone. While not everyone could write romantic poetry, almost any suitor could tie a tussie-mussie of romantically intended sentiments.
The “Christmas Joy” tussie-mussie consisted of eight “ingredients.” The first were sprigs of pine needles signifying warm Friendship, vigorous Life, and spiritual Energy. Cinnamon sticks indicated Love, Beauty, and “My Fortune is Yours!” A merry Heart was represented by burnet leaves. Sprigs of rosemary were for Remembrance, and bedstraw represented Jesus’ manger. The vibrant red of holly berries signified Christmas Joy, and small pine cones served to represent Conviviality and Life. At the center was a single white rose symbolic of Love. Add some thin silk red ribbon, and the Christmas Joy tussie-mussie is ready to bestow upon a loved one.
13 | P a g e
Sergeant Majors Too Sense Worth: I attended the Moorpark event and during the first battle my backside became a little warm. When I turned around, nothing was there. I did the rest of the day as Leroy. When watching the second battle I understood the warm backside. A giant fireball exploded out of the ground at approx. 20'-30' wide and 50'-60' high. Is this a good, or a bad idea to do at a reenactment? Let me know what you think! Infantry Brigade Sergeant Major Ray Daniel 2nd Division, ANV
14 | P a g e
MEMBERS—The ACWS is a non-profit corporation, and as a volunteer your expenses are tax
deductible. Expenses include food, equipment, clothing, and mileage when traveling to events. So,
remember to save your receipts and document your travel mileage in order to claim them as a tax
deduction when filing your income tax returns.
Additional organizations and links of interest:
PACWR: http://www.pacwr.org/events.htm
Fort Tejon: http://www.forttejon.org
NCWA www.ncwa.org
SWCWA http://www.swcwa.com
We Are History: http://www.americanheritagefestival.com/ACWS
The History Channel Club: www.historychannelclub.com
ACWS 2014 Calendar of Events Sponsored and Supported Events
Dates are subject to change, but not more than a week or so.
Date Event Name Sponsor Sponsored or
Supported Location
January 18-19 15th Annual IVLHA Live Fire IVLHA/ACWS Sponsored Seeley
January 25-26 Yuma Quartermaster Depot IVLHA Supported Yuma, AZ
February 8 Lincoln Shrine Living History Indie/ACWS Sponsored Redlands
February 15-17 Calico Civil War Days ACWS Sponsored Yermo
March 15-16 St. Catherine’s Reenactment
& Living History ACWS/WA Sponsored Anaheim
March 15-16 Picacho Peak, AZ Arizona Supported Picacho Peak, AZ
April 5-6 Prado Park SCCWA Supported Chino
April 19-20 or May 4-5 TBD
Fairview Park ACWS Sponsored Costa Mesa
Apr 26-27 BSA Camp Out BSA SG Support Monrovia
April TBD 150th Wilderness/Mule Shoe Unk Virginia
July 5-6 Old Fort MacArthur Days FMHA Supported San Pedro
August 16-17 Fort Tejon Invitational FTHA Supported Lebec
September 20-21 Drum Barracks Living History Drum Brks Supported Wilmington
October 4-5 Helendale ACWS Sponsored Helendale
Oct 25-26 Spring Mountain Ranch
(150th Anv NV State) ACWS/SNLHA Sponsored Las Vegas, NV
Nov 11 Reagan Library Vet Day Library Supported Simi Valley
December 6-7 Drum Barracks Christmas
Theme Event Drum Brks Supported Wilmington
December 13 Christmas Party (TENT) Newlin House Sponsored Huntington Beach
January 2015 16th Annual Live Fire Invitational IVLHA/ACWS Sponsored Seeley
April 2015 150th Anniversary of
Lee’s Surrender TBD Support Appomattox, VA
Other events of interest during the year:
Fort Tejon – 3 Sunday of the Month, May, June October?? Specific Date TBD, once FTHA makes decision. Tall Ships – request went out to Paul DeNubilo--no response yet as to if it will happen.
150th Anniversary Events Back East – Spotsylvania/Muleshoe is ‘biggest’ one from my local contact. 2nd choice might
be Cedar Creek, mid-October. 150th Anniversary Event Back South – Capture and destruction of Camp Moore, La. Note, reenactment held on site of
Camp Moore.
15 | P a g e
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Ad Space For Sale $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
If you are a vendor and want to reach every ACWS member 6 times a year and not just at an event, then this
could be a cost effective place for you.
You provide the copy and pictures you wish to display. We will be selling space based on the size of your
ad and the number of times you run it. You may buy a 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 or even a full page and change the copy
each cycle of the newsletter. All art and copy must be sent to the Editor 45 days before the edition in which
you want it to be published. Your check for the run of your ad must be received 30 days before the first
cycle of the newsletter in which you want it to be published. The editor reserves the right to refuse all or
part of an ad, and you will be notified of changes to or if your ad is rejected for publishing.
Advertising fees as of 10/1/2013
Frequency
Full Page
Cost/Issue
Half Page
Cost/Issue
Quarter Page
Cost/Issue
Eighth Page
Cost/Issue
1 Issue $ 40.00 $ 30.00 $ 25.00 $ 20.00
2 - 5 Issues $ 30.00 $ 25.00 $ 20.00 $ 15.00
Year - 6 Issues $ 25.00 $ 20.00 $ 15.00 $ 10.00
For Members wanting to place non-commercial “Want Ads” or “For Sale” ads, there is no charge. Be sure
to include a description of the item, sale price, and contact information. So if you have any equipment or
clothing that is not being used and is taking up space for new items, take this opportunity to let members
know that you have something to sell.
***** FOR SALE by MEMBER ****
I am selling the following tent:
20' x 24' Panther Primatives Wall Tent
6' Wall for Tent
Medium Green Braid on Standard Scallops
20'x24' Sod Cloth
12'x20' Ground Cloth
Set Up Package for 20'x24' Tent. This includes all poles, ropes, stakes, etc.
Bought in 12/2004 and setup 4 - 5 times
Price $900.00 if you come to San Diego and provide the muscle. Up to $1200.00 if I deliver and provide the
muscle. Deliveries will only be made within Southern California (San Diego, Imperial, Orange, Riverside,
San Bernandino to Barstow and Los Angeles Counties.)
Email me at [email protected]
or call (619) 838-3272 - leave a message
David Delgadillo
