1st
Sgt. Sounds Off
This is the first of what, hopefully, will be a regular feature in RT. The intent is to instruct and inform…just like what sergeants do in the "real" Army. I would welcome the input of any and all members as to subjects that they feel will be helpful to the safety and accuracy of our impression. Many of these columns will be re-visiting old issues and concerns. I ask that all the "old guys" remember that these issues need to be covered again & again for all the new guys. The best time to review & reinforce all of our safety procedures is before we have an accident.
The first issue that I'd like to cover is the safe handling of gunpowder. We have effectively addressed smoking in camp by restricting that activity to the campfire area. Whenever we are going through the load procedure, the attention of the #2 and #5 to ground themselves on the iron tire of the piece is stressed, but have we given the same emphasis to handling this most volatile substance every where else we have it stored or being handled? Static electricity can build up whenever and wherever we are…especially when we are wearing wool. #'s 6 & 7 should also ground themselves by touching the tires on the limber when we are "fighting out of the limber chest". Taking care to discharge that static can very well prevent an accident. This is to be strongly emphasized during the making of rounds. According to one powder manufacturer, this can be a major concern when we are using powder in bulk because of the black powder dust inherently present in the air as soon as the plastic bag of powder is opened. This manufacturer strongly recommends the use of ground straps and alligator clips whenever we are making rounds! Black powder is one of the most powerful substances ever invented by man. If we consider the quantities with which we necessarily have to deal, exercising the best and safest procedures can prevent a bad day for us all. In my opinion, being safe conscience does not hinder anyone's enjoyment of our hobby…it enhances it.
Where is everyone? That was the question of the weekend up at Gettysburg during the Living History for the National Park Service. This was one weekend when we had all the horses we needed to pull two guns and demonstrate to a LARGE and appreciative public, but only enough people to crew one gun showed up. There were more people at any one of the five demonstrations we did than at any weekend's worth of demos we've ever done. Many thanks to all whom could make it! Living History events are perfect times for us to (here comes the word) drill and polish our impression ad, at the same time, share our knowledge and unique presence with the public. There are plenty of responsibilities that can keep any of us from being able to attend events, but please remember we miss you when you can't come.
1st Sgt. Slifer
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Colfax
We are getting very good at having a great time! July's training session this year proves it. Capt Stanley wanted the horses he bought down to be worked before the weekend began and there were a few miscellaneous things needed to be tended to as well. Dirk Lamberston and John Stewart went out ahead of time to work the horses with the Captain.
Both the horses and the drivers got some great experience; however, Dirk got more of a workout than he expected! Seems the Captain needed a little help on cleaning some trails for the tactical on Saturday. The Oliver came out of the barn as did various axes and a chain saw. After a day of cutting and cropping and attempting to avoid poison ivy, I am glad to announce that the road infrastructure of Colfax, NC has been greatly improved. Now, I don't know about driving a tank down those roads, but I do know that you can drive a section of artillery down them.
Ed Rhew, Ranny Frye, and Emmanuel May started cooking Saturday morning; while the rest of us started training by marching, formations, gun drill, saddling horses, trying Billy and Bud in harness and pulling the gun for the 1st time. Then we ate a light lunch of sandwiches provided by our ladies and afterwards, we were ready for the tactical. This, for me, was a real learning experience. Joe Silfer took a gun crew, manly-manly infantry, and some musket-sling Amazon warriors to guard a river crossing. This is the first time we used our Dragoons and they got a workout. Talk all you want about Dragoons being a commander's eyes and ears. I saw, first hand how important they are. Joe had his infantry out; however, we didn't know where their location. When you're uncertain where infantry protection is, it's hard to position yourself to win a tactical. No one wants to lose! So, a cat and mouse game started that got real exciting as it went on. The question
was, "Where's Joe and his infantry?" A section of guns and the Dragoons started out. The Dragoons continually checked our front and flanks as we moved on. Then news came in from the Dragoons that the cannon had been sighted; but they did not see the infantry. It was time for the Dragoons to earn their pay by finding that infantry and not letting us ride into a trap. As one of our brave (whoa, horse) Dragoons rode forward searching for the enemy, and Amazon warrior shot him dead with superior marksmanship. He had found the infantry by losing his life. He was later identified as Cpl. Moose.
We split the section and moved forward, more shots from our front. I know that having my field glasses would have helped... wished I had'em with me. Capt. Stanley's gun started to fire and the gun guarding the river crossing returns his fire. I still received fire from infantry and couldn't see them. Dragoons came forward to search for the enemy.
Sure enough, they were found and a nice firefight began. But, Joe's infantry was cagey in that they fired and moved, fired and moved again. One Dragoon dismounted his horse and snuck through the woods to determine the source of fire. He was
spott ed by the feather in his hat and was shot at.
Sgt. Lankford, I believe, was his name.
Our gallant Captain then rode into the fight. I held his horse as he asked if anyone had a pistol that he could use. He obtained one and was off. We heard a pistol shot, then fire from a rifle, then two more pistol shots.... then silence. Was our Captain dead? We advanced like dogs unleashed, firing at the infantry that had been discovered. We pushed the gun forward firing canister in the enemy. With two guns pouring canister into them, they were forced to yield their position. We later saw our Captain discussing the battle with one of the Amazon warriors. He told her that her shot was not fatal because it was not a
chest shot. On the contrary, it was a clear and fatal shot, said she...and "I wasn't shooting at your heart either!" Hmmm. With the tactical successfully ended, we made our way back to find that a fine supper was ready to eat. The party started with smoked pig, BBQ chicken and Italian sausage, hot peppers that made your eyes water and
delectables from all the ladies. Delicious peach cobbler was also served with homemade ice cream. John Glaze, adventurer, survivor and storyteller provided entertainment.
1st Lt. Stewart
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I keep saying that I can't believe how time is flying by so quickly. In just one week we will all be gathering at Chancellorsville for this year's
mega-event (
