Zollicoffer

Brothers,


From my humble Point of view...

Positives:

Lads, I always hit the last event of the Fall Campaign season with mixed emotions. I love the hobby. If time & funds permitted, I would probably spend more weekends in the field than home. I particularly love the fall season, leaving the heat & looking forward to Christmas. I hate going into winter camps. This particular fall season was especially trying. Having started so well at August drill, then to opt out of Farb Fest & miss JEB, well, Zollicoffer was going to have to be a wing-ding of a time to make up for it all...

Going into the event, discouraged & getting a little cynical, I've got to tell you- this past weekend was a God Send to me. This type of event is what they Hobby should be about. This was the first time we had appeared , but Pappy treated us like family. I have been to an awful lot of events, & I will testify that I can only remember a handful where we were visited so often by the host. It is a testimony to the decency of a man, who beset with the myriad headaches of running an event, would look to the comfort of a few scruffy artillerymen.

When I arrived late Friday night, the weather was a major negative. I tried to walk into the camp & promptly sunk to mu ankles-never a good sign. Soft ground almost always equals bad events. But, to my surprise, even that turned into a plus. When Pappy asked the units not to drive into the owner's pastures, the reenactors treated the man's farm with respect. I look back on events where the rednecks with 4-wheel drive trucks destroyed fields- not here. Further, money was collected to help the host repair the unavoidable damage of going in & unpacking. This element of kindness & class was once the norm in the hobby. It has been missing in South Carolina the last couple of years & was awfully good to see.

It was good to camp & fight alongside our brothers in the 3rd US. The measure of a battery is not how much or how big it's ordinance. It is not how many men who flock to their colors. The true measure of a battery is the professionalism of its men, reflected in their Esprit' & determination to win. I would rather have the 3rd covering my back than any battery in the hobby. Their generosity, friendship & camaraderie humbles me. Once again, it is what the hobby should be.

We went into the fight with a small crew. Further, we had new men in the mix. As such, Saturday morning was spent at drill. It is impossible to learn the many tasks expected of our marines, but Ben threw into it with Gusto. By battle time, if not up to our usual level of performance, we were as ready as we could get.

Fighting in the cold/light snow was cool (pun intended). Within a few moments, the combined fire of Columbia & the 3rd US had suppressed the Federal Artillery. This left us to the task of harvesting the souls of the Federal Infantry. But, before we could really reap the efforts of our labor, the Federal mounted Cavalry became a nuisance. We were forced to work as Marine Infantry to keep them off the guns. This in itself is no big deal- it ain't our 1st rodeo & we have dealt with mounted before. But, these troopers were made of stouter stuff then the horsemen we usually brush off. They kept coming back. We were forced to split our team, & our rate of fire languished.

It was to get worse. The mounted were soon reinforced by The 2nd NC Mounted Infantry. If the mounted were a pestilence, Captain Smitty's troopers were an actual threat. Our position was exposed, & we lacked the manpower to properly defend it. A quick war council was held, & the decision was made (if we could get the nearby infantry company to also move forward) to attack.

Now, all this narrative leads up to a point- the attack quickly bogged down. The dismounted Cav. Are tough cookies; the mounted had a good deal of grit also. We were stalemated. Here is where the value of our brothers showed its worth- the 3rd, seeing the jam we had gotten ourselves into, advanced their gun up to the infantry line & began to give direct fire support. This, (& the fact that the 2nd had burned up most of the rounds) got things moving.

What followed, was greatly encouraging to me... The Marine ethic kicked in. You lads, with a very minimum of any direction moved out & took the fight to the enemy. You skirmished well, you advanced aggressively. You reacted correctly & without orders to Federal Counter attack. The new man & the attached troop caught the fever. You made me proud.

After the fight, the usual Saturday functions occurred- weapons were cleaned, ammo was redistributed, we bragged, told lies & considered ourselves invincible. It was a good feeling. Chow was great- Matt makes a mean stew, bread, cheese- it was a feast for kings. I though it couldn't get any better- but then our brothers & sisters in the 2nd NCMI brought Venison Chili & warm potato Salad. My God...

Sunday's battle was, if less demanding, still a rippin good time. We fired over 20 rounds & still could not exhaust our ammunition.

My compliments to Captain Gardo for his handling of the gun, 1st Sergeant Bohland for his hard work preparing our “shiney's” for battle, & all of our membership who took the time from their lives to be present (By the way Dan, you make a wicked good fire).

My humble thanks to the 2nd NCMI & the 3rd US Regulars for their brotherhood & camaraderie- it is good to have family.

Opportunities
Our numbers are too small. There are too many empty seats at the fire We actually made one event this season (this) & we can't get but 5 guys?

Your Obedient Servant,

Duke

2011 Campaign Schedule

Obviously this will be updated as more information becomes available...

Tentative schedule for RE 2011




January TBD- Gun Maintenance



Feb TBD- Furman Camp of Cadet Instruction



Mar 4-6 Broxton Bridge



Mar 26-27 Harmon Field



April- Hopkins Farm?



April/early May Drill TBA



June 4-5 Hot Springs



July Independence Day Celebration



Aug TBD Gun Maintenance



Sept TBD- Furman Camp of Cadet Instruction



Oct TBD JEB Stuart. Battle of Oconee

Zollicoffer

Brothers:

Per Captain Smith:

Reminder, no Saturday evening meal, each camp is fending for itself. I suspect there will be loads of "lets visit leftovers"! Don't depend on a sutler being there, last year was Wheel and Saber and if you buy from her, it is throwing good money away on junk.




Couple of maps attached. Basically take I-26 from Asheville to 11E-19W to Bluff City.





Time Mile Instruction For Toward

Summary: 75.6 miles (1 hour, 23 minutes)

9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Asheville on US-25 [Broadway St] (North-West) 164 yds

9:00 AM 0.1 Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-240 [US-70] 1.0 mi S-74-Alt / I-240 / US-70

9:01 AM 1.1 Turn RIGHT onto Ramp 0.2 mi US-19 / US-23 / US-70 / Weaverville

9:01 AM 1.3 Road name changes to US-19 [US-23] 18.0 mi

9:22 AM 19.3 At exit 9, road name changes to I-26 [Liston B Ramsey Fwy] 43.4 mi

9:32 AM 28.6 Entering Tennessee

10:04 AM 62.7 At exit 20B, take Ramp (RIGHT) onto US-11E [US-19W] 9.9 mi US-11E / US-19W / Roan St

10:16 AM 72.6 Take Local road(s) (RIGHT) onto US-19E [SR-37] 0.3 mi

10:16 AM 72.9 Turn LEFT (North-East) onto SR-44 [Bluff City Hwy] 1.7 mi

10:19 AM 74.6 Turn RIGHT (South-East) onto SR-44 [Fleming Dr] 0.1 mi

10:20 AM 74.7 Turn LEFT (North-East) onto SR-44 [W Main St] 0.3 mi

10:20 AM 75.0 At near Bluff City, turn RIGHT (South) onto Carter St 0.4 mi

10:22 AM 75.4 Road name changes to Old Elizabethton Hwy 0.2 mi

10:23 AM 75.6 Arrive 527 Old Elizabethton Hwy, Bluff City, TN 37618



SUMMARY

Driving distance: 75.6 miles

Trip duration: 1 hour, 23 minutes

Driving time: 1 hour, 23 minutes

Cost: $5.60

Christmas Parade/Holiday Meal

Brothers,

 We will be marching in the Columbus NC Christmas Parade Saturday Dec 18th. Our Holiday meal to follow. While I know it is near the Holiday, I encourage all to attend. We will march Federal (To match Smitty's lads) Let me know your intentions ASAP

Details as I have them: From Captain Smith
Somewhere along the line, my brain overloaded. In case I haven't sent anything, it is Columbus NC, 18 December, they want us in line at 3:30, but with as few ingress and egress routes, I'd suggest by 2:30-2:45 myself. I will be riding, along with a few other folks, but if you can make it up, I'll get my foot soldiers in gear to fall in with you and we could make for a strong presence.




Let me know a headcount and I'll send in the form.

Paki- Trade Goods

To all:




I am sending a Paki order out in Mid November- should have items back in time for spring campaign season. I will do a little sutlering on the side next year… If any of you are looking for trade goods let me know- Drop me an e-mail, I’ll quote you a discounted price…



Regards,

Duke

Zollicoffer

Brothers,




Our last scheduled action for the season is Zollicoffer. (Nov 6-8)

I would much rather finish the year on a positive note. I have two definite gunners- I need two more to schedule.

Let me know in the next couple of days.



Y.O.S.

Duke

The Grim Winter Before US...

To all- I gave up on posting the blog at Living History Worldwide it was too cumbersome.

Brothers,


This weekend’s event at JEB Stuart was an absolute disaster. For those who don’t know, my truck broke down outside of Easley, & we could not get the gun up to Virginia. I spent the better part of Friday night on the phone & e-mail contacting the people we let down.

I have come to a couple of conclusions:

1) We are (to quote General John Gordon), “Fought to a Frazzle”. Our manpower is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the battery.

2) I have always said if we can’t field a gun crew, we won’t go… well, gentlemen, we are at that point. However, I have always felt (& still do) that we are a brotherhood. What we do & where we go will be up to us- together. It is not brotherly and/or fair for ME to decide the events. The best way I figure this is as follows:

A) I will poste events on the blog site at least 60 days prior.

B) You contact me either via the blog, Face Book, e-mail, phone of snail-mail. If I get a full crew (4 guys) within 30 days of the event- we go. If not we don’t.

C) I can no longer rely on my truck to haul the gun long distances. I will pull to Harmon Field, Hopkins Farm, etc any long range events (Hot Springs, JEB, Gettysburg, etc) either Dan or Creely will have to pull. If they can’t, we can’t take the gun. If the gun can’t go, I will check with Smitty to see if he can use some Marine sharpshooters.

D) Do not rely on rumor mills, if you have a question regarding whether or not we are attending an event, call me!

E) I need a contact list with phone numbers of everyone we usually work with.

The ultimate solution is to increase our manpower. We need troopers- If you have suggestions, I will certainly entertain them.

Your Obedient Servant,

Duke

Hot Springs

Gentlemen,
 I need a head count for Hot Springs ASAP.

Thanks you!
Duke

Attention to Orders

Hard Copy to follow in E-Mail.

Provisional Army of the Confederacy


1st South Carolina Artillery Battalion

Columbia Flying Artillery/ 1st Michigan Light Artillery



Battalion Headquarters 29 April 2010

Occupied Cross Hill SC



Special Order 4/2010



The Battalion Safety SOP is amended as follows:



1) Rapid Fire of cannon is prohibited.

2) Gun drill is amended as follows:

A) Wet sponging procedure is changed. The gun crewmember wet sponging will spend a full 10 seconds after touching the breach sponging out embers.

B) Dry sponging procedure is changed. The gun crewmember dry sponging will spend a full 10 seconds after touching the breach sponging out embers.

C) Ramming the round procedure is changed. The gunner ramming home the charge will remain in the “safe area” for a full 10-second interval before touching the rammer.

3) The Gun Commander (Gunner) will insure that a full 2 minutes has elapsed between discharge of the gun & the beginning of the next loading cycle. Further, he will insure that a full 3 minutes elapses between firing & reloading of the piece. This is to be timed & adhered to!

4) The Gun Commander will handle each round as the powder runner brings it up. He will check the powder end for proper overlap & sealing of the round.

5) Gun Drill is not optional. It is to be conducted each day we fire.

Please direct any questions to Major Kateman or myself.



By Order of The Commander,





__________________________

Richard “Duke” Bohland

Major (CS), Commanding

Waxhaw

Gentlemen,
 Waxhaw event May 15-16.
Round rolling May 12th- Meet at Bojangles Easley 1830 Hrs

Regards,
Duke

Sawdust

Brother Creely,
 We have exausted our supply of sawdust. If possible, could you get some more from the woodshop?
Regards,
Duke

Round Rolling

We will roll rounds for Simpsonville on Wed 24 April. Site: Dan's, Time 1800 Hrs- meat @ Bojangles for chicken gorge preceding...

Regards,
Duke

Oh Too Bad!

The first two of the '42 Springfields have arrived (without locks which I have been told will come with the 3rd musket).
 The dammed things are georgous. (These are not guns- they are art)


I wish I could have one. I am going to save my quarters & make another order as soon as possible....
 
:(
 
Duke

Upcoming items...

The gun trailer needs some immediate attention. As such, we will work on it Saturday March 20th. 12 noon till done. Dinner to follow.

As we will be getting filmed @ Harmon Field, look to your uniforms. Ben, you will be in command of the CSMC sharpshooters supporting Columbia. Call me.
 I will be late Saturday (Harmon Field). Harve will command in my absence.
Regards,
Duke

Schedule Updates

Brothers,
 Current schedule as of 21 February

February 26th - 28th: Battle of Broxton's Bridge; Ehrhardt, SC- Federal Infantry


March 25th-28th Harmon Field Tryon NC Confederate Artillery/Marine

April 23rd - 25th: Raid on Hopkins Farm; Simpsonville, SC -Federal Artillery

April 30th - May 2nd: Cross Keys House Living History/Reenactment; Union, SC Home Guard

June 4th-6th Hot Springs- Federal Artillery

August TBD Summer Regimental Drill/Night Tactical Hell's Hole SC

September 17th-19th: Allison Woods Living History/Reenactment; Statesville, NC

Patch Puller

Somebody (Anybody)

Please bring a patch puller to Furman-

I;ve got a cleaning patch stuck in the 'Bess :(

Regards,
Duke

oVER sEA'S tRADE gOODS

Brothers,
Given the current economic climate in the United States, I have decided to hibernate my sutler enterprise (that is not to say I won't turn a couple of dollars if the opportunity arises).
I still have connections with my Pakistani suppliers & I can (& will) go back into business when the time is right..

In the meantime, I am willing to make two orders per year, one in Feb/March & one in August. If you need trade goods I will include your items with any I am ordering with the following caviots:

1. You understand that Pakistan is a 3rd world country. Further, it is a country at war. The Paki's don't have a tank in their parking lot this week. Next week they might. Any money you spend is at risk. I believe they are honorable & will try to do the right thing. But they may not. I hold NO responsibility for your investment.

2. Pakistan is a 3rd world country (see above). They might get the order done in 4 weeks, it might take 6 months. I have NO control over it. I will tell you when the order has been placed, & when it clears customs. I won't check on it, worry over it, or pursue refunds. Don't ask me. If this becomes a pain in my ass, I won't do it.

3. Double check your order before you give it to me. Make me read it back to you. Be sure I understand what you want. If it comes the wrong size, I can't return it for a refund (see # 1 above).

4. I don't have shipping rates yet, I will confirm how much per # before we order. You must pay shipping on your goods, before I release them.

Regards,
Duke

Work Drill

Sunday Work Drill Start Time has been moved to 12 noon. We only need to prepare for Furman.
See 'Ya There

The new motivational Poster...

Work Drill

Brothers,

To prepare for the early season events, there will be a work drill Sunday 07 February. We will begin at 11am & work till 5 or so… Dinner afterwards.

Y.O.S.
Duke

Furman

Gentlemen,

Per the request of Furman University, Cadet Camp of Instruction is scheduled for 1400 hours, 20 February 2010. All Cadre (instructors) need to be on the ground no later that 1300 hrs.
Needless to say, all weapons are to be clean, serviceable, & ready for inspection.
Any questions please address to Harve or myself.

Y.O.S.
Duke

Broxton's Bridge

Brothers,
We need to do some work to prepare for Broxton's Bridge. We will be the Federal Artillery. We are also expected to provide some infantry. As such this is a MAXIMUM EFFORT event.

We need to roll 40 artillery rounds + about 100 rounds per man for muskets- When do you want to do it?

Regards,
Duke

Event Dates

Brothers,
There has been some confusion regarding event dates. Here is the most current info I have:
event dates as follows:
Feb 27-28 is Broxton's Bridge. This is a maximum effort event.
March 27-28 Harmon Field (Tryon NC)
April 10-11 Movie filming-Green River Plantation
April 17-18 Movie filming Green River Plantation
May 15-16 Wilson's Store (Waxhaw NC)
June 5-6 Hot Springs NC

Lieutenant, Gardo, please contact me.

Y.O.S
Duke

Drill

Drill is still on for Saturday. Figure on starting 11:30-Noonish. I have to work- won't be there until about 1-1:30.

Dress: Warmth is the key. However, bring your wool coat to wear when on the front of the gun (Should something untoward happen, I don't want to be cutting melted polyester off anyone... )

Also, bring Musket & leathers; we need to brush up on infantry drill.
Remember Dues are due. Saturday would be a good day to take care of it.
Dinner afterwards, any suggestions?
Regards,
Duke

Notes...

Brothers,
A couple of notes:

1st, Sportsman's Guide has a decent looking Brogan= Cheap, Cheap, Cheap

WX2-164483 Men's R.J. Colt® Derek Chukkas

Next (& more importantly)
Master Chris Givens has requested re-admission to the battery/regiment.
Per our agreement at the October buisness meeting, Captain Katemen & I met with him, & he has been re-admitted as a probationary member effective 02 January 2010.

Your Obedient Servant
Duke

Aiken

I need to know who is going to Aiken ASAP