Train Robbery, Again!!

October 1oth
Yet another train robbery. Look at the soldier nearest to us. He was impaled by a sword!
Once again Mosby's raiders and the Federal army met. I "turned on the blond switch" for this event, trying to confuse the Rebels. Thank goodness the surgeon had something to help my nerves!

Catching Up!

September 5th
Once again, the 15th Alabama and the Third Maine clashed at the Portland Narrow Gauge Museum. As always The Federals made every attempt to keep the payroll and dispatches from Mosby's men. This included having patrons sit on the dispatch case. One of the runs, we hid ladies under garments in the payroll box while the money stayed in my basket. Imagine the Captain Pratt's face when he opened the box! I did manage to convince him that the paper money in my basket was from the sale of my farm.

September 19th
The Third Maine spent the day at the Willowbrook Museum. It was a beautiful day and there were many visitors. The highlight was when I was accused of following a man. It's my fault of course for going unescorted to the necessary. Thankfully "Uncle Dick and 2 other privates, spoke to the man and he did indeed apologize for the insult.

Happily I have discovered that Nonpareils are period correct chocolate!

Ft Knox July 2009

Ft Knox 2009
Ashley and I traveled to Ft Knox Maine for a Civil War Event. Arriving Friday, it was raining and looked like it could be a bad weekend.





Saturday was glorious! The sun was out, there was a breeze, only the mid-seventies and the Rebels won the battle. How could it get better then that?


Reading the latest news. Harper's Weekly 1862




The fort was captured by the Rebels for a brief time on Saturday. We ladies took a tour of the Fort. Frankly the place is a little creepy. Where is Ghost Hunters when you need them?

Norlands Washburn Center June 5-6 2009

June 6, 1864
My Dear Brother Michael,
It has been almost a year since I lost received a letter from you. You said you were at Brandy Station at the time. I fear for the worst, dear brother. Are you a prisoner in a Northern camp somewhere? Are you amongst the wounded?
I am still traveling with Uncle Dick who is attached to the Third Maine Infantry, Company A. But for him and Aunt Marcia, I would be on the streets with no where to go. After the battles of ‘62 near our Maryland farm, I had no choice but to leave the land. I hope to return there when this war is over and rebuild what remains of the farmhouse and barns. We are located on the Winchester farm near the Paumunkey River in Virginia. Here I am staying in a small group of people in an area called Unity. There is a group of Federal troops to the East and a group of Rebels to the south. Friday night we arrived and set up camp before dark. Ashley was with me, Ben staying in the North near his school. It was quite cold that night, 45 degrees. There was little sleep to be had with the arrival of late comers. A babe cried late into the night. Saturday I was told to be in the military camp at 6 am for breakfast. Chef Bray had hung a stuffed squirrel on the tent pole.


More then one person mistook the animal as being alive as the wind made its tail move. Others were convinced it was dinner.


Later in the morning, the ladies had a fashion show. It was quite shocking but very entertaining to watch Mrs Lawson clothe her dress form. There was a tea in the town square, many attended and had it not been for Mrs Cylik and Mrs Lawson and most especially Mrs Williams, all would not have been served.

During the afternoon, there was a battle with many wounded.

I feared one might be you so I snuck across the lines to the Confederate Hospital. There was a gallant surgeon tending the wounded.



The 15th Alabama’s Captain was wounded and his wife came to his side. Only the skill of the surgeon saved him. Later I went to the Sutlers in Unity and purchased a shirt for Ben. Dinner was a ham and bean supper in town followed by a Contra dance. My cousin, Private Steve Henry escorted me. The strain of the battle filled day wore on me, leaving me too tired for the festivities. The night proved cold again, though not as bad as the previous one.
I once again ate with the Third Maine. At 10 am there were church services in town. Captain Lawson marched the men into town and ordered them to attend.

Having seen some of the men's actions, I certainly agreed with the Captain’s insistence in going for their moral character. The services was well done but towards the end of the service, the men in blue were called to arms and forced to leave before the end. Once again there was a battle in the after noon and once again I crossed the lines to the Rebel hospital tents.


When I arrived I notice there were 2 Third Maine men laying wounded. They had been treated but were in need of comfort. I gave them water and reassurance, offering them laudanum from my basket. Dearest brother, at that moment a Rebel Captain tried to steal my basket. Keeping it from him I again turned to help the boys in blue. To my utter shock and surprise I heard a woman’s voice to tell me to step away from my basket! I nearly fainted! She accused me of being a spy for the Union, Another Rebel office riffled through my basket, reading the letter you sent me from Brandy Station and finding the Union pin that I wear. I was escorted at gunpoint to a tent and told to wait. To my utter relief I was left alone long enough to take my basket and run. I ran to the nearest union soldier I could find, explaining what happened. The kind man said he would see to the Union wounded and sent me to the Third Maine Camp. There I found my Uncle and Mrs Cylik. I was given a firm lecture on going unescorted into town. A few hours later, the troops gathered and we marched off to find a new camp. I hope and pray you are well, Michael. Please write to me so that my heart can be calmed. Yours always, Your sister.

Norlands Movie

Camp Pratt May 2009

Once again it is that time of year for the 15th Alabama, Camp of Instruction. Time for us to dig out the gear, air out the tent and head over to Farmington, ME...er Alabama...yeah yeah that's it, The Fifteenth Alabama infantry Fort Mitchell in 1861!

We had some of the usual faces, and a few new ones too. Oddly one had a USA belt buckle...Captain Pratt assured me it was a trophy of war. (I think I will keep an eye on him just the same). Benjamin was the new Aide-de-Camp for our Captain since he was too young to carry a fire arm. Corpl Laiche wore a Zuave uniform with pants big enough for the entire unit to use as a tent.

Preparing for an event

People have asked me how I prepare for an event, what do I pack. Well, I always seem to pack too much! Ultimately it depends on the weather, the length/type of event and what persona I am portraying.

Packing for a Parade: This is easy...well...unless it is a winter parade. My last winter parade was in December 2007. The temperature was 17 to 19 degrees. That was indeed my last winter parade unless Abe Lincoln comes and invites me! Packing for a warmer weather parade includes a basket with needed personal items. (water, money, etc). I take my parasol to protect me from the sun or rain.

Packing for a Gala: Besides the ball gown and underpinnings, I have to bring a selection of hair decor and jewelry.

Packing for the Train Robbery: A basket with needed personal items. Food & Water. I bring medical looking items such as "blood stained" bandages, "morphine " tablets (actually breath mints) and the ever present knitting needle for removing bullets.

Packing for a Day Encampment: This is where the over packing starts and it really depends on what is going on. If I can avoid it, I don't bring my tent and all the fixings for it. I usually pack a chair, a crate with period childrens items, food and water for the day. My table and portable desk with books and letters. I take items from my "brother" and depending on the persona, supporting information for that as well. I like to bring knitting to keep my hands busy. It's also fun to take a period newspaper to read to others at the events.

Packing for Weekend: Firstly, I'm a wimp, as a result I stay in hotels at night so there is packing for that. I pack everything for a Day encampment plus the tent, bed, quilt, mini barrel, dishes, lantern. etc. Even though I don't usually sleep in the field, I want my tent to look as I do. (See my blog on Antietam for the one night I slept in the field!). Whether it is in Maine or at a national event the list is the same. I actually bought a chamber pot for the next over night I do so I don't have to trek to the bathroom at night.

So, packing takes at least an hour or so, depending on the event.

Last summer, I attended an event with a re-enactor who had chosen to downsize everything. From what I was told, he used to take all the perifinalia. At the event, he only had what he could carry. A blanket, cup, plate and a few toiletries. Just what fit in his back pack. He slept on the ground with just the blanket. For me the idea is tempting but the reality? I'll stick with motels!

Multiple Personalities

Many of the ladies who re-enact have multiple impressions that they "perform" during re-enactments. Each persona has their own background and behavior. I have decided that I would share my multiple personalities. Most are done whether I am Union or Rebel that day.

The Company Seamstress: The clue to this persona is that I have my tent and there is a sign on it reading "Seamstress". The funniest part of this is that I don't machine sew very well at all.
My "brother" Michael is in the unit I work for but is usually a prisoner of war. I usually have letters from him in my tent. Most import is that the Seamstress is true to the company and not a spy. Hey, come to think of it, there are a few privates that owe me money for sewing I have done!



Private Bergeron's Wife: I am a camp follower because we lost our farm when the private joined the war. He is never seen around camp because he is on picket duty or in the brig for drinking and gambling. I am not a spy.




Maryland Bible Society Member: This lady tires to ensure that the boys receive religious guidance and enters camp handing out cards or pamphlets. The truth is that she is a spy and is actually seeking information on where the troop is going. She also is the cousin of Rose Greenhow the Washington DC spy for the Confederacy. I only do this persona when I am with the Union. I have letters from Rose in my basket along with maps of the Railroads.


Sanitary Commission Member: Dressed as a local lady, I visit the local Union camp and inspect it. I have only done this once with the other ladies and it was sooo much fun!


Train Patron: This is the most fun and challenging persona because at these events both my companies are represented and fighting each other. Usually I am pro union and have some knowledge if healing skills. I use my knitting needles to remove bullets and have "morphine" tablets (Altoids actually) to help those in pain. I try to be nice to my Rebels too though they always outnumber the union at these events.


Well that's it, that generally what I do. I am planning another persona for the next national event. I will be dressed as a man and go onto the battle field with a first aid kit, Ice and water. Anyone got an AED I could borrow?

Rations

The original Federal ration, in 1861 was:

3/4 lb of salt pork or bacon or 1 1/4 lb of salt beef
1 1/4 lb of fresh bread or 3/4 lb of hardtack or 1 1/4 lb of cornmeal
2 1/2 oz dried peas or beans
1 1/2 oz coffee or 1/4 oz tea
2 1/2 oz sugar
1 1/4 oz vinegar
1/2 oz of salt
2 in cube of dessicated vegetables

In 1863 the ration was changed:
increased to 1 lb for hardtack
coffee beans were specified to be 10 lbs of _green_ beans
added 1/10 oz of pepper
added 1/3 lb of fresh potatoes
added 1/3 oz molasses

In addition, each regiment was supposed to have a fund of money to buy
fresh food, but that only worked if there was fresh food available in
the area.

The Confederacy adopted the exact same standard ration. Because of
resources, however, they issued more cornmeal than hardtack or soft
bread, almost no coffee or tea, and were often short on quantity for
everything.

(Thanks to Miss Carolyn for supplying me with this)

Labor Day Weekend On the Train

A small but sturdy group turned out for the Labor Day Weekend train event.
The day started with 4 against 3. As always it was most enjoyable!

After lunch, One of the Southern belles was kidnapped as a "nurse". By the next train run, she
had disappeared and oddly there was a new soldier in their ranks.




Our last train of the day was had 150 Koreans on board. Few spoke English but all seemed to enjoy the shoot out and Cousin Steve's corpse. Many took pictures with us even posing with Steve as he lay there pretending to be dead!

Confederates at Fort Knox!

For the first time I was 100% confederate at an event that involved the public. At Gettysburg the Blue and Gray were separated so there was not a lot of interaction for civilians, not in the true sense of being a person of the time. At the train events I go with the underdog, which is always the North. But at Ft Knox there was no question, I was a lady of succession, trying to get information from the 2oth Maine to give to the 15th Alabama.

The encampment had a beautiful view of the Penobscott Narrows bridge. We were on the eastern side of the fort overlooking Battery A. The Yankees were stationed in the fort itself. I visited their camp twice on Saturday, once before the battle (they won). I was invited back by a fiddler player who was willing to tune my dulcimer. When I returned with the instrument he used an electronic tuner and I was able to sit a spell with one of the men who enjoyed singing songs of the period. He knew many of them and even sang the first verse of a Rebel song or two.

During the Saturday skirmish, one of the privates was "wounded" and once again I was required to remove a bullet with my knitting needle.

Our Historian Taking Pictures

Sunday, there was another battle (we won!). No knitting needle required for the Southern Gentleman. One thing I learned about the Rebels, is that I have a lot to learn about the confederacy. Another thing I learned is that a lot of people thing the Civil war was just about slavery. Had I not been aware of the ongoing issue of state's rights as far back as when the country was formed, I would most likely think that it was all about slavery too.

(pictures to be posted once they are sent to me)

Gettysburg 2008 Part 4

My Confederate Day Continued...

Battle: "The Devil's to Pay", First Day Struggle at Willoughby Run

Tracy and I, despite the light rain, decided to watch the battle from the Union side near the bleachers. Overall a very good site to watch the battle. While there we met a photographer from National Geographic. He took alot of pictures (not of us) and told us to check the NG web site for the pictures later this month.



The battle was amazing! Just the size and organization of having this type of event is enough to impress. And the artillery were amazing to watch. From where we were, we watched many Union groups march to the field and I was able to spot the Third Maine. Of note is a story told by a private regarding the soiled doves trying to temp the troops.


I hope Private Tom C does not mind me quoting him but he did such a great job:

We reformed, marched up the hill when suddenly the Captain ordered “Eyes front!” Unfortunately, human nature being what it is, the best way to make someone look at something is to tell them not to. We then spied the Captain’s concern - several soiled doves stood nearby - those poor children had cast away dress and bodice to make clear to the passing soldiers their commercial intentions. The Captain’s concern for the men was most understandable - like the sirens of antiquity, any weak soul harkening to such a seductive call could only find himself soon dashed among rocks in ruin.

I had no way of seeing where the 15th Alabama might be.



After the battle (and yes, more shopping!) I finally ran into Miss Vicky and stuck with her while she looked for some of the other 15th members. Finally we decided to head back to the CS camps via the hay wagon. Again, this was no speeding event. Because of the rain, the CS roads were so muddy that the event planners had to close the road up into the camps while they poured crushed stone on the roadway. That left me, Miss Sandy and Charlene to hike up the hill
(we sent Miss Vicky ahead on a golf cart).



Now I haven't spent alot of time with Little Miss Charlene, but she was delightful! We held hands as we walked and despite her being tired, we made it back to camp. At that point the modern age attacked in the form of my ringing cell phone. My presence was requested in the year 2008 again. I hiked back down the hill (didn't I just get here!) and met my family on Table Rock Road.


Battle: "Holding the High Ground", Defending East Cemetery Hill

There we were able to watch some of the evening battle from the Confederate side (Where were the 15th?)


While we watched it started to rain..Hard so I headed back to the RV.

Gettysburg 2008 Part 3

My Confederate Day

The first official day "in period" was Friday, July 4th. Excited and ready to go, I made my family drop me off at 7am. But I am getting a little a head of myself. First I had to FIND where to get dropped off.

First we stopped at the registration area and naturally I asked the simple question "Where is the 15ht Alabama". Of course the response was "What regiment?" Yeah, like I am so militarily inclined as to have that clue! They then proceeded to ask me something about Mississippi? the ANV? General Longfellow? Was this a history quiz no one prepared me for? I was then directed to the CSA camps, so we drove there next and again I got the history quiz , this time from a southern soldier. I looked at him as if he had 2 heads. He was a kind southern "gentleman" (A female reenacting as a man) and sent me to the Provost. There I looked up and found my guys... part of the Army of Northern Virginia (ANV) 6th battalion. Sent the car home and started wandering around the CSA ANV 6th battalion area.

I almost had given up when I stumbled across Lindsey and Robbie from the 15th, both in a stressed out and worried state. They could not find the rest of the group who were missing since Thursday. In desperation we drove back to the registration area and found everyone else! Their horse had thrown a shoe (Car trouble) Which had delayed them all.

Making quick work of it, we returned to the camp area and set up the tents. Unfortunately there was poison ivy near by. Yuk!

With the camp set up, checked my watch. It was 9 am and I planned to attend a class in the activity tent at 10:30. Robby and Lindsey dropped me off at the hay wagon stop on their way to town. I could see the tents way across the road. Didn't seem far but every wagon that arrived was full so I spent 20 minutes waiting for a ride! By the time I got to the tent, the class was half over .. I consoled myself by going shopping at the sutlers...again.

I was delighted to run into Tracy W from the Third Maine and we went shopping...at the suttlers...again. We also attended a Civil War Wedding in the tents before watching the afternoon battle.

Union Train Attacked!

Once again the patrons of the narrow gauge railway traveling from Manassas Junction to Harpers Ferry were besieged by the blue and gray.The day dawned with the Federal Troops ( all 3 of them!) commandeering the train to transport payroll and important dispatches. Once the train was underway along the Potomac River (Why were there so many sea gulls?) the Rebel forces attacked.

There were many ladies of secession aboard cheering for the attackers. One even going with a Rebel!

Brave Union ladies attempted to defend the train, one even pulling a gun on the Secesh.

Despite all attempts, the gold and papers were stolen....

Camp Pratt, Farmington Maine

Camp Pratt May 2-4th 2008

Well, for me preparation for Camp Pratt started several days before the event. In April, I purchased a tent from birthday money (Thank you Dad!). So I needed to make tent poles. My Hubby cut them for me (Thank You Honey) and I needed to paint them. Off I went to the paint store and wanted brown paint...Who Knew??? there were so many shades of brown to choose from: Seal brown, Sand, Taupe...All I wanted was mud brown. Thank goodness they had that!

Camp Pratt, My tent's the second from the Right

So I packed the car Friday night and headed for Farmington, Maine at 6:30 Saturday morning. It was misting in Berlin, drizzling in Rumford and continued to do so all weekend!

They southern gentleman were kind enough to set up my tent for me and cart my belongings into camp.

And they cook too! Capt Mike made ribs using his special recipe. Though it was kind of creepy how he treated them with such love.

After a camp fire dinner, they gentleman were kind enough to let me and Miss Sara fire the guns at the Union picket line. It was so much fun trying the guns.

The evening was spent chatting at the camp fire. I headed to the local inn until morning returning to the cold, muddy camp for breakfast and clean up.

So are you saying...Miss Deb, it rained all weekend, how could that be fun? Cause those southern gentleman can keep you entertained with their stories, impersonations and jokes!