Official Publication of the 21st Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Co. H. Inc. Volume IV, No. 10http://www.21stmichigan.org Publisher Bruce Robere October 2007

“Thank God for Michigan!”

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President’s ReportBoard of Directors

President – Mike GillettTreasurer – John BednarzSecretary – Bruce RobereMilitary Cmdr – Erv Rock“Of Bayonets and Bonnets”

In his Gospel, John tells us how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper. Peter, not surprisingly, had some real issues with this whole concept. In part, I am sure, with the disconcerting idea of having the nose of the Creator of the Universe just inches from his scruffy feet. But, if I could suggest, as well, that Peter was thinking Jesus would then know just where he had been. A society of sandal-clad pedestrians, the people of that day stepped in a lot of stuff. And by days end, it would be well apparent where you had been (and not been) by the literal, figurative and spiritual crap caked on your feet. CSI would find it easy (but not half as easy as does Jesus, by the way) to determine where you were and where you were heading.We too pick up things along this life as we journey through. It determines who we are today. And so too where we are going tomorrow.My childhood (lonely, chubby kid with a speech impediment) and hometown (midsized, industrial city in Upstate NY) and school days (public and painful) in the sixties and early seventies color who I am today. My family (sweat-stained blue collar father, stay-at-home-mom, an older and colder brother), my interests growing up (reading, eating, TV, drawing, eating and history) and those TV shows watched (from “the Outer Limits”, “the Twilight Zone”, “the Time Tunnel” and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” to “Star Trek”, “Wild, Wild West” and “Rat Patrol” to “the Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Hour, “Johnny Quest” and “Huckleberry Hound”) and those things not of interest (sports of any and all kinds) all were ingredients in this half-baked cake here before you today.My teenaged years, with my ill-fated love affair with Susan Dey, my ill-graded foray into Jr. and Sr. High School and then my Eureka! and Halleluiah! discovery that I could not only read and watch cartoons but I was actually good at drawing them too, all added to the mix. The music I listened to (heavy on the Jethro Tull of course), the books I read, the TV shows I watched (how else would I get to spend quality time with Susan Dey?) and the movies I saw (heavy on the Mel Brooks and the Monty Python of course) continue to mold (mould?) me. Throw in a goodly pinch of more history and now a couple dashes of genealogy as well.Breaking free of the nest, I left home for Art School in the wondrous Emerald City of Pittsburgh… in the later half of the seventies… and all that entailed. More music (still heavy on the Jethro Tull of course - and to this day), more movies and TV, more books and of course the people both encountered and avoided. Having had just the one girlfriend (well, the only one who knew it anyway - darn that Susan Dey!) makes for different Mike Gillett than if I had been some wild - and successful - Lothario (a short sidebar; I told the story to my daughters of how I relentlessly pursued their mother. They are of the opinion it was pretty much stalking. But hey, it worked).The places I worked (or the places I was employed and should have been working), the places I’ve since lived (Metropolitan Columbus, OH and rural environs and now here) and the ups and downs of life as I trudged through were more ingredients. My wobbly religious walk (from heathen-to Catholic-to non-denominational-to Southern Baptist-to Quaker-back to non-denom) tints to this day who I am (and certainly affected my theology and the way I pastored). As a cartoonist those “professional” cartoonists that I admired influenced me, not only in how I drew but what I drew… and draw now. I got to know them as well as their work. Mentors all. The fact my career is eclectic (in addition to the successful cartooning and not-so-successful pastoring, I’ve taught school, cleaned school, made bootleg concert t-shirts for a head shop and so on and on) makes me pretty unique if nothing else. All of this and how I got into Civil War Reenacting (and when and where -and again, mentors!) and whom I’ve encountered in those years make me the President you are stuck with at least for a while yet.

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Presidents Column from previous page.

Change just one event or setting and (like the Butterfly Effect), I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Now, if you haven’t caught on, I have been both retrospective and introspective of late (I turn fifty in a couple of weeks - and am working hard not to visit the “Lands of Coulda, Woulda and Shoulda” too awfully much).As reenactors we think we are portraying a soldier or a civilian just from the Civil War. And that is correct. In part. But this soldier or this civilian just didn’t fall out of the sky on April 12th of 1861, only to disappear on April 9 four years later. That would make us all space aliens and that would be creepy.No, we came to the Civil War with our own history. Like the dust on Peter’s tootsies and the emotional baggage I drag about that makes me “me”, we’d be bringing much more to an event - and our portrayal, our impression, than just what we know - in retrospect - of those four years.For instance: I am tailgating fifty and, say, if this was 1863 - I would have been born in 1813, smack dab in the middle of the War of 1812. I am older than Generals Grant, Forrest, Longstreet, Chamberlain, Sickles, Early, Hill, Hooker, Meade, Stuart, Hancock, Sherman, Buford, Sheridan, Pickett and Jackson all are. Lincoln is just four years older… and Lee six… than I am.Would I have been born here in Michigan? It wouldn’t become a state until 1837 when I am 24. It was only made a territory some eight years before I was born. Would I have come to Michigan from New York State (very likely - what a coincidence - with the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 many NYers did come this way)? Do I still have family there? Are they fighting in this Civil War as well? Do I have family here in Michigan, besides my wife and children? My parents, are they still alive? Do I have family in the South fighting for the Confederacy? Have I followed the Storm Clouds of the Civil War? The Missouri Compromise (1820) for instance… as well as “Bleeding Kansas”, Dred Scott, the Wilmot Proviso and, of course, the good ol’ Manifest Destiny. The ongoing Slave States v. the Free States tallies, certainly the thorn at the core of a festering wound, had been going on as long as there’s been United States.The Alamo (the John Wayne movie recently watched with J.R. Schroeder) was battled over when I was just 23. I would have known of - and voted for or against - Presidents Harrison and Polk and Taylor and Fillmore and Pierce and Buchanan, besides - and all before - Abraham Lincoln! I would have seen the growth of the United States with states and territories. I might have bought and enjoyed a first edition of “Oliver Twist” when it came out in 1839… or “Moby Dick” new in 1851. And I would have hung Darwin’s, “On the Origin of Species” by a nail in my privy in 1859. I would have seen and marveled (or shaken my head) at the invention of the steel plow (by a fellow named John Deere in 1837), the fax machine (no fooling, by Alexander Bain in 1843), the telephone (in 1849 by Antonio Meucci) and the Zoom Lens (in 1837 by Jozef Maximilian Petzval)… and so on.Would this have been my first time in a uniform? I would have been in my early thirties during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). Did I go? Was I a chaplain then too or a combatant? Did my father fight in the War of 1812? Did my grandfathers fight in the Revolutionary War? Was one killed or wounded? Did they tell me stories in front the fireplace about fighting with Washington? Is this why I am involved today? To keep intact the Union my very recent forefathers would have fought to establish? Is my motivation to abolish slavery or to preserve the Union? Or just to have the chance to righteously kick some Rebel backside? As a chaplain, I wouldn’t have to carry a sidearm, but could (and one is on my wish list). Would I - could I - bring myself to shoot someone in self-defense? Or on the offense? Some chaplains dressed more liturgical, some more civilian and others (like myself) more militarily. We tend to deify the North and vilify the South… but we really cannot paint ourselves with that broad a brush. So I wonder, did my family own slaves at some point? Was my family abolitionists? Prejudiced? [My story - in progress - is this… the Lt. Colonel of the 21st Michigan is my wife’s brother. While home on leave in Ionia, my brother-in-law came to my Methodist or Methodist-Episcopal Church and shared from the pulpit how the boys of the 21st are heading down the corduroy road to Hell - in danger of that as much as being slain by a Secesh Minie ball - and were in need of much prayer and spiritual direction. Convicted, I enlisted then as chaplain. You might recall at Jackson this year, when Col. Will Eichler fell - killed? - wounded? - there on the battlefield, I wouldn’t leave him… my young and favored “brother-in-law” and best friend… as a promise I made to my esposita and to myself. That is why, even though now wounded myself and both racked and prostate will grief… it took several Rebs to drag me away from dear Willy…] How do I carry myself? What is my station in life? What have I been through? What is my story? As a member of the clergy, I would be better educated and perhaps well-healed than some. But that’s not a surety. Have I been a minister for most of my adult life or am I, like in real life, a second- I mean, third-career pastor. What denomination? What sized church - and where - did I leave behind? The list can go on. And your list would be different. And it takes some effort. Ken and I are going to take a road trip to Ionia and the countryside sometime, to wander around and get the feel for the area we would have come from. I might find “my” church… the cemetery my family is buried in… and so on. Maybe even doing some research with the local and county historical associations… hit the museums. But I would encourage you all to ask yourselves, “What is your motivation?” It is what all good actors - reenactors - ask. Do you homework. Know American History, not just Civil War history or social history or fashions of the day (I have an American History schoolbook… it was my great great grandmother’s as a young girl… from the late 1840s! What a wonderful read! And neat to read “current”pre-CW-era history).

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From the Desk of the Secretary

For the past few weeks I’ve been corresponding with David Robinson of Grand Haven, MI. David is the Great Grandson of Ransom H. Robinson, Company G, 21st Michigan Volunteer Infantry. So far I have received a copy of First Sergeant Robinson’s

I might take a time, here appropriately, to suggest you might want to read any or all of these “background” books… (and later, at some date, it would be good if we might want to share our favorite Civil War books and movies - a couple of us are going back and forth as I write this about “Wicked Spring”. So far, I am the only one who likes that movie - but it would be helpful to know what is good in such a large, overwhelming field of books especially)…. Jeff Shaara’s books “Rise to Rebellion” and “Glorious Cause” (both American Revolution) and “Gone for Soldiers” (Mexican-American) - along with, of course his father’s “Killer Angels” (“Gettysburg”) and his own, “Gods and Generals” and “Last Full Measure”. “Gone for Soldiers” gives neat insight on the generals we see later in the Civil War.We define our generation(s) and ourselves as having seen a president assassinated and man walk on the moon, of the Viet Nam quagmire (or the Iraq quagmire if you must, but I wish you wouldn’t), of the advent of the internet and of cell phones ad nauseum, of September 11th attacks, of high gas prices and home foreclosures and record unemployment, of the hyper-sensitive political correctness craze… and on and on and on. Add our own tragedies and our own celebrations and our own mundane day-to-days (We are, like Frankenstein’s Monster, the sum of our parts). Previous generations have their own (although admittedly far less bizarre - for the most part) that defines them. And us, as we portray them. I would like to close with this. When I was a kid, there were two period movies, favorites of mine, “Bonnie and Clyde”(1967) and “The Godfather I” (1972). “Bonnie and Clyde” was set in the early thirties and “The Godfather” began just at the end of WWII. It seemed like ancient history to me then and the costumes and the cars were antique and quaint. But they were as many years between the making of “Bonnie and Clyde” and its setting (36) and “The Godfather” and its setting (26)… that would be - and catch this - as if a movie were made today and set in 1971 or in 1981! I just thought if I was going to have to feel old, I didn’t want to be alone.

Presidents Column from previous page.

discharge papers and several images. Below are a few of the images I will be posting on our Internet Site in the next few days. Enjoy, Bruce

Rosewood Fife picked up by First Sergeant Robinson On the battlefield after the Battle of Stones River

First Sergeant Robinson’s Belt Buckle

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LAUNDRESS.128. Four women will be allowed to each company as washerwomen, and will receive one ration per day each.129. The price of washing soldiers’ clothing, by the month, or by the piece, will be determined by the Council of Administration.130. Debts due the laundress by soldiers, for washing, will be paid, or collected at the pay-table, under the direction of the captain.

169. Insane soldiers will not be discharged, but sent, under proper protection, by the Department commander to Washington for the order of the War Department for their admission into the Government Asylum. The history of the cases, with the men’s descriptive list, and accounts of pay and clothing, will be sent with them.

for verification, to the company commander, or to the commanding officer, as the case may be, according to the meaning of the preceding paragraph, a written and separate account in each case of any charges he may have against enlisted men for collection, and the officer shall submit the account to the soldier for acknowledgment and signature, and witness the same. In the case of death, desertion, or removal from the post (of the soldier), the account will be rendered immediately. If the soldier dispute the account and the Sutler insist, and in the case of death and desertion, the Sutler will be required to establish the account by affidavit indorsed on it before any officer authorized to administer an oath. Debts thus verified as due the Sutler are to be noted on the Muster Rolls, and will be paid by the Paymaster out of the arrearages due to the soldier at the time of death, desertion, discharge, or sentence of court-martial: the sums due the Government and laundress being first paid. Every facility will be afforded to the Sutler in the collection of the just debts contracted with him. He will, to this end, be allowed to take his place at the paytable with his books and accounts.219. Sutlers shall not farm out or underlet the business and privileges granted by their appointment.

ARTICLE XXV.SUTLERS.

211. Every military post may have one Sutler, to be appointed by the Secretary of War.212. A Sutler shall hold his office for a term of three years, unless sooner removed; but the commanding officer may, for cause, suspend a Sutler’s privilege until a decision of the War Department is received inthe case.213. In case of vacancy, a temporary appointment may be made by the commanding officer upon the nomination of the Council of Administration.214. Troops in campaign, on detachment, or on distant service, will be allowed Sutlers, at the rate of one for every regiment, corps, or separate detachment; to be appointed by the commanding officer of such regiment, corps, or detachment, upon the recommendation of the Council of Administration, subject to the approval of the general or other officer in command.215. No tax or burden in any shape, other than the authorized assessment for the post fund, will be imposed on the Sutler. If there be a spare building, the use of it may be allowed him, he being responsible that it is kept in repair. If there be no such building, he may be allowed to erect one; but this article gives the Sutler no claim to quarters, transportation for himself or goods, or to any military allowance whatever.216. The tariff of prices fixed by the Council of Administration shall be exposed in a conspicuous place in the Sutler’s store. No difference of prices will be allowed on cash or credit sales.217.. No Sutler shall sell to an enlisted man on credit to a sum exceeding one-third of his monthly pay, within the same month, without the written sanction of the company commander, or the commanding officer of the post or station, if the man does not belong to a company; and not exceeding one-half of the monthly pay with such permission.218. Three days before the last of every month the Sutler shall render,

Selected Passages from:UNITED STATES ARMY REGULATIONS

1861

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145 Years Ago this Month…

Union Account of the Battle of PerryvilleOn the Battlefield, October 9, 1862.

Dear Friends:Two days more heavy marching, almost without water, and with very short rations, brought us within seven miles of the fight. Yesterday morning we marched on. Such roads, -- so hilly and stony, and so tired we could hardly wag! At the edge of the field we halted for orders. Water, water, water! was the cry. Thoroughly exhausted, and famishing for food, as well as water, had we been well drilled we were in no state to do ourselves or our cause justice in the battle now ranging. I lay down, resolving to rest a little if possible. Some were detailed for water, but soon returned with empty canteens. "It must be reserved for the wounded." The lieutenant rose and said "We must have some, who will go?" I thought a moment, then with mess-pans and canteens three of us started after him. On and on we went, for two miles; the road became terrific, we must hurry for our regiment may be getting in. At length we found water, and hurried back. Such hills I never saw. I felt no excitement, but so tired. From the top of a hill we saw the fight at this moment. These few words no one can realize except they behold the reality. We hurried on, and shortly met the poor wounded ones coming out. I gave each a few drops, and hastened on to find my own regiment. On a steep, high hill I say troops, and thought I heard "21st Wisconsin." I scrambled up the hill; I was right. Our poor boys had been in. They lay in a cornfield, and the rebels came on within twenty feet, when the orders were given to "Fire and charge." But no order was heard. They saw the rebels were on them, and fired as well as they could. The bullets flew in showers. The battle raged during the afternoon, but the field was so hilly we could not know the result. At sunset the flashes sent a glare over the scene. Soon we were ordered to go to the regiment. What was my surprise to find only twenty out of at least sixty of our company who went in. The rebels held the ground where our dead and wounded lay. We lay down again on a hill at the foot of which the rebels were, and dropped asleep. Soon we were moved, and again we went silently, and drew off a batter, and lay down. The captain said, "Who will volunteer to carry off the dead?" Four or five of us started, laying off our arms, and carrying a handkerchief tied to a stick, for flag of truce.We found our poor major dead and stripped. Oh, I loved him! What a loss to us! Others were dead, and many wounded; I helped carry off four, and then gave out from exhaustion. This is a strange word for me, but no other express it. The moon shone full upon the scene; it is utterly useless to describe the sight, --men and horses dead and wounded, wagon-wheels, army caissons scattered, and the moans and shrieks of the wounded. Oh, may you never see such a sight! I helped carry off one poor fellow with his mouth and lower jaw shot off-stop, stop! I can't say more. We slept till sunrise; I expected to see it rise for the last time, for I supposed at daylight we should pitch in till death or victory were ours; but no, the rebels had fled. We moved on two or three miles, and rest yet. Thank God, we have water! Of our squad only two remain well; Company C, on our left, has no officers left. This morning the loss averaged thirty-five, --quite a reduction. Our colonel has an arm broken, and a wound in the neck. Many were the hairbreadth escapes. The poor horses have had nothing all day except a little water. Thirty-three of our regiment

were trenched; no coffin or mark, except a rail or stone. Our major, noble man! Was among the number, --no sheet nor shroud, not even a coat, for he was striped. If I had the dearest friend killed in battle, I could only bury him. You can not realize our situation. The people flee because their houses are used for hospitals.. . . It seems hard to throw men all in together and heap earth upon them, but it is far better than to have them lie moldering in the sun. Oh! To see the dead rebels in the woods! From one point I counted thirty-one, in a fence corner twenty-four; every where the eye rests on one, and this is not on the field proper.In our short march we passed at least two hundred, and of horses I made no count. It is a fearful sight; and to think of all these soldiers friends who would give any thing for their bloated, decaying bodies, now torn by swine and crows, --oh, it is sad! Sgt. Mead Holmes, Jr.Co. K, 21st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry [From: A Soldier of the Cumberland: Memoir of Mead Holmes, Jr. (Boston: American Tract Society), 1864, pp. 92-96.]

21st Michigan Marker at Perryville

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Principal commanders of the Western Theater

Lt. Gen.Ulysses S. Grant, USA

Maj. Gen.Henry W. Halleck, USA

Maj. Gen.William T. Sherman, USA

Maj. Gen.George H. Thomas, USA

Maj. Gen.Don Carlos Buell, USA

Maj. Gen.William Rosecrans, USA

Gen.Albert Sidney Johnston, CSA

Gen.P.G.T. Beauregard, CSA

Gen.Joseph E. Johnston, CSA

Gen.Braxton Bragg, CSA

Lt. Gen.John Bell Hood, CSA

Lt. Gen.Nathan Bedford Forrest, CSA

(Source wikipedia.org)

Legislation Compromise of 1820Admitted Maine to the Union as a free state and Missouri as a slave state, but prohibited slavery in all other parts of the Louisiana Purchase north of 36° 30'

Compromise of 1850Admitted California as a free state, but allowed voters in Utah and New Mexico

territories to decide if they wanted slavery

Kansas-Nebraska Act, 1854Allowed voters in Kansas and Nebraska territories to decide about slavery.

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After Action Report by Colonel Shackelford Jackson, Michigan

The 23d annual event started off with a bang, boom and lots of other noises. Dangerous weather swept through the area on Friday that forced the police to evacuate the camp. Some complied with the order, some didn't. Oh, you ask, how did the police announce the approaching storm?...An officer pulled into the camp and told me we need to evacuate. I told him, use your P.A. system to announce it. His response was to hand me the mike and say, "here, you do it". I wondered if this guy flunked P.A. 101. The same storm flooded area highways that actually prevented some from getting to the event.But, by noon Saturday, all was well and we had perfect weather for the rest of the weekend. It actually got cold on Saturday night. The running joke was how hard it is to pack your great coat on Friday when it is 96 degrees.We had a new camp area that some liked, some didn't. Itwas easier to get in and out of to set up/break down. Ground hornets were a problem with several stings over the weekend. Kind of like random "gotchas" from Mother Nature.We had two battalions under two great leaders. Will Eichler with the 1st battalion did a great job. The 2d, under Craig DeCrane, was as efficient of a battalion as if they had drilled together for weeks, instead of a couple of hours. How Craig and Will take these ad hoc organizations and have them fine tuned by Sunday is a testament to their hard work.The artillery was pared down to a reasonable number and never really hindered us. Thanks to Jim Newkirk, the artillery commander, we were able to move around them with little impairment.The cavalry galvanized since the Rebs were in works and horses generally don't care to attack forts. I did have three dismounted (they really do have horses but left them at home) cavalry on Sunday. They were assigned to be my bodyguard. As it turns out, on Sunday, our day to lose, a whole lot of yanks decided it was time to run. What did my bodyguard do?.....Shoot the runners. So, at last count, my bodyguard shot 3 Rebs and about 104 Yanks.This event was about the best Jackson I can recall in several years. The organizers really put their hearts into it as well as the host units, including our 7th Michigan.BTW, they are planning an extravaganza for the 25th anniversary in 2009!!! Thanks to my staff for their efficiency and commitment. The men in the ranks performed all of their assigned tasks without complaint. I have to put an asterisk here, though, since one non-guard group, the 7th Ohio refused to participate in their assigned one hour of guard duty. They were not in the ranks of the blue on Sunday.Oh, and our field music was quite a sight. I am always amazed how these guys from all corners of the country come together and sound like a group that practices together every week. Thanks and know how much of a contribution you made....yes, even the reveilles.So, a hearty 3 cheers and a tiger for the 2007 Jackson. See you at Hartford City... Colonel Dave

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Passion for the Past~Becoming An Accurate Living Historian~

By Ken Giorlando – Civilian Coordinator

Thoughts on my favorite hobby…Let me begin this article by just saying that I absolutely love participating in re-enacting. Becoming a Living Historian was a dream I never knew existed until re-enacting came along. You see, since my tiny tot days, I’ve had a passion for the past. My mother once told me I came out of the womb straight into history. During my elementary school days back in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, while other kids were reading books on sports, Ramona the Pest, or World Records, I purchased (and still have) history books, such as The Cabin Faced West, If You Lived In Colonial Times, Father’s Big Improvements, &c. And anytime television shows such as “Bewitched” had episodes involving history – remember when Samantha brought Benjamin Franklin into the 20th century and he hooked up with the local hippies? Or when both Darin and Samantha were sent to the time of the Pilgrims, and Darin, of all people, was accused of being a witch? – I was glued to the set. If history played even the minutest part in a story, I had to read or watch it.And now, I get to live it – at least for a weekend at a time.When I attend an historical re-enactment – I am not talking those that have the carnival atmosphere such as the events in Leonard or Oak Park, but the real history-oriented events – I try to mentally place my whole being into that persona of which we are attempting to recreate. After all, what we are trying to show the patrons, to the best of our ability, is what they may have seen had they stepped through a time-tunnel into the early 1860’s, is it not? And, as representatives of the past – guides, if you will – it is our responsibility and duty to give the best impression we possibly can. I realize there are some folks who may not be as enthusiastic as others when it comes to this living history hobby. But, please read the following snippet from a four page article written by Mike Discher in the December 2006 / January 2007 issue of Citizen’s Companion. (It would be worth your while to seek out the issue for the whole article as it says quite a bit about many of the re-enactor participants):“Some people enjoy this hobby, others live the time period. Some people are meticulous about their appearance, their speech patterns, and their particular impression, others are happy simply setting up their camp and relaxing for the weekend. But, whatALL of us are doing is claiming to relive a period in time that requires us to behave, speak, and conduct ourselves differently than we often do in the 21st century. When a person…claims the title of ‘re-enactor,’ that person has willingly agreed to pay homage to (the people from the past). ALL have taken on a new role and, unless you are being dragged to events and hand-cuffed to the tent poles, you are there willingly. Our roles, whether military or civilian, are deserving of our best efforts. Putting on a fine wool suit or a hoop skirt, or owning the most beautiful period-correct reproduction items available only makes us LOOK like our ancestors. If we are to climb back into our vehicles on Sunday afternoon and feel a sense of pride for having made an earnest, dedicated effort to ‘be like them,’ we must ACT like them.”How true.Also, our own 21st Michigan President, Mike Gillett, wrote in the July issue of Marching Along: “Why do we dress in layers of heavy clothing and sit, stand, or march in the hot sun and the cold rain? Why do we spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars out of our own pockets and hours and hours of our free time to authentically equip ourselves? Why do we fill our summer calendars with Civil War this-or-thats – and spend our winter hours studying to improve ourselves for the next reenacting season?”Well? Why do we? I am willing to bet it’s because of our love – our passion – for history, particularly Civil War era history. Knowledge of military, political, and social history are all very important for an authentic portrayal of the mid-19th century, and all are necessary to ensure an accurate impression in every aspect. There are those who can whip out every tactical used in virtually every battle of the War Between the States, while others can explain what types of food were eaten for breakfast, dinner, or supper. Some can name every General from both sides of the conflict, while others can talk about the occupations (jobs) of the period. This is very impressive to me. Our ultimate goal as living historians/re-enactors should be to give the

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Passion for the Past - contunued

appearance to the patrons, as well as to each other, that one has stepped into the past. That we know our Victorian lives as well as we know our 21st century lives. The living historians/re-enactors that impress me the most are the ones who remain in their period clothing (and persona) after the park closes and the evening darkness sets in. For instance, after closing time at Greenfield Village this past May, many re-enactors donned their modern clothing. But, quite a few of us remained in our period garb. Some living historians even wore period sleepwear to bed. Now that’s dedication. It’s also impressive. But, then there are those who enjoy being in the past only when there are patrons around, when they can teach people of life in the 19th century. So when the gates close and the patrons have gone, out come the t-shirts and jeans. In this instance, however, I must agree with my mentor, Wendi Schroeder – “Nothing annoys me faster than the sweatshirts-and-tennis-shoes-at-5-o’clock-crowd. If you are camping in authentic camp you should stay in period dress all weekend. People that don't destroy the mood for the rest of us.”To accomplish an authentic scenario for yourself is not very hard. In fact, it can be quite fun. Over the winter months, civilian meetings are held at my home where the attempt is made to immerse ourselves and recreate a mid-19th century atmosphere. The use of candlelight instead of electric lights, and asking all who attend to dress in period clothing adds to the ambience. Last October, the Schroeders also hosted such a meeting at their farm in Hillsdale, as they will again this year on Saturday, November 3rd (I’ll wait a moment while you mark it on your calendar now). Those attending will be wearing period attire once again, and there will be numerous discussions and presentations covering the major aspects of Civil War living history/re-enacting. I urge our membership to attend any and all of these meetings, as they can be quite informative. All upcoming meetings will be announced in Marching Along.My goal as Civilian Coordinator of the 21st Michigan is to have our civilian contingent as authentic and asreal as we can possibly be. This is hopefully your goal as well. I am proud to be called “the farby police.” I look at it this way - our military must be dressed accurately and authentically in their uniform with all its accouterments, and they must also attend five drills before participating in a battle re-enactment, providing the drill team is satisfied with the new recruit’s progress. Why not have a similar attitude for the civilian? We do not have to necessarily be quite as regimented as the military, but we should take their lead and set guidelines so we, too, can accurately portray one from the 1860’s. To help, a committee was formed last spring to come up with a list of guidelines to be presented *mainly* to new civilian members – something to help our newcomers begin this great hobby on the right track. As some of the newer members have discovered recently, we will walk through the re-enacting process with any member that desires to do so, and help choose correct clothing, perfect an impression, and, most important, allow one to take the time to purchase what is needed for their impression. With a list of guidelines, this will makethe process much easier for all involved. I would also advise all civilian membership to look it over once it becomes available. Find where you need to make your improvements in your impression. None of us are perfect, but we can strive to be as accurate as we can.“(During a re-enactment), if you leave a foot in the in the 21st century, you may very well present a confusing scenario to spectators, fellow re-enactors, and even yourself.”This is very sound advice to follow. While in the midst of a reenactment, let us keep both feet firmly planted in the 1860’s. Save the 21st century for Sunday evening when

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Civilians at Jackson 2007by Ken Giorlando

Well, Jackson 2007 has come and gone and, as usual, there was rain for a good chunk of the day on Saturday – it wouldn’t be Jackson if it didn’t rain, as the saying goes.I have to say, I was quite proud of our civilian contingent that showed. For the most part, everyone did an exceptional job in the authenticity of their dress, and the farbiness was kept at an extreme minimum (yes, I was called ‘the farbypolice’ more than once!). The kids all played extremely well together with very little problems, and the food and snacks were pretty accurate (many thanks to Angie for the corn bread!).Most of us took advantage of the sutler“mall” to purchase items to improve our period impressions. As we all know (and new members found out), it pays to shop around; merchandise from sutler “A”was sometimes as much as twenty dollars cheaper than at sutler “B” and vise versa. I, myself, purchased multiple back issues of “Citizens Companion”magazine, a worthwhile publication for all who are interested in improving their 1860’s impressions.Of course, the evening Ball, as usual, was a great time – I saw many from our unit there, having a lot of fun dancing the evening away. Emily Veneri and new member, Kathleen Fox, had never attended a period ball before and really enjoyed themselves. And something very special happened while at the Ball for new members, Joyce andRandy – Randy got down on one knee and proposed to Joyce. Tradition lives!Patty told me that this year’s Jackson event was really a lot of fun and that she enjoyed herself immensely. For my wife to say that about Jackson says quite a bit about the event. For those who could not (or just plain did not) attend truly missed out on a fine time.A special Thank You must go out to the Cary’s, the Schroeder’s, and Randy and Joyce for allowing the rest of us to enjoy the use of their tents for the weekend.By the way, the group hug after breaking down the camp Sunday afternoon was a nice touch. (Hopefully, a military member of our unit wrote an After Action Report on the battle, which was, perhaps, the finest re-enactment battle I have ever witnessed. Truly phenomenal!)Let’s all make an effort to attend Waterloo on October 14th, and Wolcott Mill October 19th through the 21st. Wolcott is new member, Kathleen Fox’s home turf!Thanks again to all who showed.

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Deaths During the Civil War

Union Confederate

Total forces 1,556,678 1,082,119

Deaths from Wounds 110,070 94,000

Deaths from Disease 249,458 164,000

Death Rate 23 percent 24 percent

Wounded 275,175 100,000

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Upcoming EventsDate Event Contact

19-21 Oct Wolcott Mill Civil War Muster Bruce Robere2 Nov 21st Michigan End of Year Event The Schroeders

Wolcott Mill Civil War Muster19-21 October

If you plan on attending this event and have not let me know, please contact me soon.Bruce mi21stinf@wideopenwest.com

Soldiers and Civilians of the Regiment, The Wolcott Mill event is fast approaching. For this event we will portray the 17th Maine - Army of the Potomac during the period October 11-12, 1863. Therefore, please bring your Forage caps as that will be the uniform for the weekend. In keeping with these guidelines please remove all brass from your forage cap. If you can not, a civilian style slouch hat with no brass is an acceptable alternative. Each union soldier will be issued a 5th Corp badge.

You should also bring a second pair of socks - you just may need it.... Event organizers have setup an extensive website. I suggest everyone take a few minutes to go over the site: http://www.fourthtexas.com/Skirmish_at_Wolcott_Mill.htm (This link works in the electronic edition of the newsletter - click on it and see. If you type it in manually from the printed edition, don’t forget to_underlined_between_thewords in the link.)

Guidelines for the Federal Army: http://www.fourthtexas.com/federal_orders.htm We will be portraying soldiers from the 17th Maine during the Bristoe Station Campaign in October 1863.

Wolcott Mill is located in Ray Township. Schedule of events: SaturdayFirst Call 8:00 – registration closes at 9:00 so please ensure you are onsite and registered by 9:00. Let me know if you can’t arrive by 9:00Tactical leading to a skirmish 9:00 Those not participating in the tactical will be provided information on joining for the skirmish at first call.Skirmish 1:00

Night Pickett firing in conjunction with the Candle Light Tour

SundayChurch Service 10:00Skirmish 1:30

Detailed Schedule including special events:http://www.fourthtexas.com/schedule_of_events.htm

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End of the Year Event at the Schroeders

Hello All, as we are 30 days (more or less) away from this exciting get together, there are a couple of bits of information I need to make this happen.

1. A headcount. Please RSVP to me at either 517-437-1094, or gjwandkids@netzero.netno later than October 13th (that way if you forget I can ask you at Waterloo.)

Let me know if you are coming and how many in your party. This will enable me to make sure that I have enough roast and Ham.

2. When you send me a headcount please let me know what you would like to bring food wise. The Giorlandos are contributing Patty's fabulous stuffing by request, (...ok I begged) but we still need the following items...

Green vegetableGreen SaladPotato dish(es)Beverages Dinner wareCupsNapkinsSilverwareBreadDessert

If you would like to bring something on this list (or something else I forgot to mention) please let me know when you RSVP so we don't end up with 16 pies and no potatoes.

We have plenty of table space and lighting, but are a bit short on chairs so if you have folding chairs please bring them.

Don't forget, this is a period dress event.

The Festivities will officially begin on Saturday morning at 9:00 am, however if you would like to come Friday night, you are more than welcome. You might end up on the family room floor, but we will make room somewhere.

To our single, (or Civil War single) military members. Please consider coming out. We will be having the live fire again, and we would love it if the entire unit was well represented at this shindig. Also for those members for whom it would present a difficulty to bring food. Please don't let that stop you. There are always other ways you can contribute. (Splitting Firewood or doing the dishes afterwards come immediately to mind. :)

Your Affectionate Friends,Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Schroeder