1848 venture crew standards for advancement to private and...
TRANSCRIPT
NEW RECRUIT PACKET
WELCOME TO THE 1848 VENTURE CREW
Sponsored by The Great Platte River Road Archway and the Boy Scouts of Americaalso known as (aka)
Company “C” 1st Nebraska Infantry Regiment
We are excited that you have demonstrated interest in keeping our American heritage alive and remembering the sacrifices of those who fought in the Civil War and of those who protected the pioneers or were the pioneers along the trails west. This packet of information will answer most of your questions and help you get acquainted with things we have done and are planning on doing in the future. Welcome to an exciting new world of fun and adventure.
Table of contents:
Mission, goals, objectives of unit….2
Future plans for the unit…3
Past yearly accomplishments …4
Current calendar of events – see updated version on website…5
Uniforms worn & Costs of being involved………6
Clothing and costs for women and young women…9
Safety Rules – required reading and understanding…9
Organization of the unit ……11
Requirements for advancement in rank ……12
Basic marching commands and positions…..14
How to be a Time Traveler and do first person impersonations ….16
Basic civil war history with test for advancement …18
Our unit’s military history ….. 22
Infantry – quick reference sheet …25
Ft Kearny – quick reference sheet .. 26
Artillery – quick reference sheet….28
Women’s roles in the civil war …...29
Civil war songs
School of the Soldier: ……………31Load in 9 timesLoad kneelingManual of ArmsSkirmish drill
Drum and Fife Corps – see separate packet
MISSION: TO DEVELOP GOOD CITIZENSHIP WITHIN OUR MEMBERS, TO KEEP THE MEMORY OF THOSE WHO FOUGHT IN THE CIVIL WAR ALIVE AND SHOW APPRECIATION FOR OUR HERITAGE
GOALS: TO TEACH MEMBERS OF THE CREW AND THE PUBLIC AN APPRECIATION FOR THE HISTORY AND SACRIFICE MADE DURING THE CIVIL WAR AND TO HAVE FUN.
OBJECTIVES:1. Teach our members the basic skills of a Union soldier in 18612. Provide a quality program for both youth and adults to participate in that helps and
strengthens the community 3. Provide an opportunity for youth and parents to participate in a wholesome activity
together and have fun4. Provide opportunities for leadership for youth5. Develop character in our youth; honesty, confidence, skills, talents, appearance and
respect6. Develop mental and physical fitness in our youth7. Provide a service for our community8. Provide awareness of other cultures, such as Native Americans
BASIC RULES OF OUR VENTURE CREW1. Be considerate of others2. Be Honest3. Have fun and learn that history is fun4. Avoid drugs and alcohol
PLANS FOR 2008 - 1848 VENTURE CREW“C” Co. 1ST NEBRASKA INFANTRY U.S.
LIVING HISTORY EVENTS AT FT KEARNY (MEMORIAL DAY – 4TH OF JULY –-LABOR DAY)
ATTEND SELECTED CIVIL WAR REENACTMENTS: STUHR MUSEUM - PAWNEE CITY –BROWNSVILLE - FT ATKINSON – FT HARTSUFF – PIPESTONE MN - FORTESCUE, MO - GETTYSBURG PA – LITTLE BIG HORN BATTLE MT
ATTEND A CAMP OF INSTRUCTION IN THE SPRING
RECRUIT 4 NEW MEMBERS
DO CUB SCOUT CIVIL WAR ACTIVITIES AT ARCH
IMPROVE OUR CIVIL WAR AND MILITARY KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
DO ACTUAL LIVE FIRING AT RANGE
DO ONE SERVICE PROJECT PORTRAY CSA SOLDIERS MORE AUTHENICALLY: SELECT A
CONFEDERATE UNIT TO RESEARCH AND PORTRAY (CO. H, 1ST TENNESSEE OR 16TH VA INFANTRY (READ CO. AYTCH BY SAM WATKINS FOR NEW MEMBERS)
OBTAIN 2 A-FRAME TENTS
RECRUIT AND TRAIN FIFERS AND DRUMMERS
MAKE A VIDEO DOCUMENTARY OF OUR UNIT
DO MOULAGE OR WOUNDS DURING BATTLE
SEE WEB SITE (1848venturecrew.xibus.com) FOR MORE DETAILS,
2002-2007 FIVE YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
RECEIVED NATIONAL QUALITY UNIT AWARD FOR LAST 5 YEARS FROM THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
MEMBERSHIP: CURRENTLY REGISTERED 18 SOLDIERS, 2 WOMEN. ADDITIONALLY 5 WOMEN, 1 GIRL, 6 MEN AND 2 BOYS HAVE OCCASIONALLY PARTICIPATED IN 2007 WITH US. ELEVEN PREVIOUS SCOUTS HAVE TRANSFERRED OUT OF THE UNIT OVER THE 5 YEARS.
THE FOLLOWING SCOUTS/SOLDIERS BECAME EAGLE SCOUTS: PAUL OSTERMEYER, SHEA O’BRIEN, LONNY REEDER, CODY ROYLE
WAS THE HOST UNIT FOR THE BATTLE OF SHILOH AT SCOUTSTOCK JUBILEE 2007 – MAHONEY STATE PARK - 10,000 SCOUTS – 100 REENACTORS – 4 CANNONS (OCT 2007)
HOSTED THE SUCCESSFUL BOY SCOUT DISTRICT CAMPOREE (2003)
PARTICIPATED IN BATTLES AT PAWNEE CITY, STUHR MUSEUM AND AT FT KEARNY 5 YEARS IN A ROW – OUR UNIT’S COLORED PICTURE WAS IN LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR NEWSPAPER (2006)
PARTICPATED AT THE ARCHWAY FOR CHAUTAUQUA (JUNE 2007)
PARTICPATED AT THE ARCHWAY OPEN HOUSES AND HARVEST DAY – 5 YEARS
PARTICIPATED IN CUB SCOUT ARCHWAY CIVIL WAR EVENTS – 3 YEARS
MARCHED IN VETERANS’ DAY PARADE IN KEARNEY - 5 YEARS
WERE ON TV AND NEWSPAPER NUMEROUS TIMES – 5 YEARS
PERFORMED A SERVICE PROJECT AT FT KEARNY (REPLACED 2 SECTIONS OF STOCKADE WALL) - 4 YEARS
PARTICIPATED IN FUND RAISER AT KIDS’ EXPLORE - 5 YEARS
ADDED 18 HISTORIC RIFLES TO OUR UNIT - 5 YEARS
ADDED 4 A-FRAME TENTS AND 5 WALL TENTS TO OUR UNIT - 5 YEARS
ADDED 3 ROPE DRUMS AND FIFES
PERFORMED AS THE COLOR GUARD FOR: THE KEARNEY HUB’S FREEDOM AWARD BANQUET (2007), THE GOVERNOR’S CENTENNIAL QUARTER CELEBRATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT KEARNEY (2006), VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATION (2005), BOY SCOUT DISTRICT CAMPOREE, PANCAKE BREAKFAST (2003), THE NATIONAL MUZZLE LOADERS ANNUAL MEETING, AT THE ARCHWAY, AND REGULARLY AT FT KEARNY. ALSO, FIRED CANNONS AT THE “HUDSON” ANTIQUE CAR SHOW AT FT KEARNY (2006)
PARTICIPATED TWO DAYS IN THE 150TH HANDCART PIONEER CELEBRATION AT THE ARCHWAY (2006)
LEARNED MARCHING, RIFLE, BAYONET AND SKIRMISH DRILLS
LIVE FIRED RIFLES IN RAVENNA, SODTOWN, AND PLATTE RIVER
LEARNED HOW TO LOAD AND FIRE CANNONS
TOURED FT HARTSUFF AND SAW GUN DISPLAY- 2 TIMES
DEVELOPED OUR OWN WEB PAGE 1848venturecrew.xibus.com
DEVELOPED OUR OWN BUSINESS CARDS
FIVE ADULT LEADERS BECAME NATIONAL MUZZLE LOADER RIFLE ASSOCIATION (NMLRA) CERTIFIED RANGE OFFICERS
HAD MANY CLASSES ON CIVIL WAR AND FRONTIER HISTORY AND EQUIPMENT AND ROLLED A LOT OF BLANK ROUNDS
SOME MEMBERS RECRUITED AT SCOUT MEETINGS, CAMP AUGUSTINE, AND ATTENDED VERDIGREE TACTICAL EVENT, BOWNVILLE BATTLE AND FILMING ON RIVERBOAT, NE MUZZLELOADERS CONVENTION, AND DUKE ALEXIS RENDEVOUS.
POSSIBLE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:ATTEND BATTLE AT PIPESTONE MN (2008)ATTEND 14TH GETTYSBURG BATTLE (JULY 2008)ATTEND BATTLE OF LITTLE BIG HORN, MONTANAVISIT FT ATKINSON AND PARTICIPATE WITH 1821 VENTURE CREWLEARN MORE ON NATIVE AMERICANS AND PORTRAY THEMMOVE TO INDIAN WARS PRESENTATIONSIMPROVE UNIT MARCHING SKILLS DO MORE LIVE FIRE SHOOTINGSPONSOR DISTRICT BSA CAMPOREEDOUBLE NUMBER OF A-FRAME TENTSSELECT A CSA UNIT TO PORTRAY
2007 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1848 VENTURE CREW
RECEIVED NATIONAL QUALITY UNIT AWARD FOR LAST YEAR’S ACTIVITIES FROM THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA (2006)
WAS THE HOST UNIT OF BATTLE OF SHILOH AT SCOUTSTOCK JUBILEE 2007 – MAHONEY STATE PARK IN OCT. 10,000 SCOUTS.
PARTICIPATED IN BATTLES AT PAWNEE CITY AND FT KEARNY AS UNION
DID LIVING HISTORY DEMONSTRATION AT STUHR MUSEUM IN GRAND ISLAND AND WAS ON TV
PARTICPATED AT THE ARCHWAY FOR CHAUTAUQUA IN JUNE
PARTICIPATED IN 3 LIVING HISTORY CUB SCOUT EVENTS, AND THE HARVEST DAY AT THE ARCH.
ARCH SERVICE PROJECT WITH SOD HOUSE, AND HAD TWO SCARECROWS JUDGED IN COMPETITION
PERFORMED AS THE COLOR GUARD FOR THE KEARNEY HUB’S FREEDOM AWARD BANQUET AT HOLIDAY INN
MARCHED IN VETERANS’ DAY PARADE IN KEARNEY
NEW MEMBERS (DREW, BILL, & BONNIE VOLKER, ANDREW LOWE)
WERE ON TV FOUR TO SIX TIMES AND IN THE NEWSPAPER 2 TIMES
PERFORMED A SERVICE PROJECT AT FT KEARNY (REPLACED 2 SECTIONS OF STOCKADE WALL)
PARTICIPATED IN FUND RAISER AT KIDS’ EXPLORE
ADDED 1 RIFLE AND BAYONET TO OUR UNIT (ADAM)
ADDED 1 A-FRAME TENT TO OUR UNIT (ADAM)
2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1848 VENTURE CREW
RECEIVED NATIONAL QUALITY UNIT AWARD FOR LAST YEAR’S ACTIVITIES FROM THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA (2005)
PARTICIPATED IN BATTLES AT PAWNEE CITY AS CONFEDERATES AND AT FT KEARNY AS UNION
LIVING HISTORY DEMONSTRATION AT STUHR MUSEUM AND WAS ON TV
PARTICPATED TWO DAYS IN THE 150TH HANDCART PIONEER CELEBRATION AT THE ARCHWAY
PARTICIPATED IN 3 LIVING HISTORY CUB SCOUT EVENTS, AND THE HARVEST DAY AT THE ARCH.
PERFORMED AS THE COLOR GUARD FOR THE GOVERNOR’S CENTENIAL QUARTER CELEBRATION AT THE UNIV. OF NEBRASKA AT KEARNEY
LIVE FIRED MUSKETS AND DUTCH OVEN COOKING EVENT
FIRED CANNONS AT THE “HUDSON” ANTIQUE CAR SHOW AT FT KEARNY
MARCHED IN THE VETERANS’ DAY PARADE IN KEARNEY
NEW MEMBERS (Roger Woolsey, Russ Crawford, Joseph May, Kiel Ruiz, Mike Shinn)
WERE ON TV FOUR TIMES AND IN THE NEWSPAPER 3 TIMESOUR PICTURE WAS ALSO IN THE LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR OCT.
PERFORMED SERVICE AT FT KEARNY- REPLACED 2 SECTIONS OF WALL)
PARTICIPATED IN FUND RAISER AT KIDS EXPLORE
ADDED 2 RIFLES AND 1 BAYONET TO OUR UNIT (ROGER & JOE)
ADDED 2 WALL TENTS TO OUR UNIT (MERRIFIELD’S & KNAPP’S)
ADDED 2 REPRODUCTION DRUMS, 1 BUGLE AND 10 FIFES TO OUR UNIT
OBTAINED VENTURE CREW BUSINESS CARDS & RECRUITMENT FLYER
PARTICIPATED IN GRAVE DEDICATION AND IN DOCUMENTARY FILM ON MISSOURI RIVER
DRAFT CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2008 (Updated Nov 2007) MEETINGS ARE USUALLY HELD 2 THURSDAYS EACH MONTH AT THE ARCHWAY IN KEARNEY AT 7:30 PM. CONTACT JOE CARLSON 237-4447, [email protected]
JAN. 19 Neb. Muzzle Loaders Convention – Ramada Inn 9:00 AM
FEB. 22nd FRIDAY 6:30 PM CUB SCOUT CSA LIVING HISTORY DEMO. - ARCH
MAR. 8 Sat. Possible service project at Ft K. replacing stockade wall
MAR. 15 Sat. CUB SCOUT LIVING HISTORY DEMO –ARCH
MAR. 28 Fri. CUB SCOUT LIVING HISTORY DEMO –ARCH
APR. 11-12 (or 18-19) Invited to Camp of Instruction with 165th NY & 10th Iowa at Stuhr Museum
APR. 18 Fri. 6:30 PM CUB SCOUT LIVING HISTORY DEMO -ARCH
APRIL ? 26TH SAT-SUN 27TH, FUND RAISER, KIDS EXPLORE - TRI CITY ARENA,
MAY 16-17 KANSAS CITY REENACTMENT –STAND OF COLORS in lieu of Gettysburg
MAY 23-24 MEMORIAL DAY – FT KEARNY – CAMPOUT FRIDAY – BATTLE SAT.MAY 26TH MON. MEMORIAL DAY FLAG CEREMONY
JUN. ? VERTIGREE TACTICAL EVENT
JULY 1-8 GETTYSBURG, PA 145TH REENACTMENT (CONSIDERING)
JULY 4TH FRI.. 5TH SAT. 2:00 PM MAJOR BATTLE, FT KEARNY,
AUG 15-16 PIPESTONE MN BATTLE (CONSIDERING)
AUG. 29 – 30TH. LABOR DAY WEEKEND: FT KEARNY SKIRMISH SAT. 2 PM SEPT. 1ST MON. LABOR DAY COLOR GUARD FT KEARNY 2;00 PM
SEPT 27TH SAT. PAWNEE CITY BATTLE, BATTLE (1ST NEB INF) 3 ½ HRS..
OCT TBA SAT (INDIVIDUAL OPTION) BROWNVILLE NE 213 MILES/3 1/2 HRS. OCT TBA THUR. MEETING CERTIFICATION/PROMOTION BOARD
NOV. TBA THUR. 6:30 PM, 6TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY AT ARCH
NOV 11TH TUE VETERANS DAY PARADE – KEARNEYDEC NO MEETINGS - GUN SHOW HOLDREGE OPTIONAL
Other Options:LIVE FIRING AT PAT AND KEYTON’S(INDIVIDUAL OPTIONS):(1st KS) Ft Harker, KS, J.C. Fremont Days, (LATE JULY OR AUG: POSSIBLE TRIP TO FT HAYES, KS 151 MILES, TO FT LARNED 55 MILES, THEN TO FT HARKER 77 MILES.(566 MILES ROUND TRIP)JUNE SEPT. 12-13 FRI-SAT (INDIVIDUAL OPTION )FT HAYS, KS (3 HR DRIVE)SCHOOL DAYOCT 20 ? GRAND DUKE ALEXIS & GEN. CUSTEROCT TBA SAT ARCHWAY OPEN HOUSE, LIVING HISTORY AND SKIRMISH
Getting Started: Uniform Costs with 4 Different Options: (costs current as of Nov 2007)
Option 1. We have two to three “loaner” uniforms until you can get your own fitted uniform. We request that you attempt to acquire your own clothing within a year after joining (possibly as a Christmas present) but if it takes longer due to financial need that is okay too. We have some additional leather gear and accouterments for you to wear. We do not want the fear of cost to participate to stop anyone from learning history and participating with us. We want you to come and enjoy our hobby with us.
Option 2. For youth who have limited funds. We have two complete uniforms (depending on if they fit you) with complete leather accouterments for rent for the entire time you are active in the unit. Rental fee is $50 for the clothing and $50 for the leather gear. It is expected that as a
minimum $5 would be paid a month for rental. If items are lost or severely damaged, it is the responsibility of the user to replace it. Uniforms that are smelly and dirty should be dry cleaned before returning them.
Option 3. You may purchase your own uniform for about $170 and rent your accouterments for $50 plus shipping.
Option 4. You may purchase your complete new uniform for about $168 + complete leather gear for about $95 + shipping $12.50 = about $280 This way you can order everything to fit you and it is all yours! Ninety-five percent of our unit has their own uniform.
You are not required to purchase a rifle. We have access to 6 additional loaner rifles that are authentic reproduction rifles from the civil war and to 5 drums, fife, and flags to carry. Some members decide to purchase their own rifle and bayonet. While purchasing your own rifle helps the unit, it is not required. Those who purchase their own rifles usually purchase the longer (3 band) Enfield or Springfield 58 cal. rifles. The cost for a new rifle by itself is about $460 to $525. Used rifles have been purchase for $200 to $500 depending on their condition, name brand, and if bayonet and sling come with them. We also have the shorter 2 band Zouave rifles within our unit.
*It should be pointed out that your costs of being involved in the civil war reenacting hobby are significantly lower than with most other units. It is not uncommon for new persons to pay $500 for the above uniform and equipment then be required to purchase their own rifle.
Other Costs with the unit:
About $10 a year for insurance and registration with the Boy Scouts of America. This is the cheapest and most complete insurance we can purchase. It also allows us to be affiliated with BSA and receive discounts and tax exempt status as a unit.
We have never had dues since being founded in 2002.
We ask all to wear their own black leather shoes or boots, (these can come from Goodwill).
For the past 5 years we have raised our own money by participating in Kids Explore, Cub Scout Civil War Night presentations at the Archway, and BSA pancake breakfasts. This has paid for most of our ammunition that we have used and other items. Our members have participated in the above events so we would have money to help the unit and offset the costs of accouterments. Our unit also has enough tents to shelter the entire unit.
THE BASIC UNION UNIFORM: REMEMBER BUY EXTRA BIG SO YOU CAN GROW!
The cheapest respectable Union uniform we can find is the package deal from Mercury Sutler in Texas. They have a special uniform package You can visit their web site from our link, or go to http://www.mercurysutler.com This is a one time purchase to get involved in the hobby, I have
been using the same pants and coat now for 14 years, so you do not need to keep buying things once the initial purchase is made.
They offer a compete basic uniform of, Union blue sack coat, pants, hat (forage cap or kepi), black belt with US belt buckle, suspenders (called braces) and a white cotton shirt. The only way to find a cheaper uniform is to make it yourself, or find someone getting out of the hobby and buying it from them.
They also offer a Confederate uniform for the same price only in gray. You do not need to purchase it. We can portray CSA by taking off our blue coats, and wearing old black civilian hats since that is what many of the rebels did.
Since we are infantry, we wear the leather equipment referred to as “accouterments.” We also purchase these in sets from the above sutler. We purchase their “Special” for $95 which includes a cartridge box, leather sling, cap pouch, haversack, and stainless steel blue canteen. We then purchase the eagle breast plate for $6.25 and US cartridge box plate for $6.25 + shipping.
(Misc. information on the uniform and what it is; below information was current Sept 2006)1. A hat, either the forage or kepi are acceptable. (Usually a kepi - shorter version of the forage cap or “bummer” was used near the end of the war by Sgts. and officers and more out west and by state militias). The forage hat was issued to union troops and was the most common hat worn by union soldiers both are acceptable; it's your choice. It can be bought from a sutler for about $25-$352. A blue coat, called a sack coat with 4 buttons on the front. It is made of 100% wool without any lining and can be made or purchased from a sutler for about $50 to $75. During the war most had lining but it is cheaper to buy them without lining. Later fancier coats can be purchased, but this is the cheapest and easiest way to first get involved and you can portray artillery, infantry, cavalry and most anything else by using a sack coat. 3. Pants, in sky blue in color, made out of 100% wool for about $50 to $75, you don’t need cavalry pants or stripes on the legs.4. Belt, black in color, 2 inch width. You may have one in the closet or purchase for about $12.5. US Buckle, for $6 to $8.6. Braces (usually improperly called suspenders by most of us), with buttons. These can be made out of canvas or cotton webbing or from Goodwill items.7. A white/colored long sleeve shirt, normally one that you use for church or work, will get you started. Most reenactors wear 3 or 4 button shirts that only button about 1/3 of the way down, however, many plaid, stripped or checkered long sleeve shirts may be worn. Most did not have pockets on them but some did. Collars were either like we have today or were absent.8. Shoes were black leather, with round toes. You probably have something like this in your closet. If not, you may find East German Officer boots from an on line army surplus store.
Optional items you may also want to start assembling.old pie tins not aluminum) that we use as plates (we have some to issue out)old silverware, not stainless steel (we have some to issue out)
tin cups to drink out of (we don't carry any soda cans around, the contents are hidden in the cups.) Each person has their own. (we have some to issue out)period glasses, we find frames at antique stores for $8 to$20, then take our old pair of glasses to an optical store (the one in the Hilltop Mall will cut your old glasses down to fit quite inexpensively).pocket watch about $8 (please put your wrist watches in your pockets or leave in the car).
CLOTHING FOR WOMEN AND YOUNG WOMEN Young women have two choices, to wear the costumes of women of the era and learn more about sewing, cooking, being a nurse, a spy, a company laundress, daughter of the commander, flirting and dancing or to fit in the soldier’s world and dress as a man, hiding her true identity, as many women did during the war. Camp, pioneer or Day dresses can be easily made or purchased for about $50-$100.
1848 Venture Crew Basic Reenacting Safety Guidelines(Taken from the 1872 Crew and revised 19 May 2005)
The following are some very basic safety guidelines used by the 1848 Venture Crew when using black powder firearms at living history battle reenactments. The firearms and artillery we use are real. Even though we fire blanks, these weapons are just as deadly as they were one hundred and forty years ago. Safety must be first in our minds when we use these weapons. Despite the fact we are organized, drill and “fight” as a military unit at reenactments, we teach history - we do not train anyone to “kill.” These guidelines are to protect our own troops and protect our friends, the “enemy,” with whom we reenact historical battles. General:
BSA rules require the use of hearing protectors, keep them with you at all times and wear during firing of blanks or real bullets or on the artillery crew. BSA also requires the use of safety glasses and you may wear them or period eye glasses for the protection of your eyes in the event of metal chips from the cap primer breaking. If you do not wear them, then BSA insurance will not cover you in the event of an eye accident. You must be a paid member of BSA each year to be covered by their insurance.
Review safety issues before shooting at each event. Conduct an inspection of all artillery and small arms before each use or reenactment. Use common sense and consider safety first. No alcoholic beverages or illegal drug use allowed at any event or meeting. Heat injuries are a serious problem. Everyone is to have a canteen or cup with them and drink large quantities
of water at each event. In the event of feeling dizzy, nauseous or vomiting, etc. notify your leader immediately Always work and go places in at least a group of two or more. Let a leader know if you are leaving the area. Observe legal limits on storage and transportation of black powder: Fifty pounds of bulk powder under one roof
without a proper magazine and twenty-five pounds per vehicle for transportation.
Small Arms and Bayonet:
No member shall bring live ammunition of any kind to a reenactment. Treat every gun as if it were loaded. Even blanks can kill. Rifles will be inspected by a SGT at the beginning and ending of all events by a ramrod being dropped into the
barrel, followed by firing only a cap into a designated are of dirt if blanks or real rounds are to be fired.
No new crew member may fire blanks or real ammunition unless they demonstrated they are capable of “loading in 9 times” correctly, are aware of these safety requirements and approved by the senior crew advisor and one other adult.
Pay attention to where you are pointing the gun and never train the sights on any individual or point the gun at anyone.
Never double load your gun to fire, do not use more that 65 grains of powder per round. In the event of a misfire, do not load another round. Use another cap, tap and slap. If it fails to fire, then take
to a SGT or Venture Crew leader. Only use the 4 “ear” musket caps for safety ! The 6 ear ones are dangerous. You must be age 14 and trained and certified by unit leaders to carry a loaded rifle, and have 1 adult (usually a
dad) to monitor your safety at events where blanks or real rounds are fired. When firing on "enemy troops" at a Civil War or other reenactment, elevate the small arms well above heads of
opposing troops. Twice the height of a person is a minimum. When "enemy troops" are closer than 50 feet, use extreme elevation or cease firing. If you are using a 2 band rifle, never fire from the 2nd rank over the shoulder of the 1st rank, exchange places
with them Do not draw bayonet or fix bayonet unless ordered to do so by an officer. Do not approach any cannon with crossed implements Do not approach any cannon in battle closer than 150 feet, unless they have abandoned the cannon and you are
following the orders of your officer Do not fire directly at horses and their riders Do not fire your rifle out of the reenactment area on your own without permission of the senior Venture Crew
advisor on site Do not allow any non-crew member to handle loaded small arms without permission of a crew leader. The crew will have members that are NMLRA range officer certified in charge during live firing of real bullets,
along with 1 adult supervising 1 youth while firing. Eye protection is required along with hearing protection, no exceptions.
Do not carry your rifles in the trunk of your car to school. In many cases you could be arrested for having it there.
Pistols: Do not OVER CHARGE small arms. Use 50 to 75 grains of FF black powder in rifles. Use only 15 to 30 grains
of FFF black powder in revolvers. Use only cream of wheat or cornmeal as wadding in revolvers. Carry revolvers in a flap holster. Do not unholster a loaded pistol without orders from a SGT or officer to do so. Only load 5 cylinders, so the hammer can rest on the empty cylinder The same safety rules for rifles also apply to pistol use
Artillery:
To be on the cannon crew, you must be 16 years of age and have attended training given by an officer or SGT from C Battery 3rd US Field Artillery at least once a year.
Always follow established procedure and the standard, practiced artillery drills. Stop drills with a “Cease Fire” command immediately whenever necessary.
Observe the "3-Minute" rule with respect to rate of fire. Know the “safety areas” around and in front of artillery and watch closely for “incursions.” Be behind the
wheel hub when cannon is fired. When firing artillery at "enemy troops" cease-fire when they are closer than 150 feet. All crew members should call and echo “Cease-Fire” when necessary. Keep your thumb pointed down range on the rammers, only use one hand to ram Always wear heavy duty leather gloves when working on the front of the cannon, #1,#2
Remember:
The loss of life, limb or eyesight is always a risk when dealing with black powder, but can be avoided by observing these safety rules.
Damage to hearing can easily occur with any misuse of our firearms. This can happen in a single shot or slowly over time, so always wear hearing protection.
Most artillery incidents happen when you deviate from practiced drills. Most small arm accidents happen when people are “playing” with the arms, not in drills or in the reenactments.
Do NOT play or “horse around” with small arms.
ORGANIZATION OF THE VENTURE CREW:
The highest positions in the 1848 Venture Crew held by the Venture Scouts are in order: Squad leader (President), Quartermaster 1st CPL (1st VP), 2nd CPL (2nd VP), 3rd CPL (Adjutant - Secretary). These positions are to be held by scouts for a one year period. In order to be considered for these 4 positions, the scout must be an active, registered member that has met the basic requirements for a Private. After the Crew has been in existence for one year, all future officers must have met the requirements for Veteran status. In order to wear the appropriate rank of CPL or SGT, the scout must meet the standards and have them certified by the 1848Venture Crew Advisor. All qualified scouts my present their own names for any of the leadership positions. If qualified, these names will be presented to the Venture Crew for a sealed ballot election. (Note. for the first 3 years in being in existence, it has been the policy of the crew to have a Board of Review by all adult advisors to the crew. Each scout appears before the board and indicates which position they would like and be willing to do. The Board then makes the appointments to the positions. This method has eliminated selection by popularity. If the majority of the scouts present elect this method, it may be done in lieu of closed ballot elections.) If a Scout does not participate in civil war reenacting, but concentrates on Native American History, they may also have their name presented for consideration to be the Squad Leader (or any of the four leadership positions). In the event they are elected, they will be the senior Venture Crew member over all joint activities, however, during civil war reenactment activities, the military leadership will fall upon the 1st CPL or next civil war reenactor leader in the chain of command. All positions may be held by any registered scout for a one year period. Rank may be worn in any of these positions as earned. Individuals who fail to attend their meetings and perform their duties will be removed from office by the Venture Crew Advisors and a new election held. A leadership position may not be held for two consecutive turns.
Squad leader SGT (President) Responsible for coordinating all activities, phone calling, etc.Quartermaster(QM) 1st CPL/SGT (1st Vice Pres.) maintains and issues all unit equipment and Assists SL Assistant SL 2nd CPL (2nd Vice Pres.) assists SL and 1st CPL Adjutant 3rd CPL (Secretary) Responsible for Newsletter, web page, attendance reports.
The below positions may be voted on if two or more scouts desire the same position, or they may be appointed by the Venture Crew Advisors. Not all scouts are required to have a specific position until they feel they are ready for the assignment.
Drummer: responsible for being able to play the drum for marching and flag raising eventsAssist. QM -works with the issuing and collection and care of unit equipmentChief Cook – responsible for selecting and preparing meals, maintains unit cooking equipment (does not do KP or guard duty)Assistant cooks – assists chief cook Medical Orderly – responsible for being CPR certified, and carrying medical bag.Nurse - Same duties as a medical orderly.Recruiting and public affairs officer – responsible for recruiting new members into unit, writing newspaper releases.Chaplain – responsible for giving prayers for the unit. Round Table (Book Review) Coordinator – coordinates for guest speakers on historical books, guides discussions.Movement Coordinator - Knows who has vehicles and coordinates for rides to meetings and activitiesHistorical accuracy committee – Has many books on technical accuracy of uniforms and equipment and works with new members for accuracy.Photographer Unit Historian
1848 Venture Crew standards for advancement to Private and Veteran. Sept. 11, 2003 final standards were approved by the 1848 Venture Crew
Requirements for promotion to PrivateRequirements for Veteran (in Bold type) and Indented
UNIFORMHave access to the basic US uniform consisting of wool pants, coat, kepi,shirt, braces, belt and US buckle
Have your own basic US UniformHave appropriate black leather footwearHave at least 2 items in haversack to talk aboutHave your own haversackHave proper eye glassesHave a canteenBe able to portray a Rebel soldier (hat at a minimum)
ATTENDANCEAttend ½ of unit meetings/functions for a 6 month period, orattend 12 meetings during the year and ½ of the activities, you can make up meetings by attending activities, 1 for 1, if it is becauseof sickness or required attendance as school activities.
Attend 70% of all meetings and activitiesAttend 2 living history activities
Participate in 2 battles
Participate in 2 Flag CeremoniesParticipate in an additional 2 flag ceremonies by being on Color Guard
Participate in 3 fund raiser activitiesParticipate in an additional 3 fund raiser activities
MILITARY SKILLSAble to march and drill without (w/o) a weapon
Able to march and do manual of arms with a weaponAble to load in 9 by Casey’s manual
Able to give the commands of loading in 9 and instruct others in the proper method, as well as give safety instructions with working with a rifle
Able to properly clean a rifleDemonstrate that you are able to teach another person how to properly clean a rifle and inspect it for cleanlinessFire on a live range safely after receiving proper instructions
Able to set up and take down an A frame tentAble to set up and take down an NCO/Officer tentParticipate in a Grand March and Virginia Reel
Participate in the Jenny Lind Polka and Waltz w/white glovesAssist in helping either cook or clean up after a unit meal
Cook or prepare 2 authentic mealsReceive safety instructions on the 4 cannon positions
Can properly demonstrate all 4 positions and explain cannon safety rulesBe able to give commands to load a cannon
KNOWLEDGEKnow basic knowledge of civil war (CW) or attend class on civil war
Pass a written civil war test with 80%Read 1 civil war non fiction book
Read an autobiography of soldier and present information to Crewat round table
Know basic info on Ft Kearny, when founded, role during civil war and Indian warsExplain the 4 major types of cannon shells and types of cannon at Ft Kearny
Give a 15 minute tour of Ft Kearny or talk with visitors for 15 min. 3 XSee move Gods and GeneralsSee Gettysburg movie
See movies “Red Badge of Courage” and “North and South” or substitute “Glory” for one of them
See 2 episodes of Ken Burns Civil war series, or other CW series (public library has)See an additional 3 episodes of specials on the civil war
Explain safety of rifle firingExplain safety with pistols
SERVICEHelp 4 times (1 hr. minimum each time) on an unpaid historical projector give service to a historical organization, ie. greeting people at the Arch, or Ft Kearny
participating in living history displays for the public, candle light tours, or presenting information to schools, civic groups, etc.
Serve an additional 3 times Do three 10 minute presentations on the civil war to the publicDo two 10 minute first person impersonations to the public
Recruit one new member or parent into the Venture Crew or bring three different friends to our activities to see if they would like to join.
Recruit an additional member to our unit (same as above)
Substitution allowed for any 2 listed standards above (not including safety standards) for those who have their own musket, cartridge box with sling and cap pouch.
Standards for promotion to corporal are: Served 1 year as a registered 1848 Venture Crew member, participates in 80% of all activities, passes an advance test with 80%, can pass as either a union or confederate infantry or artillery soldier, has their own tent, has reference books on uniforms and equipment. This person is technically proficient on standards to become a veteran and can give proper marching commands and train safely. This person must be recommended by advisors for promotion to CPL. Blue infantry rank may be worn after awarded. As the unit grows in numbers, other standards for increased rank will be given. A study guide will be given for both the basic and advanced tests.
18 JAN 2007 below standards for promotion approved by unit.Standards for promotion to Sergeant:Met all requirements for veteran and corporal statusParticipated with the unit 2 years, one year credit may be substituted from another civil war unitAttends 80% of Crew activitiesBe a role model for other members of the unitSupports unit and unit leadersMakes everyone in unit feel welcome to come and participateKnows first and last names of all Crew members to include adults and their phone
numbersKnows and insures all safety requirements are complied with by Crew membersBe able to instruct new recruits on all aspects of the School of the Soldier as done in the
DVD provided by the CrewBe able to instruct the company in:
Moving to battle line from column formationHow to perform skirmish drillHow to maneuver and shoot as a unit safely
Be knowledgeable and able to talk for 10 minutes at anytime regarding both the history of the 1st Nebraska Infantry Regiment and also Ft Kearny
Standards for promotion to Company First Sergeant (1SG):Meets all standards for promotion to SergeantBeen an active member of unit for three yearsAppointed by unit leader in consultation with sponsoring agency representative for at
least a 2 year period. Presented to the Crew for their sustaining in that position.
Assumes command of Crew in absence of the officer(s)Develops youth as leaders, by instructing them and giving them leadership opportunities Responsible for notification of all other adult leaders of events and offers encouragement
for their attendanceInsures all safety requirements are metInsures that Crew is in compliance with all BSA requirementsAfter having served as 1SGT and are not actively serving as the 1SG, they will wear
either SGT or no rank. Only one person will wear 1SG rank at any given time.
Standards for promotion to Second Lieutenant:Crew must have an average of 20 active participating soldiers (not including civilians)
for this position to be filled. Must have had 80% active participation with the unit for 3 yearsParticipated for two years as either a corporal or sergeant in a dedicated mannerMust be willing to assist Company 1SG in all of their dutiesMust be willing to purchase an officer frock coat, sash, shoulder boards, officer sword belt with eagle belt plate, sword, pistol and holster. Appointed by unit leader in consultation with sponsoring agency representative and submitted to the Crew for their sustaining in that position.Assumes command of the Crew in absence of the Captain.
If this position is held by a Crew member under the age of 21, they will get final approval on all major decisions from the ranking adult member of the Crew presentat the activity.
________Recommend deleting the following requirements for advancement to veteran status:
1. Be able to give commands to load a cannon2.
Recommend adding to the advancement of veteran status.
1. Under substitution: Those who have their own tent, may substitute that for any two other requirements, not associated with safety requirements.
Recommend deleting the following requirements for advancement to corporal:
1. Passes an advance test with 80%2. Has their own tentRecommend adding: Will be able to demonstrate giving proper marching and manual of arms commands in the appropriate command voice (appropriate tone inflection) that can be heard by all in the unit.
GIVING OF COMMANDS (based on Hardee’s tactics 1862) prepared by Joe Carlson
Always SHOUT OUT LOUDLY the commands. Everyone needs to hear you. Even if the person giving the command messes up, try to do what you think they said to do.You will usually be giving commands to a squad or company of soldiers so you normally start off with the size of unit you are giving the commands to, for example:
Squad, FALL IN Soldiers form in a single straight line in front of their leader, elbow to elbow, look to the person on your right, then bring your head forward, standing at attention. Squad, ATTENTION Heels together, arms down on side of pants, eyes to the frontNo talking in this position unless asked a question.
Squad, Eyes, RIGHT Turn head to the right so that inner corner of the left eye in a line with the buttons of the coat.Squad, Eyes, FRONT Bring head back looking straight ahead
Right, DRESS or Left, DRESS turn head to the right to get alignment. FRONT brings your head back. You are touching, elbow to elbow.
Squad, Right, FACE raise the right foot slightly, turn on the left heel, raising the toes a little, then replace the right heel by the side of the left, and on the same line.
Squad, Left, FACE (just opposite of Right FACE)
Squad, ABOUT –FACE At the word about, the recruit will turn on the left heel, bring the left toe to the front, carry the right foot to the rear, the hollow opposite to, and full three inches from, the left heel, the feet square to each other. At the word FACE, the recruit will turn on both heels, raise the toes a little, extend the hams, fact to the rear bringing at the same time, the right heel by the side of the left.
Squad, REST Recruits are not required to remain silent but must stay in formation
Squad, forward, MARCH. Start off with your left foot, stepping 28 inches.Squad, HALT The foot in the rear will be brought up, and planted by the other.
Squad, Mark time, MARCH. You continue marching without moving forward
Squad, Right About, MARCH (modern words used. rear, March) your left foot hits the ground, you turn to the right and your right foot is now pointing in the direction to your rear.
Squad, Count Ranks by Twos. (go from left to right) Soldiers keep their heads looking straight ahead and count from one to two, in a line moving from right to left.
To march by the flankSquad, right FACE Forward, MARCH
The rank will face to the right, even numbered men after facing to the right, will step quickly to the right side of the odd numbered men, the latter standing fast. The men will be formed into files of two men abreast. On the command of march they will step off.
Squad, HALT, FRONTThe rank will halt and on the command of FRONT will face to the left and move quickly into their places to from the squad into one rank.
Squad by file left (or right) MARCH, (same as a column movement)Squad by the right (or left) flank, MARCH (same as a flanking movement)
Squad, FALL INSquad, Right, DRESSSquad, FRONTSquad, Left, FACESquad, About, FACESquad, Forward, MARCHSquad, Mark time, MarchSquad, Forward, MARCHSquad, Right About, MARCHSquad, HALTSquad, Right FACESquad, REST
ATTENTIONFrom right to left, COUNT OFFTo march by the flank: Squad, Right, FACEForward MarchRight About, MARCHHALT, (PAUSE) FRONTREST
Marching Commands and execution:
To number men in ranks, the command is “Count Ranks by 2”
You are always to the side of your pardner
Commands are: By the Left Flank, MARCH, or By the Right Flank, MARCH
Column movements: By File Right (left), MARCH
Wheel Right, MARCH (ELBOW TO ELBOW, TURN YOUR HEAD TO THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL TO GUIDE) GIVEN AT QUICK OR COMMON TIME.
Right (or left) Turn, MARCH, (move your rifle to the right shift position, increase speed to double quicktime) this is always a 90 degree turn
Forward MARCH, always start of with your left footObliques are 45 degrees to your right or leftRight About, MARCH (same as today’s rear, march) given on right foot, turn to your rightBackwards, MARCH
HOW TO BE A TIME TRAVELER OR HOW TO DO A FIRST PERSON IMPERSONATION By Joe Carlson for the 1848 Venture Crew Feb. 2003
Think of yourself as a time traveler back to the 1860's. The United States is in a civil war, the president is Abraham Lincoln. There is no electricity, light bulbs, TVs or even wrist watches. Many of your friends have lied about their ages and joined the army to see the country, become heroes and save the Union. You have decided you want to help others learn about the history of the civil war period and the way you want to do it is by presenting yourself as a person who lived during that time. It is much easier to just dress the part and tell others what it was like, rather than doing a first person impersonation or sometimes called impression This takes courage to act the part. The main benefits of doing the first person impersonation is that very few do it because it is hard to do, and the public really likes it the best. This is one of the things they go away from camp talking about and remembering. There is also a spirit of fun in this between you and the public. They want to try and trick you into saying something that you could not have known if you lived in that time so they will ask you questions in the middle of your conversation, such as Where can I buy a coke? Hoping that you will drop your guard and answer them. Your answer should be that the only coke you know of comes from the coal mines, or you can ignore the question and say you have never heard of such a place as that. They will then laugh and realize that you are really living in the period. The children are the most fun to talk with, they will really think that you lived during the war and their questions will reflect that. It is a fun activity that will take some work and practice on your part. The good news is that it gets easier and you get better with practice. You will make many mistakes starting out but that is okay, it is part of the hobby and you will do better the next time. Now to help you get started here are some pointers.
1. Do some reading and study about what you are going to talk about, the life of a soldier, pioneer, Indian or whatever. There are some good books out there that will really help you. I take notes/facts and put them on a 3 X 5 card and carry in my pocket. Before the event, I pull it out and review it so it will be fresh in my memory. Some people research only one person and
portray them, they may be a famous person or an ancestor who lived during that period. This really makes it fun, if you are acting the part of your ancestor or member of C Co. 1st Neb..
2. Dress the part as much as you can. Over time you will improve your costume/impression. You can always talk about your costume, people wonder what you wear and why. The things you want to avoid are wearing tennis shoes, wrist watches, sun glasses, using ball point pens (use pencils) and especially having a can of soda (use a old fashion drinking metal cup - many times you will see this as a rule of the camp called the tin cup rule is in effect).
3. The public wonders about your equipment, tools, etc that you are using. If you have about 5 items you can talk about and explain how they are used, it makes the time go fast. You then have a re-useable script you can use, just explain what you are doing and why. Time goes by extremely fast, especially if you are interested in the items you are showing, such as how to load a gun, types of cannon, how to use a wash board, and different things you use every day, etc.
4. Most people will be extremely pleased that you are helping to educate them and their children, their questions will be genuine. If you dont know the answer, dont make it up. Just say you dont know, but maybe one of the other soldiers or women might know and you recommend asking them.
5. When more than one or two people are talking to you, you need to SPEAK LOUDLY, the people in the back cant hear your normal voice. Also, act HAPPY AND EXCITED and they will mirror your attitude.
6. At the beginning of a conversation be sure and tell them who you are and why you are here, for example: Hello folks, I am private Jim Smith from Fort Kearny and my sergeant sent me over here to answer any of your questions about the fort and the rest of the trail going west to Ft. Laramie. During that time period it showed respect to respond to men by calling them sir and to women as Maam., you could even tip your hat to the women as you meet them. At the end, thank them for coming to visit, wish them well on their trip west and remind them to avoid any Rebels.
7. Try to do your first person impersonation for only 2 to 5 minutes to start with. Later you can extend it. Remember that you are going to make many silly mistakes at first, but no one cares, they just think you are doing a great job. You are the only one that is really noticing it. You will get better with it each time you do it. Remember you are one of the highlights of the public’s visit to our activity when you are doing this.
Here are a list of books that I use to help me, they give very good details of everyday life. If you read any of these you will probably know more correct information than half of civil war reenactors.
Soldier Life in the Union and Confederate Armies by Philip Van Doren Stern ISBN 0-517-16395-0 for about $10. Actually this is two original books combined, Hardtack and Coffee and Detailed Minutiae of Soldier Life in the Army of Northern Virginia. It covers both the North and South.
The Life of Billy Yank by Bell Wiley ISBN 0-8071-0476-0 about $14The Life of Johnny Reb by Bell Wiley ISBN 0-8071-0475-2 about $14Co Aytch a Confederate Soldiers Memoirs by Sam R. Watkins about $6 easy/fun readingFort Kearney by D. Ray Wilson pub. by Crossroads Communications about $10Or the library may have many more good books. The above ones are more difficult to read and are used to obtain very small details about the everyday life of soldiers.
Here are some questions for you to answer.What year were you born? _______________ Where were you born? ________Who did you vote for in the last election for Pres? ________ Who is the VP ? _________What year did the war start and what year is it now? ____________ What is the name of your unit? __________ How long did you enlist for? ____________ Who is your general? _____How long have you been here? ____________ What is the next fort west of Ft Kearny?____How many stars or on our flag? _
BASICS OF CIVIL WAR HISTORY for the 1848 Archway Venture Crew by Joe Carlson
The Civil War started in April 1861 when South Carolina troops fired on the Union fort of Ft Sumter guarding Charleston harbor. It ended in April 4 years later at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. The president of the US was Abraham Lincoln and the most famous general was U.S. Grant. The president of the Confederate States of America (CSA or CS) was Jefferson Davis and his most famous general was Robert E. Lee.
The underlying reason for the war was the issue of slavery, much of the South’s economy of cotton and sugar required large numbers of slaves to do manual labor. Congress was divided on allowing slavery into the newly created western states. In Kansas there was fighting between those who wanted Kansas to be a slave or free state. However, when the Union soldier marched off to war in 1861 it was not to free the slaves, the main reason was to keep the Union together, keeping alive the goal of the American Revolution and the Constitution. It wasn’t until after the Battle of Antietam that Pres. Lincoln signed the proclamation freeing the slaves (and that freed only the slaves in the Southern States that had tried to leave the Union). The freeing of slaves and keeping the Union together then became the main reasons to fight.
Southerners felt that they had freely joined the United States or Union and that they were under no long term obligation to remain if they were not being treated fairly. A large number of congressman from the South relied upon slaves or some of their wealthy constituents were large plantation owners and they wanted to keep slavery. They were also opposed to the high taxes levied by Congress on goods coming from England in the way of finished products (which they thought helped the New England merchants) which caused England to respond by putting high taxes on the cotton exported from the South to England. The North was also increasing in population and industry while the South was mainly farming.
When the war started Southerners felt their highest loyalty was to their State not the United States of America. They felt when the Union troops came south to force them to remain with the Union that it was a “War of Aggression” or invasion of the South and they were called to defend their homes. The “straw that broke the camel’s back” was the election of Abraham Lincoln as
President of the United States. Most of the Southern soldiers did not own slaves but were from very small farms that they owned themselves. Large plantation owners were exempt from military service though many did fight.
Union, or Federal, “Yankee” soldiers wore blue uniforms and were usually assigned to the Infantry, Artillery or Cavalry or as general support troops. They were nicknamed “Billy Yanks” Most were white until later in the war when Black soldiers were allowed to enlist. See the movie “Glory” of the 54th Mass. Regmt.
Confederates or Rebels were nicknamed “Johnny Rebs” and wore any kind of uniform they could find. Standard wool uniforms were gray with gray or light blue pants, but up to a 1/4 of the army wore brown or “butternut” colored uniforms. Many did not have uniforms and wore their clothing they brought from home or took off of dead Union or Southern soldiers on the battlefield.Their military equipment and tactics were almost identical on both sides, only the Union had more of it and could make their own in great quantities. The South could not. They had to rely on England providing equipment running the Union blockade of their coast and from using captured Union equipment, they did produce small quantities of their own weapons and equipment.
Union batteries usually consisted of 6 guns divided into three, 2-gun sections (left, middle and right section) They used the same type of ammunition and took about 100 men to operate. CSA batteries were of mixed types and only had four guns per battery of about 65 men (G’burg p. 23). The average Infantry regiment (Regmt) consisted of 10 companies, 30 officers and usually 800 men, but during combat, the average strength was only about 480 men.
The Union private in 1861 was paid $13 per month which was a lot for most of the men who had been farmers or laborers in factories. It was also a lot for emigrants who had just arrived in the US and needed money and an opportunity to show their patriotism.
The heaviest loss during any single battle was Gettysburg 1-3 July 1863. Between 40 and 50,000 casualties. 21% on the US side and 30% on the CSA. p. 13
The Union regiment that had the most casualties in a single battle was the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery Battery while attacking as Infantry at Petersburg, VA. They suffered 604 casualties within 20 minutes, half of the Regmt. The South’s Regmt. that suffered the highest casualties was the 26th North Carolina Regmt. at Gettysburg. Watch the movie “Gettysburg”
US 2.3 mil. men. 70% under age of 23approx. 200,00 were 15 and 16. (p. 11)US peak strength 1864- 1,044,660 menUS battle deaths - 110,100US deaths to disease - 224,000 (diarrhea and dysentery 44,558) CSA peak strength 1864 - 484,800 menCSA battle deaths -94,000
CSA deaths to disease -60,000 (Price p. 17)
Ave. US daily rations (if available) in oz. 20 beef, 18 flour, 2.56 dry beans, 1.6 green coffee, 2.4 sugar, .64 salt CSA 1/4 lbs of bacon, 18 oz of flour, 10 lbs. Of rice and some peas etc.Pay was $13 per month for a US private 1861 (Price p. 11)
During 1st Bull Run between 8,000 to 10,000 bullets were fired for every man killed or wounded (Price p. 12).Only 20% of battle casualties can be attributed to artillery (Price p. 54).1/4 of West Point Officers went to the CSAMovies to watch: The Blue and the Gray, Gettysburg, Glory, Ken Burn’s Civil War (available at the Kearney Public library).Reference Books: Hardtack and Coffee by John D. Billings (also in Soldier Life by Philip Stern the same book), or Billy Yank by Bell I. Wiley.
1848 Venture Crew Basic civil war information to be used for advancement to the rank of private Prepared by Joe Carlson Oct 13, 2003
General History of Civil War:1. What month and year did the civil war start? April 18612. What month and year did the civil war end and where? April 1865, Appomattox Court House, Virginia3. Who was the President of the US and CSA? Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis4. Who was the main general for the US and for the CSA? Gen. U.S. Grant vs. Gen. Robert E. Lee5. What were the two main reasons the war started? 1. The issue of states rights, and the holding of the union of all states together into one country. 2. The slavery issue, the CSA wanted to maintain slavery (while this was the main underlying issue that caused the war, soldiers at the beginning of the war primarily fought for states rights vs. holding the union together.6. Which State was the first to secede from the union, and where was the first attack on the US? South Carolina, Charleston harbor – Fort Sumter7. How many southern states seceded and how many stars were in the US Flag at the beginning of the war? 11 States seceded, there were 33 stars on the US flag which included the 11 states that tried to secede.8. The first major land battle of the war was fought where and who won? Battle of Bull Run or Battle of Manassas Junction, just outside of Washington D.C., CSA won9. Main advantages of the north were: larger population, more manufacturing and industry, larger navy.10. Main advantages of the south were: fighting on their own land, to keep their way of life, better military leaders, they only had to defend and out wait the north, and internal lines of supply and communication were shorter to move troops around.11. How many soldiers fought in the war? US –2.2 million CSA – 1 million12. How many were killed in battle vs. disease? US 110,000 vs 224,000 or 1:2 ratio CSA 94,000 battle deaths vs 60,000
Infantry Facts1. What was the name of the unit from Nebraska that fought in the civil war? 1st Nebraska Infantry2. Which battles did they fight in? Ft Donnelson and Shiloh, then they fought CSA guerrillas in Missouri and Arkansas.3. What were the two typical rifles used by the north, caliber, and weight? US Springfield (or British Enfield). 58 cal. wt. 9.75 pounds, it used a 500 grain bullet and 60 grains of powder.4. How many rounds could a good infantryman fire in a minute? 35. What was the pay of an infantry soldier/private in 1861? $13 a month
Artillery Facts1. What is the unit designation of the artillery unit at Ft Kearny? C Battery, 3rd United States Field Artillery2. At Ft Kearny we have 3 small cannons, what are they called and how far can they shoot accurately? 12 pound Mountain howitzers, brass barrel weight 220 pounds, and it fires accurately 900 yards at a 5 degree elevation of the barrel.3. What type of cannon shell would you fire at attacking infantry who were charging and were within 100 yards of you? Canister4. What do crossed implements (rammer, worm) over the barrel of a cannon mean? It is loaded and ready to fire, stay away from the front of the barrel.5. Your thumbs should always be pointing which way when using the rammer? Down range and it is better to ram only with one hand.6. What is the conveyance that pulls a cannon and how many horses should be used? A limber pulled by 6 horses.7. A U.S. battery (company) of artillery consists of ________ cannons, divided into 3 sections of _______ cannons each. Answer. 6 cannons with 2 cannons in each section.
Fort Kearny Information1. What year was Fort Kearny established and then later abandoned? 1848 until 1871.2. What was the primary purpose of Ft Kearny? To protect the settlers going west on the Oregon and Mormon trails, to keep the peace between the Pawnee and Sioux Indians, and later to serve as a main supply depot for expeditions against the Indians.3. What group of Indian Scouts was at Ft Kearny under the Command of Captain North? The Pawnee Scouts4. What was the purpose of the wooden stockade at Ft Kearny? To hold the cattle and horses from the Indians from running them off.
Our Unit’s Military History : 1st Nebraska Civil War HistorySketch by Joe Carlson Jan 14, 2003Information taken from
1860 Nebraska Territory population was 30,000; out of 9,000 men between ages 20 to 25, we had 3,300 men serve or 1/3. This is one of the largest percentages of any state. There were 35 deaths from wounds, and total deaths were 239, or 7%.
Col. John Thayer was the commander and was later one of our first senators and later governor of Nebraska.
Organized in territorial capital of Omaha, 11 June through 26 June 1861. War started 12 April 1861. There were 11 companies, A through K under Col. Thayer.30 July 1861, 5 companies took the “West Wind” steamer to St. Joseph, MO, then to Independence and St. Louis for training at Syracuse MO for 2 months of training, there were some minor skirmishes in MO. Two weeks later all of the reg. Followed, there were a total of 1,370 officers and men.
Feb. 1862 the unit served with Brigadier General U.S. Grant in the 3rd division (under Gen Lew Wallace, in the 2nd Brigade) at the capture of Ft Donelson, TN. They fought in mud and 3 inches of new snow. LTC William McCord replaced Col Thayer (he became the 3rd Brigade commander). They were able to stop the breakout of the fort by Tennessee units. General Wallace said this about the 1st Neb. that they “repelled the charge”, they took 10 casualties.
The next battle was at Shiloh, Tennessee April 1862. After a 2 hour exchange of bullets, a charge by the 1st Nebraska broke the Confederate line. (page. 29).
Early 1863: The unit spent time along the Arkansas-Mississippi border, then back to Missouri looking for Confederate raiders. The unit was poorly supplied and found to subsist on ½ rations. They fought at the battle of Chalk Bluff, Arkansas.
6 Nov 1863, Special Order 278 authorized the unit horses and its name changed to the First Nebraska Cavalry. (One source said Oct. 11, 1863)
June 1864, their 3 year enlistment was over, most reenlisted as part of the First Regiment Nebraska Volunteer Cavalry. They received a short 6 week furlough (leave) and were reassigned to Ft Kearny, Nebraska Territory in Aug. 1864.
The original companies were formed from the following locations:A. Plattsmouth B. Germans/Omaha and was called the Union Rifles C. Brownville D. Nebraska CityE. Burt County/called Neb. Frontier Guards F. G. Neb. Rangers- Omaha, “Old Indian Fighters”H. Neb. and Iowans I. Iowans J. K. Paddock Guards of Omaha (Curtis Horse, 4 Companies from Omaha, was officially the 5th Iowa Cavalry)The below information was taken from the web page of A Co. 1st Nebraska Infantry Regiment out of the Omaha/Lincoln area on Jan 27, 2004. (Taken from the 1st Nebraska Volunteers Unit Handbook)
After the firing on Ft. Sumter, the call for loyal men to serve their country went out. Though Nebraska was only a territory, and sparsely populated, the call was still heard and responded to. Such patriotic men like Robert Livingston, of Plattsmouth, helped raise companies of volunteers. In all, ten companies were raised.
Company A came from Plattsmouth, and was sworn in Omaha City (next to the Herndon House) on June 11, 1861 before being reviewed by Gov. Saunders. Company B was made up, primarily, of Germans from Omaha City, but also included a group from St. Joseph, MO. Company C was from Brownville, NE, and were originally called the "Brownville Union Rifles". Company D was from Nebraska City, NE, being sworn in on June 15, 1861. Company E was originally called the "Nebraska Rangers" and contained some Indian fighters. Company F had a lot of men from Page County, IA. Company G was sworn in on June 30, 1861. Companies H, I, and K were sworn in July, 1861.
On the 30th of July, 1861, under Colonel J. M. Thayer, the 1st Battalion embarked from Omaha City to St. Joseph, MO. From there they went on to Pilot Knob, via St. Louis, where they were met by the remainder of the regiment. The regiment then went on to Syracruse, MO until October 21st. They continued on to Georgetown for winter quarters on the 16th of November. From December 8th to the 15th, the 1st was engaged in scouting for Bushwhackers. On the 15th, they marched to Warrensburg to join in an expedition under General Pope.
On the 27th, they marched toward Milford, MO, on the Blackwater. They participated in skirmishing and hard marches which resulted in the capture of about 1300 Confederate soldiers who were on their way to join the rebel General Price.
The regiment then returned to Georgetown, where they remained until February 2, 1862. Then they started "en route" for Tennessee. Arriving in St. Louis, they immediately embarked on the steamer "White Cloud" for Ft. Henry, TN, where they arrived on February 11. The command received orders to go up the Cumberland River to Ft. Donelson, at which place they arrived and disembarked on the night of the 13th.
On the morning of the 14th, the regiment was ordered to the battlefield. Companies B and H were thrown out in advance as skirmishers, with Captain Baumer in command. After getting about a mile in advance of the regiment, he was ordered back. Shortly after that, the Confederate forces had surrendered unconditionally to General Grant. The regiment then headed for the town of Dover, TN.
On the 17th, the 1st marched to Ft. Henry. They then made their way to Crump's Landing, TN where they remained until the 6th of April, when they began marching for Pittsburg Landing, TN.
Through the mistake of a guide, the regiment did not reach the battlefield of Shiloh until the first day of fighting was over. They formed in line of battle on the right wing of Grant's army, in Colonel Thayer's Brigade, Lew Wallace's Division. At daybreak on April 7th, they engaged the enemy and had hard fighting all day. Time and time again, the enemy charged, but the well
directed volleys of the brigade caused the enemy to waver and fall back. Suddenly, a charge from the 1st Nebraska caused the enemy to be driven from the field.
After the battle, Colonel Thayer remarked on the regiment in his Battle Report:
"Nobly did the First Nebraska sustain it's reputation, well earned on the field of Donelson. It's progress was onward during the whole day, in the face of a galling fire of the enemy, moving on without flinching, at one time being an hour and a half in front of their battery, receiving and returning it's fire, it's conduct was most excellent. Lieutenant-Colonel McCord and Major Livingston, of this regiment, were constantly in the thickest of the fight, executing every order with utmost promptness and alacrity. They are deserving the highest commendation for their gallantry."
Honorable mention is also given to Wm McClelland, Acting Surgeon of the 1st Nebraska, for his invaluable services during the days of the battle.
After Shiloh, the 1st was in on the march to Corinth, MS. Then the 1st was transferred to Helena, AK and would spend the rest of their infantry service marching across Missouri and Arkansas chasing rebel guerillas and larger forces. They marched through such areas as Pilot Knob, MO; Milliden's Bend, and Cape Girardeau, MO. On one expedition, they even captured a steamboat, the "Fairplay". They would tangle with rebels under Generals Price and Marmaduke. On October 11, 1863, the 1st was mounted as Cavalry and designated the 1st Nebraska Cavalry. While mounted, they would still fight many small, fierce battles. In 1864, they would be transferred back to Nebraska. From that point until early 1866, the 1st would spend that time patrolling and fighting the plains Indians.
Quick Facts by Joe Carlson1861 US Springfield vs. Enfield (Info. from Lord’s p. 243).58 cal. Rifle-Musket vs. .577length 58 ½ in. vs. 54 in.Wt. 9.75 lbs vs 8 lbs. 14 ½ oz.muz. Vel. 950 ft/secwt of projectile 500 grains vs. 530 grainswt of charge 60 grains vs. 70 grains$14.93 to manufactureEnfield fired at 500 yds. Had a mean deviation of 2 ½ ft. Parts were not as interchangeable.
11 separate motions had to be made to fire a musket. Regulations stated that 3 rounds per min should be fired. (Price, p. 12)
Revolvers: Colt Army 44 cal. 6 shot, length 14 in. Wt. 2.69 lbs. 260 grain bullet, 30 grams of charge. Colt Navy: 36 cal. Length 13 in. Wt. 2.63 lbs. wt. of bullet 125 grains, 14 grams of charge. Remington Army 44 cal. Length 13.75 in. Wt. 2.88 lbs. 260 grain bullet with 30 gram charge. (Lord’s p. 206)
Civil War Trivia:Col Henry Hunt: Union Chief. of ArtilleryCol. E. Porter Alexander: CSA Chief of Art. CSA only had one cannon foundry-The greatest reg. loss was by the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery in 1864 at Petersburg. They lost 604 men killed and wounded in less
than 20 min. while fighting as infantry. All told they lost half of their 2,202 men in less than a year. (Price, p. 13)According to the Gettysburg Guide p. 19. An efficient artillery crew could load, aim and fire twice in one minute. When under heavy attack, crews had ben know to fire four canister shots in a minute.
Union batteries usually consisted of 6 guns divided into three, 2-gun sections (left, middle and right section) They used the same type of ammunition and took about 100 men. CSA batteries were of mixed types and only had four guns per battery of about 65 men (G’burg p. 23).
The heaviest loss during any single battle was Gettysburg 1-3 July 1863. Between 40 and 50,000 casualties. 21% on the US side and 30% on the CSA. US largest % was at Port Hudson in 1863 with a loss of 26.7%. p. 13
During 1st Bull Run between 8,000 to10,000 bullets were fired for every man killed or
wounded (Price p. 12).Only 20% of battle casualties can be attributed to artillery (Price p. 54).1/4 of West Point Officer went to CSA
US 2.3 mil. men. 70% under age of 23approx. 200,00 were 15 and 16. (p. 11)US peak strength 1864- 1,044,660 menUS battle deaths - 110,100US deaths to disease - 224,000CSA peak strength 1864 - 484,800 menCSA battle deaths -94,000CSA deaths to disease -60,000 (Price p. 17)
Ave. US daily rations in oz. 20 beef, 18 flour, 2.56 dry beans, 1.6 green coffee, 2.4 sugar, .64 salt CSA 1/4 lbs of bacon, 18 oz of flour, 10 lbs. Of rice and some peas etc.Pay was $13 per month for a US private 1861
www.geocities.com/Athens/Agora/8289/civilwar.html C Battery 3rd US FA SITE
www.xibus.com/crew For the home web site of the 1848 Venture Crew
\Ft Kearny on the Platte by D. Ray Wilson 1980. 1848-1871 Notes by J. CarlsonFort (10 sq. miles) Selected by Lt Woodbury “Ft Childs” until DecReasons selected:1. Slight elevation 10' above Platte2. Heaviest timber nearby at foot of G. Isl.3. Strategic location between Pawnee & SiouxJun 48, 175 Mo. Vol. arrived, making sod shelters and bricks and adobes. Higher HQ was at Ft Leavenworth 300 miles away.CPT Rush’s wife,. Annie 1st woman and daughter Margaret 1848 in Oct. Mormon Trail 1847 on North of RiverOregon Trail S. side of river, Gold Rush 49'Famous people at Ft K: 1LT Harry Heth (CSA general at Gettysburg), Jeb Stuart and
Robert E. Lee either visited Ft. or was involved in expeditions leaving Ft.
Indian Troubles: In Nov 54 and Feb 55 Brules Indians stole mules from Ft K. p. 63 then killed Lt Grattan and 28 soldiers. Ft, served as staging area for battle at Ash Hollow Sept 1855, 600 soldiers against 200 Sioux “Brules”. 86 Brules killed, 70 women and children held at Ft K for short period.Aug 56, mail carrier killed E. of Ft by small party of Cheyennes.1857 Bill Cody age 11, went west with freighters/cattle and were attacked 35 mi. W. at Plum Creek (Lexington area) at noon, 3 killed. Rest retreated to Ft K. Troops didn’t catch. 10 pm Cody killed 1st Indian.1864 on Little Blue River 25 white men
killed, several women and children captured. Every stage station for 400 miles burned except Ft K.Cody served as a scout for 9th KS Cav, then as hospital orderly for 15 mon. w/ 7th KS Vol. Then as stage driver from Ft K. to Plum Creek until 1866 p. 138.In a 1857 report: several pieces of artillery were placed around the parade ground including 16 block house guns, 2 field pieces, 2 mountain howitzers and a prairie piece. p. 70
Stage/mail service started 1850 from Independence MO to Salt Lake City.Eventually daily Western Stage Co. service to Ft Atkinson, Omaha, Neb. City, & Calif. Home stations were 50 miles apart, Ft K. was one of them. A driver’s run was 2 home stations. Swing stat. 10-12 mi. apart. p. 72
Pony Express: Apr 3,1860 to Nov 20, 61Started at St Joe, MO 2000 miles to San Fran.To take 10 days, Ft K. 230 mi. from St. JoeBill Cody was 14 and a rider.
1860 population of Neb. Territory was 28,841210 in Dobytown W. of Ft.133 men,30 women1862: Ft K. 70 enlisted men, only 38 available for guard duty, others absent from post or sick.1864: 125 soldiers (7th Iowa Cav.) at start of Indian hostilities. More added, 4 Co. of 1st Neb. Cav. & Co. B Neb. Militia Oct 11, 1864 Schedule by CPT Lee Gillette 1st Neb. Cav. Commanding Ft K6 am Reveille, 6:30 Stable Call, 7:15 Breakfast7:45 Water Call, 8 Sick Call, 8:15 Fatigue duty9 Guard Mounting, 12 Dinner, 4 Water Call,4:45 Stable Call, 6 Supper, Sunset Retreat8:30 pm Lights Out p. 87
2 bldgs. 50 men each, 1 bldg. held 100telegraph was in sutler’s store 1864 p. 133
Pawnee Scouts Jan 65 to Apr. 66, to be paid as cav. released during winter months. Maj. Frank & CPT Luther North , 3 off. 18 NCOs, 74 pvts. , used own horses, issued uniforms but fought dressed as Indians. Also about 85 Omaha Scouts. P.S. recalled for 13 years of service, not until Jul 66 was a law passed that auth. them. Jul. 69 SGT Mad Bear won Medal of Honor in KS. p. 172 Guarded RR.
Galvanized Yankees or white-washed rebs, spring of 65, 6 regmts. of 1,000 men each, 3rd
regt. at Ft K. left Nov 65 mustered out p. 140. Co. A & E 5th rgmt. assigned 1866, released at end of 66. 6th rgmt. from Ft K to Ft Laramie 1865.May 65, 15 man unit of unarmed convalescent soldiers of the 3rd regmt was attacked 2 mi. East of Elm Creek Station by 12-30 armed Pawnee. 5 men were wounded and 1 killed. The same day the Overland stage fought a 6 mi. Running fight 35 mi. E. of Ft K. they got away safe. Pvt. Francis Lohnes Co. H 1st N. Cav won the Cong. Medal of Honor May 1865 at Gilman’s Ranch (8 mi. W. of Gothenburg- Stage Stat. Pony Exp.), promoted to Cpl. Other fights at Ft Cottonwood (changed later to Ft McPherson in 66) had 5 companies assigned.May 1866, Ft K staging area for 18th In. 2,200 troops, 1,900 recruits and 300 veterans30 piece regt. band, Apr. 27, 1866 1st bridge built across Platte at Ft K. 1st N and 7th IA mustered out in 1866
Railroad: Arrives at Ft 15-20 Aug 1866 (4 ½ mi. NW of Ft was depot, moved telegraph there) RR made at 1 mi.per day in NE. May 69 in Utah. Reported in The Kearny Herald,
the Ft Newsletter run by Gal. Yankee. p. 173
www.geocities.com/Athens/Agora/8289/civilwar.html C/3 US FA SITE
1848 Venture Crew Sitexibus.com/crew
QUICK INFORMATION GUIDE Prepared by Joe Carlson“C” 3RD US FIELD ARTILLERYfrom the book Cannons by Dean Thomas
12 - Pounder Mountain Howitzer p.32Bore Diameter 4.62"Tube Material BronzeLength of tube: 37"Wt of tube 220 lbsPowder charge .5 lb. (We use 4 oz.)Range at 5 deg. elevation: 900 yards(2000 yards equal 1 mile)cannister wt. 9 lbs. length-6.4'2 shots per minute for a good crew3 shots of cannister, without safetycaisson chest: 32 rounds of 4 typescrew of 6 men
12 Pounder field gun: Napoleon p. 28The most common gun on both sides.Bore diameter 4.62 66" bronze tube, wt. 1,227 lbsTotal wt: 2,600 lbs.Powder charge 2.5 lbsRange at 5 degrees: 1,619 yardsPulled by 6 horses:
24 Pounder, p. 31wt. of tube: Ours: 1490 lbs.Length of tube: 65'Powder charge: 2 lb. (We use 1 lb.)Range at 5 deg. 1,322 yards(range: prob. 1 mile, 3 mile area hit)manufactured at: CA & Co. Boston 1847 Date Insp. Jun 15, 47 Ser. # 162 Returned to Ft Kearny, Dedicated 1987
Our unit had the 3 inch Ordnance Rifle p. 39 on p. 41 is a picture of our unit in 1862bore diameter: 3.0'tube: wrought iron
length of tube: 73"wt. of tube: 816 lbs.Powder charge: 1 lb.Range at 5 deg. 1,835 yardsRange of rifled guns at their max. 12-13 degrees was 3-3,500 yds. Higher elevations were possible allowing them to reach 6,000 yds. or about 3 ½ miles. (Lords, p. 27) Most 12 Pdr. smoothbores were limited to less than a mile. (G’burg Guide p. 21)
Types of ammunition: p. 16 and p. 29Solid Shot: solid iron ball, wt. 12 lbs. dia. 4.52Common Shell: explosive shell with a hollow projectile filled with about 90% black powder. Fuses were cut to time (0-5 sec.) And lit by the firing charge. Designed to break into fragmentsCase Shot (Shrapnel) hollow shell filled with about 75 iron or lead balls and a bursting charge. Cannister: thin metal can containing iron or lead balls in sawdust. (25-27 one and one half inch balls) Max. Effect. Range of 200 to 400 yards. Sometimes fired 2 or 3 loads at a time.Grapeshot: 9 iron balls held together in three tiers. Diameter varied but larger than cannister.
Friction Primer p. 25Consisted of 2 copper tubes soldered together at right angles. The short tube was filled with a friction composition into which was inserted a wire serrated on the end. Musket powder filled the long tube, which was closed with a plug of wax. It was then varnished to make it somewhat waterproof.
Commands: p. 3LT : Commence Firing:Gunner/SGT: Load (begin worming)Gunner/SGT: Ready (we use: prick and
prime) we use #3 : Good PowderGunner/SGT: FireLT: Cease Fire
WOMEN’S ROLES IN THE CIVIL WAR by Joe Carlson 23 Jan. 2003
Basic information for the 1848 Venture Crew
Women played very important parts during the civil war time frame. Activities that women participate in at civil war reenactment events differ, as do the desires of the woman reenactor. Any of these below impressions could be performed. Due to the social customs of the time, most women remained at home when their husbands, sons or fathers took off for the war. They assumed more work that had been traditionally done by the men because there was no one else at home to do it. In the larger cites they even moved into war time factories rolling bullets and packaging them for the soldiers. Women in both the North and South would also get together in homes to roll bandages for the use of wounded soldiers. They organized themselves into the United States Sanitation Commission and worked to improve the life of soldiers. Many women offered their services as nurses and even a few were accepted as doctors. Louisa May Alcott, who later wrote “Little Women” was one such nurse. Women worked primarily in the hospitals but some were at the front lines offering medical care to the wounded. There are many stories of such women in the service of their country both in the North and South.
The Union army allowed women to enlist as laundresses and were paid the same amount as a private, $13 per month. There were usually 4 laundresses to a company of soldiers, and normally they were the wives of the sergeants or younger enlisted men. Their duties were to launder the uniforms for the men. They also probably helped with meals and nursing when needed.
Because of their gender, women were not expected to be spies and were generally treated as ladies and non-combatants. However, women served as spies on both sides of the battlefield. Numerous articles and books have been written about their exploits. For the most part they portrayed themselves as women to obtain information about the other side and had a greater chance of getting information across enemy lines. Such women were Pauline Cushman for the North and Belle Boyd (age 17) and Rose O’Neal Greenhow for the South.
Women also went to war to fight. A few women served as Vivandieres (caregivers) wearing a colorful blue union coat with large amounts of red on it, and skirts. This role is said to have originated with the French army. These women provided comfort and encouragement to the troops and carried water for the wounded or helped tend the wounded in battle. Most of these women were the wives of soldiers within the unit. “French Mary” Tepe, was wounded carrying water to her wounded comrades of the 114th Pennsylvania Infantry regiment. Another woman, Kady Brownell (age 19), was the wife of one of the soldiers and she was allowed to wear a union uniform dress into combat and serve with the 1st and later 5th Rhode Island regiments. She carried a rifle and even on occasions carried the American flag into battle.
Other women felt their duty was to fight. Since women were not allowed to be soldiers, they hid their identity. These women changed their names to reflect those of men, cut their hair short and wore clothing that would disguise them. Since there were no required medical physicals of the entire body, they could pass themselves off as men. There is no way of knowing how many women did serve in both armies as soldiers, but it is estimated at least 200 did so. We have records and photographs of about 10 of them who were either discovered after they were wounded, or after the war when they revealed their true gender. Some of the most famous were Sarah Edmonds alias Franklin Thompson with the 2nd Michigan Inf. Regmt., Jennie Hodgers alias Albert Cashier with the 95th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and Frances Clalin with the 4th Missouri heavy artillery and Company A of the 13th Missouri cavalry. I was just told that one such woman was the wife of another infantry soldier in the 1st Nebraska, who later deserted but her husband went after her and brought her back. I need to do some more research on it.
A number of women were diarist such as Mary Chesnut and Susan Bradford from the South who kept detailed records of the events that went on during the war and the events they witnessed. During this time frame women also were very involved as teachers. Some women portray having to leave their homes as “refugees” fleeing from the enemy. Women were also starting to be involved with denouncing the use of alcohol. Many women reenactors have studied the type of language used when writing during this period and will write letters to their soldier sons or husbands using quill pens and bottles of ink. While I am not aware of a specific example, I would suspect some women were involved with doing some correspondent work for local papers, drawing of sketches, and possibly even early photography.
It appears that women who reenact the civil war period usually take on the role of wives or daughters of officers or sergeants. These women are visiting the camp which was fairly common during the war when units were not fighting. These women plan and attend “tea parties”, prepare meals, assist the surgeon when needed, and attend the Military Balls (dances). Most of them wear “hoop” skirts and many have two dresses, one for everyday wear and to go to the tea, and a second “Ball gown” that is much more decorative and only worn on special occasions such as the dances. Dresses can be bought from the sutler for about $75, or patterns can be purchased along with the material and sewn.
Many of the women actually bring their sewing to camp and make or mend clothing. They also knit and on occasion, a quilting frame is set up and a quilt tied or quilted. Those who are musically inclined can bring musical instruments to camp and it really adds to the atmosphere when old songs are played or sung. This is a favorite of visitors to camp.
Other vital roles the women reenactors play are involved in are historians, public relations greeters, or tour guides of visitors to the camp. Visitors are curious as to the many aspects of the civil war and camp life and women need to know just as much as the men to educate visitors.
Sources of information from Famous Women of the Civil War by Peter F. Copeland and Civil War Heroines by Jill Cannon
DIXIEV1. I WISH I WAS IN DE LAND OB COT-TON OLD TIMES DAR AM NOT FOR-V2. In Dixie Land whar I was born in Early on one frosty morn-in, Look a - wayGOTTEN LOOK A –WAY! Look a-way Look a – way Dix – ie Land.
Then I wish I were in Dixie, Hurray ! Huray!In Dixie Land I’ll take my stand to live and die in Dix – ie, A –way, A- way, A –way down South in Dixie, A – way, A – way, A – way down South in Dixie.
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER:
Load in 9 Times (Hardee’s 1861 manual) p. 32 prepared by Joe Carlson
LOAD Put the rifle between your feet, barrel 6 inches away from you (during war it was 3 inches), hold in left hand, place right hand on cartridge box.
HANDLE CARTRIDGE use thumb and 2 fingers to draw out cartridge, and place tail in your teeth.
TEAR CARTRIDGE Tear tail near powder, (spit out paper) hold in front of barrel (fartherest away from you).
CHARGE CARTRIDGE Flip over your hand and pour powder (don’t put paper in barrel), keep 3rd thru 5th fingers straight and away from the barrel. Grip top of rammer with thumb and finger.
DRAW RAMMER Pull up ½ way, hold with left thumb, regrip rammer with right hand upside down, pull out rammer and pass small end over your left shoulder and set in barrel (on round). (NOTE: DURING REENACTMENTS NEVER DRAW RAMMER AS IT IS A SAFETY VIOLATION ! )
RAM CARTRIDGE Drive charger down
RETURN RAMMER Pull ½ way up with right hand, hold in place with left thumb, regrip with right hand (hand twisted upside down), pull out and pass large end over left shoulder; then press down ½ way, stop, hold with left thumb, regrip and place little finger of right hand on end and push down.
PRIME Raise rifle with left hand, grab small of stock with right hand; ½ face to right by moving right foot back to do 90 degree angle, feet are touching (this is all one motion).Then slide left hand down to lower barrel, set rifle on right side of hip as you are doing this place weapon on ½ cock, end of barrel is at eye level.(NOTE: THIS IS WHERE YOU STOP DURING REENACTMENTS FOR SAFETY. DO NOT PUT ON CAP UNLESS TOLD TO “PRIME CAPS)Remove old cap and replace with new cap (squeeze before putting on to keep from falling off)
SHOULDER ARMS Push rifle with left hand into right shoulder (weapon is on ½ cock)
Casey’s (1862 –US) manual is almost identical. It had the soldier place the butt of the rifle at the left side of the left foot (not between them). On prime they went to present arms then to the hip with the weapon at a 45 degree angle.
Load in four times LOAD p. 53 Commands are given by number, ie. 1, 2, 3 etc.1. handle cartridge through and do charge cartridge2. continue through ram cartridge3. return rammer and prime4. shoulder ARMS5. Load at will
COMMANDS TO PREPARE TO FIRE: SQUAD, READY Hold the weapon on right hip, right foot behind left foot, ½ cocked, weapon at 45 degrees or about eye level
AIM Bring the weapon up to the eye, bring left hand back down to bottom of stock just in front of trigger housing, then place finger in trigger (BE CAREFUL, DON’T FIRE IT) AIM HIGH ABOVE THE HEADS OF OTHER REENACTORS, NEVER FIRE DIRECTLY AT THEM FOR SAFETY REASONS. The command of RIGHT OBLIQUE OR LEFT OBLIQUE may be given prior to coming to this position. Don’t move your feet, just twist your body and rifle 45 degrees to the left or right, that will be the way you will be aiming.
FIRE Pull the trigger and keep the rifle from moving, continue holding it up and on target (called “follow through”).
To get the weapon down, the commander can call RECOVER ARMS (then bring the weapon back down to the ready position and remove weapon from full cock to ½ cock)SHOULDER ARMS OR ORDER ARMS MAY ALSO BE GIVEN FROM THE FIRE POSITION. If the commander gives the command of LOAD OR FIRE AT WILL, then you continue to load and fire on your own.
FIRE BY SQUAD (EVERYONE FIRES AT ONCE) those in the back rank take an 8 inch step to the right and towards the front rank, raising the rifle and placing it over the shoulder of the person in front of them. As they do so, they say “Coming Through”.1. Fire by squad 2. Squad 3. READY 4. AIM 5. FIRE
FIRE BY RANK Usually the 2nd rank fires first. p. 56 1. Fire by rank 2. Squad 3. READY 4. Rear rank 5. Aim 6. FIRE 7 LOAD 8. Front rank 9. Aim 10. FIRE 11. LOAD
FIRE BY FILE: The two men on the right of the ranks fire at the same time. The man in the 2nd rank says, coming through, then FIRE. When they bring their rifles down to the ready position, the other file brings their rifles up to the aim position.1 Fire by file 2 Squad 3 READY 4 COMMENCE FIRING 5 CEASE FIRING
Hardee’s Tactics 1861 made easy by Joe Carlson, C Co. 1st Neb. March 25, 2004
Spring -- RAMMERS p. 50. Used to see if gun is loaded.
Upon the command, soldiers remove rammer and place inside of barrel of rifle, the go to Order Arms. The instructor will then drop the rammer in each barrel to hear a “ring”, then passes on. The soldier then returns the rammer to its position and resumes attention.
Fix -- BAYONETS (3 motions) p. 40
Start from Shoulder 1. Arms, grab rifle with left hand, place butt between feet without shock: rammer to rear, barrel vertical, muzzle 6 in. from body.2. Seize it with right had at upper band and use left hand reversed to handle of bayonet3. Draw bayonet from scabbard and fix on barrel, grab upper band with both hands 4. Next command: Shoulder ARMS
Charge – BAYONET (2 motions p. 41)1. ½ face to the right (similar to ready position) only this time 3 inches back from
left heel2. Bring rifle down with right hand and left hand grasping a little above the lower
band. Barrel pointing up, left elbow against body, seize small of stock with right hand and support against the right hip. Point of bayonet as high as the eye.
Bayonet Exercise p. 59. 2 paces interval, one rank at shoulder arms.1. Guard against infantry ---- GUARD ½ face to right, arms bringing rifle down. Bring right foot 20 inches to rear of left heel. Equal wt on both, knees slightly bent, arms lowered, tip of bayonet slightly elevated.
Guard against Cavalry --- GUARDSame as above, only right hand on hip and bayonet tip held at eye level.
GROUND ARMS p. 49From Order ARMS. Turn rifle with right hand so lock is up, at same time grab cartridge box with left hand, bend body, step forward with left foot. Lay gun on ground with right hand, toe of butt on line with right toe. Knees slightly bent, right heel raised.Rise up, bring left foot by side of right, drop hands to side
Raise –ARMS
Same as above, grab cartridge box with left hand, step forward with left foot, bend, pick up rifle with right hand. Raise rifle bring left foot back to side of right foot to Order ARMS.
Skirmish Drill as taught by Gary Rath on Memorial Day 2005 Ft Kearny to C. 1st NEBWritten by Joe Carlson 23 Jun 05
1. In order for this to work, we need to Company, Fall In, in two ranks, with the father falling in behind the son (1A). Count by 2’s. then Right FACE, you are now in a column of 4’s marching to battle (1B).
2. At the command of halt, the commander can give and point to a location and shout “Form Line of Battle here”. The original number 1 man goes to that spot and the original #2 man goes to his LEFT side, their original partners (or dads from the initial two ranks, move directly behind them). Move your rifle to the right shoulder SHIFT position when running to position and then immediately drop it down to shoulder ARMS and Right Dress.
Unit is now located in a line of battle in two ranks. The command is: Deploy as Skirmishers by 4/s from the center, (or left or right) The first 4 men in the column start marching forward as 4’s very slowly, the other groups of 4’s march off at a 45 degree angle briskly, one group to the right, the next to the left and so forth. At the command of halt, they automatically move left of their buddy/son, to a single rank with 5 paces between themselves and move their rifles to the ready position. After moving as 4’s, the person in front of the 4’s on the left stands fast, the man on his right moves 10 paces to the right, the man behind the front left man moves to his left, and the rear right man moves up to the immediate right (5 paces from) the stationary man. There is about 20 paces between squares of 4’s when they halt. As you are marching stay close together and march at an oblique, so you are behind the shoulder of the person in front of you. (To Assemble by 4’s, return to the stationary man and move as 4’s back to formation.). The other command could be to either Rally by 4’s or Rally on the Reserves, at which time you run to the location instead of marching.
Command: Commence firing and Advance as Skirmishers1. First rank of battle #1’s and 2’s advance 5 paces, aim and fire.2. Second rank of battle line #1’s and 2’s advance 10 paces, stop and wait until their buddy (son) from the other rank says they are loaded and ready. They then fire and start to reload.3. First rank #s 1 &2 again advance, but go 10 paces from now on (so they are now 5 paces in front of the line). They stop and wait until their buddy’s (dads) are loaded.The same procedure works in reverse. “Skirmishers in Retreat, MARCH” The rank closest to the enemy is always loaded. HOLD THE LINE, means the rear rank moves up in line with the front rank and you all keep firing. You can form back up by “Assemble by 4’s”.
Skirmishers in Retreat, March will be done by walking backwards one rank at a time, keeping your eyes on the enemy.
“Rally by Fours and defend against cavalry" means that the 4 original men quickly meet back together and face back to back against cavalry.
SHOULDER ARMS Push rifle with left hand into right shoulder (weapon is on ½ cock)
Casey’s (1862 –US) manual is almost identical. It had the soldier place the butt of the rifle at the left side of the left foot (not between them). On prime they went to present arms then to the hip with the weapon at a 45 degree angle.
Load in four times LOAD p. 53 Commands are given by number, ie. 1, 2, 3 etc.6. handle cartridge through and do charge cartridge7. continue through ram cartridge8. return rammer and prime9. shoulder ARMS10. Load at will
COMMANDS TO PREPARE TO FIRE: SQUAD, READY Hold the weapon on right hip, right foot behind left foot, ½ cocked, weapon at 45 degrees or about eye level
AIM Bring the weapon up to the eye, bring left hand back down to bottom of stock just in front of trigger housing, then place finger in trigger (BE CAREFUL, DON’T FIRE IT) AIM HIGH ABOVE THE HEADS OF OTHER REENACTORS, NEVER FIRE DIRECTLY AT THEM FOR SAFETY REASONS. The command of RIGHT OBLIQUE OR LEFT OBLIQUE may be given prior to coming to this position. Don’t move your feet, just twist your body and rifle 45 degrees to the left or right, that will be the way you will be aiming.
FIRE Pull the trigger and keep the rifle from moving, continue holding it up and on target (called “follow through”).
To get the weapon down, the commander can call RECOVER ARMS (then bring the weapon back down to the ready position and remove weapon from full cock to ½ cock)SHOULDER ARMS OR ORDER ARMS MAY ALSO BE GIVEN FROM THE FIRE POSITION. If the commander gives the command of LOAD OR FIRE AT WILL, then you continue to load and fire on your own.
FIRE BY SQUAD (EVERYONE FIRES AT ONCE) those in the back rank take an 8 inch step to the right and towards the front rank, raising the rifle and placing it over the shoulder of the person in front of them. As they do so, they say “Coming Through”.1. Fire by squad 2. Squad 3. READY 4. AIM 5. FIRE
FIRE BY RANK Usually the 2nd rank fires first. p. 56 1. Fire by rank 2. Squad 3. READY 4. Rear rank 5. Aim 6. FIRE 7 LOAD 8. Front rank 9. Aim 10. FIRE 11. LOAD
FIRE BY FILE: The two men on the right of the ranks fire at the same time. The man in the 2nd rank says, coming through, then FIRE. When they bring their rifles down to the ready position, the other file brings their rifles up to the aim position.1 Fire by file 2 Squad 3 READY 4 COMMENCE FIRING 5 CEASE FIRING
Hardee’s Tactics 1861 made easy by Joe Carlson, C Co. 1st Neb. March 25, 2004
Spring -- RAMMERS p. 50. Used to see if gun is loaded.Upon the command, soldiers remove rammer and place inside of barrel of rifle, the go to Order Arms. The instructor will then drop the rammer in each barrel to hear a “ring”, then passes on. The soldier then returns the rammer to its position and resumes attention.
Fix -- BAYONETS (3 motions) p. 40
Start from Shoulder 1. Arms, grab rifle with left hand, place butt between feet without shock: rammer to rear, barrel vertical, muzzle 6 in. from body.2. Seize it with right had at upper band and use left hand reversed to handle of bayonet3. Draw bayonet from scabbard and fix on barrel, grab upper band with both hands 4. Next command: Shoulder ARMS
Charge – BAYONET (2 motions p. 41)3. ½ face to the right (similar to ready position) only this time 3 inches back from
left heel4. Bring rifle down with right hand and left hand grasping a little above the lower
band. Barrel pointing up, left elbow against body, seize small of stock with right hand and support against the right hip. Point of bayonet as high as the eye.
Bayonet Exercise p. 59. 2 paces interval, one rank at shoulder arms.1. Guard against infantry ---- GUARD ½ face to right, arms bringing rifle down. Bring right foot 20 inches to rear of left heel. Equal wt on both, knees slightly bent, arms lowered, tip of bayonet slightly elevated.
Guard against Cavalry --- GUARDSame as above, only right hand on hip and bayonet tip held at eye level.
GROUND ARMS p. 49From Order ARMS. Turn rifle with right hand so lock is up, at same time grab cartridge box with left hand, bend body, step forward with left foot. Lay gun on ground with right hand, toe of butt on line with right toe. Knees slightly bent, right heel raised.Rise up, bring left foot by side of right, drop hands to side
Raise –ARMSSame as above, grab cartridge box with left hand, step forward with left foot, bend, pick up rifle with right hand. Raise rifle bring left foot back to side of right foot to Order ARMS.
_______Abbreviated FORMAT
Load in 9 Times: Hardee’s 1861 p. 32 prepared by Joe Carlson (Also, load in four times, LOAD, dark underline separates load in 4 times)1. LOAD 2. Handle CARTRIDGE 3. Tear CARTRIDGE 4. Charge CARTRIDGE 5. DRAW RAMMER (NOTE: DURING REENACTMENTS NEVER DRAW RAMMER AS IT IS A SAFETY VIOLATION ! )6. RAM CARTRIDGE 7. RETURN RAMMER 8 . PRIME 9. SHOULDER ARMS
COMMANDS TO PREPARE TO FIRE: SQUAD, READY (left or right OBLIQUE) AIM (AIM HIGH ABOVE THE HEADS OF OTHER REENACTORS) FIRE RECOVER ARMS OR SHOULDER ARMS OR ORDER ARMS OR LOAD OR FIRE AT WILL
FIRE BY SQUAD (EVERYONE FIRES AT ONCE)1. Fire by squad 2. Squad 3. READY 4. AIM 5. FIRE
FIRE BY RANK 1. Fire by rank 2. Squad 3. READY 4. Rear rank 5. Aim 6. FIRE 7 LOAD 8. Front rank 9. Aim 10. FIRE 11. LOAD
FIRE BY FILE: 1 Fire by file 2 Squad 3 READY 4 COMMENCE FIRING 5 CEASE FIRING
FIRE AND LOAD KNEELING Bring right foot to rear and right of the left heel. Place right knee on groundSpring -- RAMMERS p. 50. Used to see if gun is loaded.Upon the command, soldiers remove rammer & place in barrel, at Order Fix -- BAYONETS blade, socket, shankCharge – BAYONET 1. Guard against infantry ---- GUARD2. Guard against Cavalry --- GUARD
GROUND ARMS grab cartridge box with left hand, step forward with left foot toe of butt on line with right toe,Rise up, bring left foot by side of rightRaise –ARMSOrder ARMSPresent ARMSShoulder ARMS Support ARMS (left shoulder, arm under hammer)Right shoulder shift ARMSRight Dress, FRONT
Marching speeds: Common Time MARCH (for drill 90 steps/min, 28 inch stepsQuick time MARCH 110 steps/min 28 in. longDouble quick time MARCH 165 steps/min 33 in. longForward MARCH start with left foot, elbows touching, don’t swing armsGuide Right (follow direction of person on your right) Oblique right or left MARCH, should behind th person in front of youRight about MARCH - command given when left ft hits groun, turn to rightBackward MARCH steop backwards with left foot, 12 inchesBy the Right Flank MARCH(start by “in each rank, count two” keep heads to the front, tallest man on far right)right face (#1 stands fast, #2 moves up to the right of #1)FRONT, men move back to where they were (unless command without doubling is given)Left FACE (#2 man turns and stands still, # 1 man moves to the left of # 2)When moving by flanks it is always the same.By file right (or left), MARCH stay behind person in front of youWheel Right MARCH Look in opposite direction of the wheel, keep line dressed, touch elbow of man closest to inside of wheel and look other direction, can wheel on a fixed point. Inside man takes shorter steps. “Touch in & Look out”Right Turn MARCH, this is a faster method of turning. Inside man turns immediately and steps off in normal marching stride. Other men, right shoulder shift arms immediately and double quick time to their position, dress and go back to original arms carrying position. This is a 90 degree turn only.Left FACE (lift right foot slightly and spin on left heel).Also for right face, just go to rt.About FACE place arch of right foot 3 inches behind left heel, spin on both heels.REST from support ARMS: place your right hand on the small of the stock, move right foot behind or by left heel, can talk but keep one foot in place.In place – REST (can move and talk, but keep 1 foot in place)Parade REST (1861 regulation, but not in Hardee or Casey books) right foot back by left heel, rifle barrel in right shoulder, hands in front, left hand over top of right hand, no talkingREST can leave formation but not general areaInspection ARMS place bayonet on, remove rammer and place in barrel, go to order arms. When inspector comes by, raise rifle with right hand and exchange it to left hand, rifle is perpendicular to you. Inspector takes, when he gives back, take rifle with right hand and twist rifle, and place rifle at order arms, after he passes, place between feet and return rammer then go back to Order ArmsTrail ARMS p. 42 lift about 4 inches above ground, tilt towards frontSecure ARMS p. 44 rifle is placed in left shoulder and pivoted forward to keep rain out, left thumb on rammer to keep from falling out.
Proper names: Lock plate, trigger, stock butt (beak=toe) heel, small of the stock, forearm, (lower, middle, upper bands) ramrod
FIRE AND LOAD KNEELING p. 571. man on right of squad moves forward 3 paces. Bring right foot to rear and right
of the left heel. Place right knee on ground. Lower rifle, left fore arm supported upon left thigh. Right hand on small of stock, butt resting on right thigh. Left hand supporting piece near the lower band
2. move right let to the left around the knee supported on ground until nearly perpendicular to the direction of left foot, and seat comfortably on right heel.
3. raise rifle, aim and fire, then reload4. carry rifle to rear rising on the knee, barrel downwards, butt resting on ground.
Remove rammer and load. After loading bring rifle back to ready position and go to ½ cock and put primer on while left arm is resting on left thigh.
Thumb and forefinger around trigger guard at shoulder ARMS2 inch X 2 inch cotton patches, hot water down barrel, leather belt over nippleSchool of the Soldier VCR by William Eichler, Programs 1 & 2, Media Magic Production Inc. 1995/6 Mackinac Island State Park and Petersburg National Battlefield VA
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