Volume 6, Issue 24 August , 1863 (2008)

E n t e r e d a c c o r d i n g t o a n A c t o f C o n g r e s s b y b o t h t h e U n io n & C o n f e d e r a t e g o v e r n m e n t s , i n t h e Y e a r 1 8 6 5 , i n t h e C le r k ’ s O f f i c e s o f t h e D i s t r i c t C o u r t s .

T h e O f f i c i a l N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e W a s h i n g t o n C i v i l W a r A s s o c i a t i o n

Everett, Washington

Page 1

THE DISPATCH A monthly journal of WCWA news

Upcoming Events…

August 9-10, Battle of Hovander Farm,

Ferndale, Wa

August 16, General Board Meeting

Snohomish

September 13, General Board Meeting and

Echoes of Blue and Gray

September 27-28, Lewis and Clark

Please join us for

Ladies’ Afternoon Tea

Hosted by the Ladies of

the 15th Alabama

Saturday, August 9

1pm

At the camp of the

15th Alabama

Please bring a “Nibble”

to share with 5 friends

& your own cup for tea

Sandwiches

& Refreshments will be

provided

Ferndale Event at Hovander Park

August 9-10

*No Planes, Trains or Automobiles*

Featuring: Dessert Social & Talent Lyceum

Night Engagement Adult “Tea Party”

WCWA dues for 2009

are due August l, 2008.

LEWIS & CLARK EVENT

SEPTEMBER 27-28th

There will be a potluck for all reenactors Saturday evening.

This will be a celebration for a wonderful year we had.

I will be contacting everyone with the details soon.

If you have any questions please contact me

Cindy, Union Civilian Leader at

camaro69375@centurytel.net or my

phone 541-974-3940.

The Dispatch Page 2 August, 1863 (2008)

DESSERT SOCIAL * LYCEUM TALENT SHOW FREE Dessert provided by WCWA

Saturday, August 9 7:00 pm

Bring your chair near the Sutlery

Be ready to entertain the troops Music * Singing * Comedy * Period Performances

with special categories

*BEST “TAKING A HIT”* *BEST COMPLAINING TO YOUR

FIRST SERGEANT* *BEST REBEL YELL*

Prizes to be awarded to:

FAVORITE UNION PERFORMANCE FAVORITE CONFEDERATE PERFORMANCE

FAVORITE YOUTH PERFORMANCE (13 and under) FAVORITE OVERALL

Performers! Sign up now: huck15avi@gmail.com

Please limit your performance to 3-5 minutes, family rated please.

Night Firing Engagement to follow

Yankee /

Rebel Idol

The Dispatch Page 3 August, 1863 (2008)

Event Schedule

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 9am - Morning Parade / Confederate and Union / at their camps Camps open to the public 10:30am - Educational Presentations by WCWA to audience / Battlefield 11am - Morning Battle / Battlefield 12:30 pm Hospital Demonstration (medical units) 1 pm Ladies Afternoon Tea (camp of 15

th Alabama)

2 pm Style Show (near sutlery area) 3pm - Afternoon Battle / Battlefield

Artillery demonstration immediately following the battle

5pm - Camps close to public 7:00pm - Gather near Sutlery area for evening entertainment:

LYCEUM/TALENT SHOW: Yankee/Rebel Idol with free Dessert Social (pie, cake & ice cream) for all members of WCWA . Bring your own chair.

9:30pm - Union and Confederate force volunteers to Fall In for Night

Firing Engagement action. Location to be determined by Commanders. SUNDAY AUGUST 10 9am - Morning Parade - Camps open to the public 9:30 am - Church Call

10:30am - Educational Presentations by WCWA to audience / Battlefield

11am - Morning Battle Artillery demonstration immediately following the battle 12:30 pm Hospital Demonstration (medical units) 1 pm – Freedom Quilt Presentation (near sutlery area)

2pm - Afternoon Battle

The Dispatch Page 4 August , 1863 (2008)

Sunday morning Skirmish at the Battle Of Spokane, May 25th 2008 By David Heath

I woke to the sound of the cook in the camp next to us chopping kindling for their fire in the silence of dawn – a slow popping

sound, not unlike what musket fire might sound like at a great distance, like opposing army’s pickets taking slow deliberate shots

at one another. I crawled out of my bedding when revillee blew, and once dressed, went out and fumbled with our own ax and

fire wood in an attempt at starting a fire to get coffee on. Our wood was green and wet and wouldn’t ignite. No fire. Our

quartermaster sergeant however had a greater knack for flame, and with his help on coffee-detail, we soon had the life blood of a

soldier’s camp brewing.

Just getting my first cup of coffee started down my gullet when a musket shot was heard behind the headquarters tent; one loud

shot – probably Confederate - aimed towards us, answered by a gentler reply of a Union Springfield returning fire in the opposite

direction. The volley stopped our coffee cups halfway to our lips as we listened – and then the gunfire continued, first sporadic,

then increasingly consistent, then at times heavy, as skirmishing erupted between Union and Confederate camps. A call went out

for additional pickets to guard the headquarters tent. Several of us from the 76th Pennsylvania answered the call – I leathered up

and grabbed my musket, but I refused to leave my coffee in camp. Taking my haversack with me, I finished my coffee and

stowed my cup when I was done. No reason to waste a good cup of coffee on rambunctious rebels.

Four of us are posted on a short picket line directly behind the Union headquarters tents, spreading out at ten foot intervals.

Crouching to try to see further under the pines, we can hear musket-fire in the woods in front of us – exchanges of shots between

opposing pickets – gunfire first moving to our left then back to our right – probing our lines for weakness? Looking through the

trees, we can just barely make out the white plumes of smoke as our boys return fire.

A small detachment of perhaps six or eight Union soldiers comes up alongside us and moves forward slightly. We dress on their

right to maintain our ability to return fire if needed, but they move down and into the woods to engage the Rebels, and we remain

at our post guarding headquarters.

The fighting intensifies to our right – occasional shots becoming consistent volleys. A Union lieutenant comes in behind us per

the guidance of a headquarters officer, bringing more Federal troops, possibly another five or six men. The lieutenant folds us in

with his boys, and we follow him forward, downhill towards the action.

We move to the skirmish line, very close to the Confederate camp. Scores of white dog tents are clearly visible - the low angled

morning sun shining brightly on them. My first impression is that our proximity to the Confederate camp would act as an

aggravation to the Rebels, and that our troops are too spread out. Immediately we are loading and firing on Confederate forces in

greater numbers than ours. Canon fire is even heard further down the line. The engagement with the Rebels is becoming very

fluid – movements and counter-movements. Union forces are few and spread out - the Rebels are in two-rank battle formations,

firing en-mass. We move to the Union far right. Heavy Rebel presence on our left, and a sudden appearance of another rebel

company on our right emerging from a dense stand of pines. We dress left against the Union force next to us, and refuse-the-line,

folding back our right wing, directing our fire to both the Rebel company on our left and to the new threat on our right flank.

Our musket fire intensifies to fire-at-will - volleys with 50 feet separation between blue and grey in a lightly wooded grove of

pines and a bed of knee deep brown grass and sage.

Suddenly Confederate cavalry emerges into the skirmish and sweeps around our right flank – pistol shots directed at us as they

move between us and our camp – cutting off our avenue of regress. Union cavalry enters the engagement and pushes the Rebel

horse troops back, but the two Confederate infantry companies have us outnumbered and are squeezing us from both sides. The

left wing of our line bends further back and is backing up against our right wing – each shooting in opposite directions to

overwhelming forces – that are moving forward and are about to pinch us off from our retreat path to the Federal Camp.

The situation has become desperate. We are almost caught. Our one officer – the lieutenant with rusty whiskers and a sky-blue

great-coat sees our predicament and attempts to shout orders to us over the noise of the continued hectic musket-fire - to lift us

from our kneeling positions, and march us in an orderly retreat. A Rebel yell suddenly goes up from both fronts and they charge

us, and our officer gives us the best order of the entire weekend ...”JUST RUN”! We skedaddle at a full sprint through the

closing gap, bounding over knee high grass, between the Confederate forces, towards the Union Camp with Rebels hot on our

heels screaming like furies. Looking back over my shoulder as I run, I quickly turn to fire off my loaded Springfield towards

them – aiming high – when WHAM – I run square into the hind quarters of a horse! Union Cavalry standing their ground. But to

no avail – we are overwhelmed. I turn around and it’s all grins and salutations and handshakes that are being exchanged between

blue and grey. They got us! A regular “tactical” in the Spokane woods for a bunch of “hardcore” reenactors on a beautiful

spring morning.

The Dispatch Page 5 August , 1863 (2008)

Union Telegram to all Loyal Troops!

Gentlemen of the Army of the Columbia:

I am utterly ashamed!

The recent edition of the Dispatch has a

letter from a Miss Lucile B. in which she

describes her latest exploits of spying on our

Union forces for the Confederacy. In her

letter she details her efforts to steal a cloth

map of the Port Gamble battlefield from the

Colonel. When she failed in this attempt she

focused her southern charm and beauty on

the map maker

- me.

I was the individual doped by her

cunning. She politely excuses my

indiscretion by describing me as "a real

gentlemen who must have been brought up to

trust and respect ladies". While her

statement is true, I assure you momma

didn't raise no fool! It will not happen

again. The Colonel graciously but sternly

pardoned my sin with a lecture on the need

for discernment and not being seduced by

southern appeal. I pray for your forgiveness

and promise to be ever-the-more vigilant for

the wiles of the enemy.

Mea culpa!

I also warn my comrades to be in the look

out for a young, charming southern lady,

with fair complexion and brown silky hair in

a blue dress. She must not be trusted and

should be detained if she appears near our

camp. Also, she seems to not be working

her deceitful craft alone, as alluded to in

her letter.

If women are not escorted by Union soldiers

in our camp, we may safely assume they are

either spies or ladies of ill-repute promoting

their trade. (

I imagine the Colonel will be addressing this

issue at our next encampment.) We

mustn't let our guards down and let this sly

fox thwart the good efforts to preserve the

Union and bring a quick end to this war.

Once again I must confess my short

comings. I am the Yankee soldier with the

picture box who ventured beyond the pickets

and was taken prisoner by the Rebs during

one of the skirmishes at Spokane. As a

condition of my release, I had to swear an

oath not to take up arms against the

Confederacy or face certain execution if

captured again. I must say however, the Reb

Sergeant who searched me was

courteous. He returned the picture box,

which I borrowed from a Matthew Brady, and

my empty flask found in my sack coat, filled

with fine Tennessee whiskey and a few

southern cigars to boot. Considering the

alternative of being sent to Andersonville, I

was pleased just to be released. Something

can be said for southern gentlemen and their

sense of hospitality in spite of this war.

Our all for the good of the Union!

QM Sgt Oshea Bussell 20th Maine

2008 WCWA ELECTIONS

Nominations are now open for all of the

elected WCWA Board positions for 2009.

You may nominate any member or yourself,

but, the nominee must be a paid member in

good standing.

The positions are:

Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer,

Federal Brigade Commander,

Confederate Brigade Commander,

Federal Civilian Leader, &

Confederate Civilian Leader.

All nominations must be into

Alaina Huck at huck15avi@gmail.com

by midnight, August 31, 2008.

The Dispatch Page 6 August, 1863

Sharpshooters. His email and phone number on in

the Dispatch if you have suggestions or are willing

to help with this event, let Mike know. Thank you.

Debi Klingenberg, Festival Event Coordinator

(Traditional Moments) has contacted the WCWA

about being a part of this Orting festival. It would

be held on August 16,2008. It is the 16th annual

festival in the park. If any members are interested in

attending this event, Howard Struve will be getting

more information to our members. Your other

option is to contact Debi at #360-893-6856 or go to

www.ortingchamberofcommerce.com for more

information on this event.

Issaquah Library- This event has been rescheduled

for October 11,2008. There will be more

information on this event forthcoming. This event

will be advertised and WCWA members are

encouraged to attend. For more details, contact

Tom Peloquin.

Membership- WCWA dues for 2009 are due Au-

gust l, 2008. WCWA membership is currently at

816 members.

Publicity-WCWA should decide if they will partici-

pate in parades or not. Snohomish event was publi-

cized in Herald and in surrounding areas.

Insurance/Risk-Contract for Snohomish insurance

riders was started late and had not been final-

ized between landowner and event coordinators as

of meeting time. That has been taken care of and the

needed papers have been faxed to the landowner.

Thank you David for taking care of this matter so

efficiently and quickly.

WebPage-WCWA is in the progress of finding a

new webmaster although nothing is official as of

this meeting.

By-Laws-All safety rules will be put in the by-laws

under one section so the safety rules will be an offi-

cial part of WCWA By-Laws.

New Business-

Nominations are officially open for WCWA 2009

elected officials. Nominations can be sent to Tom

Peloquin or Sandy Burwell until August. 31,

2008 midnight.

People nominated so far:

Chairman-Tom Peloquin

V.Chairman-Howard Struve

MINUTES

FROM THE

SECRETARY—

WCWA Meeting, July 12,2008, GAR Cemetery

Call to Order-10:09

Roll Call- Administrative Absentees-Ted Sayler,

Cindy Strutton

Union Absentees-1st Michigan,28th Mass., Army of

fife/Drum Corp

Confederate Absentees-7th South Carolina,21st

North Carolina,43rd Virginia Cavalry/Mosby's

Secretary Report-Approved as written in Dispatch

Treasurer's Report-No copies of budget handed

out. Budget is looking good for the year to date.

WCWA has some profit. There was no powder

report from Pt. Gamble, For more information on

budget contact Cindy Easterson or Tom Peloquin.

Brigade Commander Reports- Union-None-We will see you at Snohomish

Confederate-Snohomish event a week away.

Hoping for a good attendance at this event.

Pt. Gamble was great. Attendance at 4th of July was

disappointing. Thank you to those people who

showed up to the 4th of July parade. Tons of flyers

on WCWA and Snohomish event were given out to

the public. Lots of interest was shown in WCWA

and the Snohomish event.

Civilian Reports- Union-None- Cindy has been no-

ticing that communication seems to be getting better

in regards to letting her know how many Union civil-

ians will be at events. She says thank you .

Confederate-Pt. Gamble went well. Recruiting was

good and the scenarios were well-received by the

public.

Committee Reports- Event Planning Activities-

Applications for 2009 events is due by September so

a preliminary schedule can be made. Official sched-

ule is voted on in October.

Lewis/Clark Event- It is still on, the event

coordinator is Mike Heino of 2nd US

The Dispatch Page 7 August, 1863 (2008)

Secretary- Charlotte Martinelli, Pat Pietsch, Sandy

Burwell

Treasurer-Alfred Meyers

Union Battalion -Ted Sayler

Confederate Battalion-Rusty Starr

Union Civilian Leader-Cindy Strutton

Confederate Civilian Leader-Bonnie Starr

All of these positions are open until August 31,

Midnight

*Alaina Huck has been suggested to be the Election

Coordinator.

Oregon Reciprocity Agreement-Tom has made

some suggested changes to this reciprocity agreement

that he had e-mailed to commanders. His new one

was shared at the meeting with board members

present. It was to accept each others procedures/

processes and that each club would have a copy of the

other club's By-Laws and Safety Rules/Procedures on

file. Also that a waiver would be signed for the other

club if attending their events. WCWA seems to have

stricter safety procedures. Units/Individuals should

have their club card available as proof of their

membership of a club. Also when attending other

states' events, should have a copy of their safety test

on file with that states' battalion commander. If

clarification needed, contact Tom Peloquin.

Dan Gerrer Proposal-Dan would like to organize a

special unit of foreign observers. He would like to

have journalists, photographers, dignitaries, foreign

officers, civilians etc. This corps would have political

immunity from both sides. The membership require-

ments for a WCWA special unit would be followed as

would their need to comply with all By-Laws/Safety

Procedures of WCWA. It will be voted on next

month. A new category may need to be added to the

current WCWA categories for this type of special

corp.

Pt. Gamble Incident Update- A letter is still pending

to inform a member that the WCWA By-Laws had

been broken. In order to sell any item, a license must

be bought and all selling should be done on Sutler

row (WCWA By-Laws (Sutlers). Tom put in some

calls to various agencies and they informed Tom that

they would research his questions and get back to

him. As he receives more information, he will share it

with the board.

Past Event Reports- Pt.Gamble-no report from

Gene Knight but it was a huge success with the public

and the re-enactors. 400 re-enactor cards were

printed and we did not have enough event cards for

all the re-enactors that attended. Approximately

500 re-enactors attended this event. Thanks to all

the re-enactors who showed up at this event. 200

people joined the WCWA at this event. Union

camp was crowded, thank you to members for

being so flexible with the camp setup. Evening

Magazine re-ran previous WCWA 2007 Port

Gamble Re-enactment event clip, press coverage

was fantastic, Thanks goes to the promoter and

sponsor of this event. This event generated

excitement among the public and publicity gets

people to events. Dance went well, the caller

changed location due to weather conditions. 3,389

wrist bands were sold for this event. The state pa-

trol was happy with the way WCWA organized

this event. The WCWA events will now be adver-

tised on the East Coast. East Coast visitors were

impressed by the fashion show and Bonnie was

asked if she would be willing to lecture on the East

Coast.

Little Diamond Event- It was held in Eastern

Washington on private campground. l00 spaces

were sold. It was held July4-6. Lots of day passes

were sold. WCWA is a big draw to the public in

this area. A night skirmish was held and everyone

loved it.

Dupont Parade-4th US had 18 people attend this

4th of July parade. In the afternoon, the same

group went to the Steilacoom parade and one more

person was added to the group. They were well-

received by the public.

Upcoming Events- Snohomish Event-Signs are up and some glitches

have occurred but everything is on schedule.

(Minutes Contd. Page 9 Column A)

Hovander Event-There will be no dance at

Hovander event. There will however be some

entertainment. Suggestions were made and then it

was decided that a talent show would be the way to

go. The talent show will be held on Saturday

evening and probably will be followed with a

dessert/pie social for the members. All talented

individuals and groups are encouraged to be a part

of the show. There will probably be prizes given

out at this talent show. For more information

contact David Imburgia, Alaina Huck, or Karrin

Porret.

The Dispatch Page 6 2008 WASHINGTON CIVIL WAR ASSOCIATION CONTACT LIST

WCWA Mailing

Address:

P.O. Box 5667

Lynnwood, WA

98046

WCWA Website

Address:

www.wcwa.net

Reciprocity

Organizations:

Northwest Civil

War Council

(NCWC)

www.nwcwc.org

Reenactors of

the American

Civil War

(RACW)

www.racw.org

Idaho Civil War

Volunteers

(ICWV)

http://

geocities.com/

icwv

Administrative Board (Elected Officers) Chair Tom Peloquin 360-659-4995 rebgunner@hotmail.com

Vice Chair Howard Struve 360-874-8548 hstruve@nwinet.com

Secretary Sandy Burwell 425-357-8159 burwellsandy@comcast.net

Treasurer Cindy Easterson 425-876-1055 eastersonfamily@msn.com

Administrative Assistants (appointed positions) Insurance Coordinator David Imburgia 425-733-2663 dvimb1@aol.com

Newsletter Coordinator Heidi Curnutt 425-316.8775 gardeniapassion@yahoo.com

Publicity Coordinator Bonnie Starr 425-743-9851 majfstarr@aol.com

Recruiting Tom Peloquin 360-659-4995 rebgunner@hotmail.com

Sutler Coordinator Norm Harriman 360-966-5132 norm@tstitches.com

Web mistress Heather Sturgill 503-357-1861 hsturgill@hotmail.com

Confederate Representatives (voting General Board consists of full strength company representatives) Battalion Commander Col. Frank (Rusty) Starr III 425-743-9851 majfstarr@aol.com

Honorary Commander Brig. Gen. Frank Adams 425-868-6144 mg0adams@msn.com

Adjutant Major Tobey Gulley 360-354-3011 Gulley246@aol.com

Sergeant Major Sgt. William Lewis 360-435-8287 wcwadirtywater@hotmail.com

Aide de Camp Capt. Michael Borden 208-891-9407 mikedetailor@shocker33.net

Chief of Artillery Capt. Court Fraley 253-661-2116 kntkyguns@msn.com

Parson Capt. Hiram (Brian) Curnutt 425-316-8775 Brian_Curnutt@wycliffe.org

Civilian Comm. Leader Bonnie Starr and Linda Myers Linda email alfredwcwa@comcast.net

1st C.S. Engineers Capt. James Findley 253-475-1679 ssfindley@msn.com

1st Louisiana Inf. 1st Lt. Jean Paul Bordelon 253-891-0277 therefurbman@msn.com

4th Alabama Lt. Collen Potts 503-849-8783

1st Sgt. Kirstian Granish 360-789-8198 mobmh@yahoo.com

7th South Carolina Inf. Capt. Carnan Bergren 509-548-5431 topfruit@televar.com

7th Tennessee Inf. Capt. Rick Montoya 509-924-4351 rebelyellrick@peoplepc.com

Chair Terry Mourning 509-536-4252 dixiefifer@yahoo.com

14th Virginia Cavalry 1st Lt. Bob Davisson 509-995-8619 bob@14thvirginiacavalry.org

Chair Ryan Roberts 509-230-6009 ryanroberts1971@yahoo.com

C.S. Signal Corp. Comm. Kevin Saville 360-352-3380 savillekr@comcast.net

15th Alabama Inf. Capt. David Imburgia 360-733-2663 dvimb1@aol.com

21st North Carolina Inf. 2nd Lt. Ken Harrison 208-278-5024 anzadams@msn.com

26th North Carolina Inf. 1st Lt. Paul Juracek 425-259-8190 sgtscruffycsa@yahoo.com

43rd Virginia Cav. 1st Sgt. Dave Surowiec 360-769-2094 dnasurowiec@juno.com

Cobb’s Battery 1st Lt. Court Fraley 253-661-2116 kntkyguns@msn.com

C.S. Medical Dept. Capt. Charlotte Martinelli 425-299-5072 martinel@u.washington.edu.net

C.S.S. Sumter/Marines 1st Lt. Roy Houston 360-691-4965 GrynpaRoy@aol.com

Polk’s Tennessee Battery Capt. Mike Childers 360-435-7311 polksbattery@hotmail.com

Stanford’s Mississippi Battry Capt. Tom Peloquin 360-659-4995 rebgunner@hotmail.com

Virginia Military Institute Capt. Brian Curnutt 425.316-8775 Brian_Curnutt@wycliffe.org

Federal Representatives (voting General Board consists of full strength company representatives) Brigade Commander Lt. Col. Ted Sayler 360-456-4743 TSayler400@aol.com

Adjutant Capt. Allen Farrand 360-493-0978 afarrand2@comcast.net

Sergeant Major Sgt. Dave Nichols 360-754-6818 dnich20@comcast.net

Aide de Camp Sgt. Earl Simmonds 541-451-2880 lbsimm@comcast.net

Chief of Artillery Comm. Stevens Jones 360-629-6628 steven.jolene@verizon.net

Chief of Cavalry Major Marshall Geho 509-966-0867 alang@yvn.com

Chief of Infantry Major Norm Harriman 360-966-5132 norm@tstitches.com

Chaplain Capt. Dave Lambert 253-847-5331 cwchap@yahoo.com

Civilian Comm. Leader Cindy Stratton 541-974-3940 camaro69375@comcast.net

1st US Cavalry 1st Lt. Tim Shaw 425-455-5901 tpshaw@1stuscav.org

2nd US Sharpshooters Inf. Capt. Derrick Sturgill 503-452-1861 recruitingsargent@hotmail.com

3rd Michigan Inf. Capt. Jim Vaughn 509-747-0331 jbltbumblin@sisna.com

Pvt. Danette Allen 509-448-0924 Duckman79@comcast.net

4th US Infantry John Roten 425-635-8791

Sgt. John Strand 206-784-5141 Strandjr@hotmail.com

7th Wisconsin Infantry Capt. John Leyde 360-652-5397 Jleyde4228@aol.com

20th Maine Infantry Shane Colglazier cretetard@cs.com

Cpl. Bob Ballard 425-649-5821 Robardballard49@hotmail.com

28th Massachusetts Inf. Capt. Charles Bryant 253-874-1566 Cbryant999@aol.com

39th New York Capt. Randy Webb 425-652-0365 afk29@earthlink.net

Lt. Pat Brennan, Chair

76th Pennsylvania Inf. Lt. Mark Simmons 425-377-0741

USS Tahoma Lt. Ernie Sherrill 360-568-0735 E-Sherrill@hotmail.com

U.S. Medical Dept. (west) Maj. Dave Lambert 253-847-5331 cwchap@yahoo.com

U.S. Medical Dept. (east) Maj. Mike Inman 509-328-2467 mjginman@aol.com

U.S.S. Tahoma Marines Capt. Andy Anderson 503-289-6204 Andyanderson6204@msn.com

U.S.S. Tahoma Marines Inf. Sgt. Howard Struve 360-874-8548 hstruve@nwinet.com

1st Michigan Light Artillery 2nd Lt. Gary Michie 509-233-8912 michiegr1@msn.com

The Dispatch Page 9 August , 1863 (2008)

26th NCT Snohomish After Action Report

The weather gods continued to smile on us. Warm, dry, a cool breeze in the afternoon, and even a full moon. Perfect weather for harvesting Yankees. One of the best parts of Snohomish this year will stick with us into the next campaign season. We made our numbers for the second consecutive event, and barring any glitches, Lieutenant Pike should be promoted to Captain Pike at Ferndale. I know that Scruffy will thank you at Ferndale, but I would like to jump the gun and thank all of you now. We made the numbers for his promotion because y’all showed your dedication to the 26

th by making event

after event. I know that times are hard, and gas is expensive, and I appreciate the sacrifices you make to be there. But I also know that the more of us that show up, the more fun it is! Battles this event were Antietam/Sharpsburg. Lots of flat ground and toe to toe slugging. Once again the 26

th

showed it’s ability to give and take hits. After the “Bloody Lane” scenario, a Yankee officer just about lifted me off the ground shaking hands, telling me how “beautiful” the cordwood was, and what a great job we did. I was hard pressed to disagree, since I had spent the last ten minutes with my face in the dirt as the Yanks fired volleys over my head. On the first day, the Yankee cavalry were feeling their oats. Lots of attempts to flank us, and even to ride along the rear of our lines. While the Company dealt with the Yank infantry, officers and NCO’s stood facing backwards, ready to empty pistols and saddles. After that lesson, they settled down, and even galvanized for us on Sunday. We were joined by our newest recruit, Eben Roeper and his lovely wife Katha. In addition, we had several interested civilians asking about membership, and hopefully some will succumb to the lure. Our civilians were active and present as well. Mrs Russo helped cook our Company dinner. Private Otto turned out a really good pot of red beans and rice, Angell roasted corn, and Mrs Russo fried chicken. Despite the ad hoc nature of the meal, I think everyone was happy. Miss Emma Alred spent her first full weekend at an

event, sharing an A-tent with Private Sam. I would like to thank each and every member of the Company for not cussing at her when she started happily chattering at Oh-dark-thirty on Saturday morning. I don’t think she realizes yet that tents aren’t soundproof. Although she did comment on someone snoring really loudly. The Company continued our friendly rivalry with our comrades in the 15

th Alabama, providing them a small

hoard of footwear so that we could honestly tell them “Nice Shoes!” All was not roses, however. Colonel Starr took a hit during one battle, falling to the ground, and scaring his staff into an unwarranted state of sobriety. Not all of the water served us was dirty. Some of it was so clean that it hurt your teeth to drink. Several of the water buffaloes had been hit with the bleach so hard that even after sitting uncovered all night, a cupful still smelled like a community pool in South Central LA. Mr Russo took it upon himself to travel into the real world and bring us back a van load of bottled water, saving our lives. Private Moochie was buried near the Lieutenant’s tent, complete with a small Orthodox cross above his grave. Sadly, two lovely young ladies came to visit him, and were so disconsolate at learning of his demise that they both joined the Marines. But despite the hardship, the absolute best part of Snohomish 2008? Number One in the Top Ten? Someone in the rear rank managed to sink peanut shells, not once, but twice! onto Sergeant Angell’s hat in forma-tion. I am not allowed to say who managed this feat of derring, but the very thought makes me Pucker.

The Dispatch Page 10 August, 1863 (2008)

E. Porter Alexander, Erasmus Keyes, Delancey Floyd-Jones, George Pickett, Henry Martyn Robert, August Kautz,

Joseph Mansfield, Silas Casey, and David Bell McKibben,

How would YOU like to spend a day or two walking where THEY walked, seeing the ground that THEY saw, eating where THEY ate, and sleeping where THEY slept? Yes, of course, but you just don't have the money to fly back East you say? or the time and gasoline to drive there? No Problem! Long before any of these Civil War notables became legends of the battlfield, THEY were all young officers right here, in your own back yard.

Every "Man Jack" of you ( and your women and youngin's too ) by virtue of your love of history, and your support of the WCWA, is cordially invited to come on over to Old Fort Steilacoom on September 13th for their Third Annual Living History Day celebration. Spend the day ( and even a night or two if you wish )

walking "the ground" that they walked, seeing the sights that they saw, sleeping where they slept, and doing what they did, back in the Fall of 1860. "How many rounds will I need?" None, this is definitely not a "powder burner" weekend. You all get more than enough of that through reenacting "The War" with the WCWA. Will I have to cook only "period" items? Nope, nada, in fact you don't have to cook at all. Everything will be cooked for you.

As for "KP", however,............. What kind of a tent will be allowed? Leave the canvas at home, Ma! Did I mention the spacious officer's quarters and barracks? Sleep where THEY slept, remember? What you CAN expect to experience is dining of the pe-riod, a period dance, period drill, a sutler to bilk (er, I mean) sell you what ever your heart desires, going to services in a church that was hand built by civil war vets before they became vets, and more fun than a barrel full of Infantry.

Forget your fear of the unknown.

Enlist today in the Antebellum Army!

Contact your nearest recruiter, Gideon Pete,

at waywardpilgrim@juno.com or call 253-720-8179.

tour the site at www.historicfortsteilacoom.com

Getting out of 1800's Living History, and

clearing out some Items!

1858 4 button sack coats $50 ea., 1 small, 1 medium

1874 5 button Cavalry-piped blouses $45 ea. 2 medi-

ums

1858 sky blue trousers $50 ea., 2 30" waist, 1 38"

waist

1858 sky blue cavalry trousers w/yellow SGT stripe

on leg $40

1858 kepis used $30 size 6 7/8, $35 size 7

1872 kepi used $25 size 7 1/2

CWP Summer weight underdrawers w/waterstaines

size 28" waist $10

CWP Winter weight underdrawers size 34" waist

$15

1851 plaquet front muslin shirt, medium $15

8'x10' White canvas wall tent w/rain fly and all

poles, stakes,and ropes $300

1859 cavalry picket pin $50

one set of fire irons (tripod) w/assorted pothangers,

Cooks triangle w/ striker bar, all in a stenciled pine

box. $100

If you are interested in any of these items contact:

Stephen Gay @ (360)426-1876

For Sale

#1- 1851 New Army Remington .44 Navy Revolver, used

for one season, comes with three cylinders. No rust, still

very new looking. $225 (Belt (US Buckle), holster &

spare cylinder pouch- $30) Photo Avail.

#2- 1851 New Army Remington .44 Navy Revolver, three

seasons old, comes with three cylinders. No rust, kept

clean. Also: two powder flasks, nipple wrench, 6 spare

nipples- $250 (Belt (CSA buckle), holster and cylinder

pouch $30) Photo Avail.

#3- 1856 Tower Musketoon, .69 caliber muzzle loader

carbine. Carbine sling and snap swivel included, only

used one season, still looking brand new. Bought from

Loyalist Arms. $450 Photo Avail.

E-mail:Ryan - ryanroberts1971@yahoo.com or Jana-

ladioutlaw2004@aol.com Call Ryan @ 509-230-6009

Unit Reports- 1st LA-Dan has been asked to take temporary

command of this unit both Jean-Paul and Rusty are

in support of this arrangement. Dan has been asked

to take part in the Pig Wars as an observer.

1st US Cavalry- They participated in the Everett 4th

of July parade and were able to promote the WCWA

and the Snohomish event.

2nd US Sharpshooters- Enjoyed Pt. Gamble. They

also attended Willamette event. There was a good

turn-out at both events. At Willamette, there was a

night firing and it was greatly appreciated by all.

Navy-Took part in the Edmonds parade

4th US-They had a drill and some new recruits have

joined their unit.

Marines-They attended the Willamette event and at

Pt. Gamble 3 families were recruited.

Good of the Order-

Rick Emmick will be undergoing treatment, keep

him in your prayers. Court is doing well and is now

at home resting up.

Adjournment-11:45 Next meeting is at GAR,

August 16,2008 Sandy Burwell, Secretary

The Dispatch Page 11 August 1863 (2008)

Last chance to:

Get your Photograph taken on the back of a Cavalry Horse!! If you’ve ever

dreamed of putting on a Uniform and being in

the Cavalry… Now is your chance.

Directly following each Battle, the 1st US Cavalry will:

1- Outfit you with a Kepi, Uniform Jacket,

and all battle accessories

2- Place you on the back of our most trusted

mount

3- Take up to 4 digital Photo’s of your children

or any adult that wants to be a Cavalry Trooper

for a day!!

DONATION: $ 5.00 PER PERSON

Our own Trooper Bright will play the part of

Matthew Brady famous Civil War Photogra-

pher. He will email all photo’s taken, within 2

days of the events closure.

Please visit the Camp of the 1st US Cavalry for this once in a lifetime opportunity!!!

For Sale

Model 1860 McClellan Saddle built on an

original tree. All original rawhide and iron

work retained. This is an older restoration

suitable for reenactor events. Historically correct and

sound to ride, complete with girth. $500.00

French model 1840 artillery sabre, bright blade, no

dings in scabbard. Original owner's name

professionally engraved on backstrap and dated.

Wire wrap missing from handle, easily replaced.

Good reenactment item. $350.00

U.S. Army Composite Bed # 10. this was the stan-

dard issue iron bunk of the Indian Wars period as

featured in the barracks of the Fort Laramie National

Historic Site. $800.00

These are priced to sell! Notices going out on EBAY

after Fort Steilacoom Immersion event

in September. contact Gideon Pete at

waywardpilgrim@juno.com

Washington Civil War

Association

Presenting the Past to Preserve the Future

The Dispatch Page 12 August, 1863(2008)

Presort Standard

U.S. Postage

PAID

Everett, WA

Permit #421

ITEMS FOR SALE All items are sutler row quality unless

specified. All prices negotiable. Price reduction with purchase of two or more items. Shipping

included. One pair suspenders, very lightly used with only

some dirt stains. $10 Two small tin cups, good condition. $5 each, or

$8 for both. One small gray Confederate forage cap, like new

except for pliable bill. $15 One medium brown slouch hat, good condi-

tion. $25 One small brown hat blank, FREE with hat purchase.

One canvas haversa ck, used condition. Strap has been shortened, but can be restitched. $10 One small hand-finished quilt with wool felt

backing, never used. $30 One pair light brown jean wool trousers, waist 30/32, bottoms unhemmed, so hem yourself or roll up bottoms. Excellent step up from sutler

row clothing, new condition. $60 Contact: pvt_isaac@hotmail.com

or (509) 465-2123. Aaron Gardner

Two small dresses available for anyone reenacting with their daughters. I received these dresses under the agreement that when my daughters grew out of them that I would give them to another WCWA family that is involved in our hobby. They should fit a very slender girl about 5-8 years old. I will have

them at Ferndale and the Lewis and Clark event. Contact Bruce Frazier at the 4th U.S. camp.

WANTED

Armi-Sport or Euro-Arms 1853 Enfield rifle

in good, used condition.

Please contact

Rick Montoya at (509) 868-6089

or rebelyellrick@peoplepc.com.

Summary of

responses to the 2008 WCWA Questionnaire will be published in the September Dispatch.

Thank you to all that participated. Howard Struve,

WCWA Vice Chairperson