Event Reports
A Corporal's Observation
So, once again, we greet the new season with a cold weekend on the lawn. Actually, it was unseasonably warm, which led to some of the largest crowds of civilians I have ever seen at a winter encampment. All went well and we had our usual share of fun.
April 2005
The big event this year for the area was Appomattox. It had a large turn out. Travis, Ashley Brown, and I arrived on Friday evening, just in time to participate in the march and shoot that occurred. We literally jumped out of the truck and into line. The Battle of Cumberland Church had commenced in earnest. We marched to the far hills, only to drive at the Yankees again and again. Our half of the confederate army hid behind a hill and the old burnt down house. When the few Yankee cavalry tried to turn the confederate left, they saw us, and ran off. Then we came around on the Yankee's right flank and they retreated. They had not seen us until we emerged from behind the hill. Yours truly took a hit on the hillside to avoid those nasty looking thickets, only to resurrect when the wing fell back, to only hit the thickets again to push across the creek. So I still got burr berries and wet feet. Reinforcements showed up after the battle. Tim was waiting for us gallant hero's to return and others showed up sooner or later. Capt. Stowe, 1SGT Stowe, Ryan, Jim, Larry and his wife all took part sometime in the weekend. Unfortunately, Saturday morning, I had to be 1SGT again, and for a weird dress parade at that. I had to remember battalions along with companies. What, they think I can remember two things at once now? But, we had good numbers for the Battle's of Saylor's Creek and Marshall's Crossroads. We actually had two battles at once on Saturday. That was the shoot and run. We shot, and then we ran, to shoot, and run again. Through the creek, up the hill, down the hill, up a hill, down a hill, well, you get the picture. We thought we where headed for the highway or the other blue line, the one with doors and that smell, when we were stopped. Soundly licked, we were. The tactical of the next morning started bright and early, before civilians arrived. We pushed the Yankees across the creek. As we crossed through the swampy mud, Ashley Brown was heard to exclaim that this is why he was artillery. There where some pesky Yanks in the Trees on the left, and Col. Terry ordered us to get them. We did, and it was a stand off, as no one knew who had captured who. So we stayed there for a while, only to march out and find ourselves surrounded. Apparently the Union army had split and let the confederates through. A trap! We where cut off from camp. So, true to history, we made a breakthrough attempt with cavalry leading the way. The rest of the day was very somber, as we marched into the bottom out of the view of most of the civilians and Yankees. Each company had their own flag. We proceeded to hear that the army had been surrendered my General Lee the day before as we where all read General Order No.9:
Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, 10th April 1865
General Order NO. 9
After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources. I need not tell the brave survivors of some many hard fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them. But feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen. By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from a consciousness of duty faithfully performed; and I earnestly pray that a Merciful God will extend to you His blessings and protection. With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your Country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.
It was after that order, that the flag we where carrying was hauled down and cut into pieces. Each man that had been there got a piece. We did leave a small tatter on the pole as a reminder of this moment. It is still there. We then marched in to the surrender area and stacked arms, and gear, and placed our flag pole atop the stacks. It was very emotional for some, as most of us where thinking of all the sacrifice and loss that the war entailed for so many to just stop and give up on what was there dream. We then marched off from our gear. Our arms and Our flags where left for those conquerors to take. It was a very difficult thing to do. Many confederates stayed out of this ceremony, stating that they would surrender when the war ended for them. Our very own Tom was there, and came to speak to us and he stated that he was doing just that, at least for the while. On a sad day that had many looking back through the ages to the past, and others reflecting on the events of there own age, this revelation was in its place. All things end in there due time.
On the lighter note, we had a splendid dinner at the Cracker Barrel of Lynchburg. Good cooking. That's always a treat after a hard weekend.
The following weekend found our forces on the retreat, still. We had fallen back to Danville, and home. We were augmented by the 59th VA, the 1st Texas (Q-tip), and Stribling's Battery. One cannon showed up for the entire weekend, the other for just Saturday. Those cannon sure can make a fuss. Only two bitties complained, said it was knocking the paint off the walls. Must have been chipping anyway, seems we were doing them a favor in removing it for repainting. You would think they would have been happy. We had enough firewood for several weeks of occupation, but we only had a few days. Not wanting the Yankee's to capture our supplies, bonfire was the word for the weekend. Most of us got sunburn from that fire. We even torched our supply of straw. One would have thought we where making glass or something. Being a not to hot, not to cold weekend in spring, most civilians where tending to yard work and such, and crowds where a bit small. But we had a lively dance on Saturday night. It was most enjoyable with Maj.(Gen.) Snyder, the 1SGT of 59th VA, and yours truly the only gentlemen in flamboyant attire suitable for the young ladies looking lovely in there gowns. We all danced till the close of the evening. There was even one true civilian in the mix, as a coloured gentleman rode up on his bicycle and joined in the fun, with his blaze orange vest and all. It was a most enjoyable event, with most of those who wished getting to crew one of the artillery pieces. SGM Buford was present for duty, and ably manned the picket for us. Q-Tip and Jim did perform duty during the ball, as there were some interlopers about. We even got an invite to Farmville on the 7th of May, and several of us plan to attend.
Respectfully Yours,
- Cpl./Reporter Kyle Duffer
