A Private Returns from Manassas

[Jubilo]

Returned from service as a Federal private at this event with cheerful spirits. The positives for a private were historical scenarios, well placed company streets with dog/pup tents , superb weather , choice location featuring fields, and "Wilderness" type woods , adequate water and wood , buglers, field music, mounted officers including Jackson , units taking hits, color bearers falling repeatedly during combat , zouaves , and overall good impressions.
The battles seemed more passionate and combat-like than Andersfest a few years back so this is also an improvement.
Not quite as satisfying was seeing only three fellers in Iron Brigade gaiters. A lot of fellers had their black hats pinned up and there was a black feather here and there but no real effort to look like the Heroes of the West.
I enjoyed the Railroad Cut scenario and running like Dutchmen from the charging Confederates. I heard one of the Federal Battalion commanders disobeyed orders and "jumped" the scenario , so that disease is still prevailing in 2010!
The evening Brawners Farm was impressive and seemed to be enjoyed by almost everyone. We could see Jackson on the ridge, color bearers waving their traitorous rags ( we were Federals, remember ), and ranks of the Confederates firing at us only when their volleys back-lit them.
Sunday's Chinn Ridge began after a good march and was a bang-up fight and then skedaddle. All the boys seemed in great spirits going in and coming out of the fight. As a matter of fact , almost everybody at this event seemed in good spirits and sanguine of success. Bully for us I reckon.
I served with the 30th Ohio/ Army of the Ohio for the first time and in spite of their meek as lambs appearance at parade, were wildcats in combat, pouring in dandy volleys and giving manly yells for the Republic. They gave the Rebs "Hail Columbia," alright.
The dangest thing was two British fellers who hung around headquarters and must have run away from a traveling circus. What can be expected of foreigners ?
In conclusion , from a private's point of view, this event rates about an eight out of a possible tten. Considering the size and location , it was the best that could have been expected and a step forward. Thanks to all who worked so hard to bring it to fruition.
all for the old flag,
David Corbett

[flattop32355]

It was good to meet you in person, David, and to have you fall in with us.

The company was actually a combination of the 14th, 30th and 91st OVI's, all members of the AotO.

Glad you enjoyed yourself, and hope to see you again.

[28thNY]

Returned from service as a Federal private at this event with cheerful spirits. The positives for a private were historical scenarios, well placed company streets with dog/pup tents , superb weather , choice location featuring fields, and "Wilderness" type woods , adequate water and wood , buglers, field music, mounted officers including Jackson , units taking hits, color bearers falling repeatedly during combat , zouaves , and overall good impressions.
The battles seemed more passionate and combat-like than Andersfest a few years back so this is also an improvement.
Not quite as satisfying was seeing only three fellers in Iron Brigade gaiters. A lot of fellers had their black hats pinned up and there was a black feather here and there but no real effort to look like the Heroes of the West.
I enjoyed the Railroad Cut scenario and running like Dutchmen from the charging Confederates. I heard one of the Federal Battalion commanders disobeyed orders and "jumped" the scenario , so that disease is still prevailing in 2010!
The evening Brawners Farm was impressive and seemed to be enjoyed by almost everyone. We could see Jackson on the ridge, color bearers waving their traitorous rags ( we were Federals, remember ), and ranks of the Confederates firing at us only when their volleys back-lit them.
Sunday's Chinn Ridge began after a good march and was a bang-up fight and then skedaddle. All the boys seemed in great spirits going in and coming out of the fight. As a matter of fact , almost everybody at this event seemed in good spirits and sanguine of success. Bully for us I reckon.
I served with the 30th Ohio/ Army of the Ohio for the first time and in spite of their meek as lambs appearance at parade, were wildcats in combat, pouring in dandy volleys and giving manly yells for the Republic. They gave the Rebs "Hail Columbia," alright.
The dangest thing was two British fellers who hung around headquarters and must have run away from a traveling circus. What can be expected of foreigners ?
In conclusion , from a private's point of view, this event rates about an eight out of a possible tten. Considering the size and location , it was the best that could have been expected and a step forward. Thanks to all who worked so hard to bring it to fruition.
all for the old flag,
David Corbett

As you said, great weekend and, as a person who was attached to 4th Company, Army of the Ohio, I am as guilty as anyone for not properly portraying the Iron Brigade impression at Brawners Farm. I had a tatty hardee hat, and frock coat, but no gaiters.

All that said, what's with "what can be expected of foreigners?" remark???

As an Englishman, and 2nd Sgt of 4th Company, I led the 19th Indiana (Army of the Ohio) onto the field at Brawners farm and carried the colors of the 55th Ohio (Army of the Ohio) onto the field during the Chinn Ridge scenario.

Well, all that said, I suppose I was the first to run from the 55th Ohio, so maybe you've got something. :D

[Jubilo]

Dear Sir,
Americans of the Civil War period were chauvinistic and "foreigners" were fair game for the target of any verbal abuse . Period entertainment and literature reflects this.
The blaming of all military disasters on "the Dutch," and the Eleventh Corps reflect this . As a former Englishman you should understand this . England gave the world the terms "Dutch courage,Dutch treat, French disease, French envelopes, just about anything French , "Dagoes," and worse!
Pity the Rockingham Castle was cancelled, what?
all for the old flag,
David Corbett

[28thNY]

Dear Sir,
Americans of the Civil War period were chauvinistic and "foreigners" were fair game for the target of any verbal abuse . Period entertainment and literature reflects this.
The blaming of all military disasters on "the Dutch," and the Eleventh Corps reflect this . As a former Englishman you should understand this . England gave the world the terms "Dutch courage,Dutch treat, French disease, French envelopes, just about anything French , "Dagoes," and worse!

I know, I was just making light of the comment.



Pity the Rockingham Castle was cancelled, what?


It most certainly was a pity.