BGA 150th Shiloh

[reddcorp]

Attended the BGA with the Cotton States Batt. as part of King's Brigade and had a great time. As to the logistics, I've attended events where the logistics were better, but I've also attended events where the logistics were far, far worse. I've learned to pack in some extra water, bring my own TP and to expect weather problems, so there were few surprises. We got into camp without much problem and thanks to the weather clearing and drying out the muddy roads, got out fairly easily and without incident. Thanks to the sponsors and staff. It's been a while since I've seen so many troops in the field. And the artillery barrage was superb.
A.Redd

[Union Navy]

While the BGA event was quite memorable, some interesting lapses were observed:
- there were no trash containers, so trash just piled up in various places (including the large tent just before the ball)
- the aforementioned toilet paper shortage
- no one at registration or the site knew where the Navy was supposed to go, so we just wandered around like refugees until we settled near the artillery
- the ball was so popular there was no room for dancing! And the sound system was plain awful
- a number of visitors I talked to were less than enthusiastic about the view they had of the battle
- the line to get tickets was unreal
- inhospitable southern ticks and fire ants
- as recognizable Navy, we got a number of questions as the why the Hunley was not there. We heard a) a flat tire, b) several flat tires, c) a highway accident, d) a death in the family, e) the screen doors didn't operate properly.

Some good stuff:
- the postless tent and chandeliers for the ball were much appreciated
- great music in various places
- lots of quality sutlers
- amazing numbers of soldiers, cavalry and artillery
- I finally got to meet Mr. Szabo himself!

[Todd Watts]

I was at the AoT event. We had a decent event, but nothing like the 145th or 140th I had attended at the same site before. The main reason I do it is the buddies and since they were there we had a great time. The hail was memorable. Never had that happend before at an event and I was pleased by the strength of canvas! The BGA cannonading Saturday morning was distinctly heard but I heard nothing Sunday. I guess that was the accoustic shadow that also was reported on back then. With any luck at all, for the good of the hobby, I pray that the AoT and BGA twits-up-top can refrain from directly competing like this ever again and let all of us enjoy the hobby without their childish antics. Oh, one memorable thing that I saw while manning the fence in the Hornets' Nest was about half way through the battle the Federal left wing was stormed by a Rebel field mouse (distinctly wearing gray) that had evidently had enough of the horror of war happening over his section of fence and made a mad dash through the Federal left flank toward the weeds behind us. That 1 mouse did what the Rebs seemed unwilling to try, to charge the Hornets' Nest.

[ILYankee5]

Well I for one had a great time at the BGA Shiloh. I could hear bits and pieces of distant cannon fire at various times during the day. I fell in with a great group of guys as well and want to thank the WFB's for doing such a great job! The ration issue was great, and the batallion drill was much needed and very well explained as well as demonstrated. Of course there were some problems...a reenactment is like a wedding, there will always be something go wrong. I did find it odd at times that the CS Army marched right beside us when we were readying for battle...but so what. Great job to the BGA on all that they did.

Did anyone get a final count on the BGA numbers? AoT numbers?

[roysclockgun]

I arrived at the BGA event late Friday morning with my wife. The area where King's Division was to camp was a thicket and no tent could be erected without heavy use of axe, shovel and pick. We both used different toilets and found the same; no paper and nasty mess up to the lid. We stopped at Confederate HQ and King's Div. HQ and found no one who could tell us directions to 2nd FL., save for pointing vaguely toward the large thicket where a number of regiments were already set up. After viewing the confusion and mess of the place for two hours, we left and were briefly stopped from going out the way we had come in, because the mud track was closed. Having 4X4, we made our way out by another route and went to the actual battlefield. The Shiloh Park area should not be missed. The free tour map from the visitor's center made the entire trip up from Daytona very worthwhile for both of us. We stood at all the points of interest about which we had been reading for so long and reveled at the thought of those who had stood there before. The self guided tour was a very moving experience. We headed back to FL. on Sat. morning. We are happy to hear that so many stuck it out and had a grand weekend. After 30 years of re-enacting, perhaps it is time for me to give up on mega sized events for good!
Steven L. Ashe, Sgt. of the Guard
Florida Reg'mt. Medical Dept. (Confederate)

[gambit88]

Due to the mud and tow vehicles getting stuck, we were only able to do saturday mornings battle but being the piece to fire the first shot made the whole event worth it for me. Plus the way the smoke hung in the air, not being able to see 50 yards out was just awe inspiring. Hearing the falling timber battle raging all thursday night and friday morning, along with the cannon echos from the aot event really added to the realism I think. Gave me a taste of what the boys went through 150 years ago. I wont go back and point out all the little issues because it has already been beaten to death, but I will say overall I enjoyed the event and thank everyone who put it on.

Gambit

[JohnnyRebCSA]

Gambit,

I sat with two reenactors and talked about the event while at Loretta Lynn's Restaurant. One fellow told me his gun fired the first shot at saturday's dawn battle and his battery had an original gun that was under Lee in the Mexican War and that same gun was used by the Confederacy in an Arkansas artillery unit......was that you?

I looked that piece over out in the restaurant parking lot as it sat on the trailer. Nice gun!! Hats off to you artillery guys.....you did one 'bang up' job! LOL!!

[gambit88]

Yup sounds like our gun. The give away its its a tad shorter then the average 6 pounder. So if it looked a bit smaller it was ours

Gambit

[Ala-Sippi Rifle]

I would like to thank the nice lady resident of the Town of Purdy who was kind enough to offer my 1st Sgt and me a cup of lemonade after Saturday's afternoon battle when we wandered through headed back to camp. It was a welcome relief to the long,muddy trek from the battlefield. I also would like to thank the mayor for not shooting us as we exited town as we were too worn out to put up much fight.

[Spinster]

Cpl Hemphill

I do believe the Mayor had been humbled somewhat by the fiery nightridders of the previous evening.

Sometimes a Unionist has to bow to save his neck.