The Regulars at the 135th Gettysburg
The Regulars battle at Gettysburg.
Report from the Field
The Regulars were amongst the enormous number of participants that took part in the 135th Anniversary Commeration of the Battle of Gettysburg. The final tally of participants was most likely between 15,000 and 20,000 reenactors more or less. A number that translated into seeing what a peice of an actual battle must have looked like. A visual spectacle that was truly effecting, this event will number amongst the top in the list of finest events that the Regulars have participated in.
Arriving on Wednesday, a handful of Regulars beat the crowds to the bivoac area that was on the side of mountain ridge and began to clear the area. We traveled in on a rough cut road that looked as though pioneers had hacked in with axes. Soon, shabangs were popping up everywhere and the birth of what would be one of the best camps the lads have had was well in hand. The commissary was organized and provisions stockpiled for what would turn out to be a forty six man company of Regulars.
We were indeed fortunate to have been able to get in so early as the lines at registration in the following days soon entailed a 2 to 3 hour wait. A fine "hash" was prepared that night under the hand of Flexi M. and Jason M.
The next day we watched as the flood of folks struggled their gear in and made a home in the Pennsylvania wilderness. We erected flys and toted water and help build the city that was Yankeedom. We heard in the distance the cavalry battle commence and we thought of the work that would soon lay ahead for us. That day we welcomed our special guests from the west coast. The 4th US infantry under the command of Lt. John Strand. We were happy to have our comrades arrive from the coast safely and soon they had there shelter halves erect and were off to see the famed battlefield of Gettysburg. We also welcomed several other comrades from CA and New Mexico and England. A fine meal of briscuit and vegetable matter was contrived by the illustrious chef Brooks that evening.
Friday morning we heard the well known notes of reveille on the air and knew we were once more in the army. First Sergeant Hanson said in his tone of authority, "Soon as the last note of revely is played, FALL IN FOR ROLL." Always a pleasurable phrase. Once again the company mess efficiently set the coffee boiling and the bacon frying and the boy's bellies were filled for the work ahead that day. (Which wasn't until 4 o'clock) We did our chores, shining brass and the like to the general happiness of Commander, Captain Don Rivera. What can we say, we love to make that man smile. We assembled our line and marched down a dusty trail to a field where the National Regiment was assembled into two battalions, one under Col T. Downes and one under Maj. LeVassar. The Regulars were the first company of the second battalion. Here were we held company drill and battalion drill to shake out the cobwebs of a barren month of inactivity in June. It would soon prove to be not enough. We assembled later in the day and marched to the field to engage in what was to be Biddle's brigade assisting the Iron Brigade in the First Days action. We formed a battalion line and were marched at such an angle that made the line very difficult to maintain for the unpracticed. Accordian like configurations were the result and line became broken. We occupied a trench and were moved back and forth trying to fill gaps and an overbearing frustration combined with dust, heat and cattle pocked terrain succeeded in lowering morale to an all time low. Then marching up the mountain chewing dust topped the experience. We arrived back in camp and assuaged ourselves with many a grumble and many a complaint. We felt better after a good meal and many figured that we could only go up from here. That night we paid what would be the first of many visits to the convivial atmosphere of Black's Tavern run by the lovely Stephanie Brennan where drink and good will were in abundance. We sang and drank and soon recovered our broken morale. We returned to camp around midnight to nary a sound as the rest of the army salved their souls in slumber.
Saturday dawned a new day and the chores were put upon once again. Water was available at roughly 900+ paces and water details were a constant necessity. The hike was not too burdensome and the shade of the forest helped immensely. Hay had been available and wood was cut to supply for the entire week. The commissary under the direction of P.Brooks and a cast of comrades had made excellent provision and the entire enterprise of the camp was carried out with the help of all in a professional manner befitting the Regulars. Thanks go out to all who contributed.
This morning was the morning for the Regulars to go into the Wheatfield. The Regulars had been assembled from all over the country and the battalions were gathered and marched to face the rebs. We were to march into the fire and take casualties and then about face, march and then turn about and fire at the enemy taking hits along the way as the real Regulars did so long ago. We wheeled into the field and soon found ourselves too close to the enemy. Our alignment was suffering and we endeavored to correct this with much yelling from the first sergeant and NCOs. Many a voice went hoarse that day. We succeeded in at least about facing several times but we were too jammed. None the less our manuever succeeded in surprising one rebel as the Confederates started pursuit we about faced and this Johnny, it was witnessed, had a look of complete astonishment. We had done the job as best we could and hopefully we will be given the opportunity again someday. Our hearts were in the right place even though our feet may not have been.
We retreated to the woods and ate our ration, played wist and waited for word on our next endeavor. It soon would prove redemptive as we were called to occupy the breastworks at Culp's Hill.
We assembled our legion and marched behind the breastworks and awaited our adversary. The artillery on our flanks were soon booming and many a cheer rose from the infantry. The Johnnies were not long in coming and the beautiful longs lines of infantry were soon marching to our front. General Lee was certainly correct when he looked on the field at Fredericksburg and said "It is good that war is so terrible lest we grow too fond of it". (or something to that effect) The spectacle was truly sublime.
The Rebs unleashed their volleys and the we unleashed ours and the din of musketry was deafening. The smoke clouded the field as we knelt behind the works. The first battalion was placed behind us standing and the troops stacked up four deep poured a fire of such proportion that it was amazing that anything would have been left standing in it's path. The Rebs soon found it necessary to charge or die and the first of two attempts were made. Our works, solidly constructed with briar adornment, succeeded in stopping the charge with the help of our rifle butts. The Rebls melted back leaving many bodies on the field. Undaunted still, they gathered for another attempt increasing their momentum as they charged and hurled themselves at us. Some succeeded, most failed. After it was over, hands were extended in good will, smiling faces beaming as the men who represented enemies in war embraced as brothers united as fellow countrymen by that same war. We marched home with our morale high and the feeling that what we do as reenactors is of great, great value.
We arrived back in camp and after some recovery time and reviewing our triumph, dinner time was once more upon us. Having made prior preparation, a detail went to retrieve our entree that had been graciously prepared for us by Pete Callahan at the 'Combat Caterers'. We thank Pete again for roasting two 10 lb. beef hunks that soon would prove to be the envy of many a Yankee camp. Tank, Flexi and the Editor were given the duty of retrieving this bountiful meal and had we thought a little in advance we would have embarked on their detail armed to the teeth. Having nothing to disguise our charge the 'big meat' was carried in the open on a tray. We soon drew stares and mouths were seen to water. Comments were flying as we walked and many camps were stirred by the sight and smell. Our pace quickend. We soon arrived at camp that was adjacent to the roadway and an ever increasing stir was brewing as we approached. Soon a Yankee of huge proportion could not hold his hunger back any longer and charged down the mountain side to intercept us. Deftly, and with our dinner at stake the Regulars snapped into action. The Editor, endeavoring to slow the behemouth scoundrel down, threw a body block and bounced off but distracted him long enough that the wiry private Flexi M. could do a dog leg around this huge barrier with meat in hand. He then met the muscle of our side as Tank attacked with a series of blocks that let the lads beat a hasty retreat down the lane. Our pace barely slackend till we delivered our charge to camp safe and sound where it was devoured in due course. We we fortunate to have several guests appear and take part in our fare. It was indeed good to see our ol' comrade Digger from England. We then indulged ourselves in drinks and cigars and made plans for the rest of the evening.
A contingent set off once again to the Stephanie's tavern where we met many with the same desire to sing and drink and enjoy each other's company. The singing was excellent and lasted far into the night. We had the good fortune to share a glass with some Germans that were the guests of the 96th PA and loved to sing. We also had amongst us a Lt. from the 1st MD that was an excellent Irish soloist. And of course, we enjoyed the voice of our good friend Sgt. Ed Stewart from the 5th NY. These are the times that make the fondest of memories. May we make many more. We strolled back to camp under a rainy sky that brought with it clear skies and great tempatures the next day for what would certainly be one of the greatest spectacles we have seen.
We awoke to a beautiful and clear morning and prepared ourselves for the main event. Pickett's Charge. We marched out onto the field as the entire Yankee force took position behind the low stone wall that was the 'Angle'. Our line was at least a mile long four deep in most places. Never had we seen such a force. Our senses were reeling.
We had time to wait. The attention of the regiment was called and an accomadation was handed to a young drummer boy for courage and bravery of the first order. This young man was suffering from a spinal disorder and his fondest wish was to take part in a Civil War battle. As the young lad was handed his accomadation, the entire regiment gave three hearty huzzahs for the bravest of us all and many hearts were touched.
Suddenly the artillery opened and the sky was filled with exploding shell. The lads were ordered to ground and we watched and waited as the barrage carried on for an hour. In the distance, flags could be seen hanging lifeless in the tree line. We knew what was under those banners and we waited patiently.
The artillery soon began to die off and movement was seen in the trees a mile away. Then they came out of the woods.
A line of men almost as long as our own assembled and slowly began to march towards us. We stared and we marvelled as history came to life before our eyes. The artillery awakened and we cheered as the guns went off. Our duty was that of Standardd's Vermont brigade. We were to flank Pickett's division. The Rebs were far to our left but soon turned and headed for the middle of our line. As they passed we unleashed volley after volley and the dead dropped where they stood. We moved to the flank and poured our fire into this mass of men. After a point, all we could do was watch as hundreds of men met their fate in that crossfire. Nothing could have stood that fire. Like a giant wave it crashed on the rocks and receded and was gone. Wounded and dead littered the field. Hundreds struggling to the rear. Though it was a recreation, one could not but help feeling sad that those young lives had to be sacrificed in that July of 1863. We hope that all that were there were affected and remember so that such a sacrifice will never be called for again.
We assembled ourselves and marched back to our camp knowing that the event was at an end and feeling sorry that it was. We said farewell to our guests and comrades alike and wished each other safe journey. We catalogued in our memories another grand weekend in the 19th Century where we get to live for a short period in 'monumental times' and remember.
Written by the
Editor.
Follow Up Report
The 135th Gettysburg event was marred by one incident that is of great consequence. As most have probably already heard, a soldier in the 7th VA was shot with a .44 cal. ball fired from a pistol. He was wounded in the neck and very fortunatly will make a full recovery. The perpetrator of this deed was apprehended and is being charged with criminal negligence. The weapon was loaned to this person without having been checked. It had a live round in it. (These are the facts as I know them.)
The repercussions of this incident will soon be felt. How it will effect the hobby and it's continuation remains to be seen. What our responsibility is, is to make sure of our own conduct and how we minimize any possible chance that we may injure someone with the weapons we use to recreate history. These are not fake weapons. They can kill. If we do not train ourselves in being ever vigilant no matter how intrusive it gets, accidents and carelessness will occur and result in this kind of tragedy. Many of us grew up with weapons and in this country, it is our right to own them. Most know that with that right comes a responsibility to use them in a safe manner and we have been trained in this conduct from youth. Unfortunatey, some have not. It is our responsibility to make sure that if we see anyone acting in a careless manner with a firearm in their hands that this will not be tolerated and that they will not be allowed to handle one until we are convinced that they are not a danger to themselves or others. Period.
If anyone has comments on this issue and would like to see them posted on this page send to
Letters to the Editor.
Comments from the Weekend.
The following are comments from members of our unit and any that served with us. If you are interested in having your comment posted send to: Letters to the Editor.
Private Mike Aldrich.
What it means to be a Regular was really driven home for me this weekend at the 135th Anniversary Battle Reenactment. Although the Wheatfield scenario went off rather poorly for a multitude of reasons, it was during this scenario, that my fondest reenacting memory occurred.
We had already begun to take fire from multiple sides and Color Sergeant "Tank" Nickle had taken his predetermined hit. Since I was next in line to carry the colors, I had taken them up and proudly continued to march with our contingent. Hutch, trying his darnedest to follow the scenario, had ordered us to retreat in good order, with a rebel horde following closely on our heels. Finally, the order came, "Right about, halt! Firing by battalion, Ready, aim,…." As I was looking across the field at the Confederate soldiers, now in our front, I focused in on one Rebel in particular for no apparent reason, really. When this Confederate saw what we were about to do, his eyes got as big as baseballs. I could see the momentary confusion and fear in his eyes. He had never before seen a Union force on the retreat and then without warning, right about in unison and raise their muskets to pour in a volley on their chasing force. It was at this moment, that I truly understood what it meant to be a Regular infantry soldier on the battlefield. Yes, the shiny brass, blackened leathers and shoes, as well as the clean weapons and quietness in ranks make us stand out amongst the other Union soldiers, but at this moment, we truly stood out in the mind of at least one Confederate soldier! My many thanks to all of you for making this reenactment so enjoyable for me.
