Mail the Editor with Submissions for the Regular or if you have a good picture you'd like to see on this site.

The Regular The Official Newsletter of Sykes Regulars August Regular

Brigade Schedule  Bugle Call

Reports from the Field 1st Bull Fun Major's Battle Report

---

---

Field Commander’s Report
August 2001

As those who attended know full well, the 1st Bull Run weekend was a hot one. We had more heat problems than at most events, and I don’t know of any one of us who was not very happy to take a shower on Sunday evening.
On Saturday, after actually fighting the heat and humidity, and losing half of the company along the way to the battle, and accompanied by members of the 1st US, and 1st PA Reserves, Co H, our wing was sent off on a senseless mission to plug a hole in the Federal line that was not there when we arrived. What we found there, however, were many rebels and after a small gain of territory, and the capture of several guns, we were overrun to a man. I don’t think that we got off more than 12 rounds each. It was very demoralizing. Moreover, the photographer who took the glorious photo of the right wing, (see the NR Website) missed our action. We of the “lost battalion” did not have anyone to chronicle our disaster.
On Sunday, the heat and humidity of Saturday had taken its toll, and the NR was reduced from 300 men, to less than 90. Consolidation of companies moved us over from left flank company to right flank company, where we love to be. We formed up at 1210 hours, and by 1300 hours were nearly engaged. Coming up on the right of the Federal line, and bolstered by members of the 1st US, and 1st PA Reserves, Coy K, we attacked a rebel position and although they did not want to leave, we sent them packing. However, as this was First Bull Run, we knew that the end would be different, and we had but a short time to wait.
After a spell of approximately twenty minutes, the rebels attacked over a broad line, putting us, as well as the Federals to our left, under fire. This continued for a spell. After the “other regulars”, (we could tell who they were by how well they were dressed) had formed a square, and had been bypassed by the rebel infantry, the Federal line of battle came under a strong frontal attack. The entire line held for a few minutes, all of us being hard pressed. Soon, however, the regiment to our immediate left began to pull back. As it was obvious that our position was now untenable, and in order not to be cut off, the NR began a tactical withdrawal. Unfortunately, within moments this became a rout as most Federals exited the battlefield. Mindful of history, the NR now joined the flight.
Having decided long ago that we would not disgrace the uniform of the Regulars, and having obtained permission from Col. Daley, the Regulars under my command responded to second officer Lt. McNierney’s commands and fired on the enemy, who were now fast approaching our position. With the smoke from our weapons still lingering in front of us, we performed a “right-about” and withdrew about 20 yards where we turned and fired on the enemy again. This tactical withdrawal was performed numerous times until we had cleared the field safely, being the last Federal unit on the right to retire.
For some reason, the enemy could not determine what to do about us. We supposed that the size of the fleeing Federal force caught their attention, but although we clearly were pushed, it was only half-heartedly done. A concerted effort by only one company would have put us in harms way, as our numbers had quickly lessened during the afternoon. The enemy seemed content to fire at us, but not follow up closely and attempt to gain an advantage. We could have remained on the field, and island of blue is a sea of gray, but also mindful of history, we tactically departed.
While Saturday had been a disaster for us, Sunday was a rebirth. We were very tired, hot, yet excited by what we had been able to accomplish. This past weekend, all of us were Regulars by God! We may not have been able to execute Major Sykes’ square, but we did the next best thing; and, we did it with style.
We wish to commend the officers and men of the 1st PA Reserves, Coy H, and Coy K, the men of the 1st US Infantry from Texas, and of course, the men of the 2nd US and 4th US Infantries. Well done, all. We understand that our lads who were struck with heat related-problems are feeling much better now. Bucky took a shot very near the ear late on Sunday. I saw him “hit”, and was worried when I saw his head slam to the right as he doubled over. Although he still has ringing in his ears, he is feeling better too. The rear rank MUST remember who they are, and where their weapons belong.

For this years schedule check the calendar page.

Jonah Award
The smallest Jonah of the month award goes to Patrick Mooney for dumping some piddly liquid on the fire that didn’t even put it out at First Bull Fun. C’mon lads! Lets make put a little creativity into these jonahs. We need hilarity and guffaws when we commit Jonahs. Thank you for your kind attention.

Congratulations
Welcome to the ranks of the 4th US Mr. Chris.Craun and Mr. Matt Boze. You have passed your trial period and are bona fide Regulars.

---

To see more shots of event, please click photo.

1st Bull Fun


An Exercise in Heat Management and Perspiration Theory.


Imagine a day at your hermetically sealed office. The temperature outside is 100 degrees in the shade and the humidity is off the charts. The air conditioning breaks down and the furnace kicks on instead. You're wearing a polyester suit with a tie that they won’t let you loosen and then they wrap a wool blanket around you. Then, you have to run fifteen times up and down 4 flights of stairs. They give you water and tell you that you have to pay them fifteen dollars. The only thing that makes it bearable is the fact that all of your co-workers have to do it too. Imagine this and then imagine having fun at it. As much fun as you could possibly have under such circumstances and you pretty much have the First Bull Run event summed up.
It was hot and it was humid and your sweat wouldn’t evaporate and you were in wool. Aside from this all consuming state of affairs we re-enacted the first battle of the Civil War with all of its color, confusion and carnage and we did it well. Many lads came in on Friday and set up camp on a high hill. The camps were laid out on a circuitous route about some fine rolling land in Virginia off of route 15. The hike to the sutlers was a long one. We did have the convenience if not the eye canker of a line of porta-johns directly across the road from our camp. The water buffalo was not much further. So supplies were near. This reporter arrived Saturday morning while NR dress parade was in progress and after which company drill progressed. From a distance the NR looked smashing in their havelocks and other assorted uniforms. The Regulars ,of course, were dynamic as ever in their dress blue uniforms.
The Regulars numbered a sizable company at around 30 or so rifles. That many Hadees in one place was cause for great celebration. There was great rejoicing but you couldn’t tell because it was sucked away in the humidity. It was grand to see faces we hadn’t seen in a while and it was great to have them where they belonged. In the loving arms of the First Sergeants who missed them dearly. We also had the privilege of marching with some fellows from the 1st US in Texas and Mark Dappart showed up with a contingent of 1st PA Reserves to add to our number. We had no duties until later in the afternoon when the battle was to commence and so we exercised our creativity in keeping the heat at bay. In most attempts we were unsuccessful. We do want to thank our ice angels/ pie peddlers, Rosemary Hutchison and Gail Kohls for the merciful ministrations to us and the entire NR. If not for them many more lads would have suffered in their soldiering duties.
Soon the time came for battle and to get accoutered was one of the most unpleasant tasks. Imagine again if you will putting on a parka in a sauna. Being the brave souls that we are we of course obeyed orders and were to arrayed for march. We were to march a circuitous route to the field, through throngs of spectators and it would prove our undoing. Marching in the heat, we soon lost half of our company before we got half way there. It was unbearable. The column stopped numerous times as emergency vehicles picked up prostrate heat casualties throughout the march. Only the heartiest of the hearty made it through to the battle. Our best wishes to all those brave lads who went down and we hope that everyone made a full recovery. This type of activity was not easy and those of you who bowed out we commend you on your good sense. The last thing the unit wants is for someone to get hurt. Excellent work lads in keeping an eye on one another. Those of us who were left finally gained the field and managed to battle the rebs for a battery of guns. To get an excellent idea of the battle action, please refer to the fine battle reports from our own Commander Rivera and Major John Goode. When we returned our straggling keesters back to camp we collapsed and stripped for as much good as it would do. We ministered to the heat victims and got them the care they needed.
Also waiting for us back at camp were our stalwart mess detail of Mr. Pete Brooks and Mr. Ray Rush. They fixed us some excellent victuals in the form of an appetizing ham stew that we all dove into post haste. It was a delectable repast. Thank you sirs for your excellent efforts over the weekend. We also want to thanks our stalwart first Sergeants, Steve Hanson and Craig Mastapeter. Their example and fortitude were perspirations to us all. We lament the loss of Sgt. Mastapeters dress blue trousers that exploded on the march.
Captain Rivera, who made it through both days and both battles, demonstrated the definition of perseverance and staunch redoubt ability. I believe this man could outmarch half the NR if he had a mind to and here’s hoping he decides to stay in front of the Regulars for as long as possible.
Commendations go to all the Ncos who made it work and of course the men at command, Mr. Huchison and Mr. Hall. And of course the men in the ranks who suffered like men and didn’t cry.
It had all the earmarks of a fantastic and memorable event. The heat and humidity stole that away and when we remember this event, unfortunately, that’s probably all that we’ll remember. It was one of the hottest freakin events ever.

Written by the Editor

Battle Report From Division Headquarters

In the field, near
Leesburg, VA
August 6, 20001
Gentlemen:

I have the honor to report on the actions of the Second Battalion, National Regiment, near this place on August 4, 2001.
This battalion formed with the Regiment in its camp at 2:30 p.m. on the 4th instant, whereupon it was put in motion. Our direction of march carried us towards the sounds of a conflict already in progress. The march, although conducted along a shaded route, was grueling in the extreme. The heat exacted a number of casualties; among the most grievous of which were Lt. Wholf and Sgt. Major Hall, whose services were lost and sorely lamented as a result of the heat. We eventually crossed a narrow stream, beyond which point Col. Daley fronted the Regiment, which was ordered to load before wheeling into column of companies. We had barely begun to advance in this fashion when I observed Gen. Valuska, commanding division, approach and order Col. Daley to cover a gap which had apparently developed in our front lines.
Col. Daley immediately turned and ordered me to take the Second Battalion to the point of crisis and "plug that gap," while he, Lt. Col. Downes, Maj. Hutchison and the First Battalion of the Regiment proceeded to our intended position on the far right of the army. Accordingly, I ordered the head of the Second Battalion to the left, and when in position to the rear of the "gap," ordered a right turn into line. The battalion came onto line with alacrity and was ordered to "support arms -rest" until such time as definite orders could be ascertained.
I regret to report that from this point the Second Battalion found itself behind the left-center of the Federal line. Observing our line on the ridge above our position, the "gap" to which we had been ordered no longer existed. The Federal line to our front appeared whole and sound.
To our left, Col. Air's battalions appeared to be engaged for the possession of a six-gun battery. The contest appeared to be at a stalemate, as the rebels had refused their left flank against a line of trees and thus firmly held their ground. I ordered Capt. Rivera, commanding our company of Regulars to wheel to the left to cover the advance of the remainder of the battalion.
Rivera immediately moved against the refused rebel flank, and each successive company of the battalion moved onto line without hindrance. We thus found ourselves facing the refused flank of the rebel line which covered the abandoned battery. After firing into the rebels for a brief period, I ordered a charge in hopes of breaking the refused line and gaining access to the guns beyond.
The charge succeeded in breaking the rebel line. The guns were ours, yet our losses in the attempt were heavy. Capt. Durkota and nearly his entire company were lost in acquiring the abandoned guns. While attempting to deploy the remnants of the battalion to secure our gains, two fresh rebel battalions debouched from a wooded trail to our front, immediately assailing our position and making it untenable. I regret to report that only a fragment of Capt. Wilson's company survived this onslaught...Capt. Wilson, clothed in the attire of a captain from our late war with Mexico, made a conspicuous target and was lost among the guns. My last glimpse of him occurred as a secesh attempted to relieve his motionless form of his decidedly non-regulation footwear and Volcanic pistol.
With the battalion thus in ruins, I did my best to locate the survivors and order them to make their way back to camp as best they could. Whether or not Col. Air moved forward to recapture our gains I cannot say.
In conclusion I cannot speak too highly of the officers and men under my command. Capt. Durkota was keenly aware of the condition of the men as a result of the heat and it was he who suggested immediate action before the effectiveness of the battalion was further compromised. Captains Sedlak and Wilson held the center of our lines among the captured guns against overwhelming odds as long as was possible. Finally, Capt. Rivera and his Regulars are to be commended. According to the tradition of the Regulars, they held their ground among our trophies, dying to a man rather that facing the humiliation of quarter or retreat.

Respectfully Submitted,
J.C. Goode, Major
cmdg. Second Battalion
National Regiment