December,1999

December 24, 1999

Notes from the Company A meeting.  
These are right out of the notes section on the Bull Run event. 
Have a safe and Merry Christmas.

Tom Klas

The issue of what to do for the 2001, Bull Run, VA 140th anniversary reenactment was a large topic. The concept of uniforms requirements, costs, merchants, and a general desire by the membership to become involved in this reenactment all surfaced. Information from Jim Johnson, Sue Johnson, Andy Seymour, and Tom Klas was shared with the membership. We concluded that their is ample interest in participating in this event. As for the Citizens Guard, if there is to be a general consensus on uniform procurement, the following uniform would have to present a fair balance of accuracy, cost, and availability. No formal motion was brought up, but we agreed on the following basic principles.

The uniform should consist of the following:

a.) A correct shako reproduction.

b.) A five button, single breasted cottonade sack coat as described on and page 313 of Lance Herdegen’s grand book "In the Bloody Railroad Cut at Gettysburg." and page 152 of Alan Gaff’s book "If This is War" The trousers should comply to the same description of summer issue cottonade, with corresponding red stripe down the seam if possible. Buttonholes should be hand sewn in gray or black cotton or silk buttonhole thread.

c.) Correct State Issue Canteen & Haversack. We must do some research on the State Issue Haversacks which were made of heavy white duck. We have to find out know if the Village Tinsmith Works can make the State Issue Canteen and the price for each canteen. This must be done a.s.a.p. We also need to find a green flannel cover for the canteens.

d.) Cartridge box belt and waist belt should be of white buff leather in accordance with a picture of Frederick Lythson., Company H, 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, pg. 162 of George Otis’ compilation "The Second Wisconsin Infantry". Cartridge box and cap box can be of U.S. Issue, preferably pattern 1855 or 1857 Cartridge Box and pattern 1850 Cap Box. This is another gray area we need to do more research on! Here is a quote on our Website concerning accouterments from Monday, June 24th of 1861on the 2nd arrival in Harrisburg, PA. It is from an unknown 2nd Wisconsin soldier:

About noon, Col. Coon received a telegram from the Secretary of War containing an order on the Harrisburg Arsenal for our muskets and 40 rounds of ball and buck shot cartridges, and directing the Regiment to proceed to Washington immediately. It was a busy time for us the balance of the day and, in fact, nearly all night it is not a small job to distribute arms accoutrements and ammunition to 1,000 and we did not leave for Baltimore till 1 o'clock.

e.) Shoes of U.S. pattern Jefferson Bootees.

f.) Rubber Blanket

g.) No Knapsacks, they were sent to Washington on July 14th, 1861.

h.) Civilian Shirt of Correct Pattern

i.) Musket may be 1842, 1855, 1861, or 1863 Springfield Musket or Pattern 1853 Enfield Musket-Rifle. No doubt, the 2nd had the Belgium 69 Cal. smoothbores, but where can we find a reasonable reproduction.

It was agreed that Jeff Alderson and the Johnson’s should get together and pool their information. If we’re going to truly do this, it must be of the highest accuracy. Merchant sources for the above items, cloth prices, and a report back to all Citizens Guard members detailing the availability of all goods must occur during this spring. It was also mentioned that Jeff Alderson, Jim Johnson & Sue Johnson should mention their research at the Association’s annual meeting on January 29th. Ultimately, the aspirations of the Association will drive the implementation of these ideas.

December 3, 1999
Hi Jim!

Thanks for letting me know about the photos. The photo showing Wadsworth's Division Saluting (in the "What's New" WebPage) is a great one!

We should coordinate to do more events together during the Year 2000
Season!

You can see our WebSite at - <http://www.erols.com/am14nysm>

Huzzah!
Tony
14th Brooklyn

December 3, 1999

Remembrance Day 1999 is one of those special times to treasure as an American and a Civil War era re-enactor. This is the second time I've attended this event, and the feelings and emotions that it creates within me are sometimes difficult to express. This year's event was particularly touching in many ways beginning with the ceremony at Gettysburg National Cemetery on Friday afternoon. After some brief, heartfelt speeches and expressions of gratitude and patriotism, the men of the 2d placed State of Wisconsin and National flags on each of the 73 graves of those who fell here in 1863. It was a task approached with silent respect and seriousness in tribute to those brave men who gave their lives to save this nation. After this, the men moved from grave to grave and read each name of the fallen Wisconsin boys. 

Upon reassembling, the sound of taps on the fife resounded through the cemetery and brought more than a few tears to the eyes. A National Park employee (the one who had processed the permit) observed the entire ceremony and remarked how impressed she was with the way the men conducted themselves -- that she could sense their sincerity. After marching from the Wisconsin section of the cemetery, the men of the 2d halted by General Reynolds' monument and paid their respects to this beloved fallen leader. Here, too were placed the State of Wisconsin and National flags. Saturday morning dawned sunny, but gave way to clouds as those in attendance marched up McPherson's Ridge from below the Seminary. One can only imagine the myriad of emotions running through the minds and souls of the men as they walked on the very ground that the 2d Wisconsin soldiers moved forward on over 136 years ago. As an observer, I had my own set of emotions -- watching those Black Hats coming closer and now ascending the ridge. I can only imagine the thoughts that must have run through their heads, but knowing that duty must come before thought of self. I imagined what it must have been like to see those men of the Iron Brigade coming up the ridge toward you and knowing that you were facing tenacious men with a reputation for not giving up or giving in. I could sense a terror on both sides -- on the one not fully knowing who or what is in front of you, and on the other knowing full-well that you are facing veterans with a fierce reputation. From here, the men of Companies A, C, E, and K marched in column of two to the 2d Wisconsin monument. Many poignant remarks were made during the ceremony at the monument. A vine wreath decorated with native Wisconsin flowers was placed at the foot of the monument. I noticed a tear here and there, not only on the faces of the civilians, but on those of the men of the 2d as well. One very touching scene happened when the 14th Brooklyn, 6th Wisconsin, and 24th Michigan re-enactors were passing behind the 2d while they (2d) were facing the monument. They were ordered to halt and come to present arms. The men of the 2d were ordered to about-face and present arms and found themselves face-to-face with other Black Hats. For my husband, Doug, this was his most memorable moment. He had noticed the 14th Brooklyn out of the corner of his eye, but was not aware the 6th and 24th were also in the group. When he turned around, he was staring into the eyes of another Iron Brigade soldier who looked back at him with bloodshot, teary eyes. This was a very emotional experience for Doug, too. Those of us observing felt the huge flood of emotion at this moment. It was truly one of the most memorable moments, and my thanks to the 14th Brooklyn, 6th Wisconsin, and 24th Michigan re-enactors for their expression of respect. 

The parade on Saturday afternoon took place in a bit of a drizzle, but spirits were high, and comradeship and fellowship are the glue that holds this passion together. President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address also took place in this dampness, but everyone took it in stride. While listening to those words that have come to us from across the years, I could only imagine how relieved the listeners were to have fresh, concise words after listening to a two hour speech; how they must have marveled that someone could say so much with so few words. Saturday evening at Buckley's Irish Pub was a great way to spend more time getting to know each other better. There were so many of us that it was quite cozy! If you ever need to know the difference between shepherd's pie and chicken pot pie, please don't ask Major Wallick -- he doesn't have a clue! I really appreciate all of the time, effort, and resources that went into making this a truly memorable Remembrance Day. Many thanks to the State of Wisconsin Veterans' Museum for the flags that were placed during the ceremonies. The men of the 2d who fought at Gettysburg and especially those who gave their lives deserve to be remembered and honored, and in that way they will live forever in our hearts and minds.

Respectfully, 
Laurie K. Rasmussen, 
Civilian 2d Wisconsin, Co. E

December 1, 1999
Hey guys --

I would love to see a scan or a good-quality photocopy of that band pic if
you
can dig it up. I wasn't aware of the photo. I presume you got the bandsmen's
name from the 2nd WI muster rolls? What are they wearing?

Rusty

5 button (widely spaced) civilian style frock coats in Blue with Blue pants.
A Bowler style dark hat (probably black) with a hat band. 6 of the hats have the tops punched in flat.

The principal drummer is wearing a Hardee hat with Ostrich Plume drooping over his ear, Regular Army 9 button Frock Coat (no Gaiters), and a SASH around his waist.

RJ Samp
Bugler   2nd WVI, Co. K

Three Danada Square East
PMB # 173
Wheaton, IL   60187
rjsamp@ix.netcom.com <mailto:rjsamp@ix.netcom.com>

630.871.0828