The Riflemen's Standard
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Volume VII ♦ ♦ ♦ October & November 2013 (1863) ♦ ♦ ♦ No. 7
The Official Newsletter of the
PALMETTO RIFLEMEN & NEW YORK ZOUAVES
Palmetto (S.C.) Sharpshooters & 17th N.Y. Veteran Volunteers Volume VI, No. 7 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, November 7th, 2013
Volume VII, No. 7 Thursday, November 7th, 2013
The “Rifleman’s Standard” is the monthly publication of the “Palmetto Riflemen” & “New York Zouaves,” a group of American Civil War Living Historians and Reenactors, it is sent out via e-mail the first Thursday of each month. All submissions are welcome, and should be sent to the Editor.
CONTENTS OF THE STANDARD
Quote ...... 2
From the Field Desk – Captain K. Robison ...... 2 Comments from the Company Commander
Attention to Orders ...... 2 Announcements, notices, advertisements, and other items of interest
Marching Orders – Events Schedule ...... 2 – 3 Upcoming events and activities for the year
The Soldiers Sprit – Andrew Jerram ...... 3 – 4 An article on what a reenactor can do to improve their impression
Company Songster – The List of Generals ...... 4 – 5 Period music, songs, and poetry, written prior to January of 1865
Company Classroom – The Battle of Balaclava, 1854 ...... 5 – 7 Historical articles about people, places, or events prior to January of 1865
After Action Reports ...... 7 – 8 Reports from reenactments, living histories, etc., from unit members
COMPANY STAFF
Captain Kenneth H. Robison II [email protected]; (803) 345 - 2025 1st Sergeant Matthew E. Wilbanks [email protected]; (864) 638 - 7598 Corporal Charles E. Ferguson [email protected] Civilian Coordinator Cynthia Lampley [email protected]
Company Website – http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~scprnyz/MainPage.html
On the Cover: Private Earl Thomas, 9th N.Y. & 17th N.Y. Veterans, Memorial Day in 1932
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Volume VI, No. 7 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, November 7th, 2013
“I hope to live long enough to see my surviving comrades Fez - $40; Trousers - $70. Turnaround time on production march side by side with the Union veterans along Pennsylvania of the uniform, if the materials are on-hand, is about four to Avenue, and then I will die happy.” six weeks. When having your measurements taken it is General James Longstreet, Memorial Day Parade in 1902. important that the measurements are correct. It is suggested that you have someone else measure you to be sure. For more information contact Michael Zatarga at ♦ ♦ FROM THE FIELD DESK ♦ ♦ [email protected].
Greetings All! To Arms! Recruiting for the Company. Pardon the delay in the issuing of the October newsletter of Do you know of someone who is interested the company; due to several unexpected delays I was unable to in Reenacting or the American Civil War? release the newest edition. As a result this edition is being sent If so take a few moments to talk with them about the hobby, out now as a joint October-November edition. if they show an interest invite them to come out and join us for an event. New recruits are always welcomed into the A few events are still remaining on the calendar for the Company, and we will be glad to get them get involved. The 2013 (1863) year, among those are the Veterans Day Parade company has recruiting flyers and brochures available for and the Battle of Fort McAllister in December. As such we members use; these can be taken and placed at local have begun planning for the 2014 (1864) term, anyone with libraries, school, civic centers, and other public places. suggestions for battles, living histories, encampments, or camps Anyone interested in obtaining the materials or more of instruction is encouraged to submit them. The annual unit information on how to do recruit contact Captain Robison at business meeting will be taking place February 1st & 2nd this [email protected]. year rather than in January, the meeting will be both a living history and a candlelight tour in addition to the meeting, all members are encouraged to be present, more details will be sent out regarding the meeting and event later on. The thoughts and prayers of all are asked for the mother of our comrade Matt Youmans of the 3rd New Hampshire as well as to the Grandfather of Elizabeth Fogle, both of whom are currently in the hospital and that it is our sincere desire that they both recover soon.
I look forward to seeing all of you in the field soon.
Until then, Toujours Pret! Kenneth H. Robison II, ♦ ♦ MARCHING ORDERS ♦ ♦
Captain, Palmetto Riflemen & New York Zouaves. The following is the event schedule of the company, covering the next six months. If you are aware of an event that should be added to this listing, email the information to ♦ ♦ ATTENTION TO ORDERS ♦ ♦ [email protected].
Hawkins Zouave Uniforms. The Hawkins The events are indicated by date and the name of the Zouave Uniforms of the company are available event. Any event marked with a (+) represents a Company for purchase by company members. The package includes the Maximum Effort Event. A maximum effort event is an fez, sash, gaiters, jacket, vest, and trousers; the price for the set event that all members of the company are encouraged to be will be $350 or purchased individually at the prices listed as present at and take part in. follows: Jacket - $200; Vest - $40; Sash - $40; Gaiters - $25;
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Volume VI, No. 7 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, November 7th, 2013
♠ November 2013 (1863) ♠ move out of it. Comfort shared 3rd place with convenience. 8th to 10th: Battle of Battery Wagner, So. Carolina Soldiers were known to spend time mud-daubing chimneys in winter huts, but then not bothering to change them when Sun., 10th: Veterans Day Parade, Greenwood, So. Carolina it is discovered that it flooded the hut with smoke. Mon., 11th: Veterans Day Parade, Columbia, So. Carolina Cleanliness and appearance both have a strange distinction Fri., 15th: School Tour in Hephzibah, Georgia in that to some soldiers they meant quite a good deal, while
to others they meant little or nothing. Some fastidious ♠ December 2013 (1863) ♠ soldiers were known to wash religiously at every camp with 6th to 8th: Battle of Congaree Creek, So. Carolina water available while some would let a shirt rot to pieces on 14th: Wreath’s Across America, Florence, So. Carolina their body for the lack of taking it off. (+) 13th to 15th: Battle of Ft. McAllister, Georgia So how can we apply attitudes such as these to our impression? First of all, we need to be realistic with ourselves. We can never fully portray a Civil War soldier's misery until we suffer dysentery in lieu of a porta potty and toilet paper, and scratch graybacks as we skim maggots from a hardtack and coffee mix. We shouldn't however roll in the mud like children to “get ready” for an event. Why ever would a real soldier have done this? He wouldn't. Would they get dirty, yes. Would many of them wash off what they could, when they could? Yes. So leave the Chickamauga dust in the uniform, and the Grant vs. Lee THE SOLDIER’S SPIRIT mudstain can stay on the bottoms of your trousers. So many reenactors try to portray a “Devil-may-care” By Andrew Jerram, Georgia Volunteer Battalion attitude toward their impression, especially Confederates. Their evidences for this type of impression are accounts of To allay any suspicions, this article has nothing to do with observers of the army on the march. This impression is not séances, or the paranormal. To an extent, it has nothing to do altogether unfounded, but we need to temper this style with with religion, either. Instead, this article is intended to shed the realization that although they were not professional some light on the mentality of the common Civil War Soldier. I soldiers, within a year or so, they were among the best am only 18 and I have never been in the military. But I have armies that ever had, (or ever will) march the earth. Both spoken with many veterans of many wars and the similarities armies became adept at drill and the routine of army life. between their experiences led me to consider the parallels of Most did not like it, but the preponderance of soldiers their experiences and those of the millions of soldiers in the settled in to the grim task of seeing the war through to its War Between the States. completion. But how, and what did the average soldier think about? To What, ultimately, must be done to better portray the guess, we can look at diaries, letters, and the contemporary men who did it for real? experiences of our veterans. Several priorities show in many soldier's correspondence. First, came the stomach. Napoleon 1) Let's get the drill knocked out. I believe that units said: “an army moved on its stomach.” Getting sufficient food should practice drill every event at least. On top of this, was a priority for both sides. Hunger pains were alleged to effort should be made to form with other units so that some “wrack the body,” and “despair the spirit.” Next, came sleep. experience can be had with battalion and brigade sized Soldiers had, (and still have) a propensity for being able to formations, when possible. sleep anywhere, anytime, and under any conditions. Stories abound of soldiers sleeping in standing water, being too tired to
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Volume VI, No. 7 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, November 7th, 2013
2) Company commanders and NCO's should learn their he kept the rebel host at bay; duties. There are many good articles about drill and duties On them there to draw the reins, available on the Authentic Campaigner's Website. he quickly showed he knew the way. 3) We should all try and do some diary reading of common soldiers. I recommend first and foremost "Co. Aytch." by Sam Chorus Watkins. Diaries such as these are imperative for gaining insight into the motivations of the common soldier. Gallant Meade, a hero truly, And finally, 4) Let's try and adopt a more military attitude at Gettysburg the foe met he; in our camp impressions. Keep your uniform and equipment in And there he gave them Ballyhooly- good organization. Make sure your weapon is in good repair Oh, how are you, General Lee? and is clean. Remember, “Without my rifle, I am useless. Rosecrans, a soldier thorough— Without me, my rifle is useless?” Soldiers knew it back then that's a fact none can gainsay-- too. Do your duty and remember you are portraying a soldier. The rebels met at Murfreesboro,
to rout them there he knew the way. ♦ ♦ COMPANY SONGSTER ♦ ♦ Chorus
THE LIST OF GENERALS Little Sigel, for the Germans, By Joseph English, ca. 1864 he has bravely stood the test; Sung to the tune of ‘Spanish Lady’ Dix and Banks, Burnside and Sherman, all have nobly done their best. Since first the dirty Southern traitors, General Meagher has shown his mettle, this foul Secession War began, Corcoran, too, was in the fray; Whin all them treacherous alligators, The foes of Uncle Sam to settle, comminced the row at Charleston, the Irish boys they know the way. Columbia's flag--the Star of Freedom- still has ruled on land and say; Chorus Fools may rave, but never heed them- Thin there's General Daniel Sickles, to bate our foes we know the way. from the field ne'er stirs a peg, CHORUS – Whack for the too-ra loo-ra-laddy The foes catastrophe he tickles- Whack for the too-ra loo-ra-lee gallant Dan has lost a leg Whack for the too-ra loo-ra-laddy General Grant he gives them thunder; What for the too-ra loo-ra-lee. at Vicksburg he won the day; Then to make the foe knock under, Volunteers we have by thousands, at Chattanooga, knew the way. ginerals trusty, true, and brave; For the union they arouse, Chorus and all would die our flag to save. But to call the list of fame, Butler down at New Orleans, I haven't room now in my song;
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For, to go through each General's name, base at Balaclava and on September 18th he went to the 'twould keep me singing all night long. Sapoune Ridge but could see no immediate threat, despite having received reports of Russian movement across the But of one more I'll will be telling, Tchernaya River. The Russians, under Prince Menshikov, and who should be restored straightway, were preparing to advance however, and had already probed To put and end to this rebellion- towards the line of redoubts along the Woronzov Little Mac he knows the way. (Causeway) Heights and continued to do so in early to mid- October. Chorus
The ‘Thin Red Line’ by Robert Gibb, ca. 1881 Next to Balaclava lay Mount Hiblak (nicknamed Marine Heights), with Kamara and the Baidar Valley to the ♦ ♦ COMPANY CLASSROOM ♦ ♦ east. Kadikoi was just north of Balaclava and just to the north of this was the Plain of Balaclava running west to east The following article pertains to the history of the United and split by the Woronzov Heights in to the North and States and World History prior to January of 1861. The purpose South Valleys. The Russian Field Army (composed of some of this section is to assist in improving the first person 25,000 men and 78 guns under the local commander impressions of company members, by expanding the Lieutenant General P P Leprandi) actually lay in the area of knowledge of the events that were taking place prior to the Chorgun, beyond the Tchnernaya River to the east of the American Civil War. These articles will cover everything from Woronzov heights. The Russians could advance over the biographies of prominent historical figures from the time, Tractir and other bridges to cross the river and aqueduct military conflicts of the U.S. and foreign countries, local (that carried Sevastopol's water supply) or from Kamara to historical information about South Carolina and New York, as menace the six redoubts. Unfortunately the redoubts were well as and other items of interest. not quite as strong as anticipated as five of the six were spread roughly 500 yards apart but No. 1 was isolated on THE BATTLE OF BALACLAVA Canrobert's Hill, about 1,000 yards from No. 2. Nos. 5 and 6 were unfinished. Around 1,500 Turks (commanded by OCTOBER 25TH, 1854 (CRIMEAN WAR) British artillery NCOs) with nine guns defended the The following article is from The History of War at: Heights. Deployed around Kadikoi were six companies of
TUhttp://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_balaclava.htmlUT the 93rd (Sutherland) Highlanders, a battalion of Turks and
a six-gun field battery, while 1,200 Marines defended The Battle of Balaclava was fought on the October 25th, Mount Hiblak with 26 field guns. To the north-west of 1854, and was the second major engagement of the Crimean Balaclava, five British infantry divisions and the French War. The battle occurred while the British and French were Corps of Observation stood on the Chersonese Uplands, conducting the siege of Sevastopol. Lord Raglan had become concerned about the potential vulnerability of the Allied supply Company C, Palmetto Sharpshooters Regiment, & Company H, 17th N.Y. Veteran Volunteers Page 5
Volume VI, No. 7 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, November 7th, 2013
with the British Cavalry Division deployed just to the west of infantry brigades and eight cavalry squadrons from No. 6 redoubt. Bosquet's Corps down past The Col to the western end of Prince Menshikov had decided to attack in three main axes. the South Valley. The first axis (in the south) under Major General S.I. Gribbe, The second phase of the battle began at about 8:30am. with a combined force of infantry (three battalions of the Liprandi ordered Ryzhov to lead the main force of Russian Dnieper Regiment), cavalry (Uhlans and Cossacks) and cavalry 'against the enemy camp'. The order was very vague artillery would take the village of Kamara and the surrounding and there was some confusion as to its precise meaning. high ground, along with a monastery to the south and direct Ryzhov therefore, began advancing westwards along the pressure to No. 1 redoubt. The second axis in the centre would North Valley, supported by 26 field guns, but was be under Major General K R Semiakin with two columns, one concerned about meeting infantry fire on his route. Major of which he would command himself consisting of the Azov General Sir Colin Campbell was at that point, finalizing the Regiment and one battalion from the Dnieper Regiment plus defenses around Kadikoi. He had some 700 British and artillery support, and the other under Major General F.G. 1,000 Turks with six field guns. The Russian cavalry Levutski consisting of the Ukraine Regiment with artillery. continued to advance westwards along the North Valley, This force would attack towards No. 1 and No. 2 redoubts after with a small force wheeling off over the Woronzov Heights crossing the Tchernaya. The third axis (to the north) would be towards the village of Kadikoi, but were forced to retire by under Colonel A P Skiuderi, comprising the Odessa Regiment, the determined action of the British and Turkish defenders 53rd Don Cossack Regiment with artillery support and would that became known as 'The Thin Red Line'. drive over the Tractir Bridge and advance towards No. 3 redoubt. After the redoubts were taken, the main cavalry force under Lieutenant General I I Ryzhov (fourteen Hussar squadrons, an Ural Cossack regiment and two artillery batteries) would attack the British positions around Kadikoi. A force of some 5,000 men under Major General O.P. Zhaboritski would protect the flank. Early on the morning of October 25th the Russians advanced towards the line of redoubts, alerting the British cavalry under the command of Lord Lucan, who quickly sent word to Lord Raglan (the British Commander-in-Chief) about the grave threat, and deployed the Heavy Brigade (under Brig The ‘Relief of the Light Brigade’ by Richard Woodville Gen James Scarlett) with the Light Brigade (under The Earl of The third phase of the battle involved the Heavy Cardigan) in reserve. From here, the battle can be seen to Brigade. Raglan had ordered Lucan to move the Heavy transpire in four phases. The first phase began at dawn with the Brigade in support of the British and Turkish forces that Russian infantry advancing on and taking redoubts 1 to 4 with were being faced with the Russian cavalry advancing on light resistance from the Turkish defenders and then Kadikoi. However, 'The Thin Red Line' had prevailed and concentrating around 1 to 3 in preparation for a cavalry attack Scarlett, after negotiating some difficult terrain, was faced towards Kadikoi. Raglan put the British 3rd Division on alert with the remaining Russian cavalry under Ryzhov (some (Sir Richard England), and ordered the 1st Division (Duke of 2,000 men) approaching his left flank in the vicinity of No. Cambridge) into the South Valley via The Col, and the 4th 5 redoubt after turning southwards towards Kadikoi. At that Division (Sir George Cathcart) down the Woronzov Road into point, Ryzhov halted (later he claimed, to reorganise two of the North Valley. Unfortunately, both these divisions would be his Hussar regiments side-by-side in the face of Scarlett's slow to react and would not reach the battlefield before extended line) only 100 yards from the Heavy Brigade, in 10.30am. The French Commander-in-Chief Canrobert, sensing bewilderment at the apparently unconcerned British. the threat to the British lines of communication, sent two
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Volume VI, No. 7 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, November 7th, 2013
Scarlett, in the face of the main enemy cavalry force, wheeled and that was a disaster. However, there was no question as his force with calm and although outnumbered, charged the to the bravery of the troops concerned (even the Turks, who, Russian cavalry, which, after some desperate fighting, broke it must be pointed out, had held out for one-and-a-half hours and retreated in haste back over the Woronzov Heights. against overwhelming odds) and the successes of both 'The The fourth and final phase of the battle began at around Thin Red Line' and the Heavy Brigade. The success of the 10:15 when Raglan sent an order to Lucan to advance and seize 1st French Cavalry Brigade (under d'Allonville) had shown any opportunity to retake the Heights. Lucan assumed this the value of inter-Allied co-operation too, with the clearing meant the Woronzov Heights and ordered the Light Brigade of the Fedoukine Hills. The Russians also had reason to be into the North Valley and kept the Heavy Brigade in the South. satisfied with the day, despite failing to cut the British lines Unfortunately, the infantry that was to support them was of communication or seriously threaten Balaclava, as they delayed and were not in position by 10.30am. Raglan could see had captured a number of redoubts forming Balaclava's that the Russians were preparing to tow away the captured guns outer defences and a number of field guns. from the redoubts and so sent the fateful and controversial order (copied down by his Quartermaster General Richard Airey) for the cavalry to rapidly advance and stop the Russians appropriating the guns. Captain L E Nolan (Airey's ADC) left the ridge with the order as Raglan called after him 'Tell Lord Lucan the cavalry is to attack immediately.' What happened between Nolan and Lucan will never be known, Lucan maintaining that Nolan pointed to the end of the North Valley where the Russian guns were sited to protect the Tchernaya river crossings. Just after 11am, Cardigan led the Light Brigade ♦ ♦ AFTER ACTION REPORTS ♦ ♦ (673 men) and Nolan up the 2km long valley. Twenty minutes later, the survivors returned - the brigade suffered 360 The following are the after actions reports of members of casualties amongst the men, 517 amongst the horses. The the company on the events that we have attended over the French cavalry performed an admirable action in clearing the past month. Anyone wishing to submit a report contact the Fedoukine Hills to protect the survivors' right flank. Nolan was Newsletter Editor at [email protected]. killed shortly after the advance started, waving his sword in the air, possible to try and redirect the charge towards the redoubts. The recriminations began soon after with Raglan censoring SKIRMISH AT DENVER DOWNS Cardigan who pointed to the order from Lucan, who blamed OCTOBER 25TH TO 27TH, 2013
Nolan. The dispute as to what exactly had passed between these individuals rumbled on for years. What is of importance Thursday, November 7th, 2013, are the personalities of those involved. Lucan and Cardigan Comrades: The company was well represented at the detested one another, while Nolan was contemptuous of Skirmish at Denver Downs the weekend of the 26th & 27th Lucan's failure to act on Raglan's third order, and was not the of October, present were myself, 1st Sergeant Matt best person to calmly explain the Commander-in-Chief's Wilbanks, Nathan Salyer, Rick Salyer, Oscar Wilbanks, and intentions. Meanwhile the two infantry divisions had reached Elizabeth Fogle. Despite the low turnout a good time was the plains and exchanged intermittent fire with the Russians all had by all who attended from the company, and I know that afternoon. The Russians remained in charge of the Woronzov we are looking forward to having more of our comrades join Heights and the guns were towed away. us in 2014 for this event. For all the mistakes that were made, Balaclava remained in The Federal Forces for the event consisted of our gallant Allied hands, and so Raglan could claim victory, but few in little band and those members of the 12th Illinois Infantry Britain saw it that way, as for many, the Charge was the battle, (Morgan Light Infantry) who joined us, in addition was one Company C, Palmetto Sharpshooters Regiment, & Company H, 17th N.Y. Veteran Volunteers Page 7
Volume VI, No. 7 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, November 7th, 2013
piece of artillery and two cavalrymen (quite the little army howitzer she belched forth a shot and the whole line was huh!), against which were three Confederate Cavalrymen, two cracking with rifle fire and laughter from both our men and infantry companies (probably around 40-50 men), and two the spectator line as a whole; the Rebs of course were not artillery pieces. Despite the disparity in numbers we made sure amused, morale on our part was fully sustained and I was to give those Rebs a hard time of the fight on both days. very proud of the whole Federal force for their zeal in the Saturdays fight began with the customary dance of the saber pouring on of that fire, it truly sounded more like a hundred fairies, following by an exchange of artillery fire, as one of the rifles going off more than just the handful of us that were Confederate companies deployed in battle line on the field we standing on that ground. After several more minutes of moved our line forward in skirmish order and let the artillery holding our own we could see that our fate would be much continue to play on them. Skirmish fire was soon begun, the same as the day before, so we reformed the command on followed by an advance of our line, as they started towards our the right and charged straight at the smaller of the Reb positions we rolled forward the mountain howitzer with the companies and were promptly cut all to ribbons. skirmish line, which of course caused the Rebs to halt and they Despite our getting our backsides shot off twice, the event began to fall back not expecting us to be bringing the gun with was extremely enjoyable for all who attended and I can us. The fight was continued for a fair time when it was decided safely say that we are all looking forward to going back next to make a dash against one of the rebel companies, being year and having a fine time! unable to withdraw we decided to show them how Union men Attached below are some pictures of the weekend, and die, the charge was made and as they say, that was that. until then, TOUJOURS PRET!!! Sundays fight was fought in a similar manner, however this Capt. Kenneth H. Robison II, time the Rebs discovered that they could also deploy in a Commanding Federal Forces, Denver Downs, S.C. skirmish line (wonder of wonders!) and as such we had to be alittle more creative in our tactics against them as they easily overlapped our flank. After about thirty minutes of skirmish fire myself and Sergeant Ken Willis of the 12th Illinois hoisted the white flag of parlay and started out towards the middle of the field. To say this confused the rebs to no ends would be an understatement, and was well worth the humorous effect of one Federal Officer and Sergeant standing in the middle of this field as about a dozen Reb officers with escorts came out onto the field from behind their companies with pistols in hands and bayonets fixed. And what demands were made? Simple as Commander of the Federal Forces I demanded their immediate and unconditional surrender and in addition the enlisted of their command were to drop their trousers and the officers were to kiss the backsides of each member of their command. The looks on their faces were well worth the demand; the look of confusion and befuddlement was well exceedingly pleasing, of course they refused the demand and we started back to our company. While the Reb officers took their time getting off the field, the Sergeant and myself after going only a few paces broke into a full run snatching the white flag from the his bayonet, at this pre-arranged signal our whole line opened fire upon the unsuspecting Reb Officers who were caught totally unaware and unprepared. As we cleared the wheels of the
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