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Volume VII ♦ ♦ ♦ September 2013 (1863) ♦ ♦ ♦ No. 6

The Official Newsletter of the

PALMETTO RIFLEMEN & NEW YORK ZOUAVES

Palmetto (S.C.) Sharpshooters & 17th N.Y. Veteran Volunteers

Volume VI, No. 6 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, September 5th, 2013

Volume VII, No. 6 Thursday, September 5th, 2013

The “Rifleman’s Standard” is the monthly publication of the “Palmetto Riflemen” & “New York Zouaves,” a group of 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 – 3 Announcements, notices, advertisements, and other items of interest

Marching Orders – Events Schedule ...... 3 Upcoming events and activities for the year

Staying Dry in Rainy Weather ...... 3 – 4 An article by Andrew Jerram of the GVB on staying dry at events

Company Songster – The New York Volunteer ...... 4 – 5 Period music, songs, and poetry, written prior to January of 1865

Company Classroom – 2nd Zouaves at the Alma, 1855 ...... 5 – 9 Historical articles about people, places, or events prior to January of 1865

After Action Reports ...... 9 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: The 21st Ohio at Chickamauga by Keith Rocco

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Volume VI, No. 6 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, September 5th, 2013

“The colors bear the same relation to the soldier as honesty and integrity do to manhood. It is the guiding star to victory. ♦ ♦ ATTENTION TO ORDERS ♦ ♦ When in the smoke and din of battle the voice of the officer is drowned in the roar of artillery, the true soldier turns his eye From Colonel Lance Dawson, Army of the French Broad to his color, that he stray not too far from it, and, while it Gentlemen, floats, is conscious of his right and strength……Take it, guard it as you would the honor of the mother, wife, or friend I want to express my sincerest gratitude for your you leave behind.” – Colonel C.K. Hawkes, presentation to the support and efforts this past weekend. Working with each of 52nd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, ca. 1861 you was and continues to be both a pleasure and a privilege, and I am very fortunate to call you each friend and pard. Throughout the event we pulled together in a unified, ♦ ♦ FROM THE FIELD DESK ♦ ♦ cooperative and professional manner to represent the men

who fought and sacrificed 150 years ago. To have so many Greetings Comrades & Friends, different organizations represented among our ranks, I am Well the 150th Chickamauga has come and gone, I believe proud of how well the overall command performed despite all that were present enjoyed the company of their comrades weather or challenges with the scenarios, etc… One thing is and all did a fine job at representing the “Battalion that never certain, when given opportunity, we demonstrated our was.” More on the event will be found in the After Action fighting spirit and commitment to victory. Reports section for those interested. Please extend my appreciation to the officers, NCOs The next company event will be the Skirmish at Denver and men of your command. They should always be the Downs near Anderson, , the weekend of October foremost inspiration for the lengths we take. 25th, 26th, & 27th; we will be portraying Federal, both Zouave On to Knoxville and the defense of Fort Sanders! and Regulation, and all are encouraged to attend if at all YMOS, possible. On Saturday we will be having a birthday party for Lance Dawson, the regiment as the 17th New York Veteran Volunteer Infantry Commanding 2nd Brigade, 150th Chickamauga. Regiment was mustered into United Service on October 17th, 1863, making our regiment 150 years old, after some Hawkins Zouave Uniforms. The Hawkins discussion it has been decided to celebrate the occasion. Zouave Uniforms of the company are The season is once more upon us and work has begun on available for purchase by company members. The package planning for the 2014 event schedule, all members with includes the fez, sash, gaiters, jacket, vest, and trousers; the suggestions for events, living histories, parades, etc… are price for the set will be $350 or purchased individually at encouraged to send them along to myself. Also I’d like to the prices listed as follows: Jacket - $200; Vest - $40; Sash - encourage all members to get out and talk with folks about the $40; Gaiters - $25; Fez - $40; Trousers - $70. Turnaround hobby and the company, remember recruit quality not quantity. time on production of the uniform, if the materials are on- We have several upcoming events that would be good first hand, is about four to six weeks. When having your events for new folks interested in joining us, and as always measurements taken it is important that the measurements loaner gear is available upon request. are correct. It is suggested that you have someone else With that said I look forward to seeing all of you in a few measure you to be sure. For more information contact weeks at Denver Downs, until then, Michael Zatarga at [email protected].

Toujours Pret! Kenneth H. Robison II, To Arms! Recruiting for the Company. Do you know of someone who is interested Captain, Palmetto Riflemen & New York Zouaves. in Reenacting or the American Civil War? If so take a few

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Volume VI, No. 6 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, September 5th, 2013

moments to talk with them about the hobby, if they show an interest invite them to come out and join us for an event. New recruits are always welcomed into the Company, and we will be glad to get them get involved. The company has recruiting flyers and brochures available for members use; these can be taken and placed at local libraries, school, civic centers, and other public places. Anyone interested in obtaining the materials or more information on how to do recruit contact

Captain Robison at [email protected].

STAYING DRY IN RAINY WEATHER By Andrew Jerram, Georgia Volunteer Battalion

Let's face it, we can handle heat, cold, and even the dust of Choke-amauga, but rain has a way of seriously putting a damper, (pardon the pun) on any event. Unfortunately, many campaigners have a nasty tendency on bugging out in the case of rain in favor of the local motel, sutlers tent, or ♦ ♦ MARCHING ORDERS ♦ ♦ even their own home. This has quite a few different bad side

effects, and so some effort should be applied to resolving it. The following is the event schedule of the company, One problem is simply that it's the single most covering the next six months. If you are aware of an event that inauthentic thing you can do as a campaigner. Not sleeping should be added to this listing, email the information to at an event makes you no different than the fellow with the [email protected]. propane heater in his wall tent, because you have proved The events are indicated by date and the name of the event. that you cannot get by with what you carry on your back. Any event marked with a (+) represents a Company Maximum Another problem is that when you do this, you immediately Effort Event. A maximum effort event is an event that all draw the ire of those reenactors who have become members of the company are encouraged to be present at and campaigners. And honestly, you increase the likelihood that take part in. they won't ever make the switch because they see that you

can't stay dry, so "why don't I just stick to the A-Frame?" ♠ October 2013 (1863) ♠ Now, I understand the argument of "I have to get up and 17th & 18th: Lexington Museum Ghost Tour, Lexington, S.C. go to work on Monday." It is a valid argument for me too, (+) 25th to 27th: Battle of Denver Downs, Anderson, S.C. since as a college student, missing more than one or two classes can result in a severely poor grade. So how do we

♠ November 2013 (1863) ♠ stay dry, (and not sick) when it rains at an event?? Daytime isn't too bad, an oilcloth or poncho along with a good slouch 8th to 10th: Battle of Battery Wagner, Charleston, S. Carolina hat will help you immensely. Sleeping however, is an Tue., 12th: Veterans Day Parade, Columbia, S. Carolina entirely different matter. In a severe, driving rain, there is often no way to avoid getting a little wet. In this case, I ♠ December 2013 (1863) ♠ would suggest finding the best shelter possible, and doing 6th to 8th: Battle of Congaree Creek, Sandy Run, S. Carolina the best you can. In most situations however, it IS possible 14th: Wreath’s Across America, Florence, S. Carolina to stay dry in the rain. I am going to proceed on the (+) 13th to 15th: Battle of Ft. McAllister, Georgia assumption of a few things, 1) a poncho or an oilcloth, 2) an

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Volume VI, No. 6 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, September 5th, 2013

ALL WOOL blanket that is hopefully big enough to double, 1) Make your preparations early. It's a whole lot easier and 3) a piece of canvas, shelter half, or an extra oilcloth or to notice that you're lying in an old creek bed in the poncho. (2 waterproofs, 1 blanket) daylight! The first key to staying dry is to pick the location. You 2) Wool is warm even when it's wet so try to avoid should be looking for a piece of ground where the water will cotton quilts not run. Even if no rain is imminent, care should be taken to 3) If it's raining, I sleep with my uniform and shoes on avoid ditches, depressions, and low-lying areas. Another so if I start getting wet, I can get up and change something feature that is helpful if available, is a large tree with wide, without having to fiddle with shoelaces. overhanging branches. The lower the branches are to the 4) If you don't have a shelter tent, try a large piece of ground, the better because the wind will not blow as much rain painter's canvas. It's usually a little lighter and it has the your way. Modern survival guides say that hemlocks are the advantage of being customizable so if you're 7'1", you can best for sleeping under, along with oaks, and other wide leafed get a longer piece than the shelter tents that were designed trees. If you do have a shelter half, try and hook up with a pard for the 5'3" infantryman of 1864. In addition, there is a lot to make a shelter tent and to share waterproofs with. Pooling of reference to the "tattered pieces of canvas and carpet used resources is a very good thing!! If you can get three in the for shelter..." shelter tent, invite over another fellow. His waterproof can 5) Pooling resources is THE best way to stay dry. The make an end-piece in a driving rain. much maligned shelter tent is a good way to stay dry. If you The second key is to try and accumulate some ground share resources with at least one other fellow, than you have cover under your bed. In other words, the more space between an extra waterproof with which to block off one end of the you and the ground, the less chance of a severe soaking. shelter tent (nearest your head). Leaves, pine-straw, and hay all make good ground pads. So what happens if you're in an open field with no trees for shelter, and no poles available to set up the shelter? There is an original picture I have see of a dog tent made over a guy line strung between two muskets. The owners fixed bayonets, stabbed them in the ground, and strung the line between the hammers. In the event of no line, the grommet/hole can be placed over the nipple and the hammer lowered. The worst-case scenario is being in a field, with no one to share resources (or nobody likes you!). In this case, you probably are going to get a little bit wet. To minimize the ♦ ♦ COMPANY SONGSTER ♦ ♦ drying time in the morning, find some high ground, brush up some ground cover, and lay the first waterproof layer, (shelter half) on the ground cover, wrap yourself in the wool blanket, THE NEW YORK VOLUNTEER and then cover yourself with the last waterproof layer and pray By Anonymous; to the tune of “The Poachers” it's a good one. If you're not supple/short enough to get your head underneath the poncho, then take your felt hat and lay it 'Twas in the days of seventy-six over your face. Hopefully, you can stay a lot drier than most When freemen young and old people think If you are as prone to movement as I am, then it is All fought for Independence then a good idea to get some small sticks and stake down three or four corners of the oilcloth. Each hero brave and bold! Some final tips: 'Twas then the noble Stars and Stripes In triumph did appear

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And defended by brave patriots ♦ ♦ COMPANY CLASSROOM ♦ ♦

The Yankee Volunteers 'Tis my delight to march and fight The following article pertains to the history of the Like a New York Volunteer! and World History prior to January of 1861. The purpose of this section is to assist in improving the first Now, there's our City Regiments person impressions of company members, by expanding the Just see what they have done: knowledge of the events that were taking place prior to the American Civil War. These articles will cover everything The first to offer to the State from biographies of prominent historical figures from the To go to Washington time, military conflicts of the U.S. and foreign countries, To protect the Federal Capital local historical information about South Carolina and New And the flag they love so dear! York, as well as and other items of interest.

And they've done their duty nobly, Like New York Volunteers! 2ND ZOUAVES AT THE ALMA, 1855 'Tis my delight to march and fight Taken from “Reminiscences of an Officer of Zouaves”

Like a New York Volunteer! In the evening, Prince Napoleon, on his return from The Rebels out in Maryland general headquarters, whither he had been to take the orders They madly raved and swore, of the general-in-chief, assembled in his tent the generals They'd let none of our Union troops and chiefs of corps belonging to his own division and proceeded to unfold to them the plan of the next day's battle, Pass through Baltimore as concerted between the two generals-in-chief. It consisted But the Massachusetts Regiment in turning the right flank of the Russians with the English No traitors did they fear army, whilst the 2nd French division, aided by the Turks, But fought their way to Washington should, under General Bosquet, attack the enemy's left, Like Yankee Volunteers! posted upon the precipitous heights which overlook the mouth of the Alma. The center, composed of the 1st and 3rd 'Tis my delight to march and fight divisions, in two lines, and of the 4th, held in reserve under Like a New York Volunteer! the immediate orders of Marshal de St. Arnaud, was to attack the Russian center; but not until after the wings had become engaged. The two wings were, therefore, to commence the movement first; their orders were to set out between five and six in the morning – the center, only between seven and eight. Prince Napoleon then issued his detailed orders; after which, drawing the colonel of the 2nd Zouaves aside, “Being acquainted with the known gallantry of your regiment,” said he to him, “I mean to give it the post of danger, – but it will be, also, as you well know, the post of glory.” The colonel warmly thanked the prince, in his own, as well as in the name of his regiment, for the flattering distinction thus bestowed upon it, and promised him, that

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his Zouaves would prove themselves every way worthy, of the endeavored also to soothe their impatience by his kindly esteem and confidence thus reposed in them. words. Finally, Marshal de St. Arnaud came to see them, As the center of the army was not to stir, until two hours and on his inviting them to take coffee again, “Our colonel after the departure of the wings, their reveille was not sounded has, already, made us do so,” they growled in reply. “Well, so early; but, long before it did sound, the Zouaves were then,” said the Marshal, “since your colonel has treated you already up, and busy, – some in getting their coffee ready; a second time to coffee, I take upon myself to furnish your others in cleaning and reloading their arms. pousse cafe; but it must be above there, mind you, in the enemy's camp,” pointing, as he said so, up to the heights of The colonel then called round him his officers and non- the Alma. commissioned officers, – and, whilst the soldiers, all ears, as is usual under such circumstances, drew round, and as near as “Hurrah for the Marshal!” thereupon shouted the possible, – he gave them his instructions for the coming battle; Zouaves. – then, turning to the men, he addressed them as follows: “Your “Hurrah for those, who will be on their feet tonight,” place in the fight will be between the 1st Zouaves, your peers in rejoined the Marshal. glory, and between the English, – the hereditary foes of At length, between eleven o'clock and noon, the France, but now her allies. Let every man among us then, make regiment moved forward from its bivouac at Kermani-Kava- it a point of honor to let no other get ahead of him. Remember, Savia. Posted on the right of the first line of the 3rd that, as sons of that heroic generation, whose valor and division, it advanced under cover of two of its companies, conquests shed such an imperishable luster over the early part thrown out as skirmishers in its front; (the 5th of the 1st of this century, you are called upon to illustrate the second battalion, commanded by Captain Sage, and the 1st of the Empire, by new and equally splendid victories.” 2d battalion, commanded by Captain Du Lude). Pointing with his finger to the Russian army, ranged along At half-past twelve, the skirmishers began to make their the heights of the Alma, he added: “You shall be placed in the way through the right of the village of Bourliouck, and the first line; before reaching the enemy, you will have to cross a gardens which extend along the right bank of the Alma. Just river, force your way through dense thickets, and up yonder at this moment, the enemy, whose light troops, armed with heights – but recollect, that, when once the battle is fairly long-range rifles, had commenced the engagement, opened begun, it must be fought out a l’Africaine: as soon, therefore, fire with his guns. A few round shot came pitching among as you shall have achieved a first success, charge the Russians the troops of with that same invincible impetuosity, which has so often the first line – whereupon the colonel instantly deployed enabled you to dislodge the Kabyles from their formidable his two battalions, and reinforced his skirmishers with positions.” Captain Fernier's 2nd Company of the 2d Battalion. By seven o'clock, the regiment, as it had been ordered, was On arriving near the gardens, the men, upon an order in full readiness to march. And, being in ignorance of what was given them to that effect, there deposited their knapsacks; passing on other points of the line, the men were totally at a by which means, they were both greatly lightened, and loss how to comprehend the successive delays, which caused acquired more freedom in their movements. the advance of the center of the army to be put of again and The field of this battle has been so repeatedly and fully again, until it was eleven o'clock. Their bad humor found vent described, that we deem it unnecessary to add any in a variety of spiteful exclamations and remarks, – not unlike topographical description of it here. those attributed to the grognards of the first Empire, when their hard fate compelled them to assist, as mere lookers – on at a The 1st battalion of the regiment, under Major battle, with arms at a support. Malafosse, promptly took up a position in the muddy bed of the rive, near the ford whence ascends the road leading over The colonel, by way of occupying their attention, had the lofty and precipitous heights of the opposite bank. The coffee again prepared, and served out to them. Prince 2d battalion, under Major Adam, was held back a little to Napoleon, entering freely into conversation with them, the left and rear, near the gardens. Company C, Palmetto Sharpshooters Regiment, & Company H, 17th N.Y. Veteran Volunteers Page 6

Volume VI, No. 6 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, September 5th, 2013

But it was impossible for the regiment to remain long in battalion. The impulse is given; but, unable to keep up the this first position; for, soon, the companies of skirmishers, road, which is too completely enfiladed by the enemy's fire, already hotly engaged amid the tangled cover which lined the the soldiers incline to the right, cross a bend which the river other side, would be seriously jeopardized; and it was therefore here makes, under a perfect hurricane of iron and lead, and, necessary to come to some positive determination. swinging themselves up the bank, are re-formed at the foot of the hill occupied by the Russian battalions, and where they are in a measure protected by the very steepness of the overhanging ridge. Making, however, but a brief pause here, the battalion quickly scales the face of the cliff, and hurls itself upon the Russians, just at the very moment, that the latter are taken in flank by the gallant 1st Regiment of Zouaves; and, after a short, sharp struggle, the enemy is, between them,

compelled to abandon his formidable position, leaving There were three Russian battalions, posted in advance of behind him his wounded, his knapsacks, and even a quantity their line, upon a detached hill adjoining the plateaus, which of arms. crown the heights on that side of the river. This hill, a sort of buttress to the opposite bank, jutted obliquely out into the river; The 2nd battalion of the 2nd Zouaves, had followed and and, whilst the slopes on its right and left were easily swept by supported this movement, on the left; the marine regiment the fire of the enemy, the dip of its summit ridge, on the had pushed on immediately after it; and, thus, the whole of contrary, was so abrupt, as to make their fire in that direction General de Monet's brigade was, in a short time, warmly very uncertain. At the same time, the 1st division was on the engaged with the Russians. point of assaulting the left face of this hill, together with the Masters of the first slopes leading up to the plateaus, the high bluffs situated in its prolongation towards the sea. 1st battalion of the regiment, in spite of a murderous fire, The colonel of the 2nd Zouaves, seeing, at this juncture, the forms itself into a column at half distance, in front of a long necessity of making a sudden dash at the enemy, asks and line of Russian columns by battalion. Near it, on its right, obtains permission from his brigade commander, to assail and are the 1st Zouaves, and the 1st and 9th battalions of carry, with his 1st battalion, the projecting face of the cliff. Chasseurs a pied. The 2nd battalion of the regiment, which, to effect its movement, has had a much greater distance to At the same moment, one of Prince Napoleon's aides de pass over, over very rough ground, and under a heavy fire of camp. Captain Ferri-Pisani, who had been reconnoitering the grape, forms painfully and slowly on the left of the 1st, bed of the river, brings orders to General de Monet, to take his which is thrown back en potence, so as to form an angle brigade across the ford, before alluded to, and endeavor to get with and protect the left flank of the 1st division, now out of the river bottom, towards his left. deploying into line. Forming at length into column of The colonel of the 2nd Zouaves repairs at once to his 1st divisions, at platoon distance, the 2d battalion is in readiness battalion, posted, as before said, in the stream, itself. The fire of to deploy instantly, if necessary, into line of battle, four the enemy's artillery is raking the whole lower part of the deep, to resist a threatened charge of cavalry, which valley and the outlet of the ford, – the branches of the great apparently aimed at the left flank of the line, becomes each trees, which line the bank, torn away by the round shot, come moment more imminent. crashing down in every direction, shells are bursting over the The position taken is, in every way, full of danger; for, bank, and a very hail of shrapnel and canister is poured down under the concentrated fire of several batteries and every slope. numerous battalions of the enemy, the regiment is beginning The Zouaves, nevertheless, prepare to climb the opposite to suffer sorely, and the men are falling thick and fast, under bank; the colonel has the “charge” sounded, and putting his the storm of bullet, ball, and grape shot, rained upon them. horse into a gallop, is followed by the whole of his 1st Company C, Palmetto Sharpshooters Regiment, & Company H, 17th N.Y. Veteran Volunteers Page 7

Volume VI, No. 6 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, September 5th, 2013

On the other hand, to attempt a deployment into line within 39th of the Line, seeing the glorious place occupied by the striking distance of an enemy so strong in numbers and colors of the 1st and 2d Zouaves, rushes forward in advance position, seems, at best, but a hazardous maneuver. of his battalion, plants those of his own regiment upon the Yet, from dangerous, the situation may soon become tower, and as he presses the color-staff close to his heart to critical; the colonel of the 2d Zouaves is unable to bear the hold it up, has his breast torn open with a round shot, and thought of seeing his splendid regiment cut to pieces, he pays, with his life, for the performance of this act of therefore resolves on one of those desperate attacks, which, generous daring. with French troops, so often prove successful. The struggle around the tower, is a fierce and The Marshal, too, had already exclaimed, as he witnessed sanguinary one – but lasts only a short time. Prince the first rush made by the men into battle, “Let them alone, 'tis Mentschikoff, seeing the key of his position in the hands of a soldiers' battle !” And the Zouaves are still full of ardor. the French, is at length compelled to beat a retreat. The Pointing out to them, then, the unfinished, octagonal tower, enormous mass of cavalry and infantry, assembled upon this intended for a telegraph station, which stands upon the highest part of the field of battle, accordingly retires in good order point of the enemy's line, the colonel cries out to his gallant under cover of its artillery, which continues to sweep the fellows, “Follow me, my Zouaves, forward upon that tower!” space around the tower with an unceasing fire. General and, as he spurs his horse in that direction, they all dash after Canrobert, who during the whole battle, had been in the him, at the pas de course. very midst of his men, is suddenly hit; he is caught, as he falls, in the arms of the Zouaves; but, in a short while, The 1st Zouaves does the same; the two regiments arrive, mounts his horse again, and resumes his place in the fight. side by side, at the foot of the tower, and quickly make themselves masters of it, in spite of the resistance offered by Whilst the 2d Zouaves is forming into line on the left of two companies of skirmishers, armed with heavy rifles, who the telegraph tower, the colonel disposes of the numerous had been placed there to defend it. promotions, which he has it in his power to make, rewarding upon the spot, all those whose conduct in the But the enemy's reserves, extended en echelon to the right action had attracted his own notice, or who are and left, so as to cross their fire over every inch of the ground recommended to him by their officers. Every Zouave of the lying in front of the tower, are posted immediately behind, and 2d class, who being wounded, had continued to fight, is at on either side of it. Between them, the 2d Zouaves, and the once raised by him to the 1st class. Prince Napoleon, too, battalions of the first line under the orders of General Canrobert takes this opportunity of expressing to the regiment, the and Colonel Bourbaki, is then begun a close and deadly lively satisfaction, which their gallant behavior has combat; all the more desperately fought, for its being known to occasioned him; and, warmly pressing the colonel's hands, both officers and men, that here lies the key to the enemy's “I am rejoiced,” said he, “my dear colonel, at having it in position, and the very knot of the battle. my power to congratulate you. How proud must you not feel Colonel Cler, who had been the first to reach the foot of the at commanding soldiers such as these!” tower, seizes the eagle of his regiment and plants it upon the Marshal de St. Amaud rides up soon after, to tender his scaffolding, amid the cries of Vive l’Empereur! congratulations to the 3rd division; and, as he passes down Orderly Sergeant Fleury, of the 1st Zouaves, who has the front of the 2nd Zouaves, – stopping before the eagle, he managed to get on top of the upper range of scaffolding, turns to say to the colonel, “This time, Cler, 'tis the name of sustains the flag in this position, for a moment or two, but soon the Alma, which shall be embroidered on your colors!” falls a lifeless corpse, struck down by a grape shot in the head. Along their whole line, the French were victorious; but The colors of the 1st Zouaves are quickly seen floating side the battle was still raging on the side of the English. On by side with those of the 2d regiment; and have hardly been being informed of this, the Marshal gives orders to the raised there, before the color-staff is cut in two by a shell. division of the Prince, to change front forward on its left, On the arrival of a brigade of the reserve, under command and advance immediately to the attack of the Russian right. of General d'Aurelles, Lieutenant Poitevin, color-bearer of the Company C, Palmetto Sharpshooters Regiment, & Company H, 17th N.Y. Veteran Volunteers Page 8

Volume VI, No. 6 The Riflemen’s Standard Thursday, September 5th, 2013

The order was at once obeyed; but the division had hardly Reed’s Bridge battle. It was dreadfully hot, we lost about proceeded a few hundred meters in that direction, when news nine men out of the company on this march due to the heat. was brought to it of the success of the English and retreat of the This left Corporal Ferguson and myself in command of the Russians, and it was halted. Soon after this, the 2nd Zouaves company. The remainder of the company did well on the established its bivouac near the telegraph tower, – upon that return march back to camp. We lay in camp the rest of the very part of the field of battle, where it had helped to shatter evening. and stave in the Russian center. On the morning of the 21st we woke up to the rain that started early that morning. Everything was staying pretty dry until about mid morning. Captain Zatarga began to pack up to leave, along with fifteen other soldiers and civilians. By mid afternoon, there were only five us left in the company. As they will tell you they “Endured the suck.” We fell in with the 88th New York for the rest of the weekend. We then fell in for the Saturday afternoon battle, which was to take place the same time as the Reed’s Bridge battle, the previous day. During this time I earned my ♦ ♦ AFTER ACTION REPORTS ♦ ♦ second nickname, Tardy. We marched out without losing too many heat casualties. The company did well during the The following are the after actions reports of members of battle. We marched back to camp and rested the rest of the the company on the events that we have attended over the past evening. month. Anyone wishing to submit a report contact the On the morning of the 22nd, we were in need of some Newsletter Editor at [email protected]. “fun”, and found out that there were a pair of handcuffs in camp, we then handcuffed Private Spurles to a tree. This not 150TH BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA being enough sport, they had him march around camp under armed guard for a crime I care not to mention. We We started from Florence late afternoon of the 19th bound proceeded to pack up our personal and camp equipage. for Chickamauga. We stopped in Augusta to meet up with At 1:00pm, we formed up for the Snodgrass Hill fight. Nathan & Rick Salyer, and Brevet Major Robison. After Major We were posted to the rear of the hill to hold back the Robison arrived and was packed we left to go find some dinner. Rebels. We then pulled us back to the extreme right of the We ate at Cracker Barrel; this is where I earned my nickname hill to keep the Rebels from flanking our position. After Corporal Flapjack. remaining in this position for a good while they moved us We arrived at the event at 2 am of the 20th (Friday). across the hill to an adjacent part of the hill to repel the Myself, Major Robison and Private N. Salyer, and went out to Rebel assaults upon which were being pressed. We then find our camp. Once we found it and were settled, we stayed were ordered to retreat. And was quite a disorderly one at awake several hours talking with Captain Zatarga. We then got that. We then straggled back to camp to finish our final about an hours sleep when roused before dawn and reveille. packing and consolidating. We left at 5pm of the 22nd and We ate breakfast and got ready for a march up to Pigeon started for home. Mountain to help our boys fight the Rebs. It was a good experience and I take pleasure in serving All the men did well on the march, but we found with such a fine company such as this one. everything in a mess, and after an hour of nothing, we then Corporal D. Bourhenne marched back to camp to rest for the battle in the afternoon. Company A, 10th Indiana Infantry. We passed the morning and afternoon preparing for the coming night’s storms. At about 2pm we prepared for the

Company C, Palmetto Sharpshooters Regiment, & Company H, 17th N.Y. Veteran Volunteers Page 9