The Drum Beat

The Official News Letter of the 1st U.S. Vol. Inf. Regt.

Volume I Issue II October 2014

Table of Contents

Correspondence from the Colonel……………………………………………………….pg. II Confederate’s in Montana……………………………………………………………….Pg. IV Correspondence from the Sergeant Major………………………………………….…..pg. V Historical Biography………………………………………………………………….….pg. VII Correspondence from the Quartermaster Sergeant…………………………………...pg. VIII 150th of Platte Bridge……………………………………………………………………….pg. X Upcoming Events------pg. XV Letter’s from Home------pg. XVII

I If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission.

THE REGIMENTAL COMMANDER’S PAGE

Wow, where has the time flown. We are already into fall and our first campaign season has come to a close. It has been a fantastic adventure that we have embarked upon here in Montana. The 1st Volunteer Infantry began our campaign season with what I have dubbed, “The Debut of the Galvanized Yankee’s” at Great Falls in May. Through the event we were able to recruit and get ourselves out there to the general public. Many had never even heard of the 1st USVI and the significant if small portion of Montana History that they had occupied. Through the event we have been able to recruit two new members who have been instrumental in many of our events. Private John Turner has fully committed himself to the 1st USVI and I look forward to taking the field with Private Turner next year for the Custer’s Last Stand event and the 150th of Platte Bridge Station. Also, Private David Huether has agreed to serve as the commissary sergeant and will be supported by Quartermaster Sergeant Beattie. We have a fine command staff and will never go hungry that is for sure. The second event was a chance to bring the beginning of the Indian Wars into focus at the Battle of the Little Big Horn or Custer’s Last Stand. There we had the opportunity to not just do living history, but to participate in the reenactment which saw me demoted from Colonel to private for the event. However, we were able to recruit two new members and continue to grow. I’m truly excited for what is in store for us next year. Every event we have average five members. That is truly amazing for the distances that we here in Montana have to travel. The dedication to the unit is outstanding and I know as we continue to grow, we will reach more individuals.

The 1st USVI is also lucky to have established relations with Fort Benton, and have been honored to attend two events there at the fort. The individuals that run the fort are truly thrilled to have the 1st USVI in attendance to interact with the public. I see this as a very fruitful and beneficial experience for the 1st USVI. I’m eager to take the field again and am always looking for more opportunities to work with Fort Benton and establish more events there.

For me personally I will use this winter season to spend time preparing for the next summer but continuing to work on building more events for the 1st USVI and growing our numbers, but I will also use this time to welcome into the world Kasie and my first child. We are both excited to be expecting our first girl and I will use the winter season

II If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission. to spend with her. As always you are the finest regiment in Montana and I look forward to 2015 and all the events that are planned.

In closing let me just say this has been a truly remarkable year. I’m honored to have such dedicated and amazing individuals on board with this. We have completed our first campaign but never forget that the winter season is just as important and that there are events planned in the winter as well. It is also an opportunity to drill and repair equipment. I promise next year will be even more intense with all of our activities that are planned. If you have an idea for an event please don’t hesitate to let the regiment know. We are always eager for more avenues to get in front of people and bring history to life.

Keep up the great work. Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! Thomas D. Huether

Colonel 1st U.S.V.I.

III If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission. Confederates in Montana Territory In the Shadow of Price’s Army

One of the most unique things coming from the creation of the 1st United States Volunteer Infantry is the resources and books that have come forward with information in regards to the Galvanized Yankee’s. Many of you may be interested in one of the newest books to come to Montana is the above title book by Ken Robinson. Ken is a local Montana historian that has put together some truly amazing books in regards to Montana during the Civil War. A brief description is available below for those interested in a little more about the book. The book will be available November 4 and if interested pre-orders are now available on amazon.com. Also, November 7 is a planned book signing night in Great Falls that Ken has asked for some volunteer support from the 1st to be in attendance as the 1st USVI is featured in the book.

“Confederate veterans flocked to Montana Territory at the end of the Civil war. Seeking new opportunities after educing the hardships of war, these men and their families made a lasting impact on the region. Their presence was marked across the territory in places like Confederate Gulch and Virginia City. Now meet the fascinating characters who came to Big Sky country during and after the war, including guerrillas who fought with William Quantrill and Bloody Bill Anderson, as well as cavalrymen who road with Confederate legends General and Colonel John S. Mosby. Some former Confederates came as "Galvanized Yankees" to the western territories to keep order with Native Americans. Author and historian Ken Robison recounts where these soldiers came from, why they fought for the South, what drew them to Montana Territory and how they helped shape the region.”

IV If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission.

THE REGIMENTAL SERGEANTS MAJOR PAGE

Now that we have completed our first campaign season, it is time to focus on keeping your gear clean and preparing for the next campaign season. To keep your gear in working order will save on costs when it comes to buying new gear. Proper maintenance will ensure your gear will continue to be effective years down the road. The winter time is a time to prepare and maintain your gear and prep for the next campaign season. Below you will find an article that details how to keep your leather gear in the most pristine condition. I’ve attached the link to the article and encourage all of you to take a look and print it off for use. file:///F:/Montana%20Civil%20War%20Regiment/ Documents/reenactor%20leather%20care%20article.p df

V If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission. Historical Biography Colonel Charles A.R. Dimon

Born in Fairfield, Connecticut to James and Amelia Dimon, Charles Dimon was educated at Fairfield Academy and relocated as a young man to Salem, Massachusetts, finding employment as a bookkeeper. When the Civil War commenced, Dimon, age 19, enlisted with the 8th Massachusetts Infantry on April 17, 1861. The 8th Massachusetts was one of the first regiments to respond to President Lincoln's initial call for volunteer troops following the fall of Fort Sumter. The unit enlisted for a period of 90 days. Dimon served as a private in Company J of the 8th Massachusetts, which was a Zouave company commanded by Captain Arthur F. Devereux. Upon their arrival in Maryland, Company J was assigned to the frigate USS Constitution in Annapolis, Maryland to safeguard the iconic vessel as she was transported to New York. For the remainder of their service, the 8th Massachusetts was employed in repairing and guarding railroad lines in the vicinity of Baltimore, Maryland. Dimon returned to Massachusetts with the rest of the regiment and was mustered out on August 1, 1861. In the fall of 1861, Dimon assisted in the recruitment of a new regiment which would become the 30th Massachusetts Infantry. The regiment was one of several being raised by Maj. Gen. for his planned expedition to take New Orleans, Louisiana, the largest city in the Confederacy. The regiment left Massachusetts on January 2, 1862, arrived off the Louisiana coast in mid February, and played a minor role in the Siege of New Orleans in April and May 1862. Early in his service with the 30th Massachusetts, Dimon caught the attention of Maj. Gen. Butler who was impressed with the young man's energy and enthusiasm. Through Butler's influence, Dimon was commissioned 1st lieutenant on February 20, 1862 and given the position of regimental adjutant—an administrative role assisting Colonel Nathan Dudley, the commanding officer of the regiment. Serving with the 30th Massachusetts, Dimon played a role in the regiment's efforts, in July 1862, to dig a canal opposite Vicksburg, Mississippi (the major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River). The aim was to redirect the river and circumvent Vicksburg, thus opening the Mississippi to the Union. The effort was unsuccessful, however, and the 30th's brigade marched to Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the end of July. On August 5, 1862, Dimon and the 30th Massachusetts saw their first heavy combat during the Battle of Baton Rouges the Confederates unsuccessfully attempted to recapture the state capital. In September 1862, the 2nd Louisiana Infantry, a unit of Louisiana unionists and former Confederate prisoners-of- war was formed. Again, through Butler's sponsorship, Dimon was promoted to major and assigned to the 2nd Louisiana as third-in-command, serving under Col. Charles Jackson Paine. The 2nd Louisiana saw action during

VI If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission. the Battle of Plains Store and the Siege of Port Hudson in the spring and summer of 1863. After the second assault on Port Hudson in June 1863, Maj. Dimon fell ill and was discharged due to disability on June 22, 1863. After his recovery, in early 1864, Dimon sought a position on the staff of Maj. Gen. Butler, who was then in command of the Department of Virginia and North Carolina with headquarters at Fortress Monroe. Instead of placing Dimon on his staff, Butler appointed him as major of a new regiment, the 1st United States Volunteer Infantry, and then being formed under Butler's supervision. The regiment, organized at the prisoner-of-war camp at Point Lookout, Maryland, would consist entirely of "Galvanized Yankees", Confederate prisoners willing to take an oath of loyalty to and fight for the Union in exchange for their freedom. Eventually, six such regiments would be formed. Dimon's new commission was effective March 18, 1864. Dimon was promoted to lieutenant colonel on April 2, 1864 and, on August 7, 1864, was promoted to colonel and command of 1st United States Volunteers at age 23. During their first months of service, the 1st U.S. Volunteers saw combat in the vicinity of Elizabeth City, North Carolina in the summer of 1864. However, Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, then in command of the , decided that prisoner-of-war units should not be employed against their former comrades writing, "It is not right to expose them where, to be taken prisoners, they might surely suffer as deserters. Therefore, in August 1864, just as Dimon assumed command of the regiment, the 1st U.S. Volunteers were transferred toFort Rice in the . After travel by rail from New York and steamship up the Missouri River, the regiment marched the final 250 miles, reaching Fort Rice on October 17, 1864. As commander of the post, Dimon was instructed to complete the construction of the fort, aid settlers, and manage relations with Native Americans in the region. After enduring a frigid winter, the 1st U.S. Volunteers were further troubled in the spring of 1865 by deteriorating relations with the Sioux people. These included the Yanktonai andLakota people who perceived Fort Rice as a dangerous encroachment on their homeland and led repeated raids against it. Dimon, who had no experience in Native American relations, nonetheless was successful in fostering a positive relationship with the Yanktonai Chief Two Bears and, together, they began to build a growing alliance with the Yanktonai people. The positive relations were fleeting, however, as the arrival of additional troops in Dakota triggered a large attack on Fort Rice by the Sioux on July 28, 1865. The 1st U.S. Volunteers were successful in driving off the attack and the garrison survived that summer, according to historian Michele Butts, largely due to Dimon's "endless drills and strict discipline. As commandant of Fort Rice, Dimon took a hard-line approach to restricting illegal trade with the Native Americans, ordering the seizure of steamboats coming up the Missouri River and refusing to allow traders to pass without appropriate licenses from the army. He also tried to combat corruption on the part of the Office of Indian Affairs whose local officials frequently misappropriated funds. These practices made Dimon unpopular with civilians in the region and created political difficulties for his superior officer, Brig. Gen. Alfred Sully, who frequently ordered Dimon to change his practices. Discouraged by these difficulties, Dimon requested a medical leave during September 1865. In his absence, the morale of the 1st U.S. Volunteers deteriorated when they learned that, despite the war's end, they would not be mustered out. Dimon returned to Fort Rice in October 1865 to find that many desertions had taken place and discipline was all but non-existent. News soon arrived, however, that the regiment would be mustered out after all

VII If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission. and Dimon led what remained of the 1st U.S. Volunteers back to . The regiment, including Dimon, was mustered out on November 27, 1865. On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Dimon for the award of the honorary grade of brevet brigadier general, U.S. Volunteers, to rank from March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services and the U.S. Senate confirmed the award on March 12, 1866. Dimon's most notable position in civilian life was once again achieved through his connection to Benjamin Butler. In 1869, Butler founded the U.S. Cartridge Company in Lowell, Massachusetts and secured major government contracts to produce small arms ammunition. Butler hired Dimon to manage the company in the mid-1870s and, under Dimon's direction, the company grew. By the 1880s it had a work force of approximately 250 and had expanded its operations to include the production of the "Lowell Battery Gun," a weapon similar to the Gatling gun. Towards the end of his life, Dimon engaged in a political career, becoming the 37th mayor of Lowell in 1901. He died while holding that office in 1902 of throat cancer.

VIII If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission.

REGIMENTAL QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT’S PAGE

At Fort Benton in August the M1840 Field Stove was put to its first hard trial when it was used to cook three meals for the troops as well as sampling by guests. It proved to be quite effective but a shortcoming was noted that the QM Department is working to resolve. In meantime the M1840 will stay in service, and with the utilization of additional cooking gear we should be able to provide for the cooking needs in Sept. at Fort Benton. The cooking at Fort Laramie was handled by Tiea Tobey and did not use our gear.

During the early parts of the War of Southern Secession many new recruits of both armies reported to camp sporting all manner of totally useless goods that had been gleefully supplied by hucksters and profiteers. It did not take long for the “veterans” to learn that less is better, and they quickly shed the excess, albeit expensive, unneeded equipment. The same applies to the tyro reenactor, easily convincing himself that he “needs” that triple wheeled, cast-iron, self firing, coffee pot and latrine digger.

One other observation should be made, that the soldiers of the 1st spent 95 percent of their time in Garrison and would not have had the “old campaigner” look going so much as a more closely regulation look, as they were always under the eye of the Colonel. I would imagine after living in rags at Point Lookout they would have resumed the typical Victorian attitude about neatness of appearance and cleanliness, when able and allowed to do so.

Here is what you truly need to get started. The following if the Official 1st Regmt. U.S.V.I. list of required equipment and uniform. Items one through eight are the basic uniform. Items Nine through Twelve are the basic equipment required. Items Thirteen through Seventeen are basic mess gear. Item eighteen would complete the equipment but usually is purchased at the same time as the musket, with bayonet.

As time progresses you will learn what the “correct” style of pocket handkerchief is, how valuable a good pocketknife and a piece of string can be, and how little a private needs a pocket watch.

IX If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission. 1st U.S. Vol. Inf. Uniform and Equipment Checklist

This is Basic, Minimum Level

1. Headgear, 1858 Blue Forage Cap, or 1861 Blue Kepi, Head gear should have no insignia other than the infantry Bugle. 2. Sack Coat, 4 button, dark blue wool, lined, or unlined. 3. Trousers, sky blue wool (kersey). 4. Jefferson booties (i.e. brogans). 5. Shirt, “issue” pullover white or other thin period shirt (patterned or colored). It should have period buttons of tin, bone, wood, or glass. Wool flannel is also acceptable. (2 shirts recommended). 6. Gray wool socks or plain white cotton (no color band). At least 2 pair, minimum. 7. Waist belt, black leather, with brass “U.S.” oval buckle, with leather or brass keeper. 8. Suspenders, canvas or linen. 9. Cap Box, black leather. 10. Haversack, tarred, U.S. 1851 pattern 11. Cartridge Box and sling, black leather, Patter 1858 or 1861. 12. Canteen with linen sling. 13. Tin Cup (or stainless). 14. Tin plate, (or stainless). 15. Period fork 16. Spoon 17. Knife 18. 7 rivet triangular bayonet scabbard* a. The Bayonet should be purchased at the same time as the musket to insure fit.

X If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission. 150th Platte Bridge Station

Welcome to the 150th Anniversary of the Battles of Platte Bridge Station and Red Buttes!

Fort Caspar will come alive in the summer of 2015. July 24-26th 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the battle that gave the local area its namesake. The Fort Caspar Museum Association has partnered with the 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry Reenacting group to plan, organize, and sponsor this event. It is scheduled to be the largest living history and reenacting event in the Rocky Mountains that summer. Platte Bridge Station (later renamed Fort Caspar) will come alive and return to the fully occupied post that it was on the western frontier in the summer of 1865. With the Civil War over, state volunteers were sent out west to serve their remaining time. It was the ill-fated 11th that was posted at this station that summer. In response to the Sand Creek Massacre, many tribes banded together to respond to this horrific incident. The spring and summer of 1865 became one of the bloodiest years on record to that point. This culminated with the large band of warriors (in the thousands) picking Platte Bridge Station as their next target. On July 26th 1865, 25 soldiers rode across the long bridge to meet up with an incoming wagon train and safely escort them back to the station. They were ambushed by the warriors and men of the 11th Kansas and the leader of the group, Caspar Collins of the 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry lost their lives. Soon after the wagon train spread itself over the horizon in the distance and the warriors rushed to the small wagon train, surrounded it, and eventually killed all 22 soldiers that had been trapped. This epic point in our regional history contains many moving personal stories that rival the finest blockbuster films of our day. It is the goal of this 150th celebration to effectively tell the story of the major Native American Tribes, the 11th Ohio Cavalry, 11th Kansas Cavalry, the 3rd US: Company I (galvanized infantry regiment). The weekend event will have period sutlers, photography (Wet Plate Tin-types), fully equipped mounted cavalry demonstrations, an authentic Native American village, Native American “games”, and much more. The two major battles of Platte Bridge and Red Buttes will be reenacted by mounted cavalry and mounted/dismounted native reenactors. Much effort has gone into making it as authentic as possible.

Planned Activities:

 Period Demonstrations  Native American educational talks while walking through different Native villages  Native American Dance demonstrations o The famous Wind River Dancers will be dancing  Native American “Games” Demonstrations o Horse Racing, etc.  Mounted Cavalry Drills & Demonstrations  Infantry Drills & Demonstrations  Period Photographic demonstration and souvenir photographs  Period Sutlers and other shops for the public and reenactors  Period Beverage Brewer  Blacksmith w/ demonstrations  Wet Plate (tin type) photographer  Native American Artifacts  Two large living history camps in which the public will be able to walk through XI If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission. o Military camp and post on the grounds of Platte Bridge Station o Large Native American camp (Just outside the post’s grounds)  Short lectures on unique stories of the people living in the area or stationed at the fort o The life of Native Americans during this era of history, the events of Sand Creek, and the effort to unite the Indian Nations against the Whites. o Introducing the 11th Kansas Cavalry as they were involved here at Platte Bridge Station  A period evening celebration/dance with live music on the parade grounds. o Public encouraged to attend/observe o Designed to simulate the ones conducted at Ft. Halleck  Live Shoot: A live firing competition will be held similar to the historic marksmanship shoots that were held during the civil war. Those reenactors who wish to participate will be given "Standard issue" rounds for the .58 cal '61 or '63 Springfield rifle. A variety of shots will be made my each competitor including shooting live volleys as a group and "at will" with a one minute timed requirement to discharge 3 accurate rounds downrange. Awards will be given including an authentic Stadia Rangefinder to the winner. The public is encouraged to see this rare demonstration of live firing of '61 and '63 Springfield rifles in volley.

 Each of the major demonstrations and both of the battle reenactments will be narrated to better educate the public on the true story of the event.   The Fort Caspar Museum will also have additional “Exhibits” focusing on the uniforms, equipment, life and legacy of those who participated in the battles of July 1865.

Schedule of Events:

Friday July 24th

12:00-22:00: Registration for reenactors will be open from noon to 9pm on Friday. All reenactors/warriors must register on www.fortcaspar.com. This will ensure there is enough food for all living historians.

A live fire competition will be held at Stuckenhoff Shooting Complex for infantry and cavalry weapons. Awards will be awarded to the best shots of each branch of service

Lecture: Introducing the 11th Kansas & 11th Ohio Cavalry; their story and life on the plains. This lecture will include the history of their formation and their training. It will also include personal stories and letters written by the soldiers in order to convey the human side of this period in history.

Watch the cavalry column arrive at Platte Bridge Station (Ft. Caspar) after a 5 day ride from Ft. Laramie. (The members of the mounted adjunct will arrive at the fort, dismount and proceed to be issued garrison duty and locations to sleep in the barracks)

Period “Dutch Oven” cook-off: This tasty extravaganza will be the main kick-off event for the weekend and will feature the many creative ways to cook meals using the same ingredients. All competitors will be given the exact same ingredients which were delivered to the fort per quartermaster records. Awards will be given out for the best dishes. (See Appendix A). If Native American cooks can be found, we would like to also demonstrate Native American cooking for this event.

The Wind River Dancers will perform period Native dances

Saturday July 25th

XII If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission. 08:00-10:00: Fundraising Breakfast (Eggs, pancakes, bacon): This will be a fun opportunity for the public to eat breakfast and afterwards mingle with the soldiers of the fort and Native Americans of the Plains. Funds will go toward paying for the event.

Demonstration: Mounted Cavalry demonstration of formations, drills, and dismounted maneuvers as narrated (via. speaker system) by local historian.

Lecture: The story of George Bent- The “White” Indian who told the other side of history and fought with the Arapaho, , and Sioux.

Reenactment of the battle of Platte Bridge Station: Held in Morad Park, this public battle will reenact the battle that killed Caspar Collins and gave the town its namesake. It will be narrated during and after the battle is over. The narration will describe the circumstances surrounding Caspar’s controversial order to lead the attack and the reason how and why so many warriors worked together to achieve this victory. (The battle narrator will begin the “back-story” approximately 15 minutes before the actual battle begins).

Demonstration: Native American Horsemanship demonstrated by Clint Chartier

Reenactment of the battle of Red Buttes: This reenactment will be held in Morad Park. It will also be narrated (via. Speaker system) by a local historian and will discuss the dynamic details surrounding the battle.

Period Demonstrations at the camps including: Wet Plate Photography and the unique style of 1860’s period pictures, Black Smith Demonstration, Native American crafts demonstration, Native American village

Period Dress Ball/Dance: (Open to the public). This “Pioneer” dance will feature food, drinks, live music, and a dance coordinator. Free to reenactors, the public can purchase tickets. Hoop skirts are discouraged as this is not a “Victorian” dance, but rather a celebration of pioneers along the .

Sunday July 26th

SPECIAL: A morning ride will take the cavalry reenactors away from the fort just after breakfast and will arrive at the original location of the battle of Red Buttes and back. After which reenactors are free to leave the event.

Infantry & Civilian Reenactor activity: Visit original landmark

Lecture: Where the Native American went after Platte Bridge: This lecture will discuss the actions taken by the natives after the battle. The battle of Platte Bridge was a “Who’s Who” of many famous Native Americans. They went on to continue fighting and many of the same men would end up at the little bighorn some 11 years later.

Additional Schedule for Native American/Warrior and Cavalry Reenactors:

The two main battle reenactments that portray the battles of Platte Bridge Station and Red Buttes that occurred on July 26th 1865 will be held as close to possible on the original ground. In order to prevent inauthentic battle reenactments, at least one “reenactor only” battle will be held on Saturday morning. This battle, held just for the warriors and soldiers, will focus on ensuring authenticity and accuracy. It must be noted that since this event reenacts the battles of 1865, warrior weaponry must represent this timeframe. Warriors can use the following weapons:

 Cap and ball pistols (black powder blanks)

XIII If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission.  Muzzle loading rifles/carbines  Bow/arrows (with blunt tips)  Spears, hatchets & Tomahawks (dulled and used similar to cavalry sabers)  Coup sticks  Any other weapon from the time period of 1865 or before

Note: Weapons will be inspected prior to the event. No live ammunition. Those using black powder rifles/carbines must use appropriate blanks that create no possible projectiles. Using fine oat flour, cream of wheat, or other similar mixture will be allowed. Nothing that creates a projectile will be allowed.

Mounted Cavalry Adjunct

A mounted cavalry adjunct will also be organized as a dual effort to recreate the “Last Ride” of Caspar Collins and to raise funds for the event. The celebration of Collins’ last ride will retrace the steps that Lt. Collins took on his trip from Fort Laramie to Platte Bridge Station. The volunteer mounted cavalry reenactors will ride as much on the original route as possible. The distance is nearly 150 miles. A goal of at least 12 reenactors has been set to portray the mail-coachman, 10 soldiers from the 11th Kansas Vol. Cav., and Caspar Collins on their trek across the Overland Trail.

The fundraiser that will be a part of the “Last Ride” will ask those individuals or businesses who wish to donate, to sponsor each mile of the trip. Sponsorships per half or quarter mile will also be available. Individual donations will also be encouraged for those who are unable to sponsor the full, half, or quarter mile options.

The “Last Ride” will be on schedule to leave Fort Laramie early Monday morning, July 20th 2015 and arrive at Fort Caspar Museum in the early afternoon on Friday 24th. Uniform guidelines will be communicated to those who wish to ride and enforced in order to portray as accurately as economically possible the 11th Kansas cavalry soldier in 1865. Upon arriving at Fort Caspar, those involved with the adjunct will fall in with the other reenactors and participate in the rest of the scheduled 150th events.

The "Last Ride" will be a campaign style event in which bedding, shelter, daily food, and any other necessary items will be carried on the cavalry soldier as he wishes. Currently no provisions are being made to transfer any excessive camping materials from each campsite. However, the necessary food and cooking items for the group will be carried on pack horses that will accompany the column.

Dinner and Breakfast along with feed for the horses will be provided at each overnight location and at least 35 miles must be covered each day. Those who choose to participate in this "sub-event" will ride along much of the original Oregon trail, pass world famous locations like Ft. Laramie, Register Cliff, The Oregon Trail Ruts near Gurnsey, Wy, an original pony express location, Natural Bridge, and much more! This is a ride not to be missed!

Approved volunteers will drive each truck/trailer from Ft. Laramie to Ft. Casper to eliminate the need for riders to have to return back to Ft. Laramie to retrieve their trucks/trailers. XIV If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission. For reenactors interested please contact the event organizer, Steve Dacus, at [email protected].

Logistical Notes for the Main Event at Ft. Caspar (Platte Bridge Station):

 Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be provided for each reenactor that registers for the event  In order to portray the unique differences of the many native tribes that fought at the battle, a separate camp will be established for each nation of Native Americans. These villages will be on the Fort grounds just outside of the fort itself.  Company streets will be established for infantry and cavalry reenactors.  Water and feed will be provided for all horses registered for the event  All horses must have proper health certificates upon checking in at the registration table  Campfires and cooking locations will be approved along company streets  Firewood will be pre-cut and distributed  Reenactors will be mailed an event packet that goes over all requirements and expectations for the event o A formal set of reenacting "rules" will be developed and communicated to the reenactors and a liability release will also be signed by all reenactors.  WALK ON REENACTORS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!!!

XV If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission. Upcoming Events

Historical Cub Fun Day------November 22, 2014

Fort Caspar Candlelight Event------December 5-6, 2014

150th of Bentonville------March 20-22, 2015

Hands on History------April 11, 2015

150th of Appomattox------April 10-12, 2015

Havre Living History Day’s------June 6, 2015

Custer’s Last Stand------June 25-28, 2015

150th of Platte Bridge Station------July 26-28, 2015

Northern Lights Boy Scout Encampment------August 14-15, 2015

The 1st USVI uses a free phone conferencing system for our monthly meetings. If you would like to attend one of our meetings please log in at: https://anymeeting.com/877-643-709. These meetings begin on the last Monday of the month at 1900. We hope to hear from you.

*More events will be added as we progress. If you have an event, parade, or school event you would like us to participate in please let us know at [email protected] and we will try to have people in attendance. For complete up to date information please visit us on Facebook or at www.1stunitedstatesvolunteerinfantry.com. We look forward to hearing from you and growing reenacting in Montana.

XVI If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission. Letter’s from Home

Head Quarters, 1st United States Infantry Volunteers Fort Rice, Dakota Territory, 1864 Companies B, and H, I believe that a very interesting article concerning the 1st U.S.V.I. is the newspaper "Frontier Scout" that was published at Fort's Union and Rice in Dakota Territory from 1864 to 1865. The first three articles that are available online at the website below were printed by members of the 30th Wisconsin Infantry at Fort Union, but the other fifteen that are also available were printed by soldiers of the 1st US.V.I. at Fort Rice. I would highly recommend that members of the regiment read through at least some of the material, as it also mentions Col. C.A.R. Dimon, and provides very much history and information of the First U.S.V.I. Issues of particular interest: June 15, 1865: includes text concerning and recent casualty list of the 1st U.S.V.I. June 22, 1865: includes very much text concerning the 1st U.S.V.I. June 29, 1865: includes article on the 1st U.S.V.I.'s march to Fort Rice. July 6, 1865: includes an order from Col. Dimon and information on 1st U.S.V.I. July 27, 1865: includes an order from Col. Dimon. August 3, 1865: Very long article on the July 28, "Battle at Fort Rice". August 10, 1865: 1st U.S.V.I. August 24, 1865: Article on the Civil War by a 1st U.S.V.I. soldier. August 31, 1865: More 1st U.S.V.I. September 14, 1865: 1st Page Article, Information 1st U.S.V.I. October 12, 1865: "Song of the 1st U.S.V. Inf.".

Issues of Frontier Scout available online at: http://history.nd.gov/archives/frontierscout.html A clipping of an article about the 1st U.S.V.I. from page 3, of the June 15, 1865 issue of Frontier Scout at: http://www.soldierstudies.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Untitled-1-copy1.jpg The page with information about Frontier Scout: http://www.soldierstudies.org/blog/2013/01/galvanized-yankees-and-the-50th-wisconsin-infantry/ Your Obedient Servant, Private John Odom, Company B, 1st United States Infantry Volunteers Fort Union, Dakota Territory Private John Odom was born on January 1st, 1835 in Greene County, Tennessee. John fought for the confederacy, then was captured, and taken to the Point lookout Confederate Prisoner of War camp. While there, he enlisted into Company B, 1st U.S.V.I. on May 1st, 1864. He was Killed In Action on April 14th, 1865 near Fort Rice, Dakota Territory by an Indian raid while herding stock (cattle or sheep) outside of the Fort. He was with one other soldier at the time, Private William T. Hughes of Company F, who was also killed during the same incident. John Odom was first Buried at the Fort Rice post cemetery in 1865, then was Re interred at the Custer National Cemetery near

XVII If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission. Crow agency, Montana. He can be found on the 1st U.S.V.I.'s Indian casualty list in the June 15th, 1865 issue of Frontier Scout. Jaeger Held

XVIII If you would like to submit something to the Drum Beat, please email it to [email protected] by the 20th of September, 20th of December, 20th of March, and 20th of June to make the deadline for submission.