Palmetto Battalion

Dates are October 10th and 11th of 2009.

This will be an authentic living history at Appomattox Court House. I don't want this to take away from the Battle of Atlanta and I feel that we can have a battalion at Atlanta and about 30 at Appomattox. I have extended invitations to anyone that can meet the standards which will be no tents or modern items. Uniforms should be late war and well worn. Button holes will be hand sewn and uniforms will be of proper material. They will accept civilian impressions and they must reflect the life of the residents in the area during 1865. We will be staying in the village and will be given private tours. If you plan on attending now is the time to drop some pounds and to get in shape. Heck, losing a few pounds can add hours of extra drill that you can do. ;)

<Admin's Edit>For a set of maps and directions, click here.

Those going:

Gerald Goins - 6th - C
Claude Sinclair
Bruce Blackmon
Andrew Blackmon - 23rd - B
David Blackmon - 23rd - B
Keith Powell - 23rd - B
Jerry Morris - 25th - B
David Pearson - 14th - B
Rex Hovey (surgeon)
Tom Key - 25th - B
Roy Cloninger
Zach Morris - 2nd - H
Leo Lozono(sic)- 2nd - H
Wayne Dukes - 10th - E
Fred Polston
Larry Steedly- 10th - E
Mike Bethune 13TH SC - H
Fred Tetor 27th - A
Tommy Rollings - 8th - C
Harold Docherty - Artillery - B
Tim Anderson - Artillery - B
Tommy Pappas - 6th - C
Mark Trimmier and maybe Andy
Eric Marcusson - 6th - C
Jerry Brown - 6th - C
John Wilson - 6th - C
Mike LeCompte 10th SCVI - E
Karl Slade 14th - B
Barry Turner - 11th - B
Ty Darby - 23rd - B
Daniel Jarrell - 11th - B
Buck Perry - 10th - E
Tom Grazioli - 23rd - B
Rick Walker - 6th - C
Anthony Gonzales - 6th - C
Eddie Morris - 6th - C
Steve Hardwick -B
Hunter Butler - C
Moose Sauls - C
Tony Purvis - C
David Bridges - C

Claude, Is this a men only event , or will civilan ladies be welcome. If so is there somewhere to camp ? Or should we make hotel arrangements?

Heather,

If a female will be doing a specific impression and doing something to demostrate something to the public, there will be room and camping would be limited and away from the men. Examples would be candle making, spinning, making dyed cloths, knitting socks.

Hey Guys!!!!
Living History at Appomattox...that sounds good.
Perhaps I can swing it (work) and get back in the "swing" of things.
I know, I know, I need to pay dues and rejoin.

I do intend on starting back in the hobby...sometime.

Steve Hardwick, aka "Cool Flow"

Snake Boy!!! As I live and breathe...wondered where you have been hiding. So when will you return?

I need to rejoin. This fall I'm thinkin' I'm back!

Steve....where have you been??? Come to the COI in August and fellowship.

I've been rockin' and rollin' and sleepin'! Hope to see you in August for COI.

Hello Claude,



We're close to one month away, so I wanted to check in with you again to see how things were coming for our event. I am sending a draft sechedule of activities. Please let me know how this looks, and if you'd like to include anything else or modify it (would your surgeon or bugler want to do a program at a set time? etc) let me know and we'll make the changes. I was going to have you do your rifle programs on the battle line occupied by SC troops (Wallace's Brigade)...I thought that your men would appreciate that.



I am also sending a copy of our black powder regulations, they are the standard NPS rules, let me know if you have any questions. Since we will collect your cartridges upon arrival, we've found it best if everyone brings theirs in a bag with their name on it. They'll all be returned at the end of the weekend.



We will also need you to fill out a special use permit...this just documents what you are doing for the weekend. As you'll see, its sort of a catch-all form for all kinds of events, just fill it out what is applicable to you. I have attached the link here, and there is no fee for you to do this:



http://www.nps.gov/apco/planyourvisit/permits.htm



Let me know if you have any questions with the permit or anything else. Thanks, I look forward to meeting you!



Bert



PS: My number is 434-352-8987 X31 if you'd like to call me about anything

I am not going to give up on the battalion so easy. Let's keep pushing Appomattox. We will be doing demostrations on the same line that Wallaces Brigade of South Carolina troops fought.

WM. WALLACE's BRIGADE

17TH S.C.V.
18TH S.C.V.
22ND S.C.V.
23RD S.C.V.
26TH S.C.V.

Living History Weekend
October 10-11, 2009

Palmetto Battalion

Friday
Re-enactors arrive
Show commanders demonstration area
(Bert on duty 11-7)

Saturday
8:30 Park Opens
9:00 Vehicles out of camp
9:30 Weapons Inspection; Morning Parade
10:00 Rifle Demonstration
11:00 Surgeon Program
12:00 Issue Rations/Lunch
1:00 Stacking of Arms Ceremony
2:00 Bugler Demonstration
3:00 Rifle Demonstration
4:30 Evening Parade
5:00 Park Closes
5:00 Battlefield Tour for Re-enactors
(Bert on duty 8:30-6)



Sunday
8:30 Park Opens
9:30 Weapons Inspection; Morning Parade
10:00 Rifle Demonstration
11:00 Surgeon Program
12:00 Issue Rations/Lunch
1:00 Stacking of Arms Ceremony
2:00 Bugler Demonstration
3:00 Rifle Demonstration; Event ends

National Park Service
Black Powder Safety Regulations
(Condensed Version)

-A Park Service certified Historic Weapons Safety Officer must personally supervise all firing demonstrations

-All individuals and/or groups must demonstrate competency to the satisfaction of the Historic Weapons Safety Officer prior to any demonstration. All weapons will be inspected prior to any demonstration. Ramrod will be inserted threaded end down.

-Only reproduction weapons are allowed.

-No projectiles will be fired, or allowed in cartridge boxes. Cartridges may not be stapled.

-A fully functioning lock mechanism is required on all weapons (half cock must work)

-Cartridges must be made prior to the event, do not bring bulk powder and roll cartridges on site.

-Cartridge box tins are required.

-Maximum loads for Enfield/Springfields are 60 grains FFg. Powder will be sporting grade black powder.

-Pistols may be carried but not fired during demonstrations.

-All weapons will be clean and in good condition prior to inspection.

-All cartridges will be turned in to the Historic Weapons Safety Officer upon your arrival to the park. Cartridges must be under NPS control, and will be distributed prior to each demonstration.

-All participants must wear clothing made with 100% natural fibers.

-Any violation of the regulations will result in the immediate cancellation of the program and removal of the individual or group from further demonstrations.

-Misfire Procedure:

Hold weapon in place for 10 seconds, reprime and try again. After 3 tries the weapon will be removed from the demonstration area and cleared.



Thank you for your cooperation!

We look forward to a fun and safe event!

Hi Claude its Karl here I have been talking to Barry I will be in SC Oct 4-18 Can you put me down as a Possible to attend this. Thanks Karl

Yes I can if you can talk Barry into going. Tell Barry that he will really enjoy this once in a life time experience.

Karl, call me.
Fred

Gentlemen, If you have Google Earth the coordinates to where we will be camping will be:

37 22' 36.47" N
78 47' 37.56" W

The 23rd's line was at that spot and less than 650' from the McLean house. Folks, it will not get better than this. The 23rd and all the other units should be chomping at the bits to make this trip. This opportunity may never happen again.

"On the 8th instant (23rd, 26th) it reached a point about one mile from Appomattox
Court-House, and at 10 p. m. was formed in line to meet a threatened
attack. At 11 p. m. it was moved to Appomattox Court-House and
again formed in line, the men sleeping on their arms . . . "

Wm. Wallace, Brig. General

OK.

This post is here as inadequate as elsewhere. But I just noticed Claude's new picture. Did you work out ?

Hail Claudius

Claude,

please add me to the list.

Daniel Jarrell

Did I say that, or do I need to borrow some of Claude's medications ...

Ave Imperator Claudius, morituri te salutant !

Markus, I think that you are on German Drugs!

Claude,

Please add my name to the list of folks going to Appomatox.

Tom

These drugs are called BEER ! You should come over and I'll share some with you !

Add my name to the list of those going to Appomattox.

Claude, and assorted miscreants,
Count me in for Appomattox if it's not too late and if I have
requirements needed (membership, etc.).

What are uniform requirements?
Tentage?
Table Manners?

Steve Hardwick, esq.

Claude,
I just reread your first post on requirements of unis and tents.
Oil Cloths
Shelter Halves

Photo: Cornbread tearfully clings to a past Palmetto Battalion Flag during its somber retirement ceremony at Appomattox in April of '98.



This honorable flag which had flown at innumerable events over the years prior to this moment is being cut-up into small pieces and passed out to those battalion members present at the ceremony. Jim Ridge, Battalion Col during the time, challenged everyone present that whenever we were able to assemble here again as the Palmetto Battalion we should bring back to this spot our sacred remnants of this old flag. Well, now is the opportunity to meet the challenge given to some of us more than 10 years ago. I will have my cherished piece of flag with me at Appomattox. I hope those of you attending the upcoming Appomattox event who own a part of this old flag and who were present at the original ceremony will bring yours also.

Folks, if at all possible, you do not won't to miss this upcoming event. Especially if you missed the one above. This'll be another experience for each of us talk about for many years to come. You can visit Appomattox anytime but how many of us will be able to say they gathered around a campfire at night and slept here on this hallowed ground just as our GGGrandfathers did many years ago. Don't miss it!

Get you name on the list now and come be part of this great once in a lifetime experience.

Standards for Appomattox

Only tent flies, shelter halves, and oil blankets to be used as shelter. No coolers or modern items in the camp. No camp furniture unless you have an old wooden chair with a straw bottom. No two piece chairs. Rounds must be pre-rolled and in a paper bag with your name on it.

No sleeping bags or plastic. Let's try to present the camp as close as it was on April 8th and 9th of 1865.

White canvas only(Please). I have a fly and three shelter tents that I can bring. The painted tents(poncho tents) were very early war and only 20,000 made for the Federals.

No Columbus Depot or Western Coats and please do not bring Federal Sky Blue pants.

Don't make the mistake that I made when I received rations at Rich Mountain. I had to put my beans and coffee in my pockets cause my haversack was full of junk. Then I had to hold the horse meat in my hands.

Can someone bring a 23rd SC Flag?

About this time next Sunday we will be heading back to SC after doing a weekend living history at Appomattox. There will be 30 - 40 members of the Palmetto Battalion that will have mixed feelings about the weekend. Many will share the disappointment of what our ancestors felt but we all will be happy that we had the opportunity to be on the actual hollowed ground that basically ended the WBTS. There are no reasons why we can't have 50 to 100 infantry soldiers. Members of the artillery are also welcome to tote a musket. Artillery toted muskets on many occasions and they marched with the infantry as infantry. This is the one event that I am really looking forward to. My SC belt buckle was purchased at Appomattox and I am still wearing it to reenactments. But most of all the memories are what I cherish the most.

Martha and I took a two week vacation and we visited as many sights as we could. During a Friday afternoon we visited Pamplin Park and I purchased a cassette tape named From Richmond to Appomattox, Lee's Army final Days. It was a driving tour and I started the tape at Petersburg and proceeded the route that General Lee used. The stops were numbered on the side of the road and we would stop and the tape would tell us what happened at each stop. The stop at Sailors Creek was a humbling experience. It was at dusk and only Martha and I were on the battlefield. By the time we arrived at Appomattox it was dark. We stayed in a family owned motel and we were the first to arrive at Appomattox Village. We visited each house, the museum and the last thing we visited was the McLean House. The visit of the McLean House marked the very end of our two week WBTS vacation. We planned our trip in the order of the war and the battles fought. Three nights at the Cashtown Inn near Gettysburg was about the middle of our trip.

I am hoping that some of you will give some more thought toward attending Appomattox. For those that do not want to campaign camp there is a KIA nearby and there are also motels. But for those wanting to feel the presence of their ancestors you will want to sleep on sight.

Just send me an e-mail at clsinclair at comporium.net

Re:

Sorry I can't make it, fellas.
I've been "volunteered" to be a presenter at Middle School conference this weekend in Myrtle Beach.
Under the stars at Appomattox has to be surreal.
S. Hardwick