Thursday, 9th November, 2023 - Sunday, 12th November, 2023
Tallassee marked the final event of the season for our company and would also mark significant change and development for our organization as this event signified our final event as a member of the 1st Division of Southern Reenactor's Association.
Thursday & Steak Dinner:
Reminiscent of times past, or perhaps tradition by now, we had steak as prepared by our own Quartermaster Sergeant Jennings Thursday evening signifying the beginning of the event.
With Friday marking the Veteran's Day Holiday, a few of us made our way to Tallassee to set up early and prepare for a great and busy weekend. We weren't exactly sure of how the weather would affect us and we were rather uncertain about the expected turnout for the event with rain having been forecast; however, we were determined to have a great event and to make the most of our time in the field as this one would serve as the last event of the year.
My what a magical creation this meal was... we enjoyed steak, beans, and fried potatoes, and ate ourselves about into a comatose state of being and it was wonderful. This tradition serves to further our commitment to fellowship and the enjoyment of each others company prior to the commitments we make to our efforts regarding authenticity and historical accuracy.
Sleeping in the "Hotel"
The "Hotel" as it is known to members of our company is the Wall Tent of our very own 2nd Sergeant Jennings, which he graciously offered to share with myself and 1st Sgt. Morgan for the event at Tallassee this year. I must say, we were quite warm and dry throughout the bouts with both the rain and the cold winds that followed.
This marked the very first occasion of which I have slept in or made use of a tent of this size and though the prospect of having one of my own is a nice thought indeed, I much prefer a fly to use and thus acquired a new 12 foot, by 15 foot fly for myself while at the event. I also sold both of my personal flys to other members within the company that will be well served by these items.
My new fly will accommodate comfortably all of my needs in the coming season and should keep the elements from me. I will need to make new uprights for the fly as well as a ridge as this will provide extra structure and prevent damage to the grommets. I have seen a few examples of configurations that look quite promising for upcoming uses in the field.
Saturday, 11th November, 2023
We are not the type of reenactors that can be referred to as "fair weather" as we commit regardless of the conditions with exceptions made for severe weather. Therefore, we battled the elements prior to the scheduled bout with the confederate forces of the weekend.
Friday night saw a moderate rain which fell the entire night and contributed to a few unpleasantries for some of our less experienced members; however, I was very pleasantly surprised with the resilience shown by our members on Saturday morning and afternoon in their efforts to overcome wet gear and clothing in the cold.
Drill on Saturday consisted of school of the soldier for a refresher, and then basic maneuvers and field commands. Drill concluded with practicing "Casey's Stack" with the "Stack Arms" command. Casey's Manual was used primarily by the United States Army throughout the war and differs slightly from the other stack typically employed by our company, called the "Kentucky Swing."
Furling the Colors of the 20th Kentucky for the final time as a company.
I have had a deep attachment to the company colors for the past two and a half years in which they have been in my possession. These colors having been passed on to me at the beginning of my tenure in my roll as the company's commanding officer. They were given to me with the understanding that they would be well cared for and preserved for use by the company at any event in which we took the field in blue. However, this event was different, as it marked the final time the 20th KY Volunteer Infantry, Co F. took the field, at least this iteration of it, as the company officially adopted a new designation at Tallassee later in the day on Saturday, now officially identifying as the 79th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry "The Lancaster Rifles" Company E.
The company rendered honors as appropriate for the occasion and the formation was dismissed as we prepared for first call.
The colors were returned on Sunday prior to the skirmish to Colonel Myers. The company felt that he was best suited to take possession of them and to decide what should be done with them. I cannot begin to express how challenging this was for me personally, as those colors symbolize so much meaning to me and embody so many cherished memories for myself and all the membership of the company, both present and past. As a result of this situation the company now must look to the future and the procurement of new colors which represent our new designation. I am excited to see the colors come to fruition as we plan to work with a local quilting guild to produce them for the company.
The new colors will feature the state seal or coat of arms of Pennsylvania at the time which are inclusive of two stallions on each side of the crest, and an eagle perched above, with the words "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence" about the bottom of the crest upon a three parted red ribbon.
It is a beautiful standard for the company and I am very excited about the prospect of one day carrying these into the field with us. Conservatively, we estimate the production time for these colors to be four to six months. It is my hope that we can source the right artist to hand paint the seal upon the new company colors.
Re-designation and Growth
Following the action of Saturday's small but good fight in the field, the company gathered around the officers fly and wall tent to have a called meeting in which new bylaws for the 31st AL Co. E and the 79th PA, Co. E. were adopted, followed by officer elections with the following results:
Captain (January, 2024 - January, 2026) - Jason A. Sumner, MPA, MS.Ed
1st Sergeant (January, 2024 - January, 2025) - Gregory J. Morgan Jr.
2nd Sergeant (January, 2024 - January, 2025) - Levi Jennings
Appointed were the following:
1st Corporal (January, 2024 - January, 2025) - John Heintzelman
2nd Corporal (January, 2024 - January, 2025) - Draven Sibley
Though our separation from the 1st Division of Southern Reenactors Association has been a difficult topic of discussion recently, it was felt to be in the best interest of the company membership moving forward as there has been a feeling that we no longer fit in with other companies within the organization. Our approach is somewhat different and we collectively feel that we will be better placed and better served with the companies within the Hardee Guard Battalion. Our company membership did approve a request by the company leadership to formally petition the HGB for membership at its Winter Meeting in January of 2024.
As we have separated from the 1st Division, we felt it was best to rebrand if you will, and to adopt new company designations. Each of the two designations we have adopted have significance to us and were chosen with great care. Company E was taken for the 31st Alabama given that a few of us reside in Calhoun County, Alabama and Company E was the only company mustered from the county within the regiment. We chose the 79th Pennsylvania as we have three members of our company that are native born Pennsylvanians and thought to choose an active western theatre company from an area of the state that was located near to where they are from. "The Lancaster Rifles" fit that bill and much more; further, they aren't represented in our area, so this designation was a most appropriate selection for the company.
Conclusion to a great year of living history:
Tallassee marked the last event of the season and year for our company. It's been a year of growth and development in the hobby for all of us. It was my fifth year as a living historian and there were still many "firsts" experienced. I am very proud of the membership of my company and their continuous dedication to the preservation of our past through education and service at different events across our region and the nation. I am looking forward to 2024 and the many opportunities we will have to continue to develop and grow our company in the upcoming year!
Kommentare