Skirim Creek - 4th & 5th November, 2023 - Crossville, Alabama
Though non-voted, this event was absolutely enjoyable for our members. About ten of us took the field for this young event held about an hour north of Jacksonville, AL.
I arrived Friday night, shortly before 22:00hrs. It was quite cold and pitch black stepping out of my vehicle and I had some apprehension about the quality of my ability to get set-up efficiently in the dark. However, to my surprise, the set-up went rather well for me as I took my time and worked through the darkness of the early night.
My efforts culminated in a comfortable set-up under my federal "dog tent" that I acquired two years ago from Wambaugh & White. The shelter halves that I am using are modeled off the Cincinnati Depot issue from the western theatre of the war. Simply put, each half is taken and buttoned together, and serve to make the whole of the tent. Each soldier would be issued a half and two soldiers combined their halves to make a whole tent which they would share when situations permitted such. For this event we also employed the use of "shebangs" to accommodate the majority of the company compliment, which resulted in a nice wind break and quite comfortable camp for us.
Saturday, 4th November, 2023
Waking up the following morning placed into perspective the degree to which the cold had been as it was nearer 27 degrees by some accounts. The cold however, did not endure as the light the sun brought with it, much praised and highly anticipated as it was, bore warmth for the day. The temperature difference that followed between the light and darkness gave credence to the fact that winter is approaching and we are indeed progressing towards the later part of the Fall season.
With the light of the sun came the realization that there was much work to be done on my part as I had to first determine the strength of my company. An initial count revealed that ten of our company members in addition to myself would be present for the event that day. I was also informed that I would be the most likely of the company commanders given charge over the federal forces as I had the largest company portraying federal at the event. This resulted in my having to change into my officer's kit as I had originally intended to take the field as an enlisted man and to burn powder on the line with my men.
Upon arrival to officer's call it became very apparent that the event had small numbers present on both sides and that we would need to employ a very creative strategy for the skirmish each day. Given our numbers the first day on the Union side of the coin, we would be the aggressor and would create a late war scenario in which the confederate artillery position would be overrun and taken.
We had ten from our company, five from the 36th Georgia, and six from the 48th AL, contributing to a total of twenty three rifles.
The Fight for Skirim Creek
We deployed skirmishers in a very loose formation, and steadily pushed forward on the Confederate position. Though a small field, the ground here provides some very unique opportunities for specific scenarios and I see great potential for this event to eventually be known for it's likeness to Petersburg, or Cold Harbor.
We were broken into two squads, to better manage our numbers. I took command of the gentleman from the 36th and 48th, while 1st Sgt. Morgan took command of the men of our company. As we pushed onto the Confederate position and works, we stalled to address the snipers placed by the enemy leadership. Further, we wanted to draw the skirmish out for the spectators as much as was possible given our small numbers.
We made a good fight for the small crowd assembled as we ascended the hill to our front and drove over the works, capturing the Confederate Battery and taking the overall position ending the skirmish.
Sunday's contest for the ground differed tremendously as the Confederate forces would defend their works and eliminate our offensive, which resulted in the destruction of our entire command while engaged in pushing on their earth works.
In this scenario, an overly aggressive press on the grounds to the immediate front was called for, which resulted in the decimation of our entire line which had taken rather heavy losses while demonstrating in the front of the Confederate position prior to the final assault.
A Few Special Visitors
Two of my former students made their way out to the event site to visit us on Saturday and to my surprise, spent much of the day with us, which meant the absolute world to me.
As an educator, I am always honored when I can share my passion for our history with my students, even if these two have graduated and moved on to bigger, and better things (GO Gamecocks!!). I am extremely honored that they expressed enough interest to actually come out into the field to check out what we do.
While with us, I had the company show them a few different things we do, such as having the boys inspect arms for them, count twos upon formation, and how we clean our rifles as well as using Private Hackett as an example to explain his uniform and gear to them and each items overall function and purpose.
Skirim is a great local event that presents a great deal of potential for the future. We are looking forward to returning next year and to the growth of a great and unique event for the company.
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