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Bob 125th NYSVI wrote :   I'm sure the specators appreciated that a lot more than the 'ok-line-up-dress-right-count-off-about-face-march' stuff.

Bob,

When you read the accounts of the enlisted men, by mid-war, they pretty much had running away down to a science. When they figured a defense; or more likely, an attack, was doomed to failure, they'd skaddle to the rear. New troops would run until they couldn't run any more; but the veterans would only go to some place of security, such as behind a swale and almost immimmediatly reform. They knew their file partners, and comrads in arms. Nobody had to tell them where their place in line was.

As an aside. I get a kick out of reading some private's account of a battle and compare it to the Officer's reports. You often wonder if they were even in the same place!

When we run away, the flag to the rear method seems to work pretty well. I've got an old, experienced flag bearer, who seems to read my mind.  

Bill

I recall doing an event a couple years ago and when we were acting as a rear-guard we would set our line, and the front rank would fire a volley and then disperse to the rear and reform on a sgt who set the new line about 30 yrds to the rear.  While the rear covered our retreat.  They would fire and disperse and rally behind us.

It was like doing wind sprint across the field but we moved and kept a good covering fire that slowed the Federal advance.  Was this in the manual.. at the time I couldn't say.  Is it possible that it was done in the actual war.. good chance.

Bill

Looks like someone on the Federal side posted some video from the event..
Not sure if everyone is able to view it because it goes through myspace..
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=8596513

The Neshaminy wrap-up meeting took place tonight. All the bills have been paid and just over $5,000 dollars will be donated to various preservation organizations.

Thanks to all of you who participated in the event.