One man's view of the week-ends activities, from a company standpoint. Other's mileage may vary, but we had a pretty good event. I do one of these for each event for the enjoyment of our folks, and to report up the chain of command. I've left some names out, along with some other things because, frankly, it's no one else's business. As someone said in an ealier posting, keep in mind that this is a mainstream event, with all of the baggage that may, or may not, go along with it. Camps and camping being one thing, the battles and soldiering on the field being, thankfully, quite another. FWIW

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                                   Near Bedford, Pa.
                                                                                                    17 June

*************, Commanding

*************, Adjutant


Sir,

I have the honor to report on the actions of this battalion during the recent campaign into Pennsylvania.

All companies of the battalion arrived near the village of Bedford, Pa. by late afternoon, Friday. Our skirmishers were on the low side, totaling 6 rifles Saturday and 5 Sunday. That being said, quality prevailed and we were ready for anything this campaign threw at us.

Saturday morning began with weapons inspection and drill. The afternoon's battle started with the cavalry beginning the enterprise by advancing and engaging Federal dismounted cavalry supported by a mounted contingent. Our advance was met by feeble resistance as the Yank's seemed tentative on engaging us. Advancing as far as we dared with cavalry alone, a battalion of blue infantry began to deploy to their left. With far more numbers than we could hope to deploy, we retired in good order as the mounted commands of both armies clashed to our left. Outnumbering the mounted blue horde by near three to one, we began to leave the field to our infantry, who had come up behind us.  Off to our right, we observed a company of Yank's attempting to sneak off to a wooded area on our right in an attempt to flank our army. Our skirmishers re-deployed to that wooded area and held the entire company in check, as well as providing a bodyguard detail to command, through superior soldiering. An added bonus was a prisoner. We held our line throughout the battle and retired as we saw our infantry driving the Yank infantry toward an unfordable creek. Casualties were light.

Sunday's battle began with our skirmishers beginning the action. From our advance position in a wooded area, we were ordered to engage a battalion of blue infantry, supported by both mounted and dismounted cavalry. We must have done considerable damage to their cavalry the previous day as their numbers were not as many. We advanced with confidence and the support of our mounted brethren. It appeared as though the Yank infantry advanced too far, as when we engaged, both blue cavalry and infantry had to refuse their main line on the left to meet our challenge, as well as that of the gray infantry in their front. Our advance went unchecked as our numbers and marksmanship were too much for them. With both mounted and dismounted cavalry, we soon rolled up their left flank and were in the rear of these Yankee's, making every shot a telling one. To make matters that much worse for them, a company of our cavalry charged on the opposite side, turning the scene into one o f hopeless mayhem for the blue foe-men. While the mounted men of our regiment used the pistol and saber with telling effect, we were decimating them with carbine and long-rifle fire. This engagement had turned into a good old Virginia turkey shoot with our boys giving these Yank's some punishment for their invasion of Virginia. Our work done for the time being, we fell back in control of the field for a short rest and to let our carbines cool down.  No sooner had we taken some needed water from our canteens, we spied a small battalion of Yank's apparently called on for help earlier. From a position of safety, we let them pass without molestation as they appeared to be in no hurry to join in the battle. Passing in our front, we deployed again with mounted support and had at them. Firing with effect until we ran out of cartridges, these Yank's had to step over the bodies of their fallen comrades before they could lend a hand, while the blue cavalry that still had horses made a gallop for the rear and safety. We then retired to our horses and back to camp, satisfied that our part in the day's rout was well done. It is with great pride that I report no disabling casualties.

Personal Observations


Do we really need fireworks at a civil war reenactment? No sooner was taps played each night (usually signaling "quiet hour" for our purposes) then we were obliged to hear the snap, crackle, pop of home bought fireworks.  Our battalion may be the lone dissenters, but we really don't see the need for them since an army usually didn't set them off while on the move.

The Good:

Registration, for me at least, was easy. Arriving early, I filled out the waiver form and received my event package easily. Others apparently had a harder time as the registration desk was not manned on their arrival.  A big plus was the free ice offered for reenactors. I've whined for years about having to go off-site for ice and this on site ice, free to boot, was a big amenity. Huzzah's for the Village staff!
Wood, although not of the greatest quality, was plentiful for our company. It burned and created heat.

The Outstanding:

Sunday's engagement was probably the very best battle our battalion has ever had at Old Bedford Village. To a man, it was a hearty thumbs up. Everything seemed to come together from our standpoint. Mounted supporting dismounted, and, vice versa, was remarkable. Rolling up a flank and gaining the rear of an opposing army by maneuvering how it was done then, seeing the confusion of an opponent, along with the heat of battle, all came together Sunday. For my money, this was one of the top five experiences I've had doing dismounted cavalry. Only through the teamwork our battalion has together, and with the mounted folks, in my mind, could this have come about. My hat is off to everyone who participated with us and made the battle what it was.

As usual, we'll be back next year. It'll be tough to top this Sunday's battle, but we'll be there to try to make it so.

Mark Stuart,
2nd Virginia Cavalry, Co. D  

--Last edited by mstuart on 2007-06-18 13:09:49 --

I agree with you on the fireworks. Let's think about it; cheap fireworks which may go just about anywhere around a camp full of little boxes of blackpowder and accidents do happen. I love fireworks as much as anyone but having them at a reenactment is not the safest thing in the world. Too many people in too close of proximity with too much flammable and explosive material around. Remember canvas tents are usually not flame retardent either. Also if there were horses nearby, fireworks can often spook them leading to injuries to the animal and people. If I were you, I would take this up with the organizers strictly from a safety standpoint. I know I would be very concerned.

Robert:

I agree. While I'm reasonably certain that they aren't sanctioned by the Village staff, I'm pretty sure that they're brought from home by reenactors who think they're adding they're own entertainment. They, of course, at least IMHO, are thinking only of themselves and the few "oooh's and aaah's" they get and not the rest of us. I've brought it up, in person and in AAR's, but it continues. It's a shame, 'cause night-time in the village, with an army in camp, can be pretty neat....until the fireworks start.

Here in Pittsburgh, where there's sanctioned fireworks when someone has a solid bowel movement, I get enough of them in a month to last a lifetime. Seen one, seem 'em all for the most part. Other's mileage varies, I guess.

Mark Stuart

OBV has some interesting buildings, and quite a bit of good crafts-history going on inside those structures. They've had their ups and downs with trying to make a go of things, but with the bridge being recently reconstructed, perhaps the bus tours will put them more in the black than in the red.

we should be there next yr! generally that weekend we visit my family, but ive talked my husband into us going some other time so we can go to OBV he saw the flyer for it and is all for it since there are horses and cannons... works for me!