We are pleased to report that the University of Mary Washington approved the use of their property on Marye’s Heights for the 145th Fredericksburg event, December 8-9, 2007.

For the first time we have access to a part of the original ground of Marye’s Heights, situated adjacent to NPS property, for a recreation of the assault of the Irish Brigade. The property, which includes flat ground leading to the hill, is the width of a small city block and is clear of trees. In case you would like to look it up on a map, the site is located at the intersection of Hanover Street, Sunken Road and Marye Street.

Now that we have the approval, we will be working on dividing up Federal attendees into the five regiments of the Irish Brigade for the Marye’s Heights scenario. Last year, we had about 120 Federals for the 144th. This year, I think it would not be unreasonable to expect about 150-175 or more for the anniversary. We hope to have 25 to 30 man companies represent each regiment. Naturally, we wanted to invite our Federal comrades to come and march side by side with us, under the green flag, up that historic hill.

Information is available at http://www.28thmasscob.org/fredericksburg.html

A Yahoo Group for Federal attendees has also been set up. Please visit the homepage for details.

The preliminary schedule is as follows:

Saturday, December 8: Morning formation: 10 am; Street battle on Hanover Street: 11:30 am; Living history scenarios (looting, snipers, prisoners, etc: 12 to 2); Street battle on Marye Street: 3 pm; Battle of Marye’s Heights: 3:30 pm. Our camp will be located on Hanover Street at Federal Hill, the site of US artillery positions and a hospital after the attack. While most attendees usually opt for motel accommodations, we will have camp sites available for those interested.

Sunday, December 9: 9:30 am: Honors to Irish Brigade fallen in Fredericksburg NPS Cemetery; 12noon: “March of the Irish Brigade: led by NPS Ranger Frank O’Reilly from City Dock to the stone wall. An NPS ceremony follows the march at 2pm.

Feel free to contact me with any comments or thoughts.

Cheers,
M.A.  Herzog

captain@28thmasscob.org

Good to hear!