Unison Event

[rbruno]

I thought I would put a few thoughts out there on the Unison event last weekend. Even though we (CS) were very outnumbered, I still had a great time. Yes, we were surprised a few times, yes, we didn't stay in one place for very long, but I still think we made things interesting. The night ride I took to get to Fiddler's Green on Friday night was worth the trip. Riding those original roads in the pitch dark and moving past the same stone walls and hills where the troopers of '62 rode, fought, and died was unbelievable. To only see a few lone house lights through that entire ride was a great experience. Saturday's morning battle was a good with a variety of actions and movements. Saturday afternoon was just as adventurous with some hard riding and challenges. The surprise at the creek caused a quick change of pace and movement, but coming over the hill when the Feds were trying to chase us and surprising them was a great moment too. My Sunday morning chase through the woods was a lot of fun. My horse was finally out of gas at the end of that race and yes the Feds did catch me when I thought I ran out of field and knew I wasn't going over the stone wall in front of me. Time to get glasses so I can actually see what is in front of me. It was 12 against 1 at that point, but I enjoyed the chase. I thought for sure there would be a couple times when Dave, Jerry, and company would give up chasing one lone Rebel, but they kept following me. I also thought my horse would out run them in the open field, but he was just about as tired as I was at that point. But it was a fun run and jumping logs, trees, a creek, a small dog that almost got trampled, and that last drainage culvert that I didn't see till the last minute was well worth it. Again, a good reason to get some glasses. I am glad Skip had some liquid medicine for Sat. night that was only administered for medicinal purposes. Anyway, I had a great time and hopefully more CS troopers will be out for the next time the event is held. No matter how much action we had, you can't beat that area for riding. To ride on such pristine ground and be on an original battlefield the entire time is a chance that can't be missed.

[Andrew German]

Re: Unison Event

Hello Rob,

It was our pleasure to oppose you. We were disappointed at the turnout overall, but who can deny the incredible feeling of connection when "fighting" in the footsteps of those who actually fought on that ground. And the chance to maneuver over miles of original terrain makes this a unique event.

We did have a strong turnout (though not quite as much as expected), to the degree that we could field two independent sections and I got to carry the guidon for the first time in a recent 1st Maine engagement. Both added to the unit's ability to represent the fluid realities of service in the field.

Let's work to encourage an expansion of commitment to authentic cavalry impressions on both sides.

Tallyho, Rob,
Andrew German

[DaveGink]

Re: Unison Event

Andrew,
I had a rough time this past year making even local events, but am looking forward to getting going again next season. Perhaps I can talk Seth (and maybe a couple others from our group) into coming out and riding with you at that event -- Sounds like a blast! Seth and I were just talking about what a great time it was falling in with you at 'At High Tide.

[Andrew German]

Re: Unison Event

Hello Dave,

It's always great to "cross pollinate" between sections. Some of us went down to Georgia for Bummers a year ago and learned a lot about western CS interpretations, for example. Unison probably won't happen next year, but put Nov. 2012 on your calendar for a blowout representation of the battle on its 150th anniversary. Check the 1st Maine website for photos of the landscape and our 1862 impression there.

There's talk of a high-level cavalry camp of instruction (US) next year, so stay in touch. We'd love to ride with you fellows again.

Regards,
Andrew German

[Tom Craig]

Re: Unison Event

Rob and all,

This year's Unison was a great sucess from the Federal perspective. We had 18 top quality troopers from the 1st ME turnout, and we were joined by about 16 great guys from the CVG.

Friday night we camped in the village of Philomont, on original battlefield, and managed to squeeze in a little drill before dark. Our drill included drill by platoon which is all too rare for cavalry on our end of the hobby.

Saturday morning revielle was sounded before dawn and we were up having morning formation, tending to the animals etc. We had a little more drill after breaking camp, then we headed into action. We had no idea how many Rebs would actually show, and found out there were only 6 of them mounted, which gave us overwhelming force superiority. Nevertheless we commenced we a series of quick and spirited action all on original, and beautiful battlefield land. We marched our way to and past Unison and kept the rapid skirmishing (at proper distance) up until later in the afternoon.

Sunday found us off in persuit of what ever Rebels remained, and we had a really nice ride to Welbourne and then back the several miles to Philomont. All told we probably rode about 20 miles over the course of the weekend in a beautiful and horse friendly area. Our pards in the infatry didn't travel quite as far as we did in the cavalry, but they certainly put their marching time in.

We had a very authentic event, on an original battlefield, what more do you need? Oh yeah, we also happened to have the largest turnout of high quality Federal cavalry in recent memory. Pretty cool. The only downside at all was the low CS turnout, but like virtually all events this year, they were victims of the economy and general hobby melaise.

Andy is correct that at this point we are planning to take 2011 off from this event, and do it up in a major way in 2012 for the 150th. Keep your eyes peeled for more info. In the mean time however we very well may do a smaller "Mosby" themed event in that same neighborhood, so keep your eyes open for info on that event.

Take care,
Tom Craig
1st Maine Cavalry