Perryville 2006 AAR

[Micah Trent]

Re: Perryville AAR

I have to agree with you Jim about ranges being far too close. I know at one point, while the Indiana Brigade was being pushed back, a few of the Confederates were firing at us at not even 15 to 20 feet away if not closer. No joke! We were holding our line as told, but when they fired at such a close range, we were told to fall way back...it was getting a little too dangerous!

Micah Trent

[Jim of The SRR]

Re: Perryville AAR

As you all know, Clyde the horse died at Perryville. I mention this as Clyde was there at the last Pickett's Mill. Here is a recent emailed poem I received regarding Clyde:

TO CLYDE
IN REMEMBRANCE

WE LOST OUR CLYDE THIS PAST WEEKEND.
A STEADY OFFWHEEL ARTILLERY HORSE, FAITHFUL,TRIED AND TRUE.
THE TEARSTAINED FACES OF WE ARTILLERMEN,
A FITTING TRIBUTE, SADLY BIDDING A FOND ADIEU.

WE BATTERYMATES REVERED HIM, A FAVORITE TO EACH AND ALL.
HIS CALM STRENGTH AND DEMEANOR, HIS BRIGHT EYES AND BUSHY MANE.
TO PULL OR BRAKE, PIECE OR CAISSON, HE MORE THAN MET THE CALL,
OUR MEMORIES OF HIS LOYAL SERVICE SHALL EVERMORE REMAIN.

HE FOUGHT HIS FINAL BATTLE ON AN EMERALD BLUEGRASS FIELD,
AND FELL AT HIS OFFWHEEL DUTY POST GIVING, TO THE LAST, HIS BEST.
THE KENTUCKY RANGERS GENTLY LAID HIM ON A RIDGE NEAR PERRYVILLE,
THE CAP'N SAID GOODBYE OLD FRIEND, REST, YOU MET OUR EVERY TEST.

MAY HIS EMPTY PLACE, BY EDITH, ON THE BATTERY PICKET LINE
BE RESERVED FOREVER, AS A MEMORIAL, TO TEMPER OUR REMORSE.
FOR SURELY THERE'S A HEAVEN FOR BELOVED ARTILLERY EQUINE
WHERE OLE CLYDE WILL GRAZE FOREVER, A TRULY FAITHFUL HORSE.

SUBMITTED BY: DR. DAVE

[rebel225]

Re: Perryville AAR

I kind of thought you were the "Ugly" Paul... lol
Especially after your first night of campaign style sleeping, in the rain and mud no less! My horse did think you were tasty though. :D
You will probably never set up a tent again!

I just remember sleeping warm and cozy by the fire then something begins to nudge my foot through my canvas bivouac. Then out of no where some thing bites and about takes a chunk out of my ankle.

Tell Indy thanks, my ankle is still sore. :angry_smi :D

It don't matter if I never set up a tent again I still got to set up and pack all of dad and sis's tents and junk

Paul "Curly" Richardson
9th Ky Cavalry

[Chris Suppelsa]

Re: Perryville AAR

How about the CS drummers who were beating off at 4:30 saturday morning :angry_smi

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Perryville AAR

Mine and Dan's last minute stop at Bardstown to see the museum paid off later when we ventured into a downtown antique mall. Check out these finds!

The rebel soldier conquers my Medal of Honor winner U.S. Sharpshooter tintype and is the new gem of my collection. Five-button jeancloth frock...facings that seem to match the pants...trimmed with dark colored tape. Sweet.

Brian T. White
Wambaugh, White, & Company

https://www.wwandcompany.com

------also------
GHTI/WIG/USSS

[pgoudeau]

Re: Perryville AAR

I had a wonderful time at Perryville. First of all the land was beautiful. Coming from Florida it's nice to see hills and mountains. The weather was better than expected. The cooler temps gave me an extra shot of energy, or maybe it was running around in shorts on Thursday did that to me.
The Florida federal reenactors fielded two companies under the Army of Ohio. Not a bad turn out I say for driving somewhere around 850 miles one way. I can say after this event us Florida guys are ready for our season to start.

The Battle went well Sat morning, my company was sent on ambush positions to the hill across the main battlefield. We sat around for a good while watching the Union and confederate Cav dueling. I can say one thing, chain fires look impressive at night. We acted more as a reserve force when it seemed that the ambush was hopeless. One thing that stood out to me as looking dumb was when the entire federal army on the right got the order to cease fire. The rebs poured volley after volley into us and we couldn't fire back. I don't know what happened but it seemed rather silly for us just to stand there.

Saturday afternoon our company was sent out on skirmish duty on the left. Well that didn't last too long as we were rolled up the hill by the reb cavalry. After the quick run up the hill we reformed only to be pushed back. I took my hit and enjoyed the rest of the battle.

Sunday's battle to my was by far the best. Again the Army of Ohio was in reserve so we watched most of the battle. Our orders were to protect the union guns from capture. We did just that after about 45 rounds later. My hats off to the brave rebs who took hits on the extreme left (or my right for the union side) along the spectator line.

Sutlers row was an unexpected suprize. It was good to see a mix of mainstream, progressive, and authentic sutlers. I am ashamed to say that I missed the dancing and the minstrel show. Next time I will not fall asleep so early.

In closing I will say it was well worth the time to go to Perryville. I hope everyone who went had at one point or another a wonderful memory from the event.

Soldier in blue,
Paul Goudeau

[hoosiersojer]

Re: Perryville AAR

Although I have been reenacting for three years now,this was my first National.And all I've got to say...is WOW!I'm more than ready for the next one!Other than the chilly nights and some really aching calves/feet from all the marching over those Kentucky hills,I had an absolutely awesome experience.Had some of those"Traveled-back-in-time" moments,during the battles,especially on Saturday morning.Watching the Confederate lines advancing through the fog towards you just gives you goosebumps.
It was cool meeting some of you folks from the forums and putting faces with the names,EW Taylor,Flattop.Thanks Jurt for taking the time to show a new guy around.Wished we could have had more time to hang.Special thanks to the guys from the 35th Indiana who gave the Monty Python's Holy Grail dialogue skit about the "Witch"around the fire Friday night.Hilarious and spot-on.
The worst thing about this event for me was the fact that it had to end so soon.Bring on the next National!


-Kevin Waggoner
4th OVI,Co.B

[KyCavMajor]

Re: Perryville AAR

Tod,

Your horse eat yankees too? Reb thought they were tastey and good with cetchup.:D

It was good meeting ya, didn't get a chance to catch up with ya during the weekend.

Taste like chicken I understand.... It was nice meeting you in person Jay, wish we had more time to talk.

[KyCavMajor]

Re: Perryville AAR

I just remember sleeping warm and cozy by the fire then something begins to nudge my foot through my canvas bivouac. Then out of no where some thing bites and about takes a chunk out of my ankle.

Tell Indy thanks, my ankle is still sore. :angry_smi :D

It don't matter if I never set up a tent again I still got to set up and pack all of dad and sis's tents and junk

Paul "Curly" Richardson
9th Ky Cavalry

Don't worry, we got Indy's stomach pumped in time lol :D He says don't sleep on his breakfast next time!
All kidding aside, you done good Curly

[PogueMahone]

Re: Perryville AAR

Reading this thread makes me wonder if I was at the same event as some of you. I had a great time, but I was with the AoP and only saw Babylon when we ventured out to battle and when I visited the "village" Saturday night.

Hints at drunkenness and did someone say they did Monty Python around the campfire? First time bacon eaters even!! I'm glad you boys were camping mainstream and not screwing up our good time.

Sorry, boys, but I'm more convinced than ever that this forum is overrun with mainstream wannabe's and hardkewls.

A Dead Whale or A Stove Boat,

everytime,

Joe Smotherman

[Chris Suppelsa]

Re: Perryville AAR

The worst thing about this event for me was the fact that it had to end so soon.Bring on the next National!

I second that

[Anna Allen]

Re: Perryville AAR

Had a great time at Perryville. Enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones. I had my one period moment at the black face minstrel show on Saturday night. That was killer. I felt like I stepped back in time when I entered the theater packed with people. I almost didn't think I'd get a seat until a fine young man gave up his place for Silvana and I.

All in all, I had a fair weekend. Somehow I always forget how cold it is at night and spent most of the time trying to keep my toes from falling off. But I think I know what to do next time to prevent this from happening again. It's not like I didn't have enough wool blankets either. Ah well...it's all part of the experience. You know it's a successful event if you come home with a sore body, you're dead tired because you managed to get two hours of sleep a night at most, a bad cold and sore throat and you find out you lost four pounds because you forgot to eat all weekend...oops. Yes, I really did have a great time and I can't wait for the next national event!

Here are a few pics I took.

[yankeecav]

Re: Perryville AAR

To all those in company C 42 Indiana (AoP) bully for you! You guys were great and it was a pleasure being your orderly.

Steve,

I really enjoyed my first event with the AoP and it was such an honor for me since the AoP was using the 42nd as it's impression. Co. C had a great bunch of guys that made all the hard work worth while. I would serve with you guys anytime, anywhere.

Tom Lowe
Pvt., 42nd Indiana Vol. Inf.
(Bvt. Corp. for color guard at Perryville)

[flattop32355]

Re: Perryville AAR

Also it was fun wondering(sneeking) Thru Yankee camp Sat. night. You can learn a whole lot of what is going on from people who like to talk about what there army is going to do. :D

I'm curious as to which Federal camp you sneaked into? We were all supposed to have guards up and functioning, down to the battalion level, each night.

[flattop32355]

Re: Perryville AAR

Ya, what was the deal with the yanks standing there while we poured powder into them saturday morning? We were a bit confused.

For your entertainment pleasure:

We of the Army of the Ohio were in line to the left front of your advance, when some other Federal force came in on your flank. Our Colonel was wounded, and command passed to our Major. At some later point, you rebs flanked the other Federals by marching across our front and turning your backs to us and pouring fire into the other line. Our Major saw what was happening, and began to move us against your extremely exposed position. Even a lowly corporal like me saw what was happening and smiled at the opportunity to wreak some havoc on your line.

At that point, some higher ranking muckety-muck trotted up on his horse and informed our beloved Major that he should not be taking such action without higher orders, and demanded that we cease and desist moving upon you all.
He reluctantly complied.

What he should have done was shoot the idiot and continued on...but I digress.

That may be an example of why we Feds were not more agressive in the field.