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Re: Perryville AAR
I can't exactly contribute to this part of the conversation, since I'm far from expert on the details of an authentic military impression and I didn't attempt to approach the camps. Though I'd like to say that I thought the military side of things looked good to me. I was very impressed with the long columns of well-drilled, disciplined CSA troops I saw marching by while we ladies were waving handkerchiefs. Nice touch, lifting the hats and presenting bouquets!
I was equally stirred by the sight of the USA artillery silhouetted against the sky. From what I could see, I thought the fellows of both sides responded quickly and efficiently to orders. The Living History group did an outstanding job and presented an accurate and very useful educational scenario for the visitors. They're to be commended. Judging from the intelligent questions from the spectators & the lively discussion, I thought that was very well done indeed.
I was also impressed with the fact that most -- well, let's say at least 80% -- of the civilians pulled together a workable impression. I won't go into detail because it's not relevant to this side of the forum, but the only major mistakes & problems I witnessed were not by participants, but rather by the town residents who "dressed up" to see the reenactment (as far as I could tell, anyway.)
My sense was that the scenes that were set up (the village, the minstrel shows, the Sanitary Commission, etc) were nicely done and conducive to a good period display. As I mentioned elsewhere, I think the children had it just about right, and they were (for me) one of the high lights of the event. Anyway, just my two cents. I can't classify the event as one thing or another, for reasons stated above, but I did think that there were many instances of excellent impressions and scenarios.
I can't exactly contribute to this part of the conversation, since I'm far from expert on the details of an authentic military impression and I didn't attempt to approach the camps. Though I'd like to say that I thought the military side of things looked good to me. I was very impressed with the long columns of well-drilled, disciplined CSA troops I saw marching by while we ladies were waving handkerchiefs. Nice touch, lifting the hats and presenting bouquets!
I was equally stirred by the sight of the USA artillery silhouetted against the sky. From what I could see, I thought the fellows of both sides responded quickly and efficiently to orders. The Living History group did an outstanding job and presented an accurate and very useful educational scenario for the visitors. They're to be commended. Judging from the intelligent questions from the spectators & the lively discussion, I thought that was very well done indeed.
I was also impressed with the fact that most -- well, let's say at least 80% -- of the civilians pulled together a workable impression. I won't go into detail because it's not relevant to this side of the forum, but the only major mistakes & problems I witnessed were not by participants, but rather by the town residents who "dressed up" to see the reenactment (as far as I could tell, anyway.)
My sense was that the scenes that were set up (the village, the minstrel shows, the Sanitary Commission, etc) were nicely done and conducive to a good period display. As I mentioned elsewhere, I think the children had it just about right, and they were (for me) one of the high lights of the event. Anyway, just my two cents. I can't classify the event as one thing or another, for reasons stated above, but I did think that there were many instances of excellent impressions and scenarios.
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