Outpost III - AAR Thread

[aetius123]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

John,
Don't feel bad; you weren't the only one that missed the event. I had to travel on short notice to Tampa and missed the chance to participate. From what my partner from the Alamo Rifles, Phil McBride, tells me I missed a really good time. I guess I'll try and catch the next one.

John Winkler
Alamo Rifles

[L. E. Prillaman]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

Hello All! I was at Outpost III with the Liberty Rifle boys and I must say for one, that I had a GREAT TIME! It was really neat to come out West and campaign with new folks and I met some real good guys. Thanks so much for your hospitality! I was wondering if anyone took pictures and if they would be willing to share. Take care everyone, I hope we can share an event again sometime relatively soon.

Lars Prillaman (Liberty Rifles)

[M_Kupsch]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

First off, I want to thank the event organizers for putting together a bully event. These things just don't happen without a lot of hard work, planning and preparation.

Secondly, I want to thank all the boys in Co F. It was an honor to serve as a company officer. I never heard a single complaint in the ranks, and everyone worked together very well. Our Orderly Sergeant, Mike Comer, took care of the men allowing Captain Aufmuth and myself to focus on officer business. Well done gentlemen!

Thirdly, being a Mason, it was good to meet on the level with other Masonic Brothers. I couldn't help but smile when Captain Aufmuth handed me a sweet 'tater that Captain Landrum had asked him to give to me at Officer's call. Captain Landrum had carved the Square & Compasses in the tater along with "Tater Mason." Pat, I took the tater to Lodge Monday and the Brethren thought it a hoot!

Finally, it was good seeing ol' commrades that I haven't seen in a while.

[Greg Barnett]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

I think I got it finally. Duh. Enjoy the photos.

Phil McBride
Co A, 20th TN

Phil,
Looks like you have proof of me stealin that dried fruit. It was good!!!
It was a good weekend.

Cheers

[PvtShot]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

Gents, and Gentlewomen,

Just wanted to add my thanks to anyone and everyone who had a part in making Outpost III happen. I really had a great time and got that whole immersed feeling, especially during the engagements which were stellar, and on picket post; more specifically the Saturday afternoon/Ceasefire picket post; where one of our Pvts. in Co. C almost got himself snatched over a sack of coffee!!:D

There was another experience that I was privileged to be a part of, that really gave me the GOOSEBUMPS: During the ceasefire on Saturday, we spotted a Rebel First Sergeant through the gap who requested to bring a parcel to the Ladies back at the cabin. His request was granted by Cpl. of the guard Groves, and I was selected to escort the Jonnie back to the cabin to deliver said parcel. The whole way back I was on my toes not knowing what to expect from this rebel sergeant. We made our way back through the lines to the occupied cabin and delivered the parcel to some grieving/Yankee hating southern women. These women I believe had a family member in the Rebel army who was recently sent to his maker and they were in obvious pain. The First person impressions were so good that for a second there I thought maybe something had happened over the weekend in "real life" and the news was being broke to the women in good first person fashion.

These women were not too happy about the occupation of their homestead and made it known. I'm sure the Critters did a good job at making these women feel that "Northern Aggression" as there were some strategically placed road apples close to their cook fire and some foul- mouthed troopers who did a great job at making that occupation as real as possible. One of the women asked me If I wanted to go back home? I really wanted to reply and tell her how much I missed my family and how I wanted to get the hell out of TN, but I held my tongue and told her I was just following my orders.

After some consoling to the women by the Jonnie Sgt., It was clear it was time to get back to the post so we made our way back through the lines. I couldn’t help but feel compassion for this man who was clearly fighting for his family and home; we had a great conversation about how we were all wrapped up in this mess and how I personally have great respect for the southern captives, and would not do them any harm... The encounter ended when I turned the Sgt. over to Cpl. Groves who promptly told the man that he couldn’t wait to see them all hanged for treason, and that we would take real good care of their women after they’re six feet under!!! + This kind of gives you a feeling of just how different views were on both sides during this troubled time.

Sorry for the scroll here but I needed to share this experience. I give my thanks to the Reb. Sgt. (who I think I bought a nice warm pair of socks from on Friday, so thanks again for those! next time I'll look for some gloves too, brrhhh! ) and the fine ladies of Tennessee for their awesome first person skills, which really made this event extra special for me:)

Awesome, Awesome event with great friends and great land!
THIS IS WHAT OUR HOBBY IS ALL ABOUT!!!!!!

Kindest Regards,
Eliot Toscano

The Buckras
SCAR
SRR

[Ken Cornett]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

For the record, proper communication was given that two of our men from Co. B would arrive sometime before midnight. And, that two more of our men weren't arriving until sometime after 4 am. I did receive a message that Tiny's flight was delayed and passed this on to the Sgt. Major sometime after 9 pm Friday.

The fact that 4 men would be way late was indeed passed on by me to Sorch via telephone early last week. I'm not sure how the check-in was handled after we bugged out Friday.

[Federal Bummer]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

Capt. Stephen Ewing
Commanding Company B
89th Regiment Illinois Infantry

Lt. Col Sorchy
Commanding 89th Regiment
Illinois Volunteer Infantry
Spring Hill, TN
October 29, 1862

It is both great pleasure and great sadness I summit this report to you on the actions that took place on October 27 through the 28 of this year.

Saturday morning reports showed 28 aggregate and 30 total men fit for action. On this October morning my company was the first to wake waiting for the battalion to move. Shots in the distant that rang out quickened the rest on the battalion to wake and form. Once formed skimmers from my second platoon advanced ahead of the battalion and across the open field towards a cemetery and the right flank. It would be determined later these shots were our cavalry opening fire on a straggler from the march from Nashville. The man was from my company. He was wounded in the leg and taken to a hospital in Spring Hill. Once the cemetery was reached my company was detached to a sunken road to begin the advance toward our objectives. First platoon was detailed with Lt Zimmerman to take a small ford and it was taken with no shots fired. Second Platoon took the advanced ridge under the command of Sgt Rector. First platoon went missing only to find them holding one of Company C’s objects with no sign of Company C until muzzle flashes and the roar of discharging arms signaled a fight was on. At your request to rejoin the battalion, Company B was reformed leaving an open flank and marched to support the other companies. We arrived to take a position in the middle, first flanking one company of rebels and then proceeded to or position on the left of the battalion. Cavalry was now in our front, which quickly drove out only to find rebel infantry in our front. A couple volleys were exchanged. One man was wounded in the ankle. We then returned to the ridge and ford and set our out post by 5 am. The rest of the company was placed in reserve in the Sunken Rd.

Outpost Duty, with rotations till approx 9 am.

Near 10 am the Outpost, which had skirmished with enemy cavalry, was over run but the pickets were quickly collected by the ready reserve and then joined by the rest of the company. A skirmish line was formed driving the enemy Cavalry from our front and a defensive position was established at our outpost. At this time a general engagement was heard on our right. The bugle sounded the call to you once again. I held my company fast until a Cavalry detachment was able to position its self on my line and hold the left flank. We crossed the ford now held by our cavalry. As we approached the hill again I deployed the men in the center of the battalion directly on the flank of a large company of enemy infantry. These men retired from the field after a few volleys were poured into their front from Company A and their flank from my own Company B.

It was then in the engagement a platoon of enemy infantry advanced in front of flankers I had deployed to cover my left. They were trying to flank Company C. With no enemy in my front I moved the flankers to my right flank, wheeled my company left and charged through a gap in the trees effectively flanking the enemy platoon; capturing four and routing the rest. My advance was halted by the appearance of enemy cavalry on the right of my line. This forced us to double-quick by the left flank and reform behind company C. It was at this instant the enemy company of infantry in front of company C charged breaking Capt Butler’s (Company C) lines. My Company B, wheeled and obliqued, checked the advance of the enemy. Company C stabilized and rejoined the engagement. With our combined strength the enemy was driven from the field. On this day the men of Company B received several small wounds and were able to return to our line later in the day. One wound was crippling to one private and limited him to camp duty and fatal to another.

After it was clear the enemy had had enough for the day my outpost was set for the rest of the day with out incident. Half the company was called up later to support the battalion but nothing became of the threat.

October 28, 1862

25 Aggregate and 27 Total on this day.

After your grand round and the disappearance of Pvts. Calloway and Mason I went on a search party with Cpl Coble. I found the missing pvts, whom had advanced to within 10 yards of the enemy camp with Capt. Owens. I informed them, they were to be arrested and confined to the dirtiest brothel for one week once we reached Nashville. I returned to my line only to find the Company ready for action. Word had reached that the Col, the missing post, Cpl. Coble and myself were all captured. This was quickly put rest, as was I. Night picket duty was continued till morning.

On orders my company was stationed through out the trench awaiting the approach of the enemy. When I was apparent the enemy would not leave their works I proposed my flank march, which you accepted. My goal was to engage and draw there forces away from the trenches to allow an the primary assault to take the works. I commenced the march down the road to my left and turned right behind the knoll previously in my front. Flankers under Cpl. Tipton found a break in the fence and the ford was quickly located using the map given to me by Lt Smith.

The rear of the enemy was reached with out being noticed. My men formed in line of battle behind the rebel camp and advanced through a gap in the trees capturing their wagon, officer’s mess and one rebel cavalry man. These were given back during my withdraw. It was at this point we were noticed. Company B opened fire and I singled the bugler. We held a strong defensive position in their rear forcing them to commit more and more men into our front on off yours. The enemy cavalry and infantry pushed Company B back slowly. The company began to take the form of a lump of sugar ready to dissolve, but still holding it original shape. We were forced back, stabilizing our position twice only to push back at the point of bayonets.

On a small dip and tree line we stabilized for the final time. The company had already taken 50% casualties and even I was wounded passing command to Lt Zimmerman. It was at this point I could see a company of rebels at the double quick. I was ready to surrender until I saw Capt. Gerow’s Company A on their heals. The commander of the enemy (a Sgt) in my front approached my line and he and Sgt. Liechty agreed to a ceasefire. Removing both our troops from the engagement, as we were both spent. My hats are off to that Sgt and his men. The were fewer in number but the sheer since of the trouble they were in compelled them fight as twice their number. At this time a rebel officer and mean looking Sgt. approached to find out the situation. The officer replied to Sgt. Liechy’s answer of the ceasefire that no one told him and he would engage us. I told him if that is the case I am more than happy to re-engage in my current position in his flank and rear. He then replied he would not fire upon us and my men held fast letting him go on.

Thus ended the engagement. Each of the enlisted men and only these enlisted men share the credit for assault made by Company B. It is their effort, blood, sweat, feet and courage that made the actions preformed possible.

As I am wounded, Lt Zimmerman is now in command of the remaining men.

For his action on Saturday the 27th I recommend, Cpl E. Tipton for an award and promotion. No man was more at the head of the charge than he was.

Losses.
Capt Ewing (wounded)
Sgt Rector (Dead)
Cpl Coble (wounded)
Cpl Trent (wounded)
7 of 22 Pvt. (killed or wounded)

Afternoon Rolls

15 Aggregate, 16 Total


Very respectfully

Capt. S.G. Ewing

[Csayankee]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

Well maybe it is just me, but what better experience can you have then be stuck on the outside of the pickets at night without the countersign. To me this would have been part of the weekend on how to handle this issue.

Did the pickets perform their job correctly. Even if you were caught by cav or confederate pickets. It would had been a great learning experience, from a stand point of the army moving and stragglers being caught on the other side after pickets are set.

[Coon Dawg]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

Oh Joel,

Your the one that threatened to blow my head off on sunday! Ha! Im glad we met up after we made that truce.


I had a fun time all weekend. I am finishing my AAR, and will have it posted in the next few days.

John

Yeah,

I do not know if "freeze... drop your weapon or I'll blow your F%$#! head off" is period or not. I'll have to do some research on that one. My guess is not.

Joel Phillips
The Flatlander's Mess

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

I believe it is period to "Dirty Harry" circa 1971.

"Do ya feel lucky? Well, do ya' punk?!?"

:D -Johnny

[blackhattertuck]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

Fellows,

The most "period" experience I had during the weekend was on Saturday night. I'm standing in a boxwood thicket on guard. I'm going on about one hour's worth of sleep. I'm swaying back and forth and each blink is getting longer and longer. I know that I'm about to fall asleep. Then it hit me: if this was real, I could be executed for falling asleep on my post. However, nothing that I could do would keep me awake. Really made me connect with those men who did this for real.

To everyone involved with the planning and execution of this event, I give you so much thanks and a hearty THREE CHEERS!

[Charles Heath]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

Can anyone else see a really bad Weller overcoat pun coming down the pike?

Yes, that one.

"Put your hands on your hood."

[buckandball]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

Johnny Lloyd,

For some reason I can't recall any specifics of the Confederate comments on the line, but agree; it was all well played.

Regards

[BrianHicks]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

Brian,

BTW, my chain of command was aware I was arriving later. See: http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...9&postcount=48 As well email communications with my chain of command prior to the event.
.......
As for the communications between my commander and the event organizers, I can not comment.

V/R
John

Then therein lay teh break.

One of two things should have occurred.

1. Your chain of command could have provided for a ground guide at the Federal Parking area (or perhaps coordinated for a Cavalryman to at least pass through there at regular times) so that late arrivals wold not be lost.

or

2. Your chain of command should have made us (the event organizers) aware of your situation, and the fact that they had no provisions established for guidance from their parking lot to the camp site.

--On Friday evening, I felt comfortable with my understanding of where the federals would be camping between midnight and their 4am step off, which was about 600 yards from the parking area, which were I gave Mark quick directions to form teh parking area. If they changed the location, I was not informed.

Am I blaming you chain of command? No. Just stating what seems could have been simple and prudent solutions to the problem.

In the future, such contingencies should be worked into the organizers guidance to all.

Lesson learned.

[BrianHicks]

Re: Outpost III - AAR Thread

For the record, proper communication was given that two of our men from Co. B would arrive sometime before midnight. And, that two more of our men weren't arriving until sometime after 4 am. I did receive a message that Tiny's flight was delayed and passed this on to the Sgt. Major sometime after 9 pm Friday.

The fact that 4 men would be way late was indeed passed on by me to Sorch via telephone early last week. I'm not sure how the check-in was handled after we bugged out Friday.

Ken,

The information never reached me. I was at the registration site until some time after 4am. It would seem that, if anyone should have been been made aware of it... it would have been those who were manning the registration site.