Marmaduke's Raid AAR

[Old Cremona]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

My only regret is that we worried a few people that night. I'm very sorry to Frank, Carl and the others for running off like that. I know you were expecting us that evening, but pretty much the moment we got up to the camp on the side of the cliff, it became dark and there was absolutely no way I was going to find my way down that thing without getting incredibly lost.

I quite understand, Anna, and you and Silvana had a thrilling experience. We did miss your endearing charms at our little musical seance that evening. And we're perhaps just a tad jealous of our mess mates who joined you in your adventure. Just remember, at the next Boonesfield, you owe the rest of us Taters some "Anna and Silvana time," okay?:D

Frank, you hit one out of the park. Thanks for putting on such a magnificent event.

[BrianHicks]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

I greatly enjoyed this event, and would like to thank Frank for asking me serve as his SgtMaj. The men in the ranks of the 21st Texas were all outstanding. Although our three small detachments were... err.. rather small. They performed all of that was asked of them magnificently.

To the men of the Artillery Piece.... Bully Boys.. Bully!! You preformed exceptionally well. The rate of fire was remarkable, matched only by the fact that you men hauled, tugged, rolled and dragged that piece of artillery through that mountainous terrain.

Sylvanna and Anna, as always... it was a pleasure to interact with you, I do however wish that I'd had greater opportunities to visit with you and the other civilians more often during this event.

It was great event, and I'm pleased to have participated.

[Michael Comer]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

I came back from the event recharged and enthused.

I give my thanks to the men of Co. F, 21st Texas. About half of our company didn't make it due to real life interferences but the ones that did performed in a most excellent manner and I was pleased to be their company - section?- leader.

Fortunately, we had quite a few shotguns in our ranks so it made our numbers look bigger on the line. When we were hit by the Federals on Sat. we were holding the right of the line. Our position consisted of 4 men and myself. I had men out on water detail and two were chasing a mossback we had seen off to our right. When we were attacked, I was worried to say the least. If a few more Federals had moved to their left they would've had us more than likely. Thankfully, Corporal Wimmer-Brown and Pvt. Gobstop heard the firing and left off the mossback chase to hurry back to help us. They came in down a ravine and opened fire into the Federal flank which gave them some pause and they did not extend their line any more.

At the end, we had lost all support and it was me and 8 men trying to cover the artillery piece. We fell back and fell back always looking for support to come in on out left. Only later did I find out they had been cut-off and surrendered. We finally decided to make a final stand with the gun instead of running. As we finished our deployment, Mr. Sorchy approached with a flag of truce. After I was informed we were pretty much the only ones left fighting, I figured the event was over and we decided to give up.

My hat is off to Sgt. McGuire (Dave Parent) and Cpl. Wimmer-Brown who took the challenge of being an NCO to heart and performed very well. I also appreciate the efforts and elan of Messrs. Gobstop, Hill, Alleman, Whelan, Wimmer-Brown and Baird. I was very pleased and impressed by how you worked over the weekend.

Good times.

[the other nathan]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

AAR - Sunday AM Guard Duty

1:30am
OOG woke up Lieut. Murray. I was sleeping lightly and awoke also. Shortly there after the 1st Sergt. and myself woke up the rest of the men and told them to pack their napsack and put their traps on. Having rolled their blankets, the men fell in in full marching order and we marched off to the reserve post.

2:00am
Lieut. Murray was briefed by the OOG and the Sergt of the Gaurd briefed me. The Corporal of the Gaurds (current and relief) and I marched off to relieve the posts. Lieut. Murray, now the OOG decided that due to the conditions, some of the post should be rearranged. (Post 3 was 5ft from the works and 15ft from the sally port.) He pulled the rear guard post and realligned the posts to better prevent the enemy from flanking us.

2:15am Orderly Sergt. Liechty and myself posted ourselves near the pickets so that our night vision would not be ruined by the fire at the reserve post.

We passed the night without incident. The relief was woken up and marched out to relieve the first shift right on time. When not on post the men sleept on arms. As Sergt. of the Guard, I rounded to each post and the men stayed alert and vigilant throughout the night. At the end of our duty, we were relieve and marched up to our Co. street and then fed for breakfast.

2nd Sergt. Nathan Willar
Company D
32nd Iowa Volunteer Inf.

[Mcguire]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

The most awe inspiring aspect of this event was the realization that armies manuevered and fought in this hostile and rugged terrain. I couldn't imagine having to be a part of that. Two and a half days was brutal enough!
Frank did a great job, as everyone else has agreed, it's to bad that this event was not supported in the way it should have been. Oh well, people missed out on an extrodinary experience .

I tip my hat to Mike Comer who commanded Co. F. He kept his head when others about him were losing theirs... I was proud to be his Orderly Sgt. and I'm proud of the men who served under me. Co. F ended up supporting the gun on Sunday morning after our other two companies disinegrated under the Fed advance.
We ended up having to accept Major Sorchys surrender terms after the capture of our commanding officer. ( Terry seems to have Frank's number. He whupped him at Outpost as well)

Not to beat a dead horse, but those of us on this side of the hobby need to support one another. I have fallen in with the Tran Miss. boys at both LBL and Outpost. They support events east of the big river and it is only right that this support be reciprocated.

[Coatsy]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

Boozie,

You'll find this amusing to add to your "situation" on Saturday. Two of my guys, still half naked, went on a canteen run to the camp where your company attacked the Independent Scouts. Jordan and Eric P saw what was happening and pitched into the fight yelling "Third company, deploy on me". Both of my guys said your company began to retreat shortly afterwards.

Hey at least you got to keep your shoes.

Also to add to Mr. Comer's comments I had 4 gents not able to make it to the event because of real life. I can't fault them and it is just a hobby after all. But I'll tell the tales of Marmy's Raid for some time to come. This, plus Winter of 64 have been the two best events that I've attended so far this year.

Thanks again to all who attended, and to all that planned this event.

[Huck]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

Dear Pard

It has been sometime since I written to you last, so I take keyboard in hand and write you a few lines of our pards Huck's latest adventure in the hobby. As you know Huck has been on forces hiatus due to work and family. Over the last 7 months with all the talk on the board he has been chomping at the bit to get back out in the field to see old and new friends alike. So with that in mind I will tell you a bit of what he did over this past weekend. The event was called Marmaduke's raid.
He flew from Colorado Springs to K.C to meet up with his friend Mike. As you can remember, Huck was asked to be Mikes Orderly Sgt, for the company that Mike was commanding in the 21th TX CAV. Both of them left KC at around 6am on Thursday morning and headed east. Pick up two other pards along the way and the Band of Brother were on their way. They listen to bugle calls and other period music on Huck’s I-POD which helped put them in the right frame of mind. Arrive in the area with little to no problems, only worry was if they would see Ned from Deliverance running though town. We found the staging place with little to no problem and once we arrive, we were glad to get other pards.
Once at the staging area we all got changed, and then jumped into a SUV to be ferried over the river, thinking that other would follow soon. Which didn’t happen, however the 4 of them, Mike, Hick Patrick and Ben made the best of it and made themselves comfortable as possible? They were smart enough to pick up some beef and potatoes and for breakfast they had a nice apple pie. The night was very comfortable, they didn’t have to spoon. The four pards had a nice evening of watching the star and listening to some strange creatures in the woods across the river.
Then on Friday morning after the apple pie and coffee was consumed very quickly before people started showing up, mostly so they wouldn’t have to share. Once everyone who was portraying the 21th TX Cav was accounted for (guess General Marmaduke's didn’t have to much control over his army) rations where issued. Huck being the top notices orderly Sgt inventoried the rations and help come up with the idea on how best to cook 30 pounds of bacon. Let’s just say the biggest grease fire was created. The fare for the event was salt bacon, cornmeal, potatoes and apples. Rations were then issued out and then the soldiers relaxed.
Now this small group didn’t march right out to find the Yankees, a few took a swim in the river, which Huck found very refreshing and he ending up doing it twice on Friday. At one point a car with two local women drove in the area and was very shocked to see people on the sand bar, and people in the river. As you remember Huck can be a bit shocking (or other people have said a bit wild) but he kept himself in checked. You remember on the unit he falls in with, the avatar it said “What the Huck” sometime he lives up to that, this moment didn’t.
Anyway around 4pm the unit marched out on the way to Friday bivouac site, up one hill and down another. Huck had told me that he was very surprised that the pack and blanket roll weren’t giving him problems as in the past. I figured that it was because living in the thin air of Pikes Peak. They arrive at the first full night rest place around dusk, which wasn’t bad, however Huck was detail to run the first shift of pickets. He took charge of his company since his company commander was feeling a bit under the weather. He posted the pickets and set the relief. After four hour Huck was glad to be able to finally get some rest. Knowing the Col. would have them all up well before first light incase the federals marched up on the 21st TX.
Now on Saturday morning breakfast was had by Huck and his pards once that was done. Huck formed the company and took roll and reported the finding to his Capt (Mike, who was feeling much better). The company was formed and Huck and company march down the road. I am not going to bore you to death about the next couple of hours but they did run into two women ½ up one of the hills. Both parties didn’t know what they others intentions were, but one of the ladies was kind enough to give Huck some cold coffee which he was greatly appreciative of. Huck and company marched a while long, found themselves on top of them hill. Were mission during this phase of them event was to find the location of any federal pickets in front of either fort. The company found itself along a path just down the hill from the federals but was visible because of the trees. But they were spotted and the cry from one of the federal to Cpl of the Guard and his post number. With that cry, Huck and company left as quickly as possible.
Now after that Huck and company were given a bit of rest, Huck and Dave West plus one other were detail to patrol up a hill to the right of the federal fort. If you ever have a chance to be friends with Dave, count yourself lucky, he’s a good Pard. Huck told me about a comment that Herb told him, about if Huck was going to wear that bright yellow battle shirt. Remember that shirt was from a battle shirt deal years ago on the AC. The patrol had to move light and fast so they only took what they need, and Huck wore his Bumble Bee Battle shirt. Huck said something to me later that week, some sort of bounty placed on that shirt. Anyway that is either here nor there. The Yankee’s must have thought he was a bushwhacker. Anyway after 2 hours or so in the custody of the federal army Huck was exchanged. He was somewhat sadden to go because he really enjoyed the conversation with the guards and the nice Christian woman who supplied him with fresh tobacco which he greatly enjoy. Huck came to realize that yankees’s were just like him, had the same thoughts, something not a gentleman would say to a lady, but had the same hopes and dream of home and family. After the exchange Sgt Huck brief Frank, he was the gentleman who put on this fine event and was portraying the Col from the 21 TX. But don’t tell the Yankee’s that he was sent on a scouting mission and was able to count location the general locations of the federal picket posts on the side of the hill. Sort of what Lt Owen Skip (I think that who he was) did about the same time. But Huck did find out the value of Bumble Bee (that is the name of the shirt) it is 4 to 1Four Federal for one Huck wearing bumble bee.
We after the exchange Huck and friends sat down to a well earned rest and some great music by Carl, the banjo man, and were looking forward to a visit by some local (period) civilian women who were reported in the local area. But sadly that never happen, but the music was prefect anyway. If you ever have a chance to hear Carl play you should.
Well the boys found themselves having a rough night sleeping, sort of being on a side of a hill, something about sliding out from under the blanket, but it wasn’t say bad because the company didn’t have to pull picket that night as they did the night before. Sunday morning rolls around the boys were heating up the last bit of rations and getting ready for the assault on the federal position. So thoughts of home and heart and women we would never get to see again if the lord above calls Huck and company to stand in front for judgment. Well lucky for Huck he wasn’t hurt, only hit with a spent ball, mostly because he and everyone else were tired of up one hill and up another. Frank who grew up in that area seemed not to mine one bit, but then again being a runner Frank wasn’t fazed. But all had a great time. So Huck and friends made it back to the top of the hill, but along the way he ran into his friend Charles Heath spent a few minute chatting about the last couple of days, than heath for the re-fill of his canteen while in the care of the federal army. Charles knows how to take care of people stomachs. Going back to when Huck was captured, it was because he tried to stanch Heath from the federal camp and take him as a POW. In hindsight Huck told me he bites off more than he could chew. But it was all in good, got to see his Pard Eric Fair again and a few others who he can’t seem to remember at the time when he told me this story.
So Huck made it back down to the vehicle staging point, got out of his civilian clothing, and had the need to take a bath, so Huck in good old fashion grabbed a bar of soap and headed to the lake, washed up and noticed he was covered in Chigger bites, to the point you can call it the CHIGGER POX. Good thing he doesn’t have to see his wife in Omaha for two weeks or we would have some explaining to do.
Well the ride back to KC was uneventful, talk of future events, something on the lines of a picket post or something dealing with General Order No 11, along with talking about what could have happened to the civilian ladies, who the Tater, the group of guys Huck was hanging with, where hoping to visit with. Arrive back in KC at a good hour, talk with Patrick and Ben, the other two gentlemen in Mike’s SUV about things and head to Mike’s house in search of food. So other than dealing with the Chigger POX Huck is going great and he sends his best. He hopes to see you very soon at some future event, maybe the one in GA in 2009.

I remain your servant
William Green
Sgt 21 TX Cav Marmaduke's Army

[Huck]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

My hat is off to Frank for a wonder job and to everyone else I had a chance to meet with over the weekend, all I have to say is .....Bully, Bully

[Coatsy]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

Chigger Pox is an apt way to describe the affliction that has beset many of us former mounted/dismounted Texicans. :tounge_sm


I still had a blast!

[Huck]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

I seem to be bathing in Caladryl Lotion. I am cover from mid torso down, counted over 250 bites along on parts that I can see.

[Sarah Belle]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

Thursday night staying on the sandbar with shooting stars above was spectacular, even though we woke up soaking wet. Thanks to Mr. Anderson and Mr. Romig for taking care of us otherwise unescorted women. We were a bit frightened by the found shot gun, but its owner gave us a lot to talk about. Sorry for going through your bags Jay, but really it was great to see everything you carried. I was truly impressed with the authenticity. After waiting for the wagon for most of the day on Friday it was neat to see the oxen brining in the wagon. Thankfully it also brought us Ewing girl’s Uncle Ruyle.
Saturday brought a lot of excitement. Our uncle sent us to the road to hide out at the creek for safety. So while Uncle was being conscripted by confederates in the woods we were questioned by Bushwhackers at the creek. Luckily Mr. Smith vouched for us and we were left alone, this time. After waiting for quite a few hours and worrying for our uncle’s safety by the creek, we built a fire and ate some lunch. The long wait gave me the opportunity to take off my shoes and sock and wade in to the creek, it was fantastic. After finally being found by our Uncle we returned to our camp in the woods above the wagon. While enjoying some watermelon that the lovely Miss Meg had procured for us we were ambushed by the Bushwhackers and told to drop the watermelon and to go down to the wagon. After some harassment and the stealing of our watermelon we were allowed to go back up to our camp. I do have to say Captain, you were fantastic, and oh so mean.
While up in our camp we warned the group of Bushwhackers, not once, but twice of coming Federals (sorry Iowa boys, but really you shouldn’t underestimate civilians, even women and children). I tell you I learned my lesson, never tell someone who is off to the necessary to watch out for Federals, they just might be out there (sorry Lizzy). We believed that the Bushwhackers should have thanked us for our help with the Federals, but all they did was threaten us with a noose and to be killed in our sleep. We began to get quite worried when the Silvana seemed to be getting into some trouble with the Bushwhacker and then disappeared. But we were able to spend some quality time with Miss. Meg, who was a joy to have around. Reading Tennyson by candle light in the woods was rare experience. So was being woken in the night by a man with a big stick standing at the foot of your “bed” looking for his daughter and Silvana and Anna.
Sunday brought the opportunity to see oxen lumber through the woods and to chase a nervous horse through the woods. It was all new and great. This was my first immersion event and except for the hard ground, ticks and no bath, I had a great time. Thanks to Frank and Silvana for organizing this event. It was great to meet so many nice, and not so nice people. Hope to see you all at other events

Sarah Belle Ewing
Brandi Jones
Corn Fed Comrades

[Brian Baird]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

Frank,
Many thanks for all your hard work to make this event happen. It was well worth the effect to come down on Wednesday to help out. Thanks for the Pizza & beer.
Brian Baird

[Campjacksonboy]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

Brian
I can not thank you enough for your help on Wednesday.
Frank

[Coon Dawg]

21st Texas, Company H I am way up here hundreds of all-fired miles from my home near Austin and all I can do is think about how much I miss my wife and daughter. I seen many strong men almost go all to pieces spending too much time worrying about their wife and children. All I can do is pray to the Almighty that this thing is over before too long and rest in the comfort of knowing that that my wife is a strong Midwestern girl who can take care of herself. Ain’t no doubt about that. Hell, I believe if they put her in charge of the 21st we would all be the better for it. And don’t think I don’t miss Amos either. Me and that horse had been together for going on near bout 15 years until he decided to go and get cold as a wagon tire back a couple months ago. I ain’t never walk so many miles all my days since.

Friday Afternoon Camped near a Lake. Some of the boys took a dip. I spend most of the afternoon cooking up some rations cause our captain told us we might be moving out soon. Talked to Chris and he told me something I didn’t know. He said he’d been riding his mount for near bout 22 years. Sure does make me miss Amos. Captain came by and told us to he was ready for us to move out. Filed my canteen up from the Lake. More walking and sweating. Stopped by a lady and a little boy’s seven by nine house. She didn’t have nothing to eat but she let us fill up our canteens from her well. Don’t guess that lady had expected company. Got to talkin to an old boy named Carl from Captain Kupsch’s company says his family is from near these parts. He said “he used to know when company was coming cause mama would put a ham hock in the peas.” Sure got me to thinking about my mama and her cooking.

Friday Evening Made camp on a rocky hill. Only had one shirt that was wet with sweat. Had to take it off and dry it by the fire along with my socks. Captain must of thought it was a good idea cause he decided to share my fire and do the same. Shared a cup of coffee and a hot dinner with my mess mates. Aint’t so bad when you got folks taking care each other.

Saturday Morning Woke at dawn. Checked to see ho much tobacco I had. The Almighty has blessed me this day. Moved up and over the mountains. I ain’t never seen so many briars, rocks, sticks and giant cockleburs in all my life. Didn’t see a Federal soldier most the mornin. Bumped into a few civilians though. One fellow said he had been paroled out of Mississippi. Captain did not believe him at first. Thought he might have been a Dutchie so he started asking him questions in German. Captain came back and said that the mudsill had a look on his face that told him he was telling the truth. Said he was too gall darn stupid to be telling lies. You can’t trick the captain no sooner than you can catch a weasel asleep.

Saturday Afternoon The 21st, Reve’s Missouri Scouts, and Pratt’s battery had them Yankees held up in their Fort at the top of the mountain. The Captain along with us boys were drying out our clothes when we heard gun shots from a top the mountain. The Captain yelled “to arms boys, to arms” and next thing you know we are all we are all running up the mountain all possessed like in nothing but our trousers, cartridge boxes and caps boxes. When we arrive the Federals were trying to flank Pratt’s battery. About that time Captain yells “refuse the left flank boys” and we along with the Sergeant Major skedaddle down the hill where the fighting commenced to get hot. Captain told the boys with the double barrels to get in close in personal like and at the same time told me and the others with rifled muskets to stay back on top of the hill and pick em off. We gave em hell and fight before they decided to retreat back to the Fort. Andy a fellow from our mess tried to take a prisoner and a fight broke out until the Sergeant Major pulled out his pistol and ran forward. Seeing that he had no choice but to surrender or be shot the Yank momentarily decided he should choose to live. Then moments later decided he might try to make a break for it. That is when the Sergeant Major and the fice got rowdy until the Sergeant Major threaten to pistol whip him then took him by the scruff of the neck to the rear. Moments later, we heard gunfire from our rear where Reve’s Missouri Scouts where set up. That is when the Captain sent the youngest of company H to lend a hand. They came back later saying that they, still shirtless, along with Reve’s Missouri Scouts captured 3 Federals. Captain said that they was so white he bet the Federals thought they was ghost. Moments later, Captain asked that I gather up a canteen detail and make sure Company H gets some water. To get to a safe water source, I had to pass through the Missouri Scout’s pickets. Their Irish was up and I do believe if the Sergeant Major had not been too far behind they might have cut me from ear to ear with those Missouri toothpicks they was carrying. You ain’t never seen such carrying on. Those ruffians had those Federal boys hog-tied and were debated whether or not they were going to leave em for dead or take the bounty. When the drinking commenced, I got real worried. At one point, the ruffian’s Captain stuck a pistol to one young boys head and decided then better of it. He told him that he reminded him of his sons and then ask all of to take our hats off and prey with him. I just knew if the Sergeant Major did not bring them back alive there would be hell to pay for our boys if we ever got captured. Luckily, for them and us the Scouts agreed to the bounty and we were on our way back up the mountain with the Yanks in tow. They looked real shook up. Therefore, I decided to offer one of them a bit of my tobacco. Didn’t have much to spare; however, figured that he would probably do the same if he were me. The younger one of the three commented that they were animals. I did not say nothin but in my mind I agreed. Got back to camp and turned over the Yanks to the colonel. Keep their weapons.

Saturday Evening Built a fire and boiled some coffee. Went over heard some boys from Captain Kupsch’s company playing the fiddle, banjo and pots and pans. The colonel even came over and played the bones and sang one of my favorite songs Old King Crow and a few I ain’t heard before.

Sunday Morning Captain woke us up and said we should get ready to move out. Said we were going take the fort. All three company’s formed up. Came in contact with Federal Cavalry. We deployed as skirmishers. The colonel asked who among us had rifled muskets. A few of us volunteered. It was me, the Sergeant Major and one of my messmates out front. It felt good to be with my messmate Andrew. We been together so long that I can read his mind. And the Sergeant Major, well…he has got the Lord on his side. One of the most courageous men I know. The cavalry probably knew they were outnumbered cause they stayed way out of sight. One of them sent a few rounds whizzing by my head at a perdy fast pace. The colonel was trying to get us spread out along the ridgeline and before he could do so the cannon from Pratt’s battery went off. It sure seemed like a long time before we got the command to attack. Then the Captain gave the command and we were off to the races. Hooping and hollerin. By the time we got to the top of the hill, I was plum tuckered out and the Yanks had skedaddled. The good thing was that they had left all there goodies. The boys went wild tearing through all there belonging. As luck would have it, I had to guard two boys that were captured. So they only thing I was able to eat was a handful of peppermints. After a while the colonel asked us to form up. He wanted to chase them Yanks clear back up North. So we formed another skirmish line and headed back down the hill. It was hard to see through the briars and trees. When we got near the bottom of one ridge, the Yanks came thundering up the hill like demons. They were everywhere to the right and left of me. I did not have the energy to run back up the mountain so I had to stand my ground and fight. However, the Yanks were too much and too many and I had to lay my weapon down and surrender.

Private Joel Phillips, Rock Island Illinois

[rkg]

Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR

I had a great time at this event-start to finish. Frank did a great job putting this together. It had a very special meaning to me to be running around in my g grandfather's footsteps there in Missouri. Thanks for that opportunity Frank, it meant a great deal to me. To all the guys in Co. F, nice to have met you, hope to see you in the field again soon. The only draw-back, my chigger-pox appear as if I have taken a double barrel shot gun blast to the legs below the knees. Hope they are gone by Into the Piney Woods. Thanks to all involved,