4th Arkansas Update

[trippcor]

I am happy to annouce that Brian Hicks will be serving as the 1st Lt and Herb Coats as Orderly Sgt for the company portraying the 4th Arkansas.

[MissouriStateGuard]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

I recently noted in "The Battle Raged...with Terrible Fury:" Battlefield Archeology of Pea Ridge National Military Park" a reference to the arms of the 4th Arkansas Infantry.

Capt. John Lavender recalled that the 4th Arkansas Infantry was armed with flintlocks, double barrel shotguns, and other old guns. The specific arms of the 4th Arkansas are open to questions, but at least some of the men had some type of military musket or rifle fitted with a bayonet. Captain Bailey recalled that a passing cavalryman wanted a shoat or piglet for his dinner and a Sergeant Rush stuck his bayonet through the pig and held it up to the passing cavalryman.

Sources cited are page 5 of "The War Memoirs of Captain John W. Lavender, C.S.A.," edited by Ted. R. Worley, Southern Press, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 1956, and page 26 of "Memoirs of J.M. Bailey," edited by James Troy Massey, self published in 1995.

Hopefully the park could provide copies to help focus your impression.

I have worked or volunteered for the National Park Service for over 20 years conducting firing demonstrations. I know of no NPS guidelines which would prohibit the use of shotguns for demonstrations. If the site has a ranger certified in percussion black powder weapons they should be acceptable- the only problem might arise from a flintlock certified ranger supervising percussion weapons, or vise versa. The only safety concession might be to religate the shotguns to the front rank.

If you choose to include shotguns in your impression I bet the staff would be willing to work with you.

V/R,

Kip

[trippcor]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

Kip,
The event guidelines for the 4th Arkansas for this event do allow for flintlocks and other smoothbore military muskets. As you have mentioned at the bottom of the list of allowed firearms is a note that says

Since modern NPS guidelines on black powder rifles prohibit the use of shotguns for demonstrations, these are not allowed.

This came from the park as I understand it from Art Milbert, the event coordinator. So though we know the 4th Arkansas did have shotguns, the Park will not allow us to use them for this event.

[MissouriStateGuard]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

Hello Tripp,

Isn't it a bit of a contradiction that the park won't allow the WIG/4th Arkansas group to use shotguns, but is allowing the WIG/MSG group to use shotguns?

Either it's not for safety or there is a miscommunication somewhere. I'll see what I can find out on my end.

V/R,
Kip

[trippcor]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

Kip,
Wow I did not realize that. Thanks for pointing it out. I have contacted Art and he will be checking with the park today. Hopefully we can have this resolved by this afternoon.

[trippcor]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

Ok this has been settled, the Park will allow shotguns in addition to flintlocks and percussion weapons. So those in the 4th Arkansas will be allowed to carry shotguns as research has indicated atleast some of them had. Sorry for the confusion.

I will update the website tomorrow.

[trippcor]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

Gentlemen of Co. B,
In a few weeks we will begin our journey to the Pea Ridge Battlefield. I don't know about you all but I am very excited about this unique event. It has some personal connections for me. I had an ancestor in the 3rd La that was killed in this battle so I am looking forward to seeing the site.

As I have posted Brian Hicks will be serving as our Lt and Herb Coats will be our orderly Sgt. It is possible this will be adjusted if we do not get more folks registered. If we end up with less than 25, I will most likely ask then to step down one rank. But there is still time and I am an optimistic person so I know we will have a goodly number of last minute registrations. Which reminds me, if you know of anyone that is planning to come that has not registered give them a push to do so. With the event less than three weeks away now is the time to get those registrations in. Also if you know of anyone sitting on the fence about this one, give them a push as well. This is a unique event. How many times have you had the chance to follow along in the foot steps of the men we portray on the very ground they walked on on the days they did it and get to take and burn fences. I don't think I have ever done all of those things at one event.

So now on to instructions. Every man needs to bring 60 to 80 properly rolled and bundled rounds. We will be doing a lot of demonstrations so expect to use the rounds. Though flintlocks are allowed, loading from a powderhorn will not be. Everyone must use paper cartridges. Also Flintlocks used for the 4th Arkansas impression should all be military muskets per the guidelines. Civilian shotguns will also be allowed. For those using Flints make sure to bring extra flints. While I don't think the NPS requires them, I would ask that those with flints consider using a flash guard. Your file partners will appreciate not getting sparked. Make sure when you arrive onsite that you have a clean and functional firearm. The NPS will inspect them Saturday morning. We will have an inspection Saturday night so any problems can be fixed before the NPS inspects.

I would like for all NCOs to wear strips. I along with Lt. Hicks and Sgt Coats will be selecting other Sgts and Cpls soon. I expect everyone follow the direction of those that are in these roles. I have not heard what manual Art wants us to use. I will pass that along once I find out. One of my pet peeves though is proper loading and firing. Make sure you are well drilled in that area.

Well that is it for now. As the event gets closer I will be sending out more information. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

[trippcor]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

Art has informed me that he would like us to use Hardee's Revised drill manual for this event and our company.

[Coatsy]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

Ok, now that I'm back from the Tundra of New York I can make a short comment. Kiev and I were discussing Pea Ridge in general, the use of shotguns and flintlocks, and the chance to "stetch" our legs along the Bentonville Detour. So yeah. Back from New York getting ready to head to Arkansas. Maybe Frank will bring some chickens. :)

[Kiev Thomason]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

Ok, now that I'm back from the Tundra of New York I can make a short comment. Kiev and I were discussing Pea Ridge in general, the use of shotguns and flintlocks, and the chance to "stetch" our legs along the Bentonville Detour. So yeah. Back from New York getting ready to head to Arkansas. Maybe Frank will bring some chickens. :)

Yes !Warm and at home again.

After Talking with Bob Serio on the phone a few times over the last week or so he says be ready for cold!So take a few pairs of socks and a heavy shirt for the night time gents.This should be a blast.Two good units and lots of good pards....lets go march!

[Campjacksonboy]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

Now where da hell is dis city child supposed to find a chicken?
Frank

[mslaird]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

There are a few chicken farms outside of St. Louis to the west if I recollect.

[fahtz]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

FRANKIE-
You have means to pick up some chicken puppets every so often...get one! This civilian may stroll into the camp and he needs to feel welcome...what better way to do so than with a chicken?

[Terry Sorchy]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

Tripp,
What Company of the 4th Arkansas are we portraying? We were wondering so we can find a personna.
Cheers:D
Terry Sorchy

[trippcor]

Re: 4th Arkansas Update

That would be Co. B.