Athens 1-3 August 08

[MoFed]

Re: Athens 1-3 August 08

Yep, I've got most of the stuff I posted saved. I'll pull it together and post it.

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[fahtz]

Re: Athens 1-3 August 08; GUIDELINES!

The following are the 2008 Guidelines for the MISSOURI STATE GUARD at Athens Missouri.

I would hope it goes without saying on this forum but just in case... All items and equipment listed in these guidelines must be of a documented period material, pattern, and construction techniques. If you have a question about an item, e-mail me.

If there are any questions please e-mail me. My e-mail address is listed in several places below.

Company commanders have not be set as of yet. I have been discussing leading companies with a few individuals, and hopefully in a month or so I can set them in place.

Certain activities are in the works for the event. A period correct camp will be maintained at ALL times. This means if you must have something modern to make your lie a happy one, you must be respectful of those around you and do so outside of camp.

Rations are being supplied by the park service. Registration is n the works currently, but will be out soon.

Photos attached to this post are all from 2 private collections. All are from the surrounding area of Athens Missouri. They are attached to show the participant what a male civilian at that time might have looked like.

ENJOY!

Missouri State Guard Guidelines
1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Division
Athens, Missouri August 1-3 2008
Prepared by Mitch Critel
Officer in Charge: Mitch Critel; fahtz1863@hotmail.com; 308-379-3135
Adjutant: Jay Stevens

Companies:
Monticello Grays
Canton Guards
Lewis County Company

Event Setup:
The events planned for the first weekend in August 2008 will be to accurately portray the actions of two opposing forces. The 1st Northeast Home Guard under Colonel David Moore, and the 1st Cavalry Regiment 2nd Division, Missouri State Guard under Colonel Martin Green. The guidelines presented herein are the product of numerous historians and many years of research. All have been consulted and checked against other histories and are presented as the best possible choice. In all of the following categories attention to details of original documented articles and equipment is needed.
The men who made up the Missouri State Guard in the north eastern counties of Missouri were predominantly farmers and small townsmen. All were capable of riding a horse. Nearly all carried a weapon of sorts, refer to weapons section for further details. The men would have all been dressed in typical civilian clothing representative of their social class, occupation and age. Keeping in mind most men were farmers, accounts of the state guard point to the abundance of walnut dyed cloth in the ranks throughout the years of service. The companies these men formed were individual militias from the county or community they lived in. They would have lived, worked and socialized with their comrades in arms.
Military protocol was lax at best in the ranks of these militias. Although other regiments in the Missouri State Guard were well versed in the drill manuals of the military, the 2nd division was more of a social club than it was a militia for defense. This is not to say that the regiment was a rambling hoard of men. They would still march or ride in groups, turn in line and fight in long lines using cover when they could.
The men of the 1st Cavalry were a mounted unit. However for the battle at Athens they dismounted and left their horses in the rear. For our purposes we will move as a dismounted group. It is encouraged that you research period horses and horse equipment to give you a better understanding of what these men went through on a daily basis. Likewise, any gear a horseman would take with him off his horse will be carried into battle.


GUIDELINES:

If at anytime you have a question about a specific item or just need impression guidance, please do not hesitate to contact Mitch Critel; fahtz1863@hotmail.com, 308-379-3135.

Head Gear:
Slouch Hats
Bee Hives
Pork Pies
Straw Hats
Limited Numbers:
Top hats, Mechanics Caps, and other documented hat styles.

Outerwear:
Coats:
Sack Coats
Frock Coats
Paletots
Overshirts: Typical colors include: red, grey, brown, green, and subdued plaid. Material should be of wool flannel, heavy linen or cotton

Trousers: Civilian pattern trousers only.

Shirt & Under Garments:
Shirts: Period Prints, Stripes, and Solids Only.
Under Garments: Period undergarments are highly suggested.
Vests: Optional, Single and Double Breasted Civilian Styles Only!
Boots: Documentation points to the prevalence of boots among farmers in Missouri at this time. However due to the large financial investment of a good quality pair of boots, brogans, bootees, and other documented civilian shoe styles will be accepted in the ranks.

Equipment:

Accouterments: Shot pouches, powder horns and flasks, belts, hunting or carpet bags and other equipment must all be of documented construction and materials. Powder flasks and shot pouches will NOT be FILLED. Blank paper cartridge ammunition will be the only means of loading and firing weapons. Various accounts of the Guard illustrate the lack of proper cartridge boxes, quoting the use of vest and trouser pockets and cloth bags to carry ammunition in. All military equipment must be of a dated pattern BEFORE 1860.

Canteens: Due to safety concerns, a canteen or water source must be carried by each man in the ranks. While documentation shows the men at Athens carried very few canteens, we will be departing history on this point. Possible options include; wooden canteens, tin drum canteens gourds made into canteens, bottles with slings, and anything that can hold water and also be carried on the move.

Blankets: Civilian panel, coverlets, quilts, scraps of carpet are all documented items carried, however need to be of a documented pattern, construction and material. Painted floor cloths are encouraged and acceptable if of period pattern and construction.

Eating Equipage: Civilian china, earth ware, and other period eating equipment will be accepted.

Weapons:
If no appropriate weapon can be acquired please notify your company commander to have one assigned to you for the weekend.
Long Arms:
Squirrel and deer rifles
Shotguns and fowling pieces
Pre-1842 pattern Military Weapon
M1842 Musket; ONLY IF NO OTHER WEAPON CAN BE HAD!
Note: Both flintlock or percussion weapons will be accepted, however if you choose to bring a flintlock weapon, notify your company commander or the officer in charge during registration. Flash guards are suggested but not required for flintlock weapons.
Pistols: Optional
Revolvers-steel back strap (Keep in mind that M1860 Army Colts would presumably have not been widely in use at the Battle of Athens, and M1851 Navy and Dragoon models would have been a relatively expensive luxury for a Missouri farmer in 1861)
Derringer or single barrel
Documentation points to pistols often being carried in the belt line of the trousers.
However for safety purposes NO LOADED PISTOLS may be carried in this fashion.

Knives:
Long knives
Belt Knives

Note: With the exception of officers’ and NCOs’ sabers, no knives will be drawn from a sheath or scabbard during the battle reenactments. These are for show only and for use in camp. Folding pocket knives used for repair purposes in the field are obviously OK.


Miscellaneous:
Spurs are encouraged but must be period correct.
Personal items are encouraged part to your impression for maximum benefit in interacting with and educating spectators. Items such as pocket watches, dominoes, cards, dice, journals, books, bottles and other things the average male of the period would have carried with them would be acceptable so long as they are documented to 1861 and were available in rural parts of Missouri.
Axes, shovels, horse tack and rope are also requested camp items.



Notes:
This section is provided to give a taste of period observations and modern scholarship about the Missouri State Guard during the summer months of 1861. For further reading please consult the works cited after each quotation.

“A flag raised over the court house by Colonel Martin Green at Macon was remembered as consisting of three stripes with fifteen stars without further description.”
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 304
“The Missouri State Guard…did not have sufficient time or the necessary funding to manufacture the standard uniforms prescribed by statute”
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 306
“Brown Jeans with a red calico stripe one-inch wide on the outside seam”, in reference to the uniform of the Bolivar Company.
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 307
“[Private Richard] Hubbell took a silver mounted Mississippi rifle which had been presented to his uncle for heroism in the Mexican War. He also borrowed a flintlock pistol…Having no holster, he simply tucked the pistol into the waistband of his pants.”
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 309
“A motley crew of men and boys, armed with shotguns, old flintlock rifles, smoothbore muskets…”
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 309
“Private Richard Hubbell carried bullets in one vest pocket, powder in another, and percussion caps in a third. One State Guardsman said his company was given a cloth bag filled with buckshot and told to “pour in a handful” before firing.”
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 310
“The guard was described by a federal solider at Carthage as having “no uniforms, being entirely clad in the homespun butternut jeans worn by every Missouri farmer in those days.”
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 311

I.M. Walters was under Martin Green during the battle of Athens and recalls the following; "A more motley aggregation of white men and boys than accompanied General Green on that occasion was probably never collected together on this earth. They ranged in age probably from twelve to seventy-five or eighty years old. The mixture of apparel and appearance was something wonderful to behold. Some were barefoot, many in their shirt sleeves only, and a few without headgear of any kind. Nearly all had horses, but many had no saddles, and some did not even have bridles, but guided their horses with plain rope halters." horses with plain rope halters."
Keokuk Weekly Gate City, March 29, 1900

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Re: Athens 1-3 August 08

On another note... I will be leading the Kahoka Home Guard (Union) company at Athens. For the love of God you State Guardsmen if we capture you don't tell us to go home to the north.(2005 we kept having these rebels tell us to go home to the north. Read your history!) Kahoka is south of Athens.

If you want to be in my company send me a PM or e-mail. hheadlog@aol.com

Holler

[fahtz]

Re: Athens 1-3 August 08

ha ha ha...oh Holler, I just think those fellows were turned around in shock that you had captured them! Seriously I hope it wasn't a Missouri boy who said such a thing, the should know better! And are you sure it was a guardsman, and not one of your fellow homeguard? I mean we look almost the same! We are just the better looking bunch! :D

[MoFed]

Athens Background

Founded in 1844, by the early 1850’s Athens was a small but thriving community and area trade center. The Thome Mill was a valuable asset to Athens and the region. “The roads leading into Athens were often lined with wagons of people coming for miles around brining their grist (primarily corn and wheat) to be ground and often the customer would have to wait a day or two for his flour or meal.” (Kahoka Gazette-Herald, Oct. 24, 1930). Thome’s mill was not only a grist mill, but also a flour mill and saw mill; the upper story was a woolen mill.

While waiting their turn at the mill, the settlers could fish, visit, or buy supplies at George Gray’s General Store. George Gray not only sold the “necessities” at his store, but some of the “frills” in life as well. He also served as a postmaster and sold stamps. He purchased hogs, butter, and made cash loans. Some items from the ledger for sale in 1852 are as follows:

Isaac Galland, Coat - $6.00
Israel Duty, 3 yds. Ky. Jeans at .45/yd. - $1.35
John Duty, Coarse boots - $2.00
I.N. Lewis, 5 hogs 770 lbs. At 4 cents - $30.80
A.W. Harlan, Bonnet - $4.50
Jas. Riley, Curry comb - .25
Thos. Caldwell, Bed cord - .30
Thos. Vanfossen, Violin string - .10
Arthur W. Peake, Smith’s Arithmetic - .35
Silvester Parsons, 1 pr. Suspenders - .30
Joseph Benning, 2 pr. Trace chains - $1.50
John Dumas, 81 1/4 lbs. Plow mold iron 5 cents - $4.06
Lewis Dumas, 1 fishline and hooks - .20
Mrs. Sloan, buy 4 1/4 lbs. Butter @ 15 cents - .64
Arthur Thome, of Farmington, per Paul, 1 ox whip - .25
Harry Slaughter, of Farmington, 1 fur cap - $6.00
John Anthony, of Iowa, ½ side upper leather - $1.25
Jonathan Fifer, 1 cloth coat for son - $7.50
Wm. Clark, 1 gal. S.H. molasses - .50
Jas. Cameron, on Fox river, 34 lbs. Cowhides - $2.04
G.W. Christy, 2 tuck combs @ .12 ½ - .25
Jas. Christy, ½ quire letter paper .10, 1 doz. Quills, .5 - .15
Jos. Christy, 1 violin .50, 5 strings .10, .30? - .80
Wm. Christy, 1 horse collar - $1.40
Thos. Calvert, 1 bonnet $1.50, 1 bandbox .20 - $1.70
I.N. Stewart, 1 shawl $2.25, 1 linen coat $2.00 - $4.25
Chas. Harr, (per wife) 2 ½ yds ribbon @ .10 - .25
Wm. Herman, 2 pr. Gloves @ .18 ½ - .37
Allen Stewart, by cash lent Troxwell - $1.20
David Hewit, (near Chambersburg) 1 fur hat - $2.25
Geo. Swazy, 1 pr. Fine shoes - $1.75
John Biedman, postage on letter - .05
Wyatt Mayfield, 3 straw hats @ .15 - .45
John Roseberry, 1 Atlas and Geography - .75
Jas. Graham, 1 sperm candle .5, 1 bar soap .10 - .15
Jos. Peckham, 4 lbs. Coffee .12 ½ - .50
Robt. Gammon, 1 gal. Molasses - .50
Crown (of Iowa) 2 bars lead .10, ¾ lb powder - .25
Mrs. Shaffer, 2 bonnets @ $3.00 - $6.00
Stewart Brannum, of Iowa, 1 overcoat - $6.50
Thos. Johnson, 19 lbs. Bacon .10 - $1.90
Benj. Johnson, 1 pocket knife - .60
Geo. Johnson, 1 vest - $3.50
Woodruff Becket, 1 congress hat - $1.25
Washington Smith, of Iowa, ½ lb. tea @ $1.00 - .50
Tallerand Frost, to cash, $3.00; 1 pr. Fine boots $3.75; 1 coat, $3.75; 1 black silk vest, $3.50; ½ plug tobacco @ .25 - .12; credit by loading and boating 3 days at Alexandria, $3.00; by bringing up boat, 4 days - $4.00
Case and Doud, by making wood work of wagon and painting same, $29; making wagon box, ironing and painting same, $12
Gideon Hottle, 1 keg nails, 100 lbs. At .04 - $4.00; buy 13 doz. Eggs @ .05 - .65
Daniel Shuler, by hauling 1 load of iron from Alexandria - $4.00
Riley Bedell, by hauling goods from Alexandria - $4.00
Bradley Barrows, by 3 days work boating, $3.00
Tuttle (of Farmington) to use of boat from Wed. to Tues. 6 days at $1.50/day, $9
Samuel Bedell, by 2 days hauling goods from Alexandria, $4.00; expenses on same, .90 by cutting pork ½ day .50; by stove pipe and elbow .50
Perry Colerton, by 1 ¾ days work boating, $1.75
Thomas Dean, by hauling 1 load from Alexandria, $3
Joseph Benning to cash paid Mr. Coon for dressing deer skins, $3.75


By 1852, houses and buildings were beginning to be built of frame and brick. The Aunt Jane Gray house (now known as the Widow Gray home), a frame structure was constructed in 1852 or 1853 at the east corner of the Isaac Gray log home. By 1852, George Gray was selling weatherboarding at .02 ¾ per foot and clear pine lumber at the same price. Black and white walnut lumber was selling for .02 ½ per foot. Bricks were sold at .40 per hundred. Case and Doud seem to have been the principal carpenters/wagonmakers that traded at George Gray’s general store. The bought a considerable amount of lumber and bricks as well as ingredients to mix paints. They are listed as purchasing Chinese vermillion, Paris green, Chromo green, Lamp black, and linseed oil. Case & Doud were operating a wagon shop and were renting a log house to conduct their business from Issac Gray. David McKee was apparently operating a blacksmith shop. Henderson Brown was making wagons or at least working on them.
Athens was doing a considerable trade via the Des Moines River as well as overland as the fees paid to Bedell, Colerton, Dean and Shuler attest.

In 1852, the highest wage seems to be $1/day. Board rates were $1/week. Food was inexpensive by our standards:

Flour, $4.50/barrel
Best bacon & ham, .10/lb.
Pork, .04/lb.
Bone meal, 02/lb.
Butter, .12 ½ - .15 /lb.
Eggs, .06 - .08 /doz.
Sugar, .08 1/3 per lb.
Coffee, .12 ½ per lb.
Tea, $1 /lb.
Maple sugar, .12 ½ per lb.
Rice, .06 ¼ per lb.
Dried peaches, $3/ bushel
Dried apples, $2.50/ bushel
White beans, $2 / bushel
Vinegar, .25/gallon
Mackeral, 6 for .25
Codfish, .07 / lb.
Peppersauce, .25/ bottle
Tobacco, .15 - .25 / plug

Smoking tobacco and liquor are listed infrequently. It is likely that tobacco was grown for smoking and whiskey made locally.

The maple sugar sold at Gray’s store was likely a product of local manufacture. Aunt Jane Gray was a well known producer of maple sugar and maple syrup. Other settlers would have made use of the maple trees in the area, but “Aunt Jane” was the most well known. The famous “sugar tree” grove of early Athens was reported as located behind her house.

George Gray’s store was located on Water Street, along the Des Moines River bank. Numerous other buildings were also located there. In addition to his store, George Gray has a woodyard and meat packing house along Water Street. The mill, ferry and boat landing were also located there. A large brick hall is also reported along Water Street where public meetings and dances were held, as is a brick hotel operated by a Mr. Jackson. A slaughter house was located upstream from the mill, across a stone bridge that spanned Stallion Branch. Of the many boats and steamers that serviced Athens in the early 1840’s-50’s, only the name of the “Lucy Bertram” is recorded. However, other steamboats, the “Die Vernon” and “Sucker State” are recorded at Churchville and likely serviced Athens as well.

In 1852, Athens had four physicians: Dr. Thomas H. Harlan, Dr. J.B. Augustus, Dr. M.D. Scott and Dr. J.M. DeBall. George Gray’s ledger reveals that Dr. DeBall purchased a quantity of drugs, including opium and arsenic for $29.43. Dr. Scott, obviously successful, purchased “one fine coat, $11; one fine vest, $3.50; one pair black cassimere pants, $6; one pair calf boots, $3.75; one pair kid gloves, .75; and one silk handkerchief, .75. (Kahoka Gazette-Herald, Nov. 14, 1930).

Five churches were located in pre-Civil War Athens. The churches represented were one Baptist, one Presbyterian, one Christian, and two Methodist. It is not recorded if each church had a separate place of worship or if they were representative congregations that met at private homes or public buildings. Other businesses and organizations present in the 1850’s were: Masonic Lodge, Express Office, and an Academy under the charge of Slaughter and Burah. The population was about 500. The Keokuk, Fort Des Moines and Minnesota Railroad Company had a station agent named Armstrong in Athens. It is likely that they anticipated the railroad reaching Athens, but construction was interrupted by the Civil War and the line was never completed.

The following is a list of businesses and organizations c. 1853-1860:

Wm. B. Armstrong, general store
W. Armstrong, agent K. Ft. D. and M. Railroad
? Armstrong, beef and pork packer
? Baker & Co., general store
?J. and W.B. Barwett, coopers
David Bedell, carpenter and builder
J.S. Bedell, Justice of the Peace
John Bobbitt, carpenter and builder
Mr. Buschler, stoves and sheet iron ware (Note: Most of the surviving buildings in Athens appear to have been designed to use stoves and do not have fireplaces.)
W. Burhage, painter
E.T. Colton, flour and grist mill
A.W. Calvert, cabinetmaker and carpenter
T. Colton, woolen manufacturer
Wm. Deck, blacksmith
Isaac, grocer
Henry Fehlhaber, wagon maker
R.P. Gray, coal dealer
B. Gray, livery stable
Isaac P. Gray, grocer
George Gray, general store
G. Gray, brick yard
George Gray, beef and pork packer
George Gray, postmaster
T.H. Hallan, physician and surgeon
T.H. & J.R. Hallan, druggists
P.F. Hamilton, cooper
J.M. Hiller, general store
George Hiller, blacksmith
David Kennedy, general store
Miss Kelly, Milliner and dressmaker
J.T. McKnight, baker
David McKee, assessor
McGown and Boler, blacksmith
J.T. McNiglet, tailor
Rev. D. Mason, Methodist Episcopal
J.D. Nash, boot and shoe dealer
G. Neuse, lumberyard
Henry Ostrander, blacksmith
James Perkins, Justice of the Peace
W. Perkins, Justice of the Peace
B. Robinson, ambrotype artist
G. Slaughter, constable
C.W. Stone, butcher
St. Louis Hotel, R. Jackson, Proprietor
M. Scott, cabinetmaker
John Stafford, general store
A. Starr, cooper
D.M. Scott, physician
R.P. Slaughter, meat market
Peter Turner, brickyard
Rev. Umpston, Presbyterian
Henry Warner, boots and shoes
Rev. Samuel Wood, Christian minister

According to the 1860 census, Clark County had a white population of 11,216; black population of 468. There were a total of 129 slaveholders, the largest being Col. Thomas C. Rutherford with 21 slaves.

The Circuit Judge from 1860-62 was Thomas S. Richardson.

The results of the 1860 National election in Clark County were as follows:
John Bell, 752
Stephen Douglas, 542
John Breckenridge, 497
Abraham Lincoln, 277

The foregoing information was taken, with permission, from the Athens Site Study researched and prepared by Roger Boyd, site administrator, Battle of Athens SHS and the History of Lewis, Clark, Knox and Scotland Counties, Missouri, 1887, (reprinted by Walsworth Publishing for the Knox County Historical Society 1981).


Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[MoFed]

Green's Proclamation

Edina, Knox County, Mo.
August 2, 1861

TO: THE CITIZENS OF KNOX COUNTY MISSOURI –

“Having been placed in command of the State Troops in Northeast Missouri, in discharge of my duty I recently visited the down of Edina for the sole purpose of dispersing a force quartered here, claiming to be Federal troops, but to our great disappointment, when we entered the town the bird had flown.

Proclamation was immediately made to the soldiers to keep out of private houses, but that they might, under the direction of an officer, search the quarters of the dispersed army and capture anything they might find belonging to the same. In accordance with the above proclamation, a search was made, considerable camp equipage, provisions and provender were found, known to belong to the fleeing enemy. This has been taken possession of and retained, according to the usages of war.

But I have been informed that some of the soldiers have transcended their limits and have taken private property. As soon as the fact was made known to me, I ordered an officer to put a stop to it, which was immediately done. I endeavored to find out where any depredation had been committed, and to repair the damage done by either returning the articles or paying for them.

We have been necessarily compelled to press some articles, but in all cases we have endeavored to pay for what we got; and I would remark that we have taken three dollars worth of property from our friend to one from those opposed to us, and if anything has been taken by the men under my command that has not been accounted for, I hereby pledge myself to have any and all property settled for whenever the facts can be made known.

As it regards my actions toward those whom we designate our enemies I would just state, that there have been several arrest made – some of them proved to be, on examination, private citizens. In all such cases they have been released. When they have proven to be sworn troops against the lawful militia of Missouri they have been paroled. No officer or soldier has been authorized to arrest any but sworn soldiers.

Fellow Citizens, I am in this region to restore quiet; that we may enjoy the peace that we have hitherto enjoyed, and I hereby proclaim that I have no intention to arrest peaceable citizens; but on the contrary, I pledge myself to use all means in my power, to protect all citizens, regardless of their opinion, in the enjoyment of all their constitutional rights.

And to those who have taken up arms against us I would say, whenever you lay down your arms and return to your business, as citizens, you, too, shall be protected in your rights, both you and your property. And I hereby give notice to all quiet and peaceable citizens not to be alarmed at our presence in this county; we are here for good, as we believe, and whenever the causes that placed us in the field cease to exist, we shall most gladly accept the opportunity to disband our forces and return to our homes.

Martin E. Green,
Commander, M.S.G.

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[MoFed]

Moore's Broadside

THE UNDERSIGNED IS AUTHORIZED TO RAISE
A COMPANY OF VOLUNTEERS
IN THIS COUNTY
FOR UNION SERVICE.

ALL WHO ARE WILLING TO FIGHT FOR THEIR HOMES, THEIR COUNTRY, AND THE FLAG OF OUR GLORIOUS UNION ARE INVITED TO JOIN HIM, BRINGING WITH THEM ARMS AND AMMUNITION. UNTIL THE GOVERNMENT CAN AID US, WE MUST TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES.

SECESSIONISTS AND REBEL TRAITORS DESIRING A FIGHT CAN BE ACCOMMODATED ON DEMAND.

D. Moore

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[MoFed]

Newspaper Account 1

“The Gate City,” Keokuk, Iowa
July 18, 1861
p. 2, c. 1 & 2

"More Arms

Several hundred stand of arms have been sent here by the Governor for home use. Our citizens are now taking vigorous measures to place our town in a state of complete defence. Thousands of cartridges have been prepared, and more coming. All the guns and muskets in the city have been or are being cleaned and repaired, and a thorough organization for protection by night and day will be set on foot immediately. Our citizens are determined to effectually ward off all danger of an attack by being thoroughly prepared for one, and, if necessary, they will carry the war into Africa.

Arms Received

Several hundred muskets from the Saint Louis Arsenal were landed yesterday at Warsaw by the steamer Hawkeye, for the Union men of North east Missouri. A regiment of Home Guards is organized in Clark County, under orders from Gen. Lyon, of which Wm. Bishop, Esq., of Alexandria, is Colonel. The regiment has been sworn in and with the arms just received they will be on a footing successfully to cope with the “Seceshers,” who are and have been for some time, night and day, “busy as the devil in a thunder storm.”

There is now little doubt that the increasing boldness and activity of the rebels all through Missouri, especially in the northern part, is caused by the incoming of thousands of rebels from Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, &c., who have been sent up and have come in in little squads, dropping down at all points, and stirring up all possible mischief. It is believed that at least 5000 southern rebels are thus scattered over Missouri, and it is owing to their presence and encouragement that the Missouri rebels are picking up new courage and becoming active, bold and defiant.

But the Government is preparing for them. In addition to the troops already on the line of the H. & St. Jo. Railroad, Col. Palmer’s regiment, Col. Turchin’s [sp?] new regiment, and the Irish Brigade, just from Chicago, have been sent over. And more will be sent if necessary. Rebellion must and will be crushed out, and traitors cut off.

The Princess Mary, of Cambridge, whose betrothal to the Duke of Newcastle has been announced, is a very comely personage, but very stout – so stout, in fact, that she finds crinoline entirely superfluous, except around the bottom of her skirt; and it is said that it has been necessary of late to enlarge the door of her carriage. A marriage was proposed between her and Victor Emmanuel, and he was delighted at the prospect of a connection with the royal family of England through the owner of so charming a face as that of the portrait which was shown to him. But when on his visit to England he say the lady, il Re galaniuomo – himself no slender lad – he retired precipitately from the negotiation. “I cannot marry that woman,” said he, “she’s broad enough to sit upon the seven hills of Rome.”

A Democratic Senator, Bussey, who co-operated with the Republicans in the last session of the General Assembly, has already been rewarded for his recreancy with a staff appointment, and we doubt not that others are licking their chops while they gaze intently upon the savory viands spread temptingly to entice such as are only too ready to sell themselves for a mess of spoils. -- Herald.

The Herald is a constant growler. It growls because, as it says, Democrats get no offices from Republican rulers, and when Democrats are appointed, the Herald growls because they accept of an office. Northern traitors are blest with a sweet disposition. -- Dubuque Times.

Farewell Ball

The Keokuk Jaeger Company will give their Farewell Ball at Burrow’s Hall, on Friday Evening, July 19th, 1861. Admission 50 cents. Tickets can be had of all members, and at the Door.

Attention, Keokuk Rangers

You are hereby commanded to meet on Johnson Street, between Second and Third, this day at 2 o’clock P.M. for the purpose of drill and other business of importance to the company. By order of the Captain. Joseph W. Stimpson, O.S.

The Last Chance for Volunteers

Capt. Parrott wants a few more good men to fill his Company, which is accepted, and will be mustered into the U.S. service in three or four days. Rendezvous on 3d street, between Main and Johnson streets, where Volunteers will be received till Saturday."

Thanks to Kip Lindberg.

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[MoFed]

Newpaper Account 2

“The Gate City,” Keokuk, Iowa
July 24, 1861 p.2, c.1

"Skirmishing in Clark County, MO.

Croton, Tuesday July 23.

Mr. Editor: The Northeast Missouri regiment, composed of the Croton Guards, Warsaw Guards, Sand Prairie Co., and the Home Guards of Clark Co., have just arrived at Athens, having cleaned the northern part of Clark Co. of the rebels and wandered as far as Etna in Scotland Co., which was taken Sunday evening without the loss of a man on our side – the rebels shooting too high. After delivering one volley they fled. There were 50 of them, mounted. We learn that our troops killed 1 and wounded 1.

The prairies near our line of march were scoured by our cavalry, one man being shot and wounded slightly in the shoulder. This was the only injury received by our men. We learn that four or five rebels were killed. Our scouts captured several horses, hats, guns and prisoners. On arriving at Athens all the rebels that had not fled previously were arrested. Two secession flags were found in private houses. I neglected to mention that we cut down the secession pole in Etna and took the streamer, which had “Jefferson Davis” on it. It is now in possession of the Warsaw Greys, who are to return it, after being exhibited in Warsaw to the Croton Company, who were sharers in the capture. Col. Moore now awaits reinforcements to march on Memphis [MO]. F.

The Warsaw Greys, mentioned above, arrived in Keokuk last night, on the cars from Croton, and as they marched through the streets, showing that rebel flag, they were loudly cheered.

Another letter from Croton says that there are 300 Union troops at Luray waiting re-enforcements, while Col. Moore, with several companies, is waiting for more men at Athens. He intends to join the forces at Luray and then march on Memphis.

It is reported that the Union flag is still flying in Memphis and that the Union company commands the place. But this is doubtful.

Col. Moore has about 30 prisoners and will deal with them in a military way. Dr. Harlan, of Athens, was captured, while attempting to flee. Judge Caldwell and Esq. Bobbett couldn’t be found. Capt. Baker and one Morland left early one morning, with carpet sack in hand, half scared to death. Col. Moore and his men will soon clear the whole region of rebels."

Thanks to Kip Lindberg

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[MoFed]

Newspaper Account 3

“The Gate City”, Keokuk, Iowa
August 15, 1961
p.2 c.1

"A Secesh Account of the Battle of Athens

Here is an account of the Battle of Athens which the secesh Bulletin of St. Louis certifies as “accurate:”

We have been furnished the following letter, written by a gentleman at Athens, giving an entirely different account of the battle at that place. The gentleman who furnishes the letter endorses the reliability of the writer:

“Col. Martin Green (brother of ex-Senator Green), at the head of 450 men, who had been organized under the military bill, attacked Col. Moore, who force numbered 650, and drove them across the Des Moines river, where Moore was reinforced from Keosauqua and other towns above. Green attacked them a second time and drove them before him, until Col. Moore was reinforced again, when after a hard fight, Green retreated, carrying off their two pieces of artillery, wounded, &c. Green had to fight in all from two to three thousand men, yet his boys fought with all the coolness of veterans, and drove them back in every hand to hand fight.

Among the State troops who were killed, eight in all, were some of our best men. The following names are all I have obtained: Jos. Ewalt, Eli Butler, Mr. Moore, Mr. Williams, Young Bowles, all living in this neighborhood.

There is no doubt but the Federals lost from 200 to 300 men, in killed and wounded.

The country is thoroughly aroused and the masses are very indignant at the intermeddling with their rights by the people of Illinois and Iowa, who, at the instance and information of every intermeddling, cowardly Black Republican, send their armed hordes to rob and murder our best citizens. – A.B.O."

Thanks to Kip Lindberg

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[MoFed]

Registration Packet

The Athens 2008 registration packet is attached in Word format. The registration form is at the end of the document. Please contact me if you need a hardcopy. Questions and registration forms should be directed to their respective coordinators as listed in the materials. We look forward to seeing you in August.

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.
Battle of Athens 2008 Steering Committee

[MajShacklett]

Re: Athens 1-3 August 08

I am the ancestor of Major Benjamin W Shacklett, Scotland County Mounted Troop, Missouri State Guard. I belong to a mixed Civil War Living History group out of Des Moines, IA and we will be attending this event. I do portray Maj Shacklett, and thought that it would be nice to resurect the Scotland County Mounted Troop for this event. Of course with the permission of the Missouri State Guard Commander. Remember that even though this was a Mounted Troop, they did fight on foot. If it's possible I would like to use the same route to enter the battle as they did during the actual battle. If anyone is interested in doing this, please let me know.

Thank You

Respectfully

Major Benjamin W Shacklett
(Mark B Riney)
Commanding
Scotland County Mounted Troop
1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Division
Missouri State Guard

Warwick Living History

[fahtz]

Re: Athens 1-3 August 08

Hey Athens is still going on! I will be at Pea Ridge for anyone still on the fence and wanting to chat with me about particualrs and such...

[BorderRuffian]

Re: Athens 1-3 August 08

Mitch,


Will there be a ration issue or is everyone on their own?See you at Elkhorn.

[fahtz]

Re: Athens 1-3 August 08

There will be a ration issue for Athens. I will adventure over to Elkhorn to chat with you boys!