Confederate Flintlock Company for Twin Rivers

[Daniel]

Is anyone raising or thinking of raising a Confederate flintlock company for Twin Rivers to be held near Colliersville, TN - Nov. 11 -14, 2010? This event, based on the Forts Henry/Donelson compaign, would be a wonderful event for those of use who have dreamed of recreating an early war authentic, generic flintlock company.

Let me know if anyone is interested in using a pumpkin slinger and not dressing in style!

Dan Stewart

[Capt51stALA]

Re: Confederate Flintlock Company for Twin Rivers

Sounds interesting. Might have to break out the flintlock for this event.

Michael Mumaugh
51st Alabama INF
I.R.
WIG

[Michael Comer]

Re: Confederate Flintlock Company for Twin Rivers

Better make sure they'll allow flintlocks on the field first. Good chance they won't.

[Daniel]

Re: Confederate Flintlock Company for Twin Rivers

Michael,

Thank you for suggestion. I have premission to raise a Confederate Flintlock company for this event.

Dan Stewart

[Daniel]

Re: Confederate Flintlock Company for Twin Rivers

Michael M,

It does sound different. I hope you will consider joining the company.

Dan Stewart

[Michael Comer]

Re: Confederate Flintlock Company for Twin Rivers

I think it's great that you'll be able to raise a flinter company. It's certainly an early war impression that doesn't get seen very much.

[Busterbuttonboy]

Re: Confederate Flintlock Company for Twin Rivers

I'd love to read more about this. Can anyone share any of the primary sources?

[yerbyray]

Re: Confederate Flintlock Company for Twin Rivers

I would be interested in this and I have three correct flintolocks ( a true 1st model Brown Bess, a Fowler, southern Mountain Rifle) of two I could loan out if needed. What other gear requirements are there? I imagine civilian or frock coat or maybe a battle shirt but I will let the experts decide. Keep us abreast of what is going on.

[Daniel]

Re: Confederate Flintlock Company for Twin Rivers

Mr. Ray, we are glad you are intested in the company. For this company, we will be using only military flintlocks used at Forts Henry/Donelson- like your Brown Bess or a M1816/22. Fowlers or hunting rifles will not be allowed in this company. We are striving to have an "as issued from the state arsenal" look.

You can get some idea of the gear requirements from what was issued to a company of the 10th Tennessee, Inf at Fort Henry:

80 flintlocks
80 cartridge boxes
80 brush and picks,
160 gun flints
80 gun slings
80 waist belts
8 spring vises
8 ball screws
4 saber belts
84 knapsacks

Each man seemed fairly well equipped except for the obsolete flintlock. Also you can notice that there was were no bayonets or scabbards issued at this time. (Maybe this is a good excuse to bring out a d-guard knife.) As for the uniforms we do not have any hard or fast rules. I think that as long a person can document his choice of civilian, state or communtation frock or sack coat that would be ok. As for pants, as soon as we start getting to a company strength we can decided on adding the black strip to the outside of the pants. It seems like a lot of Confederate had a black stripe on their pants.

Dan Stewart

[Daniel]

Re: Confederate Flintlock Company for Twin Rivers

Fielding this company is certainly not a done deal. We do have permission from the event organizers to field this company. But that is about it. This company is starting from the ground up. We do not have officers, NCO,s and we certainly do not have the soldiers in the ranks - yet. I know that this is a very specialized company. There are probably more living historians who are capable of presenting a Berdan Sharpshooter impression than there are living historians who are capable of doing an good early war Confederate soldier who shoulders a military flintlock. I know not many living historians have a Brown Bess or a M1816/22 in their closet. Still I think a flintlock company at the Twin Rivers would be a wonderful addition to this event. And probably something that has not been seen in this hobby.

Keep in mind that this company will be a temporary organization for the Twin Rivers event. So each member will have his home unit.

Dan Stewart

[Daniel]

Re: Confederate Flintlock Company for Twin Rivers

I have informed one of the organizers of the Twin Rivers event that I am giving up the efforts to organize a Confederate Flintlock company for the event. So far not very many living historians have expressed interest in creating a company of flinters for this event. I hope that perhaps someone who is a better organizer can raise a company of Confederate Flintlocks for this event.

I would like to thank the organizers of this event and the living historians who have expressed an interest in this company.

Dan Stewart