Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

[Jim of The SRR]

Hello all fellow members of the AC,



Just wanted to give everyone on here a heads up on Memorial Day weekend of 2012, the Liberty Guards Mess a SCAR member group will be hosting an event called “Twilight of Our Being; Blakely 1865, “ At Blakely State Park in Spanish Fort, Alabama ( about 10 miles from Mobile). The event will be a semi-immersion event(there will be spectators) depicting the 46th Mississippi Infantry, the 63rd Ohio Infantry as well as a detachment of Federal Infantry and Cavalry on the eve of the fall of Fort Blakely in April 1865.

We have tried very hard to recreate the events that occurred to this regiment before it was totally destroyed on April 2-3 1865. But here’s an overall rundown:

At dusk we will be forming the regiment inside of the main defense of Fort Blakely (Redoubt #4) from there we will march down the Stockton Road about a mile in front of the works and deploy. From there on out it’s a twenty four hour picket rotation, as each side keeps a wary eye on the other. All day sporadic shots will be heard. At one point we will rebuild a rail fence just as these men did to halt a reconisance in force by the enemy, we will possibly be doing a small mail call, we are issuing rations. At the very end of the event as per history our unit will be destroyed by a Union assault. In between we will definitely keep it lively for you……..

For the Federals your scenario is also that of an advanced unit, your job is to constantly probe forward to find the weak links in the chain of defenses of Blakeley, this will be the full immersion part of the event as you will not be visible to the public. This also will inclue issued rations, mail call, some pioneer work etc……..



Overall Commander is Jordan Roberts



Company commanders for the 46th Miss (We will be functioning as a two company battalion)

Jim Butler

Walter Cook

Contact Walter Cook for more information: floridaconfedrate@hotmail.com

Thanks,
Jim Butler
SCAr www.scarreenactors.com

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

Jim,
Any idea when the federal guidelines will be available? I'm very interested in portraying my home state. Also just out of curiosity why was the 63rd chosen instead of the 48th OVI?

[Lucky]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

For those who have never been there, Blakeley literally miles of original earthworks still intact, in some places opposing lines. Excellent site.

Thanks for putting this event together.

[Michael Comer]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

How come nobody ever does CS Missouri troops at events? Seems like everything is Mississippi, Georgia or Texas. There, that's my gripe for today.

[STLMOYank]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

This is one I'll have to make it to. No excuse since I have the weekend off.

[Jim of The SRR]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

Wlater and the Liberty Huard guys are the organziers and can best address any questions. Contact Walter Cook for more information: floridaconfedrate@hotmail.com

Thanks,
Jim Butler

[Lucky]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

Cockerell's brigade occupied redoubt 4 during the siege. 6th Missouri would be a good one. Not to take away from what the event organizers are trying to do or anything.

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

The following is from the Library of Congress digital archives.

The History of the campaign of Mobile; including the coöperative operations of Gen. Wilson's cavalry in Alabama (1867) by Christopher Columbus Andrews

The right of the Eighty-third Ohio had three ravines to pass,
and the ravine nearest the garrison works was deep and long
enough to include nearly the whole of the regiment. When
it had advanced about two hundred yards, it had come to the
principal line of confederate rifle-pits, still to some extent occupied.
The Eighty-third there paused a few moments for
the right to get up out of the ravine ; the confederate sharpshooters'
guns were taken from those who surrendered, and
broken. Then the colors of the Eighty-third moved on the
line still advancing as fast as the nature of the ground and the
obstacles of brush and logs would admit. It soon began to
descend the ravine two hundred yards from the main works,
and for two or three long minutes was lost sight of. It was
passing the ravine through which ran a rivulet, and in the bottom
of which was a jungle of slashings almost defying the passage
of persons even at a time of leisure and unencumbered
with weapons. Then it began to ascend the high ground in
front of the redoubt where were some detached rifle-pits. A
few steps farther and it was up to another line of abatis, breast high,
apparently impassable, and fifty yards from the works.
Before this the foremost of the Eighty-third stooped down to
avoid the destructive fire which was being poured upon them,
to take breath, and to wait till the wings could close up. Fifteen
yards inside of the line of abatis just before them was
another line, not readily seen at a distance, consisting of stakes
firmly driven into the ground close together, and sharpened at
the end. Then, thirty-five yards from that, was the ditch and
the high parapet of the redoubt. The infantry troops which
manned that redoubt and the adjacent breastworks, consisted of
Cockrell's Missouri brigade, comprising the First, Thkd, Fourth,
and Fifth Missouri infantry, and the First and Third Missouri
cavalry, dismounted ; one of the most famous fighting brigades
of the confederate army. These troops stood up in a bold manner
behind their breastworks, firing on their assailants as if they
hoped to repulse them. There seemed to be a constant blaze of
musketry along the breastworks. The artillery was served with
the same desperate energy. The guns vomited forth grape and
canister with a fury that made one shudder. But most of the
shots went over the mark.
While the Eighty-third Ohio was in that position the Sixty ninth
Indiana and Ninety-seventh Illinois were on their right,
on lower ground, near the Stockton road, and hotly engaged.
Lieut. Col. Baldwin caused part of his regiment to return the
fire of the garrison while the rest made an opening through the
abatis. The colors of the regiment were flying conspicuously,
and both flag staffs were shot in two and the colors riddled with
bullets.
While this scene was occurring, a division staff-officer was sent
to have the Twenty-fourth Indiana move down . to reinforce the
Ninety-seventh Illinois, whose colors were seen not far from the
main works ; but the Twenty-fourth was already on the way to
the works farther to the right, and the officer found it inside of
them. About the same time, another staff-officer was sent to
hasten forward the main line of the Third brigade in support
of the Eighty-third Ohio ; but before he reached its commander,
it was advancing on the double-quick, the colors flying, the men
cheering, and the whole line looking splendidly. On the right,
was the Thirty-fourth Iowa, Col. G. W. Clark ; next the One
Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio, Col. J. H. Kelly ; the Thirty seventh
Illinois, Col. Charles Black ; and the Twentieth Iowa,
Lieut.-Col. J. B. Leake ; all superior regiments, with gallant
and able commanders. Their appearance on the field, of course,
began to excite dismay in those against whom the Eighty-third
was contending. Lieut.-Col. Baldwin, as soon as a passage was
opened through the abatis, gave the order for the regiment
again to advance. This was done with a dauntless spirit. The
men, with then* bayonets, pried an opening through the next
line of abatis, then rushed forward, bearing their flying
colors, and, though still encountering numerous obstructions,
in the nature of wire lines, were soon upon the redoubt. Capt.
Garry, of the Eighty-third, was among the first to mount the
parapet, but a private soldier is said to have been the first over
them. Lieut.-Col. Baldwin was soon on the parapet ; and seeing
that the most of his regiment was ready to mount the works,
he jumped down inside, and cried out, " Surrender !" The commanding
officer inquired, " To whom do we surrender ?" Baldwin
answered, " To the Eighty-third Ohio." Then the officer
said, " I believe we did that once before,"—referring to a somewhat
similar occasion at Vicksburg
It was about twenty minutes from the time the Eighty-third
began the charge till it was in possession of the works ; but
some contest was kept up for a few minutes in rear of the
redoubt after the first had entered. Two volleys were fired
inside the works, in the edge of the woods, five minutes after
the Eighty-third was inside.

[FlaCpl.]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

Gentlemen,

First off let me correct my mistake the Federal impression will be the 83rd Ohio Infantry the 63rd was a typo on my part my fault.Secondly the answer to the 46th Miss. is simply a request by the park service to shed light on other regiments serving at the seige besides the CS Missouri Brigade, they let us use this amazing site, so figured we could accomidate their wishes. The Federal guidelines are simple and I have posted them below for all those interested in this part of the event the Federal commander will be Paul Goodeau .
We appreciate the early intrest and we hope to see you all there.

Walter Cook
Liberty Guards Mess
SCAR

floridaconfedrate@hotmail.com

[FlaCpl.]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

1) Headgear :
A) Hardee hat unadorned
B) Citizen hats
C) Forage caps (limited )

2) Jackets
A) Four button fatigue sack coat
B) Federal Infantry Frock
C) Schuylkill Arsenal Shell Jacket

3) Trousers
Sky Blue foot pattern trousers
3) Shirts
A) Federal Issue Pattern of wool flannel
B) Civilian pattern


4) Socks
A) Issue
B) Citizen

5) Shoes
A) US Issue pattern
B) Citizen pattern

6) Drawers
A) US issue
B) Civilian

7) Cartridge Box
A) m1861 Box
B) m1864 Box

8) Cap Box
A) m1861 Box
B) m1864 Box

9) Scabbard
A) 2 Rivet Scabbard
B) 7 Rivet Scabbard

10) Belt
A) US puppy paw buckle black leather, leather keeper
B) US mid war arrow back black leather brass keeper optional

11) Weapons
A) p53 British Enfield
B) p61 US Springfield
C) p42 US Springfield

12) Knapsacks
A) m55 Double Bag
B) late war pattern Double Bag
C) Short patent Bag

13) Blanket
A) Federal Issue
B) Citizen in gray or tan

14) Ground Cloths
Federal Issue gum blankets only

15) Haversacks
A) Federal tarred
B) Contract Haversacks

There you go gents the guidelines for the 83rd Ohio Infantry Company.

Walter Cook
Liberty Guards
SCAR

[FlaCpl.]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

To Mr.Comer,
I agree with you on your statement, and add an authentic Florida regiment impression as well to your list........Dont worry Missouri will have its Day...
Walter Cook
Liberty Guards Mess
SCAR

[Spinster]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

Jimbo

Send me mail call instructions please.


The only proper place for civilians re Blakley is way over around Kushla, hiding in a blackberry ramble. I believe I can accomplish a contribution while sitting in the air conditioning.

[Aric Bruggeworth]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

For those interested in attending, initial registration is free. Participants have the option of bringing their own rations or if they wish to be part of the ration issue can include a check for $10.00 with their registration form. Now for the actual event in May we ask that each participant pay $5.00 at the entrance of the park upon entry. This self-imposed entry fee will go directly to the park and preservation of Ft. Blakely. Any questions can be directed to Walter Cook Floridaconfedrate@hotmail.com or myself Aric Bruggeworth Oceanpond88@gmail.com. The Confederate/Federal Infantry companies have been filling since registration has opened, if anyone is interested in doing Federal Cavalry and doing something rather unique at an event please send us an email.

Registration for Twilight of Our Being:

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Emergency Contact:

Unit Affiliation:

Unit for Event Please Check One:

46th Mississippi- Jordan Roberts Commanding

________1st Company: Jim Butler

________2nd Company: Walter Cook

83rd Ohio Infantry- Paul Goudeau

______Company A

2nd Illinois Cavalry-
______Company K

Are you purchasing rations?

____ Yes If yes please enclose 10.00


As a participant in this event I will not hold liable the Liberty Guards Mess ,SCAR, Blakely State Park ,or parties affiliated or associated with this event. For any personal injury,death,or loss incurred.I assume all risks in connection of said event.

Sign:______________________________________

Date:_______________

Please mail to Walter Cook :585 State Road 50 Webster, Fl. 33597

CHECKS PAYABLE TO WALTER COOK

[Aric Bruggeworth]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

46th Mississippi Infantry Guidelines:

Jacket:

1) Department of Alabama Jackets

2) Peter Tait Jackets

3) Columbus Depot (Accepted but not preferred)

4) Frock Coat or Commutation Jacket

Trousers:

1) Blue/Gray English Import Cloth

2) Confederate Issue

3) Citizen trousers

Shirts, Socks, Drawers:

1) Civilian

2) Confederate issue

Shoes:

1) Confederate Issue

2) English imports

3) Civilian

4) Federal shoes are accepted but not preferred

Headgear:

1) Confederate Issue kepi

2) Citizen Slouch

NO HAT BRASS, FEATHERS, OR ANIMAL PARTS

Cartridge Box:

1) Tarred

2) Confederate issue

3) Retooled Federal boxes of documented origin

4) English import

5) Federal no stamp accepted not preferred

Cap Box:

1) Tarred

2) Confederate issue

3) Federal non-stamped accepted not preferred

4) English Import

1) Any documented Western depot production

2) English Import

-NO CS OVAL PLATES

Knapsacks:

1) Confederate issue single bag i.e.: Kibbler, Pritchard, Model ‘21

2) English Import

3) French Import

4) Bedroll

5) Federal accepted not preferred

Haversacks:

1) Non painted CS

2) Painted CS

3) Citizen
NO FEDERAL HAVERSACKS

Canteen:

1) Tin Drum

2) Wooden drum
) Federal accepted not preferred

Blanket:

1) CS issue

2) Coverlet

3) Civilian

4) Federal issue

Gum Blanket:

1) CS issue

2) Civilian floor cloth

3) Federal Gum blanket

Weapon:

1) P53 Enfield

2) 1842 .69 Smoothbore

3) 1861 U.S. Springfield accepted not preferred

Tentage:

1) CS flies per 6 men

3) No tentage preferred

[FlaCpl.]

Re: Twlight of our Being: Ft. Blakely - 1865

Fellow living historians.
Just a reminder to get those registrations in!
Walter Cook