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Pickett’s Mill 150th C.S. Cavalry Participants
May 9, 2013
Gentlemen:
The following information is provided to guide you in your participation as A Confederate States cavalry participant at the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Pickett’s Mill, GA, May 30 – June 1, 2014.
OUR GOAL is to portray and honor the men of the 53rd Alabama Cavalry by representing them as historically accurate as possible. NOTE that each cavalry trooper will be inspected prior taking the field for adherence to impression standards, This is NOT an event where you grab your regular kit that you take to every other event and jump in your truck.
Event Staff
Herb Coats, Event Coordinator
Mike Ventura, Cavalry Coordinator
Steve Hadley, Chief Ranger, Georgia DNR
James Wooten, Interpretive Ranger, Georgia DNR
Event Commanders
Joe Blunt, Federal Commander
Brian Hicks, Confederate Commander
Tommy Helton, Cavalry Commander
Location
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site
4432 Mt. Tabor Church Rd
Dallas, GA 30157
GPS Coordinates:
N 33.973450 | W -084.759683
Event Rules:
Impression Standards
Horses
1) ALL horses must have current Coggins papers.
2) OUT of STATE horses must have valid Health Certificate.
ALL horses will be inspected upon arrival. Horse’s front hoof will be marked with paint upon completion of inspection. We strongly urge that your horse is shod!
Directions and Parking
Enter Pickett’s Mill Battlefield through the main entrance off Mt. Tabor Church Road. Proceed about ¼ mile to the first paved road to the RIGHT (Maintenance Road). Look for the sign “Cavalry Registration.” Turn RIGHT on and go to the end of the road. GO THROUGH the chain link gate and circle around the maintenance building so that you are facing back towards the direction that you just came. YOU WILL BE DIRECTED WHERE TO PARK. We have designated spaces for large and small rigs. Parking is limited.
Event Check In
Event check in will be in the parking area near the maintenance building. You will check in and then have your horse inspected for Coggins and Health Certificate (out of state horses only).
Impression Inspection
After you check in and your horse has been inspected, you can change into your kit. Prior to entering the event grounds, you must pass an impression inspection by the Cavalry Coordinator and Event Staff. Historical accuracy and authenticity standards will be enforced. A list of Uniform and Horse Equipment standards is attached. While we are not “stitch – Nazis,” this is an event with accurate historical interpretation required. You may be kindly asked to leave some things in your truck. If so, please accept this in the spirit of making this event as accurate as we can for all the participants.
Ammunition / Rounds
Please bring a minimum of 80 rounds. Previous information was that rounds would be furnished. But, the group that volunteered to roll rounds (The Friends of Pickett’s Mill) over-committed – they would have had to roll between 16,000 – 24,000 rounds! And have thus far rolled zero. Do no count on rounds being issued. Bring your own!!
Rations
The event is providing a minimal ration issue to cavalry consisting of soft bread, bacon and sweet potatoes. Historically, the 53rd Alabama Cavalry had raided a Federal supply train and sutler just prior to the battle at Pickett’s Mill and had confiscated all manner of “delicacies.” Stuff your haversack with “…cheese, crackers, pickles…” and other period correct food.
Hay
The location of the camp from the parking area is some distance, and the carrying hay that distance over a hilly trail would be most difficult, Therefore, we will have square bales of recent-cut fescue delivered to the site prior to the event. The Mill and the event staff is NOT providing the hay, as cavalry participants were not assessed a registration fee. The hay has been privately purchased. Each cavalry participant is asked to contribute $8 for one bale of hay. This will be collected at check in.
Water
There will be a modern horse trough located on the logging road between the parking area and the camp. A hose will extend to the trough from the maintenance shed. When you water your horse, please be courteous and fill it for the next person. Use this hose to fill canteens.
Firewood
Firewood will be scavenged from deadfall in the woods.
Vet & Farrier
We have a vet and farrier on stand-by. Should you require either of their services, contact Mike Ventura. You are responsible for payment at time of service.
Emergency #
The Pickett’s Mill phone # is (770) 443-7850. In case of emergency, have your family member tell the that you are with the Confederate Cavalry
Inspection Requirements
Please read the event impression standards
Here are some of the specific items that the event staff will be inspecting:
Shoes / Boots – Proper one-piece fronts.
Pistols. We are limiting the number of pistols to one-third of the troopers. Just plan on not bringing a pistol. If we must, we’ll arbitrarily allow one in three troopers to carry a pistol. Absolutely no extra cylinders, cylinder pouches or pommel holsters!
Sabers. None. Officers only.
Horse Tack. A mixture to include Federal McClellan’s, Federal cavalry blankets and Federal tack because of the recent capture (above).
Modern Saddle Pads – if you must use a modern saddle pad, please wrap it completely in a period blanket.
No anachronisms - this includes modern eyeglasses, modern jewelry, wristwatches, etc. Smoking and tobacco use should be in period fashion only, such as plug tobacco and pipes (cigars are o.k. for officers). Cigarettes are not allowed. Correct period boots (one piece fronts) are desirable.
We will inspect each trooper prior to entrance into the event for adherence to these standards NO modern anachronisms including modern eyeglasses will be allowed. We mean this, so it is imperative that you "self inspect" yourself before you request admittance to the event grounds. You may be kindly asked to leave some things in your truck. If so, please accept this in the spirit of making this event as accurate as we can for all the participants.
NO CAMERAS, smart phone cameras or any 21st century intrusion will be permitted. No picture taking will be permitted while participating.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Mike Ventura is the Cavalry Event Coordinator on the event staff. He will be responsible for all on-site logistics as well as cavalry registrations and participation and will serve as the Acting Inspector General for all troopers prior to entering the event site and during the event will serve as the cavalry liaison with the event director and park rangers. Direct any cavalry questions to Mike at mike.ventura@comcast.net
May 9, 2013
Gentlemen:
The following information is provided to guide you in your participation as A Confederate States cavalry participant at the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Pickett’s Mill, GA, May 30 – June 1, 2014.
OUR GOAL is to portray and honor the men of the 53rd Alabama Cavalry by representing them as historically accurate as possible. NOTE that each cavalry trooper will be inspected prior taking the field for adherence to impression standards, This is NOT an event where you grab your regular kit that you take to every other event and jump in your truck.
Event Staff
Herb Coats, Event Coordinator
Mike Ventura, Cavalry Coordinator
Steve Hadley, Chief Ranger, Georgia DNR
James Wooten, Interpretive Ranger, Georgia DNR
Event Commanders
Joe Blunt, Federal Commander
Brian Hicks, Confederate Commander
Tommy Helton, Cavalry Commander
Location
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site
4432 Mt. Tabor Church Rd
Dallas, GA 30157
GPS Coordinates:
N 33.973450 | W -084.759683
Event Rules:
Impression Standards
Horses
1) ALL horses must have current Coggins papers.
2) OUT of STATE horses must have valid Health Certificate.
ALL horses will be inspected upon arrival. Horse’s front hoof will be marked with paint upon completion of inspection. We strongly urge that your horse is shod!
Directions and Parking
Enter Pickett’s Mill Battlefield through the main entrance off Mt. Tabor Church Road. Proceed about ¼ mile to the first paved road to the RIGHT (Maintenance Road). Look for the sign “Cavalry Registration.” Turn RIGHT on and go to the end of the road. GO THROUGH the chain link gate and circle around the maintenance building so that you are facing back towards the direction that you just came. YOU WILL BE DIRECTED WHERE TO PARK. We have designated spaces for large and small rigs. Parking is limited.
Event Check In
Event check in will be in the parking area near the maintenance building. You will check in and then have your horse inspected for Coggins and Health Certificate (out of state horses only).
Impression Inspection
After you check in and your horse has been inspected, you can change into your kit. Prior to entering the event grounds, you must pass an impression inspection by the Cavalry Coordinator and Event Staff. Historical accuracy and authenticity standards will be enforced. A list of Uniform and Horse Equipment standards is attached. While we are not “stitch – Nazis,” this is an event with accurate historical interpretation required. You may be kindly asked to leave some things in your truck. If so, please accept this in the spirit of making this event as accurate as we can for all the participants.
Ammunition / Rounds
Please bring a minimum of 80 rounds. Previous information was that rounds would be furnished. But, the group that volunteered to roll rounds (The Friends of Pickett’s Mill) over-committed – they would have had to roll between 16,000 – 24,000 rounds! And have thus far rolled zero. Do no count on rounds being issued. Bring your own!!
Rations
The event is providing a minimal ration issue to cavalry consisting of soft bread, bacon and sweet potatoes. Historically, the 53rd Alabama Cavalry had raided a Federal supply train and sutler just prior to the battle at Pickett’s Mill and had confiscated all manner of “delicacies.” Stuff your haversack with “…cheese, crackers, pickles…” and other period correct food.
Hay
The location of the camp from the parking area is some distance, and the carrying hay that distance over a hilly trail would be most difficult, Therefore, we will have square bales of recent-cut fescue delivered to the site prior to the event. The Mill and the event staff is NOT providing the hay, as cavalry participants were not assessed a registration fee. The hay has been privately purchased. Each cavalry participant is asked to contribute $8 for one bale of hay. This will be collected at check in.
Water
There will be a modern horse trough located on the logging road between the parking area and the camp. A hose will extend to the trough from the maintenance shed. When you water your horse, please be courteous and fill it for the next person. Use this hose to fill canteens.
Firewood
Firewood will be scavenged from deadfall in the woods.
Vet & Farrier
We have a vet and farrier on stand-by. Should you require either of their services, contact Mike Ventura. You are responsible for payment at time of service.
Emergency #
The Pickett’s Mill phone # is (770) 443-7850. In case of emergency, have your family member tell the that you are with the Confederate Cavalry
Inspection Requirements
Please read the event impression standards
Here are some of the specific items that the event staff will be inspecting:
Shoes / Boots – Proper one-piece fronts.
Pistols. We are limiting the number of pistols to one-third of the troopers. Just plan on not bringing a pistol. If we must, we’ll arbitrarily allow one in three troopers to carry a pistol. Absolutely no extra cylinders, cylinder pouches or pommel holsters!
Sabers. None. Officers only.
Horse Tack. A mixture to include Federal McClellan’s, Federal cavalry blankets and Federal tack because of the recent capture (above).
Modern Saddle Pads – if you must use a modern saddle pad, please wrap it completely in a period blanket.
No anachronisms - this includes modern eyeglasses, modern jewelry, wristwatches, etc. Smoking and tobacco use should be in period fashion only, such as plug tobacco and pipes (cigars are o.k. for officers). Cigarettes are not allowed. Correct period boots (one piece fronts) are desirable.
We will inspect each trooper prior to entrance into the event for adherence to these standards NO modern anachronisms including modern eyeglasses will be allowed. We mean this, so it is imperative that you "self inspect" yourself before you request admittance to the event grounds. You may be kindly asked to leave some things in your truck. If so, please accept this in the spirit of making this event as accurate as we can for all the participants.
NO CAMERAS, smart phone cameras or any 21st century intrusion will be permitted. No picture taking will be permitted while participating.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Mike Ventura is the Cavalry Event Coordinator on the event staff. He will be responsible for all on-site logistics as well as cavalry registrations and participation and will serve as the Acting Inspector General for all troopers prior to entering the event site and during the event will serve as the cavalry liaison with the event director and park rangers. Direct any cavalry questions to Mike at mike.ventura@comcast.net