Picket Post AAR

[Andy Ackeret]

Short version: Tired, but still have an awesome high coming off the event.

There is so much I want to say about this event. I've been waiting for it for a long time, both in the "waiting for the adjuncts of the 150th cycle to end so there will be a good immersion event again" sense, as well as the "OMG OMG OMG they picked the 21st Wisconsin as the event impression OMG OMG OMG" sense. As many of my friends know, adjuncts have never been my thing. No offense to those who enjoy them, to each their own. When this event was announced, it was a perfect storm of the event type I wanted to see, along with a personal connection to my pet research project over the last 6 years.

I emailed the event organizers for the federal side when it was announced, to let them know I had information, published and un-published, on the regiment. Ivan quickly recruited me to help with uniform guidelines, and to help provide general historical information on the regiment to the event participants. And let me tell everyone who attended on the federal side, in my humble opinion, you all nailed it. The look, the attitude, the camaraderie. At one point when the battalion was in line on Sunday morning, and Ivan was stalking....err.....walking.......behind the formation, sword drawn, I briefly had tears in my eyes. It meant that much to me.

The event itself: one of the best I've ever attended. Definitely top 5 over the last 18 years, and probably in the higher end of that top 5. It met expectations to be like a Southern Guard picket post of the past, but with larger numbers. I was 1st Sgt of company A, under Captain Eric Fair.

Friday night, rations issued. Looking at the level of the sun, and the amount of beef that needed to be cooked, Corporal Issacs and another fellow were detailed to start cooking it ASAP, before most of our company had even arrived. After it was cooked, everything was issued, well, at least, attempted to be issued. Lots of potatoes were returned to battalion. Fortunately, I didn't hear any complaining about being hungry later on. ;) The rest of the night passed relatively uneventfully, as our company assembled. One highlight, was looking out over the darkening camp with the field music playing. Shivers up and down my spine. The music was great all weekend.

Saturday morning, roll, issuing crackers, packing gear, and (unsuccessfully) attempting to take extra gear with us. Morning report filled out in ink, thanks to my patent writing kit and antique traveling ink well. Men laden with gear fall in, company posts for battalion inspection, we are inspected, and we move out immediately. Pile of gear left behind. I got my ear chewed for that one later on.

On the march, Company A provided the road guard, rear guard and flankers. Myself and several able privates were stationed on the right flank. Keeping pace while in the wood line was a challenge, at one point, we move to the clearing just to catch up. At a certain point, the company was rallied, and pushed forward to investigate, and we went on line as the line of sentinels. When Senior Captain Craddock told me how to number the posts, the hamster wheel in my head had to spin around a few times until I understood what he meant. ;) That shift passed mostly uneventfully, except for the fellow with the red bed roll who wandered up to our line, made eye contact with Lt. Ellington, and quickly turned and left. Didn't see that one in person, but it was the talk of the company for quite awhile.

Later in the afternoon, Captain Fair and Captain Craddock informed me that 1st platoon was needed for a patrol. Myself and 6 members of Mess No. 1 followed the creek bed up the right side of the field in front, while 2nd platoon was on the left side. We went out for 10 minutes, never saw an enemy sentinel, but advanced far enough to hear the noise of the Rebel reserve. Laughter and guffawing and whatnot. We listened a few minutes, then returned to our lines and reported.

2 PM arrived, with the hopes of 6 hours of rest before our next shift on the line at 8 PM. Lt. Runyon and Lt. Col Ingraham both speak to me for a few moments about the gear left in the field. But, the Lt. Col's words come with an offered drink. Based on multiple accounts of Ivan's historical counterpart in the real 21st Wisconsin, Lt. Col. Harrison C. Hobart, it was more than appropriate for our Lt. Col. to have his liquor chest in the field. The whole company performs a tick check, and totals are compared. Topics of conversation include Huck Green's rubber overcoat, and the headless snake in the tree.

At about 5 PM, we were told to be ready for an engagement. Grumbling all around. Companies A and B pressed the enemy, and were met with sufficient force. The other companies supported, and eventually we withdrew back within our line of sentinels. We catch our breath for about an hour, then out on the line, just after dark. As Captain Fair and I realized no countersign had come down from above, he improvised one on the spot. The next morning I heard it continued to be used all night. Posting the same positions in the dark was much more challenging than it was posting them during the day. As the night wore on, the cold and tiredness, resulted in a lot of grumbling and shivering around the camp fire in the picket. Myself included. Due to the logistics of the sentinels of company B needing to be relieved sentinel by sentinel, the grumbling increased. Sgt. Major Hicks arrived at that time, and in his usual way, a few fatherly words made things not seem so bad.

Company A then went back to the Grand Guard area, and decided to throw down canvas, gum blankets, and had several large spoons, with wool blankets on top. At this point I'm skeptical on how much sleep I will get. But, to my surprise, even being on the end of the line of the spoon, I quickly fall asleep. I wake up, and the sun is fully up, and I feel 1000% better. What time is it? 7? 8? Crap, we have to be on duty at 8, I check my watch, it's 5:15. 2 1/2 hours of sleep never did more for a man than those did.

Reveille at 6:30, all present and accounted for, with one sick but present, so I begin to fill out my morning report in ink. Then the shooting starts. Cap back on ink well, morning report into pocket, gear on, companies A and B rushed out to the field where our line is being pressed. We push back up the center, and volleys are exchanged. The other companies fall in on the flanks, and the line holds. This is the point, with the battalion in line, and the smoke and noise, the Lt. Col. pacing, where everything seemed to absolutely come together, and I had one of those moments.

Company A returned to the grand guard area, packed up, and was soon ready to leave. I finish up my morning report in pencil, and turn it into the Adjutant with apologies in the delay because of the battle. The battalion marched out, and as part of the relaxed rear guard, had a nice conversation with Sgt. Major Hicks. Then it was over.

Everyone in Company A: well done. I can't pick anyone out, because everyone did so much to make the roll I had to fill easier. All the grumbling was appropriate, and in the spirit of the event and situation, and everyone did what was expected of them.

Battalion Staff: Thank you all so much. A lot of work went into everything, and it showed.

Although parts of it were downright miserable at the time, this event was everything I would expect out of an immersion Civil War event. I can't wait for the 2017 event that 40 Rounds will be hosting.

[Eric Tipton]

Re: Picket Post AAR

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I will post a full AAR soon. For now, here is something I posted on FB earlier today. Had a bit of an injury...

For the record, I didn't make the final march out. I made the march back to camp late Saturday night, but by that time, my right knee was about twice the size of my left.

What happened to me was this:

Toward the end of our guard shift Saturday night, I was moving around near my post and went to talk to Steve Spohn at the post next me to stay awake and stopped paying attention to my surroundings in the pitch dark. Steve says "You better get back over there in case they come out on rounds." "Yep", I said, I better get back.

Hurrying to get back to my post, I lost my footing and went full-weight into a tree with those two inch thorns on it. Banged it hard and stepped back with 5-6 of those things sticking out of my knee. Then, there was a warm sticky sensation as I pulled them out. My first reaction was that I'm an idiot and right behind that, I'm thinking "Brand new freaking trousers and I'm gonna have a nice big blood stain on them. F**k!"

Limped back to the reserve and could feel my knee swelling. We were finally relieved and went back to the main camp.

Slept well because we were so freaking tired, but woke up early Sunday morning and my knee was on fire. Couldn't put any weight on it at all. Went to our captain immediately and told him I was out.

Sat back at camp and got to catch up with some old comrades from the GHTI and WIG with the sounds of the battle off in the distance. I was surprised I could hear it so clearly.

Not the way I wanted it, but still the authentic experience of a wounded soldier in the rear watching his comrades march off and then wondering what was happening at the front.

Everyone came back to camp and was highly excited. The adrenaline was clearly still there.

Accommodations were made to get me up to the road. They were taking some of the supplies up there so they could be picked up. Thanks to the boys who offered to carry my things, but I was determined to march out the same way I came in.

I limped about a half mile up the road. In the distance, I could hear the drum and fife corps of the Federals moving through the woods on a path parallel to mine. It was a very long walk.

It occurred to me that all weekend, I had been running through the woods without an injury and I did this simply moving around to stay awake.

In fourteen years of doing this, I had never had an injury. All it took was one moment of not paying attention to my surroundings. My lesson for this event.

And if I had it to do all over again, even knowing how it would turn out for me, I would do it again.

So, Mike Phineas, came off the IR and I went onto it. Spent the ride home with my leg propped up and sleeping. The knee was throbbing. Ken Cornett gave me some ibuprofen and that helped dull the pain a bit.

Arrived home and showered, shaved and got cleaned up. Spent the rest of the new night with an ice pack on the knee and my wife Sasha did an iodine treatment.

Swelling has gone down some this morning and I can bend it again and put weight on it, so that is a positive sign. I think it will heal up fine.

Morale of the story. No matter how long you do this, always be aware of your surroundings.

Thank you comrades for a memorable weekend! It was awesome.

See you all again in the field!

[CSchneider]

Re: Picket Post AAR

Andy,
A patrol from the C.S. side followed the footprints of your patrol through the creek bed back to your line of sentinels. That single sentinel we ran into was the only Yankee I saw the entire weekend. Our company never fired a shot--were in the reserve when some shooting started and rushed up to the line just in time for things to die down. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.
-Craig Schneider

[Huck]

Re: Picket Post AAR

That's bug bites.....

[lickingcountyvolunteer]

Re: Picket Post AAR

This was my first immersion event in my reenacting career since i started 6 years ago. There were a lot of aspects i enjoyed and wish that local /mainstream events would adapt to try and acquire a more authentic approach. Needless to say, i'll be attending more as they established. Every time i was on sentry duty, i would get extra skid-dish. My eye sight is terrible as is and since i don't have any period frames or contacts, i had to "feel" my way around. At some point i thought my eyes were pulling tricks on me because i had this constant feeling that i was being watched and felt like the confederates were approaching. The Adrenaline rush when we were told to get "light marching order" when the confederates attacked was amazing. The experience was too surreal!

[Stephen Lunsford]

Re: Picket Post AAR

A job well done to all involved! I have never been so thrilled and terrified at one event. It truly felt like we were on the line in 1863. I was with Company C, 9th Tennessee and we posted on the line around 1pm Saturday afternoon. The men were nervous and anxious. No sooner had we been posted that we spotted two Federals moving on the wooded hill to our right and shortly afterward a Federal Sergeant Major (Brian Hicks) with hands raised came towards our picket line. I'll never forget pacing the lines and hearing my sentinel shout "That's far enough Billy!" I immediately dashed to the situation and escorted the Sgt. Maj. behind the line where we wished to speak with an officer. The Sgt. Maj. was escorted back towards his line safely. That afternoon, we received word that a Confederate soldier was missing and to keep an eye out. The rogue Rebel came through our picket line and he was halted and identified. He was returned to his unit but from then on we referred to him as "Private Bowe Bergdahl". On Saturday afternoon we sent a patrol to see if we could find the enemy and sure enough the line was found and shots were traded. We were withdrawing back to the main line when we heard the drums loudly beating from the Federal lines. We were pleased to know that our small patrol had got the enemy's attention.The highlight moment for our company was Saturday evening. It was nearly 7pm and our shift was nearly over. We were posted in the reserve and told to watch and hold the creek bed on our flank at all costs. I endured many gripes and groans from the men who were either bored/tired or anxious for action. We suddenly receive word that Federals are in our front and the pickets are retreating. We are called to hold the reserve line at all costs. No sooner do our pickets clear the field, then the Federal skirmishers approach from the tree line. A firefight ensues with the companies on our left and the Federals. As the Federals begin to move back, 1st Platoon of Company C is ordered to advance up the creek bed and try to outflank the Federal line. The platoon dashed through the creek bed with all speed, scattering rocks, dodging and jumping limbs and we were called to slow our pace with fear we had outrun the rest of the Confederate forces. The men had their dander up and continued to run till we reached the creek bank in the faces of the Federals. We drove them from the bushes into the field and poured in our fire as the remaining CS companies came up on the right and the Federal forces withdrew from the field. The men quickly agreed that the wait was worth it for the intense firefight. The platoon reformed with Co. C and were ordered back to the reserve and soon after back to camp. A few hours in the cold on Saturday night only provided a couple of hours sleep and we were awakened after midnight for our next post. We could barely see in front of us, so we marched back to the post with each man holding the man in front of him. We spent a cold evening, drying out feet and sharing the rations we had left. As daylight broke we were ordered back to the front line where we sent advanced scouts to see if we could find the Federal pickets. The patrol was truly nerve-wracking as at the time we were unsure at all where the Federals may be. We were in no man's land. We rotated a few patrols till a lone Federal picket was discovered pacing the line, but no serious activity could be seen. Later in the morning the Company was reformed and we joined the battalion in a probe towards the Federals. Company C was quickly ordered to support Comer's Company which was meeting heavy resistance. No sooner had our line reached the gap that we could see the Federal battle-lines coming in full force across the field. We fired a volley and the Federals charged us like mad-men. The company broke as a few men resisted while others (like myself) fled to the rally point away from the valiant assault. I will share a story from Private Fisher of our company, who seeing Company Captain Herbert getting overwhelmed by Federals rushed to his rescue. A Federal grabbed Fisher and said "You're done Johnny," and Fisher, pushing him away exclaimed "The Hell I am!!" The line was reformed and we soon withdrew. The company was gradually removed from the line and returned to camp where we broke camp and prepared for the short march to the wagons headed home. Company C only had 2 casualties for the event. Private Wright had hurt his leg shortly before the event and it developed into a problem by Saturday night, though he remained on the line and marched with us back to camp. He spent the rest of the weekend keeping warm and rested in camp and many thanks to Lt. Andrew Jerram for keeping him company and getting him escorted safely back to his vehicle on Sunday morning. The other casualty, though only a brief casualty was Private Angel who somehow manged to allow chiggers to reach his nether-region as he collapsed moaning. As he returned to camp, the company and the battalion could not let that go as the jokes ensued. Again, thanks to 40 Rounds Events, all who hosted and all who attended. We had a great time in Company C and thanks to Capt. Herbert, Lt. Benefield, and 1st Sgt. Jerram for leading the company. This was a terrific event and one to remember for years to come.

[Dbackfed]

Re: Picket Post AAR

I was absolutely miserable on Saturday while Company E/B waited for our relief from picket duty. Some men wanted to leave because we didn't know whether or not we would be relieved or if we would be forced to run guard mount the whole night.

What stood out in my mind was how frequent desertions were on both sides and just how important pickets were as important to keeping the enemy force out and the same army in; if that makes sense. Mr. Comer mentioned at the event on how these guys did this for 4 years and they never knew when it would end. To me, the coldness and dampness of the event gave me an appreciation to the common soldier no local event could do in such a short period of time.

Bravo to all the event staff who helped run the event and made it happen. I would recommend anyone attend their events in the future if you want to gain an experience that few get to at a Civil War event.

[PMFerringer]

Re: Picket Post AAR

That single sentinel was in my company and y'all made his event! It was his event moment.

[Caleb Benefield]

Re: Picket Post AAR

Co. C 9th Tennessee, 1st Platoon
After Action report for May 14th 1863, Tullahoma Tennessee.

1st Platoon had the following members present, Lt. Caleb Benefield (Commanding), 3rd Sgt. Miles McBath, 1st Cprl. Stephen Lunsford, 2nd Cprl Austin Mitcham, Pvts, Nick Dorman, Alex Faulkner, Ryan Fischer, Paul Goudeau, Rick Goudeau, Greg Graham, James Angel, Dillian Lee, Stephen Shivers, Chris Wright (wounded).

Captain Travis Herbert detached 1st platoon to the left flank of the battalion in a wooded area with breastworks, there was a dry creek bed about 4 feet deep and 20 feet across to the left of the position. The breastworks faced a open field apx 10 acres or so in size, to the left of the field the dry creek bed ran through the woods for the length of the field. On the far end of the field there was another section of trees apx 30 feet thick that extended all the way across the top of the field, The right side of the field had a low wooded ridge.

Positioned to our right was 2nd Platoon (Apx 10 Aggregate)Commanded by Captain Travis Herbert. Co A. Commanded by Captain Whit Barr (Apx 17 aggregate) were station as pickets in the woods at the top end of the field.

I had stationed 3 men on the bank of the dry creek and the rest were in the breastworks. At apx 5:45 pm of the afternoon of May 14th two Federal companies of the 21st Wisconsin advanced toward Co. A's picket positions. Sporadic fire could be heard in the distance beyond the pickets. After only a few moments Co. A could be seen streaming out of the trees into the field in front of us. They fell back apx 50 feet into the field, reformed and double quicked down the field along the ridge to a position to the right of 2nd Platoon. 2nd Platoon covered there retreat, firing a few shots into the tree line. For a few moments there was no musket fire, Drums could be heard beating there cadence beyond the tree line of the other side of the field.

All at once the two Federal Companies lunged from the tree line with skirmishers out in front, they advanced into the far edge of the field, halted and started to fire volleys into 2nd Platoon and Co. A., I ordered my men to hold fire so as not to alert the enemy to our position.

Company A. advanced onto the wooded ridge line on the far right of the field, they moved forward until they were around 50 yards from the Federal left flank. Co. A, proceeded to fire from there elevated position into their flank. The Federals refused their left flank, attempting to hold the position.

About this time I received a order from the Battalion Adjutant to move my men with haste up the creek bed to threaten their right flank but only after my current position had been manned by Captain Comer's company. I walked into the field to the rear of our position, patiently waiting to see my support. After a short time a company of Confederates crossed the creek bed to our rear and was marching at the double quick across the field to my current position. The field to our rear was larger then the one in front of us. It was closer to 20 acres or so. Right behind them two other Confederate companies came across, one went to the far end of the field, another went to the middle and Captain Comer's company went along the creek bed, all were in columns marching at the double quick to our support.

As Captain Comer's Company began entering the tree line we were in, I ordered my platoon to promptly form in the creek bed. Within a moment they were moving, descending the 4 ft. embankment, the platoon was formed. I ordered pvt. Chris Wright to remain in the works, he was still recovering from where a spent minie ball that had struck him in the knee a few days before. I also left pvt. Rick Goudeau on the bank of the creek to relay any other orders to me.

Once I reached the creek bed, the rest of the platoon was awaiting my orders. I had them form a skirmish line and advance with all haste. Running as fast as the terrain would allow they were off, I ordered pvt. Greg Graham to keep a eye on our left flank, he then climbed the embankment on the far side and proceeded forward. I ran as fast as I could and was having a hard time keeping my men in site. There were all sorts of obstructions in our way, fallen trees, many bends in the creek bed, very rough ground. Pvt. Graham from his vantage point described the men advancing as deer, leaping over logs, moving as if nothing could stop them and in only moments were completely out of his site.

I was moving with my men sliding up and down embankments, going over and under the fallen trees, doing my best to keep pace.

Back in our original position, pvt Chris Wright had received a order from Captain Herbert, he proceeded to the bank on the creek and relayed the order to pvt. Rick Goudeau, who quickly descended the embankment and was off.
Shortly after pvt. Graham had lost site of us, he heard his name being yelled from behind. “Greg” he heard in a frantic voice, turning around, he saw pvt. Rick Goudeau at a full sprint coming towards him, covering over a sixty yard distance in only a few seconds, he relayed his orders to Greg. “Tell Lt. Benefield” Rick put his hands on his knees catching his breath, “not to pass Capt. Woods” and was waiving his had for pvt. Graham to go. The other companies of the battalion had begun advancing across the field, now on our right. Pvt. Greg looked to his right and saw the Federal lines starting to rout. With Co. A on the ridge to their left, 2nd Platoon Co C. and Capt, Comer's company advancing toward them thorough the field and with our platoon running down the creek bed, our platoon had started to out flank the Federal lines.

Pvt. Graham knowing now that he not only had to relay the message, but had to catch up with our platoon that was at a full sprint to deliver the order, took off like a bolt of lighting.

After running a good distance pvt. Graham caught me a and a few of our platoon, upon receiving the order I turned and yelled to pvt. Paul Goudeau to halt the platoon, he could not as the rest of the platoon was already out of site.

We took off as fast as our feet would carry us trying in vain to catch up. Around the next bed we came across a fallen tree that was a little over 2 ft off the creek bed, pvt. Graham went around on the bank and I dove under coming up running on the other side. I got close enough to the platoon to yell the order to halt. They halted in the creek bed along the tree line that was our pickets of Co. A original position. Our platoon had covered a distance of around 200 yards through some of the roughest terrain in only a few moments. Cprl Austin Mitcham and pvt. Ryan Fischer had been at the front of the platoon's advance, they reported not seeing any enemy in the creek bed thus far.

Looking to our right I saw the rest of our battalion had advanced through the 2nd tree line, that was at the far end of the field from our starting position, and was pushing the Federals that were attempting to reform in the next field. The Federal had received another company in support bringing them to three now active.

Seeing our battalion advancing, I gave the order to advance. We were once again running as fast as we could toward the enemy. To our right in the field the high screeching of the rebel yell could be heard as they lurched forward.

After a distance of around 100 yards we came to a sharp bend in the creek that went to the left. We hurriedly ascended the embankment in front of us, reaching the top there was a Federal company of apx 20 men about 30 yards to our front standing with order arms in the middle of a field.

Still in the wood line on the creek bank, the platoon unleashed a volley into their lines with the rebel yell now at a piercing volume we caught them by surprise and wounded two. The Federal company, recovering from the shock of a Confederate platoon to their front started to individually return fire.

I then gave our platoon the order to fire at will. I sent Cprl Austin Mitcham and pvt Greg Graham and a few others to extended our line to the left along the creek bank, the Federals advanced about 10 yards towards us. 3rd sgt. Miles McBath was urging the men to fire upon them, they had lost a few more to the fire from our lines, that was now starting to wrap around their right flank.

Looking to my right I could see into the previous field were the Federal were trying to reform, with the rest of the battalion pushing along with the rebel yell still going, and with our platoon now having them flanked, their lines began to falter. In just a few moments they routed and were running through a tree line to our right into the field with the Federal company to our front.

The company in front of us now seeing their comrades routing past them began to fall back. I was standing beside cprl Stephen Lunsfords as the Federals started to fall back when he was struck in the right arm, he fell to the ground clutching the wound. The bullet had tore through the outside part of his upper arm, with some assistance he made it to his feet and headed toward the rear to seek assistance.

The Federal bugler could be heard now sounding retreat. The musket fire began to cease as our battalion stopped in the tree line to our right. Pvt Rick Goudeau had now reached our line and fired the last shot of the battle.

After a few minutes time our entire battalion retired to our original position, our platoon was then relieved of duty for a short time.

The entire engagement lasted less then 20 minutes, of the men engaged we had 1 wounded, with none killed or missing.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Picket Post AAR

Every time i was on sentry duty, i would get extra skid-dish. My eye sight is terrible as is and since i don't have any period frames or contacts, i had to "feel" my way around. At some point i thought my eyes were pulling tricks on me because i had this constant feeling that i was being watched and felt like the confederates were approaching. The Adrenaline rush when we were told to get "light marching order" when the confederates attacked was amazing. The experience was too surreal!

Your eyes DO play tricks on you out there!! I remember a late night shift at the 2004 Southern Guard picket post. There were deer stomping around out in the field to my front... I swore it was a CS patrol approaching my position! You peer hard into the darkness and your eyes will find the form of a soldier, even if there's no one there!

As Eric Isaacs and I sought out some Rebs to trade with, we were certain there was a picket behind every tree... even when they had NO sentinels out!

[Eric Fair]

Re: Picket Post AAR

After setting the line of sentinels Saturday morning, I was behind the line, and in one sweep I could see the sentinels, their outposts, and the reserve. It was my "moment" for the event - no shooting, shouting, or carrying on: just a company of men performing a duty the original fellows dealt with all the time.

I've been dealing with some personal issues for the better part of a year now, so it truly did my soul good to get out to an event of this caliber. Thank you to the event organizers and the battalion staff of the 21st Wisconsin for a truly first rate experience. And to the men of Company A, I'd gladly fall in with you again anytime. Cheers.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Picket Post AAR

After setting the line of sentinels Saturday morning, I was behind the line, and in one sweep I could see the sentinels, their outposts, and the reserve. It was my "moment" for the event - no shooting, shouting, or carrying on: just a company of men performing a duty the original fellows dealt with all the time.

Setting the pickets on Saturday morning was a big moment for me, too! We talked about it in our platoon.

I've been dealing with some personal issues for the better part of a year now, so it truly did my soul good to get out to an event of this caliber. Thank you to the event organizers and the battalion staff of the 21st Wisconsin for a truly first rate experience. And to the men of Company A, I'd gladly fall in with you again anytime. Cheers.

Same here and me too! This has been a hard year for me in many ways. This weekend was exactly the medicine I needed!

[Michael Comer]

Re: Picket Post AAR

Wick,

I'm not sure what you mean by no sentinels. We did draw sentinels back closer to the picket line after dark so support would be closer but they were there - at least on the shifts my company took part in.

[Murph]

Re: Picket Post AAR

I played the orderly sergeant for Co. H this past weekend and had an absolutely miserable blast. What really made the event for me was when, after just changing the shift with my sentinels, I heard one of the men whisper really excitedly "did you hear that? I think someone is calling over". Me and the captain exchanged looks, and at length we responded. The disembodied voice of a Federal and I finally agreed to meet in the middle of the field in the best interest of both sides involved. Myself and three others set out slowly though the waist high, soaking wet grass, and my moment really set in when I see the two shadows form hats, then arms, then legs, as they also cautiously approach in the moonlight. I came to the event without much in my pockets, and so after introductions, when the trading commenced, all I had to hand over was a little shallot and a button. On the upshot, them yankee Necco wafers didn't last long. That's an exchange I won't forget anytime soon.

[asclinard]

Re: Picket Post AAR

Much like my messmate DeLuca, my eyesight is atrocious without my spectacles. This made for an interesting time on sentinel, especially in the dark, as I was constantly second-guessing my own eyes, and relying almost solely on sound which was nearly as unreliable as my eyes, as it was apt to bounce off of the hills. I remember nearly firing on our own patrol because I couldn't make them out until they were nearly on top of me.

At times the weather and conditions of duty were inhospitable, but it was a reminder of what the old fellows had to deal with for four years, so I felt that I could deal with it for a couple of days. Not since the week before my thesis was due has sleep been a more precious commodity. Its been a long time since I've had such good company in the field, and I wouldn't hesitate to do it all again.