Southeast Coalition of Authentic Reenactors

Matt Woodburn is hosting this effort to provide us a unique experience. From 'steaming' down the river to Pittsburg Landing to landing along its muddy shores. We will march thru the original battlefield as much as possible and into the main event site. After fighting we will find refuge in an abandon camp. Rations will also be issued.  SCAR will part of Co mapnay E and we have some surprises for those men that have signed up with us. Registration is full right now. You can be added to a waiting list by contacting Jim Butler at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   If you do not get a slt on the boat, then you may meet as the landing on Saturday morning and march into the site with us.

Event website: http://www.westernindependentgrays.org/shiloh150/index2.htm

From Matt Woodburn:
During the crisis of war in 1862, soldiers were tightly crammed aboard transport ships to rush as many men as possible to the front. Modern maritime law doesn’t think so highly of that method and we have to follow modern law. That being said we will likely have to transport one wing at a time to ferry the entire regiment to “our” Pittsburg Landing. You have a great logistical team in place to see that all of this happens for you, so you need not worry. We intend to embark from Savannah via a gang plank laid on the dirt bank as you might have seen in period wood cuts. We want to avoid modern marinas that would detract from our experience. And while modern maritime law has requirements of today’s paddle wheelers, our ship has given us permission to cover or hide as many of those modern intrusions as feasible. It will not be perfect, but being dimly lit with candles and intrusions covered with patriotic bunting, etc., we will have as close an experience as we can have in 2012. Look at your friend’s faces as it may be the last day you see them alive. Look at your plate of food as it may be your last meal. Look at the passing bank and the stars in the sky as they are the same ones that the original boys saw in 1862. The sound of the paddle wheel and the lapping waves against the bank will be the same too. If you do these things, you’ll make your visit back.

The Minnehaha reached Pittsburg Landing at 4:00am as recorded by 1st Sgt. W. P. L. Muir. Another source says it was 4:30am. As such we will operate through the night as they did, but with two trips our times will be a little off. On April 6th, 1862 at “7 o’clock we ate breakfast on board the Minnehaha…” At “10 o’clock we are ordered ashore, with knapsacks, overcoats, 2 blankets, an extra suit of clothes, haversacks filled with hard tack and a big high hat with a brass eagle on the side.” Ammunition was distributed after they disembarked and for the first time they loaded their rifles. The regiment was ordered by General Grant to hold the road going to the landing as wounded and panicked men made their way to the landing in an effort to board a boat. The 15th held the road for about an hour during which time they also “were engaged in making coffee,” according to Cpl. W.H. Goodrell. When the battle really started going badly for the Federals ahead, one of General Grant’s staff members passed the order for the 15th Iowa and the nearby 16th Iowa to move up to support General Prentiss. One of Grant’s staff officers took the 15th into the fight according to the 15th Iowa’s Asst. Surgeon, Dr. W.H. Gibbon. This same Dr. Gibbon bravely set up his field hospital that day only 250 yards behind the Federal battle line. The 15th Iowa lead the two regiments toward the fighting two miles away. During this march it was noted by Cyrus Boyd that the 15th Iowa’s Lt. Col. Dewey swears a lot and drinks whiskey from a pint bottle on his horse. Upon reaching a field where the Confederates were concealed in woods and behind tents, the enemy opens fire on the 15th and their battle baptism begins. Col. Reid gives an order that initially faces the regiment away from the enemy, but then faces them properly to begin firing. In Col. Reid’s official report of the battle he says they fired by file as the men had not yet learned proper firing commands. And so for the 15th Iowa began the great battle which was later to be called the Battle of Pittsburg Landing by the Federals or the Battle of Shiloh by the Confederates. It was the largest battle to be fought on American soil at that time.

As you read the experiences of the original 15th Iowa, know we will to the best of our ability execute all of the same. You will be fed breakfast aboard our paddle wheeler, you will initially hold a road to the landing, you will boil coffee during this time and be issued ammunition, you will be lead to the first days battle by some of “Grant’s staff,” we’ll see that our Lt. Col. Dewey spouts off a few foul words between swigs of whiskey, etc., etc. And if we time it right, we’ll arrive at the event site just in time to go into the first day’s battle. We intend to have a fully mounted staff, a horse drawn wagon or two for our regiment, couriers, fifers and drummers, a color guard of all Iowans, surgeons, a sutler, and oh yeah, a paddle wheeler! And if all that gets boring, as I’ve said before, we’ll throw a chair through a window and see what that scares up.

Several like minded campaigner organizations have come together to field a battalion in an authentic manner at the Sesquicentennial of the Battle of Perryville reenactment. This recreation of the definitive battle of the 1862 Kentucky Campaign will be held on the original battlefield in the rolling hills of central Kentucky.

The Hairy Nation Boys, SCAR, 48th New York, Independent Rifles, Armory Guards, and Friends invite other like minded Living Historians to fall in with the "1st Hecker Regiment" recreated for this anniversary event.

We will proudly be portraying the men of the 24th Illinois Volunteer Infantry at the reenactment.  We will  also take part in the preservation march/ tactical on Friday Oct 5th. We need as many men as possible to be on site by Thurs at 7pm for this march/tactical. If you can not make it there by Thursday, please contact your company commander for Friday camp directions. A staff member will be present to assist with this. Registration funds cover registration, rations, and the balance goes to the Friends of Perryville as a donation. You must abide by all posted event rules. You agree to abide by all the Safety, Event and Uniform guidelines posted. Plan to stay the entire event unless there is an actual emergency.  DO NOT register thru the event website.

 The organization of this effort is as follows:

Battalion Organization 

Co. A: Capt. Geo. A. Guenther - SCAR - Sean Cooper
Co. B: 1st Lt. Andrew Jacobi - 48th NY - Joe Blunt

Co. C: 1st Lt. Wm. Blanke - Armory Guards & Friends - Jordan Roberts
Co. D: Capt. Leopold Decker - Trans-Miss - Michael Comer
Co. E: 1st Lt. Arthur Erbe (of Co. H) - Eastern Co. - Pete Berezuk
Co. F: 2nd Lt. Hugo Gerhardt - Hairy Nation Boys - John Wickett
Co. G: 1st Lt. Peter Hand - Independent Rifles- Pat Landrum
Co H: Cpt. Frederick Hartman - open

Staff

Regiment commanded by Sr. Capt. August Mauf (of Co. E) - Jim Butler
Adjutant - 2nd Lt. Julius Pann - Herb Coats
Sgt Major - William Vocke - Johnny Lloyd
QM Sgt - John F. Goss - Joe Caridi

Regimental Sutler - Joe Smotherman

What to expect

- Participate in a campaigner friendly reenactment over the weekend on the original battlefield

- Regimental Duties including company and battalion drill, fatigue details, 'on the campaign' camp structure, functioning battalion commissary, etc.

- Participate with the voluntary preservation and rolling tactical starting at dawn on friday morning. Make a note and plan ahead as this event requests everyone to be there by Thursday night at 7 pm to take part in the Friday morning march and tactical. At 9 pm on Thurs night we march off to our Thurs night camp. By Friday afternoon we will arrive at our weekend camp. If you can't make the preservation march (Thurs night arrival), then that is fine. Just please notify your company commander if you cannot participate in the early march/tactical.

- Help raise awareness for the Perryville Battlefield Park.  Main event website (DO NOT REGISTER HERE): http://www.perryvillebattlefield.org/html/commemoration_2012.html

Contact Jim Butler, Sean Cooper of Herb Coats for info.

Late 1865, brings word of Lee and Johnstons surrender and the end to the war. Shattered veteran begin to return from the war and try to rebuild their lives and fortunes. Federal forces fsall upon the town and place it under martial law. The economy is shattered and the currency wortheless. Despite this, the war an dthe killing is over and people can begin to rebuild. Following the Federal forces are carpetbaggers and other vile Yankees. Despite many being opportunists, they do bring much needed greenbacks and jobs that will revive the economy of Westville. Men are pressured into signing Oaths so they can gain employment and feed their families. The cotton trade continues to boom as new brokers pay in Yankee Greenbacks. The Freedmans Bureau moves in and helps ease blacks from slave labor to contract labor. Many find that emancipation does not mean equality. Will you be part of these dramatic events and immerse yoruself in a small Southern town in 1865? You can by attending the "Surrender of Secession - Westville, GA - 1865" on October 24-28th, 2012. 

SCAR is again hosting this exciting third part of the Westville trilogy. You won't want to miss this event. Open to Federal and civilian impressions if you meet the minimum guidelines. For invitation please contact Jim Butler for Mens role and Linda Nyland for womens roles.  A Yahoo group has also been created for REGISTERED participants only for detailed discussion in the event.

The Salt River Rifles has successfully hosted/co-hosted three major c/p/h events in the past five months.  

"Before the Breakout" recreated the life of a man in the 8th Kansas Infantry (Co. A) just after the devastating battle of Chickamauga.  Although withdrwaing in good order, the 8th suffered 50% casualties at Chickamauga. They retreated to Chattanooga and building heavy defenses around the city.  The Confederates would soon arrive and begin building their own works as well.  Before Orchard Knob men of the 45th Alabama and the 8th Kansas are assigned to Guard Mount. Their picket posts are a mere 40 yards apart in places.  Men weary of battle and the soldiers life call unofficial truces with their enemy.  Fraternization begins between the lines. Trading, gambling, drinking, and exchanging stories were the norm.  Sutlers and other civilians appear to sell their wares. Officers weary for war and ready to give up their commissions turn a blind eye to the odd socializations. Even the officers visit the sutlers and meet with opposing officers as well.

"MANY thanks to everyone who helped out with the event. Tripp Corbin, Lewis Robison, Sean Cooper, Herb Coats, Patrick MacAllister, Patrick Peterson, Linda Nyland, Jim Bruce, Bruce McDonald, Todd Miller and many others for helping with this event.
Here is my pros and cons from the Federal side...

Pros:
- Tripp, Herb, Sean, Pete and Lewis (help from Paddy Mac, Pete, Bruce and Doc) were VERY kind, easy, hard-working and flexible to work with (as well as good friends).
- I believe we accomplished the goals we set out...That was experiecing what life was on an Outpost during this window in time.
- The men who accepted the minimum amount of military discipline that was expected (which was far less than most events).
- The men who dealt with the terrain and obstacles and dove right into creating trails, imrpoving works, clearing out support area further and di what actual sdoleires would have done.
- Those men that took the opportunity to explore between the lines and create opportunities to fratenize or swim or trade and interact as this event allowed.
- Despite the gripes, I think the food situation was successful (not pefect, by successful). Why? We issued basically a 1/2 ration, then we supplemented it with boxes from home and the slaughterhouse meats. The sutler also had pies and bread (canned and fresh) and other foods. Sadly, the ants ate half of the sutlers pies before he got there. Frankly, fat reenactors in the heat really need to eat less anyways (me included in that).
- Got some new progressive mainstream guys to come out and try our style of events. I know the terrain, food, heat may have been too much on some of them, but at least we got some guys to try it. Our hobby will be for some and some will never come back (but at least they tried it). As a result I think we made some new friends, brought in some new blood and even have some new alliances.
- I loved seeing how well many reenactors in our hobby can adapt and not only extend their fieldcrafts skills, but also exercise more imaginative first person and scearios on their own within the confines of the event framework.

Cons:
- The heat. I stated to the Federal Staff that "This would be entirely different event if the temps wer just 5-10 degrees cooler". Why? Because men are inclined to interact and move about and exert more when not so zapped by the heat. Men naturally do as little as possible when it is that hot.
- Terrain. Thru two work days prior to the event and last minute walk-thrus on friday, we did the VERY best with what we had to deal with. The stretch from the Reserve to the posts was tricky, especially in the drak, I arranged to have ropes and white markers to help us down from the Reserve. Frankly, the real men had to deal with terrain issues and so did we.
- Water. I know the flatbed was on the road. But, it was out of sight from the reserve and a short walk thru the woods. If the water had been put further down the road, then men would have bitched that the water was too far away. Keep in mind that men from the supports had to make their way up to the Reserve and then to the road for a water detail. Making that disatnce further would have been tough on them in the heat.
- ACTING in reenacting. Reenactors need to understand that in any event (even in mainstream events), the officers and NCOs have a responibility to for not only logistical issues (water, safety, etc), but also have a duty to ACT out the role of that military leader as well. Do you really want an event where the Sgt never gets mad about (or at least ACTS like he is mad)? If your feelings are hurt because you Frack up in military first person and then the Sgt yells at you in first person, maybe you are in the wrong hobby? If we did not ACT out our parts as leaders, then someone would bitch that we ruined their experience by NOT acting out our parts properly. I believe we owe it to the reenactors who attend to bring them the military experience that was promised and that means that we all need to play our parts for the event (i.e. Sgts acting as Sgts). As reenactors we need to understand that sometimes our first person role is to play the hard-ass, but that does not mean that the person is really a hard ass in real life.
- Ants. Forget the Yankee invasion, this site was invaded with ants (luckily not fire ants). These ants got into everything!

THANKS to everyone who attended and I hope you had an authentic and enjoyable experience!

Jim Butler
SCAR www.scarreenactors.com

"Struggles of Secession - Westville, GA 1863" was the second installment of th Westville event trilogy. This was the follow-up of the successful, Sparks of Secession - Westville, 1861 that occured in Oct of 2008. Alot of research and historical effort, as well as organizatiional details go into an effort such as this. Many thanks to Linda Nyland, Beverly Simpson, Pete Berezeuk, Sean Cooper, Greg Deese, Andy Shogren, Ed Henry and so many others put into the organizing of this effort. Here are some quotes reviewing the event. Detailed event AARs can be foung at http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?30070-Westville-AAR
and on Facebook under the Westville group. 

"Wasn't it Grand?!!" - Ken Knopp

"Been a lot of places and did a great many interesting things in twenty-five years but this was certainly one of the most unique and best events I have ever been to. I was honored and blessed to be there. Met some great people too. Relived some childhood whims and several times over my three days I really was back in 1863. A hearty thanks to the folks at SCAR, Westville and of course Jim and Victoria for their obvious hard work and detail. "  Ken R. Knopp

Words can do no justice. Missus Bodaciousness-ness-ness will be indelibly etched in my brain. The ladies of the Singer House who cooked will be forever remembered by me. We ate the best of all.
Thanks to everyone who allowed me to play in their playground. It is a memory of a lifetine.
Thanks Mr. Harrington for my ferrotype.
Thank Mr. Yarbrough for the tavern."
Richmond Richardson - Robert Orrand

"Andrew Jay, your most estemed and honourable tax collector/impressment
agent, would like to thank all you property tax suckers... er, I mean, good
townsfolk for your generous contributions to the "Georgia relief fund" otherwise
truly known as the "Gentlemen's Room beer fund" and "Andrew Jay cigar fund" (I
use the term 'gentlemen' --extremely-- loosely in the former reference)." - Johnny Lloyd

I got pretty tired of politicking - I mean physically tired. I covered a lot of ground going around town trying to convince folks to support my candidate and sometimes surreptiously giving them a small 'gift' for their voting consideration. I don't think I would want to run for modern office if two days of campaigning wore me out that much."

"It was a very enjoyable time and I had some wonderful first person conversations about period politics. I was very impressed by how well prepared many folks were and how aware they were of the political and economic situations that existed in the Confederacy at the time. Most enjoyable indeed. I'll be back for '65."  Michael Comer - pro Davis Candidate

"I cannot fathom the amount of planning, research, and pre-event hard work that went into this event. Thank you for everything as you have enriched my life. The words that come to my mind to describe Westville are: stunning, magical, top notch, A+, and really it was said best by Bob Orrand above, "Words can do no justice...a memory of a lifetime." If you are reading this and weren't there, you must be asking, "Why was this so great? How did this come together?" - Matt Woodburn

"Much gunfire heard through the town from agents looking for deserters. Much
noise in the evening eminating from the area of Nuckoll's tavern. I have never
stepped foot in this establishment but have procured an occasional glass of
apple cider from the base of the front stoop. I normally would rail against all
those squandering their limited funds on hard drink, but in these trying times I
am trying to maintain my Christian sense of charity and simply pray they come to
the realization of the error of their ways." - Robert Collett

"As my very first entirely 1st person event, I must say Westville exceeded all expectations. I came into this event somewhat close-minded. I didn't know what to expect, and even though I've been reenacting for a while, I've had no former exposure to any event like Westville. However, getting into character and living the life of Mary McDonald was so much easier than I thought! It was almost natural! Of course, everyone around me certainly helped to the 1000th degree." - Sarah Renee Woodall

"The casting operation produced over 1,000 lead bullets from buckshot from gang molds, to musket balls, to Pritchett Enfield balls, all from original molds. These were trimmed after cooling and carried into the cartridge laboratory to be rolled into paper cartridges. Four ladies learned the mysteries of rolling, tying, and filling over 500 “Minie’” and Buck and Ball cartridges at the rolling table. They were tyrants. When they began to run out of cut rolling papers or a type of bullet, they made sure we dropped what we were doing and cast or cut what they needed. Even the assigned Home Guards set down their shot guns and pitched in to cut paper. Families and school groups particularly enjoyed seeing the melted lead cast into bullets." - David Stieghan

"It was a blast and I am signing up for the next one.
Hopefully next time I wont get hit over the head with a bottle." Joe Beedle

"To Prevent the Effusion of Blood":  The TrampBrigade successfully hosted the first 150th Annivesary event at Mort Moultrie and Fort Sumter in January of 2011. Reproducing Major Anderson's sudden evacuation of Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, the men of SCAR and other groups faced the cold and stiff breezes of Charleston Harbor.  Many thanks to Pete Berezuk and Greg Deese for oulling this wonderful event together. It was so amazing to see everyone in their full, pre-war dress uniforms.
Here are some thouhts regarding the event from its participants:

I had a great time. Yes, the hauling of gear and horrible winds, were taxing....it was all part of the experience. I want to thank all of the men who served in Co "H". Many went above and beyond what most would have expected. Getting a chance to do the heavy artillery talks was great (another thanks to my crew for that). Part of me wishes that it could have only lasted a bit longer...but then I remember the wind whipping thru the casemates and finding the small openings in my blanket cocoon.
Getting my baseball and rulebook signed by Doubleday was AWESOME.
Another emotional experience was forming up Co. H for the last time at Sumter to march out to the boat followed by Lt. Snyder (Pete B.).
I raise a mug to all who organized and participated in the event. I thought it was a great start to the 150s.
Thank you all."
Joe Blunt
formerly 1st Sgt. J. Renehan Co H 1st US Artillery

 "The Federals (mostly that dastardly Doubleday and Sgt. "Little Napoleon" Hamner) ordered us around like pack mules to take baggage for the Federal garrison's arrival. This was obviously outside the contract bounds and my men would not do such activity. We just wanted our pay and our way off the island that could become our tombs if we weren't careful. I went around and got a consensus of what me were on our side and who was pro-unionist or just wanted to stay to get paid. I tried to rally as many men to our cause and to make the Federal leadership realize that what they did was suicidal and detrimental to the country. After the blowhard Doubleday finally left us alone a bit, CPT Foster was charitable as he could be regarding our feelings. We were promised a boat in the morning would take us back to Baltimore." - Johnny Lloyd

I had a great time, it was everything I expected and more. I had never been so cold in call my life, but after getting back home to Florida and getting under an electric blanket I think I'm finally defrosted. I have to say I was very impressed at how uniform the garrison was, even with the unique standards of the event those that wanted to participate stepped up and did what they had to do and cut no corners." - Brandon Hand

"It really felt like we were making reenacting history and it was ahonor to be part of the official start of the 150th anniversary commemoration. This wasn't the well known Firing on Fort Sumter in April of 1861, but it was a the true start of hostitilities and the 'Gulf of Tonkin' for the Civil War." - Jim Butler formerly Lt. Thomas Talbot - 1st US Artillery.

or The Story of the Sgt Major and the Sleepy Sentries
A brave group of SCAR men formed hosted the 'Before the Breakout' event near Rome, GA
in Sept 2010.  This portrayed events near Orchard Knob near Chattanooga just after the Battle
of Chickamauga.  A stalemate ensued as the men on Guard began to interact and trade amongst
each other  in the 'Hells Half Acre'.  Even the officers, North and South had a an improptu meal
between the lines. Sean Cooper, our Adjutant, Pete Berezek, our Sgt Major and Jim Butler, the Officer
of the Division also met in brotherhood rather than enemies for a time. When they departed ways and
went back to the lines, Cpt. Butler noticed that no one was challengeing as they approached the
Federal picket line. Leading the way, Cpt Butler along the trail as daylight disappeared. He then comes
upon one of the picket posts to spy all three pickets sound asleep at their post. As Cpt Butler wheeled
about to tell Lt. Cooper, he stepped aside as Sgt Major Berezek, flames poruing from his eyes and ears,
was in full gait towards the sleepy sentries. Lt Cooper and Cpt Butler decided to stay quiet and see how
this played out. Sgt Mjr grabbed the nearest snoozers weapon and drew down upon him and shouted,
'Soldier, now you would be dead'. I believe that Sgt Major Berezuk scared the bejeebus out of these
sentries and it was a sight to see them caught. We had the Sgt of the Guard march them to the
Guard House for a minor punishment. But, two of them stated that Sgt Major had 'hurt their feelings'.
Pete Berezuk is our SCAR badass of the Month!!!