AAR2004

Ship's signal follows...Report from ship's company delegated to Capt. Elphingstone to affect the capture and surrender of the Rebel army under the command of General Benjamin Lincoln.

The coordinated actions of the joint naval and land forces of the crown were an unqualified success. Present from the Richmond were Marine Russell Borghere, Midshipman Horton and Edith Horton. Bosun Ross (Frank Rodriques and his wife Gail graciously transported the Captain's new officer's marquee to the event from Massachusetts.

We experienced light winds on our arrival with a spring shower lasting only briefly Friday evening. The remaining weekend was for the most part, cool and sunny. Rebel resistance was non existent. The hosts of Drayton Hall were accommodating and appreciative of our presence.

The naval forces were under the command of Capt. Elphingston (Craig Hadley, Hist. Programs Director) at the Georgian Mansion known as Drayton hall down river from Charleston, South Carolina. The main portion of our activities represented by a group of British navy seamen, British marines and officers who demonstrated how longboats carried the British army across the Ashley River at Drayton Hall. Officers of the Frigate Richmond, and Falcon under the direction of Capt.Tucker, talked about the British Army at Drayton Hall in 1780 and the crossing made there as well as the significance of the event.

Numerous displays of ordinance were shown by the Falcon crew who were dressed as a gig crew for the affair. Captain Fisher demonstrated some of the navigational instruments and charts commonly employed by the Royal Navy during this period. The long boat(s) shot their swivel cannons while on the river. Due to the size and frequency of the crowds attending, it was decided to forgo a tactical which was put on after hours by the Crown forces Saturday night.

Highlights of the expedition included a number of soirees on the Ashley upon the launch provided by John, (Ship's carpenter and coxsun' and Bonnie Matheson who brought their boat. Midshipman Horton lead a number of successful (if somewhat destructive) missions up the Ashley to patrol for deserters and rebels.

Light cutlass drill was practiced by our own Royal Marine Russell Borghere along with a number of demonstrations of naval assault techniques by the crew of the Falcon lead by Gunner Kedge (Gary Haas). Bosun Ross brought his sailmaking bench along with am assortment of weaponry to display as well.

Friday evening's repast was spent at the "Charleston Crabshack" which provided a nautical fair framed by implements of the sea. Bosun Ross (Frank Rodriques) was seen to be leaving with a restaurant display in the form of a hemp rope ships ladder under his arm.) The Tuckers and Mathesons were generous with their coffee and noon time meals Their families and friends helped fill out the naval camp and create an overall sense of conviviality and friendship. In attendance with the Tuckers were, their Daughter and son in law, Elizabeth and Jeremy Amann, pressed waterman, and lady Joey Aman, pressed waterman, and his lady, Heather. Also present was their son, Ashley Tucker, ordinary seaman. Part of the naval camp were Bill Marquis, Marine CPO.(ships' carpenter mate) and Sergeant of marines Brian Smith with Lady Diane Smith in attendance as well.

After an active day in demonstration and in patrol, we again visited another legendary establishment known as the "Queen Ann's Revenge and Grog Shop". Here displayed was a panorama of nautical museum pieces reflective of the early pirate past of 18th century Carolina seaboard. Cutlasses, cannons, dug artifacts and collectables adorn the walls along with original works of art. Certainly worth the price of admission in and of itself.

Reports filtering back to the quarterdeck speak of an unqualified success and there is strong anticipation of a later 225th event with a number of larger vessels in attendance for 2005. Keep your slops and going-a-shore kits in readiness, another cutting out party is in the works.

Respectfully submitted and by approval of the admiralty, I remain as always a loyal servant of the crown, etc.

Participating unit: TMLHA (LT Kurt Eberly, Mrs. Jackie Eberly, PO Michael Johnson, Purser’s Mate, PO Allen Mordica, Master’s Mate)

The advance party arrived at the site by one bell, morning watch and setup displays of Navigation equipment, Purser’s stores and Small arms/Ordinance. Weather was sunny, breeze force two and the glass high. Attendance was light (approximately 150 persons engaged), as this was a first-time occurrence of this event. LT and Mrs. Eberly arrived late morning and were only able to stay for a few hours. Repast and necessaries were sufficient and conveniently located.

The event was intended to run until four bells in the first dog watch, but with attendance light, wind freshening and the glass falling, it was decided to single-up at two bells instead.

After a brief review and critique at a local ale house, the remainder of the party returned to billets by two bells, second dog.

Respectfully,
A.T. Mordica

Shiloh (142nd)
Shiloh National Military Park
Shiloh, Tennessee
April 3-4, 2004

Participating unit: US Naval Landing Party (Lt. C. Veit, Lt. B. Dispenza, Landsman J. Dispenza, Seaman R. Gilliam)

As in the past two years, an excellent experience for the USNLP fielding questions from a very interested crowd of visitors to the park. While the overall count of people was about the same as in 2003 (5-6,000), the bulk of these (4,000) all came on Saturday; the cold and windy weather on Sunday kept that day's count to no more than 2,000. The Rangers set us up in front of the Visitors' Center again and stationed one regiment of Union infantry (the Salt River Rifles) nearby (the bulk of the Union Army and all of the Confederate Army being a half mile away in Cloud Field). USNLP unit members present were Lt. Bob Dispenza, Lt. Chuck Veit, and Landsman Justin Dispenza; we were joined by Russ Gilliam as a Landsman.

The crowd was keen to hear not only about the Navy's role at both Battles of Shiloh but in the war in general--and grew especially attentive when the topic turned to submarines (since most were aware of the upcoming burial of the Hunley crew in Charleston, SC). On Saturday evening we, along with our neighboring infantry unit, were treated to a period meal cooked up by Victoria Rumble. Actually, we were "guinea pigs" asked to pass judgment on the meal, which was made up of many recipes from her forthcoming book. Parking several hundred yards away, walking in the twilight into the woods to the Manse Cabin was like going back a century. I commented to the group that, based upon what I had read and seen in "Cold Mountain" it might not be the best idea to eat this meal! We all apologized for rendering the less-than-constructive opinion that everything tasted great!

Participating unit: TMLHA (CAPT A.T.Mordica, USRCS PO H. E. Brigdon, Carpenter’s Mate, PO E. Jeanneret, Ship’s Cook, PO J. Adamson, Gunner’s Mate, OS K. Eberly, OS E. Henderson, Mrs. J. Brigdon, Mrs. J. Eberly)

Party members arrived to temporary lodging in various locations in the area on Friday afternoon. On Saturday the crew assembled at the pre-arranged staging area by two bells in the morning watch. Upon arrival two facts became immediately obvious; one, specific placement of individual units was not planned for, and two, there was almost no Federal presence at this event.

I placed a greeter/usher at the debarkation point with orders to direct any and all sea service personnel without previous assigned unit affiliation towards the impromptu mustering point. During the following glass approximately eighty Confederate and five Federal participants arrived and were distributed by affiliation. With the step-off time fast approaching no new units or senior officers on the scene, I made the decision to take positive charge for the entire Federal presence, small though it was.

While awaiting the march to begin I was approached by the sergeant of a mixed group of Federal infantrymen. He asked that, in the absence of any other infantry units, they be allowed to fall in with us. These men were incorporated into the amalgamated Federal unit. Other individuals of various branches continued to swell the ranks, and by time to march, the combined Federal unit reached a strength of nearly forty of all ranks; 7 Revenue Cuttermen, 1 Navy, 2 Marines, 24 infantry, 1 cavalry, 1 artillery and 5 staff officers.

Immediately to our front was the CSN/CSMC company. At the step-off, after several units of the several thousand Confederate infantry passed our front, CDR Grimes saw his chance and stepped off into a gap that opened in the column; his company was quickly lost to sight. As the Federal Sea Service unit approached the merge point, a lone CS officer strode quickly before us, raised his hands before him and shouted, "Federals, HALT!" The confederate column quickly closed up and passed along, and our unit stopped to rest on their arms.

After the complete Confederate column passed, trailed by nearly 300 Ladies in mourning attire, we saw our own opportunity to blend in and took it. From that point the procession continued without incident. In fact, not a man fell out of the formation along the entire route due to exhaustion, despite the large numbers of CS infantrymen afflicted; indeed, there turned out to be far more Confederates fallen out along the route than the total number of Federals in our unit. All hands are commended for their fortitude, endurance and grace in the face of the situation.

Our unit arrived at the cemetery gates without incident, cased colors and entered. By the time our part of the procession arrived, the press of crowds was overwhelming and no unit formation was possible to maintain. I reluctantly gave the order to fall out and look to individual dispositions. At the end of the service I gathered our people and departed to our vehicles. All hands spent Saturday evening recuperating from the event, and returned to their billets by dinnertime Sunday.

Overall, the event was conducted in a proper fashion, with one glaring exception. I anticipated that the Federal presence would be only marginally tolerated, and in that I was not disappointed. However, I was personally offended by the cavalier treatment that the CSN/CSMC unit received at the hands of their fellow Southerners. When the organizers realized that the CSN/MC unit was not at the extreme rear of the column, it was "pulled over" to wait for the US unit to arrive from the rear, and only then was allowed back into the procession. I considered this quite a "slap in the face" to the sea service men in grey, many who came from many states distant only to be "sent to the back of the bus".

Participating unit: TMLHA (PO Eric Jeanneret, Ship’s Cook, PO Allen Mordica, Master’s Mate)

The party arrived at the grounds of the Tredegar Iron Works by two bells, morning watch and setup displays of Navigation equipment, Seaman’s personal kit and Small arms/Ordinance. Weather was sunny, breeze force three and the glass high. Attendance was light (approximately 100 persons engaged). Repast and necessaries were sufficient and conveniently located.

The event was intended to run until eight bells in the afternoon watch, but due to prior commitments for the early evening in Norfolk, it was decided to single-up at six bells instead.

After securing equipment and canvas, the party returned to billets by one bell, first dog watch.

Allen Mordica

Fort Wayne Civil War Days

April 30, May 1 & 2

Fort Wayne IN

Participating unit: US Naval Landing Party (Lt. Cmdr. Bob Dispenza, Boy first class Justin Dispenza, Coal Heaver Russ Gilliom)

After considerable setup Thursday, Education Day was Friday, with nearly 1000 local students in attendance. Mr. Gilliom was leading groups in his new Hesson finery, and stayed a while to demonstrate his Sharps rifle and go through cutlass drill with boy Justin. We had to start at square one with the students, as they were unaware of a Union Navy (though they did know about Union Bay and Old Navy). We had about 15 minutes with each group, and they ranged in size from less than 10 to nearly 100. The main duties of the Navy (blockade, cooperation with the Army, etc.) were stressed, and differences between the Army and Navy. The rain held off, but arrived Saturday and kept crowds down some. Mr. Gilliom turned infantry for Saturday and Sunday.

Temperatures were quite cool, but us blue wool people didn't mind. The Navy was assigned to the fight flank with dismounted cavalry, and kept the rebels busy. A mounted cavalry lost control of her skittish horse and ended up with a broken arm, which stopped the battle for a while. Boy Justin took a hit and was picked up in a mule wagon by the medical department, who hauled him to their tent for more treatment. They transported him right behind President Lincoln as he was addressing the crowd after the battle (a Union Victory, even though the Confederates outnumbered us). The evening was cold, but a great dinner and dress ball were featured. Both my daughters danced with President Lincoln (portrayed by Fritz Kline of Illinois, the best Lincoln I've ever seen), and the Navy was complimented on our uniforms. I was so cold that soldiers were invited to spend the night in the pavilion, where fires were kept burning all night. And the rain continued.

Sunday was still damp and cold. After church, we prepared for the battle, though many rebel groups were already leaving in the morning (too much rain, too much cold). By the time of the battle, the Union had the advantage, though they were scheduled to lose. Confederate artillery picked apart the Union lines while rebel reserves swept the field. The Navy, with the cavalry again, were singled out for special attention. Both were eventually hit and transported to the medical tent, where I had a "near death experience" at the request of the medical department. My wife said it was very strange to see me lying there with pennies on my eyes and soldiers praying over me with their hats off. But reports of my death were greatly exaggerated.

This event will be held again in 2006, but may be moved to a nearby site, though there is a river and plenty of room at the park we use now. As we expected, just about anything we said about the Navy was a revelation to visitors and reenactors alike.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Dispenza

USNLP

Thomas Lee House

East Lyme, CT

May 17, 2004

Participating unit: Topographical Engineers

Governor, Colony of Connecticut;

North American Colonies

His Majesty's Dominions

Esteemed Sir;

I beg your most kind indulgence to lay before you my report of the events at the above residence and on the above date:

I arrived at the Thomas Lee House at approximately 8:30 A.M. there to be met with the Event Organizer Mr. Richard Waterman.

I unloaded the carriage in which I had arrived, and bade the driver to care for the horses and await the completion of the Event sometime in the afternoon.

I then proceeded to arrange the Judgment Hall to my taste, and delivered the garments requested to the side kitchen where my staff would be gathered.

At the appointed time my staff arrived and we were made aware of the schedule for the day. We were to put on eight skits for some approx. 100 children, their teachers and adult accompaniment.

The subject of our skit was the British Colonial Legal ad Punishment System during the early colonial period of about the 1720's-30's. This was a fun exercise, and gave all who participated a broad "canvas" upon which to portray the specialties of the period as offered, their characters and the importance and history of the period.

The event consisted of six major stations:

--House Tour, Judgment Hall, Cooking, Gun Display, Carpentry, and Weaving / Spinning;

The groups of children were moved according to a schedule around the stations and were received at each station by a docent who carried out the presentation / demonstration to be presented.

All stations were manned during the day, and at the end of the day, the teachers, adults, and children seemed satisfied with their experience, and the school staff was very pleased with the chance for the children to see and hear some of the history of their colony.

At the end of the day, the carriage ride was uneventful and I arrived in good order in time o prepare supper for my wife who was away for the day.

I was pleased to be involved in the Event and would be pleased to return again if invited,

Your Most Humble and Loyal Servant;

Very Respectfully Submitted;

Judge Thomas Lee

East Lyme Legal Magistrate

His Majesty's Colony of Connecticut

(aka; Jim Mathews)

Heritage Day

North Attleboro, MA

May 14, 2004

Participating unit: USNLP, Topographical Engineers

One of the more exhausting events in the schedule, this is also one of the more rewarding . As in years past, we divided our camp into three stations: U.S. Navy (Civil War; C. Veit), Union infantry (Civil War; M. Vigorito), and Royal Navy (RevWar; J. Mathews). In every 45-minute period, the students would visit each station for about 15 minutes, and then change at the ringing of the ship's bell. While this keeps their attention, it makes for a very long day when you've discussed things fifteen times in a row! Lori Veit had seven of her students at a fourth station as a backup (in case any of the three others could not make it), and they served as an excellent "backdrop" to our talks. It was especially interesting watching them cook over an open fire! Weather was perfect and lunch was on the house, courtesy of the school's PTO. Photo shows the Navy tent and then the RevWar display in the background.

Chuck Veit
Lieutenant, US Naval Landing Party

Assault on Fort Gaines

Mobile Bay, LA

May 15-16, 2004

Participating unit: Texas Marine Division

Honored Sir,

I have the honor to submit to you a report concerning the Naval action at Fort Gaines, Alabama on the 15th day of May. The tide and heavy surf made a Naval Landing impracticable, so the decision was made to assault the Fort by land. A combined force of sailors and marines were assigned to act as support for an assault made by one regiment of infantry and one of dismounted cavalry. We reached our starting position in the dunes while our ships pounded the fort with artillery fire. After a thirty minute bombardment, our force quickly moved along the beach to draw the defender's attention to the south side of the fort. We immediately came under heavy rifle and artillery fire. A company of Confederate Marines were hidden amongst the rocks along the beach. After a sharp fight, they were forced to withdraw to safety and we secured the beach. Due to the amount of fire directed towards us, it became necessary for us to take cover along a low dune which ran the length of the beach. From this position, we kept the enemy under constant small arms fire. The Rebels made several efforts to turn our flanks, which were exposed, but we beat back every attempt. Their attention thus diverted, the infantry and cavalry fell upon their right flank and quickly rolled up their line. We then advanced, pushing them back into the safe confines of their fort. Only the approaching high tide and nightfall prevented us from taking the fort on this day. However, I have every confidence that an assault made tomorrow will prevail.

I Have the Honor to be, sir,
Your ob't servant, etc,
Brady Lee Hutchison
Master at Arms
USS Oneida
West Gulf Blockading Squadron

Sir;

I beg leave to inform you of events which occurred on the 16th of May during the second day of combined arms operations against Fort Gaines, defending the western approaches to Mobile Bay.

As previously reported by Petty Officer Hutchison the first day of operations was hindered by adverse weather. On the 16th the wind had much abated and an attempt to land Marines and Infantry directly on the beach near Fort Gaines was deemed feasible. Two long boats were assigned the task. The first was commanded by your humble servant and the second was under the able direction of Petty Officer Bruce Smith, of the Port Columbus group. Initially the landing was to be supported by gunfire from the USS Monitor (Jr.) but the vessel was found to suffer from engine problems which kept it away from the fray. Our own boat was powered by the efforts of six oarsmen from Port Columbus. In the actual event all of their effort was required. Surface winds were approximately 15-20 mph from the Southeast and an inshore current was running at an estimated 3-4 knots parallel to the proposed site of the landing.

Operations commenced at approximately 1:30 PM after a long delay in finding and loading the missing Infantry contingent for the second boat. Our boats were then towed into position by supporting gunboats and released to make our way to the beach. Considerable effort was required from our oarsmen to fight the inshore current and make our way to the designated landing areas. All troops were landed safely and proceeded to attack Confederate forces defending the approaches to Fort Gaines. The second boat under the command of Petty Officer Smith then left the beach and rowed offshore in an attempt to pick up a tow from a supporting gunboat. In my own boat the crew suffered some anxious moments when our stern anchor dragged and allowed the boat to broach in the surf line. Thanks to the stout efforts of the crew we were able to overcome this situation and return to deeper water. I would like to draw particular attention to the efforts of our bow man, Seaman Walter Harris of the USS Hartford, who was of great assistance in getting the boat away from the beach.

Once away from the landing site we faced a long pull into the teeth of the wind before we could pick up a tow. Our oarsmen all pulled heartily and with great persistence to attain a position where we could receive a line from a gunboat. Unfortunately the towing vessel then ran aground on a sand bar before we could make much distance from the site of the battle. Our
crew of exhausted oarsmen were then privileged to sit at ease for approx. 40 minutes while the towing vessel worked itself off the sand bar. The rest was much appreciated. Boat number two could be seen in the distance, similarly unoccupied, hanging off their bow anchor and awaiting the return of their towing vessel from bombarding the fort.

At approx. 4:00 PM our tow vessel resumed its progress towards the docks. We dropped the tow within 500 yards of the docks and made relatively easy
progress under oars downwind to our place of disembarkation. Our portion of the operation was finally complete at approximately 4:30 PM, just as the fighting elsewhere ground to a halt with the capture of Fort Gaines.

In conclusion, I beg leave to report a successful landing operation in the assault on Fort Gaines. The landing was faced with stiff opposition from wind and wave as well as defending Confederates but was completed as planned. Our boat's crews put in a very hard day at the oars but all professed themselves to be completely satisfied with their share in this great work to subdue Fort Gaines and bring Mobile Bay back into the Union.

Seaman Gunner R. E. York
Coxswain, Landing Boat 1
USS Metacomet
West Gulf Blockading Squadron.

USNLP

Mid-America Windmill Festival

June 26 & 27

Kendallville, IN

Participating unit: US Naval Landing Party (Lt. Cmdr. Bob Dispenza, Boy first class Justin Dispenza, Coal Heaver Russ Gilliom)

Not a big event, but good local exposure and sponsored by 50th Virginia, who helps us out at our events. We arrived Saturday in time for Lunch, and began preparing for the battle. A member of the 30th Indiana (the local group we associate with) won the speed loading contest. The Navy was placed with the artillery (one mountain howitzer and one 3" ordnance rifle). Justin was powder monkey for the mountain howitzer, and command of the battery was turned over to me as the only officer present. After much patient coaching by the gun crews, I gave the fire orders (what an ego trip). As done last year, there were charges placed in the ground and set off electrically, timed with cannon firings. Confederates outnumbered Union again, but Saturday was the Union's day. Rebel artillery included several Coehorns, a Parrot rifle, a mountain howitzer and a Williams gun. Mr. Gilliom operated with the infantry, and stormed the rebel camp at the end of the battle. Earlier in the day a Sampson windmill was dedicated to Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and her brother, who both were present and gave speeches. At the evening meal, we met the Company Singers, who sing Civil War-era songs in period uniforms. They represent various branches, but have just purchased Navy uniforms for everyone. They seem interested in learning more about the Navy and participating in some future events. I'll keep working on them! We went home for the night, since we live close by.

Sunday had a tactical, but the infantry neglected to tell us, so we arrived too late to participate. Justin tried out a Smith carbine - looks like we may be getting one soon. Sunday's battle saw the rebels capturing our battery. We executed a fighting retreat, and the Confederates turned our artillery on the Union troops.

Not many questions about the Navy, but we still had our recruiting station set up and handed out Alligator and "How the Navy Won" brochures.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Dispenza

USNLP

Living History
Troy, NY
June 25-27, 2004

Participating unit: U.S. Naval Landing Party

After a run of rainy events in New York State , this was a very welcome change with beautiful weather (after a bout of torrential rain at dawn). The camps were very tightly packed, as the event has grown to the limits of the site (and will be moved to a nearby park in 2005). PO Andy Danish arrived on Friday morning and staked out a claim for our tents, while PO Roger Kuchera and I arrived about 6:45p.m. after a hell ride from New England . We were all settled in by 8p.m. with a fire going and grog flowing.

While the rain that would later visit us in the night skittered past to the south of Troy, it clobbered White Plains, NY so badly that it delayed the arrival of another sailor we were all eager to meet: Carl Kriegeskotte, who was bringing his 21’ launch—a replica of the vessel used by William Cushing in his attack on the Albemarle—complete with spar torpedo and bow gun. Carl decided it would be better to wait out the storm at home and made the drive to Troy on Saturday morning. We got him set up just as the clouds were parting and the crowds arriving. His boat was a big attraction and his knowledge about Cushing fascinating to an audience that was largely ignorant of the man or the expedition. The unit also gained some notoriety by passing out our new and heretical pamphlets entitled, “How the U.S. Navy Won the American Civil War.” By the end of the day on Sunday it was both ironic and humorous to hear one of the Army reenactors plaintively call from the back of the crowd, “We were there, too!” Quite a switch—our goal is to eventually have people ask “Was there an Army in the Civil War?”

Landsman Mike Dunn and a fleeing loyalist, Ginny Pyne, arrived mid-morning on Saturday to help man the "museum" tent and take part in the afternoon skirmish. Battles on both days were attended by good-sized crowds and went off well. On the second day the USNLP captured a Confederate cavalryman who had crept too far forward and missed the call to retreat; he was so embarrassed that he asked if he could galvanize rather than face his pards back in camp. This brings the unit’s “score” up to one soldier, two mountain howitzers, and a Confederate army band; we are thinking of painting these on the side of our cars.

The event resulted in a lot of interesting contacts with people in the Troy Historical Society—who were all sure to remind us that this is where the plates for the USS Monitor were made, as well as a very large number of ship’s bells. Spectators were especially fascinated by discussion of the Alligator and the NMLHA’s involvement in it. The tie-in between 19^th century living history and a modern project of such importance was a surprise to them.

The sponsors provided meals on Friday and Saturday nights as well as breakfasts on the weekends, and were ever available and ready to help with any concern or requirement.

Chuck Veit
Lieutenant, USNLP

USNLP members (l to r):
Roger Kuchera, Andy Danish,
Chuck Veit, Mike Dunn, and
Carl Kriegeskotte.

"Turtle" presentation, SubForce Museum
Groton, MA
July 2-4, 2004

Participating unit: Navy & Marine LHA (J. Mathews, C. Veit)

This event was asked of the NMLHA, to be considered, by the Officer-In-Charge of the U.S. Naval Submarine Museum in Groton , CT. The request was based on the possibility that the museum would be able to acquire a working model of the Rev War submersible "Turtle" over the holiday weekend. The museum was not able to get the model as planned, but it was agreed to put on a presentation as requested without the model.

Placement:

As opposed to the previous placement of the presentation and display tables in front to the main entrance, in the main hall, it was decided to place the display tables as close to the full scale model of the "Turtle" within the museum as possible. The scale model is not an "operating model" and is found in one of the side galleries of the museum off the main hall. The display tables numbered six tables featuring weapons, shipboard items, coastal survey materials, instrumentation, navigation maps, instruments and charts, and a large number of enlarged plans and drawings depicting period ships and guns as well as related items.

The Presentation:

Friday:

Friday was the day for Jim Mathews to be at the museum by himself, Chuck Veit being unable to attend until Saturday. The tables were set up and displays laid out and organized by the opening of the Museum at 9:00 A.M. The day went well, with about 10 fifteen minute presentations at the full-sized model of "Turtle" assisted with some drawings and diagrams furnished both by the museum and Mr. Mathews. About 100-150 people were in attendance at the presentations and viewed the table displays. The table displays on Friday were limited to four tables of maps, charts and diagrams with some navigational instrumentation and weapons. The last presentation of the day was at about 4:45 PM . The museum closed at 5:00 P.M. The displays and materials were left as set up for the next day.

Saturday:

Saturday saw the arrival of Chuck Veit and his two tables of display material. Chuck was dressed in the blue and red Naval Uniform of the official Continental Congress design, and Jim Mathews was dressed in the blue and white uniform of the John Paul Jones design, in order to show that both uniforms were in use at the time. Jim Mathews played the part of Brian Harrison McKay the 3rd Lt. of the "Alfred" detached for Coastal Survey duty during "Alfred's" major refit period.

Both Jim and Chuck left the museum at closing time on Saturday having presented another 10 to 12 "Turtle" presentations and spoken to about 200 visitors.

Sunday:

Sunday was somewhat slower than Saturday and probably 8 to 10 "Turtle" presentations were made and a total of some 150 to 175 people were spoken to. It was estimated that we spoke to about one half to one-third of all those visitors who attended the museum over the weekend. The reason for this was that the display and the presentations were made in an area off the Main Hall of the museum. Further most of the visitors came to see the submarine history of the last 30 to 50 years. Few even knew about the "Turtle" or it's activities during the Revolutionary War. Chuck left for home just a little bit early and as usual, there were a few people whose children wanted a couple of last minute presentations on Sunday afternoon which Jim was pleased to make. Jim was assisted in carrying the display materials into and out of the museum by museum personnel. Of special mention for their assistance to the overall presentation success were the Command Duty Officer on Friday and a black second-class petty-officer who assisted Jim throughout the three day presentation period. His help was particularly appreciated.

The "Special" museum activity was not particularly well advertised, and it was left to Chuck and Jim to request announcement placards for the special presentations at the main entrance and in the main hallway. Aside from the Command Duty Officer on Friday, and LT Cdr. Sides on Saturday, there seemed to be little concern or attention given to the "Special Presentation of the Turtle" activities within the museum. However, both Chuck and Jim received some very nice compliments regarding the "Turtle" Presentations from the visitors during the three day presentation period.

Some of the rules for bringing vehicles up to the main entrance to load and off-load seemed to be dependent upon those who were on duty rather than the rules in force in the museum. It also seemed that the earlier event courtesies and assistance related to the "Alligator" presentations were not seen at this event for whatever reasons.

Recommendations for any future Sub Museum Presentations:

--Arrange a stronger public service announcement in local newspapers, radio and TV stations;

--Designate those personnel who will be appointed to assist in moving material from vehicles to the presentation site within the museum;

--Ask the Museum Command Duty Officers to visit the presentation site at least twice each day to determine how the presentation is going and any needs of the presenters;

--Insure that all presenters are aware of the stated rules for the approach of vehicles to the Main Entrance for loading and off-loading of display materials;

--Insure that someone is available to meet the presenters by 8:30 A.M. outside the museum, and be able to provide access to the Museum at the Main Entrance or other access entrances as may be necessary;

--Insure that an adequate announcement of the "Special Presentation" is made at the Museum Entrance, and elsewhere as necessary.

Respectfully Submitted;

Jim Mathews
NMLHA Vice-President

Amphibious Landing at Ft. Sewall
Marblehead, MA
July 10, 2004

Participating unit: Speedwell, HMS Somerset, 2nd Bn British Marines

Gentlemen,

My crew arrived in Marblehead at approximately 9am and were greeted by the Somerset crew and the 2nd Bat. British Marines, a fine bunch of lads and a credit to this organization. At approximately 10am we launched a 23ft longboat with 10 sailors in hopes of getting accustomed to the boat before the afternoon activities. This was a great experience for all, as we had never rowed as a group before. It wasn't long before we got the hang of it and were ready to race.... yeah, right. We did have great control of the boat and were able to maneuver it with some grace and professionalism. Once we felt comfortable with the her, we headed for the docks where the Brig Pioncare was supposed to pick us up. When we arrived at the docks we found the Brig was late, and we had no place to dock the boat. So Lt Condrick stepped up and commandeered the Harbormasters slip for the boat, as rowing back wasn't an option, unless we wanted a mutiny. Lt Condrick borrowed a modern radio from a gentleman at the dock and called upon the harbormaster to let him in on our predicament, the Harbormaster told us we could use his slip for as long as we needed, very gracious of him. At this point we went in search of some refreshment and waited on the Brig to arrive. At around 12:30 the Pioncare arrived and we tied the longboat along side. At 12:45 we were on our way to make our beach landing. At 1pm we arrived about 200-250 yards off the beach, we disembarked from the brig and began rowing the longboat to the beach. We got the boat within 15 yards of the beach and hit ground, so it was wet feet for all. We unloaded the mortar and grenade launcher and positioned them in the middle of a causeway on the beach, at this point the colonials had been privy to our arrival and formed a resistance for us on the beach. The remaining sailors and marines formed up behind the mortar and prepared to take the beach. The colonials fired 1st, then we let loose with the mortar, followed by volley fire, followed by the grenade launcher... we leapfrogged like this until the mortar ran out of ammo, then the remaining sailors and marines stormed the beach. The colonials pushed us back to the boats and the order was given to board the boat and seek the safety of the Brig, a sad day indeed. Once we were in the longboat we rowed it back to its original berth and battened her down for the evening. We then went back to our camp at Fort Sewall, and "spliced the main brace", as it were ;-).

This event is what I had dreamed of when I became interested in Naval living history. Sitting around a static display is Ok once in a while, but this is what we, as an organization, should be striving for. This is as close as we can reasonably get to Naval reenactment, and I was very pleased with the days events. In closing I would like thank the crew of the Somerset, on behalf of the crew of the Speedwell, for inviting us to this event and allowing us to be a part of it. The Somersets and the 2nd Bat. are a credit to this hobby, it was a pleasure rowing and serving with you all. I look forward to serving with you all again. Until then, I remain...

YH&OS,

Dave Valentine, Master

Sloop Speedwell

www.noquartergiven.com

Remember: Amateurs built the Ark...... Professionals built the Titanic

The Batteau is in the water

www.noquartergiven.com/boat

Fort Adams
Newport, RI
July 10/11, 2004

Participating unit: Topographical Engineers

General U.S.Grant, Commander

All U.S. Armies

Headquarters (Mapping Office)

Army of the Potomac

Colonel W. MacMullen, Commander

Narragansett Brigade

Fort Adams, Newport, R.I.

Captain Erickson, Commandant (acting)

U.S. Corps of Topographical Engineers

Washington City

Most Esteemed Sirs:

I beg your most kind indulgence to lay before you the Brigade Chief Engineer's Report for the above event.

I arrived at Fort Adams with Bvt. Sgt. Keeney (of my staff) at about 2 P.M. on Thursday on the 8th ultimo of July. We were to be quartered in the NW Casemates of the Fort for the Engineering Display Layout, as requested of the Topog Engineers by the event coordinators. The NE casemates as originally requested were filled with a museum display. We were joined at the fort by Orderly Sgt. James Duarte (my staff Sr. Clerk) , and we quickly emptied the wagons of the equipment. In the mid-afternoon we were asked where the first early arrivals were to camp. At that point no provisions had been made for the camp layout, and just at that moment the 9th Mass. Arty. arrived on the scene. Captain Rieke and Orderly Sgt. Duarte undertook to lay out the Federal Camp in some military order. Following that, Capt. Rieke and his battery proceeded to lay out the reduced size Arty. Park to house the three Federal guns available. I wish, most respectfully, to bring both of these gentlemen to your attention for their willingness and industry to accomplish the lengthy and exhausting task of camp and arty. park layout.

Meanwhile Sgt. Keeney, who was just out of the military hospital for battle-related injuries, and I carried on with the setting up of the Engineering Display Materials. Several folding tables were supplied from Fort Hale and the Newport Artillery Coy. for the display to rest upon. My sincere thanks to both organizations.

Late Thursday afternoon we returned to my headquarters for some further materials, and we and returned to the fort early the next morning. We then concentrated on completing the Engineering Display, and laying out the Commander's Quarters for his arrival and the troop arrivals beginning Friday at noon. An Infantry cap plan was drawn up for troop location and identification. Sgt. Duarte set up one set of the portable cheveaux-de- frise in front of the North Casemates as a display.

I was appointed Chief of Staff by Col. Gardner (event coordinator) and this position was confirmed by Col. MacMullen upon his arrival. Friday also saw the start of the spectator's arrival who had come to see the Engineering display. During Friday, Saturday and Sunday almost 1,000 people went through the display, keeping the Engineering personnel very busy answering questions and explaining the models, and instrumentation. Again General, I bring these two soldiers (Sgts' Duarte and Keeney) to your attention for their remarkable attention to duty and to the breadth of their knowledge regarding military engineering aspects of this area of expertise.

The weapon display was extremely popular with the adults and older children. The model display was more popular with the younger children. The presentation boards for each of the major forts along the Eastern and Gulf Seaboards gained a great deal of general attention as did the Naval Vessel presentation boards also displayed.

Upon our arrival at the fort, I immediately inspected the fort and found that there were some numerous items of serious concern needing attention. The lower tunnels were flooded with rainwater, two of the ovens in the bakery were not operational, and 26 of the older wooden gun carriages were badly twisted and splintered. With this information, I immediately made my formal written Engineering Status Report to the Col. Commanding. He bade me to take any and all necessary action to correct the problems. I immediately wrote up requisitions for the necessary materials

(574 board feet of 4" lumber at least 12'' wide, one cast iron oven replacement door, two large heavy-duty marine hand-driven chain pumps) which were approved by the Colonel, and immediately sent, by telegraph, to the Brigade Quartermaster's Dept. who had not yet caught up with us. I then generated a telegraph message requesting the needed engineering specialists,

(1 coy. of engineer carpenters, i squad of engineer masons, with required field tool kits, and 1 marine pumping specialist) to undertake the tasks previously reported. This telegraph message was also immediately approved by the Col. Commanding.

The event was essentially a 'Garrison Event", but the peace of the garrison was interrupted on both Saturday and Sunday by an attack on the fort by Confederate troops and sympathizers, who had managed by dint of extreme stealth and cleverness to provide the attackers with a small mountain howitzer. It's obvious ability to be taken "anywhere a mule can walk" being driven home to the Federal authorities by it's very surprising appearance. On Saturday the Confederate Attack was blunted by the quick action of the Federal Brigade which was camped on the parade ground. The rebel forces were driven from the fort, but their point of entrance could not be determined. Sunday the second attack was even heavier in spite of increased Federal patrols. The Col. Commanding called for a nearby naval gunboat to assist, who landed a party of marines to attack from the rear and block the Confederate escape route. On this occasion, a tunnel was found beginning in the deep brush of the hillside behind the fort and intersecting with one of the "sound tunnels" under the hill behind the fort. The Confederate forces were captured and turned over to the Federal Prison authorities at Fort Warren, and the tunnel filled in. Confederate and Federal casualties alike were attended to at the hospital.

I was asked to narrate both skirmishes and both Federal Parades. Additionally, we had a duel between myself and Captain Rieke which came to nothing as I finally accepted his terms of apology, being extremely unwilling to gun down such a gallant officer. On Sunday, the Confederate Engineer, the Col. Commanding and myself were asked to speak to the spectators in the area of Civil War Period Military Engineering. I was additionally asked by the Col. Commanding to put together the Event Closing Ceremony. Capt Rieke's excellent suggestion of a massed grouping of regimental and corps flags was acted upon and the closing ceremony went off very well with the Federal / Confederate troops, flags and spectators attending to hear the Col. Commanding provide his thanks and departure best wishes.

Sgts. Keeney and Duarte were indefatigable in their efforts to pack the engineering display equipment and materials into the wagons for transport back to my headquarters. We left Fort Adams at about 5:00 P.M. on Sunday

Evaluation:

I thought the event to be most enlightened, with the willingness of all to work in new activities for the spectators to witness with due consideration to the previously decided upon schedule. The hospital was a very effective attraction. No request was made of me to provide a place for a civilian camp, and even though such a designation was made, before hand, I was not appraised of any request for it's usage. Certainly, the invitation to bring the Engineering Display to Fort Adams was most exciting to the Topog Engineers, and we thank the Artillery Company of Newport for their very kind and considerate invitation.

The Artillery Coy and the Federal Col. Commanding have both invited the Topog Engineers to return next year, and we shall be pleased to place that invitation in one of the foremost positions in our consideration for next year.

My personal thanks to the 9th Mass Arty for their very kind invitation to Saturday's evening meal. The meal was delicious, well prepared and well-served, and Captain Elliott and his troops provided a most enjoyable hour of camaraderie around the dinner table. My thanks to Capt. Riecke and Capt. Elliott for their most thoughtful invitation. In addition, the 9th Mass. bugler added a great deal to the event with his Officer's Call , Taps, and his arty. commands by bugle. Very well done!!

Event Improvement:

My comments for this area of the report have been provided to both the Federal Commander, and the Event Coordinators and have received their assurances that the comments will be addressed. I do not include them here, as they are specifically incident upon the Fort Adams site only. I will be pleased to share this information with the General in a private message if he so desires.

I would strongly recommend that the New England Federal Brigade Commander designate next year's Fort Adams event as a brigade event. The event this year was most enjoyable.

Your Most Humble and Dedicated Servant;

Very Respectfuly;

Ian McKay, LTC (by brevet);

Chief Engineer

Lt. General Grant's Military and Personal Staff

U.S. Corps of Topographical Engineers

Filming of History Channel Movie on
Cushing's Attack on the CSS Albemarle
Vergennes, Vermont
July 21, 2004

Participating unit: U.S. Naval Landing Party
Jonathan Cheney, Mike Dunn, Hank Cheney, Merrill Dunn, Carl Kriegeskotte, Carl Dailey, Andy Danish, Roger Kuchera, Chuck Veit

While none of us got the starring role in this TV movie, it was interesting to take part in the production of a small episode within the greater story. Lt. Cushing ordered two steam launches from the navy yard in New York for use in his planned attack and left them in the care of two volunteer officers who were to sail them south to the Carolinas. After a number of delays one of the boats developed engine problems on Chesapeake Bay. Thinking they were still in Maryland waters--and hence relatively safe--the damaged boat put into shore while the other continued south. Unfortunately for them, the vessels were actually in the waters off a contested section of Virginia, which at that moment happened to be under the control of mixed groups of CSA soldiers, partisans, and guerillas. One such band spotted the incoming boat and decided to attack and capture it. Because the repairs entailed allowing pressure in the steam engine to plummet, the Union launch did not have power to escape--even after the skeleton crew held the Confederates off until all of their ammunition was gone. The luckless officer in charge ordered all equipment thrown overboard and the boat burned--and then surrendered. This was the episode we were to film.

Our day began at 7a.m. with assembly dockside in full uniform and equipment. The director, Carl Kriegeskotte, split us into two boat's crews and we headed downstream along beautiful Otter Creek, which leads out of Vergennes, VT into Lake Champlain. Supposedly this area looks a lot like Chesapeake Bay and the canal that connected it with the Hudson during the Civil War. The two launches were a little smaller than those used by Cushing, measuring 21' and 24', drew about three and a half feet of water, and were of about 6' beam. At several points along the hour voyage to the lake, cameramen filmed us passing by, asking for repeated passes that entailed coming about, going back upstream, and returning. The cool breeze on the river was very welcome and we envied the people clad only in bathing suits in the power boats that passed us at intervals. On the lake we made three passes in front of a low headland at the mouth of Otter Creek so they could film the Rebel pickets "spotting" us and also illustrate the moment when our two vessels parted company. Happily, we lost only ten minutes one time when the director had to motor over to a trio of sailboats that had stationed themselves directly in the background of the shot; this could have happened a lot more often, but we were lucky. En route back to the riverside campground where most of us had been put up the night before, we were filmed from a third camera boat.

After lunch, those of us in the "damaged" boat boarded her and set off upstream to the site chosen for the attack episode. The director had, unfortunately, had to divide our crew in two groups first thing in the morning, and two of our younger seamen had been incredibly depressed to be kept out of the coming "fight." Happily, Mike Dunn, with his experience working at Mystic Seaport, had been allowed by the director to act as coxswain aboard the launch that would press on and had such a great morning that he said he didn't mind missing the battle. Carl also asked if he would like to accompany him in the camera boat for that scene. Another crewman, Jonathan Cheney, was taken in by the Rebs and, after doffing his flat hat and swapping frock for checked shirt, allowed to pot away at his former shipmates for the afternoon! The landing site turned out to be impossible for anyone wishing to keep dry below the waist, so we ran upstream a few hundred feet to a fallen tree that allowed us to come alongside and walk on it to the bank. Assured that there was a cornfield just through the screen of trees along the riverbank, we took only our weapons and left the canteens on board. Big mistake. Whoever reported the existence of a field with neat rows of easily traversed corn stocks has never seen that vegetable except in a can--instead we were confronted by undergrowth of razor grass and vines 4-5' high that grabbed not only at feet and legs, but at scabbards and rifles. The short "walk" back to the landing site left us panting and thirsty in the 90 degree heat. We hailed our boat and had them come in close enough to pass over our canteens using a boat hook.

The entire landing area was covered with the same chest-high mat of vegetation that we had had to wade through, and inhabited by at least one large snake spotted by our Chief and hundreds of hungry mosquitoes (the "Vermont Air Guard") that had obviously never tasted Yankee blood before--but developed a thirst for it very quickly! These pests were so voracious that they tried to bite through our blue uniforms--even through the gold stripes on my sleeves. Filming took a very long time at this stage because everything was shot 2-3 times (sometimes more if the shot did not look right) and also both as an overall scene and then "in vignette" where the cameraman would have us all return to approximately where we had been and then focus in one a single person. The Confederates must have been exhausted because this procedure entailed their running partway down a hill and then up again several times. We had to do the same thing, but had to work only within the forty or so feet we had moved up from the riverbank. Our hero for the day was Smitty, the pyro technician and all-around gopher who lugged water bottles and refilled canteens from the nearest house--at the top of the hill!

After takes and retakes and more retakes of the action as it slowly advanced towards our powerless vessel, we all assembled for the actual capture. In reality we all agreed that this was probably a fairly low-key undertaking once the Yankees had exhausted their ammo. But, being Hollywood, the Confederates were assembled for a mass charge. While we three sailors ashore and the three others in the grounded boat waited for the camera to get set up, several of Rebs in line on the rise about sixty feet in front of us started bouncing up and down and uttering a chant reminiscent of the movie "Zulu." Especially enthusiastic and vocal was the Confederate cavalryman we had captured at Troy several weeks ago, who had been utterly embarrassed to be taken by a bunch of sailors. Payback time! When they charged, they were so enthusiastic that on the first take they almost bowled us (and themselves) back into the river! We had to do that scene three times and then film all of us being taken away three more times--and were finally finished at about 5:30. After making the same exhausting walk back through the "cornfield," we reboarded and returned to the dock for our drives home. Quite an experience.

Chuck Veit
Lieutenant, USNLP

"Alligator" presentation, SubForce Museum
Groton, CT
August 13-15, 2004

Participating unit: U.S. Naval Landing Party
Geoff McLane, Jim Mathews, Chuck Veit

I beg your indulgence to lay before you my latest report of the subject activity.

Per your orders (Cdr. Brian McKay -- !3-15 Ultimo of the Month of August,1862) I arrived at the Naval Constructor Base / Museum at Groton , CT to present to the American Public the aspects of the Propeller "Alligator," late of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Here, I met with LT. Charles Veit, Commander of the Naval Landing Party, and LCDR Geoff McLane, Commander of "USS Brewster" who were to work with me in this presentation weekend.

We found the Constructor's Office / Museum ready for the presentation, setting up a very attractive and informative presentation board and providing a model of "Alligator" showing the changes made to her original design by the U.S. Navy Constructor's Office.

The Officer-In Charge of the Constructor's Office / Museum, LCDR Sides, greeted us and we were provided with tables, chairs and access to the Constructor's Office / Museum as required to carry our mission..

The weather threatened the presentation weekend with the advance of Hurricanes "Bonnie and Charlie" up the Eastern Seaboard, but aside from some wind and rain the presentation was uninterrupted. LCDR Sides indicated that there were possibly 3000 or more visitors to the Constructor's Office and Museum during this three day weekend, and it is estimated that we (the three presenting officers) spoke to nearly one-half of them during the weekend.

LT. Veit concentrated for the most part on the "Alligator" design and construction, as well as the Location and "hoped for" Recovery Program, LCDR McLane concentrated upon the Naval War including the "Mississippi Campaign," and Naval weapons and various naval tools of interest to those with whom we were speaking. I was pleased to present the Hydrographic information regarding inland waters as related to "Alligator" as well as the general operations and mission of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron under your command.

My impression was that this activity was most beneficial not only in publicizing the role of the U.S. Navy in the Civil War, but also in raising the public awareness of the Propeller "Alligator", as well as bringing to the attention of the general populace the present and future value of undersea warfare. The extensive drawings, designs, weapons, charts, instrumentation, and other displays generated a tremendous degree of interest, as well as a veritable myriad of questions from the visitors relating to all aspects of Propeller design, usage, and the general aspects of the war at sea.

The other officers and myself departed the Groton Constructor's Office / Museum at about 5:00 P.M. on Sunday the 15th Ultimo of August and immediately repaired on board the dispatch vessel awaiting our departure for the Squadron.

I remain Sir:

Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant;

Very Respectfully;

Brian McKay, Commander (by brevet), USN;
Flag-Captain
Federal North Atlantic Blockading Squadron

"Rabble in Arms"
Vergennes, NH
August 14-15, 2004

Participating units: HMS Richmond, Speedwell
Photos on the Speedwell website

Please allow me to submit my report of our detachment's actions upon Lake Champlain on or about August 21-22, 1760 . Friday was a clear day as we arrived at the shipyard on the eastern shore of the great American inland sea of Champlain. I and the powder monkey Sam set our camp and awaited the arrival of our compatriots from the privateer sloop Speedwell with whom we would sail that weekend. We met crew on Friday evening. Bos'un Ross and Master Valentine, along with Seaman Andy and Seaman Al and enjoyed a much awaited repast at a local tavern that didn't much seem to cater to seamen. We then adjourned for the evening.

Friday night brought copious amounts of rain that lasted well through the morning until the noon hour. However large crowds appeared at the shipyard in spite of the blighty weather. Master Sam set about cutlass practice with some young militia men he found camped about the shipyard. While Bosun Ross and I set up a display of Mr. Ross' handiwork in knotting and displayed the ship's arms for all wavering loyal subjects to witness Seaman Andy, Powder Monkey Sam and I all attempted an outing upon Mr. Valentine's boat but it appears that Andy and I carry our ballast a bit higher the most and caused the boat to become "unbalanced". In order to maintain the integrity of the service we returned to shore at our earliest convenience. Master Valentine continued throughout our stay to take his boat out and about in search of rebel carrying trade.

A crew from the HMS Somerset was also in port on shore leave and once again left no doubt that they clearly understand what "liberty" means in the context of the Royal Navy. However the only casualty of the weekend was a perch that regrettably met Lt. Condrick on the banks of Champlain. May God rest his soul.

The shipyard was alive with activity with boat construction, knot tying demonstrations, sail furling and making, and other aspects of the sailorly life. Seth Warner's Vermont regiment displayed great suspicion of the Somersets but the weekend ended without blows.

We enjoyed a wonderful camp repast of Spotted Dog and Lobscouse on Saturday evening.

The weather cleared overnight and Sunday brought crystal skies and unseasonably cool temperatures (40 degrees overnight). Mr. Sam Pierce became a featured demonstrator of sorts on Sunday, showing all the locals how to "heave a line" ( he spent about two hours competing with the locals on distance and accuracy). The camaraderie and learning experience was wonderful completed by the tremendous backdrop of Lake Champlain . We left the yard to rejoin the fleet in Quebec as the sun began to sink in the west.

Most humbly submitted for your perusal sir,

James Pierce - HMS Richmond

Johnny Appleseed Festival
Fort Wayne , IN
September 18- 19, 2004

Participating unit: U.S. Naval Landing Party
B. Dispenza (Lt. Cmdr.), J. Dispenza (Boy first class), R. Gilliom (coal heaver)

The Johnny Appleseed festival has been going since 1975, and visitors number between 250,000 and 300,000 (yes, that’s right) for the weekend. John Chapman is buried in Fort Wayne within the park where the festival is held. Many time periods are represented, from French and Indian War up past Civil War. Lots of stuff and junk food for sale, many music groups (bagpipe, fife and drum, etc.) marching through, Abraham Lincoln (Fritz Klein of Springfield , IL.), George Washington, R. E. Lee, Johnny Appleseed and other historical folk. People come from all over for this, which makes it a good opportunity to get the word out. The weather was perfect, if a little warm.

I set up camp on Friday night. My 8-year-old daughter Kim tried to help, but 2-year-old Paul was no help at all. He tried to hammer in stakes with a stick, and boys with sticks are dangerous. We managed to get the tent and fly up without serious injury.

Paul had a babysitter on Saturday, as my wife was at a women’s retreat. Justin (14) and Kim helped finish our setup, and we were ready before 10 for visitors. The army had no officers for the weekend, which made me the ranking officer, but I knew better than to interfere with Army operations. Our schedule had Navy demonstrations once each day, but we managed to get one in after each artillery demo on the hour. Sometimes we had quite a crowd (over 50). Sometimes it was breechloading rifle demo with the Navy’s duties in the war. As time allowed we added sailor equipment and cutlass drill with singlesticks (Russ broke one during a demo). Our tent was set up with artifacts, books, ship models and a brass bell on which we rung watch bells throughout the day. In speed loading demonstrations, our breechloader in inexperienced hands beat the fastest muzzleloader by 2 seconds for 3 shots. Russ represented the Navy in the honor guard that escorted Mr. Lincoln to our camp for lunch. Jack (our artillery provider) cooked all our meals, and we ate like kings in the 30^th Indiana (our local group of reenactors). His two period-design cookstoves are nicknamed Merrimac and Arkansas , after their resemblance to Confederate ironclads. Only two rebs were present (R. E. Lee and a corporal). Laurel (10) showed up partway through the day, as she had a cross-country meet in the morning. The Company Singers from Huntington arrived and made music in our camp. Several are dressed as Navy, and all have ordered sailor uniforms from Steve Hesson. Some of them are interested in learning more about living history, though they are primarily a musical group. After the festival closed we had a unit meeting and played euchre. Laurel and Kim stayed the night in the tent with me, and it got down to about 45.

Sunday we toured the festival before it opened, and made part of the morning service conducted by General Lee. Russ was suited up as infantry this day, but still helped with cutlass drill. I went with the honor guard to fetch the President as Navy representative. Had many comments on the uniform, especially from Navy veterans. I had much explaining to do about how often officer uniform regulations changed. We also handed out Alligator and "How the Navy Won the Civil War" brochures occasionally. I told visitors that the brochures were 50 cents if they didn’t read them, free if they did. I also prepared Certificates for a minor joining the Navy (modeled after the original on the civil war navy and marine group site) and handed them out to interested boys. Parents seemed more interested in having the kids join as powder monkeys after they found out what was involved. More Navy presentation this day and we even got applause from the crowd after some of them. As at most events, anything we said was news to our listeners. We packed up camp about dark, and hoped our visitors gained a little more appreciation of the webfoots.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Dispenza
Lt. Cmdr.
USNLP

Smith-Harris House
East Lyme , CT
2-3 October 2004

Participating units: Topographical Engineers, Society of Europe, U.S. Naval Landing Party
(USNLP members: C. Veit, R. Kuchera, M. Dunn, B. Hammond)

USNLP Report

As in years past, this was again a unique and enjoyable event. The first time the unit attended several years ago, it was a small Civil War encampment or perhaps forty Confederate infantry, one cannon, and our 3-4 sailors. Since that time it has evolved into a respectable timeline event, including British dragoons, a small group of Woodland Indians, and a smattering of frontiersmen; the Union Army decided to return and we were forced to share “our” peach orchard with the 8^th Connecticut . Jim Mathews’ Topog unit was present as were a large umber of first-person reenactors from the Society of Europe; General Grant and Lee were present and busy all weekend long answering questions.

The weather was warm and humid on Saturday but dried out and cooled down nicely for Sunday. Forecast thunderstorms and rain over night barely developed—we were treated to occasional flashes of lightning and a few drops of rain off and on all of Saturday evening, but that was all.

The dragoons and the Reb artillery put on demonstrations throughout the weekend while we simply talked and demonstrated constantly. On Saturday evening the 1845 house—the centerpiece of the property—was taken over by Society members for a series of public candlelight tours. This year, taking advantage of the presence of the Union infantry, they included an attack upon the building as part of the scenarios being staged inside. Not being privy to this, we at first thought it was the dragoons and the Indians engaging in a probably-not-as-safe-as-it-should-be nighttime skirmish. Only when the firing and whooping started up for the third time did we figure the relation with the activities inside Smith-Harris House, and then settled down to watch the clock and wait for the end of the noise-making.

On Sunday the USNLP was assigned to be color guard for the opening flag raising ceremony that started each day. Chief Kuchera and Seaman Dunn performed this duty well and admirably, the Chief adding a naval flavor to the occasion with the sound of his bosun’s pipe.

USNLP members Mike Dunn and Bryan Hammond (the latter attending his first event) did yeoman work demonstrating splicing, knot-tying, and ropework in general and proved a big help at the row of display tables fronting the tent fly. At times all four of us were busy talking at the same time. In the course of the weekend we easily distributed about a hundred NMLHA Alligator flyers and 80+ copies of “How the USN Won the Civil War”—this last almost always getting an initial chuckle, then a raised eyebrow, and finally a slack-jawed look of “I never knew that!” in response. Discussion of Alligator and the many other submarines active during the war also intrigued visitors no end; I think I gave the talk at least twice to myself on the drive home because I’d done it so many times over the two days. Several times people who were knowledgeable about Bushnell’s Turtle asked questions, and so the discussion sort of slid back in time to the Revolution as well.

Special mention must be made of the bravery of Ordinaries Dunn and Hammond on the occasion of their being subjected to the lieutenant’s culinary skills in the absence of our mess mate. Despite repeated cautionary tales happily spun by Chief Kuchera—prominently salted with the phrase “death from within”—both young men ate dinner (and survived), Mike Dunn remaining willing to eat breakfast even after his supposed brush with mortality the night before. Knowing now that I have a reputation to uphold, I promise to use only a single skillet for all of breakfast next time and to try to get more ash in the pan so that the resulting pile of food assumes the uniform gray color that was previously its distinguishing characteristic. I imagine pleas have gone out privately to the mess mate in anticipation.

The USNLP fielded a lieutenant, one chief, and two ordinary seamen, and signed on three new members. Unit member Merrill Dunn, although unable to attend, cheerfully provided life support by making runs for assorted "specialty victuals" and "demon rum." The sponsoring group, the Friends of Smith-Harris House, was, as always, very helpful and quite pleasant to deal with. Among others, Ms Betty Purvis and Ms Carol Marelli deserve special mention. For the fifth year running, the unit universally voted the bell-ringing town crier sent round to loudly announce the advent of specific activities as “Most Likely to Mysteriously Disappear by the End of the Weekend.”

Topog Report

Lt. General U.S. Grant

Commander

All Union Armies

Esteemed Sir;

I beg your indulgence to lay before you my Engineering Report for the subject event.

I am pleased to announce that the event on whose organization committee I was most pleased to have a small place, was said by most visitors and spectators to be a very satisfying event.

The members of the Topog Engrs under my command who were in attendance were as follow:

--First Sergeant, James Duarte;

--Sergeant, Sid Keeney;

--Civilian Millwright, Dan Ponder;

--Civilian Sketch Artist, Christine Allen.

Within the Civil War Period of the time-line were the following units and individuals:

--8th CT Vol. Inf.;

--Federal Corps of Topographical Engineers;

--Society Of Europe;

--1st Maryland;

--5th Virginia;

--General's Lee and Grant;

--Naval Landing Party;

--Sumpterville Civilians;

--Federal Soldier's Aide Society;

--President Lincoln.

I was also asked to join the ranks of the F & I period reenactors for the two skirmishes one each day, which I was most pleased to do.

We began setting up the camps on Thursday, as indicated by the event map previously drawn by myself, and on Friday hosted approx. 250 school children at several different stations. In the later afternoon the camp set-up continued.

The 8th CT, marched into camp with their gear on their backs and set up their camp on the hill, the Federal Navy was present with their excellent displays and discussion on the naval aspect of the Civil War.

Saturday began with the flag raising and the welcome of the participants and visitors to the Event. The muster was very colorful, with all the different uniforms and unit flags in attendance. The Topographical Engineers provided the Color guard on Saturday, the Naval Landing Party on Sunday.

The "Appomattox" Play which was performed on both Saturday and Sunday was deemed to be a celebrated success by all who attended. The discussion of certain Civil War related questions by Generals Lee and Grant during Saturday afternoon was also very successful, with the visitor question period extending to nearly an hour after the presentation.

The Topographical Engineers are working together to draw a sketch map of the possible property extension of the Smith-Harris Farm which may extend about 1/2 mile North of the present site. Also the Civilian Millwright submitted some simple machine drawings of some mill movements that will be sketched out in ink and in the fullness of time will be built for display. Mistress Christine Allen worked with the Sketching Screen, and the Plane Table, also drawing a footprint of the farmhouse as a prelude a sketch of turning the house into a military strongpoint to resist an enemy infantry advance. Sgt. Keeney was busy in relating the history of the Topogs and the extensive list of "surrender" documentation that he provided.

Mr. Dan Ponder also oversaw the very popular, "tomahawk throw" and has taught some young people, both boys and girls, to be quite good at that particular skill. The Quoketaug Rangers barbequed a Buffalo Roast over the coals of a slow fire, and served it for lunch/dinner on Saturday. It was an excellent meal.

On Saturday Evening a play was held in the House by the Society of Europe having to do with the feared "attack" on Washington City by General Jubal Early's Confederate forces. General Grant and myself were asked to take part in the play as the actors who were charged with carrying out President's Lincoln's Order for additional troops to defend the city. The play was conducted for six groups of people, probably a total of approx. 60 to 70 visitors.

The F & I skirmishes on both Saturday and Sunday drew large crowds. The Quoketaug Rangers, Woodland Confederacy, and the 9th Regiment of Foot combined together to make-up two battle scenarios which were very well received. The Topographical Engineers were pleased to issue to the Smith-Harris House a "Military Protection" at the Sunday Color Ceremony, in recognition of the Event Committee's hard work and detailed preparation.

There were of, course, many other activities in the program, and different time periods of the event, as well as a strong sutler's presence, which gave everyone a unique opportunity to gain some further knowledge and materials as needed. However, I shall be honored to allow someone more familiar with those areas do the honors as appropriate.

In closing, it is my humble consideration that this event was a worthy one to attend, and if invited to attend in following years I shall be most pleased to accept both for the Topographical Engineers and for myself. I strongly recommend that you too, should consider any such invitation in a positive light.

Your Devoted Servant;

Very Respectfully;

Ian McKay, Brigadier-General of Engineers (by brevet);

Chief Engineer and Aide De Camp;

Lt. General U.S. Grant's Military and Personal Staff

Blue Slope Timeline
Bozrah, CT
8-10 October 2004

Participating units: Topographical Engineers
(Sergeant Keeney (Unit Historian); Dan Ponder (Civilian Millwright); Christine Allen (Civilian Sketch Artist), and Jim Mathews)

Lt Col Kosiuzsko;

Commander

West Point Fortifications, North River, New York

Esteemed Sir;

I beg your leave to lay before you my Engineering Report for the subject event. Since this was a time-line event, and since there were a wide variety of other historical periods and subjects which abounded at the event the engineers were encouraged to portray different eras within thier ranks. This we undertook to do for the first time.

Engineers In Attendance;

Mistress C. Allen portraying a Civil War period sketch artist, asked after the procedures for fortifying a civilian building against a Civil War infantry attack, and together we went through the procedures and documentation for such a project. We used the "new" barn at Blue Slope (post and beam -- raised by the Amish) as an example. The engineers have been putting together "Projects" on paper since most of the efforts of Civil War Engineers except for mapping, usually resulted in some disruption of the surrounding countryside (cutting down trees, digging trenches, tearing down buildings, etc.) which can in most cases upset those people who ae responsible for or own the property on which we reenact!!!! Mistress Allen executed a very good sketch of the barn, and will take the remaining data to work on the rest of the "Project" between events.

Sergeant Keeney portrayed himself as Continental Engineering NCO in the Rev War Period, and has been sharing detailed information gained from several sources about the Topographical Engineers, and how they operated and what they accomplished during the Civil War, as well as tracing the family linage of certain names involved with the Topogs. We were both very favorably impressed by the extensive ancient tool display and blacksmith's shop at Blue Slope, and both of us carried away information about significant old tools and materials found there.

Master Dan Ponder portrayed a frontiersman of the French and Indian War period, and during the day, taught anyone interested the art of tomahawk and knife throwing, at a portable throwing butt, which was a very popular station for the spectators.

I was pleased to portray a brevet-Major of Continental Engineers, mapping the early battle areas of the Revolutionary War, specifically the Battle of Bunker (Breed's) Hill, the British detailed map of New York / North River and the various Rev War Campaigns in New York. These maps proved to be most beneficial in regard to engendering questions from spectators about everything from Campaign Tactics to the colors of the mapping color guide. I was also engaged in drawing the detailed sketches of the various "machines" that Master Ponder has provided. When the detailed sketches are finished the intention is to build five operational scale models of these machines.

Both Master Ponder and myself took turns in cooking breakfast over a small fire of mostly hot coals:

Saturday -- Steak, Eggs, and Cottage Fried Potatoes with Onions;

Sunday -- Pancakes and Eggs with butter and syrup.

There was an ever-flowing coffee pot during our whole stay at the camp under the care of Master Ponder, who also undertook a special pot of coffee on Sunday with three fistfuls of Coffee boiled long in a well-seasoned pot. I decided to stay with fruit juice that morning (Grin!!!!!!).

The supply train had come in during the late evening bringing my long-awaited request for engineering leather map cases, which I was pleased to distribute to those in attendance.

The event was a fun event, and although there was a great variety of people doing different historical things from classic cars to period canned goods, it was a most interesting event. There was a great deal there to learn about history, and the event demonstrators were, for the most part, eager to impart their specialized knowledge. Master Ponder was in charge of the reenactor camp layout, and placement of those within that camp. It was a task well carried out. It was a garrison style event in that there were no skirmishes that took place, but there was a lot of opportunity to discuss the period types of weapons found in our camp, as well as various period sutlers who demonstrated their skills and sold their wares.

To Mrs. Stienhagan goes my particular thanks and congratulations for a delicious pot of Rhode Island Clam Chowder, and her perfect corn-meal muffins, both created over her campfire. Well done Mistress!!!!

Your Humble Servant;

Respectfully Submitted;

Ian McKay, Major (By Brevet)

Continental Engineers

Hartford City Civil War Days
Hartford, IN
9-10 October 2004

Participating Unit: USNLP
(Members: Lt. Cmdr. Bob Dispenza, Boy first class Justin Dispenza, Landsman Russ Gilliom)

Sirs:

We had been preparing for this event for some time, as it is our last of the season. Our detail arrived Friday night. On the way in we saw Admiral Farragut crossing the road, but weren’t able to converse. After checking in and receiving our $3.00 bounty, we proceeded to the Union camp, where Mr. Gilliom set up in the 30^th Indiana Volunteer Infantry area, and we pitched our tent on the hill next to Father Murphy. Dinner for the 30^th and associated Naval personnel was provided by the US Sanitary Commission (also associated with the 30^th). Officers met at 9 PM with Battalion Colonel Shakleford to get an idea of what reports were due when and times for drill. The Union was scheduled to lose Saturday. Hammocks were slung and we “drifted” off to sleep.

Reveille (heave out and trice up) was sounded at 6:30 AM , though the bugler did not sound quite awake. A quick breakfast was consumed, and the entire brigade formed up to board busses. The 19^th Indiana took great pleasure in heckling the Navy (and everyone else). A special ceremony would begin a 9 AM at the Blackford County Court House to dedicate the first part of the Civil War Memorial. The base was completed with all participants’ names. The statue will follow later. All is being paid for with proceeds from the Civil War Days event (usually around $10,000 per year). Justin and I represented the Navy. The Saxton Cornet Band furnished period music, Mr. Lincoln addressed the crowd, and a volley was fired by the troops. After returning to camp, we began loading rounds for the afternoon’s battle. A soldier with the 1^st Wisconsin Light Artillery loaned us a Smith carbine for the battle, which Justin used. We searched for Admiral Farragut after lunch with no success, but kept hearing we just missed him. Throughout the day there were presentation by Samuel Clemens, Mr. Lincoln, Gen. Lee, Belle Boyd and U. S. Colored Troops representatives, with sidesaddle demonstrations and concerts interspersed. The Company Singers (soon to be mostly or completely Navy) provided sweet music. The battalion colonel assigned the Navy (with one artillery soldier, also armed with a Smith) to protect the right flank in the afternoon’s battle. After arriving on the battlefield, our small detail kept to the right, and pinned down a small company of Confederate soldiers at the end of a split rail fence. We were in the open, but stayed down and protected the right flank until the main Union infantry line charged the fence. Nearly all were lost, and the Union center collapsed. We executed a fighting retreat across the field until we reached the Union artillery. Behind another split rail fence there we made our last stand. The rebs had carried the day.

The event organizers provided dinner. There we finally caught up with Admiral Farragut, who was in his full dress uniform (1861 version). I expected him to be taller. I reminded him that my living history character (Lt. Cmdr. George Brown) served under him at Mobile Bay . After dinner the 30^th Indiana had a unit meeting, with anniversary cake provided by the U. S. Sanitary Commission (a soldier’s and sailor’s best friend). An artillery night firing followed. Landsman Gilliom converted from infantry to Navy and all three of us went to the Military Ball in dress uniforms. Admiral Farragut was there again, but spent most of his time conversing with Mr. Lincoln and drinking punch. We all got several dances in. The 19^th Indiana did their best to get kicked out of the ball, and eventually succeeded. The Navy returned to camp early to get plenty of sleep.

Frost greeted us in the morning. The 8 AM tactical saw the Navy deployed as skirmishers on the battalion’s right, along a wooded area. Justin and I were armed with Smith carbines, Russ with a Sharps rifle, all with pistols. We managed to flush out some rebels occupying a hillside. The infantry arrived just in time to drive all the Confederate skirmishers in, and a general infantry action took place in the forest. The rebs had a mountain howitzer, which was driven off as several of our infantry columns converged in the area. We eventually found ourselves between two Union columns, and kept our position (a small trail crossed by the remnants of a fence) until the infantry passed. We were right near a yellow flag, which last year had signaled an area to hold. Reb skirmishers started to surround us and close in on the rear of the Union lines. During this action a young rebel seized the yellow flag and took off with it. We tried to stop him, but were overrun and captured by a Confederate company. They were very reasonable and friendly. As it turns out, we were supposed to hold the flag, not the position (different from last year), but the Navy never received that information. The rebs retreated as more Union infantry arrived, and we were released. Next we attempted to flank a Confederate infantry column, but our ammunition was nearly gone. More rebs appeared to our rear, and as we prepared to engage them, they were captured by a single soldier with a pistol, and the tactical ended. The rebels had won, as they had two of the three flags. The Navy did their duty to the best of their ability.

Church service by Father Murphy was next, and we sat with Admiral Farragut (he caught up on his rest during part of the service). Then it was back to packing rounds for the battle. Boy Justin cooked ham and eggs for lunch over the 30^th Indiana’s fire, and Father Murphy made toast and something he called “potato chips” (they’ll never catch on). Those Irish will eat anything made of potatoes. Landsman Gilliom had to return to the infantry ranks, but the Colonel promised us some artillery soldiers to help out. Our assignment was to occupy the left flank of the Confederate artillery line and keep them busy. The battalion entered the field at the Confederate left flank, which precipitated a general engagement, while boy Justin, an artillery corporal and private, and I (armed with 3 Smiths, a Henry and 5 pistols among us) stormed downhill towards the split rail fence. A reb sharpshooter was waiting for us there and thought he got me. We surrounded and passed him and the fence, lying down with no cover as the Confederate artillerymen gave us an intense pistol volley. Even their officers came over periodically to fire at us. We put at least one artillery piece out of action as the gun crews sought cover, and exchanged pistol and rifle fire sporadically for the rest of the action. We also got to see how difficult it is to load a Smith while lying down. I think next time I’ll take off my belt and canteen and pile them up in front of me for cover, and to make it easier to reach cartridges and caps. The artillery corporal and boy Justin were hit, but the Union won!

Admiral Farragut met us at our camp after the action while we were packing up. Our thanks go to the 1^st Wisconsin Light Artillery for their help with arms and manpower, to the 30^th Indiana for making space for Navy people in the unit, and to Landsman Gilliom for driving and helping setup/takedown. Well done.

I Am, Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant,

L. R. Dispenza
Lt. Cmdr., USNLP

Victorian Holiday Celebration
Lincoln Museum , Fort Wayne , IN
December 12, 2004

Participating Unit: USNLP
(Members: Lt. Cmdr. L. R. Dispenza, Landsman Russ Gilliom)

Sirs:

As the presence of the Navy was specifically requested at this event, we brought ourselves and some tool of our trade to educate the citizens. We discovered there was much misunderstanding about the Navy’s involvement in the late unpleasantness. Patient, thorough explanations by Mr. Gilliom and myself helped allay this ignorance. As the President was in attendance, we were attired in our dress uniforms. Members of the 30^th Indiana Volunteer Infantry were also present. Many questions about small arms, cutlass use and our deck light were answered. A section of 32-lb. shell also attracted attention. I was chosen to escort the President to a one-act play about his son Tad, put on by a small local theater group. Mr. Gilliom participated in a dance demonstration. Mail call followed, where Mr. Gilliom and myself were presented with “sailor’s scarves” of navy blue wool. The landsman also received a carte de visite of a famous actress. Several young men expressed interest in enlisting, and we provided them with forms to be signed before a Justice of the Peace. All in all, a profitable day for the Navy.

(As an aside, this year’s Lincoln was not as good as previous, though he was a Lieutenant in the Navy previously. The Lincoln Museum contains the largest private collection of Lincoln memorabilia in the world. Fort Wayne also has a pair of Navy 32-lb cannon, made in 1865, in a local park. A member of the 30th Indiana Homefront, using a period pattern and materials knit the sailor’s scarves. More than 400 visitors attended this event.)

Respectfully submitted,
L. R. Dispenza, Lt. Cmdr., USN