150th Anniversary — Leadership Conference Minutes
January 8-9, 2010 Chickamauga, GA

2010 National Event: Twin Rivers Campaign — Site Visit Report
January 6, 2010

2010 National Event: Twin Rivers Campaign — Registration, US Command Structure, Directions, and List of Reenactors

January 9-10, 2010 Civil War Reenacting Leadership Conference, Chickamauga, Georgia

A Note from Colonel Crowder
September 28, 2009

Camp of Instruction: Prairie Grove Battlefield Park, Prairie Grove, AR.
June 18-20, 2010

Change of Command: First Federal Division —
July 31, 2009

General Session Minutes — First Federal Division
January 24, 2009

Course Offering — In-uniform Topographical Engineer Interpretation
June, 2009

Press Release — First Federal Division Winter Meetings
January 2, 2009

Press Release — New Chief of the Artillery Reserve Named
January 2, 2009

150th Anniversary Leadership Conference
January 8-9, 2010
Chickamauga, Georgia

Meeting Minutes

Attendance Record: This attendance record is by no means a complete list of those in attendance. Sheets were passed around for everyone to sign in on a voluntary basis so it is highly possible that some chose not to sign in.

            PERSON                                                ORGANIZATION

Opening comments were made by Col. Joe Grosson, COS, Cleburne’s Division. All were welcomed to the conference and thanked for their attendance. Col. Grosson went over the agenda for the meeting briefly and explained the schedule for the day. At this point each of the commanders present were asked to introduce themselves, their organization and the membership that they had present.

Gen. Joe Way, Cleburne’s Division. Gen. Way then introduced his staff and membership that was present. Please refer to the attendance information above.

Gen. Terry Crowder, First Federal Division. Gen. Crowder then introduced his staff and membership that was present. Please refer to the attendance information above.

Gen. Jake Jenette, Army of Northern Virginia (ANV). Gen. Jenette then introduced the membership from his organization that was present. Please refer to the attendance information above.

Gen. Dave Cornett, Longstreet’s Corp. Gen. Cornett then introduced the membership from his organization that was present. Please refer to the above attendance information.

Gen. Willie Huckabee, Trans Mississippi Brigade. Gen. Huckabee then introduced the membership from his organization that was present. Please refer to the attendance information above.

Gen. Tony Daniels, United States Volunteers (USV). Gen. Daniels then introduced the membership from his organization that was present. Please refer to the attendance information above.

Col. Earl Zeckman, Military Division of the Mississippi. Col. Zeckman then introduced some attendees that were with him from the Army of the French Broad, Col. Lance Dawson who was also a duly authorized representative of Hardee’s Corp and Southern Guards Battalion.

John Culpepper was next introduced. John is the City Manager for the City of Chickamauga and is also Sgt Major of Hardee Guard Battalion. John welcomed everyone to the City of Chickamauga and thanked them for coming. John then handed the mike over to a local senator who expressed his thanks for everyone who attended the meeting. At this point in time Gens. Way, Crowder, Cornett, Janette and Huckabee came to the front of the room and presented John Culpepper and the City of Chickamauga expressing thanks for allowing the conference to be held here. Gen. Way also expressed thanks for the hospitality that the City of Chickamauga was showing the conference by providing the facility, the refreshments and a lunch for all attendees at Lee and Gordon Mill.

Jack Fishman and Reece Sexton were next introduced. Jack Fishman is the owner of Lakeway Publishing and Reece Sexton is the Editor in Chief of the Camp Chase Gazette, Citizens Companion and Civil War Courier. Reece Sexton spoke for a few minutes on the importance of the conference. He stated that the conference was a giant step towards the success of the 150th Anniversary Events. Mr. Fishman spoke about how important and critical the teachings of the reenacting community are to the children of today’s society. Both Mr. Fishman and Reece Sexton urged all reenactors to contact them if they ever were in need of advertising for an event and they would be more than happy to help.

Gen. Way now started his presentation section of the Conference. He was accompanied by Gen. Crowder.

Gen. Way – stated that this meeting is for all organizations not just one organization. He then proceed to outline the objectives and goals of the conference with the following points:

Focus the events so that the attendees are not confused when they arrive on site and so that they do not find the event lacking in the experience when they attend.

Commanders and troops need to be well informed on all of the particulars of each event in order to eliminate the confusion and second guessing that normally happens with most events. Each attendee should be well informed on where they are camped and be given clear direction in any matter so that their experience can be a worry free one. Gen. Crowder made the reference that our hobby has dwindled over the last few years and stated that we must all work together and be brothers in arms in order to foster growth within the hobby. (Rounds of applause followed)

Gen. Crowder begins speaking in an effort to explain the new alliances that have been formed and the membership of those alliances. Gen. Crowder welcomes everyone to the conference and thanks them for coming. He then reads several compelling quotes from President John F. Kennedy and moves into definitions of the following words: consensus, leadership etc. He closes this segment by saying that he is thrilled that there is so much excitement about the upcoming event and the prospect of things to come in the reenacting community

Gen. Jake Jenette takes the podium and expresses that ANV will make a promise to give us an Eastern presence in the Western Theatre at least once a year. He further states that the union between ANV and Longstreet’s allows Longstreet’s to offer more of a Western presence as well. Janette states that within reenacting he believes that we need to invigorate the youth of today and get them more involved in reenacting.

Gen. Dave Cornett takes the podium and expresses sincere sentiment about the future success of the Leadership conference and especially the Blue Gray Alliance. He states that it has already brought Longstreet’s Corp and the ANV closer together and served to help end a running feud between the two organizations.

Gen. Willie Huckabee (Trans Mississippi Brigade) takes the podium and expresses that we should all be working to make things better for the privates. The privates are why we are here.

Gen. Tony Daniels takes the podium and expresses that the Eastern Federal Alliance is pleased to have received an invite to the conference. He states that he is pleased that the commanders of so many different organizations get along so well and come under a common cause. He states that the more we form attachments with each other the better our hobby will become. He further states that he feels good alliances are being formed.

Col. Earl Zeckman (Military Division of Mississippi/Atlanta Campaign, Inc.) states that he is happy to see more blue (a reference to the number of federals in the room) and that he is happy to be part of this meeting and is excited that it has finally come together after all of these years. He expresses thanks to all of those who attended and thanks for the effort in putting the meeting together.

Gen. Way takes the podium and expresses that we need to begin finding ways to regain those reenactors who have left the hobby over the last few years. He would like to see reenacting rebuilt to the levels of years past. He states that he believes we should inspire the ranks to attain a higher level of authenticity both in their impressions and during the battles. He believes that more battles should be reenacted as close to the original battles as can be accomplished. He states that planning and execution of events is key to the success of the event and the sense of fulfillment the privates will leave an event with. He states that as a commander, you should have a clear and open line of communications with everyone to discuss and relay how the events are going to happen and what they can expect when they attend. Commanders, organizations, and event planners should have a clear mission and an action plan to accomplish that plan. Let’s start holding ourselves and those within our ranks to a higher standard. He continued to outline the rest of the conference syllabus.

Some Western Theatre Blue Gray Alliance events are discussed including Wilson’s Creek and The Twin Rivers Campaign

Wilson’s Creek will occur August 12-14, 2011 and will encompass much of the original battle. More of this event is discussed at a later time in the conference.

Twin River’s Campaign – Gen. Crowder states that he and Joe (Gen. Way) have been working on making the Twin Rivers Campaign a three or four day event. The event will encompass the scripted Saturday and Sunday battles but will incorporate unscripted battles on Thursday and Friday which will allow the commanders of all the attending organizations to do what they were trained to do, employ tactics and maneuvers to win the battle. We’re going to provide an event where the participants can fight in every battle from Thursday through Sunday or they can tailor their weekend to a selection of battles. We’re planning this event using larger landmasses, better access for the participants and creating better events in the process. We will be looking for more responsibility from the individual reenactor in their impression and will be enforcing the event standards. Let’s be as realistic as we can when we attend an event which will provide the reenactor with a memorable experience. Gen. Way adds that he and Gen. Crowder will work together and coordinate movements so that battalions or brigades on the move will engage in battles as they come into contact with each other.

Presentations were made on the following events with the main topics expressed accompanying them.

Presentations were made on the following events with the main topics expressed accompanying them.

150th Anniversary Battle of Shiloh

—A Blue Gray Alliance Event

—March 31- April 2, 2012

—Land already acquired

—Immediately adjacent to the Shiloh National Military Park

150th Anniversary Battle of Chickamauga

—Atlanta Campaign, Inc. will handle all of the logistical work for the event

—Blue Gray Alliance will assume military command

—Possible event date of September 21-22, 2013

—Same site as the 145th

—City of Chickamauga looking forward to the event

Northern Red River Campaign

—A possible event announced by Bobby Crisp

—Contact Huckabee and staff for further information

150th Resaca

—www.georgiadivision.comF

—Can handle around 3000 participants

—Presented by Gen. Ken Padgett

150th Raymond/Vicksburg Campaign

—Presented by Roger Hanson (Friends of Raymond)

—Can handle around 5000

—A Blue Gray Alliance military command

—900 acres for the event

—Battle of Raymond will be reenacted on original battlefield

—Will build earthworks necessary to recreate the Vicksburg battles

150th Franklin

—Presented by Col. Joe Grosson (Cleburnes)

—In the planning stages

—Working closely with local Franklin organizations

—A Blue Gray Alliance military command

150th Mill Springs

—Presentation made by Col. David Neal on behalf of Gen. Rambo—

—Suggested event on anniversary date if anyone was interested

—January event date in Kentucky

—January 20-21, 2012

—Interest in the event being sought as well as further input

150th Wilson’s Creek

—Letter from Wilson’s Creek Battlefield Board read stating Blue Gray Alliance military command

—More information will be forthcoming

—Will be held adjacent to the original battlefield

—August 12-14,2011

150th Perryville

—Slide show presented

—October 2012 event date

150th 1st Manasas

—Presented by Gen. Jenette, ANV

—July 2011

—1000 acre battlefield

—Federal Commander will be Gen. Tony Daniels (USV)

150th Gettysburg

—Presented by Gen. Dave Cornett—

—Working on land deals to secure expanded areas

—Federal commander will be Allen Baldwin

150th Spotsylvania

—Presented by Gen. Cornett – Longstreet’s Corp

—Future events will be ran by county and not outside organizers

—Working to make it a larger event and better event

—Dual sites for the 150th , one infantry and one cavalry site

—Will run two events at once on same weekend

150th Wilderness Campaign

—Presented briefly. (Do not have further notes)

150th Cedar Creek

—Have had 12000 participants on site before

—Good event

—All invited

150th Bentonville

—Invitation only event

—2015 date

—Original ground

—Original numbers

The possibility of an Antietam event was discussed but land procurement must overcome the obstacle of finding a section of land close enough to the original site.

Southern Division Events were presented by Gen. Jenette, ANV, on behalf of Chris Anders. A list of the events follows:

2011 Balls Bluff

2012 Stonewall in the Valley, McDowell

September Storm

National Tactical at Chancellorsville

2014 Third Winchester

2015 Appomattox

An email from Chris Anders was read expressing interest in presenting an Antietam Campaigner event

Big Bethel 2011 and Penisular Campaign were mentioned by Gen. Cornett for consideration as well

150th Fredricksburg will use pontoon bridges to cross the river and will encompass portions of Marye’s Heights in December 2014

Earl Zeckman spoke briefly on the 150th Atlanta and Chickamauga events.

—Plans are being made for both

—Plans and event information will be announced as it becomes available

—Eastern Theatre support will be very welcome at these two events

—Visit www.atlantacampaign.com for further information

Presentation was given by Angelo Piazza, Jack’s Powder Keg in reference to Goex Black Powder and the continuing research that they are doing. A Battle Powder specifically for reenactors is being developed. Angelo had samples of the new four wing CCI caps and stated that he had personally done most of the field testing for this new cap and sent his research back to CCI for incorporation in fine tuning the cap

Presentation was given by Nathan Stark, Cleburne’s Wagon Corp commander. Nathan narrated a slide show which detailed Cleburne’s Wagon Corp including the responsibilities of wagons on the field. Nathan is devoted to provide support in any way he finds to the fighting men on the field. His wagons will deliver water or any other necessary service to those on the field.

Break out sessions were now held for the remainder of the day in each of the following categories:

Infantry

Cavalry

Artillery

Civilian

Commanders

Findings of the break out sessions will be delivered on Sunday morning

Sunday Morning

Meeting is opened again by Col. Grosson (Cleburne’s)

The findings of the break out sessions were presented as follows:

INFANTRY presented by Brig. Gen. Hunter Poythress (Cleburne’s Division)

Infantry break out session information from Sunday a.m.

Three main points Drill, Authenticity and Credibility.

These are the issues we must address to be a good representative of the Civil War Soldier and Civilian.

Make sure you have good battalion brigade staffs that are functional

Make sure we have good communication between organizations and within organizations.

Pre event communication about galvanizing will help to make the event more successful.

Find an avenue for the guys who will not galvanize.

Let your men know that you will be galvanizing and get them prepared for the event and what they can expect.

If you have good esprit de corps it will not matter what uniform you are wearing.

As serious living historians we should be ready to galvanize when necessary.

Do you best as a commander to give your men the best experience at an event ….it is your responsibility

ARTILLERY presented by Col. Robert Beams (Cleburne’s Division)

The following items were discussed. This outline taken from the PowerPoint presentation

Safety!!!

On-Field Safety Zones

   Communicating markers to Cav and Infantry.

Equipment

   All Guns required to pass inspection prior to going on field.

Drills

   All Units expected to pass a drill inspection on site

   Maintain same drill throughout the event

• Authenticity
• Guns and equipment
• Uniforms
• Rank appropriate to position on field
• Bounty
• Proportion Bounties based upon:
• Number of Battles fought
• Bore Size of Piece
• Increase Bounty Based on Event Income
• Cost Factors for Artillery
• Fuel for transport
• $6 - $15 per shot fired
• Maintenance of equipment
• Require a minimum of 6 cannoneers per gun registered.
• Communication
• Single Artillery Commander/Coordinator per event
• Inspection requirements           
• Provided on-line
• Or Provided to each unit prior to event
• Don’t plan Artillery demonstrations without coordinating first with the units.
• Combined Camp of Instruction
• Work Artillery into Scenario
• Not just background sound effects

Discussion of use of scale artillery pieces on the field at the national events.

150th Cycle events will use artillery that will be full scale

CAVALRY presented by Col. Chuck Tarwater (Cleburne’s Division)

Cavalry Break out session information from Sunday a.m.

Emphasize drill between mounted and dismounted. Cavalry units must be well drilled.

Incorporate the cavalry and use them as they are designed to be used and involve them further in the scenarios and battles.

We must be authentic….the cowboy shows are over.

Western Theatre tends not bring sabres we use more shotguns….

When cavalry comes east they’ll bring the sabres and make sure we are on the same page.

Officers must be accountable for their men and their actions.

Officers must ensure their men are safe, well drilled cohesive units.

Communications between organizations must be kept current and constant. Communications within a unit are vital to the overall improvement of cavalry in our events.

Keep the horses safe…help your fellow man and make sure that he, the other branches and the spectators are not put in harms way.

Provide the infantry commanders with well skilled well drilled mounted and dismounted cavalry

The suggestion was made to offer a bounty to cavalry at for profit events

Mounted infantry staff should ride before they venture out on the field. When you separate a horse from the rest of the cavalry it’s a different world and the horse acts completely different.

Keep in mind that these horses need to come out of the trailers as quickly as possible after a long ride because the horses need rest.

Take in to account that there are room requirements for the larger trailers to enter the site and park.

Send all cavalry registrations directly to camp to register..

Develop a network for cross country trips to make the two day trips less stressful for the horses.

This weekend has allowed us network and make connections with folks who used to be on the other side of the fence but now are able to communicate

Horse drawn pieces on the field must be overseen by skilled horse commanders. We need to bridge the two branches and start working together to make the horse drawn pieces more viable and useful.

Civilians

Civilian Impression break out groups from Sunday

Presented by Terre Lawson

Page 11

Civilian impression is a job…we have different cast at every event

It costs as much as it does to put a civilian kit together as it does to put a military kit together

The 1860s were an unusual time….the men were leaving families to farm, cultivate feed the family and make their own clothes.

We have a real challenge in the impression of a 1860 civilian.

Need to provide the fieldcraft skills so that the civilians can accurately portray the period

We want to accurately depict what the civilians were going through during this war.

Civilian passes are needed for entry into military camps

General’s presentation by Tony Daniels (USV)

Spoke of greater communication between commanders

Organizations binding together for betterment of 150th Events

Events will have full information and descriptions posted for attendees

Mutual support of events through the 150th anniversary cycle

Willingness of cooperation between the commanders was discussed to make the cycle events successful

Session was held where the commanders either pledged support or non support of the discussed events. The outline of the vote results was taken from a power point presentation slide used to make notations during the session.

2011

1st Manassas

• VA
• Jul
• East & west effort

 Wilson’s Creek

• Missouri
• Aug
• Western total
• ANV USV – best effort

2012

Mill Springs

• KY
• Jan

Shiloh

• TN
• Apr
• Total – CLE FFD USV MS
• Best

Perryville

• October
• No support given

Vicksburg/Raymond

• October date moved to not coincide with Gettysburg
• MS
• CLE FFD

2nd Manassas

• VA
• Aug
• Total ANV LG USV
• Best eff --
• Perryville
• KY
• Oct

2013

Gettysburg

• PA
• Jul
• Total -- all
• Chickamauga
• GA
• Sept
• Cl – FFD- ANV – LG – MIS
• Best -- USV

2014

• Brice’s’ Crossroad
• MS
• Spring (total – CLE))
• (best – FFD)
• Spotsylvania
• VA
• May (ANV- LG –
• Best 0le
• Resaca
• GA
• May Best – cle FFd
• Atlanta
• GA
• Sept Total - all but ffd
• Best ffd

Cedar Creek

• VA
• Oct USV, LG ANV  best CLE FFD
• Franklin
• TN
• Nov?

2015

• Bentonville
• NC
• Mar (Everybody except FFD
• Saylor’s Creek/Appomattox
• VA
• Apr
• Total – USV lg anv
• Defer until further negotiations

End of minutes

2010 National Event: Twin Rivers Campaign — Site Visit Report
January 6, 2010

The site visit accomplished a large number of goals that were set during the meetings between the Alliance partners.

According to our trusted Engineering Dept. Mr. Don Erickson, who has already worked most diligently to insure this event will be the finest ever at his own expense, we have approx. 2150 acres and added roughly 200 additional while at this recent visit.  We now have more than enough land to accommodate every aspect was originally promised.

I am including a copy of the present adjusted map which marks the locations of the camps and a full detail map will be forwarded as quickly as we can get it completed with the details.

Confederate camps of each nature were walked by all and agreed to in accordance with the plan of creating the most authentic accommodations that will not peril the movement of troops with the interference of incoming modern traffic.

Federal camps were also thoroughly walked and positioned in such a manner as to make ingress and egress as simple as possible.  All camps will be within a secluded area and will be clearly marked as well as numerous choices.  Each Brigade will afford whichever camping styles they so choose.  They will have plenty of space to set up company streets or place their men in a beautiful wooded site that joins the open area. 

The wooded site consists of large trees with a minimal amount of undergrowth so it will be very accessible with good opening for movement both in and out. The mixed military and the civilian camps will be within a few hundred yards but will be hidden from the military camps.  You might be able to see the top of the tents but no more. Cavalry and Artillery camps will be adjacent to military camps with the artillery being posted in a location that is closest to the access road and next to the mixed camp. I have arranged to open sections with roads to allow movement from one camp to another as well as shortcuts to both sutlers and all battle areas. This will allow us to move completely out of sight from any enemy or civilian.

Please note that there will be NO civilians in the military camps and we will have a fully functioning Provost dept that will be working to insure our authenticity at all times.  They will have full authority as beginning at noon Thurs we will become an Army and follow strict military protocol.

There is one paved road that runs the outer boundary of the entire site. This will be a “one way” road and will be closed during engagements.  Our parking will be approximately 500 yards from camps and completely out of sight from all camps. Due to the fact that this is scheduled to be a full, four-day event, those arriving after Thursday at noon will be able to set up and move vehicles during that time but will still be out of sight from the majority of the camps.   Campaigners will carry their effects approx. 300yards at most.  I chose NOT to post specific camp locations on this map as this will be posted on public site and I will furnish detailed camps site maps directly to each Brigade commander when time is closer. 

We have arranged for three (3) authentic wagons to carry our water, ammo and move whatever needs to be moved including equipment throughout the entire event.  While our Quartermaster Dept will be called upon for a number of jobs during the event, we have also chosen to bring on period workers who will be compensated and their only job will be to insure that each camps is supplied and kept supplied with fresh water, hay, wood, straw, and whatever else they need.  No more running around and trying to find someone to accommodate your men.  

I WILL tow any vehicle as I require and you will be required to sign an authorization for same upon arrival, so make sure each man knows this is not a threat, but a promise. The days of vehicles in camp are over.

Should you have an emergency and be required to leave, we will make certain to accommodate your needs under an emergency situation only.  Make sure you arrive at the site fully prepared for all your needs, as there will be no vehicles coming and going during this event. There will be NO modern conveyances — which include breathing machines, etc.  If you cannot keep it within the confines for your period tent, and out of sight, do not bring it.

Registration: There will be one registration location for both armies at the entrance to the site. This will be about ¾ mile from the Federal camps on the south end of the site.  This area is well over 10 acres and contains a very large open-sided pole barn where which a tent will be set and will be manned by hired, trained people to make this as quick and easy as possible. Fully detailed maps will be handed out and signage will be posted clearly throughout the site.   To make this as simple for your folks as possible, please be certain they list the Brigade name they will be with as camps will be set by Brigade name and we want to get them straight to their respective commanders without incident.

Beginning Thursday at NOON, this site will be open and fighting will begin.  We will be moving troops in and out to many areas Written orders will be issued and a written reply will be expected. So be certain you have the means to comply.  All movement will be coordinated through headquarters as to time and point. How you get there and what happens between will be entirely up to the Brigade/Battalion/Company commanders. This site is almost 3 miles long and 1-½ miles wide and you will receive a map with grids for easy understanding.

Our campsite covers about 250 acres alone and we will be a mile away from the CS camps. So there will be lots of room to get lost. The ground is gently rolling with both thin and heavy wooded areas. It is possible to march within a few yards of a hidden enemy and never see them until they wish you to.  You will therefore be given mounted escorts and flankers as well.  They will be deployed through the Cavalry Brigade Command.

Brigade Commanders, please forward this to each unit you will have.  Our Medical Department will also be in full working order and any “new soldiers) (fish) will be required to report to medical for a pass to take the field in regards to his physical condition.  We will not allow any syphilis or diseased individuals into our camps. 

Dover:  We have set a location for the civilian town that is as close as possible to the direction from Ft. Donelson. This camp will be the location for the finest period-correct civilians under the leadership of Ms. Terri Lawson.  She will be accorded full and complete control of any and all that so desire to participate in this capacity. They will need to contact her for details, rules and such.  These details will be posted on the registration site as well.

Sutlers:  They also will be placed along the outer perimeter of the site and will be approx. ½ mile from Federal camps.  During appropriate times we have arranged for transportation for all of our folks as to move them to and from the camps to the sutlers.  There will also be a modern vendor area that will be hidden along the outer perimeter and crossroad.

The Fort:  The Fort will be on top of a large hill, approx. 200 ft elevation and rising on a gentle slope from the perimeter to the top.  We have contracted to construct trenches around the Fort.  We will portray the original battle as close as possible for the scripted battles on Sat/Sun. This will include the battle of Collierville. This field alone is well over 300 acres so it can accommodate full movement and very authentic actions.  Make sure you always have a full canteen… and lots of rounds.

Artillery: We have designated a small location where a minimal number of tow vehicles will be placed.  Please arrange through the Artillery Commander, Col. Boo Hodges, as to which vehicles will be used. I would think one vehicle for three guns should be sufficient.  All trailers and personal vehicles will be placed in the assigned parking area for all other reenactor vehicles.

Cavalry:   All mounted cavalry, including Brigade couriers will report to the Brigade Cavalry commander, Col. Jesse Martinez.  He will then assign them to the perspective Brigades but must be aware of how many and who they are. With the movement that will be taking place, he will need your full cooperation for this to work.  Mounted staff should be minimal to avoid confusion especially on the field.

In closing, let me say the amount of work already I this event is enormous and expensive. We promised something for everyone and to date I believe we now have this in place.  The scripted battles will be kept as close as possible to the actual battles and if additional monies can be located, structures as well as trenches will be constructed.

I again urge all of you to get you folks on site Wednesday or no later than Thursday in the early AM.  This is truly a once-in-a-great-while experience and will be well worth the time, effort and small expense they will contribute.  Participants will see and experience firsthand many of the experiences a soldier saw and felt, truly a large-scale “living history “experience, far and above the normal event weekend surrounded by swing sets and playground equipment. 

I am including the web site posted for the new Blue-Gray Alliance which has been formed for the 150th events.  Please make a note and visit the site to help keep you and your folks updated.  I will also post new and updated information on the FFD web site within a few days.

www.150thcivilwarevents.com  

As an added note, I also visited the site for the Shiloh 2011 National Event. A present we have about 1200 acres under contract and expecting additional contracts to be signed very shortly.  Please note that there is a currently different organization that is announcing a Shiloh event at a different location. They are part of an AOT (not the one we knew featuring the old 1st. Confederate Division). This other group is NOT in the Blue-Gray Alliance at this time.

I am certain you will have many questions and I will be most happy to answer any and all.  New information will be posted on the websites as quickly as possible and should take care of most of them.  Get ready to march, gentlemen.  General orders will be sent to each Brigade commander soon and they should please pass all information on to each unit they will be working with.  The more information they forward will make this a more efficient and effective organization.

Respectfully,
Col. Terry Crowder, Commanding

Usual Amenities: Straw, Firewood, etc.
All Camps Available:
Modern, Period Family Garrison, Campaigner, Period Civilian,
Period Sutlers
Re-creation of Town of Dover

Registration is $20 per person
(Resistration adminstration courtesy of Cleburne's Division)
REGISTER HERE!

All Reenactors MUST be pre-registered for this event.
No Walk Ons Allowed.

You may register online using the above REGISTER HERE link or print the registration form and mail in to Mark Way, P.O. Box 6359, Navarre, FL 32566.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION 
US COMMAND STRUCTURE AND INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS TO SITE
REGISTERED REENACTORS LIST

A Note from Colonel Crowder: January 9-10, 2010 Civil War Leadership Conference , Chickamauga, Georgia

To: Federal and Confederate Leadership of Civil War Reenacting Organizations:

Gentlemen:

The conference originally described in my email of 6 October 2009 has continued to take shape. We have a high number of participants committed to participate. This has enabled the following arrangements to be planned:

1. Conference Location:

The Gordon-Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Rd, Chickamauga, GA 30707, (706) 375-4728. This is a very historic location as, among other things, Gen. William Rosecrans future president James A. Garfield, his chief of staff, spent 3 days here just before the Battle of Chickamauga. Please see this website for complete information:

http://roadsidegeorgia.com/site/gordonlee.html

2. Dates and Times:

The forum will commence at 9:30 AM on Saturday, 9 January and should complete mid-day on 10 January: (All FFD personal will meet at 7:30 AM Sat.)

3. Parking: There is ample parking at the Mansion. Also, there is parking at adjacent public schools

4. Amenities:

The City will be providing lunch to the conference attendees on Saturday at the City’s cost

5. Costs: Participants will have to cover their own transportation and hotel bills. There is no cost for the conference facilities or Saturday’s lunch. However, a number of motels have been identified with very moderate rates. They are listed below.

6. Participants: A number of organizations are committed so far including: FFD, USV, ANV, Longstreet’s, Southern Division. The list continues to grow. Further, a substantial media participation includes the Civil War Gazette and other publications. Lastly, event sponsors from a number of sites will join the group for dialog and discussion.

7. Nearby Motels:

Econo Lodge @ 706-375-7007. Motel website: www.choicehotels.com/hotel/ga825
Rates for our conference: are as follows:
Single Rooms with King Bed: 52.00
Rooms with two Queen Beds: 55.00
Suite Kings - 1 King bed and a sofa bed: 60.00
Suite Queens, 2 Queen Beds & couch that makes a bed, 72.00
Motels in nearby Fort Oglethorpe are as follows:

§ Best Western Battlefield Inn: 706-866-0222
§ Royal Inn Motel: 706-866-6623
§ Super 8 Motel: 706-861-1744

There are also a number of other motels in the nearby vicinity. Search the internet.

8. Agenda. This is an area for which we need your help. Please continue to send you ideas and suggestions.

Among the topics suggested are the following:

· Planning for the major 150th events, their leadership, and mutual support

· Battles and field commands from each organization
· Battle field scenario development.
· Our collective messages to the public and building a positive image for the hobby
· Collective positions in dealing with event sponsors
· Other issues deemed important by the leaders, for example:

a. Authenticity
b. Decorum
c. Safety

A Note from Colonel Crowder
September 28, 2009

Fellow Re enactors,

With the 150th events just around the corner, I am writing this in the sincere hope that all of us will be in better positions in the coming years for the most memorable events that most of us will ever see in our lifetime.  The past few years have put our great Country under much stress for a large number of reasons. All of which we know too well. For many, the employment situation has created many difficulties as well as the high cost of travel and living cost increases. It has had a tremendous effect on our wonderful hobby. 

Many of the hard working leaders all across the Country have been trying very hard to continue to provide opportunities for all of us to experience what we each think is the “perfect” event.  They are making plans as you read this and are honestly doing a very difficult job.  The same folks that have given us so many terrific events are spending many hours and lots of their own money in travel, meetings, letters, emails and phone calls in the attempt to gather us all together  for the  future of the hobby.

I am writing this to implore you all to take a moment and think about the next few years and what direction you wish to precede for yourself as well as the men who look to you as leaders.  The same men who trust you and follow your direction. It does not matter if you lead a couple of men, a company, a battalion, or a Brigade or Division.

Please consider the next couple of years very carefully and while I know there are many differences throughout the Country, many who do not see eye to eye, many who feel they have been ignored, pushed aside, overlooked, or downright abused.  Most all of us have felt that at one time or another over the years. We must put all of that behind us now.  We must all put aside any personal ego’s, personal opinions, old feeling, and move forward to bigger and better things for the sake of our fellow re enactors For the sake of the future of the hobby.

For many years now, as a Brigade commander, I have stressed the importance of taking the men to events that offer the best opportunity for them to see, feel, hear and even taste what our forefathers may have seen if but for a brief moment.  I have yet to attend a “perfect” event but have come very close several times.  The small local and even many of the smaller regional events are great for a “practice” and even great for living histories.  I ask you all to consider, “Are we doing our hobby justice when we take a handful of men on a small field surrounded by every imaginable modern intrusion?  Are we really providing as true presentation of history in doing so?

Perhaps, we all need to make a bigger effort to join together and take a closer look at events that provide an adequate amount of space (land) with not so many intrusions.  Place our efforts into events that offer a little more realism, authenticity, and still make them enjoyable and memorable for our people

Plan your schedule carefully and look at each event before you make a decision. Consider all the avenues for your men.   Mend a bridge that may have been broken, call someone you may have had a disagreement with and make it right. Look at all the possibilities that may open to you and your men and let us all look to each other for a bigger and better future for everyone.

Please know that the First Federal Division is anxious, willing and sincerely looking to the future with much enthusiasm and is keeping every door open to anyone and everyone who loves this hobby and cares only to make it better putting aside any personal  grudges or old “dead horses” . We will continue to meet and discuss with all organizations in the continuing effort of giving each person as much as possible in the way of events both now and in the cycle of the 150th events.

Respectfully,
Colonel Terry Crowder, commanding

Camp of Instruction:
Prairie Grove Battlefield Park, Prairie Grove, AR,
.June 18-20, 2010

The First Federal Division Artillery Reserve in conjunction with the Division Medical Staff is hosting a Camp of Instruction on June 18-20, 2010 at Prairie Grove Battlefield Park*, Prairie Grove, AR. s

This event will encompass an Artillery School of the Piece, a School of the Surgeon, and Infantry School of the Soldier. All those doing a Federal impression are invited to participate in this three day encampment designed to refresh the skills of a veteran soldier and educate those who are new to the Civil War experience.

This is a mainstream event and open to all who wish to participate as Federals. The Division Artillery Reserve is a proud member of the First Federal Division.

Event website: http://1861coi.com/

Invitation from Colonel Hodges, FFD Chief of Artillery:

September 2, 2009

Gentlemen,

As most of you know, the health issues involving my son have kept me extremely busy and thus I haven’t been available to address the upcoming Camp of Instruction that the Division Artillery is hosting on June (18-20) of 2010 at Prairie Grove Battlefield Park*, Prairie Grove, AR.  My thanks to those that have sent notes and prayers

Several weeks ago, I asked my staff to send a note out regarding the event. Allow me to expand on that information and to ask for your support.

The Camp of Instruction is basically that, a camp of instruction. My staff and I will be working with the Artillery to review our drill, reinforce our safety procedures, and generally bring the constituent units together for a time of fellowship. The Medical Department, which has graciously agreed to act as co-host, has an established School of the Surgeon that will instruct those interested in period medical activities as well as how best the MD can serve our troops in the field.
My hope is to also have Infantry units attend to refresh their drill and tactical knowledge and to work together with other units within the Division family. It would be absolutely great to field a 100 man Infantry company and have the troops experience maneuvers with a full strength unit. Staff has also recommended that infantry be given a new experience and given instruction on serving the big guns. The goal is to offer all some new experiences at this camp.

The Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is 800 acres of beautiful land, as Jim C. and Don G. can attest to, having attended previous events held there. There are permanent restrooms, not porta-johns, and fixed water points, a rare commodity for an original battlefield. We are not fighting battles against our friends in gray, just hoping to improve ourselves. Of course, our major goal is training, but, rekindling the camaraderie and good feelings between friends is also important. More information regarding the event can be found at http://1861coi.com.

Terry, I’d also like to take this opportunity to invite you and your chief of staff to attend as our guests. I also invite all of you to participate if you can. While I know there is great distance involved, I would still request you encourage your closer units to attend and help get word out about our Camp. Such help is definitely appreciated. God Bless us all. I remain,

Yr. Servant,
Dr. Merle “Boo” Hodges
Col., Commanding
Division Artillery Reserve

Change of Command — First Federal Division
July 31, 2009

Following the recent and voluntary resignation of Gen. Steve Dunfee as commander, the First Federal Division Board met and has elected Col. Terry Crowder as acting commander of the Division.

Col. Crowder is the senior Brigade commander and has been involved with the Division since its inception. He is the only founding colonel still serving in that role today. His long time commitment to continued improvement for all is felt by each Brigade and its members. Serving as commander at a number of large events in the past he will bring the experience, ability and knowledge to assist in the continued welfare and growth of this Division for each Brigade and each Branch thereof.

Taking every step in moving forward as rapidly and precisely as possible, plans are already in process for a number of events across the Country. The FFD recognizes the immediate needs of each member and is committed to improving our commitment to the reenacting community. As always, the Division is looking to the future as well as today.

There will be but a few changes and the majority of the staff will stay in place with a few familiar faces being placed in positions where immediate needs can be met.

Col. Michael Zimmer will be serving as Chief of Staff and will be communicating with those necessary to make this transition as smooth and rapid as possible. Col. Zimmer also brings many years of service including several years as Chief of Staff for past Gen. Dolive and staff member for Gen. Warnick, He has also served as commander of the 9th Illinois Infantry for a number of years as well as a long time member of the Western Brigade.

First Federal Division General Session Minutes:
Saturday — January 24, 2009 

MORNING SESSION

A Quorum exists at 9:09 a,m,

Meeting opened

General:  State of the Division

• 2008 still fractionalized due to scheduling conflicts.
• 2008 focal point wasn't there.
• 2009 focal point was going to be Pea Ridge/Jonesboro 
• Jonesboro canceled due to contractual issues the FFD did not enter into.

2009 Schedule:  no consensus as a focal point for 2009.  No brigades could commit to significant numbers for a focal point event for 2009.

Conner Prairie was chosen but it doesn't meet all the needs but the Division needed a focal point.  There is no event that can meet the needs and desires of all the brigades for 2009.

What value does the Division bring to the Brigades and the member groups?

• Security for structure, environment
• Consistency of command
• Quality Control to have input in the standards of the experience at the various event
• These above transcended to personnel desires of the individual unit.

Business:

• Terry Crowder intro’d the Lightning Brigade in Florida which has applied for membership.

• Subsequently voted on an approved by the Board of Directors, meeting in Executive session, as a provisional member organization of the Division. Welcome aboard Lightning Brigade!

• Motion was raised, seconded, and approved unanimously to place the Army of the Pacific in a “member organization emeritus,”  non-voting status in perpetuity, due to its no longer being a viable element in the field. It is being given this honorable distinction because it was a founding member.  If they became active again they could become a full member organization by providing the requisite numbers.

• Next Question — The Status of the AOT undetermined.

• Question posed —Do we want to  remove the references to the AOT  and the NSA  since it no longer exists.  The references are still in all of the FFD literature, website etc.
• Terry Crowder — Maybe we should drop the Logo of the NSA
• Much fragmentation in what was the AOT; several key members have resigned
• Other ideas broached — to strike the name NSA from FFD documentation
• Member commanders polled — Wide range of opinions put forward

Motion brought, seconded, and approved which states:

Whereas, the First Federal Division (FFD), having been informed that the Army of Tennessee, the Confederate component of the North/South Alliance (NSA), has formally disbanded, and whereas, without a legitimate Confederate component, the NSA cannot continue by definition:

Therefore, the FFD acknowledges that the NSA has ceased to exist, and as such is officially ceasing its participation in or relationship with the North/South Alliance.”

Next item: Conner Prairie, 2009

Park is on line with the event.  Info from conference calls.  They have great joy with working with the FFD.  This is an open event but other federals will under FFD control.

Bounty will be given to reenactors  Event is free to the reenactors. 

Registration is by Unit not by individual.

Registration is by Brigade Commanders must handle this.  Be proactive.

Registration is on the CONNER PRAIRIE web site.

Information:

Period basic rations plus bounty to the FFD for each man.

Event structure at this time --It will be an occupied town  the Battlefield and camps as well will be secured 24hrs daily.   Pickets, passes etc.  No crossing of the field to visit the Confederate camps will be allowed and vice versa.

Event maps of Conner Prairie have been developed by the Topographical Engineers and were presented at this meeting.  Excellent maps.  A job well done by the engineers.

A site visit is being planned.  Contact the General if you can attend. 

Battle scenarios are in the pre-planning phase.

Any other business to be presented.  Morning session adjourned.

(Meeting moved to a closed Executive Board meeting.)

First Federal Division General Session Minutes:
Saturday — January 24, 2009 

AFTERNOON SESSION

Afternoon Session  1:35 p.m.

Executive Board met and accepted the Lightning Brigade as a provisional member.

Problems have arisen with Conner Prairie.

If the field isn't available at Conner Prairie it might dictate a change of plans.

Field isn't available due to contractual obligations and grants for the planting of prairie grass on the full field.

Input for alternatives for 2009 Max Effort Event

• Selma, Alabama — April
• Battle of Atlanta — Labor Day
• Mine Creek — Linn County, Kansas
•  Perryville, Kentucky  September 3-4
• Brices' Crossroads — June 1490 acres June 12-14th Baldwyn, Mississippi (south of Corinth, north of Tupelo)
• 145th Wonsaka (sp?) May
• Corinth, Mississippi — Sept 12-14
• Shaker Village
• Camp Nelson
• Bentonville, Arkansas
• Kansas City, SOC area

*Note: Subsequent to the Meeting, issues with Conner Prairie were resolved and the Board of Directors voted to maintain Conner Prairie as the maximum effort event of 2009.

2010 ...and Beyond Events

A brainstorm of events “people would like to see” was initiated:

Red River Campaign  late spring Louisiana
Wilson's Creek 2010
2nd Manasssas 2010
Land Betweeen the Lakes  Kentucky
Vicksburg
Shiloh
Gettysburg
Antietam
Chickamauga
Tullahoma Campaign
Brandy Station
Olstee, Florida
A Grand Campaign
Pea Ridge
Honey Springs

After much discussion about getting a plan in place, including a discussion of not rowing against the tide of the 150th “mega” events, having enough space (at least 3 months) between events, and working to meet the geographic needs of all the members of the Division at some point in the 5-year cycle, with expectations that everyone will have to sacrifice in other years, the following tentative plan was put forth as a working model for national-level events in 2010 and beyond:

2010

• Wilson's Creek for the West
• 2nd Manassas (August) for the East

1861/2011

• Spring: Land Between the Lakes – Kentucky
• Summer: Dormant
• Fall: Honey Springs, OK

1862/2012 

• Spring: Shiloh (try to develop an FFD National event)
• Summer: Dormant
• Fall: Antietam (presumed mega 150th event)

1863/2013

• Spring: Dormant
• Summer: Gettysburg (presumed mega 150th event)
• Fall: Chickamauga (presumed mega 150th event)

1864/2014

• Spring/Summer: Vicksburg Campaign (FFD to develop)
• Fall: Dormant

1865/2015

• SpringPea Ridge (FFD to develop)

It was asked that member organizations, in looking toward their own smaller, regional and local events, plan them with respect to these national events and not around the same times, so even if they cannot attend a national event in full strength, they are not causing conflict with them at the Division level.

Meeting Adjourned

Division Winter Meetings
January 2.2009

Jan 2: The First Federal Division leadership will hold its annual meeting and conference on the weekend of January 24th-25th, 2009, in St. Louis, Missouri. Meetings of the senior leadership, general staff, as well as meetings open to all Division members and guests will be held throughout the weekend at the St. Louis Airport Hilton. The schedule of open events is as follows: Saturday 9am-10am {The State of the Division} and 2pm-5pm {Divisional General Meeting}. For more information, please contact the chief of staff, Colonel Hernbroth cos@firstfederaldivision.com.