The Dispatch
Orange County Civil War Association.
Vol. I-NO. 1 “NO TERMS EXCEPT UNCONDITIONAL AND IMMEDIATE SURRENDER” January 2004

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IMPORTANT NEWS

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Headquarters armies of the united states established!



By direction of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, I have been ordered to command the Armies of the United States. To accomplish this goal, I have established this headquarters to direct our most noble armies in the field.

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Personnel assigned to headquarters will receive school of the soldier training, persona development, and military deportment from the veteran 2nd United States Infantry. Upon graduation, they will continue to develop their personas for the position assigned.

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Newly assigned personnel will spend part of their first year serving as the adjutant for the units. This will expose those individuals to the integral workings of headquarters at various levels. By the end of first quarter 2004, job descriptions will be available.

When the persona is well developed, the individual will be then appearing in public as that person. This insures the authenticity we seek.

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GENERAL OFFICERS GUARD ASSIGNED

General Orders No. 1
In the field
January 1, 2004

1. The 2nd United States Infantry is hereby appointed the General Officers Guard. This regiment will be charged with the protection of general officers assigned to this headquarters. 2. Upon the arrival of President Lincoln or high ranking member of the government, the General Officers Guard will extend the protection to said officials.
3. The 2nd United States Infantry will be responsible for guarding headquarters camp during engagements.
4. Sergeant Major Dale Himebaugh is appointed commander of the General Officers Guard.
By Order of U.S. Grant, Lieutenant-General

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Winter Cotillion

January 24, 2004
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Good news! Our winter cotillion at the Sheraton Anaheim Hotel, 900 So. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802, is on schedule. The Cotillion is scheduled for Saturday, January 24th, 2004 – 6 P.M. until 10 P.M.

Dinner will be served promptly at 6:00 pm with and dancing starting at 7:00 pm. As usual, Mr. Dennis Riley will be calling.

Cost per ticket is $35.00. Please send checks payable to Connie Clowers 1471 S. Walnut St. #57, Anaheim, CA 92802

Please RSVP not later than January 19th, 2004.

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UPCOMING EVENTS
Below is our latest schedule.

Please watch the schedule for date/event changes and send Email if you have a question.
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January 24 Annual Winter Cotillion Anaheim, CA
February 7/8 Saint Catherine’s School CW Reenactment Anaheim, CA
February 14/15 President’s Weekend Living History Event San Juan Capistrano, CA
March 13/14 Civil War ReenactmentVista Antique Gas & Steam Museum Vista, CA
March 20 Swallow’s Day Parade San Juan Capistrano
April 3-4 Prado Regional Park CW Reenactment Chino
April 17/18 Ft. Tejon CW Reenactment
May 15 Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade
May or June Marching Through History Event -?TBD
July 4 Fort MacArthur Event
July 10/11 Civil War ReenactmentVista Antique Gas & Steam Museum Vista, CA
August 1 Drill Day – Location TBD
August 21/22 Fort Tejon Invitational CW Reenactment
September 4/5 Central Park Civil War Reenactment Huntington Beach, CA
October 1/3 Kearney Park CW Reenactment Fresno
October 16/17(Date not firm) Marching Through History Prado Park
November 6/7 Moorpark Civil War Reenactment Moorpark, CA
December 4/5 Drum Barracks – Living History Event Wilmington

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COLD Mountain
Hollywood’s latest entry into the Civil War is the film version of Charles Frazier’s book, Cold Mountain. Set in 1864, the film is well done and very authentic. To help you understand the Union Army’s part of the movie, the following is a brief explanation of the Battle of the Crater.

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The Crater was part of a triple assault against the Confederate lines at Petersburg and the defenses of Richmond. While Union troops threatened Richmond in the north, another movement was being made south of Petersburg. These two actions were supposed to draw off rebel forces and weaken their center – where an assault in the middle would crack rebel defenses.

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Set for July 30th, men of Burnside’s IX Corps had dug a 510 foot long tunnel that terminated in a “T” that extended a perpendicular gallery 75 feet long. Here, 14,000 pounds of powder was to be placed. (Prior to the explosion, General Meade reduced the amount of powder to 8,000 pounds.)

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The explosion occurred at 4:45 AM and created a crater some 60 feet wide, 170 feet long, and 30 feet deep. Nearly 300 rebel soldiers were lost during the explosion. A barrage of over 100 artillery pieces opened up on the rebel lines as the first of Burnside’s four divisions charged the 130 yards that separated the lines.

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None of the Union defenses had been moved and the attack bogged down and unit cohesion was lost. With thousands of soldiers pouring into the crater confusion reigned everywhere. Confederate artillery soon ranged in and the slaughter began. The “battle” lasted from 6 AM to 1 PM. In that time, nearly 3,800 Union soldiers were killed, wounded and missing. Confederate losses were about 1,500.
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116th PVI HOME PAGE


FROM CAPTAIN GRACE
COMPANY COMMANDER

WELCOME TO 2004!

With the reorganization, Company A has emerged stronger and better organized. With a fresh start, we are on the road to developing a more authentic appearance as a Union Civil War company. Each of our combat soldiers is fully participating in the development of the company. Sergeant Jeff Ingertson has stepped up as the senior NCO in the company and is filling a critical command function. Taking the leadership seriously, Sgt Ingertson provides communications, leadership, guidance, mentoring, and is always present.
With January less than three weeks old, we have already participated in two company functions: One at the premier of Cold Mountain, and the Second our first round rolling party.

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January will continue to be busy with the cotillion on January 24th and hopefully a drill day before the end of the month.
I am told we have a bumper crop of prizes to raffle off at the Cotillion. Many nice items from Drum Barracks, Civil War Sutler, D&N Mercantile, Timeless Stitches, and our own General and Mrs. Grant. Lots of nice things to take home. No need to worry about dancing, Mr. Dennis Riley will be calling and he is the best. Great food, superb dancing, and an entertaining evening will help start 2004 on the right foot.

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With Saint Catherine’s reenactment only a few weeks away, I will be working with Sgt. Ingertson and Sgt Major Himebaugh to set up a drill day. This will help prepare our new recruits as well as brush up our School of the Soldier. Watch for the date.
Until the next time, it is an honor to serve with such men as you. I am honored to be your commander.

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David Grace, Captain
Commanding Company
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WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER Private Edward Kraus

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Joining the company at the premier of Cold Mountain was Private Edward Kraus. You cannot miss Private Kraus – his smile and enthusiasm is typical of the volunteers of 1862. Welcome aboard and we promise you a great time in Civil War reenacting. You have joined a great group, dedicated to preserving the memory of those who fought to sustain the Union and suppress the rebellion.

Private Rey Rivera is living temporarily in Puerto Rico. He will be returning in the late spring and expects to rejoin the company upon his return. Hurry back, Rey, you are missed by one and all.

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MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

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We have entered a new year and it is time to renew our membership. Please complete the 2004 registration forms and return them as soon as possible. Please contact me for the registration forms. Copies will be available at the Cotillion (Saturday, January 24th) and at Saint Catherine’s (Saturday, February 7/8).
Thanks,
Captain Grace
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THREE BRANCHES

The army has three branches: Infantry, cavalry, and artillery.
The art of war has three branches: strategy, tactics, and logistics.

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HEADQUARTERS NEWS

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FROM PRESIDENT LINCOLN
On Robert E. Lee’s Resignation

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I needed a leader of the army. General Scott was too old. I began to hear about a Colonel Robert E. Lee. Endorsed by General Scott, I sent Mr. Blair to offer the command of our army to Lee. When I heard that Colonel Lee had declined the command of the army, I was sorely disappointed.

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Robert E. Lee, I was assured by General Scott and Mr. Blair, was not going to take sides and would sit out the war on his property in Arlington just across the Potomac. I became more vexed when I learned that Lee had accepted command of the Virginia militia.

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I tell you, I hadn’t figured Lee for a traitor after such a distinguished career in the army – West Point graduate, engineer, hero of the Mexican-American War, West Point Commandant, cavalry commander, and leader of the troops that captured John Brown. I began to suspect all southerners and started to trust none of them.

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Though I had never met the man, his reputation preceded him. I felt his loss would gravely affect this growing rebellion. With Lee gone, Virginia gone, and Maryland ready to succeed, no troops to defend Washington, I feared for the worst.

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Perhaps instead of Lee leading our troops into the rebellious areas, he would be leading the rebellion into Washington. Those were difficult days for me as I awaited the arrival of the Seventh New York Infantry and the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment to defend Washington.

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I used to stand at the window, looking down Pennsylvania Avenue for those boys. I needed them, the Capitol needed them, and the Country needed them. When would they arrive? Would it be in time?

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FROM GENERAL GRANT
Cairo, Illinois

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My first major command was the military district comprising southeast Missouri and southern Illinois. I established my headquarters in Cairo Illinois, a town located at the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers in an area known locally as the Egyptian region.
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In those days, Kentucky was neutral – didn’t want troops from either side to enter their state. Shortly after my arrival, I received information that Confederates under General Polk were advancing on several key cities in Kentucky. I immediately ordered two regiments to occupy Paducah to prevent the rebels from controlling the Ohio. I also sent word to the Kentucky legislature of the rebel invasion. The next day, September 4th, 1861, the Kentucky legislature voted to condemn the southern invasion and side with the Union.

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To the citizens of Paducah, I issued the following:
An enemy, in rebellion against our common government, has taken possession of the soil of Kentucky and fired upon our flag. He is moving upon your city. I am here to defend you against this enemy and to assert and maintain the authority and sovereignty of your government and mine.

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U.S. Grant, Brigadier-General
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FROM GENERAL SHERMAN
Grant after Shiloh

When I found out that Grant was leaving the army, I rode over to talk him out of that. Seeing Grant packing, arriving at his tent, I walked over to my friend. “Grant,” I said, “is this true? Are you leaving?” He replied yes. Well, I just couldn’t let him go without a fight. I reminded him that I was once pronounced as crazy and am now restored. Perhaps you will come back into favor again,” We spoke for a while longer and I departed. Later, I found out he was staying and rejoiced on his decision.
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2nd UNITED STATES INFANTRY HOME PAGE


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Below: President Lincoln, General Grant, Sgt. Major Himebaugh and Sgt Harper in the field at Fort Tejon

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The Second United States Infantry has joined with Headquarters Armies of the United States as headquarters guard. This distinguished group of veterans will provide security for President Lincoln and General U.S. Grant. Train new recruits, and provide security for our camp at events.

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The 2nd US Infantry is lead by Sergeant Major Dale Himebaugh and Sergeant Lewis Harper. Both of these fine NCOs bring over 3 dozen years of experience in civil war reenacting and have served our hobby in all levels of leadership. Dedicated to the highest level of authenticity, with the assistance of these gentlemen and the quality of the other members of the 2nd US Infantry, we will raise our living history impression and authenticity to the highest standards.

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Sgt-Major Himebaugh and Sgt. Lewis will join us at the Saint Catherine’s along with President & Mrs. Lincoln. Welcome aboard!

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THE OLD ARMY

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The 2nd US Infantry boasts a proud history dating back to the beginnings of our country. An established regiment at the outbreak of the Civil War, the 2nd provided yeoman service during the War of the Rebellion.

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While man for man, the Regular Army was as good as if not better than any militia or volunteer unit being formed during the outbreak of the war. It was the leadership of the old Army, the officer corps that opted for the Confederacy that almost brought the downfall of the Union.

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In 1860, over 1,000 officers were serving in the US Army. 286 West Point graduates and over 100 non West Point officers chose to fight for the Confederacy.

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The West Point Class of 1846 produced 53 generals out of a class of 56. A record matched by no other graduating class from West Point.

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The plight of southern enlisted men serving was quite different than the officer corps. Enlisted men could not resign to leave the army; they were committed for the duration of their enlistment. Their only choice was desertion and would suffer the consequence of their action if captured.

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The resignation of so many officers panicked the Government. Secretary of War Simon Cameron used the defections of West Pointers to publicly attack that school.

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During the war, the regular regiments were usually grouped together and fought well. After the war, the Army could draw upon many veterans to fill the ranks of the 25 Infantry, 10 cavalry, and 5 artillery regular regiments that constituted the New Army.
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION

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Brigadier General Charles Stone was suspected of treason after the defeat at Balls Bluff in October of 1861. He was arrested and sent to Fort Lafayette in New York. Escorted by a lieutenant and two detectives, General Stone departed Washington DC to New York on February 9th, 1862. In Philadelphia, there was some mix-up with the train tickets and General Stone ended up paying for his own ticket to prison. He was eventually vindicated and returned to the army for only one month before he resigned. He later joined the Egyptian Army and served as Chief of Staff for thirteen years. Returning home, he was supervising work on the foundation of the Statue of Liberty before his death in 1887.

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Future Major General George H. Thomas was dubbed “George Washington” by his fellow cadets at West Point.

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Confederate General Richard Ewell wrote in the spring of 1861: “There is one West Pointer, I think in Missouri, little known, and I hope the Northern people will not find out. I mean Sam Grant. I knew him in the Academy and in Mexico. I should fear him more than any of their officers I have yet heard of.”
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James Longstreet was sixteen years old when he arrived at West Point. Standing at six foot two inches, blue eyes, strong built, and wavy brown hair, he was almost immediately voted the handsomest cadet at the Point. Longstreet preferred pranks and good times to studying. He graduated fifty-fourth out of sixty-two in the Class of 1842.
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Once when Major General William T. Sherman was discussing the qualities of why Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant was so successful, he stated: “I’ll tell you where he beats me and where he beats the world. He don’t give a damn for what the enemy does out of his sight, but it scares me like hell!” Quoted in Wilson, Under the Old Flag, 2:17

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President Abraham Lincoln’s second son, Edward Lincoln (Eddie), was named after Edward Baker of Illinois. Prior to the war, Edward Baker had moved to Oregon where he was elected as a U.S. Senator. When the war broke out, he returned to the east and raised a regiment of infantry. On the way to Ball’s Bluff (October 1861), Colonel Baker stopped at the White House to visit with the President and his family. Leaving with his troops, he was killed a few days later during the battle of Ball’s Bluff.

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Training accidents are not new. Once a Massachusetts artillery battery targeted a large tree located on a hilltop some 1,000 yards away. Inexperienced, the gunners set the sights for 1,600 yards. Only the kind intervention of Providence prevented the village located on the other side of the hill from being destroyed.

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The Parrot guns were designed by West Point graduate Robert Parker Parrot. Constructed of iron, the noticeable feature was a single reinforcing band located on the breech. The most widely used piece was the three-inch rifle, the ten-pounders, and twenty-pounders. All three types were muzzleloaders.


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