Contact for information:
David Grace, Company Commander
P.O. Box 14254 Irvine, CA 92623
captgrace@hotmail.com
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RULES AND REGULATIONS

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. FINANCIAL COMMITMENT: New members joining the 69th PVI will be informed that reenacting has some expense associated with it. New members will be provided with a schedule to obtain uniforms, weapons, etc (military) and period clothing for civilians.

B. MINORS/PETS: Children under the age of 18 are the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. A parent or legal guardian MUST be with the minor at all times. Pets are not permitted at 69th PVI events.

C. GUARDIANSHIP AUTHORIZATION: For any participant under 18 years old, the minor authorization form (located on the 69th PVI Application Form) must be completed with the parents authorized signature, and a copy kept with the Unit at all times of attendance, in the event emergency medical attention is required.

D. WEAPONS: Each individual is responsible for the care, maintenance, and protection of their personal weapon. No one is permitted to loan a weapon to any member without the express permission of the Military Commander.

E. DRUG/ALCHOLOL/STEALING: Any individual found using illegal drugs, becomes intoxicated, caught stealing will immediately be dismissed from the 69th PVI.

II. SAFETY REGULATIONS

A. General

1. ATTITUDE AND COOPERATION. Anyone acting in an unsafe, uncooperative or disorderly manner may be EXPELLED from the camp by the President, 69th PVI (hereafter called the President), or the Military Commander. Depending on the nature of the offense, the individual may be expelled from the event and may be restricted from attending future events as a member of the 69th PVI. Conduct should be appropriate for the period and image portrayed.

2. Prior to engaging in any battle scenario, either at an event, function, or drill, a Safety Inspection shall take place with the Military Commander and Safety Officer present. If one or the other is absent, the President will appoint a replacement.

B. Safety Rules

The safety rules contained in Attachment A are effective August 9th, 2003. A copy will be provided each member as well as a copy posted on the web page. Every member of the 69th PVI, military and civilian impression is responsible to read these safety rules. A copy will also be attached to all applications to join the 69th PVI.

III. UNIT GUIDELINES

Each subunit of the 69th PVI listed below, will be responsible for approving their own guidelines and determining the criteria for their impression, each set of Unit Guidelines will be attached to the Rules and Regulations as a separate Appendix starting with Appendix B.

Appendix B - 69th PVI
Appendix C - Headquarters, Armies of the United States
Appendix D - 1st United States Sharpshooters
Appendix E - Irish Brigade Hospital
Appendix F - Civilian Impressions

IV. CIVILIANS

Civilians shall conduct period images of the time frame, with such duties as they are able to portray, that would be consistent with life at that time (1861-1865).

V. RANK STRUCTURE

The size and composition of units varied throughout the Civil War. The Military Commander of Company C will be the senior Military Commander and will carry the rank of Captain. In the event there are sufficient members in the sub-units present, the Military Commander will be brevetted with the rank of Major.

The President and the Military Commander will insure the following guidelines are followed for the combat companies:

# in Unit
6-10
11-20
21-30
31-40
41-50
50+
Corporals
1
2
3
4
4
4
Sergeants
1
2
2
3
3
4
1st Sergeant
1
1
1
1
1
-
Lieutenants
1
2
2
2
-
-
Captain
1
1
1
1
1
1

Positions such as Ordinance Sergeant, Quartermaster, Color Bearer, Company Clerk, Adjutant, and brevets are to be appointed by the Commanding Officer as necessary. At no time will the number of Officers/NCOs exceed the number of privates. Rank is granted to deserving individuals based on experience, attendance, and commitment to the 69th PVI. Officers/NCOs must make the maximum effort to attend all events. If the Commanding Officer deems the Officer/NCO is not fulfilling the duty of their position, they will be relieved of duty and returned to the ranks as private. No member may hold the office of Officer or NCO in the 69th PVI if they are a member of another local Civil War Unit based in California.

VI. COMMANDER
The overall commander of the 69th PVI is the President. The vice-commander is the Military Commander of the 69th PVI.

Appendix A
Safety Rules

The subject matter of this safety manual has been compiled as a standard of" time tested" rules to be followed by the membership of the 69th PVI and its subunits. Adherence to these rules, regulations, and recommendations are set forth, will enable the membership to enjoy a safe encampment and/or a reenactment and will greatly reduce the probability of an accident or fatality due to negligence, ignorance or carelessness.

The contents of these safety rules may serve as a resource for any new member or subunit, enabling them to establish an immediate safety program. These safety rules will also serve as a guideline in any disciplinary action taken against any individual found to be in violation of any of its rules.

Ignorance is not an excuse when safety practices are concerned. All members, both military and civilian, shall take heed, know, and be aware of the contents of these Safety Rules.

I. GUNPOWDER
A. Basic Regulation
1. The only type of incendiary material allowable for use in any muzzle-loading weapon (musket, rifle, or pistol) covering the time period up to and including the Civil War, shall be black powder.
2. Absolutely no smokeless powder will be used. Any person found to be employing same, shall be ejected immediately for the event and suspended from the 69th PVI for a period of six (6) months.

B. Storage of Gunpowder
1. No loose powder will be employed; all powder must be in proper paper cartridge form; these cartridges will be stored in a cartridge box of leather construction while the individual is on the field.
2. All prepared cartridges and other containing black powder shall be stored in spark proof, non flammable containers.
3. Each individual is responsible to secure their cartridges.
4. These cartridges shall be stored at least 25 feet from a fire.
5. Under no circumstances will cartridges be rolled at events.
6. Any member placing or tossing black powder in a fire will be immediately expelled from the 69th PVI.

II. EDGED WEAPONS
All edged weapons such as swords, knives, bayonets, etc. shall remain sheathed at all times in camp or in tacticals with the following exceptions:

A. Swords
1. Officers commanding in the field and using the sword as a tool of command. Care will be taken not to brandish weapon at or near an individual.
2. Officers on parade or formations may use the sword for saluting.
3. NCOs will only wear appropriate swords when directed by the Commanding Officer.
4. NCOs wearing swords may draw the sword only when directed by the Commanding Officer.

B. Knives and similar edged weapons
1. Only Sergeants may carry knives or similar weapons in any tactical or battle reenactment.
2. Must be properly secured and sheathed in knapsacks or haversacks.
3. Sharp edged kitchen utensils shall be kept in a safe area when not in use, and precautions taken to minimize accidents when they are used.

C. Bayonets
1. Shall remain sheathed unless the order is given to fix bayonet under the following circumstances:
a. Picket or guard duty
b. On parade
c. Bayonet drill (at all times the bayonet will not be pointed at the public)
d. Will not be leveled at any person.

III. WEAPON GUIDELINES
A. Safety Inspections: Before any battle scenario, or drill, the following items will be checked; any that are found unacceptable will cause that firearm to be rejected as unsafe and will not be allowed on the field until
the condition has been corrected and safety checked again, and passed.
1. Lock function is operational
2. Barrel is clean
3. Trigger pull is operational
4. No cracks or damage on the weapon
5. Bayonet fits properly (if applicable)

B. In addition to checking of firearms, blank cartridges may be randomly checked for wrapping and contents.

C. Cleaning: Weapons should be cleaned after every firing, oiled and inspected for overall damage or malfunction.

D. Powder: only black powder will be used. Smokeless powder is strictly prohibited.

E. Cartridges: Blank cartridges will be of paper construction of the 1861-65 time period. The paper will be heavy enough to withstand accidental ignition by a spark. When in doubt, check with the Military Commander.

F. Musket Blank Loads: Members shall not load over 75 grains of FFFg powder for rifles/muskets, or 80 grains of FFFg for .69 caliber or above.

G. Pistols: Only officers may carry pistols on the field. Load is not to exceed 30 grains of FFFg powder.

IV. WEAPON HANDLING
A. Always keep the muzzle elevated when firing, sufficient to avoid causing injury to the person in front of you.

B. When loading, keep the muzzle away from your face or body, and away from anyone in your vicinity. Keep the hand and fingers clear of the muzzle. Powder has been known to ignite without warning.

C. Absolutely NO wadding of muskets, rifles, or pistols is allowed.

D. No ramrod is to be removed from its pipes and inserted in the bore during a battle or firing ceremony. This is cause for immediate expulsion from the event and the 69th PVI.

E. When firing, if you suspect there is more than one load in the musket or rifle, do not fire. Bring the weapon to a "shoulder arms" position, and report to a NCO, safety officer, or Military Commander. Wait until instructed to safely drop the load. Failure to do so, could cause accidental discharge of the gun and may cause sever injury to yourself and others around you. When in doubt, don't shoot.

F. The Military Commander and NCOs are advised to place new recruits next to experienced troops in the ranks so that the more experienced soldier can observe the recruit and assist if a problem should occur.

G. Civilians may carry a small period pistol. Civilians may NEVER load or fire that weapon at an event.

V. CAMP SAFETY
The use of common sense while setting up, starting and maintaining cooking fires, participating in the encampment, and dismantling the camp, will reduce the number of hazards and accidents. The Military Commander or designated individual is responsible for the castrementation, the fire pit areas, and the general administration of the encampment. The Military Commander will advise all participants of specific rules and regulations regarding the camp, since various locations, city and state ordinances and conditions would necessitate accommodation of the situation. The rules and safety are a general outline to be followed and will be augmented by specifics as required by the local ordinances, hosting organization, or
space restrictions.

A. Campfires
1. All fires will be enclosed in proper fire pits or fireboxes not to exceed an area of four (4) feet in diameter in all directions. Area is to be cleared of flammable material such as limbs, leaves, dry grass, etc.
2. Fires shall not be left unattended at any time and must be attended by an adult. The last adult leaving the fire area will be responsible to extinguish the fire. Under no circumstances will a minor (under the age of 18 years) be left in charge of a fire.
3. No fuels other than wood should be used for fires.
4. Under no circumstances will a member of the public be allowed within five feet of the fire area.
5. All fires must be extinguished before turning in for the evening.
6. The hours of burning, size of fire, and placement of the fires shall be in accordance with any local, state, or host organization regulations.
7. Bonfires are not permitted.
8. Fires must be no closer than five (5) feet to a cook fly, and at least twenty (20) feet away from tents.
9. Horse play around fires is not permitted and may result in expulsion from the camp and event.
10. A bucket of water or fire extinguisher must be placed at each fire area.
11. At the end of its use, fire pits must be drenched in water, stirred, and drenched again, replacing the sod and re- leveling the ground to its former appearance.
12. No garbage may be burned in a fire pit.
13. Minors must not be allowed to tend fires without adult supervision.
14. Axes and hatchets must not be left around fire areas. They must be stored in a secured area.

B. Event Lighting
1. Candles ensconced in a properly constructed lantern are strongly recommended to preserve authenticity.
2. Lanterns should be kept at a safe distance from flammable articles, such as tents.

C. Smoking
1. Prohibited in tents.
2. Shall not be allowed within 50 feet of black powder storage areas.

D. Public Safety
1. Camps must be neat and well organized with clear walkways through and around camps.
2. The public is NEVER permitted within five (5) feet of a camp fire.
3. The public is NEVER permitted within the field kitchen area.
4. The public is NEVER permitted to fire a weapon.

E. Battlefield and Demonstration Areas
1. No firing of weapons in camp. No exceptions.
2. All battlefield or demonstration areas must be designated as such and must have a rope or other barrier to separate spectators from participants.
3. No weapon is to be discharged within 25 feet of the public. Weapons are to be pointed away from the public and NEVER in the direction of the public.
4. Battles, where an opposing force advances toward the public may not fire in the public's direction, except when the opposing line is between the attackers and the spectator line. At that time, the defending force (those with their back to the public) must be at least 50 feet from the public. Those firing in the direction of the public must be at least 150 feet from the public and be raising weapons to about a 45 degree angle.

APPENDIX B
UNIT GUIDELINES
69th PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY

1. The unit is to portray the proper image for the 1863-65 time period, and act in accordance to Military protocol. The proper uniform and period weapon is required for all participants.

2. The unit is expected to drill and march either separately or jointly at each event. This will help in an effort to portray a much sharper image to the general public, and to prepare for larger events.

3. The unit will have a rank structure that reflects the number of soldiers carried on the unit's roster.

4. The unit commander, all officers, and NCOs are responsible for the conduct of their troops both on and off the field for the duration of the event.

5. The unit commander has the authority to form and call upon members of the unit to do special duties as required. If a member cannot perform certain duties (due to health), they will inform the unit commander when arriving at the event. The unit commander will send home any member who is sick and cannot perform their duties due to health conditions. This is not negotiable.

6. The unit commander will appoint an adjutant and/or company clerk who will be responsible for keeping a roster of the personnel in the company at all events and meetings.

7. The unit commander or designated representative will read the safety rules prior to each morning's battle.

8. Safety Inspections will be conducted prior to the first battle of the day. Members arriving late will be assigned to the Headquarters' guard. Under no circumstances, will a member be permitted to take part in a
reenactment without first having their weapons being properly checked for safety.

9. The unit commander is responsible to see that all members of the unit are properly trained by the NCOs in the School of the Soldier.

10. The unit camp is to be kept in period order during the event. All non period items WILL be removed from the public view.

11. The unit commander will oversee the setting up of a period, military camp. The military camp will be set up with company streets. The NCOs are responsible to see that the camp is setup in a proper military layout. Individual members will be responsible for safeguarding their own personal property.

12. All infraction's that occur must be reported to the unit commander as soon as possible. The issue should then be addressed by each of the unit commanders and their respective companies. If necessary, the issue will be referred to the President, 69th PVI for a final decision.

13. The unit commander may brevet NCOs as needed. However, at no time will the number of NCOs outnumber the privates and will be within the guidelines of the rank structure of the rules and regulations.

14. Company G is the training company. All new recruits will be assigned to Company G for training. New recruits will not be permitted to carry weapons or participate in battle scenarios until approved by the Commander of the 69th.

15. Upon completing of basic drill, safety procedures, and military protocol, the recruits will be presented to the Military Commander of 69th. If the Military Commander feels the recruit is ready, the recruit will be reassigned.

16. Company G is designated the Headquarters' guard. During battle reenactments, living history, etc., Company G will report to Headquarters Armies of the United States.

17. Anything not covered by the unit guidelines, rules and regulations, safety, etc., will be addressed by the unit commander.

18. Any member disrupting the operations of the unit, causing trouble, "bad mouthing" members of the unit or any other re-enactors, at an event, at the discretion of the Unit Commander, will be dismissed from the event. If the situation is warranted, the Unit Commander will meet with the President, 69th PVI, for possible dismissal from the 69th PVI organization.

APPENDIX C
UNIT GUIDELINES
HEADQUARTERS, ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES

1. Headquarters is to portray the proper image of the Headquarters for General Ulysses S. Grant for the 1864-65 time period, and will act in accordance with Military protocol. The proper uniform and period weapons is required for all participants.

2. Headquarters personnel will become familiar with the operations of General Ulysses S. Grant for the period March, 1864 to April 1865.

3. Members will be assigned rank and historical impression by the President.

4. The Headquarters' commander is responsible for the conduct of the impressions assigned to this unit.

5. The Chief of Staff is the safety officer for headquarters.

6. The Chief of Staff will control the issue and return of company property (i.e., uniforms).

7. Headquarters camp will set up a historical impression. All non-period items will be stored out of site of the public.

8. Only the Headquarters Commander has direct command of any military members of the 69th PVI and its sub-units. No member of headquarters is in a command position unless authorized by the President and the Military Commander.

9. No member of the 69th PVI or its sub units are permitted to visit headquarters unless invited or on official business. In addition, no civilians are permitted in the Headquarters area unless authorized by the
President.

10. When the Headquarters personnel are invited on the field, the members will carry loaded pistols. All safety rules for the 69th PVI will be observed. The Chief of Staff will perform weapons inspection.

11. This impression is extremely important for the public. It is a draw since many of the public wish to meet and have pictures taken with historical figures. Strict protocol and non-period standards will be enforced. Headquarters will also be the enlistment center for new recruits.

12. Company G of the 69th PVI is designated Headquarters guard. During reenactments, this company will provide protection for the historical figures. New recruits will carry inert weapons until properly trained.

APPENDIX D
UNIT GUIDELINES
1st United States Sharpshooters
(Under development)

APPENDIX E
UNIT GUIDELINES
IRISH BRIGADE HOSPITAL
(Under development)

APPENDIX F
UNIT GUIDELINES
CIVILIAN IMPRESSIONS

1. Civilians will portray images of civilian life and/or specific persons during the Civil War (1861-1865).

2. Period requirements: ONLY CORRECT PERIOD ATTIRE will be worn during scheduled public hours. NO zippers, Velcro, obvious synthetics, modern glasses, etc., will be worn or in view of the public during this period.

3. New members are encouraged to consult with an experienced member and/or acquire a guide for newcomers before making purchases or investments into reenacting gear.

4. If children are in camp, they are to dress in period clothing. Parents are responsible for the safety of their children.

5. Non-period items WILL NOT be displayed to the public. Remember, many members have invested much time and money to develop a period correct image. If a civilian cannot maintain a correct period image, please do not dress in period clothing. Members will be informed if they do not comply with period impressions. Continual disregard will result in dismissal from the 69th PVI.

6. Civilians may not mix visible modern clothing with period clothing.

7. Safety Regulations
A. Civilian members are subject to all of the rules and regulations and safety guidelines of the 69th PVI.
B. No hoops are to be worn while attending to or cooking around the campfire.

8. All civilians are to refrain from entering the military camp during public hours. Exceptions are those authorized by the President, 69th PVI, to be in those areas.

9. Space permitting, a civilian camp will be set up at the end of the 69th PVI encampment area.

10. Field Kitchen
A. The 69th PVI field kitchen will be operated by the civilians. The President will designate an individual as Chief Commissary Officer. This person will oversee the cooking. The Chief Commissary Officer is authorized to visit Headquarters for coordination of dining schedules. The Chief Commissary Officer will provide the President with a menu and recommended dining hours and operations.

B. The 69th PVI sub units utilizing the dining facility will be subject to kitchen police (KP) duties.

C. All members must provide their own dining items (i.e., cup, plate, knife, fork & spoon). Only visitors will be issued company owned dining items. No non-period dining items will be used while the public is present.

Additional Appendices will be added as necessary

David Grace, Company Commander
69th Pennsylvania Volunteers

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