December 2012 - American Civil War Society

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SOCIETY
Company Dispatch
Official Newsletter of the American Civil War Society
American Civil War Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the
preservation of our history for future generations.
Signed editorials and letters are the views of the author, and do not
necessarily represent the opinions of the American Civil War Society.
Nov-Dec 2012
ACWS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – Dave Grimsrud
[email protected]
Vice President – Ken Serfass
[email protected]
Secretary – Sgt. Dave Grimsrud
[email protected]
Treasurer – K e n S e r f a s s
[email protected]
Membership – Michele Akkerman
[email protected]
Confederate Division – Lt. Col. James R. Tebbetts
[email protected]
U n i on D i vi s i on – L t . C o l . K e n D a c e y
[email protected]
Civilian Corps – Karen Norquist & Laurie Norton
[email protected]
[email protected]
Pu b l i c R e l a t i o n s – V A C A N T
N e w s l e t t e r E d i t o r – M i c h a e l J. A k k e r ma n
q a ma n 2 4 9 @ v e r i z on . n e t
The ACWS is a non-profit organization with the purposes of charitable and educational activities for the general public that
demonstrate the language, conduct and manner of daily living of the civilian population and military forces during the
American Civil War period (1861–1865) and the issues they faced during that conflict.
COMPANY DISPATCH
20170 Ross Road
Wildomar, CA 92595
Next Board Meeting
December 8th or 9th, 2012
FOR ALL OPEN BOARD POSITIONS PLEASE CONTACT ANY CURRENT BOARD MEMBER
Federal/Union Division:
Division Commander: Lt. Col. Ken Dacey
Adjutant: VACANT
Infantry Brigade Cdr.: VACANT
Infantry Sgt Maj: Michael Quinlan (Degregorio)
Artillery Brigade Cdr.: Maj. David Bolin
Artillery Adjutant: VACANT
Division Chaplain: Rich Holt and Anthony Delgadillo
Cavalry: VACANT
Confederate Division:
Division Commander: Col James R Tebbetts
Division Adjutant General: Capt Dave Grimsrud
Division Sgt Maj/Provost: Vacant
Division Clerk: Sgt Jay Stilson
Confederate Brigade Staff:
Infantry
Brigade Commander: Major James M. Stytle
Brigade Adjutant: VACANT
Brigade Sgt. Major: Sgt. Major Ray Daniel
Cavalry
Brigade Commander: Major Scott Peca
Brigade Adjutant: Capt John Riddler
Brigade Sgt. Major: VACANT
Artillery
Brigade Commander: Major Mike Collins
Brigade Adjutant: 1st Lt. Jose Justiniano Jr
Brigade Sgt. Major: Sgt. Major Sam Frankl
Editor’s Note:
If you have an interesting story to share please send it to me. My email is
[email protected] . I hope to hear from you at the upcoming events. Have fun, be safe,
and love one another. Remember, ACWS is people and pet friendly (yes, your dogs are
welcome). I want to thank everyone who has come out to our events. I want to thank all of our
new members who have joined ACWS so far this year. I will also be sending out in the next week
a new section of our newsletter, advertising space for Civil War reenacting items, wanted or for
sale. For those of you who have a business you can also buy space for one to twelve issues.
Remember this will reach every single ACWS member as well as be on our website for people to
download.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
Michelle
Caroline
Yul
Jay
Linda
Scott
Carissa
Anthony R.
Sergio F.
Deborah L
Sue M.
Bryner
Eliades
Haasmann
Stilson
Stilson
Stilson
Stilson
Thomas
Valdovinos
Valdovinos
Woods
I want to mention those folks in our group who have or will be celebrating a birthday in
the months of November and December. Please join me and the ACWS Board in
wishing them all a Happy Birthday.
November
December
Michele
Jonathan
Donald
Anita
Collette
Marjorie
Joseph R.
Jamie
Kenneth
Sherrie
Anne
Nicole
Raymond
William
Susan
Kelly
Akkerman
Liaos
Black
Brock
Busic
Codding
Cronin
Cronin
Dacey
Eggert
Tebbetts-Frankl
Foster
Darlene
Terry
Ronald
Connie
Hipsher-Griffin
Milkoff
Jacques
Jacques
Rachel
Barry
Ryan
Shelley
Jacob
Christopher
Donna J.
Ken
Tom
Deborah L
Sean-Michael
KawfmanChisnall
Kivi
Poff
Peters
Reising
Russell
Stytle
Smith
Talbott
Valdovinos
Zoch
Hill
Hikida
Holt
David
Michelle
Marti
Mackenzie
Melissa
David
Elroy
Clay W.
Sharon
Robert
David
Renee
Baker
Bryner
Barth
Blansett
Blansett
Crichton
Codding
Cowgill
Coleman
Slagle
Cotton
DeeDe
Harold D.
Edward
Susan
Kaitlin
Rodger
Carly
Kirk
Richard
Belen
Alexander
Michael
Debra L.
Vander
Jennie
Ralph
Thomas
Davis
Finisterre
Ronald
Rory
Everett
Tony
Steven D.
Travis
Scott

Fernandes
Fukiage
Gonzales
Hetrick
James R
Paul
Julie
Harroun, Jr.
Hopper
Hopper
Harriott
Hurley
Harvey
Illian
Magwood
Shields
Mussenden
Maxfield
Quessenberry
Silveira
Strippel
Tomlinson
Tebbetts
Valencia
Wear
A
Word or Two From the PRESIDENT
One of the keys to success in any organization is communication. The ACWS used this newsletter, our
website, Facebook, emails, and the phone. But somehow we don’t think the members are getting the
messages. The newsletter had been around, and Michael does a great job. I do know he is planning on
some changes for next year, and I am looking forward to seeing what he does.
The question remains. How can we improve communication in the ACWS? We announced the dance held
October 13, and those that came had a great time. I do not want to dwell on past events. I want to look to
the future. Vail Lake, December 8-9 is going to be a Christmas themed reenactment. I think it will be a
great event to close out the year. January has the Live Fire in Seely California, and February starts our
reenacting year at Calico. So we go almost all year long. The Board is all-volunteer, and I think it does a
great job in planning events. They give what they can of their time and talents. We are working to make
2013 the best year ever. And as always I invite your feedback
Regards,
David Grimsrud


MILITARY
DISPATCHES

Confederate Command
From: James R Tebbetts, Col, ACWS Confederate Command
To: Readers of the Newsletter and Members of the Confederate Command
Subject: Confederate Command Report
Event Scheduling and Time Set Asides - As part of each event sponsored by the ACWS a schedule of
events is prepared. I always will include time for Company/Battalion Drill on the Confederate side. With a
good number of us planning on attending the 150th Gettysburg next year, along with other ‘mega-events’
in the future (both North and South), we need to ensure we put on our best face (err, foot?) forward. To that
end, I will be setting aside time for drill for those planning on attending the Gettysburg event next year to
work on learning movements/maneuvers that might be experience there. The first of these scheduled times
will be at SMR, with another at Vail Lake. Not sure of amount of time, but figure a minimum of 30 minutes
per day per event. Based on past participation at these back east events we will be exposed to
movements/maneuvers that we don’t normally do out west. In the infantry, how many know how to replace
one regiment that is on the firing line with another one? You may if you have internet connection, here is a
how to web site presentations of various movements/maneuvers at all levels.
http://www.10thbattalion.org/school.php. I have not found anything similar for mounted or dismounted
Cavalry or Artillery. Please note that these maneuvers are based on Hardee’s and Light Infantry Tactics.
I’ll be working with Keith Harriott to determine which movements/maneuvers to accomplish during this
Drill time. Most of this drill time will be for Company/Soldier level drill movements. As numbers permit
we will do some for Battalion.
I’ll defer to Scott Peca and Bob Hays as it relates to drill for the Cavalry and Artillery that are attending
back east events. Key thing we want to remember is we want to look good, no matter the arm we are in.
Event Attendance – The ACWS has an Annual Raffle that is held at the Calico Event. To be eligible for
a raffle ticket you must be an ACWS member AND attend an ACWS event. A person earns one ticket per
day per event for their attendance. On last page of my article is a listing of those that have attended ACWS
events so far this year, how many tickets they have earned, and if they are an ACWS member. ACWS
members do not have an ‘X’ next to their name. Non-members are noted with an ‘X’. Only Confederate
‘soldiers’ are on this listing. If you took the field as a Confederate, please check the listing for correct
number of tickets earned and spelling of your name. IF you have too few or even too many tickets, please
let your Unit Commander/1st Sergeant know so a consolidated corrected morning report can be put together
for your unit and sent to David Grimsrud, Division Adjutant, for inclusion in the final listing of attendees
and tickets earned. Prior to the Calico (2013) event another listing will be provided, this to include
corrections and those attending SMR and Vail Lake.
Historic Preservation – A section dealing with activities of Confederate units in South California as it
relates to the preservation of historic sites and materials.
8th Louisiana - For the past few years has been purchasing ‘bricks’ that are included in the Courtyard of the
Museum at Camp Moore, Louisiana. These funds are used to support Camp Moore through the purchase of
items for the museum. A key purchase was a period correct Surgeon’s Kit, to include all devices, bottles of
medicine that would be found in the kit. In January 2012 the 8th also donated funds to the Civil War Trust
for the purchase of land near the battlefield at Cedar Creek, VA where the 8th fought. Additionally many
individuals have donated to a wide variety of organizations that pursue Historic Preservation – this though
monetary donations, donations of historic equipment, writing articles for inclusion in magazines/books
dealing with historic preservation.
Moody’s Battery - At the end of this submittal is an article on the flag of Moody’s Battery. Our own local
Moody’s Battery aided in the preservation/restoration and transfer of the Battery flag from Illinois to
Louisiana, with the donation of money to the effort of restoring the flag.
If you would like your Company or an individual in your Company recognized for their work in Historic
Preservation, send an article in and it will re-posted here.
Past Events Huntington Beach - Annual event to support the good work of the Huntington Beach Historical Society.
A good event with a fairly good turnout of soldiers both north and south. Seemed the north had a few more
men on the field this year as compared to past years. Weather was fairly nice for the weekend. Good battles
on both days.
ACWS/NJROTC Dance - The ACWS, along with the Reseda High School Naval Junior ROTC held a
Family Fall Dance in mid-October. This was more of a informal mixer dance. We kept it as low cost as
possible. Special thanks to Laurie Norcross and Karen Norton, Civilian Corps Directors for the good work
on getting raffle items (about 27 items available) and to Rhonda Grimsrud for putting the finger foods
together. Also a special thanks to those Organizations, Businesses, and People that donated to the raffle. If
you know of a site in your area where a similar dance might be held, please let Dave Grimsrud or myself
know. We are working on putting together a spring dance, of a similar nature, i.e., low cost, fun, and lots of
dancing. BTW, if you go to a dance don’t wear thick socks with your brogans, especially if you have a
broken toe, your foot will get so swollen.
Spring Mountain Ranch - Held west of Las Vegas. A bit of a drive, but well worth it. One fights on land
that looks much like a small farm in the Shenandoah Valley, if you discount the wild, baying donkeys
and coyotes and sandstone (I think) mountains in the background. Gas prices skyrocketed a few weeks
before the event, so had a good turnout otherwise to include the following units: 4th Texas (Nevada), 5th
Texas (Arizona), 1st Texas Cavalry (Utah), Washington Artillery (South California), and Cos E and F, 8th
Louisiana (South California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah). Kudos to Sgt. Major Ray Daniel who/whom
brought a tub, water, and a couple of dozen apples and then had the public try to bob for apples. Good fun
by all. Also thanks to Mrs. Sgt. Major Ray Daniel who brought a pumpkin and Pvt. Matt Miller (8th La)
who carved it so we had a ‘jack-o-lantern’ in the Confederate Camp.
28th Annual West Coast Civil War Conference - Hosted by the Orange County Civil War Round Table.
Main subject - 1862 - The War Defined, in scale, in purpose and in its principal commanders. Among the
speakers, William C Davis and Dr. Craig L Symonds. Did not make it, but any opportunity to get a bit
more educated about the War is always a good thing. This conference switches between Nor Cal and SoCal
every year.
Future Events - A wide variety of activities are coming up in the local area for the next three or four
months. Besides reenactments, there will be living histories, period holiday celebration, and live fire
opportunities. A good variety of events one can take advantage of in the next few months.
Civil War in Photos and Such - The Huntington Library (Arcadia, Ca) has an exhibit dealing with photos
from the US Civil War. Some of the top photographers and their photographs of the time are exhibited.
The exhibit runs through from October 13, 2012 through January, 2013. Here is a link to an article on the
exhibit: .http://huntington.org/ civilwar/about.htm.
November 12 - Simi Valley - Veteran’s day event at the Reagan Library. For those that have a bit of time
off on Mon- day. Mostly living history and chatting with the public. Some simple firing demonstrations and
such. Get to see a retired Air Force 1 aircraft. Location - 167 Presidential Dr, Simi Valley, Ca.
November 17 - Drum Barracks - Remembrance Day, 2012. This is to remember the dedication of the
Gettysburg National Cemetery and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Mostly a Union thing. Perhaps we could
go down and heckle Father Abraham? Location - 1052 Banning Blvd, Wilmington, Ca.
December 1-2 - Drum Barracks - ‘A Civil War Christmas’ celebration. This is a Victorian Type
celebration. In the past there have been carriage rides on local streets. Address above.
December 8-9 - Vail Lake (East of Temecula) - New Event and Location. The ACWS is working on a
Christmas Theme with Santa (not me), Carolers, Band Concert, Carols, perhaps a period holiday exchange
(lump of coal for that soldier? A piece of wood for that one?), etc. More as it becomes available. This is a
‘winter-like campaign’ event with cooler weather. So, more blankets, more wood, etc. For those that are
also ACWS members, last chance to ‘earn’ a raffle ticket for ACWS Annual Raffle. Location: Vail Lake,
Ca.
January 19-20, 2013 - Live Fire - Sponsored by the IVLHA and ACWS. Come out and fire a few rounds.
This is for infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Held at a firing range near Seeley, Ca (El Centro, Ca area). This
is three-day weekend, with the King Holiday on Monday. So it may be a bit hectic to get there on
Friday/Saturday, at least on Monday you can take a leisurely drive back home.
January 26-27, 2013 - Living History/Reenactment - Sponsored by the IVLHA at Yuma Arizona.
150th Gettysburg Event – The member organizations associated with the Blue Gray Alliance (BGA) have
made the decision to present a 150th Anniversary Battle of Gettysburg the last weekend in June 2013, the
27th through 30th. There is a second event sponsored by the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee (GAC)
the next weekend (July 4-7). So there is now a choice of two events to attend. As it relates to participation
for those going it looks like most all from South California will be attending the BGA event at the end of
June. Infantry will be under the command of Keith Harriot and will fall in with the 1st Arkansas Battalion
of the Trans-Mississippi Brigade. Scott Peca will be taking back both mounted and dismounts. I believe
they will be part of Longstreet’s Corps. Artillery, Bob Hayes is putting together a group to go back. Not
sure which command they will be in. They hope to attend both events. They are committed to
the BGA event for sure and are working with the GAC group to see if they can slip in there. IF they can’t
get into the GAC event, they hope to fall in with the Norfolk Light Artillery from Northern California.
They are looking for gunners for both events.
If you attend the GAC event, chances are there will not be a unit from South California, other that possibly
the artillery. You may have to fall in with another unit at the event or as happens at some events a
Provisional Company/Battalion that is sometimes formed. I will be researching to determine which
organizations will be attending the GAC event to see if they might be willing to take in a few strays. More
on this in a future column.
Here are a couple of You Tube videos of the 135th Gettysburg Reenactment, which took place on the
Bushey Farm, where BGA’s 150th Gettysburg Reenactment will take place:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIzLUC-wl54 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av2FHRO9lgs
Here are three sites with stills dealing with the 135th
Gettysburg Reenactment. The last one (3gvi) is from the 3rd
Georgia here at Fort Tejon. Should give a good idea as to the lay of the land and the size of the event,
reenactor wise. I believe at the 135th total participants were near about 27,000 total. When we did Pickett’s
Charge, the Confederate side was at or near the original as it relates to numbers participating (15,000).
http://www. gettysburg.com/livinghistory/pastpics/1998/picindex.htm
http://members.tripod.com/cold_harbor/gettysburg.html http://www.3gvi.org/ga3gburg.html
Below is a picture of the group from South California, from the 3rd Georgia Album. This picture was taken
just before the Pickett’s Charge scenario at the 135th. The command we were in portrayed during the
charge Armistead’s Brigade. So we got to see most all of the battle. I believe we had over fifty members of
in our company there from South California. Notice how many of us are in a campaign mode with either
bedrolls or knapsacks. We wore this to give the impress of being a ‘campaign group.’ Got kudos’ for that
back
there. Basically we had already taken out most our gear (i.e., cooking gear, items purchased at the sutlers,
etc) out to our cars. Basically once recall was called after Pickett’s charge, we just walked to our cars
and headed back to your hotels and an after event victory dinner. Helps beat the traffic away from the
site (participants and spectators). We’ll probably do the same thing next year. For those going
Confederate and want more information please contact:
Going Infantry - Keith Harriott – [email protected]; or
James R Tebbetts - [email protected]
Going Cavalry (Mounted/Dismounted) - Scott Pica - [email protected]
Going Artillery - Bob Hays - 760-353-7777
For those wanting to go to the BGA event Web Site: http://www.bluegraygettysburg.com
Registration
Page: http://cleburnes-division.com/registration.aspx?EventID=9
For those wanting to go to the GAC event – Web Site: http://gettysburgreenactment.com/
Registration Page: http://reenactor.gettysburgreenactment.com/index.htm
Web Site Update - I am working to update the Confederate Portion of the ACWS web site. We now
have the command structure taken care of. Next I will be working on the unit’s portion of the web site. I
be seeking/asking for current information on the member units of the ACWS and guest units that
participate in ACWS events. I will be looking to get each of unit names, commander name, contact
points, their emails/ phone numbers, an address to the unit web site, short history, and the like. For units
that do not have an independent web site, we will include a page or two on the ACWS web site with
information on the unit.
Unit Background Information - Madison Light Artillery (Moody’s Battery): From a tag attached to
this flag it reads: "Confederate Artillery Flag. This flag was captured by Newton McCan, a private soldier,
Co. M, 2nd Regiment U.S. Regulars, on the evening of July 3rd 1963 at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Presented to the State of Illinois on 14 July 1885." The 2nd Regiment of U.S. Cavalry was part of the
Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac. According to Confederate records, Moody's Battery or
Moody's Artillery was in the battalion of Reserve Artillery on the Confederate right on 2 July, 1863 and
may have accidently left their flag on night movement. O.R. Series I, Vol. 27, Pt. 1, pp387-388 and 429-431.
The Madison Light Artillery, and was from Madison, Louisiana area, its nickname was the Madison
Tipperarys (Per Arthur Bergeron’s book, Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units 1861-65, he identifies
them as the Madison Tips, which could be short for Tipperarys.). It was commanded by Capt. George V.
Moody and it is assumed that the inscription on this flag stood for Moody's
Artillery. This article was written when the flag was the ‘property of the
Adjutant General of the State of Illinois, where the flag eventually ended up
after the war. Though there are those that are just not sure this is the flag of
this unit, this per conversation I had with someone on one of the forums I
frequent. Subsequently, the Illinois museum that housed the flag began work
with the people in Louisiana— which includes some of those most vocal about
returning flags—to send them the flag of the Madison Artillery (Moody’s
Battery) back to Louisiana. The flag was originally intended to be displayed in
New Orleans (Jackson Bar- racks), but fortunately wasn’t there when Hurricane Katrina hit in late August
2005. The Moody’s Battery flag was in- stead sent to Camp Beauregard in Pineville, La. Is there as late
as 2009, per a contact I have on a Louisiana oriented CW Forum. I found am now tracking down where
it is now, still at Camp Beauregard, Jefferson Barracks, or elsewhere. There were a number of people
involved in this transfer, to include our own Moody’s Battery. During the process to get the transfer of
the flag, money was sent from California’s Moody’s Battery to support their counterparts in Louisiana
to raise the funds required by Illinois to send the flag to a nonprofit flag conservator and then on to
Louisiana.
Sources: civil-war.com/searchpages/confdetail.asp?ID=10
thehistorychannelclub.com/articles/articletype/articleview/articleid/66/rally-round-the-flags
Raffle Ticket Notes:
1 - If a ‘x’ in front of your name, you ARE NOT a member of the ACWS, as of October 1, 2012.
IF you think/ know you are, contact Michele Akkerman, ACWS Membership Chair to confirm. If you
want to become a member, contact Michele.
2 - Best guess at spelling, some 1st Sergeants have the worst chicken scratching ever. If there are
changes, let your 1st Sergeant’s know and have them submit an amended morning report to Dave
Grimsrud.
3 - Tickets earned as of October 1, 2012. ACWC events so far, Calico (3), St Cats (2), and Costa Mesa
(2). There is one more event coming up in case you want to earn tickets Vail Lake. SMR not included
due to time constraint between event and mail out of newsletter. A person ‘earns’ one ticket per day they
attend an event.
4 - Dave Grimsrud (ACWS President) and James R Tebbetts (Confederate Commander) are not
eligible to be awarded tickets.
5 - Tickets awarded only after one is a member.
6 - Number of tickets ’earned’ do not reflect changes made after October 1.
Mbr
(1)
x
Last
Name (2)
Armstrong
Atkins
x
x
x
x
x
McGowen’s
th
8 La
th
Tkts
(3)
2
8 La
1
Balandran
Wolf
Terry's
2
th
Mbr
(1)
x
5
Wendy
Last Name
(2)
Harrow
Herbeck
x
First Name
Unit
B
2nd KY
Tkts
(3)
4
Ray
Terry's
2
nd
Hill
S
2 Ky
4
Hopper
Edward
8th La
3
th
Berseorer
Dave
8 Ala
1
Hopper
Luke
8 La
3
Black
Donald
8th La
5
Hurley
Rodger
Div Staff
3
Collins
x
Tom
Unit
Atkins
Carroll
x
First
Name
James
Doug
Michael
WA
WA
th
7
7
x
x
Hurt
Inman
K
D
nd
4
nd
2 Ky
2 Ky
4
th
Couchman
Sam
8 Ala
1
x
Jensen
Jett
4 Texas
1
Cronin
Joseph R.
WA
2
x
Johns
Henry
8th La
1
Daniel
Ray
8th Ala
4
Justiniano
Jose
WA
7
Dean
William B.
8th La
2
x
Keesler
Jason
McGowen’s
1
DeDee
Don
Terry's
2
x
Knapp
Joey
WA
3
DeNubilo
Paul
WA
2
x
McGill
Bill
WA
5
th
Diaz
Anthony
8th La
2
Medrano
Kyle
8 La
4
Diaz
Eric
8th La
1
Mercado, Jr.
Alfredo
2nd KY
4
th
2
Midgley
Gary
Terry's
2
th
1
Miller
Matthew T.
8th La
1
Diaz
Dudley
Wayne
Brian
8 La
8 Ala
th
x
x
Fernand
Jerry
8 Ala
1
x
Miller
Ross
McGowen’s
1
x
Fillmore
A
2nd Ky
4
x
Mussenden
Alexander
8th La
3
Fleshner
Bruce
WA
3
x
Nagy
Dave
McGowen’s
1
Geraroi
x
th
Zechariah
4 Texas
1
Grimsrud
Dave
Div Staff
Gulledge
Rodger
2nd Ky
Hammerness
Mark
8th Ala
2
th
Nelson
Andrew
8 La
4
Nielsen
Conner
8th Ala
1
4
Nielson
Bart
8th Ala
2
x
Nobles
Don
McGowen’s
2
x
Nobles
Garrett
McGowen’s
2
Peca
Scott
2nd Ky
6
Harriott
Duncan
8 Ala
1
Harriott
Keith
8th Ala
2
Harriott
Konner
th
2
x
Polson
nd
1
x
8 Ala
Quessenberry
John
2 Ky
Richarson
Bradley D.
8th La
2
x
Ruffer
R
2nd Ky
4
x
Sanchez
Jacob
McGowen’s
2
x
Seigel
Brian
x
th
8 LA
th
th
1
x
Seigel
David
8 La
1
x
Sharker
Steve
WA
5
th
x
x
x
1
Ken
th
8 Ala
1
Tinsley
Todd
WA
3
Ulatowski
Joseph
8th Ala
1
Ulrick
James
8th Ala
1
Urouidez
Tom
8th La
1
Walters
Andy
th
2
th
8 La
Walters
Mike
8 La
4
Wanhoff
Howard
8th La
2
nd
x
Sinnermann
Chris
8 Ala
1
x
Webb
Andy
2 Ky
5
x
Smith
Jacob
McGowen’s
1
x
Weisfeld
Robert
McGowen’s
2
x
th
Smith
Ken
8th Ala
2
x
Wiswell
Brian
8 La
2
Snow
Jacob
10th Va
3
x
Wiswell
Darren
8th LA
2
Wright
Monique
8th La
4
Stanford
Stilson
Pete
Jay
th
8 La
Div Staff
1
2
Zoch
Jane
th
1
th
1
8 La
Stytle
James M.
8th La
5
Zoch
Robert
8 La
Tebbetts
James R
Div Staff
6
---
---
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 UNION DIVISION 
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Union Brigade-To the Men and women of the Union Brigade.
I wish to thank all from our Battalion that showed for the event everyone did a fine job and the event
ran rather smoothly. My thanks to Jason and Lisa Coffey, and all the others that helped with the
planning and set up weather for this past event at Spring Mountain ranch was great best weather I think
in the past few years.
Attention all units,
Our next ACWS engagement event near Temecula, at Vail Lake on Dec 8-9 details to follow.
God speed, and All for the Union.
Your Obedient Servant,
Col. Kenneth Dacey
ACWS Brigade Commander

 Civilian Directors Report 
A great time was had by all at the Fall Barn Dance. Tom Atkins did a fantastic job, as always ,
calling as the fabulous Occasional Strings played the night away. The ROTC students and their dates
embraced the 1860s’ with enthusiasm. Just seeing how much fun they were having made it all worth
the while. Many thanks to the ladies who provided assistance to the young women with their wardrobe
malfunctions.
A special thank you to Dave’s wife, Rhonda for doing such a fine job making sure we didn’t go hungry.
There was enough food to feed everyone three times over including a mini Sweet Shoppe of period
correct candy. Kudos, Rhonda!
The Penny Auction was a big hit earning $174.00. Thank you to all of you that donated. We couldn’t
have done this without your generous support.
Our next event will be a Christmas themed event in Dec. at Vail Lake in Temecula. The Town Hall
will be set up with a small reading library for re-enactors use only. We are still accepting donations of
new or used civil war related books to increase the size of the library.
We plan on holding a tea that weekend. Please watch for more information in the coming weeks.
Civilians, if you are planning to attend this new event please let Laurie or Karen know so that we can
get a count and plan the town layout.
For those of you attending the Spring Mountain event have a safe and enjoyable trip.
We hope you all enjoy you Thanksgiving and hope to see you at Vail Lake.
Regards,
A Facebook page has been created at the following address to stay connected:
Facebook.com/ACWSCivilian.Corps.3
Laurie and Karen can also be reached by email.
[email protected]
[email protected]
 Membership Director’s Report 
Membership Report 
As 2012 draws to a close, I’d like to thank those of you who supported the ACWS with your
membership and participation. Our events are successful as long as you contribute your participation. I
want to acknowledge two units who had the highest number of recruits—the 8th Louisiana and the 71st
Pennsylvania. Special thanks go to Tom Atkins and Jason Coffey whose units have a friendly appeal to
persons wanting to be reenactors and no doubt make these ‘newbies’ feel welcome. This is how our
organization grows—with friendliness, warmth, encouragement, and sincerity.
It is nearly 2013 and now is the time to renew your ACWS membership. From now until
December 31, there is a $5.00 discount on single and basic family fees. Here are the regular rates for
2013:
*Single membership $20
*Family membership $30 for the first two adults, and $5 per additional child); maximum total
$50. All family members age 18 and older must submit their own “single” application.
The 2013 application is included along with this newsletter for you to print out. When completing
the application, please PRINT all information clearly, and sign on both the front and back sides. Single
minor members (under age 18) must have a parent signature on both the front and back. Any
incomplete applications will be returned and membership cards will be held.
The December 8-9 event at Vail Lake in Temecula is the last of the year and if any of you have
friends and family living in the area please tell them about our event. A Christmas theme is planned, so
come join us at a beautiful venue and celebrate the season with good friends and family.
Regards,
Michele Akkerman
Membership Director
 Civil War History 
This past July 12 was the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Army’s Medal of Honor. Our
country’s highest military award for bravery is so revered that it commands the ultimate prestige above
any other honor bestowed on an American. Of the more than 40 million veterans who have served
since the beginning of the Civil War, only 3.456 have been awarded the Medal of Honor.
When the Medal of Honor was suggested shortly after the beginning of the Civil War, it was
met with serious objections. Many felt it imitated European military traditions, which many Americans
thought were too aristocratic. Dissenters were in the minority, however, and a bill introduced by Sen.
James W. Grimes of Iowa passed in Congress on December 21, 1861. It allowed President Lincoln to
authorize 200 Navy Medals of Honor. The award would be presented for both combat and non-combat
bravery. Though the wording specified valor, it was also vague: “ . . . by their gallantry in action, and
other seaman-like qualities . . .”
A second congressional act followed on July 12, 1862, allowing Lincoln to authorize an Army
Medal of Honor. Its intention was to recognize heroism in combat only. The wording was similar to
the Navy’s award, but for “soldier-like qualities.”
It took nearly a year before the first Medal of Honor ceremony occurred on March 25, 1863.
The first action of the Civil War for which a Medal of Honor was awarded was by 21-year-old Pvt.
Francis Edwin Brownell of the 11th NY Infantry. On May 24, 1861, Brownell shot dead a hotel
proprietor who had killed a Union colonel over the display of a Confederate flag in Alexandria, VA.
The first Navy Medal of Honor was earned during the Battle of Vicksburg by Signal Quartermaster
Robert Williams for heroism on the Yazoo River Expedition, December 23-27, 1862. Williams
displayed heroism when Confederates initiated close-shore battery fire on the ship during a nearly twohour engagement.
Ultimately 1,522 MOH were earned by Civil War vets. Second Lt. Thomas Custer, brother of
George A. Custer, was the first recipient of two MOH. He was also the only soldier in the Civil War to
receive it twice. Here are other fascinating facts about the Medal of Honor:
*The youngest recipient ever was 12-year-old Willie Johnson, a musician in D Co., 3rd Vermont
Infantry, for displaying fortitude following the Seven Days battle in 1862 in Virginia.
*125 MOH were awarded for the Battle of Vicksburg, the highest of any battle in the Civil
War.
*The largest group of awards for a single action went to 59 Union soldiers who were part of
the “volunteer storming party,” which assaulted the fortress of Vicksburg on May 22, 1863.
*The MOH has been awarded to five sets of brothers. The first set was Col. John C. Black and
Capt. William Black, both earned during the Civil War.
*Although the CSA had no medal of honor for bravery during the war, the Sons of Confederate
Veterans created a Confederate MOH in 1968.
(Article from the June/July 2012 edition of VFW Magazine. Robert Widener is the author.)
THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SOCIETY
Expresses Many Thanks To The Following Donors:
Kansas Mercantile (Shelly Peters)
G&M Mercantile
PartyLite Candles (Donna DeRuyter)
Sew Period(Shelly Peters)
Winstontown
Michelle & Michael Akkerman
Laurie Norton
Abraham’s Lady, (Donna Abraham)
Braids for Maids
Fall Creek Suttlery
Pics & Flicks for all Reasons & Seasons
Brodiaea’s Fashions (Ginger Alberti)
Oak MountainWinery
The Lady Bugs(custom bracelet watches)
Camp C Sutlery (Clay & Cathy Gorbet)
Stone Pony (Wendy Atkins)
Daughters of Eve (Ruth Clinnick)
The Hornsmythe
Possible Acting and Film Opportunity for Reenactors—
KPI Talent Management, a company dedicated to representing costumed/themed performers
(including reenactors) to the entertainment, special event, and hospitality industries, is looking for
people to represent, people who are highly-sought themed entertainers. Keep Productions Inc. Talent
Management is officially licensed, bonded, and ready to represent you. With credits that include TV,
film, major league sports and local events, it is looking for talent in all eras, genres, and themes, from
Renaissance to Early American, Civil War, and later times, and also fantasy/fictional characters. Talent
of all types is welcome—actors, musicians, and film extras. If you are looking to make some extra
money portraying the persons you love, KPI will represent you with pride and professionalism.
KPI can be contacted at [email protected] or by calling Andrew Elkins at (818)
384-8770.
MEMBERS—The ACWS is a non-profit corporation, and as a volunteer your expenses are tax
deductible. Expenses include food, equipment, clothing, and mileage when traveling to events.
So, remember to save your receipts and document your travel mileage in order to claim them as
a tax deduction when filing your income tax returns.
ACWS 2012 Calendar of Events
DATE
EVENT
June 1Oct. 31
Dues reduction for new members
$10 single, $15 family
Aug. 18-19
Ft. Tejon Invitational
ACWS supported
Aug. 26
ACWS Board Meeting
Oct. 13
ACWS Barn Dance, Reseda (tentative)
Supports DAV and Navy
ROTC
Oct. 27-28
Spring Mountain Ranch, Las Vegas
ACWS sponsored
Nov. 1
Membership renewal for 2013 begins
See Membership article for
details.
Dec. 8-9
Vail Lake
ACWS sponsored
2013 Event schedule coming soon!
Additional organizations and links of interest:
PACWR: http://www.pacwr.org/events.htm
Fort Tejon:
NCWA
http://www.forttejon.org
www.ncwa.org
SWCWA http://www.swcwa.com
We Are History: http://www.americanheritagefestival.com/ACWS
The History Channel Club: www.historychannelclub.com
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Ad Space For Sale $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
If you are a vendor and want to reach every ACWS member 6 times a year and not just at an event, then
this could be a cost effective place for you.
You provide the copy and pictures you wish to display. We will be selling space based on the size of
your ad and the number of times you run it. You may buy a 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 or even a full page and change
the copy each cycle of the newsletter. All art and copy must be sent to the Editor 45 days before the
edition in which you want it to be published. Your check for the run of your ad must be received 30
days before the first cycle of the newsletter in which you want it to be published. The editor reserves
the right to refuse all or part of an ad, and you will be notified of changes to or if your ad is rejected for
publishing.
Advertising fees as of 10/1/2012
Frequency
1 Issue
2 - 5 Issues
Year - 6 Issues
Full Page
Cost/Issue
$
40.00
$
30.00
$
25.00
Half Page
Cost/Issue
$
30.00
$
25.00
$
20.00
Quarter Page
Cost/Issue
$
25.00
$
20.00
$
15.00
Eighth Page
Cost/Issue
$
20.00
$
15.00
$
10.00
For Members wanting to place non-commercial “Want Ads” or “For Sale” ads, there is no charge. Be
sure to include a description of the item, sale price, and contact information. So if you have any
equipment or clothing that is not being used and is taking up space for new items, take this opportunity
to let members know that you have something to sell.
FOR SALE ITEMS
Used Panther Primitives Mini-wall Tent
Dimensions:
10 ft X 8 ft., 7 foot peak, 30 inch wall.
Accessories:
Comes with over-sized canvas fly, full size canvas ground cover,
Poles, cross bars, stakes of various sizes and ropes.
Misc. Facts:
The Tent canvas is flame retardant. The tent is 17 years old.
Tent and all accouterments are in good condition.
Tent ridge pole needs a little work.
Tent is currently in Camarillo (Ventura County).
Asking price = $150
Call = Dale Jacobs 818-207-4965