Joshes and Chubs - Arkansas Toothpick

Joshes and Chubs
The Newsletter of the 1 st Arkansas Infantry Company D, C.S.A. May 2007
www.1starkansas.org
“So, as you go into battle, remember your ancestors and remember your descendants”
Inside this issue:
5th Kansas routed at Mark’s Mill
The 5th Kansas once again assembled on the field at Marks Mill and
were summarily destroyed by the defending members of the 6th and
7th Arkansas along with members of the 31st Louisiana.
The Captains Tent………....page 2
Cannon Fodder………….....page 3
Call to Arms……………......page 4
Charge……………...……....page 5
Masonic Monument ……....page 6
Even though the numbers were way down from two years ago there
were still enough of us to form a couple of pretty good sized
skirmish lines and make a good fight of it. Some new friends with
the 31st La, under Captain Kevin Adkins made the trip and added the
fracas.
The Chaplains Corner……..page 7
Stirring the Pot…………….page 8
TMVI Health Card………...page 8
Sutlers…………………...…page 8
Sleep Deprivation……....….page 9
Saturday’s battle found your new Sgt. Major sitting under a tree with
stronger orders from his wife to sit down and not to over-do the
procedure he had done on his back the day before. I could hear the
roar of the fight
and
could
sense what
was going
on,
by
noting the
movement
of the forces
through the
The 5th Kansas falling back during
woods.
Sunday’s battle
We were treated to some mighty fine home cooking thanks to the
efforts of the Ricebird Artillery and Hays Swayze Friday night and
the Taylor Clan with General Andy Saturday night.
The Federals had been placed in the woods behind the regular camp
site and even though the walk became a little long at times, it was
worth it to be able to visit among the troops. The preparations made
by everyone involved were perfect, and as said earlier the only thing
that would have been better would be for the numbers to be up.
Reenactment
Photos……………..……….page 10
Events……………………...page 11
Recommended
Reading………………... .…page 11
Remember to Send Your
Input
Joshes
and
Chubs
welcomes
editorial
comment
from
any
subscriber that receives this
newsletter, and which
meets the criteria that is
laid out on the last page.
You can send all input to
the address below:
Joshes and Chubs
13100 Dollarway Rd.
White Hall Ar. 71602
Or
Lining up for the
final salute Sunday
afternoon.
1
[email protected]
Joshes and Chubs May 2007
Miss Ellie had some great ideas for the
civilians which added to the overall
impression. Steve Shore of the 6th Ark was
full of ideas that helped make the weekend
more enjoyable by all who attended. Guy
Taylor chased down hay and straw when
none could be found. Hutch built a water
trailer to make that task much easier. Edgar
Colvin and Bill Farmer were there every time I
needed advise or just to vent. Rex Norris,
Marvin Langrell, Richard Norris, Bill Turney,
Mike Lewis, Doyle Taylor, David Taylor,
Aaron Hutcheson, Marde Clardy, Joel
Simmons, and Scott Brown were there
whenever I needed something. Hays Swayze
cooked fish for everyone. All the Artillery
guys helped with whatever I asked and were
invaluable in hauling troops. And Andy Taylor,
can you make a Saint out of a Baptist? Capt
John Malloy, Capt. Tom Ezell, Capt. Kevin
Adkins, Capt. Keenan Williams, "Colonel
Wretch" Brian Harmon, and all the artillery: I
can not thank you enough for supporting us.
This weekend would not have been possible
without you and your leadership. I wish
numbers had been better and those who said
they would be there had been men of their
word, but we did what we could. I hope to see
you all again soon.
The Captain’s Tent
Comments from Captain
Kalkbrenner
Ladies and Gentlemen of the 1st Arkansas
Infantry, Artillery, and Civilian Corps,
greetings.
Well, what I would like to refer to as "Hell
Month" is over!!!!!!!! On April 1st , myself and
family attended a marker dedication at
Fitzhugh Woods near Augusta while Bill
Turney was representing us at a memorial in
Greenville, Mississippi. On April 7, we had
representatives at Flag Day in Little Rock,
Park Day at Marks' Mill, and Park Day at
White Sulpher Springs, with some making it
to 2 or all of them. April 13-15 we were at
Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, where our very own
1Sgt Hutch was elected Sgt Major for the
Trans-Mississippi Volunteer Infantry Battalion.
On April 21 we cleaned up Marks' Mill in
preparation for the reenactment. And finally,
we hosted the reenactment at Marks' Mill on
April 27-29. That is 8 different events in 4
weekends!!!!!!!!! and we have Jefferson,
Texas this weekend!!! Then I promise you
some time off.
And a very sincere heartfelt thanks to all of
you for stepping in on Sunday when I became
ill. I have never felt so bad in all my life; it
scared me at one point. But knowing that I
had people like you there, I knew all was well.
And my family, this event would not have
happened without their support and tireless
work. I do not know what I am going to do
when Kayla leaves.
We had a great turnout for Flag Day, and I
appreciate the effort everyone had to do as
much as possible that weekend. You took
time to support the 1st Ark on a weekend that
is also so important to be with families. Our
numbers at Pleasant Hill were down a little
from last year, but we held our own and
should be proud. A good number showed for
the work day at Marks' Mill. If the State Park
would do their part, it would be a great site.
Capt K
As for the event this past weekend at Marks'
Mill, I would like to take this opportunity to
thank everyone for the hard work and
dedication you gave not only this weekend,
but for the weeks leading up to the event.
2
Joshes and Chubs May 2007
Lt. Bill Farmer
Artillery Section
Another enactment of the Battle of Pleasant Hill is
behind us. Again we had a night of bad weather. I
thought I could beat Mother Nature by covering my
tent with a large tarpaulin. It did not rain inside the
tent. Halleluiah! I was very pleased with myself
until an inch or two of water started flowing
through the tent soaking all our beading and several
of our uniforms. The elements tested us and found
us to be strong and of good cheer.
An item of interest to the artillery; the TransMississippi Volunteer Infantry voted to have an
artillery branch attached to the Battalion. What
does this mean to us? It means we will be a united
group of artillerist instead of a group of
individuals. When events are planned our opinions
and recommendations will be listened to by the
organizers. Does anything change for us? Not
really. We still elect our own officers. We attend
the events that we can and miss the ones that we
can not make. Furthermore, we will elect a
representative to the Battalion Staff.
In two years we will do this re-enactment again.
Let's prepare now to make Marks' Mill the event
to emulate. If we work together the 2009, the
145th portrayal of the battle can be one of the
premier events in Arkansas.
On June 2, 2007 the City of Bearden, Arkansas
will be having their annual "Gazebo Festival". I
have been asked to provide a Civil War living
history demonstration. If anyone can help me, I
would surely appreciate it. I think an encampment
like the Daffodil Festival in Camden would work
for Bearden. Let me know if this is something you
would be interested in.
Those of you going to Jefferson, TX, good luck,
have lots of fun and I envy you.
We also have the opportunity to obtain an
inexpensive re-enactors liability insurance policy.
This is the same insurance that Edgar Colvin
presently has. The policy costs about $35.00 per
year. Information is being sent to me. I will
forward the info as soon as I get it.
Marks' Mill has come and gone. As the
commander of the Federal Artillery, I was able
to view the battle as it unfolded. It was a
glorious battle even though we (the darn
Yankees)
received
a
whoopin'.
The
progression of the battle was smooth and safe.
The Confederates easily drove the bluecoats
from the field and captured several pieces of
artillery. The thing I liked most is that the battle
took place directly in front of the spectators.
Although our numbers were not significant, the
First Arkansas Light Artillery can be proud of
the professionalism demonstrated on the field.
Sergeant Turney's new gun and the crew that
he directed did an outstanding job.
3
As you can see the First Arkansas Artillery
has recruited it’s newest member Half Pint
Corporal Troy James Quarles. However, ½
Pint Quarles was soon captured by the
Yankees. The Yankees gloated over their
good luck until they discovered that young ½
P.C. was not weaned. The bluecoats finally
paroled young Quarles when they could not
find a wet nurse. Back in the loving arms of
his southern belle mother Samantha
Quarles, ½ Pint Corporal Quarles was soon
asleep dreaming of confederate victories.
Joshes and Chubs May 2007
Comments from your
1 st Sergeant
Well, here it is, another month has passed since the
last newsletter went out, and I have so much to pass
on I may have to make the newsletter 40 pages just
to accommodate everything I have to say.
Pleasant Hill went off again with a bang! We had
21 members of the 1 st Arkansas there to participate,
which was the 3rd highest number of participants
this year for an event for the 1 st. Along with the
frogs flying in the air from the pond explosions, we
had the usual amount of spectators and school kids
who wandered in and out of camp asking all sorts
of questions, to which Edgar and Bill were at their
usual best in taking the time to answer them all.
We had to weather the second worst storm of my
career in this field since Pocohonotas last year,
which when you think about it was just like
Pocohonotas without the tornadoes and the people
dying, other than that it was pretty close. However,
having trust in God and my wall tent I slept pretty
sound with only the lighting bolts dancing on the
ground around the camp waking me up every now
and then.
And probably the biggest surprise of my life next to
my wife saying, “honey I’m pregnant”, was me
being unanimously elected as Battalion Sergeant
Major for the TMVI. You could have knocked me
over with a feather when this happened. In fact, I
am still reeling in the saddle over it. Colonel Hunt
had approached me Saturday morning and asked if
I would mind being brevetted as Sergeant Major
for the weekend as Preston had not showed up. As
the day progressed I learned that Preston had
resigned as Sergeant Major and that his spot was up
for grabs. Next thing I knew I had been elected to
it. I want to make everyone understand right off
the bat, that at no time did I politic for this job or
ask for it. It was offered to me as a temporary basis
and then before the vote it was asked if I would
serve if elected. To which I said I would. I assure
each of you however that I will remain loyal first
and foremost to the 1st Arkansas because this is
where I came from.
4
However, I am also now bound by an oath to
Colonel Hunt and the TMVI to do what is
necessary to see the Battalion as a whole grow the
same way the 1st Arkansas has. I will continue to
be with you as long as you will have me, my new
position will only take me away from you at
Battalion Events. Other than that nothing else will
change except for the number of stripes on my
sleeves.
Preston did an outstanding job, to which I say I will
never be able to fill his shoes, however, I feel that I
have the support of each Arkansas based Company
out there, even the 1 st Arkansas Battalion, to which
there can only be formed a stronger bond within
the TMVI to it’s members and other Battalions.
I have seen what this hobby is capable of when
people like each other and get along. I hope I can
offer the kind of leadership that will draw on this
character and will result in us being a formidable
presence on the field. One that would make our
ancestors proud and one that will draw new people
to the hobby.
Our semi-annual event at Mark’s Mill also went off
with flying red legs. Although the numbers were
down for reenactors, they were up for civilian
impressions, and under the leadership of Miss Ellie
they put on an excellent demonstration of a civilian
refugee camp. There were even some notorious
Federal scum from time to time trying to steal her
cornbread. Andy cooked for us as usual a fantastic
supper Saturday night and Hays Swayze and the
Ricebird artillery cooked fish for us Friday night.
All in all there was good time to be had by anyone
who came out.
On page 8 there is a “TMVI Health Card” that I
would like for each of you who have not done so
already to cut this out, fill it in and place it behind
the tins in your cartridge box. If something
happened to you on the field and you became
incapacitated the first place anyone will look for
information will be in your cartridge box. So
please take the time to fill this out.
Well, it’s on to Jefferson and beyond for me now, I
will have more comments next month.
Hutch
Joshes and Chubs May 2007
Corporal Mike Lewis
I recently stumbled upon this question on the
internet and began asking myself the following
questions:
What are the four most important items a
reenactor would carry? Would the items carried
by a Federal soldier be that much different from a
Confederate? I discovered a list of items found
on the corpses of Federal troops from the battle of
Gettysburg.
You will quickly note which
particular items show up in great quantities.
For those of you reading this newsletter, think of
what are the four most important items you carry.
Are they for your personal needs? For reenacting
needs?
Or are they for heightening your
impression?
For example, I carry a bone
toothbrush with boar bristles. Would a plastic
toothbrush be just as effective since no one sees
it?
How many soldiers actually carried
toothbrushes? Let us come up with our own list.
Email me ([email protected]) with the
items you normally carry, the four most important
items that when you are lying dead on the field,
what would scavengers find? I will post the
results in next month’s newsletter.
(from The Things They Carried.
O’Brien, 1990)
By Tim
6 pocket book
1 “gimblet”
5 gun wipers
1 candle stick
5 key
1 “express receipt”
5 brass caps
1 stencil plate
4 tooth brushes
1 plate with a gold tooth
4 match boxes
1 plate
4 snuff boxes
1 watch chain
4 grapeshot/bullets
1 envelope
3 watches
1 razor
3 “Soldier’s Pocket Book”
1 watch case
3 personal jewelry
1 gun screw
3 religious objects
1 button
3 books
1 salve box
3 water purifier
1 fish hook
3 fork
1 “sundry”
3 “paper”
1 shawl pin
2 “vice”
1 blanket
2 should straps
1 woolen cap
2 tobacco box
1 “slides”
2 pin cushions
1 thread
2 CS currency
1 small bag
2 postage stamp
1 “bones”
40 combs
13 pencils
2 gun wrenches
1 tassel
39 knives
13 religious medals
2 gun pivot
1 “smoker”
35 letters
12 glass mirrors
2 watch keys
1 pipe stem
28 diaries
9 handkerchiefs
2 lock of hair
1 bullet mold
28 US coins/currency
8 needle cases
2 carved wooden items 1 screwdriver
27 religious publications
8 spoons
23 pipes
7 purses
21 likeness and photographs
6 ink stand
21 rings
6 corps badges
2 military document
5
Joshes and Chubs May 2007
Now the pathetic dies away and martial strains are heard, reminding us of the battlefield and it’s
attendant glory.
The glorious notes of the battle-hymn float over the red field of carnage. Brave men hear the
inspiring music; the ranks close up; the bayonets are fixed; and, with a cheer which strikes terror to
the heart of the foe, they rush forward in one glorious charge, across the plain, slippery with the
blood of patriots, up the opposing hillside, even to the mouth of cannon belching forth fire and death.
But stop! Look yonder! The dying soldier raises his head. His breast is already crimson with his
heart’s blood. His eye even now is dimming and glazing. The old home comes back to him in
memory. He puts his hand to his ear as if listening. What does he hear? Ah, it is the old, old melody
of youth and home!
Again he is around the old hearthstone. Again he kneels at mother’s knee to lisp the evening prayer.
Again she takes him in her arms and sings to her tired child the soft, low lullaby of childhood’s
happy days – Oh, Music! Music! Art Divine! Thou dost move and stir the heart as nothing else can
do! Yet never canst they sweet potency be better used than when it inspires praise and gratitude to
the great God and Master of us all!
Excerpt from the Masonic Fellowcraft Second Section, circa 1903
Masonic Monument, National Cemetery, Gettysburg Battlefield
6
Joshes and Chubs May 2007
The Chaplain’s Corner
Andy Taylor
A successful Christian business man was
growing old and knew it was Time to choose
a successor to take over the business.
Instead of choosing one of his directors or
his children, he decided To do something
different. He called all the young executives in
his Company together
. He said, "It is time for me to step down and
choose the next CEO. I Have decided to
choose one of you. "The young executives
were shocked, but The boss continued."I am
going to give each one of you a SEED today one Very special SEED. I want you to plant
the seed, water it, and come back Here one
year from today with what you have grown
from the seed I have Given you. I will then
judge the plants that you bring, and the one I
Choose will be the next CEO“
One man, named Jim, was there that day
and he, like the others, Received a seed. He
went home and excitedly, told his wife the
story.
She helped him get a pot, soil and compost
and he planted the seed. Everyday, he would
water it and watch to see if it had grown. After
about three weeks, some of the other
executives began to talk About their seeds
and the plants that were beginning to grow.
Jim kept Checking his seed, but nothing ever
grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks
Went by, still nothing. By now, others were
talking about their plants, But Jim didn't have
a plant and he felt like a failure.
Six months went by--still nothing in Jim's pot.
He just knew he had Killed his seed.
Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but
he had Nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his
colleagues, however. He just kept watering
And fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the
seed to grow.
7
A year finally went by and all the young
executives of the company Brought their
plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his
wife that he Wasn't going to take an empty
pot. But she asked him to be honest about
what Happened. Jim felt sick at his stomach,
it was going to be the most Embarrassing
moment of his life, but he knew his wife was
right. He Took his empty pot to the board
room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at
The variety of plants grown by the other
executives. They were Beautiful--in all shapes
and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor
and many of His colleagues laughed, a few
felt sorry for him!
When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room
and greeted his young Executives. Jim just
tried to hide in the back. "My, what great
Plants, trees, and flowers you have grown,"
said the CEO. "Today one of you Will be
appointed the next CEO!" All of a sudden, the
CEO spotted Jim at The back of the room
with his empty pot. He ordered the financial
Director to bring him to the front. Jim was
terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a
failure! Maybe he will have me fired!" When
Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what
had happened to his Seed - Jim told him the
story.
The CEO asked everyone to sit down except
Jim. He looked at Jim, and Then announced
to the young executives, "Behold your next
Chief Executive! His name is Jim!" Jim
couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his
Seed. How could he be the new CEO the
others said? Then the CEO said, "One year
ago today, I gave everyone in this room A
seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it,
water it, and bring it Back to me today.
Continued on Page 9
Joshes and Chubs May 2007
Proven and Recommended Sutlers
Stirring the Pot
By Kayla Kalkbrenner
Regimental Quartermasters, Gettysburg
Pennsylvania. (Editors #1 Choice) 717-338-1864
www.regtqm.com
Comments From The Civilian Corp
This has been a crazy past few weeks,
and through everyone's help we have
managed, and have outside people
looking to join our civilian corps. A big
thanks to all who helped with Marks' Mill.
We are now in a break from reenacting,
but there are probably memorial services
and small events that will come up, and
getting our name out is always great.
Looking toward the Fall, I believe an
organized civilian corps would be great.
Having a separate camp from the military
would be more accurate and that is our
aim when the public is around. Another
challenge I have for those dressed in the
attire of the 1860s is to take on a 1st
person role, and speak as if you were
there. Part of being a living historian is
bringing the History to life. One thing to
keep in mind id that while camps are open
we are representing not only our
ourselves, but a group and our ancestors.
The campfire is for us, but should be kept
in a a period manner. This will give one
the feeling of actually being there. Hope to
see everyone July 4th at Sulpher Springs,
if not before. Kayla K
Clearwater Hat Co. Newnata/Timbo Ar. 870-6150555 www.clearwaterhats.com
Blockade Runner, Wartrace TN. 931-389-6294
www.blockaderunner.com
Country Cloth, Paris Ohio, (Email or Snail Mail
only) www.crchilds.com
C & D Jarnagin Co. Corinth, Miss 662-287-4977
www.jarnaginco.com
Country Cloth Paris Ohio
www.crchilds.com
James Country Mercantile Liberty, Mo.
816-781-9473
www.jamescountry.com
Relicsandthings.com
Speakingofladies.com
To recommend a Sutler, contact the editor at
[email protected]
Example of an Emergency
Information Card. Please
take
note
of
the
information on it and
either use this one or create
one for yourself. But at
least do something for us to
find medical information
on you in your Cartridge
Box if the need arises.
8
Joshes and Chubs May 2007
Chaplains Corner
continued from page 7
But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible For them to grow.
All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and Plants and flowers. When you found
that the seed would not grow, you substituted another Seed for the one I gave you. Jim
was the only one with the courage and Honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it.
Therefore, he is the one who Will be the new Chief Executive!"
If you plant honesty, you will reap trust If you plant goodness, you will reap friends If you
plant humility, you will reap greatness If you plant perseverance, you will reap
contentment If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective If you plant hard work,
you will reap success If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation If you plant
faith in Christ, you will reap a harvest So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine
what you will reap later. Two thousand years ago Paul wrote to the church at Galatia the
same story but with fewer words, "What you sow, so shall you reap". (Gal. 6:7) We are
grass that will wither and die but the incorruptible seed of Gods Word will live forever sow it daily into the life of your family!
(1 Peter 1: 23 - 25)
Sleep Deprivation, 19 th Century Style
"In the company to which the writer
belonged (Co. H, 65th Ohio) there was a
little fellow of Teutonic birth, who had a
snore that was like the sound of a fishhorn. When he was asleep it was never
silent. He would begin to tune up his
bazoo as soon as he closed his eyes, and
by the time he was fairly asleep it would
be at full blast. Enough imprecations to
sink a ship were nightly heaped upon that
unfortunate youth. Sometimes the boys
made it so warm for him that he would get
up in a high dudgeon, seize his blanket,
and go off back of the camp and crawl into
a wagon. Then when he got to snoring
again, it would set all the mules to braying.
Once when the company was sent, at
night, to occupy a position close to the
enemy and silence was a necessity, this
man was ordered to stay behind as a
security measure. It was feared he would
go to sleep and his snoring would convey
intelligence to the enemy.
But he snored his way through the war to the
very end. In all the hard fighting, only one
bullet ever touched him -- and that did not in
the slightest degree impair his snoring
machinery. Of course, he never had a "pard."
A chap tried it the first night in camp, but half
an hour after they lay down he got up in a rage
and left the Dutchman's "bed and board"
forever.
Wilbur F. Hinman, Corporal Si Klegg and His
Pard. p. 78
9
Joshes and Chubs May 2007
Polly wants an A Frame!
Tell them Scotland is free!
This is for how many years?
OMGWTF?????
Inspecting the troops
A poor, displaced Confederate refugee
10
Joshes and Chubs May 2007
Calendar of Events For 2007
May 4th – 6 th
Jefferson Texas **
May 12th – 13th
Jesse James Trade Days, Ok Grove LA.
June 8th – 10th
Tribbey Oklahoma **
July 4th
Fireworks Show at Sulpher Springs Methodist Church
August 25 th
White Hall Founders Day *
September 8th -9 th
Arkansas Post *
September 14th – 16th
145 th Anniversary Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg)
Contact Steve Shore if you want to go
September 28th – 30th
Pocahontas Civil War Days *
October 12 th-14th
White Sulpher Springs *
October 26 th – 28th
Lake DeGray
October 26 th – 28th
Battle of Pea Ridge Reenactment Bentonville AR. *
November 3 rd –4th
Old Washington
* - Denotes Maximum Effort Event
** - Denotes Non-Maximum Effort, But Should Be Placed
In Higher Priority If Possible.
The 1st Arkansas Infantry, Co. D, “Clan
McGregor” is dedicated to the faithful and
historically accurate portrayal of units who
fought in the War Between The States from
1861 to 1865.
Joshes and Chubs was so named to reflect the
attitude of soldiers from Arkansas and Texas
towards each other as stated in “The Camp, The
Bivouac and the Battlefield” by W.L. Gammage
and is published on a once a month basis.
Subscription to Joshes and Chubs by nonmembers is free in e-mail format only, and
subscription requests, inquiries and article
submissions should be sent to the editor at
[email protected]
1st Sergeant
Captain
Mark Kalkbrenner
Robert Hutcheson
2421 Meadowpond Trail
13100 Dollarway Rd
White Hall AR 71602
White Hall AR. 71602
(870) 247-2394
(820) 247-2459
(870) 692-4421 (cell)
(870) 413-1178 (cell)
The 1st Arkansas Living Historians
are always looking for “a few good
men and women” to fill their ranks of
civilian and military positions. If you
are interested in Civil War Reenacting
please call the Captain or 1st Sergeant
as listed above.
Can you identify this?
Disclaimer!
With the exception of spelling and grammatical
changes, all articles submitted for insertion into
Joshes and Chubs are unedited to ensure that the
spirit of the authors intentions are kept and their
exercise to free speech is not infringed upon. The
editor however does reserve the right to exclude or
edit any article that he deems as slanderous,
malicious or damaging to the readers.
Recommended Reading
Joshes and Chubs
C/O 13100 Dollarway Road
White Hall, AR. 71602
The Killer Angels by Michael
Shaara, Published by Ballantine
Books, New York
11