Joshes and Chubs Camp White Sulphur Springs a Success!

Joshes and Chubs
The Newsletter of the 1 st Arkansas Infantry Company D, C.S.A. November 2007
www.1starkansas.org
“So, as you go into battle, remember your ancestors and remember your descendants”
Camp White Sulphur Springs a Success!
The 1 st Arkansas enjoyed absolutely perfect weather for
it’s annual Living History event at Camp White Sulphur
Springs this month. There were 31 members of the 1st
who showed up to help make the event a success. I have
never seen so much canvas on these grounds before, and
even talking to one of the “Old Heads”, Doyle Taylor,
he even remarked that he had never seen such a turn out
of reenactors. Even though nobody form other
companies (who were invited by the way) chose to
come out and support us, we should take pride in the
fact that the 1st was able to come out en masse and still
A few of the many tents that were
show that we can be a viable asset to the historical
erected
community.
Along with our regular membership, we also had 2 visitors show up, 1 with a canon! More on that in a
moment, but first a little about what went on during the weekend. Captain Kalkbrenner and I showed up
About 0800 hours Friday morning and put some of the
Movies in the Cemetery
tents up and laid out other equipment. I had just got off
work that morning, so as soon as Mark left I laid down
with the peaceful sleep that comes only in sleeping in a
cemetery. It wasn’t long before I woke up to the sound of
hammering and when I stepped out of my tent the camp
was alive with reenactors setting up, and as stated before,
canvas was everywhere. The artillery had assembled their
portable town and it wasn’t long before more and more
started showing up and setting up their individual
impressions. That night we relaxed and started planning
the next day’s events, in which we decided to forgo the
way we used to do the Saturday night events, and opted
for “Movies in the Cemetery” shown on the shroud of
urine. Everybody seemed to enjoy the now politically
incorrect Loony Tunes if Bugs Bunny in the old south,
along with Shirley Temple in “The Littlest Rebel”.
Wow, what they could get away with in the past! Also,
as stated we had six artillery pieces that shook the
ground with each ripple fire and I know Lt. Farmer was
as happy as a dead pig in the sunshine to be able to
command such a large number. It especially did well
during the memorial service for the two new headstones
recently placed. I could on about, the new telegraph
service Doyle Taylor had done, the coffin, Pvt. PreSix artillery pieces shook the ground this
Tend and so on, but the best thing to do, is come to the
weekend
next event and hear about it all first hand!
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Joshes and Chubs November 2007
The Captain’s Tent
Comments from Captain
Kalkbrenner
Greetings from your friendly,
Company Commander!!!!
neighborhood
We have just completed what was quite possibly our
most successful White Sulphur Springs weekend
ever in terms of numbers and spectators. We may
have had more infantry at the event in the past, but
now that we have artillery and civilians in our midst,
we have more to offer as an overall impression. Sgt
Major Hutch told me Sunday that we had 30
members of the 1st Ark in attendance at some point
during the weekend. The most impressive sight (and
sound) during the weekend was on Saturday when
we had 6 artillery pieces lined up and ripple firing. I
hope those enjoying the first day of Muzzleloader
Season were not to upset!!!
Doyle Taylor served double duty as Doctor and
Telegraph Operator. Yes, you heard right!!! Doyle
has built a working telegraph and ran wire from the
Hospital tent to the Command Tent and clicks were
heard all weekend as messages kept the wires hot.
Now if we can find someone who actually knows
code!!! Not enough can be said about Andy Taylor
— he kept us fed all weekend with Boiled Beef and
potatoes and then popcorn during the movies
Saturday night. Then he preached Sunday morning. I
would like to thank everyone who turned out and
can only say to those who did not that you missed a
great weekend.
The last weekend in September we traveled to
Pocahontas to help Capt. Jim Kincaid and his home
guard protect the community from the onslaught of
Maj. "Daddy Rabbit" Malloy and his immigrant
hirelings. We knew Malloy was nearby when we
heard the sound of cats being killed (he said it was
bagpipes). On Saturday we were repulsed by
concentrated Federal artillery and a lack of artillery
or cavalry on our part.
We had artillery and cavalry, but the artillery would
not fire and the cavalry ran out of ammunition after
6 shots. On Sunday, we combined all of our forces
on the far end of the field and with a 3-pronged
coordinated attack, began the mile and a half battle
now known to history as "Kincaid's Charge". The
Federal forces were completely routed, and Maj.
Malloy was last seen with his tail between his legs
headed as fast as he could for Missouri.
We have one more company event on the schedule,
Bentonville, the last weekend in October. It is a
battalion event, so Sgt Major Hutch will be
performing his staff duties. I have been informed
that we have 12 registered for the event. If you have
not yet registered, you may at the event. It would be
great to field as a company and not have to combine,
So come on out. Some of the artillery had already
committed to Lake DeGray that weekend, so they
will be there. But if you are trying to decide which
event to go to, remember that Bentonville is the
maximum effort event voted on by the infantry. It is
not a choice of which to go to, just the unfortunate
conflicting of schedules that was unforeseen.
Now if I may have a moment for some personal
reflection. While at Pocahontas I was able to spend
some quality time with several individuals that I
began reenacting with over 15 years. I did not spend
much time around the 1st Ark campfire, and some
wondered if I was upset about something in the
company. I was not and am not. But I needed a boost
and being with old friends was more therapeutic
than you can know. We talked of old times, old
friends now gone, times when we were part of a unit
that would put 70-100 men in the field on any given
weekend, and what has happened to reenacting. That
unit was there with about equal numbers to what we
had. I will admit that I at times am not excited about
going to some events, but I go for the good of the
company. When not many show up I get frustrated
and wonder why I do this, but something good
usually always happens and I'm glad I'm there. I just
wish more were there with us. But talking with my
old friends, my Band of Brothers, I was reminded
why I do what I do — to remember those who
fought for what they believed was the right and just
cause of their Southern (and Northern) homes.
Continued on Page 7
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Joshes and Chubs November 2007
I do want to take the time to give a special thanks
to Andy Taylor for all the hard work he did in
preparing our food at the Living History event at
Camp White Sulphur. He really went above and
beyond on what was needed, up to and including
missing the movies at night so he could fix popcorn
for everyone.
Comments from
your Sgt Major
Well, here we are, with only one month left in the
season. I have had a very eventful season with
my friends and brethren and hope that you too
feel the same. Because of the lack of events next
month for me to talk about, I have decided to fill
this one up with events from the last couple of
months and more thoughts sent to me form our
members. While I am on the subject. Anytime
someone has something they wish to be placed
into the newsletter all you have to do is send it to
me. I know I put this call out a lot, but it is
always the same few who submit me something.
This is the newsletter of the 1st Arkansas and as
such I would love to see the entire 1 st Arkansas
participating in it. Let’s put that on our agenda
for next year how about and turn this publication
into something really nice!
Everybody has done such a good job this year I
kind of hate to see it end, but I know the new year
holds even more promise for us and if the kind of
support we have seen this year is just a sample of
things to come I know we are going to have a
banner year!
Please remember each other as we finish out the
year and let’s do what we can to mend any fences
that need it so we can start the new year off with a
sweet spirit of fellowship and a renewed desire to
see our hobby grow!
Did You Know?
This edition of the newsletter has been
particularly rough for me as I lost everything in
my computer due to some viruses and spy ware. I
managed to get most of my stuff back with the
loss of only some fonts as you may or may not be
able to tell from this issue. Hopefully I am back
on line with it for the next year.
In the poem “Humpty Dumpty”, that it refers to a
cannon?
From the East Anglia Tourist Board in England;
“Humpty Dumpty was a powerful cannon during
the English Civil War, (1642-1649). It was
mounted on top of St Mary”s, at the Wall Church
in Colchester defending the city against siege in
the summer of 1648. (Although Colchester was a
Parliamentarian stronghold, it had been captured
by the Royalists and they held it for 11 weeks.)
The church tower was hit by the enemy and the top
of the tower was blown off sending “Humpty”
tumbling to the ground. Naturally, the King’s men
tried to mend him but in vain.”
I do feel that I owe you a note of explanation
about the Benton Living History that I had put out
in last month’s edition. All the information I had
given you was correct. Paul Wright had given me
the flier at Jefferson and asked me to get it out to
as many people that I could which I did. A couple
of days prior to the event I called Paul to touch
base with him about it. It was at that time that he
told me that they had moved the event to the
previous weekend but no one bothered to tell me
or anyone else in the 1st Arkansas. My computer
had already crashed at that time so I had Captain
Kalkbrenner send out a mass e-mail which he did,
and instead of getting into a heated exchange with
Paul I said thank you and hung up. Oh well, we’ll
just have to remember that if the event comes
back up in the future.
The “men” would have been infantry and “horses”
the Calvary troops. After all, where in the poem
does it say Humpty Dumpty was an egg?
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the King’s horses and all the King’s men.
Couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty back together again.
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Joshes and Chubs November 2007
The battle was to be a victorious one for the
Confederates. We marched out of the woods in
columns of four. When the entire Confederate
army was clear of the woods, we went into
“battalion in the line” formation. We charged the
Federal earthworks twice, with no results. On the
third attempt, with the help of the “late arriving”
cavalry, we overtook the Yankees and left no
survivors. I had the privilege of having a hand-tohand encounter with the Yankee Sergeant Major.
He died a gallant death! We marched back to
camp and prepared to head for home.
Corporal Mike Lewis
Report on Battle of Davis Mills, Oct. 5-7, 2207
Miss Ellie and I traveled to Burton’s Sugar
Farm, Michigan City, MS to participate in the
Battle for Davis Mills. This event was hosted by
the Jeff Davis Independent Guard, Cleburne's,
and Morton's Batteries. It was a very easy drive,
about 3 hours from Little Rock, just off highway
72 from Memphis. Estimated number of troops
was nearly 200. Spectators….no idea, but there
was a constant flow of visitors. The weather was
warm during the day but excellent sleeping
weather at night. I fell in with the 7th AR under
the command of Capt. John Malloy. There was
the usual amenities of hay, wood and water.
The site was an excellent location for large
numbers, artillery and cavalry. It was held in
conjunction with a tractor festival, offering us a
look at the parade of antique tractors. Saturday
evening offered a real, live tractor pull competition.
There were various vendors on site, including
Rendezvous supplies, handmade straw brooms, and
authentic sorghum molasses. Meals were available
for sale, including an all-you-can-eat catfish or
chicken strips dinner. Registration proceeds all
went to the benefit of rebuilding Beauvoir.
In the Saturday battle, the Confederates came out
of the woods and marched across an open field
under the attack of both cavalry and artillery fire.
The object was to over run the Federal
earthworks which had been dug specifically for
this event. Their left flank was protected by
artillery, while the right flank was protected by a
chevaux de fries (a fence of sharpened sticks
forming a defense fortification) Our only hope
for victory was to attack head-on into the middle
of the earthworks. After three charges, our
numbers were virtually wiped out. The Federals
came from behind their earthworks and killed all
the wounded and completely routed the
Confederate advance.
We had a great time and strongly recommend this
event to be added to our yearly calendar.
Saturday evening’s entertainment was a military
ball with the 52nd Regiment String Band
providing the dance calls and music. They were
entertaining and provided excellent instructions
for the dances. Being inside a modern replica of
a barn, the setting was perfect.
Sunday began with an outdoor church service
held under a large oak tree and was well
attended by the troops and spectators. After the
service, we had a little free time before the
afternoon battle and were able to visit the few
sutlers on site.
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Joshes and Chubs November 2007
The Chaplain’s Corner
Andy Taylor
One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy
with grief, was walking in the woods. As he
thought about his life this day, he knew many
things were not right. He thought about those
who had lied about him back when he had a
job. His thoughts turned to those who had
stolen his things and cheated him. He
remembered family that had passed on. His
mind turned to the illness he had, that no one
could cure. His very soul was filled with anger,
resentment, and frustration. Standing there this
day, searching for answers he could not find,
knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the
base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew
would always be there. And with tears in his
eyes, he prayed:
'Lord- You have done wonderful things for me
in this life. You have told me to do many things
for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have
told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I
cannot, I don't know how. It is not fair Lord, I
didn't deserve these wrongs that were done
against me and I shouldn't have to forgive. As
perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I
cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My
anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear
you, but I pray you teach me to do the one thing
I cannot do: Teach me to forgive.'
As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old
oak tree, he felt something fall onto his
shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner
of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt.
He could not turn to see what it was because
where the oak tree had been was a large square
piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head
and saw two feet held to the wood with a large
spike through them.
Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious
face. As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to
sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.
'Have you ever told a lie?' He asked? The man
answered - 'Yes, Lord.'
'Have you ever been given too much change and kept
It?' The man answered - 'Yes. Lord.' And the man
sobbed more and more.
'Have you ever taken something from work that
wasn't yours?' Jesus asked? And the man answered,
'Yes, Lord.'
'Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in
vain?' The man, crying now, answered - 'Yes, Lord.'
As Jesus asked many more times, 'Have you ever'?
The man's crying became uncontrollable, for he could
only answer - 'Yes, Lord'.
Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the
other, and the man felt something fall on his other
shoulder. He looked and saw that it was the blood of
Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of
Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never
seen or known before.
Jesus said, 'I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive
you.‘
It may be hard to see how you're going to get through
something, but when you look back in life, you
realize how true this statement is.
Read the following first line slowly and let it sink in.
If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.
He raised his head more, and tears came to his
eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He
saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a
torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into
His head.
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Chaplain Andy Taylor, “doin’ the cookin”
while his father David supervises.
Joshes and Chubs November 2007
Fanning very quickly:
Stirring the Pot
I am engaged.
Ellen DiMaggio
Putting handle of fan to the lips:
Comments From The Civilian Corp
Kiss me.
The Language of the Fan
Opening the fan wide:
Placing the fan near the heart:
Wait for me.
You have won my love.
Placing open fan behind the head:
Resting closed fan on right ear:
Do not forget me.
When may I see you?
With little finger extended:
Number of sticks showing indicates:
Goodbye.
At what hour?
Pressing half-closed fan to lips:
Carrying open fan in right hand in front of face:
Follow me.
You may kiss me.
In left hand:
Covering left ear with open fan:
I am desirous to meet you.
Do not betray our secret.
Placing closed fan on left ear:
Hiding the eyes behind the open fan:
I wish to be rid of you.
I love you.
Drawing closed fan across forehead:
Shutting fully opened fan very slowly:
You have changed.
I will marry you.
Twirling closed fan in left hand:
Drawing closed fan across eyes:
We are being watched.
I am sorry.
In right hand:
Touching tip of open fan with fingers:
I love another.
I wish to speak to you.
Carrying open fan in right hand:
Resting closed fan on right cheek:
You are too willing.
Yes.
In left hand:
Resting closed fan on left cheek:
Come and talk to me.
No.
Drawing closed fan through palm of hand:
Opening and shutting fan several times:
I hate you.
You are cruel.
Drawing closed fan across cheek:
Dropping the fan:
I love you.
We will be friends.
Presenting the fan closed:
Fanning very slowly:
Do you love me?
I am married.
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Joshes and Chubs November 2007
The Captain’s Tent
when I asked for a moment of silence for James, that
I almost could not finish what I was saying, but my
Continued from page 2
family did. Then I get home from there and see on
That we were doing what we do because of their the news that an 18 year old from Greenbrier was
sacrifice over 140 years ago. I again felt good killed this weekend in Iraq, and I cry some more.
about reenacting and am ready to go when the
To all my friends who have served and are serving,
opportunity presents itself.
Thank You so much. I will never be able to thank
Returning home, I was feeling good. But the next you enough. But I will always have a new
morning the world seemed to stop and come appreciation for all those who have served and
crashing down. When I walked into school on sacrificed when I go out onto the field and I will
Monday morning I was told that my principal's carry James with me to every event and will never
nephew was killed that Saturday in Iraq. Sgt 1st forget.
Class James Doster was the brother of a very good
friend of mine in High School and I knew him Capt K
pretty well. His Mother sits behind me every
Sunday in Church. James was the same age as
Sally's brother (who has served 3 tours in Iraq), and
Matt's children are the same age as James' girls.
This thought hit me in the stomach like a shot for
Farmer's cannon, and all I wanted to do was throw
up. Then I thought of his mother and brother, Ms
Billie and Rob, and how they had lost their
husband and father exactly 53 weeks earlier. This
thought reminded me of my wife's grandmother
and mother who had lost their husband/father and
brother within a very short period of time right
after we were married. All of these similarities hit
too close to home. As I sat in class I began to think
about what had happened and what I had been
doing that weekend. While I was pretending to die
on the field Saturday at Pocahontas, James was
dying in the streets of Baghdad fighting for me.
While I was pretending to be hit by Artillery fire,
James had had his legs blown off by an IED and
was taking small arms fire. While we were being
carried to a "Hospital", he was being operated on in
a heroic effort to save his life. I do not know if I
cried so much when any of my grandparents passed
away as I have in the past two weeks. When I read
in the editorial in the local paper Ms Billie's
comments about her front door bell ringing at 9pm
Saturday night and opening it to find two men to
dress uniforms standing there, I was almost
inconsolable. When I was at visitation and they
presented his wife, Amanda, with the Gold Star
Banner, I wept like a child. And I do not know if
any of you noticed at the service Sunday at White
Sulphur Springs
Lest We Forget
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Joshes and Chubs November 2007
I am a refugee. Won’t you please help me?
I am one of reportedly 2000,000 displaced citizens
who have lost their homes, possessions and in many
cases loved ones and protectors. I once was the
mistress of a large plantation along the Arkansas River
in Pulaski County Arkansas. It was a grand home that
hosted many wondrous dinner parties and grand balls.
Being the mistress, I had several servants who cooked,
cleaned and made my clothing. My life was one of
endless luxury. My dresses were imported from Paris
and my bonnets were of the most current style. I made
semi-annual trips to New Orleans just for the latest
news and gossip.
Then this horrible war invaded my home. Soldiers
were camped on my fine lawns and burned the fences
around my house. When they were hungry, they took
everything we had to eat, including the milk cow we
sued for the children. Soon, fighting began and I
grabbed what I could and gathered up the children and
ran. We ran as far as our weak legs could take us.
Sadly, without food and shelter, I buried both of my
blessed babies. Now all I have is what little I can
carry.
I follow along with the army in hopes they can feed me
or provide protection. Sometimes I sew on buttons for
food. Sometimes I write letters for the soldiers and
they share what little provisions they have in return. If
a soldier gets too “familiar” with me, however, I
clearly remind him I am not a camp follower and will
not succumb to such indecency.
Can you tell me the name of the nearest fort? I hope I
can survive long enough to make it inside the
protective boundaries of the fort. I’ve been told the
army will give me food once I get there. I hope it isn’t
very far because as you can see, my shoes are thin and
my body is weak.
Miss Ellie Presents
Historical performances, 19th century women
Ellen M. DiMaggio
www.speakingofladies.com
[email protected]
2300 Rebsamen Park, E207
Little Rock, AR. 72202
870-814-5646
And, hope beyond hope, if you have seen or heard
from my husband, tell me. He went to fight with the
1at Arkansas Infantry and I haven’t seen him since
May of 1861. His last correspondence was months
ago. I fear for his life. It is so hard for me to continue
on my journey not knowing if my husband is alive or
dead. My struggles are all for naught if I find out he is
not among the living. Do pray for him.
You are so kind to listen to my sorrows. May God
bless you.
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Contact Miss Ellie if civilian reenacting sounds
like something you might be interested in.
Joshes and Chubs November 2007
Calendar of Events For 2007
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.
Recipes Needed!
The ladies of the 1st Arkansas Civilian Corp are
putting together a recipe book and have put out a call
for your favorite recipes. I overheard them at Prairie
Grove saying they would like to have these by
December but I don’t know if that is still the deadline.
I did however hear them say they were going to try
and put a recipe book out and maybe use it as a
fundraiser. So, ladies and Gentlemen I say, Submit!
You can send them to me at [email protected] or to
Miss Ellie at [email protected] or mail
them to me c/o 13100 Dollarway Road, White Hall
Arkansas, 71602. Make sure your name is on the
submission so you can get credit for the recipe in the
book.
Disclaimer!
With the exception of spelling, grammatical and
changes necessary for room, 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
They Fought Like Demons Women
Soldiers in the Civil War by Deanne
Blanton and Lauren M. Cook
Published by Random House
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