3rd Arkansas Toothpick

Report Of The Action In The Indian Territory

2007-10-05T14:06:00.001-07:00

When General Huckabee heard there was a Federal wagon
train moving along to re-supply Ft. Gibson, he
mobilized the brigade to go intercept the wagons and
return the much needed supplies to Arkansas. It was a
long forced march and the brigade, finally reached the
area around Cabin Creek on the 28th. Some men did
straggle in on the morning of the 29th. The marvh took
quite a toll on the men, and many men couldn't keep
up. The 3rd only had 9 men to fight with. John
'Shopdog; Shoptaw was promoted by the Sgt. Major to be
captain and I was assigned 1st Sergeant duties. We had
Pvt. 'Biscuit' and his brother 'Croissant', Pvt. Joey
Mills, Pvt. Jimmy Walker, Pvt. Leonard Hartsfield,
Pvt. Stephen Wright, and Pvt. Tom Morphew. After a
heavy drill, the men were allowed to rest. Not long
after the rest had been given, scouts reported the
wagon train in sight and the 1st Arkansas led by Col.
Sanders, and a company of the 1st Missouri led by Col.
Amend moved in to position to ambush the yanks. The
battle was a stunning success and we proceeded to
capture the wagons, and drive the Yankees from the
field with few losses of our own. Gen. Huckabee was
very pleased and he allowed the men to enjoy what was
in the wagons. The men of the 3rd did just that. Our
men were seen eating bacon, eggs, beans, and bacon and
eggs, and drinking real coffee. I'm still waiting to
get my peaches. Privates Morphew and Hartsfield found
a wagon with beer; however, and proceeded to disappear
with it immediately after the fight. It took the Sgt.
Major all night to find them and bring them back to
camp. During some evening festivities, some Yankees
sent out a scouting party that was easily repulsed,
but more of an annoyance. Through numerous sources, it
was heard the yankees were massing in Springfield, Mo
preparing for an invasion of Arkansas. Gen. Huckabee
left the evening of the 29th to prepare for the
brigade's return to Arkansas leaving command to Col.
Sanders. The men hadThe Yankees re-grouped and must
have received re-enforcements that night after the
skirmish. They attacked us as we were heading back to
Arkansas. The men were full of fight and promptly
attacked being led by Maj. Alexander. the battalion
was giving them what 'fer until the yanks pulled in a
battery of artillery. We were forced to retire, but we
retired in good order. The men of the 3rd covered the
retreat of the entire brigade and was the last unit
off the field. Privates Morphew, Walker, and Wright
were all wounded in the fight, yet they still were
ready to give the yankees all they had. The artillery
was too great and we ended up leaving the field and
some of the wagons to the yanks. We did manage to
empty those wagons we left so the yanks had nothing.
We are now marching to NW Ark in the area of Elk Horn
Tavern to await the yankee invasion. I overheard Col.
Sanders say he was expecting it to be around the end
of the month. All passes will be revoked and the
battalion has ordered all men to return to their
posts. It shouldn't be so bad, I hear there will be
supplies and possibly a payroll waiting for us in
Arkansas.

In Service of the South,

Matt Krull

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Battle of Bald Knob Missouri

2007-10-02T16:29:00.001-07:00

Sarge,

Pvt. Sevier and I once again represented the 3rd Arkansas in a magnificent bloody battle. We joined ranks with the 7th Arkansas and luckily survived the horrendous slaughter that the blue devils from the North poured on the boys in Missouri. General Sterling Price led us bravely into the onslaught and we assaulted the fort several times before a majority of us fell. I heard from a newspaper man that nearly 1,500 of us Southerners were killed in the battle and only 184 Yankees fell. What a shame but we can hold our heads high because this only demonstrates again that we are brave and scared of little and heroic in our attempts to drive these invaders from our land. Here are a few pictures that a photographer took of us. This is a different kind of tintype invention and looks like a good way to take pictures. Salute to the men of the 3rd. See you all soon. . D.L. David Loper

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Fwd: Battle at Fort Davidson in Pilot Knob, Missouri

2007-10-02T06:12:00.001-07:00

Note: forwarded message attached.

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3rd Ark Trivia

2007-07-27T21:16:00.001-07:00

How much of the 3rd at Gettysburg do you really know? Go here to find out

http://www.funtrivia.com/trivia-quiz/History/3rd-Arkansas-at-Gettysburg-207577.html

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check out the puzzles

2007-07-23T16:10:00.001-07:00

http://www.jigzone.com/gallery/172503A23C.3647090&z=11&v=133956

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A Little History of the Civil War Generals At West Point

2007-07-16T17:47:00.001-07:00

http://www.historynet.com/magazines/civil_war_times/3033446.html?featured=y&c=y

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Here is an intresting article Daughter Lee's papers

2007-07-15T17:55:00.001-07:00

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/11/AR2007071102385_4.html

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3rd Arkansas Photo

2007-06-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

APPOMATTOX POEM

2007-05-23T17:47:00.001-07:00

APPOMATTOX

I stand here on this dusty road,                  My General, Marse Robert,
My rifle by my side.                                    He led us very well.
They say we must surrender                        I know that if he asked us to,
And yet I'm filled with pride.                       We would follow him through hell.

In knowing deep within my heart, Although, this day will surely be,

I gave my Southland all,                            The worst for our brave men.
Like every man who took up arms            At least we'll all be going home,
And answered Freedoms' call.                   To be with Kith and Kin.

I've worn the gray most proudly                 Throughout the years that follow,
And loved our banners dear.                      This tragic fateful day,
To give them up and walk away,               We'll be proud of our fair flag
The thought brings me to tears.                   And how we wore the gray.

Lee W Murdock Sr

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5 3rd Arks

2007-05-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

I just came across this pic in my camera when I was deleting old files. Shiloh 07
Preston

School of Dying

2007-05-17T17:32:00.001-07:00

Schools Of The Civil War Reenactor

by
Thomas R. Fasulo
13th Indiana Volunteer Infantry

Q: How do you know when to die?

A: We go to Dying School.

Actually, the proper name is School of the Dead, but usually we just call it Dying School. This school is held at most major events, but slots fill up quickly. This is one of the reasons most Civil War reenactors preregister for events up to a year ahead of time. Most never commit the faux pas of registering at the last minute, or just showing up on the first morning of the event.

At Dying School, students are taught how to die according to the various projectiles. There are separate courses on Rifle Balls, Solid Shot, Shell, Canister, Grape-shot, and others. Until a reenactor has a Basic Certificate from Dying School he or she is not allowed to die in a reenactment. If someone without a Certificate dies, and is caught, they are punished by being immediately transferred to a cavalry unit or to Brigade Staff, as no one is ever allowed to die in those units.

Once a reenactor has learned to die alone, he or she then moves on to the final course required for the Basic Certificate from the School of the Dead. This is the ever popular Die In A Bunch Course.

Some hardcore reenactors take additional courses at Dying School and receive an Advanced Certificate from Dying School. These courses cover dying from Diarrhea, Sexual Diseases, Heat Stroke, and that famous cause of so many Southern deaths - a High Cholesterol Heart Attack. Graduates of the first two advanced courses have the right to wear stains on the front or back of their trousers. They wear these stains as a badge of honor. The advanced course on High Cholesterol Heart Attacks is becoming more popular as it permits reenactors to die in garrison or in camp anytime they wish to without having to wait for a shot to be fired.

There is even an advanced course for officers. This is the I Just Tripped Over My Sword Again So I Might As Well Lie Here And Let People Think I Did It On Purpose Course.

Q: Are there any other schools reenactors have to go to?

A: Yes, there are several.

One of the most important is the School of Breaking and Running. Although a Certificate from the School of Breaking and Running is usually not required to attend a reenactment, it is highly prized. This school awards certificates in five different levels, with Level 1 being the most basic and Level 5 the most advanced.

Although not required, reenactors should really try to obtain a Level 3 Certificate in Breaking and Running. Most Confederate reenactors never have to have a Certificate beyond Level 3 unless they intend to participate in reenactments of the Battles of Chattanooga or Nashville. Then a Level 5 Certificate is required.

Most Union reenactors try to obtain a Level 3 or 4 Certificate, especially if they participate in early war reenactments. However, some late-war battles, such as the Battle of Olustee, require Union reenactors to have a Level 5 Certificate in Breaking and Running before they can register.

(Note: An exception is made for Union reenactors portraying units of the 54th Massachusetts or the 35th U.S. Colored Troops. Members of these units are not required to have a Certificate in Breaking and Running at any level. There is an historical reason for this. At Olustee these units did not break and run.)

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Civil War Baseball

2007-05-17T17:02:00.001-07:00

Civil War All Stars

**Note**
This little beauty came from the August 1965 issue of Civil War Times and was authored by Jay Luvaas. Hope they don't mind me posting it. Just too good to pass up.

Union All Stars

Manager - U.S. Grant. Has good success with the two-platoon system; has developed well-balanced team. Possibly a bit lax in enforcing training rules.

First Base-"Cump" Sherman. Watch this boy burn up the base paths. Reminds old timers of the "Georgia Peach" Good at digging them out of the dirt; consistent hitter. Not popular with all fans.

Second Base - George Meade. Good pivot man. Team captain. Always dangerous at the plate. Would attract more attention with a favorable press.

Third Base -"Fighting Joe" Hooker. Whiffs a lot since he was beaned at Chancellorsville. Plenty of natural ability; sometimes clutches under pressure. Good power, but a sucker for an outside curve.

Shortstop - "Phil" Sheridan. Larcenous base runner. Able to go from either side. Real sparkplug of team's offense. Dangerous in the clutch.

Right Field - "Speedy" Burnside. a real "wall climber," which led to injuries last season at Fredericksburg. Has developed a rifle arm. Led the league in strike-outs last season.

Center Field - Jim Wilson. One of the least publicized players in the league. A strong arm and plenty of speed. A good pull hitter. Candidate for rookie of the year.

Left Field - George McClellan. Plenty of natural ability, but slow on the base paths. Probably brought up from the minors too soon.

Catcher-"Rocky" Thomas. Real key to team defense. Good arm; plenty of power. Base runners don't take chances with this one.

Pitcher -"Win" Hancock. Fireballer; tough with runners on base. The best of a weak staff.

Pitcher - Bill Rosecrans. Has good stuff, but experiences difficulty staying ahead of the batter.

Pitcher - "Chief" Custer. Rookie of the year his first full season in the majors. Hasn't been the same since the last series with the Indians!

Middle Relief-"Come to Papa" John Buford. Good with the changeup, continually has batters chasing the Seminary Sinker Ball, a favorite of his.

Closer- Joshua Chamberlain. Calls his overpowering fast ball the swinging gate. Been known to use the inside portion of the plate with great advantage, some cases beaning opposing hitters.

Confederate All Stars

Manager - Robert E. Lee. Aggressive; not afraid to take risks. Lee gets along well with both the players and the front office, but who was it that said "Nice guys don't finish first?"

First Base - "Frenchie" Beauregard. Slick fielder. Has tendency to swing at bad pitches. Has never quite lived up to preseason notices.

Second Base - "Joe Johnston. Good field, no hit. Can make the double play. Has been peddled to several clubs because of his uncertain temperament.

Third Base - "Texas John" Hood. Good at the hot corner; hangs tough at the plate. Provides plenty of batting muscle when not on disabled list.

Shortstop - "Jeb" Stuart. Can play any position, best at short. Good range, often hits for the circuit. A real crowd pleaser.

Right Field - "Ranger" Mosby. Hits well to all fields; excels at hit and run. Really shines when playing in his own field.

Center Field - "Wizard" Forrest. A tough competitor. Covers lots of ground in center. Can hit the long ball. An umpire baiter.

Left Field - "Bill" Hardee. A real student of the game. Dangerous at the plate. One of the most underrated players in either league.

Catcher - "Pete" Longstreet. A steady influence. Plenty of power at the plate a tough competitor and a good pull hitter. Seems to have trouble hitting in Yankee Stadium.

Pitcher - "Stonewall" Jackson. Best righthander in the league. Blazing fast ball. Uses dust-off pitches. Can usually go the route. Chances for a successful year may well rest on Jackson's arm.

Pitcher - "Brax" Bragg. Control pitcher; good for a couple of innings. Would probably work better on a different club.

Pitcher - A. S. "Mormon" Johnston. Master of the curve ball, but sometimes has trouble with control.

Middle Relief - A.P."Red" Hill. Good set-up man when his temper doesn't get in his way. Refuses to pitch when Longstreet is catching. Sometimes feuds with other pitchers.

Closer - "Baldy Ewell" Capable fast baller. Has trouble reading signals, sometimes has problems with power hitters.

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The 1stSgt needs your help

2007-05-11T17:04:00.001-07:00

The 1st Sgt needs your help in finding a name for his "shop". Many have seen this haven of Civil War supplies and equipment. If you need it to borrow,he has it,except recipe,(Lori won't let him share her stash).

Please help him in this endeavor. If your name is used for the quartermaster shop you will be given special privileges at the next event.

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Making cartridge packs

2007-05-11T13:48:00.001-07:00

You all wanted to know how to make those pesky cartridges stay togethor when you were making packs. Well here it is

http://www.reamsstation.netfirms.com/Federal/imprstdsect8.htm

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video of Jefferson

2007-05-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hey here is video someone made of Jefferson 07. Who know...you even see yersef.

click on this to see the video

Arkansas words and sayins

2007-05-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

cut one's foot, (v. phrase), to step in an animal turd. Sometimes a polite euphemism used in mixed company. You see Bubba examining the sole of his shoe and you say, "What are you looking at, Bubba? Did you cut your foot?"

click on this to see more arkie words

Mascots of the War

2007-05-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

"Major," a mutt for the 10th Maine, (later reorganized as the 29th Maine) had a habit of snapping at Confederate minie balls in flight. Unfortunately, he caught one and died. During engagements, "Major" would bark and growl ferociously until the battle was over.
Gen. Robert E. Lee kept a hen as a pet and was rewarded with a egg laid under his cot each morning for his breakfast. The hen was displaced during the Gettysburg battle, causing much consternation until she was found. She was placed on the headquarters wagon for the retreat.

The 3rd Louisiana CSA, had a donkey in its midst. The donkey would push into the commander's tent and try to sleep with him, mistaking the officer for his original owner.

Confederate President Jefferson Davis's dog was also named Traveler.
Soldiers of the Richmond Howitzers kept a number of gamecocks as pets. The Battalion also kept a dog, "Stonewall, " who was much admired by the artillerymen. Stonewall was given rides in the safety of a limber chest during battle. He was taught to attend roll call, sitting on his haunches in line.

The 43rd Mississippi Infantry kept a camel named Douglas, which was killed by a minie ball during the seige of Vicksburg,

Civil War Camp Sumter Prisoners Saved by a Storm

2007-05-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Civil War took the lives of more Americans-- 600,000 more than any other armed conflict. As with many wars, much of the suffering took place off the field of battle as soldiers starved and died of illness. Nowhere was this more true than in prisoner of war camps, the site of 10% of the Civil War’s deaths. The most notorious of the Civil War camps was Camp Sumter near Andersonville, Georgia. Built to hold 9,000 prisoners, the 16.5 acre site was chosen in 1863 because of its remote location and abundant food sources.
As the war was reaching its climax, Camp Sumter packed more than 30,000 men into the space designed for a third as many. The Stockade Branch, which provided the only water for the inmates, was backed up by the stockade’s pilings. It became a putrid cesspool polluted with grease from a cookhouse upstream, the waste water of laundry and human excrement.

Those who drank the water were as likely to kill themselves with dysentery and diarrhea as to quench their thirst.
Then one night downpour caused the Stockade Branch to overflow with such ferocity that it washed away much of the camp’s foul waste. Several bolts of lightning struck near the prison, including one that hit a pine stump inside the stockade. At the base of the lightning-charred stump, a spring of fresh water emerged. The source was most likely a local spring that had been covered over during the construction of the camp, which the storm liberated. It came to be known as Providence Spring.

Famous Quotes of the war

2007-05-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

"It's bad. It's damned bad."
- Abraham Lincoln's first reaction to the Union Army's rout at First Manassas

"They couldn't hit an elephant at this distance"
- Union General John Sedgwick spoke these words just moments before being shot dead by a confederate sniper at Spotsylvania

"He looked as though he ought to have been, and was, the monarch of the world"
- Description of Robert E. Lee

"Will you pardon me for asking what the horses of your army have done since the battle of Antietam that fatigues anything"
- Abraham Lincoln directed this remark to George B. McClellan, who had excused his lack of action in the fall of 1862 due to tired horses. McClellan was removed from command shortly there-after.

"He will take more chances, and take them quicker, than any other general in the country--North or South"
- A contemporary so described Robert E. Lee

"Look at Jackson's brigade! It stands there like a stone wall!"
- Confederate General Barnard E. Bee of South Carolina gave this description of Stonewall Jackson's brigade at First Manassas *

"It's just like shooting squirrels, only these squirrels have guns"
- A Federal veteran so instructed new recruits in musket drill

"Boys, he's not much for looks, but if we'd had him we wouldn't be caught in this trap"
- A captured Union soldier described Stonewall Jackson in this way

"a tyrannical, hot-headed vulgarian"
- A subordinate so described Nathan Bedford Forrest

"The time for compromise has now passed, and the South is determined to maintain her position, and make all who oppose her smell Southern powder and feel Southern steel"
- Jefferson Davis used these words in his inaugural speech on February 16, 1861

"a damned old goggled-eyed snapping turtle"
- Subordinate officers so described Union General George Meade

"Tonight we will water our horses in the Tennessee River"
- Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston made this unfulfilled prophecy shortly before the Confederate defeat at Shiloh, which cost Johnston his life

"I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation"
- Robert E. Lee spoke these words to his army's chaplains

"Really, Mr. Lincoln, I have had enough of this show business"
- Ulysses S. Grant used these words to decline to attend a White House party in his honor, so that he may return to the front

"The rebels are out there thicker than fleas on a dog's back!!"
- An excited Union officer used these words to report the advance of Confederate forces at Shiloh

"Hello, Massa; bottom rail on top dis time"
- A black Union soldier spoke these words to a Confederate prisoner he recognized--his former master

"No, no. Let us pass over the river and rest under the shade of the trees"
- Stonewall Jackson spoke these words on May 10th, 1863, just before pneumonia took his life **

"It is well that war is so terrible--we should grow too fond of it"
- Robert E. Lee gave this observation while watching thousands of Union soldiers sent to the slaughter at Fredericksburg

"Strike the tent!"
- Robert E. Lee spoke these words in delirium, shortly before he passed away on
October 12, 1870 **

"I shall come out of this fight a live major general or a dead brigadier."
- Confederate Brigadier General Albert Perrin made this oath on the eve of the Battle of Spotsylvania, where he was killed in action.

"General, get up--dress quick--you are a prisoner!"
- Confederate partisan John S. Mosby directed this order to General Edwin H. Stoughton after rousing the General from his bed at Union headquarters.

"In the name of God and humanity I protest!"
- Confederate General John Bell Hood lodged this complaint against General William T. Sherman's orders to have the citizens of Atlanta leave the city following its capture by Union forces.

"General, if you put every [Union soldier] now on the other side of the Potomac on that field to approach me over the same line, I will kill them all before they reach my line."
- General James Longstreet made this vow to Robert E. Lee as countless Federal assaults were beaten back by Longstreet's men at the Battle of Fredericksburg.

"If you surrender you shall be treated as prisoners of war, but if I haveto storm your works you may expect no quarter."
- Nathan Bedford Forrest routinely issued this warning to opposing forces and often received his desired result.

"Every stalk of corn in the northern and greater part of the field was cut as closely as could have been done with a knife, and the slain lay in rows precisely as they stood in their ranks a few minutes before."
- A Union officer who survived the Battle of Antietam gave this description of the destruction of a Confederate force posted in a cornfield there.

"All this has been my fault."
- Robert E. Lee repeatedly spoke this line to the survivors of Pickett's Charge as they stumbled back to Confederate lines.

"Whoever saw a dead cavalryman?"
- Infantry troops often uttered this sarcasm in criticism of the cavalry, who were said to fight so rarely that they seldom left casualties behind.

"If you bring these leaders to trial it will condemn the North, for by the Constitution secession is not rebellion."
- Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court privately delivered this opinion on charging captured Confederate officers with treason.

"The dead covered more than five acres of ground about as thickly as they could be laid."
- A Confederate survivor so described the Union dead at the Battle of Cold Harbor in 1864.

"Hold on with a bull-dog whip and chew and choke as much as possible."
- Abraham Lincoln offered Ulysses S. Grant this encouragement during the latter's grueling Siege of Petersburg in 1864-65.

"It's all a damned mess! And our two armies ain't nothing but howling mobs!"
- A captured Confederate private gave this description of the Battle of the Wilderness in 1864.

"My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to always be ready, no matter when it may overtake me."
- Stonewall Jackson

"I am now considered such a monster, that I hesitate to darken with my shadow, the doors of those I love, lest I should bring upon them misfortune."
- Robert E. Lee gave this appraisal of his image to a friend shortly after his surrender at Appomattox in 1865.

"General, unless he offers us honorable terms, come back and let us fight it out!"
- James Longstreet said this to Robert E. Lee as he rode off to discuss terms for surrender with General Grant at Appomattox.

"I am short a cheek-bone and an ear, but am able to whip all hell yet."
- Union General John M. Corse made this peculiar boast after sustaining a head wound at the Battle of Allatoona in 1864.

"We talked the matter over and could have settled the war in thirty minutes had it been left to us."
- A common Rebel soldier made this statement after fraternizing with a Union soldier between the lines.

Contraception in the Civil War

2007-05-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

Yes they did! To be authentic one must check this out.

click on this to see contraception

How to cuss like a Civil War Soldier

2007-04-29T18:59:00.001-07:00

http://www.columbiarifles.org/Articles/Cussing.html

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Learn to talk like a true Civil War Soldier

2007-04-26T13:13:00.001-07:00

http://celticfringe.net/history/vocab.htm

Poem of Pvt. Miles O'Reilly

2007-04-26T13:03:00.001-07:00

Thirty-seven (Poem) by Private Miles O'Reilly

APRIL 20, I864
BY PRIVATE MILES O'REILLY

THREE years ago today
'We raised our hands to heaven,
And on the rolls of muster
Our names were thirty-seven ;
There were just a thousand bayonets,
And the swords were thirty-seven,
As we took the oath of service
With our right hands raised to heaven.

Oh 'twas a gallant day,
In memory still adored.
That day of our sun-bright nuptials
With the musket and the sword':
Shrill rang the fifes, the bugles blared,
And beneath a cloudless heaven
Twinkled a thousand bayonets,
And the swords were thirty-seven.

Of the thousand stalwart bayonets
Two hundred march today;
Hundreds lie in Virginia swamps,
And hundreds in Maryland clay;
And other hundreds, less happy, drag
Their shattered limbs around.

And envy the deep, long, blessed sleep
Of the battle-field's holy ground.
For the swords—one night, a week ago,
The remnant, just eleven,
Gathered around a banqueting board
With seats for thirty-seven;

There were two limped in on crutches,
And two had each but a hand
To pour the wine and raise the cup
As we toasted "Our flag and land!"

And the room' seemed filled with whispers
As we looked at the vacant seats,
And, with choking throats, we pushed aside
The rich but untasted meats;

Then in silence we brimmed our gl*****,
As we rose up—just eleven,
And bowed as we drank to the loved and the dead
Who had made us THIRTY-SEVEN.

Keeping warm

2007-04-23T16:53:00.001-07:00

The Spoon and the Taco

Many times, Civil War events can get downright nipply. What can you do to help prevent your sleeping area from becoming an ice box? Well, you could do what I do. Namely, spoon with your pards. This technique involves packing in tight with your homeys and sharing bodily warmth. Homophobia is nice, but it won't keep you warm at night. Now, what do you do when you have no pards with which to spoon? I propose a technique that I have named The Taco. What you do is:
1) Lay down a ground cloth. This will keep you dry. If you don't have a gum blanket (shame on you) you can try a shelter half. Personally, I save my shelter half for my feet.
2) Lay down all your blankets. You would be surprised how much heat your body loses to the ground. Having a blanket (or several) underneath you will keep you warmer than having all your blankets on top of you. In this case all your blankets will go under you (at first.)
3) Lie down. (Did you think you were going to stand all night?)
4) Grab one edge of the mass of stuff you are lying on and pull it completely over you. You should wind up lying on one half of the pile and under the other half. Otherwise you did something wrong and you probably are a degenerate. Do you see what you have done? You have effectively doubled the amount of cover for yourself. If you have two blankets and one ground cloth, let's say, then you are lying on one ground cloth and two blankets and also under two blankets and one ground cloth. The blankets under you will help hold in warmth from the ground, and the ground cloth over top of you will keep out the wind. You don't have as much wiggle room, but it will keep you warmer. Make sure you don't pull the closed end of the taco too tightly. This keep heat from escaping directly through the blankets. It's also a good idea to tuck your feet in to keep them warm. I like to use my shelter half to tuck in my feet. It keeps the wind out pretty well, and there is enough of it to get good coverage. If your camp has a fire, sleep next to it with the open side of the taco towards it for convection heating.

I got this off another website that didn't have the author's name.....so if any knows who wrote this please post their name so we can regonize them.

Staying dry

2007-04-20T18:15:00.001-07:00

http://www.gavolbn.org/StayingDry.htm

toad Suck...toad Suck...toad Suck...park

2007-04-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

Fort Gibson Heritage Days

2007-04-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

This comming weekend..April 21 will be the muster at the ole Fort! Be thar! It will be most fun. Preston and Tom are supposed to play Saturday night for a jollification!

Fort Gibson Oklahoma just East of Muskogee. Muskogee is 30 miles north of I-40

SgtMajor No More

2007-04-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

Preston Ware is not SgtMjr of the TMVI anymore! He had a long run of it though...1998 to 2007. One fellow said he was the Strom Thurmon of reenacting. ha ha Ironicly...he was awarded a plaque for his long-time services at the very event where he declined to run for the post again. Dont be surprised if you see him in the 3rd Arks ranks alot more!

personal note: I am sure gonna miss those stripes! and sure, werent they glorious?

Great Video of Gettysburg

2007-04-17T20:22:00.001-07:00

PL sent us this link to a YouTube video of a Gettysburg reenactment. Looks like the 145th to me. I think I saw Ron Cates. Its really very good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDxrB9-7tHY

paste the above link into your browser.

Ample Bosom

2007-04-07T09:51:00.001-07:00

[The Texas Brigade were]...full of good-humor and confidence in themselves and in their general, Hood. They answered the numerous taunts of the Chambersburg ladies with cheers and laughter. One female had seen fit to adorn her ample bosom with a huge Yankee flag, and she stood in the door of her house, her countenance expressing the greatest contempt for the barefooted Rebs; several companies passed her without taking any notice, but at last a Texan gravely remarked, "Take care, madam, for Hood's boys are great at storming breastworks when the Yankee colors is on them." After this speech the patriotic lady beat a precipitate retreat.

Hoods Brigade enjoys a "jollification"

2007-04-07T09:48:00.001-07:00

About noon, they forded the Potomac and entered Williamsport in a hard, driving rain. There the men stacked arms and built fires to dry their clothing, but there was little or nothing to eat.To warm his men, General Hood kindly ordered that each man be issued a gill (a quarter of a pint) of some captured whiskey. The non-drinkers shared their rations with their less temperate comrades, and, according to Texan John Stevens,

...inside of half an hour there was more drunk men in Williamsport than I think I ever saw in my life. ...some laughed, some cried, some hooped and yelled, some cussed and swore, others ripped and tore and called for gore. It kept the sober boys busy to keep the drunk ones from killing each other. Soon some fell by the wayside, helpless, and were dumped into wagons and ambulances, and hauled the balance of the day.

Just at this place the state of Maryland is only seven miles wide. On we move, and about 5 p.m. we reach the Pennsylvania line....We march a mile or two into Pennsylvania and stopped for the night near the city of Greencastle....Hood's division on that day performed a feat never performed by any troops during the war. We ate breakfast in Virginia, dinner in the state of Maryland, supper in the state of Pennsylvania and slept in the state of intoxication--four states in 24 hours....

Hoods Brigade apperance

2007-04-07T09:45:00.001-07:00

Hood's Brigade as they appeared in May, 1863:

"May 6. They have been down on the Blackwater towards No[r]folk; and are on their way back to Gen. Lees army. We can hear their Band playing "Old John Brown came tearing out of the Wilderness."

I stop to see them and here I find my brother Hale Foster [a member of the 4th Texas band] -- he is bare footed carrying a frying pan and a blanket.

Taken all together they are the hardest lot of men I ever met -- If this is soldiering, then it is certain we have not seen any yet -- These men have no baggage wagons -- Carry all their baggage and cooking utensils on their backs, and are not burdened at that.

-- Bare footed men are plenty -- some were bare headed -- some had pieces of clothing on. Some had a piece of meat sticking on his Bayonett [sic]. Some had his frying pan stuck on his gun barrel -- as a convenient way to carry it." excerpt from a 24th Texas soldiers diary

Flag Presentation in 1861

2007-04-07T09:35:00.001-07:00

The Ashely Volunteers became part of the glorious 3rd ARK and VanManning their leader!

"Captain Manning, in behalf of the ladies of Hamburg, I present to you and your gallant company, this silken flag. 'Tis a token of the confidence with which we contemplate your energy and lofty patriotism. Long may it wave.' Shield it from the accursed hand of tyranny, until the ruthless weapon of the enemy shall sever the arm which bears it, from the body! Though some may fall in the contest, the South must finally conquer; for right and justice will prevail. Remember that your liberty, your prosperity, your social relations, your future glory,' and even your existence as a free and independent race are endangered!"

"God and our rights, it was their cry.

When your fathers of old went forth to die;

They conquered in death, and so shall we,

Men of the South, ne'er bend the kneel"

"Stand by that flag, 'tis the flag of the Confederate States of America: May it bear the glad tidings of triumph and liberty, when it floats o'er the nation in warl Then, when peace again sheds o'er our country her genial dews -- when you shall have returned as conquerors -- the friends whom you now leave in sadness will greet you with tears of delight; your State will encircle you with here [sic) praise -- her sons will bring their tribute of honor -- her daughters will meet you with smiles of approval -- and you will be hailed as energetic and patriotic men! Your deeds will remain as bright as 'the stars vaulted heavens at night,' and when the dust falls upon your shrouds, you will have living monuments in grateful hearts that will not crumble to decay."

You might be a civil war reenactor if...

2007-04-07T09:12:00.001-07:00

> If you drive by some open land and think "what a great place for a
> battle".........
>
> If you've made a vehicle purchase decision based on how well it can
> accomodate your tent poles.........yep
>
> If your $20,000 vehicle sits out in the bad weather so your $200
> tent can
> stay in the garage.......
>
> If most of your clothes you own went out of style over 135 years
> ago.......
> yep
>
> If you've ever worn wool when the temperature tops 100F
> repeatedly.......
> yep
>
> If you've ever made a career decision based on its impact on your
> reenacting weekends.......
>
> If you've ever uttered the phrase "only 68 more days till our next
> event".......
>
> If there are half completed sewing projects decorating your
> furniture.......
>
> If you have better war stories than your grandfather.........
>
> If your friends refuse to attend any historic movie dramas with
> you......... yep. Family too.
>
> If your kids can and do correct their history teachers....... yep
>
> If your mailman is confused as to what rank you hold in the
> reserves.......
>
> If your birthday and Christmas wish list read like a quartermaster's
> request for supplies....... yep
>
> If you can spot 100% wool at 30 yards....... yep
>

If the only sewing machine you'll allow in your home was made before
the turn of the last century.

If you name your cat "Shiloh" because Manassas, Antietam, and
Appomattox just aren't suitable names for a cat.

If you wear those funny looking glasses all the time.

If you grow your hair and/or beard in 19th century styles.

If your idea of a dream vacation is to go to Andersonville on
Memorial Day.

If you plan all other activities around re-enacting season.

If April 15 has more significance to you than the deadline for filing
your taxes.

If your "favorite sellers" list on ebay is composed of those who sell
re-enactment supplies and Civil War artifacts.

If you would rather sleep on the ground and suffer from the heat and
cold than spend a weekend at Disneyworld.

If you go to bed at night and fall asleep thinking about how you can
make your impression more realistic.

If you build a firepit in your back yard so you can practice cooking
new recipes over an open fire.

If you go to a lot of garage sales and flea markets looking for
original equipment.

If all of your computer passwords contain the names of Civil War
battlefields.

If you listen to CD's of bugle calls in your vehicle.

Way cool website

2007-04-02T13:41:00.001-07:00

Thank You Preston for your work on this site. This is realy impressive. PL

Civil War reenactor suffers real wound on Anderson battlefield

2007-04-01T19:01:00.001-07:00

ANDERSON, S.C. --History says the Battle of Anderson County was fought in May 1865 with no Confederate casualties. One participant in Saturday's reenactment wasn't so lucky.

The battle recreation had to be stopped for about 30 minutes after a Confederate cavalryman with the Laurens Orphans suffered a gunpowder burn to the leg and a cut that appeared to need stitches, said Allen Ashley, commander of the John Thomas Ashley Camp No. 43 in Honea Path.

"This is the first time this has happened," Ashley said. "We've never had one wounded in the field. It's a freak accident."

Gunpowder and wadding are used in the weapons during the reenactment, which can injure anyone close to the muzzle when the weapon is fired, Union reenactor Chris Darden said.

"In close combat, you have to raise your gun up and go over their heads," Darden said.

The Battle of Anderson County was fought May 1, 1865, nearly a month after General Robert E. lee surrendered his troops at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. It is considered by some historians the last fighting of the Civil War east of the Mississippi River.

No Confederates were injured in the battle, while the Union suffered two casualties.

Some Confederate Trivia

2007-03-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

Who was the worst dressed officer in the conflict?

Brig. Gen. William E. (Grumble) Jones, Confederacy. He dressed in jeans, hickory shirt and homespun coat.

When Gen. Robert E. Lee crossed the Pennsylvania line into the now ill fated Gettysburg venture, he had 51 generals among his ranks. How many generals after the battle did he return with?

Thirty-four, the rest were killed or captured

Confederate Captain Shade Wooten of the Twenty-seventh North Carolina regiment used the most primitive weapon in the Civil War on three occasions. What was it?

He threw dirt in the face of a would be assailant!

Besides having the enormous confidence of the Confederacy's president, what other possible advantage did Albert Sidney Johnston have in dealing with Davis?

Johnston had saved President Davis's life in the Mexican War

Trans-Mississippi . What was it?

A vast area west of the Mississippi River which included Missouri, Arkansas, western Louisiana, Texas and Indian Territory under command of Confederate Kirby Smith.

Confederate Roll Call

2007-03-28T17:40:00.004-07:00

Here is an old print of the roll call as an artist remembered it. Cool... see they got up BEFORE the sun was up.
One can buy this print at All posters.com

When not in battle, which was at least three quarters of the time, the average soldier's day began at 5 A.M. in the summer and 6 A.M. in the winter, when he was awakened by reveille. After the first sergeant took the roll call, the men ate breakfast then prepared for their first of as many as five drill sessions during the day. Here the men would learn how to shoot their weapons and perform various maneuvers. Drill sessions lasted approximately two hours each and, for most men, were exceptional exercises in tedium. One soldier described his days in the army like this: "The first thing in the morning is drill. Then drill, then drill again. Then drill, drill, a little more drill. Then drill, and lastly drill."

Morphew Curse

2007-03-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

Colonel Sanders had mentioned the "Morphew Curse" in what I thought was jest, several times on our (Col,Tom, and Preston) trek toward Shiloh 07. He spoke in hushed tones about that everytime Tom rides with an unfortunate victim his transportation mysteriously breaks down and you are STRANDED!!! He mentioned a $2,000 transmission and stranded in Forrest City! A perfectly good tailgate was ripped from its hinges on Gen Huckabees fine truck at Corinth when Tom and his cohorts rode on it! Stranded-Prestons car blew a wheel bearing in Conway! He intimated that many more such occurances were still untold.

Sure enough, we had only been onsite for a few hours when Col Sanders horse trailer door flew open when he was taking it to the parking area and was unfixably bent! After the event, Col Sanders went to pickup his truck and the left rear tire was "flatter then a fritter". No problem...he just put on the spare. The battery barely started the truck...no problem we'll just not shut it off until we get there. Later that night on the 8 hr. return journey, he happened to check the tire and noticed that not one but TWO lug bolts were broken off!! AND they were side by side! STRANDED in Conway again at 2:30 in the morning. We very carfully pulled into an all-night quick stop, jacked up the wheel, beat out the broken lug bolts and rearranged the remaining 3 into a triangle formation. With this we limped home.

There may actually be somethng to this "morphew curse"!

Local Hero Saves Friend

2007-03-25T17:15:00.000-07:00

Tom Morphew and his loyal companion Leonard Hartsfield went on the tremendously taxing tactical at Shiloh! Sometime during the fight...in the confusion...Leonard attempted a creek crossing. He slipped and fell in with a huge splash! The water was COLD. Much to his surprise he could not rise up from the water no mater how hard he tried! His feet were trapped under some underwater brush!!! Leonard splashed about vainly trying to save himself. Visions of a watery grave flashed before his eyes! Not to worry Leonard...Tom has spied your predicament! Tom, without regard for his personal safety plunged in the freezing water and came to Leonards rescue! Col Sanders who had heard the screams for help...had jumped his horse back across the creek and charged headlong in the bushes that were so thick that a dog would have to back up to bark! He arrived just in time to see Toms act of heroism. Now Leonard owes Tom...big time. It makes one proud to be a part of a group of "brothers" such as these! Too bad we dont have medals that could be awarded.

Brad Brought A Friend

2007-03-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Brad Hartsfield brought his fellow firefighter and friend John-John to the Shiloh reenactment.
John-John said that he had an "awesome" experience and he wants to join us some more. They all went on the tactical and fought hard, built bridges, walked miles and froze their !@# off. Fun stuff.

Thanks Brad...if everyone brought a friend we'd have a 30 man company again!

Chilly Macintosh

2007-03-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

"When you first saw the light it was said of you, a man child is born. You must prove today whether or not this saying of you was true. The sun that hangs over our head has no death- no end of days. It will continue indefinately to rise and to set. But with you it is different, man must die sometime and since he must die he can find no nobler death than that which overtakes him while fighting for his home, his fires and his country."

Colonel Chilly Macintosh addressing his troops before the battle of Honey Springs

Kurtis Kannon

2007-03-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Our ol Kaptain was showing off his muscles at Pleasant Hill a few years back. I didnt know he was that strong

Toothpick pics

2007-03-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

All photos used in the Toothpick will be uploaded to this album. From there you can get a print or see a slide show etc. See the link "Toothpick Pics" under "Essential Links" on right of the page.

Matt to be Pharmacist

2007-03-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

Matthew Krull will be a bona fide Pharmacist in May! Congratulations! Please know that we in the 3rd are very proud of you and your accomplishments!

Dont ever change...those plaid trousers that is.

Some reenactments in 07

2007-03-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

THIS IS THE 7TH ARK REENACTMENT LIST

March
24 General Patrick Cleburne memorial service, Helena, AR

April
7 CSA Flag Day memorial service, State Capitol lawn, Little Rock, AR
13-15 Battle of Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill, LA (massive pyrotechnics, not to be missed)
27-29 Battle of Marks Mill, Fordyce, AR 7th AR max effort (Confederate)

May
4-6 Battle of Chalk Bluff, St. Francis, AR
19 Artillery & infantry demos, Wolf House, Norfork, AR

June
1-3 Battle of Pittsfield, Pittsfield, Illinois
8-10 Battlefire, Tribbey, OK

July
20-22 1850's Tulip Academy - location TBA (reenactors assist as requested)

August
3-4 Mammoth Spring State Park, AR, living history & skirmish

Sept
8-9 Battle of Little Rock, Little Rock, AR (event is in planning stages)
14-16 Battles at Old Greenville, MO
21-23 Battle of Fort Davidson, Pilot Knob, MO
28-30 Battles at Pocahontas, AR -

October
5-7 Battles at Burton Sugar Farm, Michigan City, MS (30 miles east of Memphis)
12-14 Battle of Columbus-Belmont, Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus, KY
20 Cooper Park, Mountain Home, AR artillery demos & skirmish
26-28 Battle of Pea Ridge, Bentonville, AR Trans-Mississippi Brigade event - max effort

Nov
2-4 Battles at Old Washington, AR

Dec
1-2 Battle of Talequah, OK

The Return of the Leonard

2007-03-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

Leonard Hartsfield has been away...far away in Tennessee. But he has seen the light and decided to pack up the fami-lee to move back to Gods country...good ol Rackinsac. He will move to Helena first. Then when his house is sold in Tennesse he will begin looking for a new home somewhere north of Conway. There is some pretty country up there. I remember we did a reenactmet at Wooly Hollow up there once and it was beautiful. I guess we will begin seeing more of ol "BULL". hmmm. I wonder how he got that nickname...even Col Sanders calls him that.

Leonard has been responsible for many "sayings" that run rampant in the 3rd. Like..."what de other one is?", "I dun been sconed","is i'm lyin?", "cant make no noise" and the famous "dun burnt up now".

3rd at Prairie Grove 06

2007-03-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some good shots of the ol 3rd at Prairie Grove 06. Harold Windles wife thought he looked rather retarded in the "captured" shot. ha ha I think he does too.

JUST CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO SEE THEM LARGER

Seeing red at Manassas

2007-03-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here is the 3rd at Manassas...lots of red battle shirts. Whats wrong with Tuckers hands? Looks like one is on upside down. Where is PL? I think thats his hat behind Cpt Tucker...next to Andrews hat.

More 3rd Ark Veterans graves listed

2007-03-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

If someone gets the opportunity, it would sure be nice to have photos of these veterans that Josh and Bryan located for us.

Dear Mr. Ware,

Josh Williams and I were visiting the Tulip Cemetery on Tuesday, and came across a 3rd Arkansas Grave. There are actually 2 stones, although none are the military markers. We did not have a camera with us at the time and do not have a photo to send.

Main Stone:
James H. Kelly
Nov 15 1836 June 23 1917
[unreadable inscription]
"While the Earth Remaineth
See time and Harvest Shall not cease"

Foot Stone [small, modern square stone laying flat and in the ground]:
James W. Kelley
Pvt Co. I 3 Ark Inf
Confederate States of America
Nov 16 1836 Jun 22 1917

To reach the cemetery, Take Arkansas HWY 9 to Tulip. There will be a sign on the highway to direct you to the cemetery. Driving south into Tulip, the cemetery will be on the right. Driving North into Tulip, the cemetery will be on the left. Follow the road, and when it forks, take the left fork, you will be able to see the cemetery from the fork. The cemetery will be located behind the Tulip Methodist Church. When you walk into the cemetery, the stone will be several rows ahead on the right side.

Sincerely,

Bryan D. McDade
Curator
Historic Washington State Park

e-mail: bryan.mcdade@arkansas.gov
Visit online: http://www.historicwashingtonstatepark.com ;

Mahone

2007-03-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Our ol General Huckabee got his jacket idea from General Mahone. He was once a stable boy but rose to be one the best Confederate Generals.

You can leave a comment

2007-03-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

Heres how. See at the bottom of each post where it says "comments"? Just click on it and fill er out!

Also if you click on the envelope...you can easily send the article to someone via email

Sgt P.L makes a Medical Card

2007-03-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

the good Sgt PL in his quest to care for us....has created a medical card that should be completed and placed behind your tins in your cartridge box. This simple act could save your life. I had a situation at a national event where one of ours passed out and we didnt have any medical information or the ability or knowledge to call his wife! Fill em out. Preston

I have a medical form that I will be passing out to each of our guys in the 3rd and 2nd. It is very important that you fill this out and place this in your cartridge box. I had one the 3rd Ark had a long time ago,I thought it was a good idea then, & I think it is a good idea now. This could save your life. I will make it a requirement for you to have this on you at each event. Not only as your 1stSgt but as an old ex paramedic/ current for the last time EMT I don't want just be standing there like a dummy when I can get to the information and pass it to the medical personel.

1stSgt "P"

3rd Goes to Shiloh

2007-03-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

The 3rd Ark went to Shiloh TN last week. It was tremendous fun! We all went out on the march with Col Sanders. It was extremely tough...but fun not soon to be forgotten! Matt Krull's wife Amanda took a good photo of parts of the 3rd in Action!!

Greetings Pilgrims

2007-03-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

Greetings and welcome to the new 3rd Arkansas Toothpick blog! Hopefully this new technology can be used as a electronic newsletter to communicate, share pics and ideas between 3rd Ark members.
A blog is like a website except you can post comments etc.

Lets give it a try! Preston Ware