RaymondVicksburg

RaymondVicksburg
October 18-21, 2012

REENACTOR INFORMATION

March 19, 2011

Annex 4-E

Vicksburg Campaign

P. O. Box 1000

Raymond, MS  39154

Contacts:

US Commander: Gen Terry Crowder:  colcav@charter.net

CS Commander: Gen  Joe Way  JWaynFWB@aol.com

Sutler Coordinator: Andy Faulks   AJF5577@aol.com

Vicksburg Cave Impressions:  Amy Clark

Friends of Raymond – School Day Coordinator: Bill Schmegel    schmegel@bellsouth.net

Reenactor School Day Coordinator:  Joseph Grosson   joseph.grosson@comcast.net

Medical Demonstration Coordinator: Trevor Steinbach, MD   drbucher@hotmail.com

Civilian Camp & Demonstrations:  Terry Lawson   thlawson@bellsouth.net

Friends of Raymond – Sponsor Reenactor Coordinator: Roger Hansen   rhrb@bellsouth.net

Community Information: info@friendsofraymond.org

Updates:  Save this link and watch this page for future updates.  Early site pictures available here.

REGISTER NOW

Registration Information:  Registration fee is $20 per person. Those participants 14 and under can register free, but must be accompanied by a registered adult.  The fee is necessary to ensure we have the resources needed to provide the logistics, infrastructure, and amenities you expect for a National Event.  You may pay through PayPal or a Registration Form by this link(link coming soon!).

 

Why October 2012 ?  The final Vicksburg Campaign was fought in May 1863 – why is the event held in October?  Several reasons:  The back to back competition of 150th anniversary national reenactments in 2013 is extreme with Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Chickamauga.  October offers better climate, less reenactment competition, and increased land access.

What is the Purpose of the Reenactment ?

Commemorate: To bring appropriate activities to central Mississippi in recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the historic Vicksburg Campaign of the American Civil War.

Educate:  Highlight the historical significance of central Mississippi during the War Between the States and the sacrifices of those involved.

Preserve:  Raise funds; since 1998 150 acres of the Raymond battlefield have been purchased and set aside by the Friends of Raymond, Inc.

 

Where will the Reenactment be held ?   On Hallowed Ground !  The Event will be conducted on the actual Battlefield of Raymond, fought May 12, 1863.  It is located on Highway 18, sixteen miles south of Jackson, Mississippi, and 2 miles south of Raymond. Camp on the hill where Colonel Randall McGavock, commander of the Irish 10th Tennessee Regiment was killed;  or in the field where General Logan rallied a faltering Federal brigade; march across the ridge where 22 US guns massed their fire; wade across the creek where hand to hand fighting occurred between the 3d Tennessee and 20th Ohio, and visit the Texas Monument ………..all within the confines of this reenactment site.

 

There is a bill in Congress proposing that this property become part of the Vicksburg National Park.  If this goes forward it will not affect this event on the date planned.  However, it does mean that it if funding is passed that reenactment events such as this may not be possible on this property beyond 2012.

 

The Site.  Over 1500 acres, this site offers terrain very fitting for all three of the historic battles: hills, creeks, fields, woods, internal gravel roads, all on actual battlefield property.  The mainstream part of the event will be for the THREE scripted battles on Saturday and Sunday; however, there is adjacent property selected for non-scripted soldier battles beginning Thursday morning.  Sutler set up Wednesday and participant registration begins Wednesday.

 

For those who chose to camp garrison, campaign, refugee, or even modern – there are campsites available with running water.   Whether your unit prefers to camp in the woods or company streets, these sites are adjacent to each other at all locations. Each of the respective US and CS commands will have an area adjacent or in the vicinity of their main camps to accommodate those who will camp Family/Garrison style.  We will reserve the Camp Harper area for a Period Civilian representation of the town of Raymond, MS.  Please be advised that in order to camp in the Town of Raymond area you will be required to adhere to specific guidelines as set forth by Robert Orrand and Terre Lawson.  Please contact Mrs. Lawson for further details.  The public will not have general access to the camps in general except for the Camp Harper area and the Garrison Camps as deemed appropriate by each respective commander.

 

Registration.  A hard gravel road with one way traffic will take you directly to registration tent which is located central to the entire site and adjacent to the civilian camp at Camp Harper.  At registration you will be given a map with the location of your unit.  Parking is adjacent to each of the major camps and bus shuttles will be provided to drop you off after you park. The shuttles will be operated the entire weekend.

 

Will there be adequate water, firewood, and hay ?  Yes ! Water is hard piped to all battle and camp areas with multiple manifolds.  Hay for horses and sleeping straw has been contracted for and shall be delivered a week prior to the event.  Fire wood is being prepared for all sites and there is a significant amount of tree fall at all sites. Water troughs for horses will be at each of the twelve manifold water point locations.   Medical and Emergency plans with local fire, EMS, and on field medical personal have been arranged.

 

Expected Weather:  The average temperature for this area mid-October is 64F with a high of 76F and a low of 48F.  October is the month with the lowest precipitation.  We have arranged for several large pieces of towing equipment as an emergency plan should unforeseen occur so no one will have undue difficulties at or after this event.

 

Battles Scenarios and Organizational Needs.

 

For the Battle of Raymond, the Federals were the aggressors and there were four Federal batteries to the one Confederate battery with cavalry on the flanks.  Expect to fight across Fourteenmile Creek several times in the same manner as the original battle.  Which Federal regiment was the only one to lose its colors in this battle ?  Both of the opposing senior commanders in this battle were later killed; can you name the battles ?  What occurred to the only Whitworth cannon on the field during the battle?

 

In the Battle of Champion Hill the Confederates will be the aggressors and the key action will revolve around Waddell’s Alabama Battery at the crossroads that changed hands several times on the afternoon of May 16, 1863 while trying to keep control of the crossroads. Artillery will be equally matched and cavalry will assail the flanks.  Who was the Alabama infantry sergeant that served one of Waddell’s guns single handedly ?  Exactly how many times did Waddell’s Battery change hands ? What was the name of the one Federal Battery that was briefly captured ? What Federal General called the Champion place a “hill of death” ?  During the battle, the land owner was away serving in what Confederate Regiment ?
The Vicksburg Assault on the 2d Texas Lunette  starts with a long Federal artillery barrage;  4 Confederate pieces will be in the trenches, with others supporting the Confederate works.  The Lunette and Cox House Battery works will be built to full scale for the May 22nd assault.  Who was awarded the Medal of Honor for carrying his regimental colors into the Lunette ?   What Illinois Battery dragged a 6 Pounder to within 50 yards of the Lunette as part of the assault ?  Which dismounted cavalry battalions reinforced the Lunette at a critical moment ?

Cavalry: Mounted cavalry will be used in all scenarios.

Artillery: Thirty full scale artillery pieces are needed, divided into about 6 batteries.  Artillery powder reimbursement will issued to all guns that register 7 crew members and participate the entire weekend.

Infantry: Some galvanizing is needed to ensure appropriate numbers for historic scenarios.  Organizing Campaigner Company or Battalions is acceptable; please make your intentions known early to the overall commanders.

 

Planned Activities:

Medical – Demonstrations are planned, to include pill making, at the Raymond Courthouse on Saturday.  The Courthouse was a primary hospital following the battle and the tables in the courtrooms still have bloodstains.

Cemetery Memorial Service – Noon on Sunday

Dance – A period ball will be held in the field at the activities’ tent Saturday evening from 7 – 8:30 pm.  All participants in period dress are welcome to participate.

School Days – Local schools to make schedule visits on Friday morning and afternoon.

Lectures – General Parker Hills (ret), well known author and battlefield guide, will present an overview of the campaign in the activities’ tent on Saturday 11:30 am – 2 pm.

Church Services – At the activities’ tent 10:30 am Sunday.  Following these services buses will take those who wish to participate in a noon memorial service to the Confederate Cemetery one mile away.

Raymond Fall Pilgrimage – TBD

Battle of Raymond – Saturday 10 am

Battle of Champion Hill – Saturday 3 pm

Assault on Vicksburg – Sunday 2 pm

 

Camp Site Descriptions

 

Camp sites are currently being cleared, fences removed, roads prepared or repaired, and water piping installed or tested.

 

Camp Stevens.  Main US Camp.  This is the primary camp of US Infantry and Cavalry forces.  In several flat fields near creek, with some shade and has running water.   Adequate parking nearby.  Camp Harper and sutlers are ½ mile away down dirt road.   Named in honor of Capt Victor Stevens, 20th Ohio Infantry, KIA in the fight at Fourteenmile Creek 12 May 1863. His ancestor, John Hall is a residence of Raymond and still has the foot officer sword Capt Stevens was carrying when killed (his brother moved here after the war in search of his brother’s grave; married and settled here).

 

Camp Harper  Registration, Civilian Camp, Camp Dance, Civilian Demonstrations, Refugee Demonstrations, Lectures,  Sutlers. – Camp Harper is located on newly acquired 66 acres of core battle field area.  Site has running water, plenty of old growth shade trees, and a very good internal gravel road.   Reenactor Registration, Hay Storage, Lectures,  and Sutlers will be co-located on site and one food vendor nearby.  Located between the main US and CS Camps and is ¼ mile from primary battle sites.   Named in honor of Mr. George Harper, editor of Raymond’s Hinds County Gazette; his presses were thrown into the Raymond town well by Union troops polluting the water for more than 20 years. Mr. Harper assisted in the Raymond hospitals following the battle.  Mr. Harper was grandfather of the late Willie Morris, well known prolific Mississippi writer. Site purchased for preservation in 2010.

 

McGavock Hill Camp.   Main CS Camp.  Has running water on site, shaded areas, internal gravel road.   Adequate parking nearby.  Camp Harper and sutlers are ½ mile away on dirt road.  Named in honor of Lieut Colonel Randall McGavock, 10th Tennessee Infantry, KIA at this site 12 May 1863.  Colonel McGavock had been the mayor of Nashville, Tennessee prior to raising his Irish Regiment.  Site purchased for preservation in 1998.

 

2nd Texas Lunette.   Below is a first-hand description of this fort and its appearance the day of the assault May 22, 1863.   The Vicksburg National Military Park is being consulted on the layout and construction of this work as well as the Cox House Battery that was located just north of the 2d Texas Lunette.

 

In his after action report written July 10, 1863, Col. Ashbel Smith, commander of the 2d Texas, described the lunette:  “Our fort was a regular lunette….or it may be considered a redan with a large pan coupe, having its left thrown forward and it right retired….its interior was exposed to an enfilading and reverse fire from the enemy approaching by the valley, which debouches on its left.  Its parapet was about 4½ feet high on the inside, its superior slope about 14 feet thick.  It is surrounded by a ditch 6 feet deep, with an irregular glacis made by the natural slope of the earth to the ferry road.  There were two embrasures for cannon, with a traverse between them…the men of my regiment were stationed as follows:  The two right companies occupied the rifle pits tending off from the right of the fort; the next four companies manned the fort; the four remaining, or left companies occupied the lines next to our left separated from the fort by the interval of 100 yards.  At the commencement of the siege two gun detachments were placed in the fort from the 1st Miss Artillery….a ditch two feet deep was dug on the inside of the parapet, to enable the men to stand without being exposed to the enemy’s fire.….after all improvements the interior of the fort was swept within 2 feet of the ground by the enemy’s Minies.  This did not prevent the men from bivouacking at night, lying flat on the ground; but during the day safety compelled them to seek the protection of the ditches next to the parapet and traverses.

Register to Participate in the Vicksburg Campaign 150th Anniversary Reenactment!

Registration amount: $20 per person (14 and under free when accompanied by a registered adult)

Registration Deadline: September 1, 2012

There will be no Walk-ons at this event. In order to pre-plan accordingly all reenactors and participants MUST pre-register by the registration deadline.

There are a two different ways to register for this event.

1. You may register online using PayPal by clicking on the registration form link below. You will be prompted to enter all necessary information and then directed to the PayPal site to complete the transaction. No transaction is considered complete until payment is rendered. Please check the REGISTERED REENACTORS link on the web site to ensure your name appears within two days after you register online. If your name does not appear or you believe there was an error in registration, please contact Mark Way (markway00@aol.com) and ask for verification of your registration. All confirmed registrations will appear in the REGISTERED REENACTORS area without exception.
2. You may fill out the online registration form, print it, and mail it with check or money order to:

Vicksburg Campaign

P. O. Box 1000

Raymond, MS  39154

 

If you are registering more than one person (i.e., a company or battalion) ensure that a complete name
for each participant is included, along with rank or designation as a civilian. All persons age 14 and under should also be duly noted so that they may be properly registered.

It is of vital importance that you properly fill in the name of the Brigade or Battalion your company will be falling in with. Every effort will be made to appropriately sort the registrations and compile a master list of member units as they pertain to the Brigades or Battalion in attendance. This list will be posted at the reenactor check-in area at the event. Please make sure that each member of your company is fully informed about who you will be falling in with at the event and that they list the same on their registration. This will help to stem any confusion for your members once they arrive on site.

Any company that registers without a Battalion affiliation will be assigned to a Battalion for this event in order to facilitate organizational structure. Rank for reenactors should be commensurate with the number of subordinates under your command. It is possible that those companies with and without a Battalion assignment may be blended by command of the Battalion commander to which they are assigned.

It is suggested that you bring a copy of your PayPal receipt to the event with you if applicable.

The reenactor check in area will be designated and posted on this web site shortly. Please check back
prior to the event to find out the exact location of the check in area. Check in will consist of signing each participants name to a liability waiver, receiving your registration token, receiving a map of the camp areas and event site. Coggins paperwork will be checked for all equine participants. A negative Coggins is required. Health Certificates are not required at this point but are always a safe bet to get before leaving home.

Click here to register: ** Coming SOON! **

You may print the registration form and mail it with registration payment no later than September 1, 2012. Make all checks or money orders payable to Friends of Raymond.  If you have questions call us at 888.543.1863.

 

Sutler Registration:

All sutlers interested in participating in this event should contact the sutler coordinator, Andy Faulks, Fall Creek Sutlery, AJF5577@aol.com.  Sutler registration fee will be $100 plus twenty cent per square foot of canvas.  Andy Faulks can provide the sutler registration forms and the other required information.  Space is limited so be sure you contact Andy soon with your inquiries.