Colonel Cheaves, Division Cavalry Bridage

FROM: T. Michael Cheaves, Lt. Col., Division Cavalry Brigade
TO: Colonel Ron Orange, Commanding, Division Cavalry Brigade

PURPOSE:
This report briefly describes the Civil War Reenactment held November 11-14, 2010 near Michigan City, Mississippi. This event was the first large scale enterprise between the First Federal Division and Cleburne’s Division known as the Blue Gray Alliance. This was the first large scale attempt to pull men from all corners of this Country to come fight with the FFD. The DCB fielded just over 138 mounted cavalry plus a number of dismounted cavalry who served alongside of each other.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Division Cavalry Brigade was able to put 52 horses and 67 soldiers on the field on Thursday, November 11th; 76 horses and 92 soldiers on the field on Friday, November 12th; 92 horses and 89 soldiers on the field on Saturday, November 13th and 56 horses with 69 soldiers on the field on Sunday, November 14th. These men came from Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Michigan, and others I am not sure of. Some of them traveling with their horses for two days. This was a great accomplishment for the First Federal Division and the Division Cavalry Brigade.
The actions in the field were conducted in the best form with the men performing their duties without excuses and with clarity. There were several incidents on both sides where safety was ignored and these were addressed to all Federal participants as well as addressed to the Confederate Cavalry Commander.

LESSONS LEARNED:
This event showed that men from all over the United States can come together and work together in a cohesive form and perform their tasks as set before them.
This event showed that the days of the Confederate Cavalry having the upper hand and ruling the field are over. And, if a scenario can be broken, they will break it. There was an impression the Confederate Cavalry felt they were the only ones that could break safety rules and it was ok, but constantly bemoaned any actions done by the Union Cavalry.
It was shown and proven that the Commanding General needs his own group of couriers to dispatch his orders. I am proud that there was never any discussion among the ranks of the cavalry when couriers were called for and every unit shared in the tasks. It was pointed out and directed that the Cavalry Brigade commander needed to stay back in order to see the overall picture and allow his sub-commanders direct the actual fighting.

COMMENTS:
It is unfortunate that we did not perform all the scheduled fighting that had been outlined by General Way and General Crowder. The Saturday morning fight was by far, the best in this writers opinion. All in all, this was an excellent event. The General Staff went out of their way to see to the needs of the men and they are to be commended. There was excellent communication, both verbal and musical. The location and lay of the land was fantastic.