September 23, 2013

Field Report for the 150th Battle of Chickamuaga

 

Captain Kearney Sir,

 

The 150th observance of the Battle of Chickamauga will go down in the annals of the 2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry as one of those reenactments that tests the mettle of every reenactor, no matter what his or her degree of portrayal.

 

Of the original nineteen individuals who were confirmed for participation in this event as of Thursday, September 19th, only nine actually made it to the site. These volunteers endured over twelve hours of rain followed by cold front in what these hardy and spirited souls nicknamed “Chickamudga”. For those veterans of the 150th Shiloh, this celebratory event was marked with far more of the experiential opportunities that any reenactor could ever wish or care to feel. When others threw in the towel, packed up, and sloshed their home at this event, members of the 2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry stayed their course and fought the rain to its conclusion and enjoyed the overnight Thursday Tactical, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon battles with merit and distinction.

 

Despite the challenges of this event, members helped one another and shared food stuffs to make for our usual great times around the campfire.

 

Special commendation goes to Pvt Jason Montes and Dan Witt for establishing our camp and representation of the unit in the Thursday Night Campaign on the mountain. Pvt Witt, at great sacrifice maintained a constant vigil on our fire. Both he and Pvt Montes fought with Pvt Steven Ashe and myself in Saturdays’ battle.

Special thanks goes to Cpl Jeff Schwartz for making the long journey and sleeping on the ground in the rain to see that everyone needing ordinance was supplied.

Thanks go to Pvt Andy Perez, Ed Perez (Fresh Fish), and Zac Reith (Fresh Fish) in representing the unit in Fridays’ battle. Pvt Reith got to relive the battle his ancestor fought and was wounded in.

Grand Hurrah to these previously mentioned veterans for safety checking and breaking in our newest members.

Pvt Montes and myself represented our unit in Sundays’ Dress Parade.

Pvt Steven Ashe, Jason Montes, Zac Reith, and myself took to the long march Sunday to relive the assault and taking of Snodgrass Hill. Three of us made it to the end.

Commendations are also in order to Pvt Dan Witt who took to the ranks until his ailment prevented him the ability to walk; to Pvt Steven Ashe who marched, fought, and gave his as far as he could through the miles of mud; to Chaplain Paul Howerton who shared in all of our hardships and served us all with spiritual encouragement and his help in all that we did both in camp and on the battlefield.

 

Everyone who participated in this event, no matter to what extent they were able, did so with distinction, determination, and in the grand honor of character which makes even such challenging circumstances a joy and memorable to those whom they shared it all with. My hat is off to each of these afore mentioned individuals for being there for each other and for allowing me to serve as your lead.

 

In my final estimation as lead NCO at this event, all of these volunteers served well, all did great, and have my heartfelt thanks,  

 

Your Comrade in Arms,

3rd Sgt. L. French

2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry

Company E, The Hammock Guards

Fifth Company

Florida Battalion, CSA