Joshes and Chubs
The Newsletter of the 1 st Arkansas Infantry Company D, C.S.A. April 2007
www.1starkansas.org
“So, as you go into battle, remember your ancestors and remember your descendants”
Inside this issue:
1st Arkansas Returns from Shiloh
The 1st Arkansas had the privilege of participating in the 145th
anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh this month. It was an enjoyable time
for each of us that went, even though the remembrance of the actual
battle was never far from any of our minds.
In fact, we were also able to reenact several aspects of the actual battle,
losing two First Sergeants to injury and having to “promote” several at
the last minute to step up and fill in at the last moment.
The Captains Tent………....page 2
Cannon Fodder………….....page 3
Can You Identify This…….page 3
Call to Arms……………......page 4
Corporal Punishment……....page 5
From Miss Ellie…………....page 7
The Chaplains Corner……..page 8
Letter From Andrew……....page 8
Stirring the Pot…………….page 9
We were a part of around
four to five thousand
reenactors that showed
up and had the privilege
of sharing our camp with
some of the nicest, most
professional reenactors
from California that one
would ever want to fall
in with. More on those
later in this issue, but for
Members of the 1st getting what rest time they
now suffice it to say that
can between battles
new
friendships were formed, others were reunited and some we will still
have nightmares over. But, all in all there was a good time to be had
by all. Even those that went “all the way” during the campaign event
had to later admit that even though they did not think so at the time,
they did have an enjoyable time. I hope that each person attending
came home with something special in their hearts for those that were
there 145 years ago, and will use it to further their impression in this
hobby.
More about the 145th Shiloh on Page 4
Sample Photo
Inspecting the troops that
are being inspected at the
Cleburne Memorial last
month. 2 ladies of the
south watching intently as
those who swore them their
protection are readied for
battle
Scouting Report by
J.P. Jackman……………….page 9
Confederate Reports of Mark’s
Mill from the O R’s………..page 10
Confederate Map of
Mark’s Mill Area…………..page 12
Reenactment
Photos……………..……….page 13
Events……………………...page 14
Recommended
Reading………………... …page 14
Remember to Send Your
Input
Joshes
and
Chubs
welcomes
editorial
comment
from
any
subscriber that receives this
newsletter, and which
meets the criteria that is
laid out on the last page.
You can send all input to
the address below:
Joshes and Chubs
13100 Dollarway Rd.
White Hall Ar. 71602
Or
1
[email protected]
Joshes and Chubs April 2007
This will be a good event. We will be
camped on the bank of the river in town,
then fight through the streets of this historic
town. It will be something you have never
done before, unless you have recently been
to Baghdad!!! See you all soon,
The Captain’s Tent
Comments from Captain
Kalkbrenner
Gentlemen, we have traveled many a weary
mile in the past month, and we are about to
embark on yet another campaign encompassing
both aspects of the Red River Campaign. In the
past month, we had a small, but loud, turnout at
Camden. Firing cannons (some with live
rounds) off the bluff over the Ouachita River
was a memorable experience. The public loved
us. And we have a few possible recruits coming
our way. The following weekend we had a
sizable force travel to Shiloh where we left no
hill unclimbed, no brier patch untraversed, no
creek unforded. Many a round was fired that
weekend. Fellowship with our new friends from
California was most pleasant, especially when
one of them brought out his trumpet. We are
working now on going together to Gettysburg.
This past weekend was the Cleburne Memorial.
Turnout was light this year, but the service was
moving as always. The month of April will be
busy. The first weekend has 3 events on that
Saturday: Confederate Flag Day at the Capital
beginning at 10am, Park Day at White Sulpher
Springs, and Park Day at Marks' Mill. Choose
which ever you please, but please support one
of them. The weekend of April 13-15 is the
Reenactment at Pleasant Hill, LA. This is a
great event and we need everyone there. On
Saturday, April 21 will be a work day at Marks'
Mill. Again, we need everyone to help get the
site ready. On April 27-29, we will be hosting
the Battle of Marks' Mill. We will be portraying
the 5th Kansas, so get your Red legs ready.
Everyone must be there for this one, it is our
event!
Capt K
All the comforts of home! The Captain’s and
First Sergeants quarters at Shiloh recently.
If Thine Eye Offends Thee, Pluck It Out
I will be calling upon each of you to perform
various duties between now and then. The first
weekend in May is the Reenactment in
Jefferson, TX.
The first assault up Mount King
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Joshes and Chubs April 2007
Lt. Bill Farmer
Artillery Section
To those of you that were able to reenact Shiloh,
I’m glad that you had a great safe time. However, it
would probably have made me feel better had there
been a hard pouring rain. Just kidding. I very badly
wanted to go to this reenactment. Alas, sometimes
work doesn’t cooperate.
Thanks to everyone that made the Camden
Daffodil Festival. We talked to people until several
of us were hoarse. I have never seen so many
people at any of the living histories that I have
attended.
The Camden Police Department; wow, what a
difference between them and McGhee's finest. The
police actually wanted us to shoot our guns
including the cannons. The chief’s wife, a Yankee
from New Jersey, contributed money to our fund
raiser.
We were also encouraged to fire a couple of live
rounds from my cannon. The lead balls that we
mold around the camp fire make an impressive
splash in the Ouachita River.
I want to do a live fire soon. If anyone is interested
let me know and we will try to plan a time and
place.
April 13th is fast approaching. That’s right it’s time
for Pleasant Hill, LA. So far, Sgt. Hays Swayze and
I are bringing cannons. If anyone else plans to drag
one to P-Hill please let me know. Last year at
Pleasant Hill you elected me as the commander of
the 1 st Ark. Light Artillery. We need to vote again
this year on who will command us.
The Battle of Pleasant Hill, although considered a
defeat for the Confederate forces under Maj. Gen
Richard Taylor, finished Maj. Gen. Nathaniel
Bank’s Plan of capturing Shreveport, LA for the
Union during the RED River Campaign.
3
Having suffered a sound thrashing the day
before at Mansfield, LA Gen. Banks withdrew
to Pleasant Hill. Gen. Taylor saw the
opportunity to destroy the Union Army before
him. After a short rest, the rebels attacked at
about 5 pm on the 9 th. A small force attacked
the union center while Gen. Churchill took a
larger group and rolled the Yankee left flank
causing the enemy to flee.
The bluecoats discovered the threat to their
center and counterattacked driving Gen.
Churchill and his men into a retreat.
Can You Identify This?
Recently while digging around the area of 3 rd
and Alabama where they are building the new
jail, this object was found after it had been
unearthed by a grader. It appears to be made
of iron and is 2 ½” in diameter. It is very
heavy and seems to have come into contact
with something causing it’s unique shape.
Joshes and Chubs April 2007
Comments from your
1 st Sergeant
Well, after a year’s anticipation, the 145 th Battle of
Shiloh has come and gone.and with a months
reflection, it all went pretty well in the long term
scheme of things.
For the First Arkansas, more things went well than
bad. We fielded 9 members, with all performing
above par as usual. Corporal Lewis and I were able
to serve in the ranks as privates and as such were
able to “just enjoy the battles” even though Mike did
have his first experience with morning reports.
It wasn’t long however until the gremlins started
chasing us. Mike Lewis fell out with an asthma
attack. During the campaign event as I was
climbing Mount King, I felt a cracking sensation in
my back and down I went. Captain Kalkbrenner
shared his gall bladder with us and Guy got the
coyotes to howling.
The 70 degree days and mild nights the Weather
Channel promised never materialized, and those of
us who did not bring winter clothing or tents soon
faced the wrath of a Tennessee winter. We enjoyed
snow and sleet one night, and the rest of the time
was devoted to spooning and later forking.
We marched off bright and early Friday morning
and immediately went into battle. The area was
thick with vines and was heavily wooded and let me
know a little what they must have felt like at the
Wilderness. We went through creeks and forded
rivers. Climbed mountains and swam rivers, but we
soon had the Federals in fast retreat. We set up
camp along a nice flat area next to the bank of a
creek we had been fighting across for a while. Just
about the time the coffee was ready and the socks
dried out, the order to break camp and fall in was
given. Needless to say there was much grumbling
and moaning. Nevertheless we fell in with full
packs and up the mountain we went again. This
time however I took a real hit and down I went with
my back. Guess I am an old man after all.
4
There were no provisions for the injured so I had
to make my way back to camp on my own, while
skirting Federal positions and picketts. After an
hour I made it back to camp and found Captain
Mark holding his gut and Mike Lewis trying to
breath. So, I guess we have three more bodies
for the Artillery section!
The next day was similar except this time it was
not me who got hurt, but Steve Shore with the
6th . His knee “popped” and swelled up to the
size of a cannon ball. He was returned to camp
by the merciful Federals who took pity on his
plight and gave him a ride in a wagon.
Sunday’s battle found us at the front of the line
employed as skirmishers. It did not take long for
them to roll us up and I found myself running in
terror as their lines overran us.
All in all it was a great time and a learning
experience. I heard one fellow who had never
been in such a battle before exclaim that he had
wound up in a whole nother company and did
not know how he had got there. Well, there you
have the confusion of battle my friend.
We met some new friends from California, and I
would like to say “thank You” to Mike Carlton,
Todd Holmes, Tim Desmond and Richard Kline.
We truly had a large time with them and enjoyed
their singing and dueling trumpets along the
lines. I hope ya’ll came away with at least one
or two good feelings about us. We parted
making promises to fall in together at Gettysburg
next year so let’s start planning that one!
We have Pleasant Hill coming up April 13th –
15th and Mark’s Mill on April 27 th – 29th . We
will be able to register on the field at P Hill
without pre-registering, so don’t sweat that, and
remember that we will be Federal at Mark’s Mill
so bring your red legs.
We are getting deep into our busy season and I
hope that everyone will do what is necessary to
help out when called upon.
Joshes and Chubs April 2007
Corporal Punishment
Conniption fit: hysterical
Mike Lewis
In line with trying to carry our impression to a
more “realistic level”, I would like to share some
remarks that may be of use to us. When we are in
camp, in uniform, our clothes show who we are—
Confederate, Federal Red Legs, Civilian, etc. We
sit in camp on period style furniture, sleep in period
style tents, and eat from period style dinnerware in
an attempt to appear as if we are in the 19 th
century. However, is our conversation period
style? Do we talk about politics, religion, sports,
current events, or our most intimate subjects? Are
we discussing President Davis or President Bush?
The company ball team or the Razorbacks? The
most current battle details or a recent television
show? I propose that while we are in camp, our
conversation and speech should be 19 th century as
well.
Here is a list of 19th century slang that would be
appropriate for our impression. Some of them may
sound familiar.
(From “How to Speak 19 th
th
Century, Early 19 Century Vocabulary”, by Eric
Ferguson.)
All on one stick: a conglomeration or combination
(“He kept a hotel and grocery store, all on one
stick.”)
Coot: an idiot (“The NCO’s are nothing but a
bunch of coots, someone should cock hat them.”)
Corned: drunk!
Cotton to: to take a liking to
Cow-skin: a whip made of cowhide
Dang or dash: damn!
Diggings: one’s home or lodgings
Dirk: to stab with a dagger or dirk
Doggery: a cheap drinking establishment.
Dram shop: a small drinking establishment
Exfluncticate: to utterly destroy. (“Miss Black is
trying to exfluncticate O’Dooles Emporium.”
Fice: a worthless dog
Fist: to succeed at something
Fix one’s flint: to settle a matter
Fleshy: fat
Frolic: a celebration, party or wild time. Could
also refer to a fight.
Go the whole hog: to go all the way
Gouge: to poke your opponent’s eyes in a fight
All to pieces: completely or absolutely
Greased lightning: anything very fast
Anti-fogmatic: raw rum or whiskey
Grist: a quantity
Boodle: a crowd of people
Candle-lighting: dusk (“We will go to dinner at
candle-lighting.”)
Grit: guts, courage, toughness
Grocery: a drinking establishment
Cap the climax: to beat all
Groggery, grog shop: a low drinking establishment
Carryings-on: frolicking or partying
Hash, settle one’s hash: to settle one’s business
Cavort: to frolic or prance about (“She certainly
cavorted in that new bonnet”)
Hook, on one’s own: one’s own doings
Cocked hat:
shock him
Hooter: a tiny amount
to knock someone senseless or to
Continued on next page
Cold as a wagon tire: dead!
5
Joshes and Chubs April 2007
Horn: a glass of liquor or ale
Sam Hill: euphemism for the devil
Huckleberry above a persimmon: a cut above
Savage as a meat axe: extremely savage
Huffed, huffy: angry, irritated
Savagerous: savage
Humbug:
a deception, hoax, an imposter,
equivalent of the modern B.S.
Seed: often used for “saw” or “seen”
Jonathan: a downeaster, a Yankee
Lay: price, terms, salary
Shines, to cut: to pull practical jokes or tricks
(“When those boys have been drinking too
much, they want to cut shines!”)
Shut pan: shut up, shut your mouth
Like a book: to speak eloquently or with a large
vocabulary. (“Miss Black speaks like a book.”)
Spree: to party and get drunk
Make a die: to die
Squire: a justice of the peace
Mitten, to get or give: a lady, in turning down a
proposal, is said to give the gentleman the mitten.
Streaked: frightened or annoyed
Mosey: to saunter or shuffle along
Trace: a trail or path
Most: used for “almost”
Whitewash: to gloss over or hide one’s faults
Not by a jugful: not at all
Wrathy: angry
Notions: a wide range of miscellaneous articles for
sale.
Also, while our hobby is perceived as a “man’s
community”, our group is beginning to have
more women coming and going in our camp. I
respectfully submit the following as a guideline
as how we should address and treat the ladies of
all ages and status.
Off the reel: immediately
Old orchard: whiskey
Opine: to be of the opinion
“How to Address a Lady” by J. W. Stephens,
originally printed 1852.
Reprinted in The
Citizens’ Companion, Feb/March 2007.
Ornary: mean
Peart: fresh and happy, sprightly
Picayune:
frivolous
Tote: to carry
used to signify something small or
Picture: one’s face
We address a married lady, or widow, as
Madam; or by name, as Missis or Mistress Jones.
[for example Mistress Hutcheson]
In answering questions we contract the Madam
to ma’am—as, “Yes, ma’am; no, ma’am; very
fine day, ma’am.”
Plank, plank down, plank up: to pay in cash.
Plunder: personal belongings, baggage
Pony up, post the pony: pay up
Pucker: in a state of irritation or anger
Pull foot: to leave in a hurry
Rambunctious: rowdy, disorderly or boisterous
Rip-roaring, rip-staver, rip-snortin: an impressive
person or thing
Salt River: to row someone up Salt River is to beat
him up or to give him Hell
6
A young lady, if the eldest of the family,
unmarried, is entitled to the surname – as Miss
Smith – while her younger sisters are called Miss
Mary, Miss Julia, etc. The term “Miss” used by
itself is very inelegant. [for example, Kayla
Kalkbrenner would be Miss Kalkbrenner, while
Elisabeth Kalkbrenner would be Miss Elisabeth.]
Continued on next page
Joshes and Chubs April 2007
It is expected that gentlemen will, upon every
occasion, offer civilities to ladies of their
acquaintance, especially to those for whom
they have a particular attachment.
From Miss Ellie
Ladies of the 1st Arkansas, I propose we
present a scenario at Mark’s Mills as a band
of refugee women. It will mean we will be in a
separate camp from the troops, but as near
them as geographically possible. We will
have no tents. The “camp” will be merely a
few blankets strung from trees, or possibly a
dog tent or half shelter. Our garments must
be bedraggled, ill-fitting, dirty, torn, no hoops,
and look as if they have been worn for
months. Bring a few blankets to be spread
on the ground. We will have a small fire, but
not much in the way of food. Our daytime
activities will be mostly just sitting or laying
around, exhausted from lack of nutrition.
Quite possibly, we will be able to do some
menial jobs for the soldiers, such as rolling
cartridges, sewing repairs, or maybe even
rolling bandages in exchange for food. Your
equipment would be merely any item of
importance that you were able to bring along
when you evacuated your home--family
photos, a favorite quilt, grandmother’s wash
bowl, father’s pistol, etc.
A gentleman meeting a lady of an evening
party, is struck with her appearance.
Ascertaining that she is not engaged, which he
may do from some acquaintance, he takes some
opportunity of saying: “Miss Mary, will you
honor me by accepting my escort home
tonight?” OR,
“Miss Mary, shall I have the pleasure of seeing
you home?” OR,
“Miss Mary, make me happy by selecting me
for your cavalier?” OR,
“Miss Mary, shall I have the pleasure of
protecting you?”
The last of course, as the others, may be half in
fun, for these little matters do not require much
seriousness.
The lady replies, if engaged, “Excuse me, Sir.
I am already provided for.” OR, pleasantly,
“How unfortunate! If you had been a few
minutes earlier, I might have availed myself of
your services.” OR, if disengaged, “Thank
you, Sir, I shall be obliged by your attentions.”
OR, “With pleasure, Sir, if my company will
pay you for your trouble.” Or any other
pleasant way of saying that she accepts, and is
grateful for the attention proffered to her.
This does not mean we have to sleep
unprotected. I will have Tara as usual. Once
the camps are closed to the public, we can
return to our “normal” reenacting activities. I
merely suggest this is the daytime
impression. Refugee women and children
numbered in the 1000s and we as a
reenacting
community
should
portray
refugees more often. What do you think?
The preliminaries settled, which should be as
early as possible, his attention should be public.
He should assist her in putting on her cloak and
shawl, and offer his arm before leaving the
room.
Respectfully submitted, Ellen DiMaggio
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Joshes and Chubs April 2007
The Chaplain’s Corner
Letter From Andrew
Andy Taylor
How are things going? How’s everyone in
the company doing? Tell everyone hello
and that it really, really, really, really,
really sucks as that I’m missing P Hill,
Marks Mill and Shiloh along with so many
more. Hopefully If I don’t have drill I’m
going to be at Tribbey. Tell everyone that,
including Preston. Also I have money for
Mark for my .69. Well, sorry for the short
letter but I am about to pull fire guard. Tell
everyone I can’t wait to be back on the field
with them.
An elderly Chinese woman had two large
pots, each hung on the ends of a pole
which she carried across her neck. One of
the pots had a crack in it while the other pot
was perfect and always delivered a full
portion of water. At the end of the long walk
from the stream to the house, the cracked
pot arrived only half full. For a full two years
this went on daily, with the woman bringing
home only one and a half pots of water. Of
course, the perfect pot was proud of its
accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot
was ashamed of its own imperfection, and
miserable that it could only do half of what
it had been made to do. After 2 years of
what it perceived to be bitter failure, it
spoke to the woman one day by the
stream. "I am ashamed of myself, because
this crack in my side causes water to leak
out all the way back to your house." The
old woman smiled, "Did you notice that
there are flowers on your side of the path,
but not on the other pot's side?" "That's
because I have always known about your
flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side
of the path, and every day while we walk
back, you water them." "For two years I
have been able to pick these beautiful
flowers to decorate the table. Without you
being just the way you are, there would not
be this beauty to grace the house." Each of
us has our own unique flaw. But it's the
cracks and flaws we each have that make
our lives together so very interesting and
rewarding. You've just got to take each
person for what they are and look for the
good in them. SOOOOO -- to all of my
crackpot friends, have a great day and
remember to smell the flowers on your side
of the path!
Yours Truly
Joshua Andrew Borchert
Editor’s Note: Andrew’s address is
Pvt. Borchert, Joshua
Headquarters 1st Armor Training Brigade
Echo Troop 5th Squadron 15th Calvary
3576 Wilson Rd.
1st Platoon Outlaws
Ft. Knox, Kentucky 40121-5728
He will be at this address until the middle
of May at which time he should be
returning home. Drop him a line and let
him know how much you appreciate what
he is doing for you.
Pvt. Borchert before he learned to respect
his officers.
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Joshes and Chubs April 2007
Stirring the Pot
By Kayla Kalkbrenner
Comments From The Civilian Corp
Hello once again from your friendly
neighborhood civilian corps. I hope that
everyone is having a great year so far. Now we
are about to get very busy. We have had good
turn outs at events so far, such as Camden
and Cleburne. But now we need everyone's
support. First, we have 3 events the first
weekend in April that could use all of our
support: Confederate Flag Day at the capital,
Park Day at White Sulpher Springs, and Park
Day at Marks' Mill. Which ever one you can
support, please do. April 13-15 is the
reenactment at Pleasant Hill, LA. It would be
nice to have a good turnout there so we can
discuss our biggest event of the Spring, Marks'
Mill. Don't forget that we will have a work day
on April 21 at Marks' Mill. Then we will set up a
refugee camp at Marks' Mill that will probably
be raided by both the bushwhackers and the
Red Legs. We will also help with registration
the other tasks at the event. So get ready for a
fun but busy time.
1Sgt Hutch asked if I would also included a
little something about the Order of the
Confederate Rose and the flower itself. As for
the flower, I found that its scientific name is
Hibiscus mutabilis, and grows well in the
South. It is an old-fashion perennial or shrub,
flowers are double and 4 to 6 inches in
diameter. They open white or pink, and change
to deep red by evening. Bloom season is from
early Summer through the Fall. In areas where
it does not freeze, the Confederate Rose may
reach 15 feet in height, but in most areas it is a
multi-truck bush 6 to 8 feet in height.
The Order of the Confederate Rose was
founded on May 1, 1993, at the Alabama SCV
State Convention. The idea came about after
Mrs. Jane Latture heard a speaker at a Lee
Day Dinner speak of an Order of Lee that had
been in existence after the War in which
women worked with veterans on projects.
9
Mrs. Latture took the idea to a group of
friends, who decided to call the new group
the Order of the Confederate Rose, based
upon a movie "The Rose of the South",
about
Rose
O'Neal
Greenhow,
a
Confederate spy. Today we have started a
new chapter, The Eliza Davis Currie
Chapter, named for a local nurse in the
White Sulpher Springs community who gave
her life caring for the men.
An unpublished scouting report by Private J.P.
Jackman of the 4th Missouri Cavalry to Gen.
Marmaduke describing the Union column the day
before the battle April 25th. Provided by Mr. Terry
Justice from General Marmaduke's Papers and
Letters 1862-1864 from the National Archives.
April 24th, 1864
General. J. S. Marmaduke
Sir, I have scouted both roads, the Camden &
Price and Camden & Pine Bluff - from the best
information, that train of supplies consisted of
about 300 wagons & escort of about 2,500
mostly infantry Ohio & Indiana - A large scout of
Cavalry passed up to Princeton last Monday &
returned Wednesday with about 250 infantry &
four wagons, the whole command ^claimed^ to
be reinforcements from the Bluff, it was not the
case. A train of 450 wagons passed the road
yesterday evening 12 miles from Camden
escorted by about 2,000 infantry, 200 cavalry &
two (2) pieces of artillery supposed to be going
to Pine Bluff after supplies, they had about 1,500
Negroes principally women & children. The train
was well closed up, moving up rapidily as
possible, then 60 miles from Pine Bluff. If you
can send a force to the side the river at any time
requird, I can find out of its whereabouts^ on
return^ & communicate to you by courier in time
to Capture it. The information I give you is
reliable, also I have ladies on South roads
working for me & will keep me posted, in regard
to any movements made by enemy. It is almost
impossible to remain in here without being
forced out by Yankees. I would like to hear from
you as soon as possible if you with me to watch
for that train.
Respectfully, J. P. Jackman, Private 4th Mo.
Cavalry in charge Special Detail.
Joshes and Chubs April 2007
Confederate Reports Series 1, Volume XXXIV,
Chapter LXVI, Pages 793-795 HEADQUARTERS
CABELL'S BRIGADE, May 3, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the
following report of the operations of my division in
the battle of Marks' Mills on the 25th of last
month, being a portion of Fagan's division, which,
together with Shelby's command, formed a
command to operate east of the Ouachita River:
On the 23rd, General Dockery was ordered to
report to me, and I to command a division
composed of Cabell's and Dockery's brigades.
On the morning of the 25th, while marching to the
road leading from Chanbersville to Mount Elba, it
was reported that a train of wagons belonging to
the enemy, escorted by a large force, was moving
from that place toward Mount Elba. The order of
march that morning was, Shelby's division in front
and Cabell's division in rear, Dockery's brigade, of
Cabell's division, being rear guard to the whole
command, and marched in rear of the wagons
and
ambulances.
After
getting in the
neighborhood of the train General Shelby was
ordered on the road leading toward Mount Elba to
intercept the train and to attack in front and in the
rear. Cabell's brigade moved up to the road
leading direct to Marks' Mills. After detaching
Hill's regiment and one company of Monroe's
regiment and sending them to ascertain if there
was any enemy on our left flank, in moving down
the Marks' Mills road the enemy's pickets were
soon encountered, and it was definitely known
that the train was moving rapidly toward Mount
Elba. I at once formed Monroe's regiment, of
Cabell's brigade, in line of battle, dismounted
them, and Colonel Monroe by my order threw out
two companies rapidly as skirmishers and drove
them back until I could dismount Cabell's brigade
and form it into line of battle. This was done,
Gunter's command, composed of his battalion
and Pettus' battalion of State troops, on the right,
Monroe's regiment on his left, and Morgan's
regiment on Monroe's left, crossing the road,
Gordon's regiment acting as a support to the
battery, which was planted to sweep the road.
Skirmishers were thrown out in front of our whole
line, and were engaged all the time with those of
the enemy. As soon as I commenced forming line
of battle I sent my aid to General Dockery to
hasten forward with his command. General Fagan
being present ordered me to command Cabell's
brigade and all the troops in my front,
10
and that he would give General Dockery, I sent
to General Fagan and informed him of my
position, which was moving, and which could
be distinctly heard.
I received orders to "move rapidly forward and
attack the train." This order was promptly
obeyed, and my whole line of skirmishers and
all excepting two companies of skirmishers
under Colonel Monroe, who were heavily
engaged with the enemy, who were forming
line of battle on my left, moved forward rapidly
under a tremendous fire, driving him through
the train and beyond it some 300 or 400 yards
until they were completely routed, throwing
down their arms and giving themselves up as
prisoners. These men were captured by
General Shelby's command, who were moving
rapidly in their rear. Hearing heavy firing on my
left flank and rear, I halted my men, formed
line, and marched to the rear in line of battle,
and moved forward in line to aid Colonel
Monroe, who was fighting at least 1,500
infantry and a battery of artillery, which was
posted in the road about 100 yards above a
house, which was also filled with infantry. As
fast as each regiment came into position it
became heavily engaged with the enemy.
At this time Captain Hughey's battery of artillery
was firing rapidly, and, from the movements of
the enemy's lines, was evidently doing terrible
work, and continued to fire grape and canister
into the enemy's battery, which was about 400
yards in advance, until nearly all the horses
and a good many of the Cannoneers were
killed. The musketry firing was terrible.
Notwithstanding this terrible fire Cabell's
brigade stood for an hour and a half without
any assistance. The brigade suffered here
terribly, and some of its best officers and men
were killed and many wounded. After this
General Dockery's command came up on the
left of Cabell's brigade and attacked the enemy
vigorously, supported by Hill's regiment, of
Cabell's brigade. I charged the enemy (about
that time I heard two pieces of artillery, and I
knew the gallant Shelby was coming to my
relief) and drove him into the house and
through the train, capturing 2 pieces of artillery
and over 200 prisoners.
Continued on next page
Joshes and Chubs April 2007
(See Colonels Gordon, Monroe, Morgan, and
Gunter's reports, which are respectfully submitted.)
The train was then completely in our possession.
The enemy, however, returned some distance
higher up the road to our left and attempted to
recapture the train by taking advantage of the
confusion of the troops owing to the commingling of
commands.
Two regiments of Shelby's arrived. I immediately
formed line of battle with Cabell's brigade and threw
Shelby's two regiments as mounted men on my right
and moved rapidly toward the enemy.
The firing at once became general and very heavy.
My men continued to advance steadily,
notwithstanding the heavy fire, and routed them the
third time, and continued the pursuit until they were
driven more than a mile beyond the rear of the train,
when I halted the footmen and sent a cavalry
regiment in pursuit, who captured many prisoners.
No report has been furnished by General Dockery
with reference to the part his brigade took in the
action; besides, I did not consider him under my
control after the brigadier-general commanding
informed me that he would carry them into action.
The killed and wounded of Cabell's brigade show
how stubborn the enemy was and how reluctantly
they gave up the train. Men never fought better.
They whipped the best infantry regiments that the
enemy had (old veterans, as they were called), and
then in numbers superior to them.
It would be invidious to particularize any regiment
when all fought, both officers and men, with
gallantry and with such daring. Three different
positions were taken; three different lines of battle
formed by this brigade, and each time they drove
the foul invader off with terrific slaughter. It is not
detracting from my command to say that this brigade
bore the brunt of the fight. For five hours it poured a
deadly fire into the enemy's ranks. At the same time
it was subjected to a fire from the enemy that has
carried sorrow to many a family.
Colonels Monroe, Gordon, Morgan, Pettus, and Hill;
Lieutenant-Colonels Basham (who was wounded),
Bull, Harrell, Fayth; also Majors Reiff, Portis, and
Adams, deserve great credit for daring and
intrepidity, as well as the faithful discharge of duty
during the fight. The brave Lieutenant-Colonel
O'Neil, of Monroe's regiment, fell at the front urging
his men forward.
11
Colonel Pettus fell mortally wounded while
gallantly urging the men forward. Many officers
and men fell that day who have left proud names
of their State and friends to cherish. This brigade
here, as it did at the Poison Spring, charged the
enemy with an intrepidity unknown, and bore the
brunt of the fight, as it did there.
The conduct of this brigade, although sadness
was sent to many a happy home, will never be
forgotten. A grateful people will reward it for its
heroism, and will mingle their tears with those of
the survivors for those who fell on that bloody
field. It is with great pleasure that I am able to
bear testimony to the gallantry of the Missouri
troops and their gallant leader, General Shelby,
and to the perfect harmony which characterized
their every move with the Arkansas troops. I also
wish to return my thanks to Captains Belding and
Thomas, of General Fagan's staff, and to
Lieutenant Field, of my own staff, for their
assistance. To Captain Belding and Lieutenant
Field, both of whom exposed themselves
regardless of all danger, I am particularly
indebted for their assistance at a most critical
moment. Lieutenant Field was seriously
wounded. My staff-officers-Major Duffy, inspectorgeneral; Captain King, assistant adjutant-general;
Lieutenant Inks aide; Lieutenant Carlton, aide-decamp, and Lieutenant Tyus, acting assistant
adjutant-general; also, Dr. Carroll, brigade
surgeon-acted with great gallantry and gave me
great assistance.
Lieutenant Field, who was wounded, was noted
for his daring and intrepidity. Captain Hughey and
his battery deserve especial mention for their
gallantry and for their successful practice. The
number of the enemy's killed I estimate at 150;
wounded, 300; prisoners, 1,300.
The number of prisoners captured by my
command was nearly 500, including Colonel
Drake, the Federal commanding officer. Exact
number not known. Number of pieces of artillery,
4. The following is my loss, viz: Command. Killed.
Wounded. Missing. Cabell's brigade 31 62 93
Dockery's brigade 10 40 50 Total 41 102 143 This
embraces only wounded in hospitals. The slightly
wounded would increase the number of wounded
to over 200 in Cabell's brigade alone. I am, sir,
very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L.
CABELL, Brigadier-General.
Joshes and Chubs April 2007
1864, Department of Arkansas, Bradley County roads,
map drawn by Captain Richard Venable, CSA, Chief
topographer Trans Mississippi Dept. Original held in the
National Achieves War Department records, Washington
D.C.
12
Joshes and Chubs April 2007
Setting up our first camp in the field on Friday at
Shiloh. This was such a perfect place for a camp
that we knew it was too good to be true, and sure
enough after about 30 minutes were ordered to
break camp and move out, which we did with all
the grumblings you might expect out of a regular
army.
The looks on Chuck’s and Guy’s faces when we
were told to break camp was priceless! However,
they were not the only ones that became a little
irate when the order was given. Did somebody
forget to tell those in command that this was not
the real army?
George Burrell, one of the displaced confederates
from California. I assure you, a group of nicer,
more professional people could not be found if
you tried. George and his compadres offered to
participate in any reenactment in California we
could make and are making plans for falling in
with us at Gettysburg next year.
The Federals on the move to displace us from
our position in the “3 rd Wilderness. This went
on back and froth for a couple of hours as we
tried to maneuver through the thickets. All in all
it gave a fairly decent fight in which we seldom
saw the enemy we were fighting.
A distant picture of the Federal lines
mowing through the Confederate defenders
on the second day at Shiloh. It was not hard
to understand why people on both sides ran
at times when we saw the overwhelming
Federal forces coming at us like an
unstoppable juggernaut.
13
Joshes and Chubs April 2007
Calendar of Events For 2007
April 7th
Confederate Flag and Memorial Day *
April 13th , 14th . 15th
Pleasant Hill *
April 14th
Pine Bluff Arsenal Kids Fest
April 27th – 29th
Marks Mill (Federal for the 1st AR.) *
May 5th – 7 th
Jefferson Texas **
May 12th – 13th
Jesse James Trade Days, Ok Grove LA.
June 8th – 10th
Tribbey Oklahoma **
July 4th
Fireworks Show at Sulpher Springs Methodist Church
August 25 th
White Hall Founders Day *
September 8th-9th
Arkansas Post *
September 14th – 16th
145 th Anniversary Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg)
Contact Steve Shore if you want to go
September 28th – 30th
Pocahontas Civil War Days *
October 12 th-14th
White Sulpher Springs *
October 26 th – 28th
Lake DeGray
October 26 th – 28th
Battle of Pea Ridge Reenactment Bentonville AR. *
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.
Disclaimer!
With the exception of spelling and grammatical
changes, 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.
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14