Another year has passed and the March to Destiny slides into the past. However, It will be a weekend remembered by both participants and spectators as a "must attend event" for next year.
Although there were a few minor glitches on Friday, these were very minor relative to all the things that went right. There was clearly evidence of a lot of hard work by the March to Destiny Committee in preparation for the event. Registrations went smoothly and re-enactors commented on the efficiency and friendliness of the people assisting in the registration process. The new camps were a welcome change from years past and many participants commented that the sites were some of the best they ever camped on. Most liked the fact that the town was the center of activities versus being camped in some field miles away from town. It was also evident to the re-enactors that the Shippensburg community welcomed the visitors and treated them with utmost kindness throughout the weekend.
There were approximately 325 re-enactors registered for the event plus there were at least 75 walk-ons. Unfortunately, threats of severe weather undoubtedly kept many of those who pre-registered home for the weekend. Actually we had about 160 re-enactors who failed to show, mostly because of the weather but ended up with more than 325 participants. PACS, DNV, Longstreet's Corps, Mifflin Guard, Birney's Division, and Vincents Brigade all provided participants both military and civilian.
It rained a little very early Saturday morning and then again very late Saturday night but the rest of the day was dry, permitting all activities to proceed as scheduled. Saturday morning, the residents of Shippensburg witnessed the Confederate troops foraging (a "military" term for begging) for food and other necessaries. The businesses and residents responded with amazing generosity and the Rebs ate and drank well all weekend.
Speaking of food, all participants enjoyed a fabulous breakfast (free) on Saturday morning and a wonderful chicken dinner for lunch or dinner. Re-enactor feedback noted the extent and quality of the breakfast and the chicken dinner as outstanding.
Shortly after the public was given an explanation of Shippensburg's involvement in the Civil War, the street skirmish began and graphically echoed the words of Wayne Wachtsmith. The streets of Shippensburg came alive with the rattle of musketry and the boom of cannon as the Confederate forces pushed the defending Federals out of town. The skirmish was well attended by residents and other spectators who traveled some distances to witness this historical event. The fire was hot and heavy lasting about 40 minutes. Both sides displayed a good representation of "street fighting", a part of Civil War re-enacting seldom seen.
A short parade followed the skirmish and then the Union troops were inspected by President Lincoln, who also addressed the men explaining how important their service was to ending hostilities and the restoration of peace throughout the country. Re-enactors and spectators alike enjoyed period ice cream at the end of the skirmish. The cooperation between opposing forces resulted in the "best King Street skirmish ever."
The renewal of wedding vows presented the public with a good idea how weddings were conducted during the Victorian era. Reverend Wayne Baker presided. The wedding was followed by the cake cutting and a period ball. The ball was a huge success. Many re-enactors commented on the efficiency of Tammy as the dance-mistress as well as the actual location of the dance. The refreshments were welcomed and helped keep everyone hydrated during the dance. It was quite a hike, especially for the Confederate re-enactors so it was suggested that next year maybe we could provide some type of shuttle service to and from the dance... i.e. hay wagons, etc.
Sunday dawned with a bit of rain and the weather got steadily worse as the day went on. Despite the rain, people braved the Church services conducted by Reverand Baker, as well as the battle scheduled for 1:00 P.M. About noon the rain was coming down steadily and the decision whether to proceed with or cancel the Sunday skirmish was left entirely in the hands of the brave soldiers who had remained on site. Not surprising, they chose to stay and fight. The spectator turnout was quite unbelievable despite the weather and we were all very grateful to the men and ladies who stayed and provided a shortened (due to thunder and lightning) but lively display for the crowd.
In my humble opinion, this was the best Shippensburg event ever, despite the weather and the resulting loss in attendance. Everyone on the planning committee needs to feel very very proud of themselves for all the hard work and dedication they provided. It is seldom evident to the general public and even participants all the work that needs to be done to make an event a success. This event will be judged on many factors, mostly which are due to the results of a lot of hard work. Based on my discussions with spectators and participants alike, this was a "class act" from beginning to end.
My special thanks to Mike Mitchell, Confederate Commander, and his staff and Colonel Mark Essig and his staff whose efforts are truly reflected in the quality of the actual skirmishes. Without extreme cooperation between opposing forces, through their commanders, any kind of scripted battle would fall short of expected results. There is no doubt that both battles this past weekend exceeded our expected results.
In addition to individuals already mentioned, I would specifically note the extreme efforts port forth by Bill Chain and Kevin Bender whose presence was found wherever and whenever difficult work was required. Without their diligence to duty, this event would have had an entirely different end result. My personal thanks to my staff who performed magnificently during the entire event particularly Bill Magargle who was my second in command, Denny Rohrbaugh my Adjutant and bugler, John Price and Don Swope unit commanders, and Pete Peterson Sergeant Major.
Respectfully submitted
Richard G. Adams, Col.
Commanding Federal Forces
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