Our max effort event for Birney's 2d Battalion is now in the bag. One of our largest turn-outs to date, Infantry and artillery personnel totalled just a little over a hundred soldiers, with more than a dozen civilians.
Your humble Battalion Commander arrived a little after noon, meeting with Maj Van Meter and his team who set up the military camp layout and began setting up the kitchen area where Saturday evening's feast would be prepared.
Throughout the day, troops and civilians began to filter in, and Taylor's Battery pulled in with the much-welcomed "heavy equipment". Tents stuffed the designated ground and soon there was laughter and smiles as friends across the battalion greeted each other. It was clear that we would once again be in for a good time.
The weather promised to be hot but dry. And it was. Saturday morning saw early company and battalion drill as Gen Waffler of the US Volunteers wanted to take advantage of the cooler morning hours. After shaking off the rust, and evolving though some larger battalion movements, we retired back to camp in order to make adjustments to equipment, get some food in our tummys, and enjoy the Camp Chase Fife and Drum concert that was going on right next to us.
After some coordination with the Confederate staff, Gen Waffler requested that one of our field pieces serve on the "buttlernut" side of the field to even up the scenario. A little after 1 pm, the drums and bugle called us to form for the fight.
After entering the woods at the one end of the battlefield, we cleared weapons and set the our battalion at rest. The first battalion of US Volunteers hit the field first and our two gun crews began to shoot at one another from opposite sides. There had been a concentrated effort to script the battle, specifically the process of casualties. Greater ranges were used but almost all volleys were met with bodies hitting the ground. Though it shortened up the time of the battle, it made for a more realistic portrayal for the onlookers.
2d Battalion emerged from the woods, and began sending lead down range once the retreating and chopped up USVs pulled back. Moving to the high ground, our battalion looked upon the on-coming rebs. They came at us, never stopping to fire. With that, 2d Battalion took no casualties, but within seven volleys, we had cut them down and sent the rest running. Though we didn't get to burn much powder this day, the bodies on the field were greater than what we normally experience.
Back in camp, the troops cooled down, the highlight of the evening was a pig roast with fixing's. There was no lack of chow for those who needed to expand their figure.
The rest of the evening was spent enjoying time with good friends, as well as good drink and tobacco for those who wanted to partake.
On Sunday, sore bones rose from their slumber, a quick breakfast was consumed and the cool morning hours were again used for dress parade. The day wound on as suttlering and pre-departure packing occupied the soldier's time. The battalion was also treated to more of Saturday night's pig, now dressed with BBQ sauce and stacked on a bun.
2d Battalion would today be lead to the slaughter. This was our chance to get into a better fight than Saturday. We moved forward with both of our guns now putting shells down range this day. The Confederate onslaught came right at us. As was planned, the company commanders focused on safety and direction, and the battalion wing commanders directed the casualty rate. Most of the battalion staff went down under this attack, leaving Czar Baltzer to lead the survivors to the rear.
After a better fight on Sunday, Birney's "meat grinding" 2d Battalion was fat, happy, and low on powder!
Next year is Hale Farm's 50th anniversary. This could potentially be the largest reenactment there in years. I for one am looking forward to it.
I want to thank my Adjutant Bob Penix and the other members of Team Penix (Pam and Patty). Paul Baltzer and Mark Gaynor for commanding the wings. Don Van Meter, Will Coffinbarger, and associates for laying out the camp and making a wonderful dinner!! Also, Burdell Waffler and his staff for their hospitality.
A big huzzah for our participating units: the 4th OVI, 5th OVI, 5th Ohio SS, 5th USCT, 7th Wisconsin, 74th NY, 83rd PVI, 105th OVI, Cushing/Taylor's Battery, and the galvanized 5th Texas artillery/infantry.
Lt Col Christopher Smith
Commanding, 2d Battalion
Birney's Division
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