Regards from Zoar

Another great Civil War reenacting weekend comes to a close. The weather was perfect and we had around 75 men in the battalion. We were also joined by General Maffei from Birney's Division HQ this weekend who brought best wishes from General Kelley.

Saturday evening, we were honored to be invited to a soiree hosted by Colonel Tim Perry. Staff members from Birney's and the Army of the Ohio journeyed to the Confederate camp for a wonderful spread of delicious food prepared by the ladies and spirits in the form of Captain Wormley's homemade mead! I would have loved every reenactor to have been there only to see that, in spite of past differences, we truly enjoy our friendship. It was a hell of a good time and laughter was the order of the evening. Thank you to our friends in gray for a very enjoyable evening!

This weekend was my final tour as the commander of Birney's 2nd Battalion. As always, I enjoyed leading the lads on the field Saturday afternoon in the Brotherton Farm scenario from the Battle of Chickamauga (of which we are now commemorating the 150th anniversary). It was a pleasure to shake each of your hands as I dismissed you for the final time. I am very proud, and you should ALL be proud, of the work you have done over the years to educated the public and honor those who served.

On Sunday we held a Brigade dress parade with the Army of the Ohio and conducted the change of command ceremony as I passed the battalion to Colonel Paul Baltzer. Thank you to that long line of my blue friends! It was also an honor to have the Confederate troops made up of the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Shenandoah attend, as well as my family and Kelly Falcone from Hale Farm and Village. I was absolutely humbled by the kind words spoken by Colonel Perry of the ANV, Colonel Minton of the Army of the Ohio, and our own General Maffei. I don't think I can express my gratitude accurately. Thank you gentlemen.

The guidon is now passed and Colonel Baltzer and he and the staff will move the battalion on to the next adventure.

Thank you all for your participation this weekend. As always, we achieved our mission goal of teaching the public about the life of the Civil War soldier, and had a damned good time doing it!!

See you on the field in the future.

Your Servant,
Christopher L. Smith, Colonel
Birney's Division