Gentlemen,
Several years ago, I reenacted Civil War battles as a member of the Fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Missouri State Guard, a unit of the Missouri Civil War Reenactors Association. Since moving to central Missouri several years ago, I got involved in other things (this club being one of them!). I attended two or three events, but then let my membership drop and haven't been to anything in years. Until this weekend.
My wife and I went (as spectators) to a local reenactment of the Second Battle of Boonville. It was a very small event (maybe 100 reenactors total), but it was fun. I was reminded that my favorite part of reenacting was the occasional Saturday night dances, and that my least favorite part was having to clean my rifle musket when I got home.
After chatting with many of the infantry, then watching the 'battle' (not much more than a skirmish, really, with those numbers), I followed up by visiting with the artillery unit. (There was one gun at the reenactment, which was probably one more than was present at the actual battle -- that's a switch!) Anyway, after chatting with them I decided I could have the best of both worlds by joining an artillery unit -- I could be present for the battle (and the dances!), but not have to clean my musket afterward! Long story short - I came home, dug through the boxes and got out my outfit, and I'm going back tomorrow to learn the artillery manual of arms. In other words, don't look for quick responses from me until tomorrow night [:D]!
One other thing (and this should make most of you really jealous!) -- My wife and I returned this evening for the dance, and the music was provided by Cathy Barton and Dave Para, the same musicians who play for one of the HPS games (I think it's "Campaign: Ozark"). My wife and I danced three Virgina Reels (the last one to 'Dixie') and several waltzes. They played some dance songs, intermixed with just good old listening songs.
At one point my wife leaned over to me and said, "I really need to get some material and make myself one of those dresses."
I think the 'bug' may have finally bit her, too!
Your humble servant,
Gen 'Dee Dubya' Mallory
David W. Mallory
ACW - General, Chief of the Armies, Confederate States of America & Cabinet Member
CCC - Ensign, Georgia Volunteers, Southern Regional Department, Colonial American Army
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