10th Annual Muskets And Memories
Boscobel, Civil War Reenactment
The 10th Annual Muskets and Memories Civil
War Reenactment in Boscobel has since its conception been a staple of
the 1st Wisconsin's calendar of events.
It was ten years ago that Capt.
Pittman, among others, withstood frigid October conditions to provide
living history to a handful of Boscobel locals…it was my first meeting
with Pittman and, as I hung around his camp for those two or three days
(stealing warmth from both the little unit campfire as well as from the
family atmosphere of the encampment), I was bitten by the re-enacting
bug. At the following year's event, my brother and I joined up, and have
been obsessed ever since.
The 2002 event, held the first weekend of
August, was exceptionally spectacular for me as I was asked by Capt. Pittman,
promoted by Union Commander Colonel Jons Olson to the rank of Major in
charge of Federal Cavalry, to wear the rank of Captain and oversee the
actions of the trooper on foot, acting as a liaison between himself and
the respective officers of the respective cavalry companies on foot.
A conservative estimate of the strength of
1st Wisconsin Cavalry Company C would be at around 12 troopers on foot
and around five mounted, placing total company strength at over 15 troopers.
Corporal August Hammer was breveted to the rank of Sergeant in command
of Company C, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, while I assumed my rank of Captain.
Federal Cavalry units were represented by the 2nd US Cavalry, 1st Wisconsin
Cavalry Company D, 8th Illinois Cavalry, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry Company
F/ 4th US Cavalry and, of course, by the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry Company
C.
Between the 8th Illinois Cavalry, 1st Wisconsin Company D and 1st Wisconsin
Company C, troopers on foot can be placed at over 40, possibly closer
to 50. Mounted numbers between 1st Wisconsin Company C, 1st Wisconsin
Company D and the 2nd US Cavalry were probably around 15, placing total
Federal Cavalry strength at around 60 troopers.
The Federal dismounted force was organised
into 2 platoons of around 20 each, with one platoon, comprised of the
8th Illinois and 1st Wisconsin Company C, splitting to act as two platoons
when such needed case did arise. We drilled as a force using Lt. McClellan
and a Bugler Sergeant, both from 1st Wisc. Co. D, to rely commands from
Federal Commander Colonel Jons Olson and from Major Pittman.
The reenactment was catered to represent
the historical events of the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark, during which
Fennimore, WI native and namesake for Boscobel's GAR Hall John McDermott
lost his life. The battles were scripted and were carried out according
to historical accounts. However, as opposed to what is often the case
in this type of reenactment, I feel that both of the battles had lots
of freedom of movement and individual, tactical command.
Kudos to Boscobel
Military Coordinator Mike Green as well as Federal Commander Jons Olson
for their hard work and planning.
As is always the case at Boscobel, the military/civilian ball held on Saturday night was exceptional, with many of the company's member taking part whole-heartedly (I know that I did!!). The whole weekend was a wonderful experience, and I think that I can speak on behalf of all the members of the unit when I say that it was one of the best events of 2002. The people of Boscobel and the Boscobel Civil War Committee have always treated the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry with but the utmost respect and warmth. As it has in the past, the 1st Wisconsin fully supports the Boscobel Muskets and Memories Reenactment and GAR Heritage Encampment.
Respectfully submitted,
Andreas Transo
1st
Wisc. Cavalry Co. C
Boscobel 2002 Civil War Event Pics B&W
Boscobel 2002 Civil War Event Pics Color
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