Huzzah Valley 2008

After action report at end, if you haven't read it yet!

After Action Report -- Huzzah Valley,  MO, Oct. 3-5, 2008

I beg to offer the following account of activities in and near Huzzah Valley Resort, near Steeleville MO, Oct. 3-5, 2008:

Getting in, setting up --

Although the trip was long, about six (6) hours out of Topeka, it was enjoyable with Mr. Shemwell, and 1st Cpl. Downey making the van trip with me. Good thing gas prices were down a bit. Nothing out of the ordinary on the trip in except those winding roads as you get closer in.

Essentially, the historical scenario was Gen. Price’s 1864 pursuit of the federals under Gen. Ewing after Pilot Knob. The latter stopped short here,,turned his guns on the rebs, and so the battle happened.

The site was beautiful, the hill adjacent to our camp was tree-studded and the trees were just beginning to turn. One of the red barns visible from our camp was used as a field hospital during the action.

Our numbers for Saturday were 55 rifles reb, 30 to 35 yank; 5 or 6 reb artillery, to 5 yank artillery; 10 reb cavalry to 14 yank. Numbers dropped only a little on Sunday.

I saw only one mosquito, and noticed no ticks during, nor any chigger bites following. The weather was warm and dry.

Present for staff were Mike Williams, breveted as colonel for the event, and Major and adjutant Sam Looney. The former was on his usual Scout all weekend. Apparently, the latter is becoming adept at untying his rope as he got away once during the weekend. Sure likes apples.

Major Looney graciously extended to the guys from the 9th the honor and privilege of serving on staff so Mr. Downey was Sgt. Major, Pvt. Shemwell took on the role of Color Sgt., and I filled in as Lt. Colonel. All agreed this was quite an education!

In addition, as Mr. Downey found out, his role was quite a strain on his voice which became hoarser and hoarser as the weekend progressed. At one point, he resorted to some liquid comfort to try to assuage the roughness. Mr. Downey also found his new role required a considerable amount of extra work, including the paperwork involved in keeping track of numbers, etc. He also offered the observation that keeping the Battalion in line and moving was like ‘herding cats.’

I might add that Mr. Downey filled the large shoes of Mr. Sutton in a very capable fashion. I came away from the weekend impressed by Mr. Downey, and yet with great respect for Mr. Sutton who has filled the bill all these years with humor, good will, and skill (faithful reader, please remember that Mr. Sutton is an old 9th Texas man, and from company C to boot).

Mr. Shemwell adds the following concerning his new duties for event:  “[after stepping in and carrying the flag in the absence of Sgt. Bell, I can really appreciate the work and attention to detail that he puts into each event. It was an honor to try to fill his shoes - but no one can beat him for
style and humor.” Needless to say, Herb did a great job as well, and went down twice for the effort.

My own perspective as Lt. Col. was that, being aware of several companies as opposed to just one, is quite a different task, and I think everyone should have the chance to do that at one point as it certainly broadens one’s perspective. Notwithstanding, as one old hand told me a few years ago, ‘your fun goes down as your rank goes up.’ In any event, my main function was to share army wing command duties with Major Looney.

Numbers were down from the Battalion, but all of our regiments were represented including the 1st MO (under 1st Sgt. James Shipman, as Captain Burnos was reportedly ill); the 2nd MO (under Capt. Ron Ulrich); the 3rd MO (under Capt. Mike Girdner); the 4th MO (under newly-elected Lt. Scott George, who did a great job, congratulations, by the way); the 9th MOSS (under Capt. Bob Smith, although more on this later); the 10th MO (under Capt. Joe Broski); and the 16th MO (under Captain Todd Conner).

Sutlers’ row was a little disappointing, as no sutlers of note were there including Del Warren, but they did have a root beer man, a couple of food venders, and not one but two blacksmiths.

About sixteen (16) stalwarts made the planned approximately 20 mile, three day march into the site, coordinated by Cpl. Dime Hollingsworth of the 9th MO (if you care to read a little more, faithful reader, see http://www.geocities.com/ninthmoss/Events.html), beginning on Wednesday of the week of the event. Some of those who made the march appeared a little worse for the wear, but I applaud them for the effort, and wished that I could have made it. Reportedly, they had some pickin’s from the woods along the way in including some wild mushrooms. One said they fried some of these in bacon grease and they were first rate. Some of the marchers said that they got quite cold on the march in on Thursday night.

Unfortunately, at our camp, there was very little foot traffic. The reason, no doubt, was that the reb camp, was, again, placed away from the center of activity of the event, i.e. away from sutler’s row and the food vendors. No idea why that continues to happen (recall Mahaffie, Gettysburg).

We had plenty of wood, but only two port-a-johns in our area, so there was some waiting, but these were kept clean. The federals had all the water spigots, and we were relegated to using some plastic water jugs. No one went thirsty but we had to have water details. No ice was provided. But, on the other hand, there was no registration fee.

Col. Williams had his brother-in-law with him all weekend, “Peanut,” a nice guy. The latter didn’t fight, but kept the fire going and watched the camp along with Quartermaster Sgt. Russ Palmer of the 1st MO. He also cooked three squares a day for the colonel including steak for breakfast and supper. At one point, Mr. Downey graciously provided a small blue checked towel to serve as Col. Williams’ table cloth. If you are going to do it, you might as well do it in style.

Saturday --

One who camped quite close complained of Mr. Downey’s snoring (those who know will tell you that the men of the 9th can produce strange noises). I passed the night well.

In the afternoon, Captain Bob Smith of the 9th MOSS, who had made the march in, went down with an undefined illness. He was immediately attended to by some of our guys who were medics as well as a very competent local fellow. Eventually, Bob was life-flighted to a hospital in St. Louis. We understand that he was eventually released from the hospital, but the etiology of his illness is as yet undetermined. The matter was reportedly sent to the CDC for analysis. We wish Bob a speedy recovery.

At one point during the day, a grizzled old private from the 3rd MO was brought up to Col. Williams, in cuffs, by Capt. Girdner, with a dirty rifle. Brooking no disrespect, Col. Williams sent him away to clean the piece in 15 minutes. (Mr. Downey noted  later that the piece was indicated as clean on the morning weapons report.)

Captain Broski’s boys wanted us to take a shot of them “bloating” so we did, and they were quite good at that, and we also got them in a “deadline.” A little grim in times of war, as we are in today, but we are here to honor those who fought and died and such was part of it.

Saturday battle --

As we had no formal preacher, a private from the 9th MOSS gave a stirring Lord’s Prayer prior to the battle (“...thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies ....”).

Our plan was to march up a narrow defile out of our camp in column of fours, then deploy by company into line to form a column of companies, then deploy on the left of companies, forward onto line, left half wheel to form our battle line.

We pushed them but the blue devils were persistent and we got beat on Saturday. Nothing out of the ordinary, however. Their cavalry was on our right flank and at one point, we had to refuse to meet them. As Color Sgt., Mr. Shemwell went down both days. The acoustics of the site were such that the report from our rifle fire bounced off the several large barns which adjoined the site, and one said, sounded like he assumed that minie balls whizzing and whirring through the air would have sounded.

The Battalion didn’t really have much by way of musicians, although one young lad, new to the task, did a capable job as drummer.

Both days, we held fairly intensive officer’s meetings, both sides, all services, to map out, as best as we could, how we wanted the battle to develop, progress, and for how long, and how best to serve the crowd. There were appreciative crowds both days, but oh, give me a tactical!

After the battle, and consistently with our some-time practice, Col. Williams had us march over to the crowd, and do a “Charge bayonet” -- always a crowd-pleaser, and this was no exception. As we advanced on the crowd’s position, a youngster trained his orange-tipped plastic pistol on me, fired, and I pitched over in front of the battalion (I successfully took the hit without piercing any part of my person).

After the battle, we held an impromptu Captain’s meeting to plan for the 2009 campaign. Subject to Col. Amend’s approval, and recognizing that we do not yet have a national event for 2009 and do not know what Robbie Sander’s Arkansas boys will be doing, we tentatively agreed on the following events to be designated as Battalion MAX events (I have added some others which were mentioned or which are in the offing):

April 4-5                                                Shoal Creek MO                       MAX

April 18, 19                                            St. Joe

May 15 to 17                                          Jefferson City MO             MAX
                                                             145th anniversary of the capture of the state capitol
               
June 12-1                                              Humboldt, KS (sponsor 9th TX.)

July 5-7                                                 Kingston MO
 
Sept. 5-6                                               Lamoni, IA (Labor Day weekend)

Sept. 19-2                                             Holden MO                                                              MAX
 
Sept. ??                                                Pawnee City, NE (contact Mr. Chris Visser of the 9th)

Sept. ??                                                Austin, MO (“Beanie” -- contact Joe Broski 10th MO)

??                                                         Bentonville ARK          MAX

Oct. 17-18                                             Fortescue MO               MAX

It might be noted that much of our initial discussion concerned whether we should have a spring muster and a first event, such as Shoal Creek, or just one event with reenactment and spring muster combined. One side advocated  that  the various activities at a reenactment (e.g., sutlers, food court) conflict with business to be conducted at a muster. Others, including your humble correspondent, stated that, in times of decreasing numbers, it might be difficult to get guys to two events, let alone one, and that the two should be combined. The discussion continues.

Saturday night --

The dance was at 8:00. None of staff attended. The event organizers, however, in a nice touch, scheduled an officer’s soiree at 7:00 in the same barn as the dance was to be held, to include cigars, cider (“hard” and “soft”) and pie. I saw no pie, but Major Looney, Col. Williams, and I took some tobacco and some drink and had a meaningful discussion with Col. Stan Prater of the federals about 2009 events, especially Jeff City. I pronounce it a success, and thank the organizers for having such a special deal.

The organizers also announced the winners of the “best camp” contest. To his surprise, but the battalion’s satisfaction, our own Major Looney won the award and took with him a basket filled with some interesting odds and ends including a Civil War reader, a large mug, a housewife, etc.

I might note that, during the weekend, Sam’s wife portrayed a temperance lady who checked our tents for telltale bottles, and at one point grabbed two of our guys to give them a talk on the evils of demon rum. At another point, she sought to check our campfire chairs to ensure that they were the legal property of those using them. She proved to be a little bit of a gadfly, but once you got into it, it was a pleasant diversion and something you don’t always see.

Upon our return from the soiree, we noticed some commotion back in camp. There was a group of entrepreneurs there who were hawking a glass lantern peep show. Indeed! Oh, faithful reader, for a mere 5 cents, they gave you a shot of “courage” and a chance to see some photographs which, suffice it to say, could prove a real education for the uninitiated. I saw two pictures, one with a dog (thankfully, not a Boston). A picture of Col. Williams, who viewed all of the photos, is reportedly circulating.

Some live fire from the artillery was also scheduled that night and we heard it take place but did not watch.

We commenced the usual campfire discussions with some opinions about the elections which, at the time, were almost upon us. I determined to turn the matter to a first person discussion so, when the chance presented itself, I opined that things would be difficult if a Republican were elected, that we would have to go out. After that, for a couple of hours, while enjoying some contemporaneous refreshment, including some of Mr. Downey’s bait shop likker and some brandy from Mr. Jepsen, we discussed the political situation as of November 1860. We all agreed that South Carolina would undoubtedly go out, and that Mississippi and Georgia would likely follow. We agreed that Texas would go as well, and that, if we had Missouri, we would likely prevail in any contest.

Our camp bagpiper came out and played a few tunes and Dime Hollingsworth also played and sang.

Sunday --

Mr. Downey cut his stubble with a straight edge razor with a private holding the mirror.

Prior to the battle, I broke out an apple pie I had brought from Topeka (I think I will make this a tradition), and shared it with the lads.

In addition, a local SUV outfit held a memorial service for one William Jackson, a solider from the 47th MO (federal) who was killed in the very action we were reenacting, in September 1864. All the rebs agreed to support the ceremony and they bussed us the short distance to the the young soldier’s gravestone.

Before long, it was time to form up for the final battle which we were to win this time. After we had formed up, I passed out peppermints to all the men in the now strong right wing and got to the last man with one peppermint left, no more and no less. A good omen for the battle.

Ours and the federals’ numbers were down a bit for the Sunday battle, but not so much on our part to not attempt a little flanking movement by Major Looney’s left wing. 

We weakened our left wing under Major Looney and gave him one company to do the flanking movement, while our strong right wing under Col. Williams and your humble correspondent would do the frontal attack against the federal infantry and massed artillery. Our artillery was to our immediate right. We engaged and after a bit, Col. Williams gave the command for Major Looney to advance as well.

Consistently with the planned scenario and with history, we pushed the federals off the field entirely, through their camp and past the sutlers. We thought the battle over when we saw that they wanted some more, so we traded a couple more volleys, and that was it. The federal cavalry was not nearly so annoying as on Saturday. All told, the battle was about an hour.

One federal artilleryman did make the obligatory but totally inappropriate charge into our ranks.

Breaking down and getting out was easy. The cars were only about 1/4 mile away. No traffic jams.

The trip home was easy and uneventful, and we substituted a Ryan’s (all you can eat buffet) for our usual Cracker Barrel. Mr. Jepsen of the 10th joined us.

Overall, although we didn’t have great numbers and the trip was a little far, I give this event high marks, as I think all who participated would. As such, a special thanks to Mike Roderman of the 2nd MO artillery (also president-elect of the MCWRA) for bringing it off.

Here is a post from Sam Looney:

“Don't know about anyone else, but I had a good time at Huzzah Valley.  Good weather, great location,  satisfying battles, helpful event people, and good friends.  Can't ask for more.  Thanks to Brian Cox, Randy Downey, and Herb Shemwell for the help on staff.  You guys did great.  Your experience showed and I was glad to get to know each of you better.  Thanks also to Brian for the campfire political discussion.  1st person is fun when all join in.  There were so many of you that made this a good event, I dare not mention any more names for fear of missing someone.  Larry Reed was missed and would have been there but for the passing of his father.  Our condolences Larry.  We were all concerned for Bob Smith and thankfully he is recovering.  Wouldn't be the same without Bob in camp with us.  Hope all had a good time and look forward to seeing everyone at Pr. Grove.”

1st Cpl./Sgt. Major Downey adds the following:

“I stopped by the Captain[ Cox]'s new plantation on my way to join the column in its foray into Missouri.  I would say that even the fine homes in St. Louis would pale in comparison.  The stout and reliable Mr. Shemwell also graced us with his presence.  It was sad to say that many fine soldiers were not available to swell our ranks.  Mr. Williams took Col. Amend’s spot while he was consoling a sickly relative.  Captain Cox filled the Lt. Col. spot with great verve.  Sgt. Major Sutton was reported to be electioneering  in his home town in Missouri.  This led to myself being asked to attempt to fill his very able shoes.  I hope that I was able to muddle through in an acceptable fashion.  I must say that Sgt. Major Sutton’s good character was brought into focus by my discovery that he only took a 5% cut from the regiment’s poker games instead of the traditional 10%.  With Sgt. Bell's absence, Pvt. Shemwell stepped into the Color Sgt. position and kept the flag to the forefront.  There are rumors that Sgt. Bell may have overstayed his furlough while consorting with thespians and other sporting types. I'm sure that these tales are great exaggerations!  I do hear that our campaign in the Prairie Grove area will have greater numbers and a return of the many missing soldiers.  I look forward to seeing them in uniform again.”

Your obedient servant,

Brian Cox
Captain, commanding
9th Texas Vol. Infantry
1st Missouri Battalion