The Journal of the Ninth Texas Regiment of Infantry: 

                                   Updated Nov 6, 2008  

Pictures for Huzzah Valley event are posted...   Click!

Men:

Prairie Grove, Arkansas, the last event of the year, MAX or otherwise, will be upon us soon, Dec. 5-7. I may soon expect to report numbers to Major Looney, and therefore request that you advise as soon as possible of your status for this campaign.

I anticipate that we will have some interesting activities during the campaign, and will advise as the date grows closer.

If you have not been out this season, or have been out only once or twice, this is a great event on which to to end the season. We don't often get the chance to fight on an actual battlefield where our forefathers fought.

I am confident that Texas can put on a great show of leadership, good humor, and strength during this campaign.

I remain,
your most obedient servant,

Brian Cox
Captain, commanding

                               HUZZAH AFTER ACTION REPORT                                                            

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

             PIPESTONE AFTER ACTION REPORT                 

After Action Report -- Pipestone MN, July 15-17, 2008 I beg to offer the following account of activities in and near Pipestone MN, August 15-17, 2008: Getting in, setting up -- Mr. Shemwell and I made the trip. The drive was about 7 1/2 hours out of Topeka, a goodly haul, but on good 4 lanes most of the way, on I-29, and, if you wanted to try your hands at a little casino action along the way, there was plenty of that, some big-time and some of the mom-and-pop type, with casinos popping up in local gas stations and convenience stores. We also noted several huge wind vanes along the way. Present for duty were Major/Pvt. Visser, and Pvt’s Shemwell, Tim Adams, Lliteras, Wilkinson, and your humble correspondent as a private as well (Major Looney had sent out an email prior to the event that all officers needed to be prepared to fall in as privates.) Present for staff was Major Looney (Mississippi, we missed you!). The local reenactor contact who ran things was Dave Renley from the 18th U.S. Regulars, a nice guy, competent and assertive, but likable. Other units, or parts thereof, present were Mike Girdner’s 3d MO; Daniel Keith’s 4th MO; one from the 1st and another from the 9th MOSS. The Fremont Pathfinders were there in force as rebs, and one of them talked up an event at Brownsville NE in October that sounds interesting. I remember going to this event my first year, in 1993. I have posted some information about the event on the website -- see at http://www.ninthtexas.com/journal.htm The 1st Nebraska was there and they galvanized, so they were with us. On the federal side were the 13th U.S. Regulars. There were several Zouaves on our side and one of their ladies fought with them as a corporal. These were the 2nd Louisiana, Wheat’s Tigers, and they looked the part. There were also some Arkansas boys there, but not Robbie Sanders’ boys. These were the 4th Arkansas and they were a good bunch of guys. Some of their boys also came to Lamoni IA. Mr. Visser was tasked to fill in as a major, and did his usual job with distinction and humor, natch. We were ably led by Captain Keith of the 4th Mo on Saturday and Captain Girdner of the 3rd on Sunday.  No calvary permitted due to insurance constraints, nor any dogs (sorry, Booster). Del Warren was the only sutler of note who attended. Setting up was quite easy, although we had to steal a bale of straw from the spectator area. There was plenty of wood, including dead wood, a spigot for water within a stone’s throw, real porcelain just across the street in public restroom with just enough privacy, and free ice. The organizers also provided a $5 certificate for those who had pre-registered. Nice touch. Of note, there were no insects, chiggers, ticks, or mosquitos. We set up a long, wide company street, for the most part, although our Nebraska men campaigned it just off the street. We had two captain’s tent at the head of the street. Friday night campfire, a joint one with all our Missouri brothers provided time for reflection and discussion, as well as some libations  passed around. Got to bed too late for the anticipated Saturday morning mischief. Saturday morning -- We were to skirmish with the Yanks on Saturday morning. Indeed, I was awakened from a very restful sleep after a long hard evening debating the issues of the day around the campfire by Sgt. George of the 4th, poking his head in my tent with the comment, “captain, the federals are on the move.” Well, it took no long roll to get us going and we were eager for a morning of unscripted skirmishing, unconstrained by the crowd or time or geography. Well, we had a brief one, then went back to camp, then got called out again briefly, but the federals had no staying power, did not send out their whole force, and indeed, apparently backed up into the sutler area which was agreed ahead of time was off limits to any attack. So, that was that; end of skirmish. Back in camp for breakfast, mostly bacon, eggs, and potatoes. We sent out pickets but those got called back in shortly as the federals were drilling and therefore no threat. We had brief drill both Saturday and Sunday, capably led by Captains Keith, and Girdner, respectively. Large crowds did come into the reb camps both days, and your humble servant was able to provide some impromptu talks on the life and times of the civil war soldier. There were also some recruiting opportunities although the area is a little outside of our usual area. Saturday battle -- The Saturday battle commenced at 3 pm as planned. Both days, there was a commentator on loudspeaker who kept the crowd informed about the reenactment and the Civil War in general, and some period music was played as well. There was a good crowd for the battle, and the nature of the area was such that they were not relegated to a particular area and could indeed get quite close to the battle and to the soldiers involved. This battle was supposed to be First Manassas, but the similarity was lost on me. In any event, our little army went in in three parts, the Missouri boys and the 9th last, to flank the federals. The battle was fairly short and quite disjointed. I was wholly uncertain that all the federals even got into it, at least from my perspective. Mr. Shemwell did a number of his stereo photos. Saturday night -- Dave Renley fired up three hams on a spit in his little camp just across the road, but I am not sure how many takers he had. I pulled a piece off of it on Sunday and it was still quite tasty. The local hotel had a restaurant upstairs and a bar downstairs, at least they were in the same building. I have to say that the meal and the service at the restaurant was not worth the wait. The beer was, however, a new kind recommended by Mr. Wilkinson, “Schell” beer from New Ulm MN. Some of the Missouri boys also came in to eat and we toasted them, and they toasted us back. We finished up with some beer and pool and caught up on news and gossip. Mr. Visser floated the idea for a week long trip in 2009 or later of guys in the 9th to tour some area of Civil War history, such as the Richmond/northern Virginia area. We would go in a van or vans, sleep at campgrounds, and maybe end the week at a reenactment. More on this later on the website. Let me know if there is any interest. Still tentative .... Most of the guys went to the dance on Saturday, some to dance, some to watch. It attracted quite a local crowd. There was a fair Lincoln impersonator there, along with his wife who did a pretty fair Mary Todd. One of our guys heckled, “how was the play?,” and she shot back, I am told, with considerable pluck, “we got a bang out of it.” Sunday -- An extended church service was presided over by Captain Keith, and was well attended. Prior to the battle, word had apparently circulated that Captain Girdner had left his pistol at home so that the holster he carried on his hip was in fact empty. As a consequence, Major Looney presented Mike a special award purchased by the men:  a wooden rubber band pistol, with some extra “ammo.” Mike took it in good humor. The battle was a little late at 2 pm, but it lasted the anticipated 1/2 hour and it was a hot one. Despite the fact that it was pre-scripted in advance, we had a good time getting mauled by the federals who presented quite a contrast from their attitude on Saturday. Half of us (the second platoon of the battalion) went out under Major Visser, and I lost track of the others. In any event, we advanced down the road anticipating that it would be a little while before the battle started, but instead it appeared to start with us. There were federals in our front, outnumbering us, but we engaged them, and pushed a little and got pushed back; they refused to budge. They pushed us back to a split rail fence which had been set up for the event. Soon, the rest of our small army arrived and we began to push back, however, the federals had substantial reinforcements.  By then, our little platoon was down to 1/2 strength. Major Visser took a great hit in our front, and Second Sgt. Scott George of the 4th Mo was capably in charge. Major Looney then came forward and told us, aware that the federals were pressing, that we had to hold our forward position behind the rail at all costs. We held but were soon overrun and all killed by the rampaging federals. Getting out and miscellaneous -- Breakdown on Sunday after the battle, quick and clean. No need to break down prior to the battle as you could see your car or truck from the camp. Overall, the weather was beautiful, dry and warm, and very sunny on Sunday. There were very few modern distractions such as car or train noise, but the power lines overhead were much in evidence. Dave Renley said that his goal was to have 100 rebs and that they were gradually reaching that mark, and that he was happy with how Pipestone 2008 turned out. I am as well. I tender my humble suggestion that Pipestone be added to the Battalion MAX schedule for 2010 as I think we all had a great time there, the long drive notwithstanding. Getting into a new area and seeing some new faces is a good thing, and I humbly support that. The trip home was easy and uneventful, and we even found a Cracker Barrel. Your obedient servant, Brian Cox Captain, commanding 9th Texas Vol. Infantry 1st Missouri Battalion

NINTH REPRESENTED AT LAMONI, IOWA

                                              AFTER ACTION REPORT

Journal Stand of Colors 2008

After Action Report and Photo's from event posted for your perusal

General Pickett and Pvt. Ralph storm General Meade's position on Cemetery Ridge - After action report from Gettysburg to follow....

Mahaffie

                 MAHAFFIE 2008 WAS A SUCCESS!!

   After Action report

            Photo Courtesy of Robert Szabo.

The Retrospective on 2007 events by Captain Cox has been added April 18, 2007

BURNING DOWN THE TOWN

Dayton MO. March 28 - 30, 2008

After Action Report

Captain Brian Cox
9th Texas Vol. Inf.

The First Battalion meted out the wrath of God and the federal government for harboring a Missouri State Guard recruiting depot, this past weekend, albeit as federals, and a good time was had by all at the Burning of Dayton reenactment.

Courtesy of C & S Studios, a preview of the DVD created with pictures from 2007 events

Let the movie download for a moment, then click to play!

We want feedback, so let Herb or Jamie know!

If the video does not start, refresh the page.

The Full ~ 20 min DVD is available for members or fans!   Just a request will get you one,  so email Herb or Brian!

Watch a new video on 2006 events

We are working on adding new content, so please be patient and check back!

Pea Ridge Pictures 2007

  Regimental Meeting in Topeka -

 Report to Follow....

Bloody Dawn premieres ...

The Lawrence premiere of Tom Goodrich’s Bloody Dawn played to an appreciative audience on Saturday, January 12, 2008, at Liberty Hall. Present for the premiere were Shawn Bell, Randy Downey, Herb Shemwell, Brad Anspach, Tom Leahy, and your humble correspondent.

Director Ken Spurgeon of Lone Chimney films gave appropriate opening and closing remarks as well as acknowledging the descendants of the victims of the grisly August 1863 destruction of the town who were present at the showing. Also present were author Tom Goodrich and wife Deb as well as several of the commentators appearing on the film.

Displaying their acting chops in the film for the 9th were Shawn Bell, Randy Downey, Brian Albert, Bill Luther, Evan Andrews, Carl Rader, the multi-talented Tom Leahy (as William Quantrill), and your humble correspondent.

A reception at the Eldridge Hotel followed the showing.

We thank Ken Spurgeon and the folks at Lone Chimney films for the chance to assist in this important production.

Brian Cox
Captain, 9th Texas Vol. Inf.

9th Texas Regimental Meeting 2008

9th Texas Regimental Meeting - Saturday, February 9, 2008, Museum of the National Guard, Topeka, KS

Men, our annual organizational meeting (in lieu of a muster) will be held Saturday, February 9, 2008, at the Museum of the National Guard at Forbes Field, 6700 SW Topeka, Blvd., Topeka, KS.

This is for the entire rank and file, not just for officers and non-coms, and I encourage everyone to attend, including new men and potential new recruits.

In the interest of getting all possible business done, I want to start at 11:00 am. I will likely be there at 10 am. Food and drink will be provided. If we have any new men, we may have some brief school of the soldier at the end.

The following topics will be up for consideration:  2008 calendar of events (including several early season events), rank structure, recruiting activities, uniforms, scenarios at events this year, website, areas of drill we need to work on, “alter ego” federal impression, news around the 9th and the battalion, gripes, and the like, and any other pertinent business.

In addition, if anyone has extra gear for sale or barter, by all means, bring it with you. I have been in touch with several former members of the 9th and believe that I will have that gear available for sale at what is anticipated to be below-market prices.

Also, please bring pictures that you have of events past, as well as any materials which can be incorporated into our recruiting materials (e.g., old handouts).

In addition, I encourage everyone to bring cartridge-rolling materials so we can maximize our time.

For those men not on-line, please get out word to those about the meeting.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

I look forward to seeing you all at the meeting, and remain, your most humble and obedient servant,

Brian Cox
Captain
9th Texas Vol. Inf.
 

The 9th goes to Hollywood --

The Kansas premiere of Tom Goodrich’s Bloody Dawn on Quantrill’s 1863 raid on Lawrence, KS, will take place at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts, Lawrence KS, on Saturday, January 12, 2008, at 7:00 pm, and the Orpheum, in Wichita KS, 200 North Broadway, on January 11 at 7:30 (other showings can be found on Lone Chimney’s website).

The 9th’s own Color Sgt. Shawn Bell has credits on the production as Associate Producer, Sets, Makeup, Weapons (see http://www.lonechimneyfilms.org/in_production.html), and other members of the 9th pitched in on the film this past summer.

Bloody Dawn is another chapter in the 9th’s long history of assisting in film recreation of the bloody decade in this Country’s history commencing with Bleeding Kansas in the 1850’s and continuing through the American Civil War, 1861 to 1865 (for further details, see http://www.ninthtexas.com/about.htm).

Brian Cox

Pea Ridge 2007 event

After action report -- Pea Ridge (Bentonville ARK), Oct. 26-28, 2007:

Gen. Van Dorn’s Oct. 1862 effort to drive the federals out of Arkansas and thence Missouri met doom when the lads of old made the efforts, and ours was similarly unsuccessful when we journeyed again to Bentonville AR this past October.

The 9th with the Battalion has been to Bentonville at least twice.... Click to read on

                           Pea Ridge 2007 event Pictures are UP and ready for your viewing pleasure!
 
 

 Pilot Knob report full version: updated 10.20.07

Men of the 9th -- After repeated, gallant assaults on the Federals in Ft. Davidson this past weekend, it is my unfortunate duty to report that the attacks failed, and Gen. Price's Army of Missouri and our own First Missouri Battalion suffered measurably from the effort. It is now the duty of every man to work to hold the army together with a view toward the coming campaigns. .... click for more
Captain Brian Cox
9th Texas


Brian Cox

                  pictures added 10/21/07   

Pictures here for Lawrence and Filming for Lonestarchimney production of Bloody Dawn

Sept 9 dispatch...           

Men of the 9th --

Gen. Price has commanded that we assemble in the environs of Arcadia Valley in two weeks to march on St. Louis and push the federals  entirely out of our sister state of Missouri.

Gen. Price advises that the blue cowards have taken refuse in weakly constructed Ft. Davidson, which lies directly in our path. Although we understand that the federals have some cannon, it is estimated that they have barely over a thousand men to our 12,000. We should have no difficulty pushing them out of the way if they even have the heart to stand and fight.

Gen. Price will no doubt lay siege to the fort rather than risk a potentially costly frontal assault. There is high ground surrounding the fort on which we can set up our guns  to pound the fort into dust.

There is believed to be a cache of arms in the fort so that those among you who are presently unarmed will be armed.

Of note, the federal commander is reported to be Thomas Ewing, Jr., the brother-in-law of that Yankee scoundrel William Sherman who is at present attempting to capture Atlanta, Georgia. Perhaps we can do something to take Gen. Sherman’s mind off Atlanta!

I need remind no one among you that now is the time for every man to do his duty and follow Gen. Price in his liberation of Missouri.

I need to report our numbers to Col. Amend directly so those of you fit for duty on the campaign shall report your status immediately.

Your obedient servant,

Brian Cox
Captain, 9th Texas

 

The Ninth supported the Watkins Museum in Lawrence the weekend of August 17-18, 2007, for its annual Civil War on the Western Frontier activities. Although their activities extended over a two week period, we participated in their Civil War encampment on Saturday in South Park opposite the Douglas County Courthouse and bordering the retail hubbub of Massachusetts Street. The site and location present great opportunities for a larger event on the lines of Mahaffie, but that will take considerable efforts and time to realize.

Present for duty were Herb Shemwell, Brad Anspach and his wife Kim, and your humble correspondent for the 9th, and  Steve Slater and his lady friend, and Cpl. Rick Gardner and his son of Jackman's 16th Mo. Also present was Charles Walthall who, with his son, presented an artillery impression and also set up an SCV table.

Although enemy forces under Gen. Mosquee and Col. Chigg made repeated and determined attacks on our camp throughout Friday night, we survived to meet the next day's activities. The civilian presence through the night in the environs of South Park was somewhat unusual, but thankfully no homeless wanted to join us in our tents.  In addition, the park's water sprinklers  opened up on us later in the night and gradually advanced to effective range of our camp. Pvt. Shemwell performed picket duty and stopped the assaults with some carefully placed firewood scraps.

A free pancake and sausage feed considerably brightened our outlook on life in the morning and our numbers began to swell as our comrades began to arrive.

We were welcomed by appreciative crowds and were able to explain the life of the Civil War soldier and conduct some firing and drill demonstrations.We also handed out some recruiting material for the 9th and welcomed a new recruit, Tate Bartlett, who we have apparently rescued from a Yankee outlook.

Although our turnout was thin, I am optimistic that our numbers will increase next year.


Brian Cox   

Engagements for 2008 includes 145th Gettysburg.  Read about next years schedule here!

Pictures of Ninth at Lawrence and Filming at Old Cow Town for "Bloody Dawn" coming very soon (Check back soon!)    

Bloody Dawn, by Lone chimney Films

The 9th displayed its continuing support of historical preservation this summer with its assistance to the producers of a film version of Tom Goodrich's Bloody Dawn, about the raid on Lawrence in August 1863 by Quantrill's raiders (for those old enough to remember, Tom fell in with the 9th at Topeka's Railroad Days in 1993 as a raw recruit). Check out the website of Lone Chimney Films at http://www.lonechimneyfilms.org/.

The weekend of August 12, 2007, Shawn Bell, Evan Andrews, Bill Luther, Tom Leahy, and your humble correspondent helped Lone Chimney Films complete their film recreation of that fateful event. Bill was one of the Lawrence male unfortunates, Evan played a raider who escaped lynching by the enraged citizens by shaving his beard and donning female garb, Tom expanded his considerable skills at historical impression by recreating the infamous Quantrill, your humble correspondent was a dusty, dirty raider, and Shawn was the make-up man and all around handy man on the set.

Although the pay was negligible, and the weather was blazing, a good time was had by all!

I understand that the 9th assisted in earlier "shoots" and will try to have more details later.

Our profound thanks to Lone Chimney Films for permitting the lads of the 9th to participate in this important event and to add our our already bulging film credits.


Brian Cox

Men, believe it or not, the reenacting season is half over. But there’s lots of good shooting left, and here’s an update on what’s still on the calendar:

Aug. 18 -- CW on the Western Border, Lawrence

Looks like this will just be living history. We can set up on Friday, August, 17, then, the event is during the day on Saturday. We may have to go in the Blue, but I am seeking further details.

I understand some of our sister units will support this, including Jackman’s 16th Mo.

Sept. 1-2 -- Lamoni’s 5th Annual CW Days, Lamoni IA

I got a flier on this at Mahaffie, and I think some of the company G lads may be going to this. Check out their website:  Civil War Days

This appears to be about 110 miles north of Kansas City

Sept. 15-16 -- Battle of Osawatomie, KS

Our own Tom Leahy will do his celebrated Abe Lincoln impression. I previously forwarded an email on this.

Here is some information from the curator of the site:

I would also like to invite the soldiers of the 9th Texas to participate in the Re-enactment of the Battle of Osawatomie. The event will be a two day event which will take place on the battlefield, with the battle being re-enacted on Saturday, September 15. I would also like to have weapons and drill demonstrations on both Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th, as that would add to the educational value of the event. Soldiers of the 9thTexas can camp on the battlefield, and groceries will be provided.

Osawatomie is SW of Kansas City and about 140 miles out of Topeka.

Sept. 21-23 -- Pilot Knob MO

Check out their website: History of Pilot Knob

October 13 -- CW Day at the Museum of the National Guard, Topeka, KS

This is a one day deal, but they have a pancake feed, free for reenactors, and will also likely have a federal artillery unit, and a group called the Lecompton Reenactors who do some orations.

Captain Daniel Keith also advised of some living history that they have down in Mt. Vernon MO. Unfortunately, that is the same weekend as our CW Day in Topeka. Contact me or Capt. Keith for those interested.

Oct. 26-28 -- 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove, Bentonville AR

The June issue of the CW Courier had a full page ad on this event, referring to it as a “quality national event.”

Check out their website:  145th Battle of Pea Ridge Reenactment

Brian Cox

June 8 - 10, 2007

Tribbey, Oklahoma

After Action Report by Captain Cox

Pictures courtesy of Brian Cox and herb Shemwell

New pictures added to Mahaffie page May 27.

Mahaffie Update

**Pictures are added to Shiloh page

Read the after action report on the Shiloh event posted.  There are pictures posted on Shiloh page.

Pilot Knob Form for September:   Pilot Knob

Other events will be posted as I get them in.

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