Kneeling, left to right: Heiser, Pat Rose, Eric Ford. Standing, left to right: Lt. Diamond, Jeff Marks, John Nyeste, Cpl. Jim Rose, Sgt. Mark Fasnacht. | Eight members of the 53rd PVI journeyed to Appomattox, Virginia for the 140th Commemoration of the battles of Sailor's Creek, Cumberland Church, and the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. After a visit to registration, most of the men shamelessly gorged themselves on "the best fried chicken in Appomattox" at the Appomattox Buffet before we drove out to the site located on Rt. 26 in what will become the Appomattox Business and Industrial Park, currently rolling green fields interspersed with pine woods, and overall a wonderful setting for the event. The National Regiment camp was easily identifiable and we settled in quickly for the evening, assigned to Fourth Company commanded by Captain Steve Hanson of the 2nd US Regulars. The NR had a minimal turnout for the weekend, approximately 150 officers and men with the battalion commanded by Tom Downes, seconded by Lt. Colonel Hutchison and Major Wolf, the latter commanding our wing of the battalion. Saturday morning was spent in company and battalion drill, after which we also worked on skirmish drill as our company had been selected for skirmish duty (if necessary) in the afternoon's fight, which we formed up for around 2 PM. Marching at the end of the column, the regiment paraded past the Rebel horde who serenaded us with cat calls and a chorus of "Dixie", (which we well know that no true southern gentleman would even mutter under his breath unless he knew better), and formed line of battle in an open field before the crowd of spectators and what looked to be every Confederate reenactor in southwest Virginia. The battle was a simple affair, ours and accompanying units driving the rebel forces up and down several hills, across a semblance of Sailor's Creek, and up and down some more hills, before they capitulated with a howl and wave of hats, followed by the blowing of taps. Casualties were fairly heavy in the ranks, Pvt. Pat Rose having gone down with a leg wound followed by Privates Ford, Heiser, and Marks. Pvt. Nyeste, who "volunteered" for duty as the battalion left guide, which he performed with alacrity and spirit, was (we all thought) shot dead that afternoon while the battalion drove back the rebels from the banks of the creek. Miraculously, he appeared alive and much rested in the camp upon our return. The evening was spent relaxing under a crystal clear night sky, one of the most beautiful in recent memory. After Sunday morning formation and instruction on guard, we adjourned the encampment to visit Appomattox Court House and then struck for home.
Without a doubt, the NR camp looked better than any of the other conglomerate encampments surrounding us, and I think we displayed the best veteran impression ca. 1865 on the field. Refreshments were available from the Christian Commission camp adjacent to the regimental camp, those happy folks providing us with delicious coffee from their "coffee calliope" (also known as an anti-balloon battery), lemonade, and biscuits with apple butter on Sunday morning. There was less pressure on the rank and file thanks to the NR commanders for the weekend and the relaxed situation in camp and battle made for an enjoyable weekend. Captain Hanson and Lt. Diamond did an admirable job in running the company both in camp and on the field, and it was a pleasure working with the Regulars once again. Those in attendance: Diamond, Fasnacht, Ford, Heiser, Marks, Nyeste, Jim Rose, Pat Rose.
Photos below are courtesy of Pat Hutchins & Bob LeFrancois of Sykes Regulars. More images to come soon! (click on each image for a larger view.) |
