In July the CHAP's organization has plans for a living history event close to Camp Sherman Oregon near the Metolius River in a very primitive area. This will involve infantry and cavalry of both Blue and Gray from 5 states. It's NOT a tactical or a public event. It's an event where you can expect to live out of the saddle doing duties as troops on the frontline and in comparative contact with the enemy. It's an event where 1st person is expected all weekend and where we hope you will get the experience of a soldier.

There may be rations issued but you will probably be expected to get your own rations and have them cooked ahead of time. This is not an event for family camping or modern food, some may not enjoy this type of event but many have asked for an experience like this that can't be had at any public event or tactical.

At this time I want to know how many are interested in joining me in attending this event. Please send me an email to let me know of your interest or if you have more questions.

I am not sure if this will involve dismounted men but I expect if it does, all men will be responsible for the horses present. If you love to burn powder this is probably not your event.

Capt. Ahearn

Lin is correct. What we are trying to do is lead the hobby toward the type of authentic event where being a real soldier for two days is the goal. A picket post event is normally a company vs company infanry picket line with Cav support. We plan to set up in an area with water and shade and nothing modern. The cav will be cav - picketing, scouting/reconnaisance, courier, supply, trading with the enemy perhaps, etc on a standard schedule so each trooper will have down time at the outpost and in reserve as well. I can see you guys adding a tremendous flavor of authenticity to the event. heck for once we might be somewhere near the real ratio of horses to humans.

We are currently looking at Vermont infantry and NY cavalry vs Virginia infantry and cavalry.

Anyway, stay tuned for July 16-18, 2004. Plan to live out of the saddle and be in the army...and bail out the footsloggers no doubt.

All the best,
Doug Cooper
Chairman, CHAPs

I can pretty much say for sure that Steve Pease and myself would be interested, possibly Guy Robinson too. The new guy with the Tenn Walker seems gung-ho enough to try this too. When I mentioned doing a "living out of the saddle" backcountry event to Kevin Wooster he said that he would be very interested, and probably had a couple of other guys interested as well. Hopefully he will come to another NCWC meeting soon, otherwise I will have to write him! At any rate it sounds good for a small contingent of Yankee troopers.

Ken

Depending on who shows up we can probably even out the numbers in cavalry without much of a problem. Logistics won't be too hard to manage in this area. We should be able to supply a hay drop for the horses but there is not much grazing to be had.

Just fire up the boys for the event, it should be a lot of fun and a great experience. We also have to encourage reading and educating about the campaign, anyone have any good book suggestions that might give a view as to specifics on cavalry during this period in the Shenandoah Valley? Anyone aware of letters from troops who were involved? It would help in doing 1st person tremendously to be aware of what typical experiences troopers had up to the date.

Ken, lets produce some handouts for the next cav training so the guys who don't view this site can be informed.

Capt. Ahearn