the riflemen’s standard - rootswebsites.rootsweb.com/~scprnyz/documents/2015_volix_no4.pdfthe...

TThhee RRiifflleemmeenn’’ss SSttaannddaarrdd Volume IX ♦ ♦ ♦ April 2015 (1865) ♦ ♦ ♦ No. 4

The Official Newsletter of the

PPAALLMMEETTTTOO RRIIFFLLEEMMEENN && NNEEWW YYOORRKK ZZOOUUAAVVEESS

Palmetto (S.C.) Sharpshooters & 17th N.Y. Veteran Volunteers

Volume IX, No. 4 The Riflemen’s Standard Monday, April 27th, 2015

Company C, Palmetto Sharpshooters Regiment, & Company H, 17th N.Y. Veteran Volunteers Page 1

Volume IX, No. 4 Monday, April 27th, 2015

The “Rifleman’s Standard” is the monthly publication of the “Palmetto Riflemen” & “New York Zouaves,” a group of American Civil War Living Historians and Reenactors, it is sent out via e-mail

the first Thursday of each month. All submissions are welcome, and should be sent to the Editor.

CONTENTS OF THE STANDARD

Quote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

From the Field Desk – Captain K. Robison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comments from the Company Commander

2

Attention to Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Announcements, notices, advertisements, and other items of interest

2

Marching Orders – Events Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Upcoming events and activities for the year

3

School of the Soldier – Making Arsenal Packs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Articles about reenacting, drill, improving your impression, etc.

3 – 4

Company Songster – Mr. Here’s Your Mule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Period music, songs, and poetry, written prior to January of 1865

4

Company Classroom – South From Appomattox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Historical articles about people, places, or events prior to January of 1865

5 – 7

After Action Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reports from reenactments, living histories, etc., from unit members

7 – 8

COMPANY STAFF

Captain Kenneth H. Robison II [email protected]; (803) 345 - 2025

1st Sergeant Matthew E. Wilbanks [email protected]; (864) 638 - 7598

Corporal Charles E. Ferguson [email protected]

Company Website – http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~scprnyz/MainPage.html

On the Cover: "Furling of the Flags" by Richard N. Brooke



“The men were lying about the road and field in the most ridiculous positions, having fallen asleep where they dropped, and the air was filled with snoring’s in every key and of every

variety.”

Private Robert G. Shaw, Sixth Company, 7th New York State Militia – April 26th, 1861

♦ ♦ FROM THE FIELD DESK ♦ ♦

Greetings All,

I hope that this finds everyone well and in the best of health and spirits.

The 150th Potter’s Raid is now a thing of the past, and I’d like to thank all of you who attended and supported us this first year of the event. You all did extremely well despite the weather and I can safely say a good time was had by all who were able to make it. Work will begin shortly on planning for 2016 and if you have any input on things you might like to see, or ways to make the event better please let me know.

Also at Potter’s Raid we said our goodbyes to Private Hugh Goffinet, who will be in Germany for the next few years; in the past few months he has been with us he has made a lasting impression and we all look forward to his return!

For upcoming events, we have two for the month of May that are on the company calendar. Those two being Saturday, May 2nd, in Prosperity, South Carolina. We will be setting up a small two-table living history display in the Old Train Depot in town, the display to be centered on the role played by the Dutch Fork Volunteers in the war, and the passing of the Federal Army through the area.

The other will be on Saturday, May16th, at the Alexander H. Stephens House in Crawfordsville, Georgia; for this event we will be portraying Regulation Federal and arresting the former Vice President of the Confederate States. The event will be a daylong event consisting of the recreation of the arrest as well as a small living history display. If anyone is interested in these events please contact me for more information.

Toujours Pret!

Kenneth H. Robison II,

Captain, “Palmetto Riflemen & New York Zouaves.”

♦ ♦ ATTENTION TO ORDERS ♦ ♦

Hawkins Zouave Uniforms. The Hawkins Zouave Uniforms of the company are

available for purchase by company members. The package includes the fez, sash, gaiters, jacket, vest, and trousers; the price for the set will be $375 or purchased individually at the prices listed as follows: Jacket - $200; Vest - $40; Sash - $40; Gaiters - $25; Fez - $40; Trousers - $70. Turnaround time on production of the uniform, if the materials are on-hand, is about four to six weeks. When having your measurements taken it is important that the measurements are correct. It is suggested that you have someone else measure you to be sure. For more information contact Michael Zatarga at [email protected].

To Arms! Recruiting for the Company. Do you know of someone who is interested in

Reenacting or the American Civil War? If so take a few moments to talk with them about the hobby, if they show an interest invite them to come out and join us for an event. New recruits are always welcomed into the Company, and we will be glad to get them get involved. The company has recruiting flyers and brochures available for members use; these can be taken and placed at local libraries, school, civic centers, and other public places. Anyone interested in obtaining the materials or more information on how to do recruit contact Captain Robison at [email protected].



♦ ♦ MARCHING ORDERS ♦ ♦

The following is the events schedule covering the next six months. If you are aware of an event that should be added to this listing, email the information to [email protected].

The events are indicated by date and the name of the event. Any event marked with a (+) represents a Company Maximum Effort Event. A maximum effort event is an event that all members of the company are encouraged to be present at and take part in.

♠ May 2015 (1865) ♠

2nd: Prosperity’s Hoppin, Prosperity, So. Carolina

16th: A.H. Stephens House, Crawfordsville, Georgia

15th to 17th: Battle of Resaca, Georgia

25th: Memorial Day Service, Florence, So. Carolina

♠ June 2015 (1865) ♠

TBA: Unit Mid-Year Meeting, Location To Be Announced

♠ July 2015 (1865) ♠

11th: Liv. History at Augusta Museum, Augusta, Georgia

♠ August 2015 (1865) ♠

8th: Toy Soldier Show, Columbia, So. Carolina

♠ September 2015 (1865) ♠

11th to 13th: Bost’s Grist Mill, Concord, No. Carolina

25th to 27th: Liv. Hist. at Sease Farms, Lexington, So. Ca.

♦ ♦ SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER ♦ ♦

MAKING ARSENAL PACKS From the website of Company K, 4th U.S. Infantry

The following photos and text provides information on how to package cartridges into bundles (Arsenal Packs).Items required for arsenal packs include a box to bundle the packs, ten completed cartridges, a tube with 12 percussion caps, string, and paper. Shown in photo 9, the bundle box can be a very simple item of two wood uprights nailed to a board. The uprights should be at least the length of your finished cartridges and at least twice the diameter of your finished cartridges in height. The two uprights need to be separated by five times the diameter of the finished cartridges. Less than five diameters, and the cartridges will not fit. Much more than five diameters and it becomes more difficult to produce arsenal packs with sharp edges.

The same paper used for the cartridges can be used for the bundles. The paper should be cut in a rectangle, 6 or 7 inches on the short edge and 9 or 10 inches on the long. The tube for the percussion caps should be made from a spare cartridge trapizoid. The dowell used to roll the tubes for the percussion caps needs to be a bit under .45 inches. For my former I used a 7/16 dowell, wrapped once with common, package wrapping tape. One end of the percussion cap tube can be tied off and closed in the same manner as a cartridge or simply twisted closed. Insert twelve percussion caps into the tube and then fold over and close the open end.

Place the string, paper, and ten cartridges into the box (photo 2). Note: the paper's long length is marked A. Fold over the top sides and then fold over one end - like wrapping a gift (photo 3). Place the tube of cartridges in the open end of the pack, fold and close the remaining end, and tie off (photo 4). Tie the pack off in the long direction, cut and trim excess string (optional) and apply a label (also optional) (photo 5).

Additional notes: Regulations call for the rounds, when placed in the pack, to alternate tail to ball. The regulations, however, are not clear if rounds are to alternate within a single row, or if the rows are to alternate. When making my


packs I have chosen to alternate by row. I have shown this in a previous photo by using cartridges made with newsprint on the bottom row, and made with craft paper on the top row.

Photo 1 Photo 2

Photo 3 Photo 4

Photo 5

♦ ♦ COMPANY SONGSTER ♦ ♦


MR. HERE’S YOUR MULE By C.D. Benson, written ca. 1862

A Farmer came to camp one day,

With milk and eggs to sell,

Upon a mule who oft would stray,

To where no one could tell.

The Farmer, tired of his tramp,

For hours was made the fool,

By everyone he met in camp,

With "Mister, here's your mule."

CHORUS - Come on, come on,

Come on, old man,

And don't be made a fool,

By everyone you meet in camp,

With "Mister, here's your mule."

His eggs and chickens all were gone

Before the break of day,

The "Mule" was heard of all along,

That's what the soldiers say.

And still he hunted all day long,

Alas! the witless fool,

Whil'st every man would sing the song

Of "Mister, here's your mule." - CHORUS

The soldiers ran in laughing mood,

On mischief were intent;

They lifted "Muley" on their back,

Around from tent to tent.

Thro' this hole, and that, they push'd

His head, -- And made a rule,

To shout with humerous voices all,

I say" "Mister, here's your mule!" - CHORUS

Alas! one day the mule was miss'd,

Ah! who could tell his fate?

The Farmer like a man bereft,

Search'd early and search'd late,

And as he pass'd from camp to camp

With stricken face -- the fool

Cried out to everyone he met,

Oh! "Mister, where's my Mule." – CHORUS



♦ ♦ COMPANY CLASSROOM ♦ ♦

The following article pertains to the history of the United States and World History prior to January of 1861. The purpose of this section is to assist in improving the first person impressions of company members, by expanding the knowledge of the events that were taking place prior to the American Civil War. These articles will cover everything from biographies of prominent historical figures from the time, military conflicts of the U.S. and foreign countries, local historical information about South Carolina and New York, as well as and other items of interest.

SOUTH FROM APPOMATTOX THE DIARY OF ABNER R. COX

Company L, Palmetto Sharpshooters

From an article in “The South Carolina Historical Magazine” of October 1974

“On the 11th April, Gens. Longstreet and Lee wrote Col. Coward a letter expressing their appreciation of his gallant services, and pronouncing him to be one of the worthiest officers of the army (we all see and admit now, that the true secret of our disaster was a want of discipline) Pickett['s] Division left Petersburg with 10,000 muskets, and surrendered 150 muskets at Appomattox C.H.

On the morning 12th April, Gen. Lee, attended by an escort of cavalry, left us on parole and was loudly cheered by his men. Our Division then fell in, Bratton's Brigade in front, the Sharp-Shooters in front of it, and moved 3 miles to Appomattox C.H., Grant's Headquarters, where a large force of Yankee infantry was drawn up on either side of the road, with flags flying and officers and men in full uniform. We marched up one line, (and in doing so saw the 16th Michigan that the P.S.S. almost annihilated at Gaines Mill) and our Regt, stacked arms in front of the 118th Pennsylvania. The men were very civil and polite; said they had met us before, and hoped it would be a long time before they met us again. We stacked arms in front of Warren's 5th Corps, now commanded by Gen. Griffin and then drilled down the line of the 2nd and other Corps (on our march down we saw the Yankees cutting up the apple tree under which Genl. Lee was said to have surrendered). It was a sad sight to see our guns and Artillery that had done so much execution, handed over to the enemy; the men felt sad, and the march was as silent and solemn as a funeral procession. The most candid Yankee officers said that their infantry could not have done anything with us, if it had not been for their cavalry harassing and stopping us.

April 13 Left the enemy lines and began the march homeward, having rained the night previous the roads were in bad condition and the march heavy. Eat [sic] some Beef,



parched corn, drank some coffee, and slept soundly having marched 24 miles.

14th Eat some coffee, beef, and corn, gave out the Paroles, and marched to Campbell C.H. where we rested. A gentleman gave away near an acre of onions. Stopped and eat dinner; onions and potato soup which was only full and strengthening meal in four days. The citizens told us that for a week previous to the day of our surrender, thousands of our soldiers raped their houses with arms in their hands, deserting to their homes. Today, one of Pickett's men, who had fled his command, approached Col. Bowen and asked for a parole. Drew half cup of meal and flour each and after eating felt much strengthened. We camped at 3 o'clock P.M. having marched 15 miles. Saw with pain much depredating upon gardens and barren lands.

April 15th Were aroused before day by rain. Rained until after 12 o'clock m, and our person and clothes got very wet. We crossed Staunton River at Mclvers ferry, and moved out 2 miles and camped, having marched 12. Drew flour and beef.

Sunday 16th One week since we surrendered and it seems like an age. Slept soundly last night, and arose to greet the sun in a clear sky. Marched through a corner of Halifax Cy. and into Pittsylvania Cy. to within 7 miles of the C.H. where we camped for the night. Our route lay over pleasant roads, through strong lands and by noble residences eligibly situated. The landscape views were charming. The population sparse. Marched today 22 miles.

April 17th After eating heartily of a turkey stew with Lt. Hamilton, drew a small ration of bacon, went to bed, and slept soundly [evidently eve of 16th]. Awoke at daylight and walked on 7 miles to the C.H., on the way a man gave us peas and bacon for breakfast. Passed large tobacco plantations, splendid cottage residences, most pleasantly located.

The houses of the village are situated on an elevated ridge, mountain peaks in view; built on one street and of cottage style. Eat a dinner prepared for us by citizens, rested until 2 1/2 o'cl. P.M. and then walked 19 miles by 8 1/2 P.M., making 26 miles for the day. Slept in the woods.

April 18th Col. Coward, who slept with us, and who had secured for us last night, in Danville, 1300 rations and R.R. transportation, told us of the destruction of Govt. & Private property by a worthless mob of citizens and paroled soldiers, and said he knew us too well to believe that we would be guilty of any disorder. The Brigade marched through in perfect order,

and bivouacked 3 miles below the town. Danville is situated on the south bank of Dan River, on a ridge that recedes gently from its banks. The handsome private residences and grounds denote caste and wealth. Its location and a mountain range to the south, give it a picturesque appearance. Drew full rations of bacon, meal, salt, and molasses, and were kindly spoken of by the citizens. Marched down the P.R.R. 8 miles. Left Va., entered N.C. and at Pelham station took the train for Greensboro.

April 19th Slept all night in the cars; rode on the cars 28 miles, stopped for dinner; went to Greensboro.

April 20th Slept in a mill last night. Drew meal, bacon, salt, and beans. Gov. Vance, Beauregard, Hardee, S.D. Lee, Stuart (Stewart), Breckinridge, are here, and Johnston was here. There is a truce between the armies, and it is said that negotiations for peace are pending. Johnston's army are dispirited, dozens have left, others will leave, and I think the remainder will surrender. Wheeler and Hampton's men say they will cut their way out. Johnston's force is estimated at 22,000 Infantry and artillery, and 15,000 cavalry. By a

dispatch I have heard that Lincoln was killed at the theatre in Washington and his son Robt. and Seward wounded. Bob Lincoln was killed: a soldier heard Beauregard read the news from a Northern paper on yesterday; it was done by Guerillas. Johnston and his officers had been on a conference of several days at Sherman's Headquarters, and he

announced in an order issued yesterday that all hostilities would soon cease. Drew shoes, blankets, and clothes; marched 10 miles towards Saulsbury (Salisbury).

Friday 21st Marched 20 miles and slept in a piazza.

April 22nd Arose by day-light and marched 10 miles to breakfast; while waiting it saw some of Wheeler's Cavalry

Lieutenant Abner R. Cox


take the last meat that a poor man with large family had. We got a stewed chicken, some peas, milk, and molasses and made a good meal. Walked 12 miles to Saulsbury. Where we could draw no rations. Saw an Engineer from the G. and C.R.R., gave him a coat and vest pattern to let us ride on his engine: reached Charlotte, N.C. at 11 o'clock on the 23rd.


23rd April: Drew one ration: reported to Hospital: took some medicine: the ladies came around and we got a good dinner. Saw General. M. W. Gary, who escaped through the Yankee camps at Appomattox C.H. Spent the day at Charlotte.

April 24th Slept in a box car, took the train for Chester C.H., 30 miles; crossed the Catawba on a pontoon ferry boat; on arriving at Chester at 3:o'cl. P.M. found Major Barnett's 2nd Battalion of State reserves: went to their camps and spent the night with them and saw Capt. Mac Williams, Lt Lewis, and other friends.

Tuesday, 25th Left Chester with the Battalion at 11 o'clock A.M. and marched 16 miles; camped at the widow Crosby's who is a daughter of Wm. Weintt. She baked some biscuit for us and sent us some ham meat. We rode some miles in the wagon of the Battalion and got our baggage hauled.

Wednesday 26th Slept well, arose at day break and walked to . . . in Newberry District, a distance of 16 miles, crossing Broad river at Ash ford's ferry, saw our old friend . . . Tuaster. Eat some milk and bread at the widow Osborne's, for which three of us paid $5.00. Exchanged some meat for milk for dinner; walked to within 3 miles of Newberry, which made 27 miles we marched this day. The last five miles I rode in the wagon.

Thursday 27th Arose at 1 o'clock A.M. and marched to Helena; got on the cars, and left with 1500 soldiers for home. Felt very joyous; reached Belton at 3/2 o clock P.M. and went home with Lt. Lewis. Spent a pleasant time, eat well, and slept well.

♦ ♦ AFTER ACTION REPORTS ♦ ♦

The following are the after actions reports of members of the company on the events that we have attended over the past month. Anyone wishing to submit a report contact the Newsletter Editor at [email protected].

150TH BATTLE OF BENTONVILLE MARCH 2015

Goldsborough, N.C.

March 26, 2015.

SIR: In obedience to your orders I enclose a report of the operations of the 17th New York Veteran Volunteers for the Battle of Bentonville, March 20-22, 2015. The battalion composed of three zouaves companies to wit: Co. D Captain Don Arns, Co. E Captain Sean Davis, and Company H Captain Kenneth Robison under my immediate command, arrived in the area behind the Harper House at about 12 meridian of Friday the 20th. We quickly made camp with the rest of the Fourteenth Corps and awaited further orders.

At 5 P.M. the regiment was ordered to hold itself ready to picket the Goldsborough Road, thereby relieving the advance guard. Leaving two of the companies in reserve, I advanced Captain Arns’ D Company and some dozen others drawn from the other companies along the road. We reached an open field and constructed rifle pits. The ground was open and we advanced half of the company into a larger field beyond. This section, under Captain Arns’ leadership crossed partway over the field when they came upon a single Confederate rearguard and wagon park. Not in sufficient strength to attack this wagon park, as it was supported by artillery, the section retired to the rifle pits. After two hours observing the departing wagons the company was ordered to withdraw back to camp.

Saturday the 21st the battalion as ordered to join Colonel Charles Young’s brigade and after an intense morning drill the regiment was pushed out into a disused cornfield. Trenches were dug and again Captain Arns’ company was called upon to provide skirmishers, while the brigade withdrew to the shade of the woods to await



developments. Around 2 P.M. Captain Arns’ company was driven back to the battalion and rallied on the regiment. After an excessive delay Colonel Young’s Brigade was finally ordered to retake the earthworks. The 17th N.Y. advanced boldly shouting its peculiar “Zou, zou, zou!” cheer ringing across the field and carried the works. For another hour the regiment fired blistering volleys that took the rebels by surprise. Angered by the seeming inaction of the commanders above, numerous pre-emptive assaults were launched by the brigade. Only once did the 17th N.Y. give in to this frustration as Captain Arns’ company sallied from their earthworks. To their credit the officers quickly brought the men to their senses and quickly withdrew to the safety of the works, but not before the Rebels fire inflicted a large number of wounded, including Captain Arns and Adjutant Kelly. At 3 P.M. the Confederates were seen breaking under our fire and it was determined to leave the trenches and flank a withdrawing Confederate battalion. With a cheer the men leapt from the trenches and with a zouave cheer pushed the Rebels back. Fighting ended around half past three. Having secured the field the battalion withdrew to camp.

At 9 P.M. the regiment was again ordered to picket the Goldsborough Road. After about two hours the men were ordered to retreat which they did without incident or loss. Daylight revealed that Rebel pickets had been within fifty yards of our positions, but had vacated the area an hour earlier.

The 22nd found the men footsore, but ready for action. The battalion was ordered to form at 12 meridian and marched to a fallow cotton field and again trenches were dug as the rebels were in close proximity. At 1 P.M. skirmishers were deployed and again Company D was ordered forward. Soon the entire line came under heavy artillery fire. This fire became so heavy that even officers and the colorguard sought cover by lying down. The Confederates, North Carolinians by their cheers, charged repeatedly in our front. They were driven off by volley from our men. Then disaster struck as Rebels flanked the left of our line and first one brigade and then a reserve were routed leaving the enemy in our rear. In desperation Colonel Young ordered the battalion to split our ranks, leaving the front rank in the trenches to fight on the original front, while the rear rank raced one hundred yards to the rear to establish a new firing line. The battle seesawed back and forth with our new firing line being driven back several times. Finally at about half past two the ranks were dressed and the men charged in grand style,

sweeping the Confederates before us. Contact was broken soon after as the rebels left us the masters of the field.

While there is not enough praise and ink to commend all those who deserve it, let it be known that the battalion performed admirably under trying circumstances and achieved as only a veteran regiment could. I am grateful to the officers of this battalion who led with a professionalism and alacrity little seen in the service. Captain Arns, Lieutenant Aldrous and Adjutant Kelly of Company D, Captains Davis and Robison of Companies E and H respectively, all performed nobly.

As you well know sir, noncommissioned officers are the backbone of a regiment and I would be remiss without mentioning them. Sergeant Major David Hambrick, although a westerner, handled the eastern city boys with control and poise and was instrumental in aiding myself in running the battalion. Sergeant Tyler Grecco of Company D kept the men’s spirits high in trying situations by, with Adjutant Kelly, the singing of sea shanties to inspire the men. His handling of Company D was masterly. Sergeant Sullivan of Company E stalwartly led his men in a very professional manner and Sergeant Willbanks of Company H ably kept his company in high state of readiness that we have come to expect. Sergeant Joshua “Meat” Williams bravely bore the colors on Sunday and is to be commended. Private Hugh Goffinet, my runner, should also be commended for his attention to duty on Saturday when he repeatedly brought water to the men in the trenches across a field fairly living with rebel bullets, in which he was subsequently suffered a minor wound. On Sunday he aided Captain Robison in relaying orders to his company.

I cannot stress enough the high discipline and espirit d’corps of this battalion kept the regiment together in dire straits. While others routed around us the 17th N.Y. became the rock on which the southern waves broke. The whole battalion is to be complimented for its poise. It has been a distinct pleasure to command such a body of men as these.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. P. ZATARGA

Captain, Comdg. Seventeenth N.Y. Vet. Vols..

Colonel. FRANK J. RUIZ SR.,

Colonel, Comdg. Union Volunteers Battalion

the riflemen’s standard - rootswebsites.rootsweb.com/~scprnyz/documents/2015_volix_no4.pdfthe...

Documents