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Kathy Heitman "THE PICTURE LADY"

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BROOKSVILLE RAID
JANUARY 19-21, 2008
Sgt. John Butler Chaplain 3rd Battalion

Once again, this event proved to be a pinnacle of reenactments for the reenactors and spectators alike. Friday’s School Days attracted approximately 1,400 children from local schools to learn about the War Between The States. Reenactors had stations set up in order to demonstrate for the children what it was really like back in that era. A huge thanks goes to Col. Riker who coordinated the Friday activities.

It was Saturday, January 20th. The spectators were able to take a step back in time as the reenactment began at 2:00 p.m. A peaceful calm rested upon the field. It was difficult to imagine in the stillness this would be the site of mayhem and tragedy. As the breeze blew across the grass, the woods rang out with scattered gunfire. At first, a few blasts here and there grew in intensity until large, loud volleys could be heard. Smoke billowed out from the trees as the only indication of the battle that took place inside the tall green standards. Sounds of musketry grew louder. Finally, a column of Confederates came out of the line of trees in retreat. As they moved out, another battalion backed out, firing on the enemy. The Federal line soon joined the fight out on the field as they pressed the Southern boys steadily towards the middle of the sprawling field. The Confederate cavalry soon rode in to harass the Yankees to allow the bedraggled gray line the ability to retreat. The moment the Yankee infantry was cleared, the Southern artillery opened up with a massive barrage of shot. As the Federal infantry maneuvered to some entrenchments, the artillery call was answered by the Yankee cannons. Federal and Confederate cavalry galloped out to engage each other. The Federal horsemen tried to keep the Confederates away from the Yankee infantry as the Yankees rushed to dirt mounds for cover. While the cannons sounded their deadly toll, a battalion of Yankees marched out across the field to reinforce the battered companies in the earthworks. To match the Federal movements, a Southern battalion was marched out and spread into line to engage the line of blue that advanced. Another Yankee division, which included the Red Legged Devils maneuvered around to the Confederate’s left flank while a third came out from the woods to the right. The remaining Confederates marched out to halt that advancement. Volleys of deadly fire range back and forth as cannons continued to pour out their destruction. Sounds of a Gatling Gun could be heard as it took a devastating toll on the boys in gray. The Federals quickly moved troops and divided the Southerners and were able to get the advantage. As the Confederate companies fell, one small battalion with Southern Marines made a bold move onto the earthworks and managed to push the Federals back. As they fired, more Yankee companies moved and soon had the Confederates boxed in with a mean crossfire with no chance of escape. The Confederate commanders saw the massive devastation of the armies and solemnly surrendered, thus ending the battle. Taps was played by the bugler. As the mournful notes sounded, those soldiers that managed to survive covered their hearts with their hats in respect for the dead.

Sunday morning dawned cold with a cold front that came through with the rain the night before. The cold wind blew steadily through the jackets of the men as they marched up to Morning Colors. The orders of the day were given and the brigades were dismissed to attend the daily camp chores. Chaplain Roger held church service for 135 reenactors in attendance. 5 came forth to receive Jesus or rededicate themselves to Jesus after backsliding away from Him. He presented a wonderful message about “Enough is never enough”. He talked about how we just keep wanting more and more. He gave an example of our reenacting hobby. We complain about the heat, the cold and the wet conditions. When we get home we ask, “When’s the next one?” The one thing we need to want more of is the Word of Christ. Following the church service, reenactors busied themselves at Sutler Row or prepared to break camp to make it easier to leave after the battle.

The Federal and Confederate armies formed up for the Grand Review in front of the crowd that began at 1:00 p.m. Directly afterwards they moved to their respective positions for the beginning of the battle. The Southerners took the hill as the Federals again took the earthworks and the field. Dividing up, the Yankees moved one regiment back in reserve as the other manned the hills and mounds. Several of the boys in reserve stacked arms and relaxed while they waited until they were needed. One group started up a card game that was interrupted by a Lieutenant. The peace was quickly shattered as sounds of carbines and pistols range out in the air. Yankee and Southern cavalry clashed with each other. As the horsemen battled it out with one another, a line of skirmishers moved out from the mounds. They did not get far because they were confronted by a line of gray skirmishers. Shots range out testing each other’s offensive. The Yankees seemed to gain ground until a battalion of Confederates marched out and quickly formed a battle line against the skirmishers. The first battalion of Federals went out to match up with them while another Confederate line moved out to the right and angled in. The Yankee reserves were called to attention. At quick time they were lined up along the earth barriers to reinforce the Marines against the gray wall that advanced. Massive volleys of musket fire range out as the Yankee and Confederate artillery decided to join in the fray. The Southern boys cheered and rallied as they began to push inward. Unable to hold, the Yankees began a steady, slow, strategic withdrawal. They retreated a little then turned and returned fire into the Confederates. A large group of Johnny Rebs marched down the woods and then onto the field against the artillery. Although the cannon shots rang out, the Confederates kept coming slowly and steadily. The Union howitzers had no choice but to ball back and reposition themselves. The infantry supported them and provided cover as they fell back and then culled out the Yankee lines. Soon they had them in a converging fire as men fell and withdrew. As the far Confederate battalion closed in on the now silent Yankee guns, one Sergeant stood among his fallen comrades and fired. Shots from the Confederate line showered past as one Minnie ball hit him. Showing bravery or desperation, he staggered and shouted, “Is that all you got? I will take you all on Johnny!” He was answered as five more rifles fired, felling him in his tracks. Soon the call was given to cease fire. A quiet fell as the din of battle receded. Taps played for the brave souls who had fallen for their beliefs. The call to resurrect was shouted and men stood and rejoined their respective companies. Northern and Southern armies formed in front of the spectators to fire a salute of thanks.

On a personal note, this will always be one of my favorite events and I pray it continues to grown. I hope it satisfies the public’s desire to be entertained as well as taught about this period of our history. Let us give thanks to those precious people who give so much time and sweat to put on a great event.

May God bless you and protect you until the next event. In the words of Chaplain Roger, “When’s the next one?”

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Brooksville Raid 2008 Saturday #1 > BR08-65

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