Word from Chancellorsville

From Robert Hope, May 4th, 1863. 

Here is my second report following the action at Chancellorsville, Virginia. The Confederacy were once again assaulted by the Yankee blue devils, on our home soil, but once again our brave defenders showed these arrogant Unionists that they cannot, nor will not, push us around with impunity. 

Gen'l Clayton Recuperating
with a comfy chair

With numerous assaults on our line, our boys held firm, thanks to the brilliant generalship of our leaders, especially that of General's Clayton, Green and Jackson. However, it is my solemn duty to report the demise of our glorious officer, Thomas Jonathan Jackson, known throughout the South as Stonewall. It is not yet clear what happened, but there is a malicious rumour going around that he was shot in error by our own men. It is also reported that General Clayton received a nasty wound, 

I am still awaiting conformation on this, but I am aware that some men are writing to there beloved ones back home in Hazzard to send cushions, or pillows to the general. I know that he is described as a "gentleman of generous proportions", so could these be he needs further support as  I have heard that he won't be sitting down for a time.

I am still with the Hazzard brigade, our boys fought like tigers, we have taken some casualties but morale and spirit is still very high, especially after the recent arrival of Mr Stobbard's wagons. There is a whisper that Colonel Buford Justice has been seen around the wagon park, with an unholstered pistol, muttering to himself 

"Where is that little bastard son of a bitch?" 

but I believe Mr Stobbard left "like a whirlwind "as soon as he saw the Colonel head towards the wagons.

I do not know Lee's next intentions, but I hope the readers will stay enthralled at the glory our Mississippi boys are making.

Self Hibernation Campaign - Summer 1863 - Units of Note

Two years into the conflict has seen a smattering of new uniforms issues to combat units on both sides

The current Zouave style has proved to be popular south of the border, with General Clayton sponsoring two regiments in their conversion to this uniform

10th Virginia Infantry

First in line for this upgrade were the 10th Virgina Infantry, also known as the 'Virginia Red Devils' of Pickton's Brigade. The sport a natty uniform with grey jacket with red hussar style trim, red fez with white turban and red zouave trousers with white gaiters.

1st Alabama Infantry

1st Alabama Battalion of Clayton's Legion has now also been raised to Zouave status.  This unit has a red jacket with yellow trim, red fez with white turban and baggy grey trousers, with a red stripe and finally all set off with white gaiters. hey are now nicknamed the 'Alabama Tigers'

Coy 'H', US Engineer Corps

Newest on the block is a company of US Engineers assigned to De Krackere's Division. De Krackere has ensured they have a Chasseur style uniform with red trim, shakos and red plume for dress wear.

Self Hibernation Mode - Bridge Club

By Hardy Kenwright

Second Division Bridge Club Match:   

Unwelcome invitation from M.G. Paul De Krakere:

Yesterday, I received an invitation from M.G. Paul De Krackere, to be his guest to observe a Second Division Bridge Match. A second class card game held little appeal to me so, I must admit, that I quickly got onto the Telegraph and tried to pass this assignment on to Daryll Beaderday, the NYIT’s popular Entertainments Correspondent. Unfortunately Daryll had tickets for an Al Green concert tomorrow night could not get here and back to New York in the time available.

Divisional Engineer's Pontoon Boat.

I was more than pleasantly surprised this morning to find that it was a ‘Bridge building’ Match between teams from each of the Brigades of 2^nd Division. Each team was assisted by the advice and guidance of attached Engineer Officers and NCO’s.

The Theory:

The object was for each team to bridge the creek running along the east side of the camp and build a crane capable of raising goods from a rowboat on the creek. using only the pre-set equipment provided.

The structures were then judged for quality, the speed of erection and the economical use of equipment, by 2^nd Division Engineer Officer, Major Hans Zimmerhammer.

The Iowan Brigade won this leg, also managing to use the fewest pieces of kit, (however this would backfire for them later).

The Practice:

The teams then raced to unload two barrels of beer and two boxes of eggs from a boat using their crane. Teams were marked for speed and condition of the goods once landed.

The 3^rd Brigade won this leg, managing to avoid breaking any of their eggs, although the beer was rather well shaken.

The Finale:

Finally, the teams had to get all the goods across their bridge to the Quartermaster on the far side. Again, Teams were judged on speed and condition of the goods once delivered.

The winning Massachuetts Brigade

The finale was a clear win for the Massachusetts Brigade. Apart from, it seems, being far more adept than the other teams at portage, the time they lost earlier making a bridge wide enough for two men to cross at one time paid dividends now as they fair ran across with their goods.

M.G. Paul De Krackere congratulated all the participants for their great innovation,  imagination and teamwork.

The remaining eggs went back to Q.M. (Provisions) Major Roland Buttar, while the teams got to keep the barrels of beer. They will have to show patience now whilst they wait for the beer to settle down.

Major Hans Zimmerhammer, explained to me that it was important for the boys to be confident with using tools, handling equipment, tying knots and understanding pulleys as it enables them to assist with basic engineering needs even should trained engineers not be available.

Further exercises of this nature are planned.      

Self Hibernation Campaign - Iowans go Hunting!

By Hardy Kenwright

Rappahannock Big Game Hunt

Iowan Sharpshooter Thaddeus J. King,
Hero of Chancellorsville

There are a number of big cat species native to the America’s but none as unusual or dangerous as the target prey for the Iowan Sharpshooter’s on this May day hunt.

M.G. Paul De Kackere’s veteran Iowan Brigade were to join their former partners of 3rd Division, the New York Italians 
and the Vermont Vanguard Brigade, in leading the XI Corps attack on the Rebels south of Fredericksburg.

Working with and around the heroic Iowa Infantry Regiments, were the light footed and keen-eyed Iowan Sharpshooter Company, led by Capt. Esau U. Myles away. As a change from their perennial Virginian opposition, today the target was the renowned Louisiana Tigers Brigade.

The Louisiana Tigers

As expected, the Tigers put up a good fight and they certainly don’t like to let go once they get their claws in.

In their brightly coloured Spring uniforms, the Tigers are a fearsome sight to behold, but it is also one that rather stands out in the rifle-sights of an Iowan Sharpshooter. 

Many a brave Tiger Officer and NCO was picked off during the seven hours battle and by 14.00 the last of the Tigers were retiring back to their lairs to lick their wounds. Happily, Tigers had become an endangered species on this battlefield.

That evening, M.G. De Krackere, whilst visiting all his units to thank and congratulate them on their achievements, spent time too with the Sharpshooters. They were all in good spirits as they exchanged stories and showed off souvenirs picked up from the field. 

A good many fresh notches could be seen carved in the stocks of the hunter’s rifles. I commented to one that he would now need to re-sharpen his knife.

This was certainly not a day when the cat got the cream!

Self Hibernation Campaign - The passing of Jackson

General Green's Division and Hecks Brigade pay their respects to General Jackson

At midday on the 15th May, in honour of my fallen friend and instructor at the Virginia Military Academy, with deep grief, I have ordered the discharge of cannon from each battery. It is to be repeated at intervals of a minute for an hour to mark the funeral of General Stonewall Jackson.  

In an emotional speech to his men, General Green said:  

"Whilst we mourn his death, we feel that his spirit still lives. It will inspire the whole army with his indomitable courage and unshaken confidence in our beloved country, our social system and the honour of those fine ladies from Hazzard county."

General Hugh IE Green

Self Hibernation Campaign - Cushions for Clayton

By Hardy Kenwright

The Late Thomas Jackson

News of the bloody day's battle at Chancellorsville as reached all the major cities of this great nation, who as one rejoice in the victory obtained on that field.

Whilst this paper does not want to show undue glee at the lost of any particular American, the death of general Thomas Jackson at the hands of his own men is a heavy toll for the rebel sympathisers to carry.

One has to ask, how did Jackson's men not recognise him, or was it a desperate act by 'press ganged' conscripts in the southern ranks to seek an early end to the carnage of this long war? This paper cannot say for sure.

However, it was nearly twice as bad for our secessionist foes, for General John Henry

Photo that is claimed to be General Clayton

Clayton was son nearly lost as well. In the heat of battle, Clayton was rallying his men when he was struck by a stray Minnie ball.

Some say that Clayton was lucky that his heavy thighs and large rear area was able to cushion the effects of the shot and prevent him receiving a mortal wound. Other medical experts, here in Washington, have said if his thighs and rear end were not so large the bullet would likely have missed him altogether!

It seems that General Clayton is again moving but finding it hard to sit in a saddle, so we suggest our kind-hearted readers might like sending him any spare cushions they may have to aid his comfort and recovery.

For the benefit of any Southern
readers, this is a cushion

It appears cushions are now in short supply in the 'Land of Dixie', now that our Naval Blockade is taking effect.

  

Self Hibernation Campaign - Reverend Al Green

Reverend Al Green pours oil on troubled waters.

By Entertainments Correspondent Daryll Beaderday 

The Reverend Al Green

In these partisan times one man is doing his best to bring harmony back to our fractured land. Crooner, Al Green, has been performing to sell out crowds at the Union Club of the City of New York. He has been the headline act at the popular 21st Street Club for six weeks now with a lively mix of songs both old and new, the current favourite from his repertoire being “Let’s Stay together”. 

Written whilst in New Orleans during the political turmoil of 1860/61, towards the end of his last season on the Mississippi Riverboat ‘Rose of Tennessee’, the song is an emotional plea for Northern and Southern folks to stop fighting and join together again.

Hostility in Louisiana led Reverend Green to head north, he no-longer felt that family ties would protect him from agitations of the Slavery lobby. 

Happily, Louisiana’s loss is New York’s gain as Al’s show looks set to run and run.

The gift of music and song run deep through Al’s family. His half-brother, Confederate Brigadier General (and Reverend) Hugh I E Green, has also gained a reputation for writing a number of popular ditties in recent years. 

"Let's Stay Together"

Abe, I'm so in love with you

Whatever you want to do

Is alright with me

Cos Union makes me feel so brand new

And I want to spend my life with you

Let me say that Lincoln, baby,

Since we've been together

Loving you forever

Is what I need

Let me be your running mate too

I'll never be untrue

Oh, Abe, let's, let's stay together

One Union together, whether

Times are good or bad, happy or sad

Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad

Why, Davis, why do you wanna break-up

Oh, turn around and make-up

I just can't see

Abe'ld never do that to me

Would you, Abe?

Just being around you is all I see

Here's what I want us to do

Let's, we ought to stay together

One Union together, whether

Times are good or bad, happy or sad

Come on

Let's, let's stay together

One Union together, whether

Times are good or bad, happy or sad 

Self Hibernation Campaign - Hugh R. Lying's Diary Extracts

Hugh R. Lying and his diaries

The New York Illustrated News is pleased to be able to publish extracts from Hugh R. Lying's diaries, smuggled out of his detention camp in Virginia and supplied to this journal by the most reputable sources.

The purpose of publishing this poor prisoner's personal diaries is to highlight the impact of the war on our brave Union soldiers.....

Start of 1st Extract 

of war?'

26th March 1863, Day 21

Today I found myself in a field hospital with fever. I was told off by two Irish nuns about my poor hand washing and hygiene practices. I later found out that they had been trained by a women who our English newspapers called "The Lady with the Lamp”.

27th March 1863 Day 22.

I find myself next to a newly enlisted boy with dreams of the glory of war. He has a deep southern accent and keeps on saying: " I don't know what else to tell yeh, except that yeh must never never do no shirking on my account !" or something like that.

28th March 1863 Day 23.

Uncensored, unromanticised, an opportunity to record what…

End of 1st extract

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Start of 2nd extract

I saw sufferers being isolated and their clothes and bedding burnt to prevent contagion.

24th April 1863. Day 50  

With guards, I’ve been allowed to walk around camp again for the first time. Reported improvements of medical care in Union camps falls short of what I have experienced. The incident of fever here appears low. Been reflecting on events of the previous day, and carelessness that might have cost me my life.

25th April 1863. Day 51

Monotonous routines of camp life broken up by the announcement of a free concert by General Green.  The 'Alabama' song is the hit of the moment with these southern boys.

26th April 1863 Day 52

For the last week, engineers from Hecks division have been fully occupied in improving field works. Feeling slightly bad knowing the lads on the front pickets could not brew up because officers had given instructions that fire and smoke would give their positions away.

27th April 1863: Day 53

Reports are reaching us that there has been a severe outbreak of scarlet fever in the Union camp. Spies returning say the numbers of cases and virulence of the infection in the Massachusetts brigade is being played down in the northern press. Whole companies are unable to sleep -  with the cough and fever. Their discoloured skin of pink, freckles and pimples peeling off as if they had bad sunburn.

28th April 1863: Day 54

About mid morning I saw Union forces fire 11 shells. Their artillery was throwing up smoke in the distance.   A tree was…

End of 2nd extract.

..................................................................................

Self Isolating Campaign - Ramblings form Gen'l Rocky Coltrane

April 28th 1863.

In the camp of the famous Hazzard Brigade, the troops are suddenly surprised to see some wagons pulling into their encampment. Then, seeing as to where these wagons have come from, they start whoopin' and a'hollerin'. tossing their caps into the air (how do you get your own one back? 

"Nope, thats not mine..nor that one..anyone seen a kepi size 7 and 5/8's?" )

General Coltrane is enjoying some coffee with his regimental and battery commanders. Upon hearing the commotion, he whips back the tent flaps and cries out 

"What in tarnation is all this gol'darned hoohar about?"

 He spits a chew of baccy into the metal pot by his feet..Spit..Whee..Dang...

He turns to the 2nd Mississippi commander, Buford T Justice, and growls an order..

"Justice, go see what all that racket is about, damn nearly spilled ma coffee"

Buford salutes, forgetting that there was a large seegar sticking out of the right corner of his mouth. As his hand connects with said article on its way up to the forehead, the seegar is now knocked out and in a slow graceful arc, slowly spins into the spittoon. and lands with a might splat 

"Damn", mutters Buford. 

He complete the salute, and it is returned by Roscoe. 

Captain Jubal Jackson, commander of the Hazzard Howitzers emits a slight cough. 

"About time you got that thing emptied, General"

Roscoe makes no comment, but stares at the back of Burford as he makes his way to the horse lines. Roscoe thinks 

"How that boy ever got through the Mississippi Military Academy god only knows" 

He spits again...Spit...Whee................................Dang.

" Bring that thing closer, will ya?"

He turns to the commanders still present. 

"Gentlemen, seeing as I have not received a reply to ma offer of taking some more troops from other commands to help with communications, ah do believe it is time to crack open another bottle of some fine Mississippi Dragonfire Bourbon ma folks sent to me "

Mississippi Wagon Train

Meanwhile, Buford finds his horse, known as "Whoa, Ya Bastard", secured in the horse lines. He mounts up, and heads off to where the noise is coming from. As he crests a small rise, he seas that pandemonium has broken out. Soldiers and gunners from all the units are surrounding about 5 wagons. He rides up to one Major Des Arster, 2nd i/c of the 1st Mississippi. He calls out 

"Major, what the hell is going on here? Explain!"

The major salutes, and with a cheery smile, he calls out, 

"This is a convoy of supplies that have come all the way from Hazzard County, sur! The good folks down there have all contributed to provide comforts for her boys. There's clothing, shoes, candy, coffee, tobacco and some tinned fruit. As you can see, they are real darned pleased to see them!" 

Lulu Belle Coltrane

As he turns, someone throws a brand new set of long drawers from a wagon, which lands on the Majors cap, the legs wrapping around his head, thus causing him sudden vision loss. He steps on a dropped haversack, the strap causing him to trip head first into a pile of horse shit left by one of the wagons horses. 

Buford thinks "Ah always wondered how he got that name"

He looks down the line of wagons, and stencilled on each one, is the name of a local haulier. one Ed Stobbard, and each wagon has a girls name on it, just by the drivers seat. apparently, each name relates to one of Eddies "conquests" back home. 

He thinks to himself "Ah wonder if my wife, Lulu Belle, helped with these supplies, it would be just like her, ah miss her so much"  

From inside his blouse, he pulls out a small likeness of Lulu Belle, and stares fondly into her eyes. when he looks up, he sees the name on the third wagon..."Lulu Belle"

"Wait a cotton pickin' minute....."

Quarantine Challenge: Mounted Elizabethan Border Ruffians

Again real life events and running a PBeM campaign have severely cut into my painting time but I was determined to get these little guys finished this week.

Three Ruffians on Perry's WoR Horses

I got an eBay lot of 16 mounted border reivers a few weeks back and I was looking for suitable horses to mount them on, then I remembered I had a couple of boxes of Perry's War of The Roses mounted figures in the loft.

Unusually for me I glued this English flag in position permanently,

here are two Warlord Pike & Shot Horses Centre & Right

Seems I'd already raided these boxes for horses and between them I managed to source 12 horses, so I then dragged in 4 Warlord Pike & Shot horses to make up the numbers.

One figure came with a moulded on Targe, he makes a good leader figure

I found some bags in my spares box, to add to the horses and also made some extra blanket rolls to add extra clutter to the figures but what I was really looking for was some small 'Targe' shields to add to some of the figures to give them that additional something else.

More usual for me, a Scots flag that can be swapped as needed,

also an example of a saddle holster added to give more period flavour

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any, so maybe later the lockdown I'll look harder and add some of these to the figures...

I like that only two of the figures have muskets, two others have crossbows

and one I added a pistol, as his saddle holster was empty! 

I'm not certain of the manufacturers of these figures, I suspect Wargames Foundry or Hoka Hey as they fit in well with my foot figures for the period.

Another view of some of the figures

So I'm now out of Elizabethan figures to paint, so guessing I'll revert back to Pike & Shot, Siege of Vienna figures. I have an infantry regiment to paint up and I have just found three Ottoman Heavy Cavalry figures to have a go at,,,

I use steel spears / lances on all my 28mm figures and yes, they are sharp!

But I find players give the figures more respect when they know they

can hurt themselves if they mishandle the little guys....

Another random selection of the little guys...

And a final shot, I added swords to a couple of the figures to give variety,

half of them are spear armed.