Journal of the Ninth Texas

The 2013 Season was one to remember for the ages!

The Journal of the Ninth Texas Regiment of Infantry

2013/1863

9th Texas 2013/1863
Year End Retrospective

The 9th Texas commenced the third year of the sequiscentennial (150th) anniversary of the War Between the States - that is, campaign 2013 - with our traditional season kick-off and regimental meeting at Cowtown (Wichita KS) in April where four battles over two days (a first) were had. We had a season high twenty-two (22) men for the event.

The Pea Ridge muster in March was under-attended, and Mother Nature’s threatened snow on Saturday effectively called the event.

The boys at Gettysburg 150th in June fought the heat and humidity and “the Hill,” but the 9th put the most men on the field of any company in the Battalion, something to be proud of. The 9th’s own Chris Visser stepped up to do excellent work as a Battalion staff officer. And Pickett’s Charge, despite our knowing the outcome, was awesome. I am proud to stay that Pvt. Mattia stood for the first Gettysburg event and stayed to fight in the competing second, the next week. Some grit there!

Chickamauga in September was another National events but not a maximum event for the Battalion. Some of the lads attended.

The final event of the season was Brownville NE where the 9th supported company G and our brothers of the 4th Arkansas under Captain Arbaugh. Great fun!

We ressurected the 9th’s Christmas party in December at the Museum of the National Guard’s new meeting center in Topeka, and the event was well-attended by soldiers and ladies. I awarded the first annual “most improved soldier” to Pvt. Nathan Edwards, and “best supporter of the 9th” jointly to 1st Cpl. Bob Albert and Pvt. Aaron Staab. Everyone, including your humble correspondent, should try to emulate the example set by these soldiers.

The 9th continued its “Hollywood connection” with participation in the production of Lone Chimney Films’ “The Road to Valhalla.” Ninth alum Shawn Bell was a moving force in the production and LCF’s other endeavors.

We picked up some new men and some old veterans, no one got hurt, Mother Nature mostly cooperated, and great fun was had by all. Rank structure remained stable.

The Battalion survived some early dissension and tumult given agitation from other companies for institution of a set of Battalion rules and thereby an election for colonel of the battalion (not at the 9th’s instance, it should be noted). Ultimately, rules were instituted and the election was decided at the Battalion meeting in December at the Wilson’s Creek battlefield visitor’s center, the 9th casting the deciding vote for favorite son and incumbent Brad Amend to retain his post for three years (the vote was 7 to 4 among the Battalion’s companies for Brad).

On a sadder note, we heard of the retirement of Major Sam Looney from Battalion staff, and the untimely death of Captain James Shipman of the 1st MO.

Men, you should always keep in mind in upcoming campaigns - respect the public, the hobby, and your pards.

2014 will be the 9th’s 31st consecutive year (commencing in 1984) as an active reenacting group. Politicians will come and go, the economy will expand and contract, world affairs will give cause for worry or celebration, but the constant is the 9th Texas and your pards. Each and every man can take pride in that - there is none finer!

I remain, your obedient servant,

Brian Cox
Captain, 9th Texas Infantry
First Missouri Battalion

First Missouri Battalion Meeting, November 2, 2013,

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor’s Center

Amid high excitement given the election for colonel of the Battalion, the Battalion’s meeting was held with dispatch and professionalism by all in attendance, on Saturday, November 2, 2013, at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield visitor’s center, southwest of Springfield MO.

All eleven (11) companies of the Battalion were present by one or more representatives excepting only the First Missouri Dismounted and the 9th Missouri Sharpshooters.

Kudos to the folks at the Visitor’s Center for permitting us the use of the room for the meeting (and to Congress for putting them back to work so as to make this happen). And to Captain Keith and his 4th Missouri lads for hosting the meeting and providing the lunch (stew, chili, several deserts and some fixin’s). Future years meeting hosts will rotate, so the 9th should give some thought to hosting some year, and where.

We delayed the vote for colonel to give a representative of the 9th MOSS to arrive, and when a proxy for its vote came in by email, the matter of the election was addressed. Lt. George and Sgt. Major Sutton oversaw the conduct of the election. We first took a vote first to determine whether to have a secret ballot or take a roll. We voted to have the latter. And both candidates were also permitted to witness the vote. The actual vote was from the lowest company number (i.e. 1st Mo) to the highest (i.e. 16th Mo). The First Mo and the 9th MOSS voted by approved proxy. Ninth alum and incumbent Brad Amend won the contest by a vote of seven to four, with the 9th Texas casting the vote that formally decided the contest.

I hope that this vote will put an end to agitation and dissension in the Battalion and re-focus our attention to the coming campaign. I further hope that we will not hear anything about anyone running for colonel until the next vote, that is, in 2016. I was against the Battalion rules and the election for colonel from the beginning and in my mind, viewed then to now, we are no better off, and perhaps the worse off for the turmoil caused. But I digress...

From where I stand, the main function of the meeting was to set the Battalion’s schedule of events for the coming season. For those who are unfamiliar, there are different types of events for this purpose. ‘Maximum battalion’ events are those Battalion events of a regional nature, which all companies of the Battalion should make every effort to attend. ‘National’ events are those which are usually maximum battalion events, and which involve some greater travel and usually attract larger numbers of reenactors. Local, optional, or company events are usually of a company-nature, and involve fewer numbers and may be living histories or actual reenactments. MCWRA (or Missouri Civil War Reenactors Association)-sanctioned events are typically any of the foregoing except national events.

After discussion, the schedule determined for the 2014/1864 campaign is as follows:

April 25-27 Plattsburg MO 150th Battalion Max (# 1) and MCWRA Max , But the 9th should attend Cowtown Wichita KS the same weekend. May 17-18 Spring Muster location TBA Battalion Max (#2) June 6-8 Kingston MO Battalion Max (#3) and MCWRA Max August of note: Lamoni IA Labor Day weekend; Pipestone MN Aug. 9-10 Sept. 26-28 Pilot Knob MO 150th Battalion Max (#4) Oct. 11-12 Glasgow MO Battalion Max (#5). Also of note in October is the 150th of Westport MO, Oct. 24-26 Nov. 14-16 Franklin TN 150th Battalion Max (#6) National Dec. 5-7 Prairie Grove AR Battalion Max (#7)

This schedule of events should provided more than sufficient fighting for the 9th Texas and the Battalion. Of course, if any soldier wants to propose additional events for the 9th and the Battalion to attend, please let me hear from you.
I proposed a camp of instruction for officers and non-coms, and any other interested parties. This would be a day long school to reinforce some basic drill concepts and maneuvers. I remember back in the day attending one of these, and I believe that, if all adequately prepare for it, it will prove of great use.
Colonel Amend also passed around some written materials on the battalion/dress parade and the “school of the paperwork.” I will get a copy of these out to the non-coms and, on request, anyone else who wants a copy (learning the jobs of non-coms is one of the things an aspiring non-com needs to do).
Col. Amend also addressed some other matters which we also need to address in upcoming campaigns:
1.    We will begin to issue passes for soldiers who intend to absent themselves from camp, between 8 am and 5 pm.
2.    Use of modern eyewear is frowned on. A new soldier should make every effort to make a few initial purchases, including period eyewear, brogans, and shell jacket.
3.    Although I take the position that every soldier should take whatever steps are necessary to protect his hearing, the use of modern, non-flesh-colored ear protection should be avoided.
4.    Plastic tarps or ground clothes should be kept under cover.
On a sadder note, Major Looney announced his retirement from the hobby and his resignation from staff. Suffice it to say that many will say of Sam, “good soldier, good leader, good friend.” Sam, you will be missed.

I remain,
YOS,

Brian Cox
Captain, 9th Texas, etc.

CONTEST FOR COLONEL OF THE BATTALION

CONCLUDES AT NOVEMBER MEETING

After a year of considering instituting Battalion-level rules and an election for colonel of the Battalion, the latter contest was concluded at the Battalion planning meeting at the Wilson's Creek Battlefield visitor's center on November 2, 2013. There were only two candidates for the position, both experienced, capable leaders, Captain Ron Ulrich of the 2nd Missouri, and incumbent and 9th Texas alum, Brad Amend.

The vote was by roll call, with the eleven (11) companies of the Battalion each having their say by vote of their captain or proxy. The vote was seven to four in favor of Colonel Amend. And I am proud to say that the 9th Texas cast, by the undersigned, the deciding vote in favor of Brad.

Suffice it to say that the contest caused some rumblings of discontent in the ranks which unfortunately diverted the attention of the Battalion from the business of reenacting. That said, the matter is concluded for three years, and I trust that all can now keep their eye on the ball.

YOS,

Brian Cox

Elements of the First Missouri Battalion recently engaged federal units in and near Brownville, Nebraska territory, October 11-13, 2013. The site of the clash is the location of a sympathetic populace some two hours north of Topeka, as a point of reference.

Soldiers of the 9th Texas participating in the campaign:

Pvt./Col. Brad Amend
Pvt. Kevin Belt
Pvt. Brian Cox
Pvt. Jay Curtis
Courier Caleb Vogt
Pvt. Rod Kirkendall
Pvt. Aaron Staab
Pvt./Sgt Major Gary Sutton
Pvt. Braxton Thomas

Major Chris Visser
Color Sgt. Shawn Bell
Cpl. Dave Jepsen

Overall command of the confederates forces was under Major Chris Visser, with the two companies under Captains Jim Arbaugh of the 4th Arkansas and Chris Shuster of the 3rd Missouri. I can say with complete confidence that our troops were well handled under these officers.

Mother Nature was cooperative during the campaign with temperatures in the 70’s day and 40’s night with no precipitation.

The 9th’s campsite was atop a local hill, secluded from the temptations of the local city and largely protected from surprise attack by the Yanks. The men found plenty of firewood, a close supply of water, and sanitary facilities within the camp. The length of the 9th’s baggage train proved a little problematic, and abutted the drill field.

The local citizens provided satisfying forage on Saturday at the municipal hall, and there were other sutlers present in town to satisfy some of the soldiers’ needs. Photographer David Rambow from Minnesota territory was present to take a tintype of the men. The men also ventured out of camp on Saturday night to a local Yankee tavern (the Black Iron Grill) and were treated to fare of meat and drink.

The 9th picked up new recruits on the trail to the battle site, among them Jaye Curtis of Nebraska territory and his son, Caleb Vogt, who was courier, and Rod Kirkendall of Wichita. The latter “saw the elephant” during the campaign. All men carried out their soldierly duties with no problems.

And of course, new men endured drill on the school of the soldier including facings. No one injured was during the campaign excepting those who fell in battle.

The engagements with the Yanks proved largely identical over the two days of the campaign - preliminary skirmishes with the Yanks through town, then pitched battles with rebs sustaining numerous casualties in assaulting the Yanks who were in an advantageous position atop a hill.

One of the common complaints was that the men ran out of cartridges and caps during the extended fighting, mainly on Saturday. Of course, we were supplied with a pound of powder on the campaign.

During time in camp, and when not in drill, the men engaged in much discussion of the upcoming elections for the colonel of the Battalion. Candidate and incumbent Col Brad Amend spoke of his qualifications and fielded questions from the rank and file.

Between battles and other camp duties, Col. Brad Amend’s sutlery was open for business and a good many bargains were had. I can say with no compunction that the addition of a selection of fried pies would have been a worthy addition.

The campaign was well worth the effort.

I remain, your obedient servant,

Brian Cox
Captain, 9th Texas Infantry
First Missouri Battalion

IN MEMORIAM

I am saddened to report the untimely death of Captain James Shipman of the 1st Missouri Dismounted, August 16, 2013. An obituary can be found at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=james-a-shipman&pid=166476421&fhid=11271#fbLoggedOut, and a number of posts from family and friends on his Facebook page. I always found James to be enthusiastic and of good cheer at events, and his presence will be greatly missed. In behalf of the 9th Texas, I extend condolences to the family. Times like these should give us pause to reflect on the munificence of our most heavenly Father in permitting us in this life to enjoy the companionship of our brothers in the 9th Texas as well as the Battalion. Life is short. Let us strive to cherish the memory of Captain Shipman and to make the reenacting experience the best and most supportive we can for our fellow soldiers, and the general public.

YOS,

Brian Cox
Captain, 9th Texas

Colonel Brad Amend

9th's Favorite Son runs for colonel of the First Missouri Battalion

Gentlemen of the Battalion
Here is my resume. I am seeking the next term as colonel. I believe I have demonstrated my competence on the battlefield, and the drill field. Here iswhat I bring to the position. Your review and consideration will be greatly appreciated.

History:
I began my career in reenacting in April of 1984. ( click to continue reading)

RECENT ACTION NEAR GETTYSBURG!!

Men of the 9th Texas -

You have once again made history.

Although the 1863 Gettysburg campaign ultimately proved unsuccessful against the federals, the 9th Texas successfully prevailed against the substantial odds against us - the long march to the battlefield both in time and distance, away from family and friends, the challenging geography at the site, the capriciousness of Mother Nature, at once throwing monsoon-like rain at us, then repeatedly near-unbearable heat and humidity.
...
We battled a tenacious enemy handled well by his leaders, on his home territory, and gave them fair fight in battles on three successive days.

On the third day, we unquestioningly formed up, elbow to elbow, for what we all knew would be an exposed march over open ground to face shot and shell from front and flank, and although losing many of our number, stood to the task.

The 9th fielded the largest single company in the Battalion for this National event, proving once again that, when the chips are down, the 9th is up to whatever is asked of us.

Words fail me in expressing how proud I am of each and every one of you in the excellent, unfailing performance of your soldierly duties. It has been, and will continue to be an honor and privilege to take the field with such stalwart warriors.

Never forget - “There is none finer”: 9th Texas!

Your obedient servant,
Brian Cox, Captain - 9th Texas Reg't of Infantry

April 19-21, 2013, saw the annual reprise of Civil War days at Cowtown, Wichita KS, the first real event of the 2013 season (the Spring Muster being a bit of a bust due to unseasonable weather). Boys, if you didn’t make this one, you missed out on a truly special experience. I am told that we set a new single day attendance record. And this event can only get better in future years.

By any gauge, the 9th had a great turnout. Those in attendance:

Pvt./Col. Brad Amend
Pvt./Color Sgt. Shawn Bell
Pvt. Kevin Belt
Pvt. Carl Bishop
Pvt. Nathan Edwards
Courier Atticus Gianelloni
Pvt. VJ Gianelloni
Pvt. Justin Hill
Pvt. Dawson Manning
Pvt. Jamie RalphPvt. Justin Ralph
Pvt. Aaron Staab
Pvt. David Stickelman
Pvt. Braxton Thomas
Pvt. Chris Visser
Pvt. Sam Warner
Pvt. Jordan Waters

1st Sgt. Randy Downey
1st Cpl. Bob Albert
2nd Cpl. Herb Shemwell
3d Cpl. Mark Gianelloni
And your humble correspondent as Captain.

We welcomed new/old man Kevin Belt back into the ranks - Kevin was a company ‘C’ man back in the day.

We also welcomed new men Carl Bishop, a friend of Nathan Edwards, from company ‘G’ and Sam Warner, friend of Justin Ralph, son of Jamie Ralph, now of Company ‘A.’ Both men have now “seen the elephant.”

And as evidence of the fortuity of recruiting, we picked up new man at the event, Justin Hill of Wichita. I spoke to Justin on Saturday about the 9th and Civil War reenacting and promised to put him into the fight on Sunday if he came back. Sure enough, he did, we found uniform parts to fit him reasonably well, drilled him, and got him into the fight on Sunday afternoon, where he also “saw the elephant.” (At the risk of repeating, Civil War buffs who might like to try the hobby are all over the place, and sometimes it takes no more than starting up a conversation or handing them a business card, to secure a new recruit. Please remember - recruiting is the job of every man in the 9th. Cowtown is evidence of potential success if every man makes the effort!)

Also present for the fight were our friends from the 4th Arkansas, tough and ready fighting men all, after a lengthy drive down from Nebraska. Many thanks to Capt. Jim Arbaugh, and soldiers Ben Ream, Brandon Keller, Cody Williams.

Special thanks also to Capt. Greg Traxson’s 2nd Kansas (Verdigris Militia), Captain Don Seba’s McLain’s Battery, Captain Bob Green’s Elliott’s Scouts, and of course, the brave federals of Capt. Jon Goering’s 8th Kansas, without whom this event would not have been possible. And Capt. Chris Shuster of the 3d Missouri made the trip down on Saturday and fell in with us for the battles on Sunday.

And last, but certainly not least, kudos to Greg Hunt and the City of Wichita for letting us come out to play the whole weekend, relatively unhindered by red tape and without cost to us other than the time of a weekend and a tank of gas.

Ken Spurgeon of the 8th also had some film crews out during the sundry battles, to catch some footage for Wide Awake films. I hope we didn’t have too many bloopers. More filming to take place in May/June in the Wichita area.

We missed our own Abe Lincoln, Tom Lahey, but there was a Lincoln impersonator in attendance. Mr. Lahey, we miss you.

And I was finally able to get “Rev.” Staab out to give a brief but eloquent benediction before one of the battles.

Amenities at the event - there was plenty of wood, plenty of water close at hand, clean porcelain, and plenty of props. Mother Nature largely cooperated although it was slightly cool on Friday night, but otherwise clear and dry.

We moved our camping location from past years, this year moving to the open area across from the school house where the 8th had been. This is a prime location, big enough to accommodate our larger numbers this year, and yet still a draw for the civilian foot traffic. As captain, your humble correspondent had pretty comfy digs in the cabin located at the spot, complete with a rope bed, and electricity.

Four (4) battles over two days leaves little time to sit around and stare into the campfire. The schedule included a furious tactical on Sunday morning, scripted only as to its start, i.e. at the toll of the schoolhouse bell at 9 am. At that time, all groups (9th, 8th, Verdigri, Elliott’s, McLains) were tasked with heading out and hopefully meeting and overcoming the adversary. Boys, there is no more fun than an unscripted battle through a town such as we had here. We also had trench warfare and an assault on the farm house twice during the other battles.

Campfires were not the wildest we have had but some attention was given to smelting, as usual.

Col. Amend gave a cartridge rolling seminar in the saloon on Saturday afternoon. Men, if you are going to do it, you might as well do it right.

Per usual, we played some cards on Saturday night after the dance. I understand that Cpl. Albert was not as lucky as usual. Fearing past pastings, however, I stayed out of the contest. We also had some liquid refreshment, including some “cherries” which may become a 9th tradition.

Over the course of the weekend, we distributed some much needed powder to the troops. I will make a powder purchase to hopefully fill our needs for the rest of the year.

Chili and cornbread were catered in on Saturday night. Watch out for those “chives.” Many thanks to Cowtown for making that happen. Permit me to tender my vote for pork steaks at future events.

Some old 9th alum came out to visit, among them former First Sgt’s Wayne Turner, and Brian Shively, and former 2nd Sgt. Mike Haberkorn. Boys, these alum are giants in the history of the 9th Texas and worthy of our respect for helping mold the 9th into the unit it is today.

We had a truncated annual meeting at which company business, such as it was, was addressed. Col. Amend gave a measured stump speech to kick off the campaign for colonel of the Battalion. In the Missouri tradition, and although I don’t think that Brad will need it, I plan to vote for Brad several times. That vote will take place at the November Battalion meeting. The captains of the various companies will be the electorate. I assume that there will be other qualified candidates, however, I see no reason at present to depart from voting for Brad when that date rolls around.

Thanks to all who paid their dues.

Homie was awarded to Pvt. Stickleman for his rather too fastidious handling of bacon at the morning fire. Sgt. Downey knows better!

A mysterious goat made its appearance at the event and made several friends, however, its precise role in the 9th is not fully known at present.

As in past year’s, the event was advertised a Saturday event only. I am torn over whether the event should be advertised as a Saturday to Sunday event. Clearly, we would benefit from more foot traffic on a Sunday, but without too much public in, we essentially had the run of the place on Sunday to fight one of these battles known as BRFR. In any event, I have been in touch with the City administrator for Cowtown and he advised that the present manner of advertising the event has best served its needs.

And then there was the “Guy on a Buffalo” (check your YouTube).

That’s all for now.

I remain, your obedient servant.

Brian Cox
Captain, commanding,
9th Texas Reg’t of Infantry
1st Missouri Battalion

Epilogue - and now, on to Gettysburg!

CIVIL WAR BUFF?

Join us!

There are lots of Civil War reenacting groups in the Midwest, and the 1st Missouri Battalion has some of the finest. And there are some excellent federal units as well, the 8th Kansas among them. Anyone interested in entering into the big, wide, exciting world of Civil War reenacting would not go wrong with any group in our Battalion. If you are reading this, you must be interested.

That said, let me make my pitch for the 9th Texas, a Confederate unit with men mostly from Kansas and Nebraska, and the second oldest unit in the area. They say, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Well, I say, there are no new tricks to teach to my old dogs. As to non-coms and high privates, there are none more experienced, bar none:

First Sgt. Randy Downey has been been reenacting since 1998.

First Cpl. Bob Albert has been in it since 1992.

Second Cpl. Herb Shemwell has been in it since 1997

Third Cpl. Mark Gianelloni has been in it since 1983.

Our own “high private” Chris Visser, who also occasionally steps up to colonel to command whole armies, has been in it since 1990.

Among five (5) reenactors, that’s a century of reenacting experience. Yes, “Been there, done that.”

If you are looking to join a Civil War reenacting unit, I guarantee that you will find no other more experienced (and fun-loving) unit than the Ninth Texas. Give us a try (see our contact page on this webpage for persons to contact for more details).

Your obedient servant,

Brian Cox
Captain commanding,
9th Texas Reg’t of Infantry
First Missouri Battalion

P.S. As captain of the 9th, I have been in it since 1993.

AFTER ACTION REPORT - SPRING MUSTER

MARCH 22 - 23, 2013 - SNOW!!

The 9th participated with the 1st Missouri Battalion to kick off the third year of the sesquicentennial reenacting campaign. Certainly, a less than auspicious beginning - threats of poor weather kept attendance relatively low at a ballpark of 250 soldiers, and ultimately the event was called after the 2:30 battle for all to take their chances on the road home.

That said, we had two good battles on Saturday including some hand-to-hand on Saturday morning. Those faithful from the 9th in attendance were:

Pvt. Nathan Edwards
Pvt. Braxton Thomas
Pvt. Jamie Ralph
Pvt./Sgt. Major Gary Sutton
Pvt. David Stickleman

Brevet 1st Sgt. Bob Albert
Brevet 1st Cpl. Mark Gianelloni
And your humble correspondent.

Present for Battalion Staff:

Col. Brad Amend
Lt. Col. Sam Looney
Pvt./Sgt. Major Gary Sutton

Other companies in attendance in addition to the 9th Texas were as follows:

Capt. Ron Ulrich’s 2nd Mo.;
Capt. Tim Ritter’s 3rd Mo. Dism.;
Capt. Chris Shuster’s 3rd Mo.;
Captain Daniel Keith’s 4th Mo.

The trip down to the site of the 1862 federal victory over the Rebs was approximately 5 hours out of Topeka, and my traveling mates and I made good time down to the border where Arkansas’ twisty roads took hold. But we arrived in good spirits to a huge roaring fire compliments of Brevet 1st Sgt. Bob Albert. The rest of the Battalion arrived in spits and spats over the course of the evening. Inexplicably, registration was closed when we arrived around 9:30 pm.

As to amenities - there were clean porta-potties quite close to our camp, plenty of wood although it was a little of a hike to get to it and it was mostly very large, moist pieces, and plenty of water. But wholly insufficient straw. There is no excuse for that, especially when a charge for attendance of the relatively hefty $20 per head is charged.

Although much drill was promised, we got virtually none in, but there was good reason for that, as I will detail.

On a good note, we had two battles on Saturday, one at 10 am and the other at 2:30 pm. Due to poor attendance by the Yanks, we had to send over a company, and Captain Keith’s 4th Mo. bit the bullet and galvanized both days. And those boys do look good in Blue, especially their captain and lieutenant!

Unexpectedly, Col. Amend told us after we have formed up for the morning battle that the 9th would engage the galvanized 4th Mo. in hand-to-hand on the final charge. I registered a protest for the short notice as there is always the chance for someone getting hurt, even when the matter is rehearsed ahead of time. But it came off smoothly, and it was a good battle.

Col. Amend had the good sense to cancel our participation after the afternoon battle due to reports of worsening weather conditions, mostly north of the site. And some bugged out prior to the afternoon battle.

Temperatures were mostly tolerable in the 40’s, I would guess, although it began to mist as Saturday wore on.

The afternoon battle seemed more of the same absent hand-to-hand. Their artillery had the upper hand on us as we had none to offer in response. And it finally took its toll on the 9th as we took a canister hit and all went down. Those who could still draw a breath saw the Yanks chase the rest of the Battalion from the field. I was torn apart by the blast, but still breathing when I saw Lt. George stride over, comment that I had previously bayoneted his brother and then dashed out my brains with his pistol.

We fell in for the battles with the fighting men of Captain Ritter’s 3rd Mo. Dismounted, and Captain Arbaugh’s 4th Arkansas. Good comrades! I noticed a couple of gals dressed in infantryman’s kit in the unit to our right - 16th Mississippi, I think. They were taking their final exam in a history class by participating in the reenactment! What a way to learn.

After resurrection, we all returned to and broke camp, and faced the uncertain trip home. The men from Wichita and environs apparently met little precipitation, but my boys and I met capricious Mother Nature the closer we got to KC and by the time we made the turn west onto I-70, the storm was in full force and driving was near-dangerous.

That said, I think all are glad we went and survived to tell the tale. And now, On to Cowtown!!

Your obedient servant,

Captain Brian Cox
Commanding 9th Texas Reg’t of Infantry
1st Mo. Battalion

Journal 2012

For all the information and pictures and after actions report

Captain's Corner, a new link above for the Captain to keep us informed

From the desk of Captain Brian Cox, 9th Texas regiment of Infantry

RECENT ACTION NEAR GETTYSBURG!!