We are a company in the 1^st (Rambo’s) Battalion at Chickamauga. They expect about 450 men on the field. The battalion plans for a full regiment of 10 companies. The 14^th Tennessee will have a 16 man contingent. Over the course of the weekend we will portray the 3rd TN, 37th GA, 33rd & 28th AL.

Assembly: The brigade formation will move from the north reenactors’ parking lot at 4:30 PM Friday, September 17.

Event Site and Camping:The site resembles the real wilderness at the historic Chickamauga battlefield. We will camp along side a hard dirt and gravel road on the first night about 1-2 miles from the assembly area. There will be plenty of room to sleep beside the road or in the nearby woods. The supply wagon will be within about 100-150 yards of the camp so axes (assuming each company brings a few) will be available. We will move to the battle assembly area at dawn and spend the rest of the day in the area near the battlefield.

Saturday night we sleep on our arms on the battlefield. Weather permitting. If the field is too muddy, alternate site exists about ½ mile away. The alternate site WILL require a little cutting of saplings and brush to occupy.

Sunday we will return to the battle field assembly area for the final battle. Afterwards we will march to the parking area, excusing the men who need to stay in the permanent camp area and help dependents, and leave.

Logistics: A wagon will be provided. Collecting $1.00 - $1.50 per man (depending on the actual number present) to pay for it. Amount to be collected before the brigade moves out on Friday. Only company and battalion equipment may be carried on the wagon. No personal water bottles, food, roll-away beds, etc.

Ammunition - Each man should have a full cartridge box (50-60 blank rounds). Additionally each should have at least 60 additional rounds, wrapped in brown in paper packages containing 10 cartridges/13 caps, to be carried in the company ammunition boxes. (Period labels would be a plus.

These boxes should hold approximately 600 rounds or enough for 10 men. Assuming 35 shooters you need about three tightly packed boxes. These should be marked with a piece of paper or paint (on top so it can be seen) with your normal unit designation.

Rations - The battalion will not issue rations. However, a company may use the wagon to store and issue rations Some units have already decided to do this.

Water - Water trailers will be available near each of our resting and camping areas. Each company should have a 10-gallon water barrel (or burlap covered jugs) put on the wagon. The wagon can fetch water if case no trailer is around. Water barrels will be empty during movement.

Weather - It is unlikely to be cold. Heat will more likely be a problem. It WILL shower!

Quartermaster: We have a Quartermaster/Ordnance Officer and NCO. They will work with you for distribution and loading of equipment and ordnance, including: collection in the initial staging area on Friday afternoon; distribution and collection during the campaign; and final return. Each company needs to appoint one NCO to act as a representative to sign for equipment when it is distributed and collected. He will need volunteers to help carry tools, ammo boxes, and equipment. He will need to keep a count of ammunition used (nothing elaborate - a good guess will do based on how much is missing from the ammo boxes after a battle) to report to the QM. The company representative should have an available empty poke bag or haversack to receive ammo.

Friday (Various times) - A number of small skirmishes are planned for the media to publicize the event. Anyone interested in Masterfarb Theater should be on site early.

Friday (3:00 PM) - Reed’s Bridge: Essentially a cavalry battle, but infantry volunteers are requested. Anyone wishing to participate should be on site, near the permanent camps, at 1:00 PM Fall in with COL S McKinney.

Saturday (6:30 AM) - Jay’s Mill: This battle is for several other brigades/battalions; not us.

Casualty System: To emulate historical losses, men will receive a marked cartridge during inspection.

Volunteers: Require volunteers for the color guard and right and left guides.

Battalion Staff: LTC R. Somers, CO; MAJ T. Dooley, Wing Command; CPT E. Chandler, Wing Command; CPT B. Bliss, QM and Command; 1LT E. Strickland, Adjutant; SGM M. Mersheimer; SGT T. Wagner, QM/SGT; PVT D. Adams, Bugler (Alternate PVT C. Woodhead)

Uniforms and Equipment: Little U.S. gear available in September, 1863. Sky-blue pants were almost nonexistent. Wear gray or civilian pants. No gaiters, havelocks, or other early war items. No brass anything, except buttons. No animal parts of any kind. Any wool and cotton or jeancloth ANV pattern shell jackets can pass for state "commutation" types, which were worn in both theaters.

Weapons: The men should carry one grease rag and a few cloth patches to clean their weapons.

Important Note: Carry TOILETTE PAPER!

Battalion Movements: We will use Hardee’s 1862 drill. At the command "Charge BAYONETS" the front rank takes the charge bayonets position. The rear rank will go to "right shoulder shift". In moving forward or to the rear by the right of companies the first "four" should move outside the formation forward or to the rear respectively and wheel approximately 45°. The second "four" should move halfway out of the formation and wheel approximately 30°. (This is shown in Hardee’s School of the Battalion, out of place, in the section describing movement to the flank!)

Safety: Clean weapons are a must for safety. Inspections will be performed and non-functioning half cocks and dirty weapons will not be allowed on the field.

Artillery Safety: Flags will be placed near each battery. When flag is down the gun is clear to be overrun. Rammer on the gun carriage wheel hub means a "hot" tube. NEVER fire near the ammo chests.

Period Photograph The Adjutant arranged for a photographer to take pictures of the battalion and any company or groups that want one. The photos would be printed in sepia on non-glossy paper and will be available for $20-25.