Cedar Creek 2009

The following is a report on the Cedar Creek reenactment by our correspondent, Nick Korolev:

UNION VICTORY AT CEDAR CREEK

This report should be titled neither rain or mud will stop us from our appointed mission. Weather wise the weekend for the Battle of Cedar Creek reenactment was a long way from ideal. It was cold in the low 30s, rainy and that kind of misty drizzle that makes the cold seem worse. We spent most the weekend under flies and by roaring fires when the rain showers let up. I slept under four wool blankets in uniform and still felt a bit chilled. However, we had a great time with our friends regardless of conditions that made us all realize what our ancestors went through on a daily basis without the relief of going home after two days. It was so bad with slippery mud that made footing for horses difficult, the tactical was officially called off though a handful of participants from both sides decided to do one anyway early Sunday morning. Several cannon shots let all know some diehards were at it before the bugler blew reveille. The sun did not show itself until later Sunday for the second half of the battle at 1:30pm.

The event is done on the real battlefield which is owned by a private foundation. It is the major fundraising event of the year for battlefield preservation. This event was a little different for me this year. Due to a bad knee from an injury I did not take to the field. I am sticking with living history from now on. Instead of trooper for the new Federal Volunteer Brigade cavalry, I have been promoted to 2^nd Lieutenant and serve as the cavalry commander, Major John Brindle’s, adjutant/aide/clerk and push papers, which I am very good at, being a freelance writer with an administrative background. Too bad I can’t fall into a job this easy in the real world. But, I digress. I kept an eye on camp and made sure our ladies who cooked were not alone, helped a little in stirring the camp stew when they had to leave it and kept the fire going, though not many spectators walked through camp. Still, during our stay we kept strict military protocol, passes were issued to anyone who had to leave camp, officers were to be saluted, drills and weapons inspections were to be done etc.

The only view of the field I had was our artillery battery up on the ridge in front of the camp. We estimate that there were about 6,000 reenactors at the event though some less hardy souls left on Saturday night having had enough of the weather. The second day I had a great view of our artillery and the battleline and saw Sheridan and his staff ride by to the troops cheering. It was an great “You are there” moment.

In camp the usual insanity broke loose. We all have a rather wild sense of humor and certainly needed several laughs considering the terrible weather. I brought my “pet skunk” Corporal Stripes to the event. He is a real skunk hide complete with feet that I bought online a couple of years ago and turned into a hand puppet I can operate in a realistic manner. I am also an artist and am involved in theater so wrapped partly in a towel and carried in my arms, he is very convincing. My buddy Rick “Byrdie” Byrd was with me and we “skunked” the 17^th PA Cav. we were camping with and our friends who fed us, the 3^rd MD Infantry. All we met believed Stripes was real and asked if he had been descented. Rick caused a near panic with a few by saying I caught him in camp. Boy, did they back away quick, though, Byrdie said, “Oh, don’t worry, Nick is the naturalist for Lost River State Park and knows how to handle them.” We even tricked a few into being brave and petting him before revealing the secret. They loved the joke. Just before the battle on Sunday, the 3^rd MD band had their fun. The fellow who plays the base drum dressed as the Energizer Bunny and walked through all the nearby Union camps beating away. It was hysterical and a lot of cameras came out. Proves we all have the attitude, when nature gives you lemons you make lemonade.

The downside of the battle reenactment, there were two injuries on the field both on the Confederate side. I did not get the details. On the upside, from what I heard, both the Confederate and the Union commanders were happy with the performance of their troops on the field and how well the historic events were followed. It must be remembered none of this is rehearsed beforehand. It is like improv theater – you are given a scenario to perform and you run with it. We all ended up tired, chilled, but happy we were helping in battlefield preservation and remembering the sacrifices of our ancestors. Everything was dry to pack up and we all said our good byes to friends, many planning to get together at Gettysburg for Remembrance Day weekend in November.

Nick Korolev