Excellent Report Acting 1st Sgt. It is with great honor that I attached this report to yours.

On the Forenoon of Friday, August 26, I led a squad consisting of 1st Sgt Deshane, Cpl. Dupere and Pvts. R. Hiles and McCabel along with Civ. Ms.Patti, to the fort and established a camp. Once the Camp was set up, our field hospital arrived with Major Celli. Latham's Battery arrived in support shortly after. We then recieved our orders to make haste for Pitzer's Woods in Gettysburg. We boarded the train where we headed for Pennsylvania.

We arrived at the site just before 7 A.M. and pitched camp along side the 4th Alabama. We volunteered as Privates to Co. D of the 5th Va Inf. and fell in at roughly 8:30 A.M. for drill. The overcast was cloudy and cool. After a short inspection and drill we given a break before reporting back for action at 9:45. In all there were between 32-38 men in the ranks at any given time.

We spent the break preparing our camp which consisted of only 3 Dog tents. We brought the bare minimal of equipment for a campaign impression. From what I observed, we were one of two units who did this style of camping.

At 9:45 we reformed and did the usually routine which included the safety inspection. We then quickly marched to the field where we were observed by a small crowd of about 30 spectators. 1st Sgt. Sjeveck instructed us in the manual of arms and once satisfied with our progress returned the command back to Capt. Jones who instructed us on loading in 9 times. Graduating from this we were drilled at the quick time. 1st we marched to the rear and right about halted. We then wheeled right advanced a short distanced where we were given the command to load. Once loaded we were given the command to fire and then reload. We then marched to the right flank and was given command "By Company into line." and ordered to fire by company and reload. We then fired by the right by files. This was followed by another right wheel and fire by Company. We then marched by the right flank and By-File right followed by another by company into line. We fired another volley before clearing the weapons. We then wheeled right and marched by the right flank. Our final evolution was to "On the right into Files" where we stood face to face with the spectators and presented arms. We exited the field on the left flank singing the Bonnie Blue Flag.

We were dismissed once in the camp only to reform in less than an hour for another like presentation at 11:45. We spent the time cleaining our muskets and snacking on green apples and talking with the public. We formed up again and continued the routines and drill with some small degree of different drill and commands. The second session lasting as long as the first with some soft rain falling. We had more time to relax after the second formation and clean our muskets once again. We reformed for the final day's drill at 2:45.

By the end of the presentations at roughly 3:45 P.M. we had won high praise from the Park superintendant. We had our own concerns as we entered the site with 40 rounds each and had spent roughly between 18-26. It was not known by us if we would run out of ammunition. After cleaning the muskets we rested before lining up for dinner. The meal was provided by our host unit the 5th Va. It consisted of Ham, Turkey, BQ shreads,peas, baked beans,stuffing, vegatables and Corn bread. It was one of the finest meal I have had the pleasure to experience at any event. No slight intended for any meals I have enjoyed over the long period of my days in serive. This was truly and wonderful meal, topped off with peach and apple pie. Everything was cooked at the fire. The last wonder was that the 5th Va provided basins in which to wash our dishes. A campaigner's dream come true.

After dinner we toured the Battlefield particuliarly the Devil's Den area. We met a number of folks there and engaged in a number conversations. A large number about ghosts. One humous conversation was with a lady who said she couldn't handle seeing a ghost and wouldn't know what she would do. I suggested that she saw a Confederate ghost ask for his coat. She said she would be too scared to do that but asked why? I explained that if he gives her is jacket and then disappears without it, it would be worth around $75,000. Her eyes grew and she decided that she might actually be able to do that!
Her daughter then came up from behind and asked if she could have my coat?! A very pleasant enjoyable visit. We then visited Regt QM and then a Ice Cream shop before heading back to camp.

We spent the night trying stay dry as the rain remained steady most of the night. The next morning we rouse around six headed to town for Sunday breakfast. We arrived back before 8 A.M. where we spent the remaining free time cleaning the rust off our muskets and getting ready for the next presentations. There were to be only 2 this time, Noon and 2 PM. They were very much like the drills the previous day except the sun had come up and the temps and humidity began to rise. Upon the last drill we took our time taking down the camp and talked with several spectators that passed through.

It was noted that Ranger Halbrook really appreciated our attendance and the Liberty Greys are one of the few units that interact with the public.

We packed up and begin touring the park at about 4 PM. We ate dinner near Gen. Lee's HQs and got a special rate to visit the museum there. It is small but one of my favorites. We then visited railroad cut and enternal peace monument before heading down the Chambersburg pike. Our last tour was past the Cashtown Inn. We on our way back to Maine by 9PM

Although a short and intense stay, it was one of the better worth while moments in reenacting.

Respectfully,
Will Cotton
Acting Private
5th Va Inf., Co D

I would personally and publicly like to thank Marc for filling in as 1st Sergeant at Fort Knox. I was on detached service with the 5th Virginia, Company D. I owe you a cheap Labatt's Beer.

Dick Deshane
1st Sergeant
29th GVI