Fresno October 2008

During our visit to Nevada City the Battalion Commander invited us to attend the up coming Fresno event. He described it as bigger and better. After arriving home and speaking with my family we decided we would make a mini vacation out of the Fresno event.

I arrived Saturday morning to Kearney Park. It was a beautiful 158 acre park filled with grass, trees, an old mansion and other buildings. I was told that an old confederate owned the property at one time.

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Private Edwards had made the trip and we reported to the Battalion commander. We were assigned to the 2nd Wisconsin Black Hats. Similar to the US regulars they wear the frock coat and Hardee hat. They wear Gators at their shins .

I set up my "Dog Tent" next to the other tents of my new company. We refer to our "Shelter 1/2" as the dog tent because it is about the right size for a dog. During our campaign I carry one shelter 1/2 and button it to another 1/2 to make a complete tent.
We spent time learning the new Manual of Arms. Normally we use Hardee methods for arms, but 2nd Wisconsin uses Scott's Manual of Arms. It took a few minutes adapting to the different commands of instruction. From the simple "order arms" to "right shoulder shift" and "fix bayonet" were slightly different then our home company arms drill. We also had practice learning another drill method at Nevada City. So to summarize it all we have learned three manual of arms in three events.
After cleaning our rifles and gear the command was given to break camp. We were going to march onto Charleston. The three union battalions formed up into one marching column and we started our march. Our forward scouts encountered rebel troops and we could hear the echo of rifle fire. I could not tell how far away the fight was but it must have been a few miles. Sometimes we can not hear rifle and cannon fire just a few miles away. The captain has explained this oddity as an acoustic shadow. I thought that the small company of Berdann sharp shooters were probably in on the action.

Our column halted and bugles sounded. The Cavalry shot past us on their way into the forward battle.
Our column continued at a quick pace toward the sound of the battle. Not too long after the Cavalry joined the fight we saw the artillery brought forward. We could hear and then feel the percussion of the big guns. That meant the battle was close.
I could smell the battle before I saw it. Our column rounded the corner and three battalions separated into three firing lines. Our battalion took center of the the field behind our cannons.
Like an invisible hand sweeping over our line a few men went down.
Off to the east I saw the southern lines forming. Our march shaped up to be the biggest battle I have ever seen. I hoped I'd make it through.
We advanced toward our foe and then fired upon them.
Smoke, cannon fire, rifle fire and men screaming made it hard to understand commands. Some men were confused and maybe scared. As I fired I saw grey coats fall but then men were falling around me. The surgeon was trying to evacuate the wounded. The cadet corp made an effort to bandage the wounded and provide water to the dying.

We drove the rebels back. They broke ranks and a few of them ran away. I hoped they run back to the bayou they crawled out of.

It looked like the rebs were regrouping and they disappeared. The battle was over.

After attending to the wounded we formed up again. We received a surprise inspection from The President. Fighting Abe came to address the boys. We gave him a salute. The Colonel commanded, "Strike tents." I was worried about a counter attack, and voiced my opinion to the First Sarg. He told me to, "Leave the thinking to the Colonel and keep you rifle clean and ready."

The next morning the bugle sounded. The South was marching toward camp. I got up and ready to go. We formed up and marched to meet our brothers from the south. The battle was similar to yesterday. It seemed like we gained the upper hand and marched quickly toward the fleeing rebs. Then I saw it. They had wheeled two dozen cannons from the tree line. "Kneel boys!" screamed our First Sarg. We got down. Angry thunder echoed. It happened so fast. A cannon ball exploded into our line. From my peripheral I saw my company go down. Then I saw nothing.

"Recall!, recall, recall," crowed the Sarg. Major. It was over.

We battled two more times. Each time the battle had a new story, unique challenges, and great memories. I plan on returning next year.

Photographs from Private Edwards: