The Bedford Courier
Officers
Lt. Col. Phil Matteson, 161 Linwood Ave., Tonawanda, NY 14150 (716) 694-0947
Major Craig McCann, 146 Laura Dr., Rochester, NY 14626 (585) 225-8984
Captain Ron Lutz, 19 Monroe St., N. Tonawanda, NY 14120 (716) 692-1320
1st Lt. Mike Karnitz, 36 Woodstock Lane, Brockport, NY 14420 (585) 637-9069
The Yankees are closer! Are you ready?????
Upcoming
Scheduled Official Events:
5/18-19/02 Gettysburg, PA (Living History)
6/8-9-02 Beaver center, PA
6/8-9/02 Beaver Center, PA
Extra-Curricular Events: 5/4-5/02 Elmira, NY
5/30 – 6/4/02 Bedford Peaks of Otter, VA
UPDATE 6/21/02 Brockport School – Day event
Dues
$30.00 individual – Includes insurance
$50.00 family – Includes insurance50% is due immediately with the balance due by 9/1/01.
Payment in full is acceptable.
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Lt. Colonel’s Concerns:
The start of the season is here and your "Dues are Due". In the March meeting a decision by popular vote was to increase dues as follows: $30.00 for single membership, and $50.00 for family membership. The insurance is included in the fee so there is no additional charge. ˝ is due immediately if not paid and the balance is due by 9/1/02. Plan ahead for dues and events. Brockport is firm. There is a picnic after the event 6/21/02.
Major’s Minute:
1) Announcement for the Liberty, NY. event:
Although there are no current plans to attend this event as artillery, the membership of Bedford Light is invited to attend with the 38th Ga. and fall in as infantry. I have been informed the Confederate forces for this event are now under new command and improvements will be evident at the event. Please contact me if you desire to attend and I will see to it the 38th is informed, or feel free to contact the 38th yourself by email to Capt. Mark Houseman at rebelman@wnyisp.com.
2) Both cannon "touch-up" get togethers at my residence were successful and I wish to thank the participants. I would like to point out the invitations for these events were kept to a small number of individuals who were geographically close to Rochester (except for Phil since his was one of the guns) because there was not a lot of work to do this year. Therefore, I did not think it prudent to cause unit members to feel obligated to drive long distances and use a weekend day or two only to have little to do. There will be future opportunities for all to contribute to the success of the unit.
3) I had a great time at the artillery school at Old Fort Niagara and hope everyone else did, too. Not everything went smooth for me, but there is bound to be a few SNAFUs in events like that. I missed out on saying "goodbye" to everyone there because I returned on Sunday morning within minutes after everyone else left. The 1stNYLA was in the process of pulling their guns off the field in the rain so I waved from the main gate and headed home. The weather almost never cooperates for outdoor activities at this time of year so I'm happy to have had decent sunshine
on Saturday and have the sunburn on my face to prove it.
Captain’s Corner:
The Captain’s comments will follow in the next exciting issue.
1st Lieutenant’s Observation:
All those who have not paid their dues or contacted me about events need to
do so now. I need to know who's going to what event. Many events will not allow
walk-ons this year.
We are planning on doing the Brockport School on June 19th or 20th. When we get
the date set we will let you know, please let me know if you are interested in
attending.
We are doing the Living History in Gettysburg on May 18th -19th. For those
unsure or haven't made up their minds yet about this event let me reiterate that
this is a free event (your cost would be traveling down and back and meals) we
also are camping on THE BATTLEFIELD!!!!!
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We will be doing artillery demonstrations and portraying camp life. We would like to have as many as possible attend. If you need a ride please let me know and I'll arrange something.
We will not be going to Elmira due to lack of interest (four signed up). If you paid for this event, let me know if you want a refund.
We are not planning to go to Macedon as it conflicts with Sharpsburg/Antietam;
however, this too might change.
I have everyone's Membership cards for the National Civil War Artillery
Association. The cost of membership is $5.00 per person. Those that have paid me
will be receiving their card in the mail. Those that haven't will get their card
when payment is received.
I'm looking forward to a good year even though we are not doing as many events,
maybe I'll be able to catch up on my chores around the house finally. For those
that were at Sayler's Creek know we're off to a "good" start. Ask Sgt. Meiers
how it feels to be in BLUE!!!! Ask us about "Ranger Dan", a man with a vision or
at least a phobea about fires.
The Battalion is growing stronger, we now have around 20 guns in the Battalion,
which I believe makes us the largest Civil War Artillery Organization in the
country. The Battalion has many good units. We should be able to draw on each
others strengths and grow into a professional organization on the field as well
as off.
Remember If you have any concerns please contact me.
Your Obedient Servant,
Lt. Michael J. Karnitz
I have the following listed to attend the Gettysburg Living History:
Lt. Col. Phill Matteson Major Craig McCann
Lt. Mike Karnitz Sgt. Jim Baker
Sgt. Roland Meiers Medical Sgt. Karen Matteson
Pvt. Chip Lindberg Pvt. Tristian Lindberg
Pvt. Andrea Meiers Pvt. Rick Musialowski
Pvt. Sharon Musialowski Miss Sandi McCann
The following are registered for Beaver Center:
Lt. Col. Phill Matteson Major Craig McCann
Captain Ron Lutz Lt. Mike Karnitz
1st Sgt. Paul Speich Sgt. Jim Baker
Sgt. Roland Meiers Medical Sgt. Karen Matteson
Cpl. Barry Hoffman Cpl. Tom Grote
Cpl. Mike Curvin Pvt. Melayne Karnitz
Pvt. Chip Lindberg Pvt. Tristian Lindberg
Pvt. Linda Maher Pvt. Andrea Meiers
Pvt. Terri Eanes Pvt. Millie Hecht
Pvt. Dawn Pfieffer Miss Sandi McCann
Miss Kim Grote Master John Grote
Master Thomas Grote
If you plan to attend either event and are not listed, you need to contact me
ASAP.
The History of Bedford Light Artillery
The Formation of the Company
By LuAnn Henry
In 1861, all well informed persons believed there would be war between the Northern and Southern states. Volunteer military companies were formed. A number of persons in Liberty, Bedford County, Virginia and its vicinity were organized into a company calling itself the Bedford Light Artillery. Four men met at the Court House on the night of the 22nd of January, 1861. T. C. Jordon was elected captain as was appropriate for one who raised the company. The lieutenants elected were W. S. Myler, R. B. Clayton, R. T. Aunspaugh, and J. A. Stover, named according to rank.
First Lieutenant W. S. Myler acknowledged his acceptance with a brief speech…. "I am a man of deeds and not of words. All I ask is, shew me the enemy; and he is mine." 1st Lt. Myler resigned his office of 1st Lt. For good and sufficient reason a short period of time after his acceptance. James O. Hensley was elected to fill this vacancy.
After a couple of months of drilling and arranging for uniforms, the company tender its services for to the Governor of the State of Virginia, thereby being accepted in the month of April. On May 8, the services of the company is enrolled for active service for one year by the Governor of Virginia; and henceforth on every muster roll, this date is given as the time from which it must be paid. And all officers are commissioned except J. A. Stover who is refused a commission, since only three lieutenants are allowed to a company. On this same date orders are received to leave Liberty to be in camp at Lynchburg.
Military companies are spoken of as coming from a county instead of the town in which they are recruited, as well as designating the kind of military service they wish to engage in. This company was therefore called the Bedford Light Artillery, as they were recruited in Liberty, the county seat of Bedford County, Virginia. The Bedford Light Artillery was the only one organized with a view to serve as light artillery. From a copy of the muster roll it is stated: "This company was organized and mustered into service as a light artillery company, and is in every way admirably adapted to that branch of the service, being composed of men of intelligence, youth, energy, and activity; and it is a subject of complaint, on their part, that the authorities have failed to furnish them with the proper arms, or even to furnish any of the side arms or equipments necessary for artillerymen."
Editor’s Notes:
You have to admire these men for their dedication, integrity, and endurance to fulfill the needs of their community, county, state, and the Southern States. Along with the four commissioned officers,, this company was served by four Sergeants and four Corporals and 56 privates. These men came from almost every vocation and many were so young that they never chose a vocation. Their uniforms were made of dark blue material. The coat buttoned straight up the front, fastened at the waist by a belt, with a short skirt below it. The pants and coat are trimmed with red, the style suited for artillery suits. A cap was supplied to match the uniform, mounted with two brass cannons crossed obliquely. These uniforms were given by liberal and patriotic citizens. This information is extracted from The History of the Bedford Light Artillery 1861-1865 by Rev. Joseph A. Graves.
I would like to continue sharing my research with all of you. I feel that knowing about the original Bedford Light Artillery may help us to comprehend what we are attempting to portray from a piece of history. If anyone has any information to share, please feel free to submit your information. You may compose an article or simply provide information.
Question and answer time:
Questions:
Answers as I have them:
Civilian Action and Extreme Bravery
True belief in their causes was not only prevalent in the ferocious fighting of the Confederate and Federal soldiers. But also came out in civilian woman and children as was the case of the 15 year old Miss Emma Sansom on May 2, 1863.
Early Spring 1863 General Rosecrans knowing what a stronghold Chattanoga with its railroad crossings and supply lines was. Wanting to push General Braxton Bragg further down into Georgia. He needed to disrupt them. Hence we have the strange story of how the young Miss Sansom saved the city of Rome Georgia on May 2, 1863.
A Colonel Abel Streight was devising a plan. Relayed to General James A. Garfield who was at that time Chief of staff to General Rosecrans. Garfield after the war becoming president of the United States.
Streights proposal was for him and his hand picked command to sneak into Alabama then Georgia and disrupt the rail system. First problem, being getting into Alabama to supply himself without being detected. Of course that in itself was unrealistic.
Colonel Roddey attacking him relieved him of two pieces of artillery and then later that night slipping into the federal camp late at night to scatter over 400 mules all over the countryside. Thus delaying Colonel Streights incursion into Alabama while searching for his mules. This enabled General Braxton Bragg to get wind of his plan. Therefore sending a very capable man to deal with the problem General Nathan Bedford Forrest.
April 25, General Dodge informs Streight that Forrest is in the immediate area. All the time Roddey's brigade is harassing him although greatly out numbered until Forrest arrived on April 27, to help him. They were constantly attacking Streights rear. Streight asked General Dodge for support to push Forrest back so he could slip away.
Late on April 29th Streight received a message from Dodge that Forrest was on the mn and he should head out as soon as possible.
April 29, Forrest gets ar6und Dodge and is in hot pursuit of Streight. Forrest riding night and day. To Streight's credit he put 17 miles between them and was on the West Side of Sand Mountain by the night of the 29th. Forrest only taking one hours rest with saddles off to cool the horses. By midnight Forrest was within striking distance of Colonel Streight's raiders. While most of Forrest's men rested he sent his brother Captain William Forrest on a scouting expedition.
Streight leaving early in the morning of April 30th, receiving information that his rear guard was attacked by Bill Forrest and was taken. Although Streight tried to escape he finally had to make a stand at the bottom of Sand Mountain. At this time General Forrest did not have his men in place and was repulsed losing two pieces of artillery. But old Forrest would not let Streight be he kept attacking and pressing at Streight's rear. All day and into the evening until he retrieved his artillery.
From Day's Gap to Blountsville Streight was harassed for 43 miles and 28 hours. Finally Forrest had to stop and rest. While the confederates rested Streight wound his way down The Eastern side of Sand Mountain.
On May Day the usual festivities were over shadowed by the men in blue, stealing everything that was not tied down and some that were.
Black Creek is a crooked deep stream with a mud bottom. Spanning the creek in 1863 was a crude wooden bridge with no other means of crossing except by boat. The
only other bridge was miles up the creek, but it was not passable. Streight, figured if he could cross the bridge and bum it he could lose Forrest and be on his way to Rome Georgia and Chattanooga.
May 2, 1863 Now here is the story of a mother and 2 daughters who are much a part of Alabama history that to. this day a school is named after this 15 year old Miss Emma Sansom. Her father, no longer alive and her brothers off fighting for the cause never themselves owning a slave. They fought no war for slavery; they fought for their way of life, what they believed in.
As Forrest came down the road Emma announced now we are in the midst of our own men. Telling Forrest that the bridge was burnt out and that the next one was miles down the road. But she knew of a place that the cattle crossed just up the trail on their farm. Perhaps they could cross there. Emma told Forrest about the 10 federals that rode up earlier and questioned her about the men folk. She told them that they were off fighting yankees. The federals then asked if she thought the south could whip them? She told them of course. They said you would not think that if you could have seen us whip Roddey Brigade yesterday.
The officer then ordered the men to get some of the burning wood out of the stove in the house and bum the bridge. He also left a man at the house to protect the women. By this time most of the federal's were across the bridge. At the same time a yankee came running up at full speed and that's when you showed up yelling for him to surrender. Forrest introduced himself to the ladies and asked if there was another way over the creek and Emma told him of the trail and the cattle crossing that he might be able to cross there on our farm. Forrest asked her to show them the way and told her there was no time for her to saddle a horse. He helped her up onto his horse promising her mother that he would return her safely. They rode up the trail a way when there were shots fired so they dismounted to stay lower until reaching the crossing and she was sent back. But before she went back he asked her for a clipping of her hair. Later Forrest returned to the house and left a note on her dresser thanking her also asking if she could please give a proper burial to a very brave soldier named Robert Turner. Turner still rests peaceably in Gadston Alabama on what used to be the Sansom farm.
The pursuit was on again federals and confederates and horses all tired beyond belief. Men just falling offthere horses from fatigue.
Forrest continually was pecking away at Streight's rear. From 1:00am April 29th to noon of May 2nd they had marched and fought for over 119 miles. Colonel Streight in his official report said that a lot of his men were falling asleep on the skirmish line during battle.
By the time Streight reached Rome Georgia, Forrest had him whipped. Even though Forrest was greatly outnumbered. Forrest offered to let Steright surrender saying that he had received fresh reinforcements. Saying that if he did not surrender there would be no quarter. He would destroy him and his men.
Colonel Abel Streight went to his officers and took a vote. They all voted to surrender. Thus ending Streights ambitions of destroying Rome and the railroad lines.
Due to the courage of a young lady Emma Sansom showing the crossing to Forrest. Saving at least 3 hours delay. Forrest was able to ride Streight down and save Rome Georgia from destruction. After the war the state of Alabama awarded Emma 600 acres of land for her heroism. But due to political disruption she was never able to claim the land.
Submitted by Dawna Miller
*From That Devil Forrest by John Wyeth
*and personal visits to Gadston area