Officers:

The Living History event at Gettysburg was one of those events that are difficult to categorize – enjoyable or not. I suppose it all depends upon which day (or part thereof) that you consider. We had Nigel Hurst, our Scottish-born friend from England, staying with us, and he joined in the festivities. He had a great time, even allowing for the dousing we received through most of Saturday. In the late afternoon the weather bucked up somewhat, the skies cleared and the sun came out to begin drying the canvas, and we all took a stroll down to the Bedford Light Artillery marker on Confederate Avenue. My one regret about that is that we did not take a photograph of us all around the marker. Sunday dawned bright and clear, and we gently broiled from mid-morning on. I am not complaining – that was definitely preferable to drowning like the previous day. And I hate taking wet canvas home. All in all, a very enjoyable event.

The "cook’s fly" turned out to be a boon, and there is enough room under it to use as a "dining fly" also. I guess it makes a central place for the bees to congregate. Which brings me nicely to Corporal Lindberg’s new soubriquet – "The Bee Killer". One such beast was annoying 1^st Sgt. Meiers to such an extent that when it alighted on Chip’s plate he smacked it with his finger tips – sans a sting, to boot!

The "Smoke Wagon" crew attended the Addison Fall Fest, along with Miss Rosemary, Pvt Jamie Smith (it was a relief to finally get his jacket and water canteen back to him), and me. As always, Qm. Sgt. Sheerer’s crew performed well, and entertained the few spectators who ventured down to the Civil War encampment. A few intelligent questions were asked and answered, along with the usual crop of not-so-intelligent questions (Do you really sleep in those tents? Are you really going to eat that?). Oh, well, I guess we ask for it, and we certainly get it!

Cedar Creek turned into the predicted cluster envisioned at 1^st Manassas. However, "Smoke Wagon" was once again our sole attending gun (due in part to the unexpected winter storm that whacked the Buffalo area on Friday October 13). Those of us who attended had a great weekend. It was colder that Hades, but we managed to keep a smile on our faces. We even managed to get our canvas down dry, which was something of a minor miracle given the volume of rain that fell during the drive down, and threatened to fall on the tear-down. 10 of us stopped off in Gettysburg on the way home. What impressed me more than anything else throughout the event was the interaction and good humor shown by all attending.

I have booked the South Highbanks Pavilion for our End of Season Meeting/Party for Saturday, December 2^nd. We picked this location as being approximately equidistant from the Buffalo/Rochester and Southern Tier areas. Thus no one has the "It’s too far away" excuse for not attending. We have access to the building from 9:00 AM until 10:00 PM, which should suffice for the meeting (set to start at or around 1:00 PM) and post-meeting knees-up. This also gives us ample time to get set up and organized. It would be appreciated if attendees would bring a couple of bundles of firewood with them. There is a fireplace in the building, but they do not provide wood. Also bring a dish to pass (savory and/or sweet), and whatever drinks you prefer for during and after the meeting. I shall be bringing my camp stove with me, and would appreciate it if others would do the same. Thus we will not be restricted to cold food or drinks when the outside temperature could possibly be in the subzero range. So I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on December 2^nd.

From Rochester: Take I390S to the Mt Morris exit (#7). Turn left at the bottom of the off ramp, and follow the road into Mt. Morris. At the traffic light turn right, cross the Genesee River, and turn into the State Park at the Northern entrance. (This will cost you the princely sum of $6.) Follow the Park road past the Dam, and you will come to the Highbanks area (swimming pool on your left), adjacent to the Park police HQ. Turn in to the large car park, and follow your nose to the smoking chimney of the South Highbanks pavilion.

From Buffalo/Syracuse: Take the Thruway (East or West, as appropriate) to I390S, then as above. Or find another way, if you prefer.

From the Southern Tier: EITHER take I390N, then follow as above (it’s quicker than taking exit 6), OR, from Belmont/Andover area, take I86/US17E/W, as appropriate, to the Wellsville exit (Route 19), and follow 19N to the Park’s Southern entrance. Follow the Park road down past Glen Iris, then up the other side to the Highbanks area (swimming pool now on the right). Then as above.

At Cedar Creek Mike Karnitz announced his resignation as Battery Captain, and his intention of leaving Bedford Light Artillery following that event. I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Mike for his great contribution to the running of this organization. It is an extremely sad moment for the Battery, but I am sure we all wish him well in whatever the future holds for him. The very best of good luck to you, sir!

I remain, as ever, very sincerely, your obedient servant,

Gordon Clifford

1^st Lieutenant (Adjutant)