Officers:

Capt. Mike Karnitz-(585) 637-9069

(See next page)

Greetings Everyone:

It's been fast paced, as usual, with having the Liberty, Gettysburg, and Hamlin engagements in such close proximity. I want to thank everyone who was in attendance at those events and hope to see you in Macedon for our continued pressing of the Yankees. Additionally, some of us will be attending the Chickamauga/Franklin engagements in Appomattox, Virginia on the weekend of Sept 12-14.

I expect to be submitting my Gettysburg 140th After Action Report to HQ soon and will submit portions of it for future publication in this newsletter.

In the previous newsletter I mentioned travelling to the Hunley crew interment ceremony in Charleston, SC by train. Miss Sandi and I, along with Phill and Karen Matteson, and Frank and Barb Cutler have made our reservations according to the schedule below. Please feel free to join us. We decided to stay in Charleston a few extra days to make a vacation out of the journey. If you decide to attend I suggest taking the same train to Charleston but if you wish to stay a lesser or longer period of time, simply modify the schedule to suit your needs.

"standard" sleeper arrangement between New York and Charleston. Business class coach is available as is "deluxe" sleeper arrangements and you can ride coach between New York and Charleston to save even more money. Miss Sandi and I have ridden the rails several times for long distances using both coach and sleeper accommodations and will answer any of your questions we can.

I suggest, if you decide to do this, to make your reservations soon since the trains are filling up as well as hotel availability in the Charleston area.

The complete itinerary for Saturday April 17th and surrounding dates is available on the web and some activities you must register for. We will be attending the interment parade and ceremonies as well as the evening ball and a "candlelight tour" on Friday evening.

Our schedule is as follows:

Train: 284
From: Rochester on 04/15/04
To: New York-Penn. Station on 04/15/04
Departs: 7:37am 04/15/04
Arrives: 2:30pm 04/15/04
Additional Services: Reserved Coach

Train: 97
From: New York-Penn. Station on 04/15/04
To: Charleston on 04/16/04
Departs: 7:01pm 04/15/04
Arrives: 7:57am 04/16/04
Additional Services: Viewliner Standard Bedroom
Train: 98

From: Charleston on 04/20/04
To: New York-Penn. Station on 04/21/04
Departs: 8:14pm 04/20/04
Arrives: 10:30am 04/21/04
Additional Services: Viewliner Standard Bedroom

Train: 283
From: New York-Penn. Station on 04/21/04
To: Rochester on 04/21/04
Departs: 1:45pm 04/21/04
Arrives: 8:18pm 04/21/04
Additional Services: Reserved Coach

Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or Amtrak.com to make reservations.

With that, I hope to see you in Charleston.

Your Obedient Servant,

Maj. Craig F. McCann

Here are my reports for Gettysburg.

1st Corps, 1st Battalion
Station: Gettysburg

Date: August 8th 2003

Morning Battle:

We set up on the 1st Corps' left flank facing southwest with a gap between 1st and 2nd Battalions to allow the Infantry to move through the two Battalions. 1st Battalion had 7 guns on the field placed in the following order from left to right:
1st Battery under Capt. Walt Shepherd: Bedford, 1st NC Cav., Cummings, and Charlotte 2nd Battery under Capt. Stan Smith: Pulaski, 1st Florida, and Taylor's

After a wait of about an hour in the midday sun with no shade the Federal Infantry moved through the gap between the Battalions and formed up in our front. There was one battery of Federal Artillery in front of Second Battalion, facing us. Another battery with approximately 6 guns was placed on a slight knoll on 2nd Battalion's right flank facing perpendicular to our line. Two or more batteries of Federal Artillery placed on 1st Battalion's left flank by the grandstands, the number of guns is unknown but there appeared to be about ten guns, also placed perpendicular to our lines. The federal Battery in our front opened fire first and we loaded and returned fire. The Federal Infantry opened fire on our lines to no effect. We were given the command to fire three rounds and secure as our Infantry was forming and preparing to move through our lines. Most of our guns fired one or two rounds before given the command to cease fire, secure and post in the hubs.

We had Confederate skirmishers on our left and when we ceased fire they moved forward. The Infantry moved forward and engaged the Federals in our front. After our Infantry moved through our lines

I observed a woman in period dress with a modern camera follow the Infantry along their left flank. As the Infantry engaged each other in our front this lady rested under a tree about 30 yards in front of our left gun. Captain Meiers, commanding the section she was in front of, went forward and asked her to move for her own safety and to allow us to fire if we were given the order. She claimed to have a pass and was not very amenable to the suggestion and accused Capt. Meiers of manhandling her. I observed Capt. Meiers and did not see any unprofessional conduct in his performing his duty. She eventually moved. There were numerous wounded in our front within our safety zone and this kept us from opening up again. As the battle was drawing to a close Federal Infantry were observed forming in our rear. The Order to turn one gun and fire on them was given. A gun was turned and as the crew loaded the Federal Infantry moved away from the rear. The gun misfired, failed primer, and after the misfire drilled was successfully completed the gun fired. All limbers and limber boxes were moved for safety reasons. It was later learned that the command was to load a Quaker round. I take responsibility for not questioning the order. The battle lasted about 30 minutes.

After the battle we were told that a ceremonial round would be fired by all the artillery on the field. After a lengthy wait as the Infantry cleared the field in our front, the order was given to get the tow vehicles, that no ceremonial round would be fired. When the tow vehicles arrived the order was given the we would indeed fire the ceremonial round. Then the order was given to load the guns on the trailers. This order was countermanded and the order to load ceremonial round given. We had most of our guns cleaned and two guns were not able to load because they had stored their equipment and could not get up on time. Confusion all around. Typical of many first day battles.

1st Battalion fired a total of 19 rounds for 7 guns. There were 3 misfires due to failed primers. No injuries occurred on the field but many suffered from the heat.

Concerns that I have:
The ice that was promised was late in arriving and was too little too late. Because of the heat and humidity many canteens were empty. There was extra water brought on the field but not used. Many conserved this water to clean their guns. It was potable water and should have been used. We did receive more ice before the ceremonial round was fired and that helped. This concern has been successfully addressed.
Turning the gun to fire on the Infantry in our rear was hazardous. Limbers and limber boxes full of powder. The Infantry was not involved in the scenario and just drilling. They however could have chosen a better place and will probably be hesitant to form in our rear in the future. I do not question the order and think it was proper to do, however the full command needs to be filtered down the line and in these cases a written order would have less confusing. This concern has also been successfully addressed.

The confusion around the ceremonial round. Enough said.  All are aware.

The problem with civilians on the field, in period dress or not, needs to be addressed. I personally feel we need guards in our rear to prevent this. It is for their safety. The "lady" taking pictures had a pass to do so, I personally did not see the pass, she should have informed us of her intent and we could have helped her safely take her pictures. I would hate to see someone who has no business being on the field during a battle get seriously injured and suing every-one from event promoters to privates because of their ignorance.


Respectfully Submitted,
Major Michael J. Karnitz,
1st Battalion,
1st Corps
1st Corps, 1st Battalion
Station: Gettysburg

Date: August 9th 2003

Morning Battle:

We set-up near the center of the farm pasture in front of the barn obliquely facing East. 1st Battalion on the right and 2nd Battalion on the left with a small space between the two. 1st Battalion had 8 guns on the field placed in the following order from left to right:
1st Battery under Capt. Walt Shepherd: Bedford, 1st NC Cav., Cummings, and Charlotte 2nd Battery under Capt. Stan Smith: Pulaski, 1st Florida, Taylor's, and Marshall's.

The Battalion waited in the tree line along the right of our line for about an hour. Our Infantry formed in the pasture in front of the barn and behind our guns. The first wave moved through our guns crossed the open field went over the fence across the road and over the next fence and engaged the enemy. We waited about 20 minutes as the second wave of the Infantry moved through our guns, the artillery crews moved to their positions and posted on their respective limbers. The orders were given to post on pieces. We finally were given the order to load. After the 1st Corps fired by the piece, we were turned loose and commenced firing, each battery under the control of their respective captains. I observed some excellent battery fires and section fires. We fired for about 30 to 40 minutes. We received the order to cease fire and secure.

1st Battalion fired a total of 88 rounds for 8 guns. There were 3 misfires due to failed primers. No injuries occurred on the field, one had heat exhaustion due to the heat and humidity after the battle.

Concerns that I have:

We had a long wait before the Infantry moved through but this was the scenario. My concern is that the time between the two waves was excessive. Many were anxious to get on their guns and open up. We could have supported the Infantry with my right battery as the Infantry never violated their safety zone. At the very least the furthest section could have given support. I'm sure that if this was the real thing the support would have been appreciated.

I did have a conflict with Command. My Corps Commander wanted to know why the left Battery was firing too slow and the Safety Officer was concerned that the right Battery was firing too fast. I observed the crews and concluded that they were all performing safely and I had no concern as to the rapidity of either battery's firing. It must be remembered that some units were a hodgepodge of cannoneers from various units that never worked together and I personally feel they all performed admirably.

Respectfully Submitted,
Major Michael J. Karnitz
1st Battalion,
1st Corps
1st Corps, 1st Battalion
Station: Gettysburg

Date: August 10th 2003

Afternoon Battle:

1st Corps set-up in the same farm pasture in front of the barn obliquely facing East, aligned with the diagonal corners of the field.

1st Battalion on the right and 2nd Battalion on the left with a small space between the two. On the left of the 2nd Battalion was 2nd Corps with a slight gap between the two Corps. 1st Battalion had 8 guns on the field placed in the following order from left to right:
1st Battery under Capt. Walt Shepherd: Bedford, 1st NC Cav., Cummings, and Charlotte 2nd Battery under Capt. Stan Smith: Pulaski, 1st Florida, Taylor's, and Marshall's.
The Battalion was posted on their limbers then posted on their pieces. Orders were given to commence firing after the signal guns had fired. Washington's Artillery had the honor of firing the signal guns to start the battle. After they fired we were commanded to commence firing. We fired as an Army by the piece, I then gave the Captains control of their Batteries. They kept the fire hot and heavy. After about 45 minutes of firing we were commanded to clear the tubes, secure the pieces, and get the crews inside the hubs to allow the Infantry to move forward. This order was countermanded due to a fire in the battlefield and we

commenced firing for another 10 minutes. With the fire somewhat under control we again cleared our tubes, secured and moved inside our hubs. The Infantry moved forward with much cheering from our crews.

After the last of the Infantry crossed the road and some mounted officers were removed from our safety zone we received the order to open fire.

This delighted the crews and lifted their morale. After another Army fire by the piece we were allowed to fire a little longer and did so with gusto. General Lee arrived and we shut down as he moved forward through our lines. After the General left our safety zone we fired by the Army by the piece. We received the order to secure and we were effectively done for the day.

1st Battalion fired a total of 151 rounds for 8 guns. There were 3 broken lanyards and 2 misfires due to failed primers. We had 2 go down from the heat prior to the battle, one returned to his unit and was ok, the other sat out the battle. We had one slightly injured when a spent primer tube hit the closed Limber chest lid and bounced up and hit the powder handler's forehead.

Concerns that I have:

We arrived on the field at noon.  The humidity was near 100%.  I fail to see why we needed to hurry to place the guns. We had 2 hours to perform this task and could have taken our time and done it in about 1 to 1 ½ hours. We had to move some of the guns 60 to 70 yards, while the ground was firm, the field had tall grass that impeded easy movement of the guns. This hurrying contributed to many feeling the effects of the heat and humidity and was the direct cause to having two of my people go down from the heat.

Respectfully Submitted,
Major Michael J. Karnitz
1st Battalion,
1st Corps

Bedford Light Artillery,

We recently picked up new members into our unit and I warmly welcome them into Bedford Light Artillery and look forward to serving them in the future. I sent our new members our Membership Manual and Bylaws. As I reviewed the Bylaws and conversed with other members I felt I needed to write this open letter to our members. There have been some concerns brought to my attention and I will now address them.

Fourth, Concerns in General. If anyone has a problem or concern, I am the one that needs to be notified. I need to be notified by the person with the problem or concern. It is not appropriate to call other members in the unit and burden them with your concerns, they cannot address them. I have instructed certain members that if they are called about a problem, the person calling needs to contact me. "Second-hand news" will not be addressed as I don't know what the problem or concern is. Have a problem? Call me (585) 637-9069, mjkarnitz@aol.com. I will do my best to appease you.

Here’s some interesting reading that was pulled from the internet.

John Caldwell served in Co. E, 33rd Regiment, North Carolina Troops.

In the first letter, dated 22 June 1863, Jonny tells his father about his unit's movement through Virginia. Caldwell believes they are headed towards Pennsylvania. In the letter that follows, dated 18 July 1863, Caldwell's commanding officer informed the boy's parents that "his little friend Jonny" had been mortally wounded in the battle at Gettysburg.

Northern Va 12 miles from Winchester Sunday June 22nd 1863

Dear Father

As I thought you would be uneasy about me I have have concluded to drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well and standing the marching very well we have just halted from a march of sixteen miles and wading both the forks of the Shenandoah I am in Pender's division there was a great deal of straling last Tuesday & Wednesday we have ten thousand men (or about that) in this division about 6000 were straglers thank God I have stood it well so far. John Happoldt gave out the second day but is with us now and stands it well. We are going into Pennsylvania is the general impression part of our troops are in Maryland now. I have had command of my company through this long march and suppose will keep command for some time yet. John Happoldt has command of his Will Avery also. I caught my first confederate just now don’t be uneasy-- Will Avery

Hd. Qrs. 33d Rgt. N.C.S.
Bunker Hill 18th July /63

Dear Sir,

I delayed untill this time in writing you with the fond hope that I could write you certainly with regard to

the fate of your gallant son in the late fight at Gettysburg.  My Regiment was engaged in the fight on the 1st July and although greatly exposed suffered very little on the 2d we were under shelling all day on the 3d day we were ordered forward to storm the heights.  We advanced to within forty yards of the Enemys work and it was here that my little friend Jonny fell. I saw him but a few moments before we were ordered to fall back discharging his whole duty. You cannot imagine my feelings after reforming my Rgt to find him absent and upon being told that he was seen to fall forward on his face. As soon as we fell back the Enemy occupied the ground and hence it is I am forced to write so unsatisfactorily to a fond and doting Father.  I have used every exertion to obtain all the information I could in regard to Jonny and Candor compels me to say that there is very little hope but that he was killed or mortally wounded.

The loss of my little friend is to me one of the most distressing incidents of the war. His noble nature in a
short time had won from my bosom the warmest affection. He had made in the Rgt many friends and his
death is regretted by officers and men.

To console a Father for an only son is a difficult task. You may have the satisfaction to know that he fell where we would all wish to fall (if it be God will) with his face to the enemy.

He was in Command of his Company but by this he was not more exposed than he would otherwise have been The other S[erg]t. of his Company fell about the same time and is supposed to have been killed.

A wounded Lt who was near Jonny (but was able to walk off the field) thinks he was shot in the breast.
I will write you again in few days more especially if I can find any information on which to predicate a hope that Jonny is alive. Accept for yourself and Mrs. Caldwell my warmest sympathy in account of this distressing casuality.

Very truly yours
C. M. Avery

Thoughts of a veteran:

As I write this, I am in the midst of packing my belongings to take back to college. The more I pack, the more it sinks in: the summer is over. The reenacting season is almost over as well; after Macedon and Cedar Creek I will have completed my sixth year of reenacting with Bedford.

At times it amazes me that I continued in this hobby for so long. Over the years I have had many short-lived hobbies, including collecting sports cards and rocks (yes, ordinary rocks), and making various pieces of jewelry and household items out of Boondoggle, yarn, popsicle sticks, etc. Nothing captured my interest as much as reenacting has.

For the first few events I was strictly civilian and soon became jealous of all the fun the guys were having on the cannons. The next year I went to Artillery School and I've been on the guns ever since.  Though I never actively sought the promotion I received, I am honored to serve Bedford as a corporal.  There is a lot to remember and always something to do. The corporal's duties seemed quite easy compared to what I was in store for at Gettysburg 140th! I could not believe the numerous responsibilities I had at that event. I was used to having someone else giving the orders and organizing camp, but when I was in charge of everything, I will admit that I was a little nervous and scared. Every morning I called formation, attempted to start the fire (apparently during my twelve years as a Girl Scout I never learned how to build a fire), and made sure Bedford was prepared to spend the next few hours in the field awaiting the battle. There was no time to relax once we were out on the field; we had to place the guns, drill, and then participate in the battle scenarios. Though we had problems with obtaining ice and people wandering into our safety zone, those problems were addressed and the Saturday and Sunday battles went smoothly.

Unfortunately, I was not able to participate in Pickett's Charge on Sunday. It was hot, hazy, and humid. I did not feel well and I did not inform anyone that I was not feeling quite like myself. Maybe I was trying to be Super Sergeant or maybe I did not want to sound like a complainer. Whatever it was, it was a stupid decision on my part.

Though the hot summer months are over, if anyone begins to feel sick, make sure you let someone know. I would not have said anything if it wasn't for a member of my gun crew forcing me off the field and for that I am thankful. Before I continue, I have some quick tips for dealing with heat stress:

* Miss Luann offered numerous tips for dealing with the heat in the last newsletter. I suggest you reread it.

* For those who easily lose electrolytes and sodium like myself, I suggest investing in electrolyte tablets which will replace those you lost.

Drink plenty of water before the battle and also drink water mixed with Gatorade. Gatorade is loaded
with minerals that can actually be harmful if consumed in large quantities.

* Sodium-rich foods such as beef jerky is a good snack but pack a few bananas as well. Your body loses
potassium that needs to be quickly replenished.

* Do not cool down too fast. If your body is overheated and you attempt to quickly cool down, you may send your body into shock, and that is a very serious problem.

Now that I have offered a few more suggestions to the ever-growing list of how to properly deal with the heat, I will address the main reason for writing this.

Pvt. Miller noticed I was not looking very well and acting spacey. He took me over to an artillery tow vehicle to sit in the air conditioning. I do not know the fellow artillerist who took me off the field and into the shade. He notified the field medics of my condition and stayed with me until the E.M.T.'s arrived to help stabilize me. I do not know the names of the infantrymen who offered me their canteens, nor the woman who provided me with the bananas. Another artillerist monitored me after the E.M.T.'s left, while another ran across the field in the heat to alert my father. I have never met these fellow reenactors before yet all of them stopped what they were doing and came to my assistance.

Our cannon was left with a short crew, and various people within the Battalion stepped down to keep our gun on line. I am amazed at the deep friendship and common bond that all reenactors share. No one had to help me and no one had to help Bedford, yet numerous people came to our assistance. The entire community may be composed of thousands of strangers from different social, political, and economic back-grounds, different races and ethnic groups, and different personalities yet we are all a part of one extremely large family.

I feel as if the members in Bedford Light are a part of my own family even though I only get to see many of you for a few weekends every year.

I would like to thank my gun crew at Gettysburg for being so flexible and helping fulfill my duties as a sergeant. Also, I extend my gratitude to Pvt. Henry for being my corporal at Gettysburg, as well as the officers who breveted me to sergeant for that event and at Hamlin Beach. It certainly was a learning experience and I am learning more at every event. I cannot wait to start my seventh year with Bedford Light. Thank you for a great season!

Respectfully submitted,
Cpl. Melayne Karnitz