Danville Grays Dispatch

Company Meeting

2010-07-11T11:42:00.001-04:00

July 25th 2010
Danville Museum of Fine Art and History
2:30 p.m.

Company Meeting

2010-01-10T12:50:00.001-05:00

Danville Museum of Fine Art and History
Sunday January 31st at 2p.m.

Company Meeting/Drill

2009-06-15T18:31:00.000-04:00

Where: Danville Museum of Fine Art and History
When: Sunday August 2nd at 2:30 p.m.

No uniforms required. Just bring your musket!

School of the Soldier Canceled

2009-03-27T18:00:00.000-04:00

Due to inclement weather the School of the Soldier Scheduled for March 28th at The Danville Museum of fine Arts and History has been canceled.

Fredericksburg!

2009-01-31T21:21:00.002-05:00

Gentlemen,

If you have the opportunity pick up this issue of Blue and Gray Magazine (available at B.Dalton). This is an amazing resource for anyone wanting to tour the Fredericksburg battlefield! If you have been to Fredericksburg then you know modern developement has obliterated the landscape fronting the "stone wall". This issue comes in handy for someone wanting to find points of interest in the maze of Fredericksburg suburbs leading up to the stone wall! In case B.Dalton is out you may be able to order back copies here: http://bluegraymagazine.com/ See you on the field!!

Respectfully,

Gary Elliott

Company Meeting

2009-01-25T17:44:00.000-05:00

Sunday, Febuary 1st at the Sutherlin Mansion
2p.m.

2008-12-25T14:28:00.001-05:00

Christmas Night of 1862 by William Gordon McCabe (1841-1920)
The wintry blast goes wailing by, The snow is falling overhead; I hear the lonely sentry's tread, And distant watch-fires light the sky. Dim forms go flitting through the gloom; The soldiers cluster round the blaze To talk of other Christmas days, And softly speak of home and home.
My sabre swinging overhead Gleams in the watch-fire's fitful glow, While fiercely drives the blinding snow, And memory leads me to the dead.
My thoughts go wandering to and fro, Vibrating between the Now and Then; I see the low-browed home again, The old hall wreathed with mistletoe.
And sweetly from the far-off years Comes borne the laughter faint and low, The voices of the Long Ago! My eyes are wet with tender tears.
I feel again the mother-kiss, I see again the glad surprise That lightened up the tranquil eyes And brimmed them o'er with tears of bliss,
As, rushing from the old hall-door, She fondly clasped her wayward boy Her face all radiant with the joy She felt to see him home once more.
My sabre swinging on the bough Gleams in the watch-fire's fitful glow, While fiercely drives the blinding snow Aslant upon my saddened brow.
Those cherished faces all are gone! Asleep within the quiet graves Where lies the snow in drifting waves, And I am sitting here alone.
There's not a comrade here to-night But knows that loved ones far away On bended knee this night will pray: "God bring our darling from the fight."
But there are none to wish me back, For me no yearning prayers arise. The lips are mute and closed the eyes-- My home is in the bivouac.

Another Good Book!

2008-10-18T14:56:00.001-04:00

From the same author of "Bloody Crucible of Courage"

Danville Grays on Myspace

2008-09-14T15:48:00.001-04:00

The Danville Grays now have a Myspace page!! It's still under construction so be sure to check back for updates!!

http://www.myspace.com/danvillegrays

Company Meeting

2008-09-10T23:08:00.001-04:00

Gentlemen,
Just a friendly reminder we have a company meeting this Sunday September 14th at the Sutherlin Mansion at 2:30 p.m.

Respectfully,
Pvt. Gary Elliott

IMPORTANT!!

2008-07-15T23:07:00.000-04:00

Gentlemen,
The meeting orginally scheduled for Sunday July 20 has been cancelled. The September meeting originally scheduled for the 21st has been moved up to September 14th at 2:30 p.m. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Respectfully,
Pvt. Gary Elliott

UDC Ceremony

2008-05-26T14:50:00.007-04:00

Green Hill Cemetery June 1st 2008
Formation at 4:30
Ceremony Begins at 5:00

Meeting/Drill Postponed

2008-03-15T19:37:00.000-04:00

Gentlemen,
The meeting/drill scheduled for tomorrow the 16th has been moved to Sunday March 30th. Sorry for the last minute notification.

Respectfully,
Gary Elliott

Meeting/Drill

2008-03-11T22:04:00.001-04:00

Gentlemen,
Just a reminder we have a meeting/drill Sunday March 16th at the museum starting at 2:30p.m. No uniforms or cartridges are required, just bring your musket and accouterments. Hope to see you there!

Respectfully,
Pvt. Gary Elliott

Philadelphia Press Article 1862

2008-03-08T15:35:00.002-05:00

Check out this article that a researcher sent to me. You can use the link below or you can find it on the members section of our website. http://www.danvillegrays.com/philapressart.html

Another Great Book!!

2008-03-03T18:26:00.003-05:00

"The Gettysburg Diaries: War Journals of two American Adversaries." It's a quick read and I'm sure you all will enjoy it!!

Meeting/Drill

2008-02-21T19:03:00.002-05:00

Sunday March 16th at the Sutherlin Mansion
Musket and Accoutrements Only
No Uniforms
2:30 p.m.

Company Meeting

2008-02-13T18:48:00.001-05:00

Company Meeting
Sunday Feb. 17th 2008
at The Sutherlin Mansion
2:30 p.m.

Longstreets Corps Website Updates

2008-02-12T12:15:00.000-05:00

The Longstreets Corps website has been updated. Please visit and notice the new Corps staff as well as new blogs from our Corps Commander Dave Cornett and Chief of Staff Greg Gallion.

www.longstreetscorps.com (you can click the link to the right)

A Must Read!!

2008-02-10T09:57:00.000-05:00

Gentlemen,
I have recently started a new book and I would have to say anyone wanting to learn more about the evolution of weaponry and tactics leading up to the War Between the States you have to get a copy of this one!! It's called "The Bloody Crucible of Courage: Fighting Methods and Combat Experience of the Civil War" by Brent Nosworthy.

October 19th Home School Group

2007-09-25T17:29:00.000-04:00

We are on for the 19th of Oct. (friday) with the home school group

The gate opens at 8:00 am

The school group will be there from 10-12

Please bring tents and other camp life activities

Cooking may or maynot be done depending on the rains ( may be a burning ban)

We will try to get in the following activities:

Home / Family life during the war

Cooking?? Fatback and skillygullie

Camp Life: Music, blanket inspection

Uniform & Equipment

Weapon Demonstration

Drill (w/ kids?)

Medical Presentation

We will be in Dan Daniel Park go to the far end of the bottom parking lot of the ball park

Hope to see you there we need start setting up soon after 8:00 as we can

Lester,

"They may take our lives,
but they can never take our Freedom."
"Pro Libertate"

Sept. Meeting/Drill

2007-08-07T19:43:00.001-04:00

Gentlemen,
The next meeting/drill will be held on Sunday Sept. 30th from 1-7p.m. No uniforms, just musket and accoutrements. The following weekend is the Jeb Stuart event. The website is http://www.jebstuart.org for anyone wanting to look over details for the event.

Respectfully,
Pvt.Gary Elliott

Meeting/Drill

2007-07-01T00:03:00.000-04:00

Gentlemen,
We will be having our next meeting on Sunday, July 8th starting at 1p.m. at the museum. Wear uniforms and bring equipment, we will be drilling after the meeting. Look forward to seeing you all there!!

Respectfully,
Pvt. Gary Elliott

UDC Ceremony Reminder

2007-05-19T21:31:00.000-04:00

Jefferson Davis Celebration conducted by the Anne Eliza Johns Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
June 3rd at Green Hill Cemetary.
Formation at 4:30 p.m. Service starts at 5 p.m.
Have at least 3 rounds for the salute.

Bedford Directions

2007-04-22T14:51:00.000-04:00

Long Way
1. Take 29N to Lynchburg
2. Take the exit 460W to Bedford
3. Once at Bedford take 460 Business (not the bypass).
4. Turn right onto 4th Street
5. Take a left onto Bedford Avenue
6. Turn left onto Ashland Avenue
7. Turn right onto College Street. ( Confederate Camps on the right )

Short Cut
1. Take 29N from Danville (travel roughly 35 miles)
2. Turn left onto Va-43 (drive safely, very curvy road!!)
3. Turn LEFT onto VA-24 / VA-43. Continue to follow VA-43
4. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto VA-43 / TALBOTT ST. Continue to follow VA-43
5. Turn LEFT onto US-221 / US-460 BR / E MAIN ST / VA-122 / VA-43 / N BRIDGE ST
6. Turn RIGHT onto US-221 / N BRIDGE ST / VA-122 / VA-43
7. Turn LEFT onto VA-43 / PEAKS ST
8. Turn LEFT onto COLLEGE ST ( Confederate Camps on left )

If you have any questions email me at g_elliott115@hotmail.com. Also a map is available on the event website (www.livingliberty.org).

Pvt. Elliott

Drill Reminder

2007-04-03T12:09:00.000-04:00

Gentlemen,
Just a friendly reminder of the drill scheduled for April 15th from 1p.m.-5p.m. at the Sutherlin Mansion. Please, if at all possible make plans to attend. This is the last opportunity to get some practice in before the Bedford event.

Respectfully,
Pvt. Elliott

2007 Events

2007-02-21T20:08:00.000-05:00

Winter Camp- March 2&3
Williamsburg- March16-18
@ Endview Plantation
Cold Harbor- March30-April1
@ Heritage Park in Windsor, Virginia
Drill Day- April 15
@ The Sutherlin Mansion 1p.m.-5p.m.
Program for Home School Students- April 27
@ location TBA
Battle of Liberty- April 28&29 (Company Event, Max Effort!!)
in Bedford, Virginia
McDowell- May 4-6
in Mcdowell, Virginia
New Market- May 18-20
Gaines Mill- June 2-3
@ Dorey Park in Richmond, Virginia
UDC Ceremony- June 3
@ Green Hill Ceremony
Down the Valley- June 16&17
@ Cedar Creek Battlefield
Gettysburg- July 6-8
September Storm- Sept. 7-9
in Boonsboro, Maryland
145th Sharpsburg- Sept. 14-16
near Harper's Ferry
Stanardsville- Sept. 21-23
at Stanardsville, Virginia
Jeb Stuart- Oct 5-7 (Company Event, Max Effort!!)
in Ararat, Virginia
Fredericksburg- Dec. 8-9 (Company Event, Max Effort!!)

Latest Fredericksburg Update

2006-10-23T00:17:00.000-04:00

To begin with, we are hoping to change this to more of a living history event than a reenactment. There just isn't room in the city for the 400 reenactors we had last year. Real safety concerns arose and made us decide to scale things back dramatically. We can pull off our plans this year with about 100 reenactors or so. The scenario is "What happened in the city between the street fight and the main assault". We will begin with a small street skirmish of selected units to portray the street fight and then the Union will "occupy the town". This fight and the Union Camp will be on Charles Street. We plan to establish HQ, field hospitals, a period telegraph, and pickets along this street as well. We are looking for units to help portray activities that would have occured in town during the occupation. I even have some home owners willing to help with a looting scene. Civilian impressions interacting with the Federals would be great here.

After the skirmish, Confederates will withdraw to the mall along Washington Avenue to portary camps "outside of the city". There will also be field hospitals, HQ, pickets, and period music by the Camptown Shakers. I would like a couple of units to do a rounders game with spectator particpation further down the mall. Blue v. Gray maybe? This is where registration will be Saturday morning and reenactor parking will be down the street at the First Christian Church.

In between the two camps will not only be the field hospitals, but also some pockets of remaining Confederates that will need to be rooted out by Federal patrols. These groups will be selected and prepared in advance. A lot of this may happen along Prince Edward Street. Units interested in possibly helping with this need to have previous Fredericksburg experience and contact me immediately. While we don't need as many numbers as we had in the past, we do want enough reenactors to come to make our impression meaningful and allow those on picket, ambulance, or other duty to be relieved to get some lunch in town.

On Sunday, the National Park Service and 28th Mass. Co. B take the lead. Frank O'Reilly hosts a wonderful walking tour of the Irish Brigade's march through town from 12-2pm. Units participating, and those wishing to walk along, form up at the city dock on Sophia Street. The tour concludes at the Kirkland Memorial and leads into the Commemoration Service with units from both sides, as well as other organizations. There will be an opportunity to lay wreaths at the end of the ceremony. Contact the NPS if you would like to be placed on the schedule. We would love to have more units participate in this ceremony and honor those that fought in our city 144 years ago. Confederates will form up along Sunken Road at 1pm.

Regarding the cars, spectators, and other logistical concerns. I apologize for any past issues people might have had. While the city does support our efforts, I would not say it is with open arms. They are supportive, but tentatively. We work mostly with the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. (HFFI) and their Candlelight Tour. Our event moves every year to which ever neighborhood they are holding the tour. That is the only way we are able to get some of the streets closed. Without their help, Im not sure we could get any streets closed. For the past few years the director of the HFFI tour has changed, including again this year. This is part of the delay in getting things put together. However, the woman in charge understands our concerns and is working with us to resolve them. The new head of HFFI is a Revolutionary War reenactor. He understands the issues we are facing and is really excited about what we have planned. They have assured me that there will be no cars and that the spectators will be kept at a safe distance from any firing. HFFI is providing portajohns near each camp, there will be fires in designated raised fire pits, water available, BUT there will NOT be any overnight camping this year. However, we do have discounts at the Best Western and Hylton Hotels for reenactors. I'll get maps and information up on the web site as quick as I can.

Fredericksburg is a unique event. It is NOT a powder burner! We hope to provide a one of a kind experience to reenactors free of charge, teach the community about what happened here 144 years ago, and honor those on both sides who struggled through the times. I think that as we develop this into a living history event, it will receive more support and cooperation from the various groups in the community. We hope you'll find it a nice way to end your reenacting season.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Meeting September 17th

2006-09-11T18:53:00.000-04:00

The meeting scheduled for Sunday, Septemeber 17th will be held at 3:30pm at the Danville Museum.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

August 12 - Sayler's Creek Park Service Living History

2006-07-31T11:38:00.000-04:00

The following message was sent from the 59th Virginia:

Where: Saylors Creek Battlefield Park - Amelia Co
When: Saturday, August 12th 2006
Times: Plan to arrive on site no later that 9:30 am
Program times are 10:00am - 4:00 pm
Uniform: Primary Jacket / Mid-Late War (Richmond Depot-II)
Senerio: The time frame will be August of 1864, We will be portraying a confederate infantry unit on the line of march. We are coming from a yet to be determined location either in the valley or western part of the state... now on our way to Petersburg to augment/reenforce the southern forces massed there in what has turned into a seige style campaign. We are to portray soldiers in march in an active campaigner style. this means we will not have a camp, tentage, or any other items that wouldnt have been personally carried on or with us. It will have the appearance and aire that we are making our way eastward and stopped there for a short period of rest before continuing. Full uniforms, leather gear, canteens, haversacks, muskets...the usual field gear items...then also knapsacks and/or blanket rolls. Remember we are to portray troops in line of march in the later war era...so it would be heavy marching order in this manner. what you used is what you carried on your back. We should also have on hand a few assorted entrenching tools, such as authentic axes, picks and spades which was also frequently carried by the troops themselves during this time frame. Select and use the gear that you have that best suits this late war time frame. Cartridges and caps are not allowed, so empty both boxes prior to your arrival. they will be inspected to ensure compliance of park rules, and to keep us out of trouble. Remember that this is a living history event, and you will frequently be up close and personal interacting with the public, thus keep all modern items and unauthentic stuffs well out of sight, or just leave it behind or in your vehicle. This will be a relaxing laid back event...we will be resting around the Hillsman house reading or writing letters, reading newspapers, playing period card games or games of chance...talking of home...or pondering thoughts of the war...the fray thats ahead of us...etc...By this time of the war the days of the primarily volunteer soldiers has run thin...many of the replacements in the ranks now are conscripts (Draftees)...a good time to bring out the little authentic haversack stuffers to display and have things to explain and talk about as well...various other roles and smaller senerios are being developed to have more things to interact with etc...We may do a few short drill sessions just for public display and interest as the weather and the ambitions of the captain may dictate. During lax times we may make use of it for misc teaching or brushing up on things to ourselves as well. Bring along your own lunch if you so desire as there is nothing close by to make a "lunch run" too...so be prepared on your own...period foodstuffs would be better.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Meeting Postponed

2006-07-07T09:17:00.000-04:00

President Snyder has decided to push back the July 17th meeting to 1st Mannassas, Vice-President Duffer will preside.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Gettysburg Postponed

2006-06-29T13:39:00.000-04:00

I know this does not affect us as a unit, but just incase anyone was planning to attend on their own -

Gettysburg has been postponed due to weather, and will now be held July 7 - 9.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Two Events at Sayler's Creek

2006-05-18T15:53:00.000-04:00

Hunter of the 59th Virginia has invited us to join them for the two following events. If you can make it please let me know ASAP as he needs to let the Park Service know numbers within the next couple of days.

August 12th - Campaigner (Status - pending)
We will be portraying a confederate unit on the march in August 1864 on our
way to Petersburg, the senerio is that we have stopped by the Hillsman house on our trek eastward for a short rest. Not a station or encampment but give the appearance that we just stopped by there. No tentage or extra "Camp" gear present in the senerio itself other than authentic heavy marching order items such as musket, leathers, etc.. and knapsacks or blanket rolls etc.. that you would have carried yourself... Not that complicated or hard to do... but authenticity is a must since you will be in close quarters and inspection of the general public attending... No modern or "iffy" items... leave anything thats stainless steel at home... cigars or better an authentic pipe over any modern cigarettes etc while conducting the program itself that anyone can see.. Remember that we are representing the veteran soldiers of the confederacy on the march... thus we need to do it correctly...

Sept 30th - Garrison (status - pending)
We will be representing a confederate unit thats stationed / camping at the site for a particular purpose and reason during the war time.. details of date and actual purpose is being worked out. Most likely will be mid-late war era. This will be an actual encampment with full tentage etc.... However since during the program times people WILL be looking into these tents to see how the Civil war soldier lived.. No modern anything to be stored or in the tents.. other than authentic items they would have had.. gear, authentic blankets etc... so any coolers and such will be left in
another place or in vehicles etc.. Localized living history portrayal, maybe some light drilling for demonstrations etc. nothing hard to do... I inquired if we could come in the night before (Friday evening) to set up the camp and some to stay the night there.. so things wouldnt be in a rush saturday morning.. Im awaiting permission and response of that request.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Are you a Yankee or a Rebel? Test

2006-05-09T16:48:00.000-04:00

Pvt Hutherson emailed me a link to a Are you a Yankee or a Rebel? Test. If you would like to try it visit www.alphadictionary.com/articles/yankeetest.html

I received a score of 100% Dixie. Is General Lee your grandfather?!

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Hunter's Retreat Schedule

2006-04-26T09:40:00.000-04:00

The 2006 Schedule is now up on the Hunter's Retreat website and battles will be at 2pm each day. If you're interested in additional happenings at the event please check www.centertownbedford.com/events/civilwar/index.htm

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

New Look

2006-04-15T12:53:00.000-04:00

Check out the website and let me know if you prefer the new or old layout of the homepage. Also, please email or post a comment if you have any suggestions. There are some things that I haven't included on the homepage (like a link to this blog) because they are for members only.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

History on the Lawn 2006

2006-04-14T22:43:00.000-04:00

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

South Boston Drill

2006-04-12T11:39:00.000-04:00

Cpl. Duffer would like to offer his farm for use as a drill site sometime in the mid to late summer. We can invite other units (even artillery) and can live fire. Give it some thought and we will discuss it at the July meeting.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

NC Civil War Trails Marker

2006-03-24T21:13:00.000-05:00

My Civil War Trails Marker was installed yesterday. I thought you guys might like to see it.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Winter Encampment

2006-03-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 7th Annual Winter Encampment. It was an excellent opportunity for drill, and everyone benefited from it.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Event Cancelled

2006-03-03T09:34:00.000-05:00

Due to conflicts with other events, the April 1st Murfreesboro, NC event has been cancelled.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

New Members

2006-02-25T23:12:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Pvt Elliott and Pvt Ecker. Both were voted into the unit as probationary members at the January meeting.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Meeting Minutes

2006-01-31T18:41:00.000-05:00

The minutes from the January 29th meeting are available on the Members Page of the website. The file is available as a Word Document, if anyone cannot open Word files, or would prefer PDF, email or leave a comment and I will add a PDF version.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Company Meeting 01.29.06

2006-01-30T16:32:00.000-05:00

Company Meeting
January 29, 2006

Elections:
Corporate Officers
President: Lester Snyder
Vice-President: Kyle Duffer
Adjutant: Beau Stowe
Treasurer: Robert Stowe
Quartermaster: Ryan Stowe
Field Officer
Captain: Robert Stowe
NCOs to be appointed by Captain Stowe

Corps Infantry Meeting

2006-01-27T19:17:00.000-05:00

Longstreet's Corps Infantry Meeting
January 27, 2006
6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Meeting 01.29.06

2006-01-19T09:32:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder -

The January Meeting will be held Sunday the 29th at 2 p.m.

We will have elections and discuss upcoming events.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

25 Years of Gray

2006-01-04T13:23:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year. I just wanted to point out that the unit was reorganized in January 1981, so this month marks our 25th Anniversary. Lets try to make this year a big one for us.

Also, please be sure to attend the drill this Sunday 2:30 - 4:30.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Fredericksburg After Action Report

2005-12-22T18:22:00.000-05:00

December 21, 2005

After Action Report for the actions of 9-11Dec2005, at Fredericksburg, VA

We arrived in the town of Fredericksburg on the evening of the 9th of December. It was cold and snow and ice covered the area. Our fine warriors consisted of Pvt. Clay and myself. Our wives and one child were in accompany. We managed to find the lodging place that had been previously acquired through means of the speaking telegraph. We awoke the next morning and left our accompanies behind and headed into the town to find a fight. Upon seeing no one in uniform, we headed our horseless carriage across the river. Upon the heights of Stratford did we find soldiers drilling. We quickly came across familiar faces and asked where we should go. We were told to fall in with the host unit, only find out they were not really fighting that day, but pulling sentry duty and other task about the town. We found out that a large horseless wagon that was yellow and had a sign painted red with STOP on it, was to pick us up and carry us from wince we had come, the city docks. Not wanting to give up or own means of conveyance, we found our own way to the docks. Upon our arrival, we witnessed confederates attempting to fire a telegraph line from the north side of the river using a bow and arrow. Obviously none of them had Indian blood in them, for the arrow never made it to the half way point. Giving up, they retired up the opposite bank. After some time the yellow wagon loads of reinforcements arrived. They drilled fairly heavily on the south bank, with no enemy in sight. The 18th watched. After they were about to give up and were headed back to the yellow wagons, the 18th VA with its keen hunting eyes spotted enemy forces moving on the far bluff. After pointing them out to the commanding officers, our forces where put into motion, with out any directions from the commanding officers. We fell in with the 5th and 6th VA Inf. The 18th split the two. Fresh Fish were everywhere. I had one on each side at some points. Before the officers could even check well, firing commenced. There was a brief exchange of musketry with opposing forces on the far bank. Suddenly, a yellow wagon appeared and disgorged men in blue. For some reason, they where allowed to run to the far end of the ice covered field. Our side suffered heavy casualties after we finally got a chance to fire. We where pushed back to the wagons. At that time a bugle sounded, and the 18th left the accompany of the army to retire out of the town. We found our wives and child and proceeded to enjoy a nice meal at a local place called Fridays. They served use, even though it was a Saturday. After the meal, we proceeded back into town, as we had heard there would be another push from the enemy. After forming up in front of the library, we made three heavy units in the street running parallel to the river. The enemy emerged and Ours was the first line hit. We made a good show of it before retiring to the rear of the army. Soon, however, we were back in the front, blazing away, only to retire again. We proceeded through this several times. It was as we did this that yours truly suffered a head wound, rendering me immovable until a bugle woke me. At this time, the horseless carriage was again used to fall back out of town. We ate at a lovely place called Joe's, who served seafood fresh from some place called Alaska. We consumed crabs of enormous size, eating only the legs. After which we retired to our rooms for a night cap. The 18th found out our hard earned money for the month, er year, had been spent that day by our accompanies. It was alright, however, for the child had thrown snowballs at them at the lodging and dining areas, with the help of the 18th. Sunday morning a quick trip to the Sutler was needed, to ensure an adequate supply of caps and rounds for the coming season.

Cpl. Kyle A. Duffer
Co B. 18th VA Inf,
Danville Grays.

2006 Events Update

2005-12-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

Here is an updated list of 2006 Events as of Dec 19.
January 8, 2:30-4:30pm - Danville, VA
Training Camp
January 29 - Danville, VA
Meeting (Elections/Events)
March 4&5 - Danville, VA
Winter Encampment and Meeting
March 18&19 - Newport News,VA Endview Plantation
145th Battle of Big Bethel
April 8&9 - Danville, VA
141st Anniversary of the Last Capital
April 28-30 - Bedford, VA
Hunter's Retreat: The Battle at Liberty
May 19-21 - Lewisburg, WV
Battle of Lewisburg (Street Fight Sunday)
May 20-21 - New Market, VA
Battle of New Market
June 3-4 - Varina(Richmond), VA
144th Anniversary of the Battle of Gaines Mill
June 4 - Danville, VA, Green Hill Cemetery
UDC Jefferson Davis Ceremony
July 1-3 - Gettysburg, PA
Battle of Gettysburg
July 14-16 - Beverly, WV
Battle of Rich Mountain
July 21-23 - Middletown, VA
145th Anniversary of First Manassas
August 19&20 - Saltville, VA
Battles of Saltville
September 22-24 - Stanardsville, VA
Battle of Stanardsville
October 6-8 - Ararat, Laurel Hill, VA
JEB Stuart Birthplace Event
October 21-22 - Middletown, VA
Battle of Cedar Creek
November 3-5 - Hamilton, NC
Fort Branch
December 8-10 Newport News, VA
Endview
December 8-10 Fredericksburg, VA
Battle of Fredericksburg

After the meeting on January 29th, I will post an updated list showing any additional events and Corps, Corps Sanctioned, and Company Event designations.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Dues

2005-12-14T15:19:00.000-05:00

Don't forget that our 2006 dues are owed by December 31st. If you have not paid by the January 29th meeting you will be considered "inactive" and will be unable to vote.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

2006 Events

2005-12-05T11:36:00.000-05:00

2006 Events
Jan TBA (8 or 15) - Danville, VA
Training Camp
Jan 29 - Danville, VA
Meeting (Elections/Events)
March 4&5 - Danville, VA
Winter Encampment and Meeting
March 18&19 - Newport News,VA Endview Plantation
145th Battle of Big Bethel
April 8&9 - Danville, VA
141st Anniversary of the Last Capital
April 28-30 - Bedford, VA
Hunter's Retreat: The Battle at Liberty
June 4 - Danville, VA, Green Hill Cemetery
UDC Jefferson Davis Ceremony
July 21-23 - Middletown, VA
145th Anniversary of First Manassas
August 19&20 - Saltville, VA
Battles of Saltville
October 7-9 - Ararat, Laurel Hill, VA
JEB Stuart Birthplace Event

These are the only events listed as of right now. After the meeting on January 29th I will post a complete listing.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Manassas 2006

2005-12-05T09:53:00.000-05:00

Make plans now to attend the 145th Anniversary of First Manassas July 21 - 23, 2006. This will most likely be the big event for the year. Due to lack of space in the Manassas area the event will be held on the Cedar Creek battlefield. Registration is $15 until the end of March. Registration will be cut-off on June 30th and NO Walk-ons will be allowed.

For more information visit www.cedarcreekbattlefield.org

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Fredericksburg

2005-12-05T09:41:00.000-05:00

Fredericksburg will be held December 10 - 11, 2005 and will require a $5 walk-on fee if you have not preregistered. Please contact Corporal Duffer if you plan to attend.

For more information visit 47thva.com/fredericksburg

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant

Welcome

2005-11-29T13:21:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome to the new Danville Grays Dispatch. Rather than waiting for a newsletter or meeting, you can check to see when news is available. You will also see the occassional post from Cpl Duffer. Should be fun.

YOS
1st Sgt Stowe, Adjutant