On July 7th we posted an article to the website(http://www.7thkentucky.org) discussing a proposed rule by OSHA that would make storage and sale of blackpowder all but impossible. The proposed rule was available for public comment so we offered some simple steps that would lead the reader to the comment area for this proposed rule. I know some of you submitted your comments. I also know that millions of other firearms enthusiasts around the country complained. OSHA quickly extended the review period for the proposed rule until September 10th. It seems that on July 20 OSHA decided to go back to the drawing board, removing the proposed rule entirely from consideration.
I don't think we should sit back and pat ourselves on the back. I am all but certain they will come back for another bite at this apple. We'll keep an eye out for any changes and post information to the website as necessary.
There is something else I need emphasize here. We are a Non-Profit Educational Corporation in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. That means that we cannot entertain political activities of any nature. I do not believe this is a political endeavor so much as an attempt to preserve and protect our ability to continue our mission. Without the legal availability of blackpowder, Civil War Reenacting comes to a very abrupt halt.
For the 7th Kentucky Incorporated, this issue has nothing at all to do with any political party, agenda, or campaign. We simply wish to continue our mission of providing an interactive educational experience for those interested in the American Civil War.
Wayne Fielder
Family Day was a great success I believe. Ken, Everett and his family, Chad, Harold and his family, Charlie and his family, and myself were in attendance. Ken brought a fabulous collection of buttons and Charlie brought his collection of period pictures. I some how managed not to poison anyone with the carcass which is always a good thing.
Of course, I left the camera at home so I have no pictures for you but I have witnesses that this thing actually happened! Right? Guys? Come on now...guys? Anyone?
On To Richmond! 300 men hand picked by Colonel Garrard were sent from Cumberland Gap on August 20, 1862 in search of supplies supposedly en route from Lexington. Ten days later these men literally rode into the fight at Richmond. General Manson's report in the Official Record of the War of the Rebellion(O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVI/1 [S# 22] Pg 915) states, "I have neglected to state in the proper place that I was joined in the second engagement by a portion of the Third Kentucky Infantry, who had passed from General Morgan's command at the Cumberland Gap with some Government horses. These men dismounted, hitched their horses, and did excellent service. I do not know the names of any of the accomplished officers who commanded this detachment, or I should gladly give them a place in this report."
What to bring:
Remaining Events this season
Mill Springs will also have a School Day on the 28th where we can provide some service for them.
If you can make it please let me know SOONEST. This will help me plan for what we can offer them.
The Society is undertaking a recruiting effort. If you have an interest in the home front during the American Civil War period visit our website and let us know. We would be thrilled to talk with you about what we do, how and why we do it, and get you out in the field with us.
We are looking at these events this year:
We have some clothing we acquired through a sale. If anyone's interested in seeing the clothing or purchasing, please contact Carolyn Warnick. The clothing belongs to the corporation so all sales go towards funding our activities. Don't be shy!
That about wraps it up for this newsletter. Don't forget to send pictures of yourself and others at events to the website! Photo albums of what we do speak louder than you can imagine.
Keep cool in this awful hot weather......and I'll see you all soon!
On the weekend of July 21 & 22, the 5th Battery of Indiana Light Artillery participated in the annual Stones River Artillery Weekend. The weather co-operated, with temperatures under 90 degrees and humidity less than 99.9 percent, helping make for a very pleasant experience.
For the spectators, park ranger Jim Lewis and his volunteers gave a very interesting presentation on the psychological effects of artillery on the battlefield, along with various in camp demonstrations. Our own demonstration, knapsack inspection, went quite well. Items of contraband were hidden with great ingenuity, requiring the ranks to become more and more obvious in their attempts at concealment. (In my own defense, I was quite busy recording all the missing great coats. I do hope everyone remembers to bring them next July.) We were complimented by Jim Lewis, who said the crowd was quite entertained.
For the most part, things went well on the firing line. There was some small confusion as to how many guns constitute a section, and some bad primers allowed almost all the spectators a chance to see miss-fire drill.
I would like to express my thanks to Bill Neikirk and his boys from the 4th Kentucky for bringing the Parrott rifle and filling out the detachment. They are always a pleasure to work with and Nick's penny whistle was especially enjoyable. Thanks also to the Friends of Stones River NBP for providing all our rations for the weekend. Always a plus when we don't have to carry our own or cook over a fire in July.
Last, but certainly not least, thanks to Jim Lewis and Stones River NBP. Saturday afternoon, Acting Sergeants Warnick and Borland were called upon to accept a plaque on behalf of the 5th Indiana Battery. The plaque was in recognition of 20 years of participation in programs at Stones River. It is always nice to be appreciated, and in return I would like to say that all my experiences at Stones River have been of the best. The Park and it's personnel have always been accommodating and I hope that our relationship will continue for many years to come.
YOS
J.D. Borland, Capt.