I arrived at Camp Nelson Friday afternoon to find most everything already setup. We were quite concerned about the USCT turnout through friday and on into Saturday morning but by the time of the fight we had about 60 military reenactors across all branches. THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is the largest turnout we've ever had.

We had in attendance Harold Oney(Colonel Cundiff), Wayne Fielder(Lieutenant McGuire), Taylor Seehorn(Lieutenant Bowman), Mike Eaton(QM Sgt Cox), Chad Woford, Mike Teeter, Ken Darnell, and Everett Hatton.

Ron Orange came out to support us and we were glad to have him. He served as Lt. Col. Brown from the Adjutant General's Office(more on that later) on Saturday and as a Rifle on Sunday. The Kentucky Calvary Brigade had one calvaryman on the post as well. On such short notice we were THRILLED to have them out. Hope they go home and tell them about our little event...maybe we can infect some more of their people.

The 5th USCT once again made the long trip from the Great Lakes region. I wouldn't know what to do without Clark, Lee, and their lads on the field with us at Camp Nelson. They help us make Camp Nelson what it should be and I look forward to more USCT joining us on the field out there.

The Kentucky Soldier's Aide Society provided meals for all reenactors and, as usual, did an excellent job. We are always thankful and appreciative of their efforts and unwavering support of Camp Nelson.

While there was never any serious actions at Camp Nelson we understand the realities of reenacting. To make any reenactment grow we have to have something that draws spectators and that is the battles. With reenactor turnout low we have to work with what we get and I believe the two skirmishes we had were excellent.

What would Camp Nelson be without some kind of shenanigans however?

Well, somehow we survived. The weather saturday was almost unbearably hot and I, your humble Orderly Sergeant, learned what it's all about to NOT eat before taking the field in that heat.

The 4th Kentucky CS galvanized for this event and we were happy to see them in Blue. As we expected we might, we thoroughly enjoyed their company and look forward to working with them again.

They always feed us well at Richmond but this year I think they went above and beyond the call. Fabulous grub and plenty of it. The string band hired to play the dance warmed up while we ate which was wonderful.

As usual, I leave the Richmond event with mixed feelings. I have to wonder why only a handful of Federals show up for this reenactment. Do we have that few Federal reenactors in Kentucky? Maybe. Do they not understand the importance of the battle? I somehow doubt it. Do they not understand the outstanding work being done to protect the Richmond Battlefield? Perhaps. I would like to see much more participation about Federal reenactors but I have no idea how to achieve this.

Great Job BORA! We will be back!

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.

Camp Nelson – September 9-10, 1864

After finding the correct form to obtain a pencil, then finding the correct stationary form I submit this report.

The past weekend gave the 7th Kentucky an opportunity showcased its Civil War expertise. The circumstances as they unfolded presented challenges that our unit met with grace and flexibility. Each instance our unit displayed its plasticity.

A Civil War living history event always has two purposes. The first purpose is to allow the participants to live the feelings, customs, and camaraderie of the period. Sleeping on scratchy bales of straw, wearing wool on a day with high humidity, and participating in the court martial where E.W. was arrested and escorted to jail (perhaps where he still languishes!?) gave the two-day experience authenticity.

The second objective is to provide a glimpse of the period to the spectators that come with varying levels of expectation. Though faced with the failure of the expected participants, spectators enjoyed scenarios, exploring the campsites and, getting answers to their questions. (We never let ‘em see us sweat.)

Personally, one event of the weekend remains in my mind. I witnessed a very young USCT field numerous questions from a group of spectators. His answers were accurate and he performed a command of arms drill with precision. His demeanor was relaxed and confident. I made a point to approach the young fellow and remark on his good job. His smile let me know he appreciated my comments and observations.

What a wonderful experience it was for me to spend time and learn from E.W. The depth of his knowledge and expertise cannot be matched and I felt fortunate to be able to study under his tutelage. However, do not think I am a Quartermaster in training since I lack E.W.’s ability to garner supplies from “nontraditional” sources. Unfortunately, with his pending prison sentence, I may periodically step up to fill his shoes (who ever they belong to).

respectfully submitted by Elisha Cox (Mike Eaton) – Quartermaster clerk

Over a year later and we're finally using this thing! Now don't everyone clammer around at once, give a girl some room...

Chickamauga 1999 was my first "dress" event as a civilian woman and the effect that event had on me was exactly what it should have been....I was hooked! Personally, Camp Nelson has that same effect on me every year regardless of who attends or what is portrayed. This year was my third year participating. Each year I have portrayed different personas to different degrees. I do not have the equipment or knowledge to successfully educate spectators to a degree I would like to, and I certainly lack some first person believability (although the two times I've had to "act" I seem to play some crying distraught woman). However, I still enjoy Camp Nelson like no other place.

The SGW attendance at Camp Nelson this year was very light and the duties simple. A Reverend and a School Teacher. Admittedly the Reverend was much more active, but how much more occupationally simple can you get than these two civilians? Reverend, you did a wonderful job.....as usual. We'd be lost without you.

We will endeavor to make a larger presence at future Camp Nelson events. The progress Camp Nelson has made with it's facilities is extremely encouraging and I am sure this event will remain a "must do" for our group for years to come.

Thanks to everyone in the 7th who was there and did a fantastic job!