The 22nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry
&
89th Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Federal Command Staff Wolcott 2007
Command Staff:
Will Eichler has accepted overall command of the Union forces for the Skirmish at Walcott Mill. Will was chosen for his high authenticity standards. He is extremely knowledgeable concerning Union tactics and soldiering. Will's leadership skills and ability to reach out and help others improve their authenticity, he became our 1st and only choice for Federal Commander. Will has been instrumental in raising the Michigan's reenacting bar.
The are extremely pleased to have Will as our Overall Federal Commander,
The Skirmish at Wolcott Mill event committee
Federal Commander Will Eichler
Creating the Rock – Michigan and Ohio’s sacrifice at Chickamauga
Wolcott Mill re-enactment – October 10-11, 2009
UNION INFORMATION
Dear Pards,
Greetings. The time for the Wolcott Mill re-enactment grows close again. As in past years, we again have a great story to tell to our visitors and experience in a small part for ourselves. Thanks to the support of our brothers from Ohio, we have grown the size of the infantry contingent that allow us to tell this story.
The Story: The story and sacrifices of the 89th Ohio and 22nd Michigan are intertwined at Chickamauga. On the march, Colonel Herber Le Favour and the 22nd Michigan met up with Colonel Caleb Carlton and the 89th Ohio. General Whitaker assigned Carlton to link up with Le Favour and they were named a “demi-brigade” for the first day of the fight. Colonel Le Favour turned command of the 22nd to Lt. Colonel William Sanborn and commanded the demi-brigade.
The next day, back in the larger brigade, the 89th Ohio was placed directly behind the 22nd MI going into action. As the first line of the brigade was driven back, the two regiments found themselves fighting side by side, at right angles to each other. Ammunition, including all that was in the wounded and dead men’s boxes, was exhausted holding the Confederate onslaught at bay while the rest of the army had time to retreat. These two regiments, along with several companies of the 21st Ohio, surrendered together, never having received orders to retreat. They bought the time the army needed to retire and helped Rosecrans earn his nickname – “The Rock of Chickamauga.” This was the 89th Ohio’s first fight and still they fought like veterans!
Want to see how a soldier from the 22nd MI memorialized the fight? There is a poem below written by a Lieutenant after the battle.
Supporting the infantry in this fight were members of the 2nd Michigan Cavalry. The 2nd was raised in late 1861. Two of its colonels was later to gain significant fame – Col. Phil Sheridan and Col. Gordon Granger. Granger was actually commanding the corp the 22nd MI and 89th OH were in at Chickamauga.
The Original Order of Battle:
Infantry:
22nd Michigan – Col. Heber Le Favour, Lt. Col. Wm. Sanborn, Cpt. Alonzo M. Keeler
89th Ohio – Col. Caleb H. Carlton, Cpt Isaac C. Nelson
1st Brigade – Brig. Gen Walter C. Whitaker
1st Division – Brig. Gen. James B. Steedman
Reserve Corp – Major General Gordon Granger
Cavalry:
2nd MI Cav – Major Leonidas S. Scranton
1st Brigade – Col. Archibald P. Campbell
1st Division – Col. Edward M. McCook
Cav. Corp – Brig. Gen. Robert B. Mitchell
Our Order of Battle: Our goal is to tell the story of these two regiments at the same time. WE NEED YOUR HELP! We can only do this if we get at least four companies of line infantry. If we can achieve this, we will work for the weekend as a demi-brigade. Bob Minton from the Army of the Ohio will portray Colonel Carlton and command two companies to portray the 89th Ohio. Scott Cummings from Michigan will portray Lt. Colonel Sanborn and command two companies to portray the 22nd Michigan. Will Eichler will portray Col. Le Favour and command the demi brigade. Remember this is an ad hoc brigade. There will be NO brigade staff, unless borrowed from one of the regiments.
Structure:
Will Eichler – Col. Lavour
Bugler – Mark Heath
22nd MI
Commander - Scott Cummings – Lt. Col. Sanborn
Adjutant –
Sergeant Major –
Senior Captain – Denny Whiting – Captain Alonzo Keeler
Chaplain – Mike Gillett
89th Ohio
Commander – Bob Minton – Colonel Carlton
Adjutant –
Sergeant Major –
Senior Captain -
To the greatest extent possible, we will keep men in the regiments portraying their home states. We’ll only shift across if we don’t have enough to fill on regiment. If we don’t get enough men, we’ll shrink down and work as one battalion. We’ll still do a good job telling this story but it will be better if we get a strong showing!
WHY COME?
Good Historical basis: Just read above to see what we are doing to tell a great story of our two states.
Privation Component: For the past few years, the organizers of the Wolcott Mill event have dedicated themselves to raising funds for historic charities. This year, the beneficiary is Historic Fort Wayne. Any monies raised will be used to support the restoration efforts at Historic Fort Wayne. Presentations by the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition will be given to educate the public about the Fort and its significance in American history.
Tactical:
For re-enactors, Saturday’s tactical is an excellent opportunity to spend a larger portion of time in the field experiencing what a soldier felt on campaign. The Wolcott Mill tactical takes most of Saturday. We leave camp about 8:30 am and don’t return until after the afternoon battle, around 4pm. We take lunch with us and have water breaks and the noon meal in the field.In this tactical, expect to see fighting in all the different modes soldiers experiences it. Sometimes we attack; sometimes we defend a line. Often skirmishers are thrown out. Expect to see cavalry being properly employed supporting flanks, attacking, scouting and even fighting on foot!
Battles that tell the story: The public fights are specifically set up to tell the story of the weekend. Sorry, but if you’ve read the historical information above, you know the results. We do our best to use the terrain we have and the forces at hand to tell this story. It’s our goal to learn a little for ourselves and
Great fall views! As re-enactors, we always hope for good weather. We’ve had that luck for the past two years. Though I can’t and won’t guarantee that, we will be in a very beautiful part of the world right at the height of fall colors. I can guarantee the trees will be extremely beautiful, no matter the weather – and DO prepare for very cool nights!
Tough adversaries: Col. Nick Medich will be commanding the Confederate forces, so you can expect we’ll have our hands full during the tactical and they will do their part in the public battles.
New “Old” Sutler: John Lammers has taken up his Dad’s work! J. Lammers & Co. will be at Wolcott. I’ve had the good fortune to create John’s website and inspect his leather work. It’s every bit as good as his Dad’s and the prices are excellent!
SPECIFIC DETAILS:
- Drill will be by Casey’s Tactic
- Weapons will be stacked at the description of each company commander
- We will camp campaign style – however, tents will be welcomed if desired and there will be a place in camp for them to be set up
- Uniform guidelines are below
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Good websites to learn a little more:
http://www.89thohio.com/Postwar/carlton.htm
http://www.michiganinthewar.org/infantry/22ndinf.htm - fair warning - they have music on this site!
In closing: Thanks for taking the time to review this information. I hope it entices you to join us for an event I’ve had so much fun at over the past few years! Battalion set-up will begin very shortly. I'll be in touch with commanders. However, please feel free to contact me with questions at any time. I can be reached by email at steadiwill@comcast.net.
See you in October!
Your servant,
Will Eichler, commanding Union forces
Wolcott Mill 2009
The Rock of Chickamauga
--William B. Hamilton--
(Lt., 22nd Michigan Infantry, Co. F)
Let rebels boast their Stonewall brave
Who fell to fill a traitor's grave,
We have a hero grander far,
The Union was his guiding star,
The "Rock of Chickamauga."
When foot by foot, stern Rosecrans
Round grim Lookout, with bold advance,
Pressed back the rebels from their lair,
Our Thomas was the foremost there,
The "Rock of Chickamauga."
And when, in mightier force, they came
With serried ranks and sheets of flame,
Sweeping apart our shattered bands,
Who snatched the palm from rebel hands?
The "Rock of Chickamauga."
All day they surged and stormed in vain,
Lost Chattanooga to regain,
In vain each furious battle shock,
They were but waves, and he the rock,
The "Rock of Chickamauga."
His clarion voice with cheering word,
Above the din of battle heard,
His bearing firm, his kindling eye
Fired every breast with ardor high,
The "Rock of Chickamauga."
A new Thermopylae we found
On Chickamauga's bloody ground;
And in that rugged mountain pass,
He stood our true Leonidas,
The "Rock of Chickamauga."
Sons of Macomb and broad St. Clair,
And Oakland's rolling fields were there.
And now they tell, with patriot pride,
How that great day they fought beside,
The "Rock of Chickamauga."
Gone is our hero, strong, and brave,
Columbia weeps above his grave,
While high upon the roll of fame,
She writes that loved and honored name,
The "Rock of Chickamauga."
Federal Uniform Guidelines for Skirmish at the Ford
22nd Michigan/89th Ohio– September, 1863
By Chris Suppelsa
Purpose - The purpose of these guidelines is to attempt to recreate the appearance of the 22nd Michigan Infantry and 89th Ohio Infantry during the Battle of Chickamauga in September of 1863. The 22nd Michigan and 89th Ohio were chosen because the event staff feels that the federal reenacting community is ready to progress to a higher level of historical accuracy..
Individual Impression
All items are listed in order of preference.
Headgear:
Federal Dress Hat (Hardee Hat)
Civilian Slouch Hat
Federal Type I or II Forage Cap
Coat:
Federal Contract Fatigue Blouse
Federal Schuylkill Arsenal Fatigue Blouse
Federal State Jacket
Federal Frock Coat
Shirt:
Federal Issue Shirt (Either arsenal or contract made)
Civilian Shirt
Trousers:
Federal Issue Sky Blue Trousers
Drawers:
Federal Issue Drawers
Civilian Drawers
Socks:
Federal Issue Socks
Civilian Socks
Note- Each participant is encouraged to bring at least 2 pairs of socks.
Shoes:
Federal Issue Brogans
Note: Since we will be in the field all day Saturday, we are discouraging the use of boots. Boots were not popular among the men on campaign. We suggest you not find out why during the event.
Belt:
Federal Belt with Leather Keeper
Federal Belt with Brass Keeper
Note- Please try to use the “Puppy Paw” style belt plate vs. the “Arrow Back” style. Along with a belt with a leather keeper, this is an earlier war version of the belt. The “Arrow Back” and brass keeper back later – the brass keeper we see in re-enacting first was introduced in early 1864. Ohio Belt Plates are acceptable for those portraying the 89th.
Cap Box:
Federal M1850 Cap Box
Federal “Shield Front” Cap Box
Bayonet Scabbard:
Federal 2 Rivet Scabbard
Federal 7 or 8 Rivet Scabbard
Note- As with the belt, the 7 and 8 rivet scabbards are a later war style. If possible, please make an attempt to bring the 2-rivet model.
Cartridge Box:
Federal M1861 .58 Cartridge Box with Cartridge box Strap
Note- We ask that you bring the box and breastplates if possible, and also request that you use cartridge box tins. Ohio Breastplates are acceptable for those portraying the 89th Ohio.
Haversack:
Federal Regulation Painted Haversack
Federal White Contract Haversack (89th Ohio only)
Canteen:
M1858 “Smoothside” Canteen
M1862 “Bullseye” Canteen
Note- Either canteen should preferably have a cotton strap.
Firearms:
M1861/63 Springfield Rifled Musket
M1853 Enfield Rifled Musket
Spencer Rifle
Henry Rifle
M1842 Springfield Musket
Note- It is recommended that all weapons be “defarbed”, and all must have a matching bayonet.
Blanket:
Federal Issue Blanket (With “U.S.” stitched in the center)
Ground cloth:
Federal Issue Gum Blanket
Federal Oil Cloth
Federal Issue Poncho
Overcoat (Optional):
Federal Enlisted Man’s Overcoat
Tentage:
Federal Shelter Half
Note- each man should carry only one shelter half. Iron tent pegs are discouraged. We have found no evidence that the triangular tent ends were ever made, let alone issued. For that reason, please don’t use them.
Knapsack:
Federal Knapsack
Blanket Roll
Mess Gear:
As a rule, all participants should possess a plate, cup, and utensils. It is recommended that all participants form “messes” of 2-4 men in order to split the workload and carry mess equipment such as a hatchet or a skillet.
Personal Items:
All personal items such as cards, pipes, and nightcaps are encouraged, as long as they are appropriate to 1863. However, bear in mind that you will be portraying a soldier on campaign, and would have to carry all of these items with you.
