Battery News
Captain Henry Wirz the commander of Andersonville Prison, lived and worked here in Cadiz Kentucky before the war. After the war he was tried as a War Criminal, convicted and hung in Washington City. His wife Elizabeth never married and is buried here in Trigg County in the Fuller Cementary. I have contacted the Trustees of the Cementary and have gotten permission to fire a salute to both Captain Wirz and his wife. Bob Parker is working on getting a Color Guard together to fire rifles and I am bringing Mountain Baby. I am contacting the paper and radio station to be there. The Historical Society is contacting Wirz family members to attend. We need as many people as possible to support us in this salute. We are planning the salute to take place on Saturday the 19th of November. The Salute will be at 2pm, if you would meet me at my house by 1pm.
Your Humble Servant
2LT George Copeland
Porter's Battery
July 20, 2011
I would like to announce the upcoming marriage of Richard Hamblen and Janiece Holman this upcoming October 9th. They will become Husband and Wife at the Cragfont Baptist Church in Castalian Springs around 3 o'clock. Everyone is invited.
July 14, 2011
Here is a PDF file with NPS Cannon Manual
Everyone will be treated as privates at the Training, but you do not have to remove your current rank.
You will have to remove your Bogans before entering the Building-they are concerned about the floor and our metal heal plates.
July 14, 2011
Just got a response from Jim Lewis at Stone River about the Jackets
We can wear no jacket during the non-firing portion of the drill. Jackets are required when we fire. Women must also be wearing a uniform. Dresses are not approved clothing for historic weapons demonstrations.
Jim Lewis
July 10, 2011
Found this on King's Battery Web-site and thought some of you all would be interested in attending.
Barton-Vincent Lecture on Nathan Bedford Forrest in Graves County Kentucky on July 12th.
Go to the Web-Site below for more information.
July 10, 2011
Extra Extra Extra
The latest on Stone River
All vehicles will be out of camp by 8am and parked in the Maintenance Lot across the road.
We will begin training at 8:30am and train to lunch
After lunch we will train until either 5 or 6pm
Park hours are from 8 to 6
Sunday we will again start training at 8:30am but might be over before lunch.
After training they are going to take us on a tour of the Park.
Rules
Everyone will be in Wool or Jean Wool Jackets while training. I am going to call them about the pants.
Women can be in camp but only if they are dress as men (soliders)
Women might have to put their hair up into the hat.
Absolutely nothing seen in camp that is not period correct until after the tourist leave at 6pm
This also mean Lunch---No Coolers, no plastic, nothing modern.
My chairs are not period correct, they want benches or straight back chairs (no ladder back chairs)
He is there to train and not to argue. He has the first and final say.
No firepits all fires will be on top of the ground with no fire rings.
We will be quizzed on the parts of a cannon, they have a manuel on their web-site. I will get that to everyone.
There is no rank, everyone will be privates.
There is no charge.
They are going to furnish the powder and primers.
They are going to furnish firewood
They will have bathrooms both day and night
Shower arrangments have been made for after the tourists leave at 6pm
Everyone going to Stone River August 20 and 21 needs to E-mail me. I will be the one turning in the list to Stone River and keeping track of how many is going. We have to know this by August 1 so we will know how many guns we will need. 10 members per gun. After I turn in the list the window will be closed and no more members will be able to attend for training.
Your Servant
2LT George Copeland
July 10, 2011
Here is a PDF file that Donald Red Bear sent me on July 6 about the Schedule for Porter's Battery Day in Dover on July 16. Just click on the PDF below and it should open up for you. PDF Files allow you to print out their contents if you like.
Jamie and Donna's Wedding July 2, 2011
June 28, 2011
This upcoming Saturday morning is Jamie and Donna's Wedding in Cumberland City. This is also the Weekend for Cumberland City's "Lighting up the Cumberland" Hope everyone can make it---it's going to be a great weekend.
June 20, 2011
We are having a Memorial Service at Maple Grove Cemetery in Russellville Kentucky this upcoming Sunday June 26. Judy Brown (the contact person for this Service) is wanting us to show up at 8am and fire at 9am. Greg Galloway and his Mountain Howitzer will be performing the Service.
June 19, 2011
Just got off the phone with Jimmy and he has talked to Jim Lewis at Stones River Battlefield about getting us NPS certified. The Certification will be this upcoming August 20 and 21 that's Saturday and Sunday. This drill is different from what we have been using (for example there are only three commands issued-load-sight-fire) and anyone firing on a National Battlefield will have to be trained and NPS Certified before doing so. Jimmy is wanting this to be a MAX EFFORT event and hopes we can get at least a 75% turn out. We will be using their guns so all we will need are tents, food and uniforms (unless you hear otherwise let's go Gray), the plan now is to have the members to start arriving Friday afternoon and evening at Stone's River Battlefield.
Your Servant
2LT George Copeland
June 3, 2011
Jefferson Davis State Park in Fairview Kentucky is having an Event that you all might want to attend.
Begin Date: 6/4/2011 End Date: 6/5/2011 Show/Hide Details
Title: Jefferson Davis Birthday Celebration
Location: Jefferson Davis State Historic Site
First weekend in June will be the Jefferson Davis Birthday Celebration. The event will include a Miss Confederacy Pageant, living history camps, artillery and infantry demonstrations, book signings, among others. The dates will be Saturday June 4th and Sunday June 5th with setup beginning on Friday June 3rd. Public rest rooms, handicapped access, gift shop, and playground available. Come and spend a fun filled weekend with us!!!!
Start Time: 9:00 A.M. End Time: 8:30 P.M.
Home Page: Jefferson Davis State Historic Site
Contact: ro
June 3, 2011
June 3, 2011
June is going to be a GREAT Month for Porter's Battery --- We can actually put away the Blue Uniforms and wear Gray all month. Well on a couple of weekends anyway. Chapel Hill is June 18 (ain't gonna be no Blue Uniforms there) and goes from 9am to 3pm. Clint is taking his two cannons and we are having a Special Meeting to talk about Fort Donelson especially the Ladies Tea. I asked Tommy and Laura Edwards to come down and give us some ideas. I will not be able to make it, but I will be thinking about you all. The address is 4435 Pyles Rd. Chapel Hill, TN 37034 their E-mail address is elmspringscsa.com.
June 17 North Drive Middle School will be at Fort Donelson and they are wanting us to show the Little Troops how to shoot cannon. Anyone who can help out they will greatly appreciate it and so will I. Again I am afraid I will not be able to be there. I asked Donald to head up that Event.
Does anyone want to go to Water Valley this Sunday to Camp Beauregard and do a Memorial Service there? I am going with Mountain Baby and we can all meet here if you like.
2 Lt George Copeland
June 3, 2011
There has been a little confusion about Lighting up the Cumberland. The Date is July 2 not the 4th, so that means Saturday July 2 will be the Day that Jamie and Donna will become one in the eyes of God and Man. Diane and I got married at Fort Branch in North Carolina at a Civil War Reenactment, I am excited to see Jamie and Donna become one at this Event. I know that God will bless this union as he has ours.
Rev. George Copeland
May 27, 2011
The Battle of Sacramento was the best I have attended and I have been going there for years. The artillery was especially good this year, and did you notice the Federal Artillery----Man they were GREAT. Oh that was us, wasn't it. A lot of us got Certified and the Drill instructors LOVED our drill. Great work to each one of you.
We also had a Battery Meeting Saturday and Sunday and we voted on doing the Fort Donelson National Event. It's going to be March 2,3, and 4th just outside of Erin Tennessee. I have set up a Web-Site for Fort Donelson it's www.fortdonelson.org I will post any new information on that site as I get it. We also talked about the By-Laws but didn't vote on them. We need to talk about them to each other and change the ones that we don't like. Remember these are the rules that we will all abide by. Looking forward to the next event which is General Nathan Bedford Forrest's Childhood Home---Chapel Hill June 18.
May 24, 2011
I am honored to announced the upcoming Wedding of Jamie Rye and Donna Elliott. They are having a Civil War Wedding at "The Lighting Up of the Cumberland" Event July 2, 2011. The Wedding will be officiated by Rev. Charles Morrison our Battery Chaplin. Congradulations to both Jamie and Donna.
May 15, 2011
Just a reminder that we need everyone that can possibly make it to attend this event. We will be fielding 5 guns and that alone is going to take a lot of members. Remember that we only have one annual meeting during the year which is in January. However, we do have Max Efforts Events during the year whereas we will talk and vote on different items of importance to the members. There will be a meeting at 4pm on Saturday talking about the Bi-Laws (a copy of the Proposed Bi-Laws is on the Web-site) we might even vote on these rules that will affect each of us. So look them over and ask questions. Also the Fort Donelson Event will be talked about for next year. This is going to be very important to us and will require a lot of work. Remember this is a National Event that is being put on by us. Items such as: are the re-enactors going to be fed and how, firewood, straw, port-a-potties, insurance, how much to charge, and the date and time will be talked about. I do have a web-site set up for the Fort Donelson Event and Flyers. However there is not much on them since we have to finalize a number of items. Also changes in our upcoming events for this year will be discussed (ie August training at Stone's River, Grand Rivers in November, Saint Peter and Paul School in September). As far as I know there are only two Max Effort Events left this year so be ready to attend if possible, this is the time to be heard, have your vote count, and to have fun. Remember we are to be Blue (that's in Blue) but bring Gray too, there are always changes in the way they want us to do things. Who knows we might get to wear the Gray?
Your Humble Servant
Lt George Copeland
May 12, 2011
I will have the cannon at Sacramento early Friday morning. One of our schools is bringing some students from Christian County and I was planning a cannon drill with them. Diane and I will set up the camper Thursday night.
May 12, 2011
Here's a letter to Clint about Certification at Sacramento
Clint,
Let's plan on Saturday, May 21 at about 10am. That will give us time to have officers' call, get the guns in place and get everyone registered for the SotP. Since it will be an amended version of the school and most will be re-qualifications, we should be finished by noon. Since the Federal side is closer to camp, we'll drill on Federal guns (with their permission, of course.) Since your folks are usually on field pieces (57" wheels), that's what they'll drill on.
Just a reminder that the qualifications are good for 2 years and the association fee is $5 annual dues. So everyone should be prepared to pay $10 on completion of the instruction.
I don't know where we'll be camping but we'll hook up at officer's call. I'll be the Federal artillery commander this year. if I don't see you before, I'll see you there.
Keith
May 10,2011
If a person is going to be on the front of the cannon they have to have a wool jacket. Shirts are OK for the rest of the crew. If the temps are up then I will break the rule for the jackets on the front of the cannon, however #1 and #2 positions should carry their jackets to the field. That's so we can show the commanders we have them. Sorry if I confused anyone. Jimmy says that he has a few Federal Jackets, I would check with him before buying anything. His computer is very very sick and I have ordered some highly concentrated medicine to make it all better. In fact it's in the Intensive Care Unit in my house (the table beside the couch). You would need to call him if you are needing a jacket.
Sgt-Lt George Copeland
May 9, 2011
Just got off the phone with Debbie Spencer at the Battle of Sacramento about which side we will be on. Guys and Gals it looks like we need to bring the itchy Blue Jackets. Remember when the Rebs attack---no screaming and crying for your mothers. Begging for mercy will however be acceptable. Bring a Gray Jacket just in case.
May 8, 2011
The Battle of Sac people have not gotten back with me about which side they are going to want us on; Federal or Confederate. So be ready to go either way.
I am including their Web Link which has schedules, directions, and rules
May 8 2011
We have a Battery Meeting planned for 4pm on Saturday at Sac.
Anyone who wants to get ready for Cannon Certification at Sac. I will have a cannon training at my house this upcoming Saturday at noon, we will grill have a Picnic lunch for everyone. We are wanting to get everyone certified at Sac (guys and gals). So write me if you want to have a cannon drill. Girls as cannoners at reenactments such as Sac. will need to be in a uniform (pants, hat, shoes, jacket or BattleShirt). Dress or skirts can be worn but not on the cannon at reenactments such as Sac (not a problem with events such as the Jack Hinson event).
Letter from Saint B on May 2, 2011
Clint,
I just wanted to thank you for everything you and your battalion did on Pioneer Day. You made the day with the cannons. It was so nice of all of you to donate your time to educate our children on such an important past. We look forward to seeing you again.
Also, there were some items left in the hospitality room that belongs to some of the people in your group. I have shawl that belongs to Chris. She helped us with the quilting presentation. I also have a cap and black leather bag that belongs to someone. I don't mind taking them to the person it belongs to I just don't know who or where. If you can help me let me know.
Thanks again,
Cindy Williams
May 2, 2011
Just got the word this morning about Dickson Tennessee.
The Event will be at the Memorial Building at 200 Center Ave in Dickson Tennessee this upcoming Saturday May 8th.
We are planning on taking Mountain Baby and two of Jimmy's Cannons
They are wanting us there by 8am, but as early as possible due to parking.
They want us in Gray Uniforms.
They are not planning on us firing
April 21, 2011
Dover Tennessee Newspaper Article
April 19, 2011
April 18, 2011
Dear Mr. Reynolds,
We are so pleased that you have accepted our invitation to help with our “Pioneer Day” on Friday, April 29, 2011. The schedule for our activities is enclosed. The first session will begin at 9:00 AM, so you will probably want to arrive a little early to set up. We will have staff members available to help you get your area ready. We will have tables available if you need other equipment please call. Our school number is 931-648-5670.
There will be approximately two classes present at each session. The classroom teacher and additional chaperones will be there to monitor the students. We will have special student helpers to check with you through the day to see if everything is going as scheduled.
We will sound a bell to signal the beginning of each session and a second bell to signal the end. We hope this will keep everyone on time. The Civil War area will be located in the same area as last year (the front of the school on the Wilma Rudolph side.)
We would like to invite you to have lunch with us after your last session. Our school will be hosting a “Family Picnic” for our students and their families and we would love for you to stay and visit. Your lunch will be provided. There will also be a hospitality room available for you to enjoy through out the day. We really appreciate your help with Pioneer Day and we want you to know that your time and effort is important to our school.
The following information may be helpful in finding our school. We are located on Wilma Rudolph Blvd. (Hwy. 79 N) directly across from Lowe’s. If you are coming from the Nashville area on I 24, you will need to get off at Exit 4, then turn left and go through 8 traffic lights. Lowe’s will be on your right; our school is directly across on the left.
Please report directly to the office in the school building when you arrive and someone will be there to direct you to your area. Again, thank you for your help, and we look forward to seeing you on the 29th. of April.
Sincerely,
Cindy Williams
Chairperson for Pioneer Day
April 17, 2011
Just found out that Dan Griggs's Phone number is wrong on the Brochure below
The Correct Number is (931) 627-2285
April 17, 2011
---------->Our Events scheduled for April 29<-------
Gentlemen,
We had a good time last year and they have asked us back. For those that missed last year, the school is located on Wilma Rudolph Blvd, across from Lowes in Clarksville. The battery will setup for a living history at 8:00 and fire at 11:30 to end the event. Lunch is again being provided by the school.
If a couple of volunteers will step forward, we will drill some of the students in infantry. Please let me know if you will serve in this capacity and I will bring the drill rifles.
Jack Hinson Day is later on that afternoon. Details to follow.
1Lt Clint Reynolds
Porter’s Battery
April 7, 2011
Just got the Purposed By-Laws posted to the Web-Site. Look over them and see what you want changed, added, or deleted. We will be talking about them and discussing them at the Max Effort Events, and will be voting on them at some point in the future at a Max Effort Event. So print them out, go over them and talk about them to each other.
April 6, 2011
Don't forget about the Fort Defiance Event this weekend and Thursday. There will be a firing of the Donated Gun Thursday at 2pm at the Fort. Saturday and Sunday will be a living history event starting at 10am with a cannon firing every two hours with one of Porter's guns. Fort Defiance has no room for Friday or Saturday night camping.
April 3, 2011
The election is over and the votes are in. It was a hard choice and we would like to Thank both Terry and Jeff for stepping forward to offer their services in helping us fill the 1st Sgt/Adjutant position.
Jeff is our new 1st Sgt/Adjutant
Terry is our new 2nd Sgt
Thank you both and congratulations Jeff
March 31, 2011
Today is the last day to vote for 1st Sgt/Adjutant---be sure you either E-mail or Phone your vote to Captain Steppee before the end of the day. Remember all men, women, civilians, and military members have a vote here.
There is a new section on the Web-Site for Purposed By-Laws which we are working on. I hope everyone will look over these By-Laws and talk about them at our next Max Effort Event.
I need pictures of everyone and/or anything Battery related (old pictures work too), if you do not want your name attached to a picture then let me know. Otherwise I will assume that it is OK to attach your name to your picture and post it on the page.
Our New Adjutant might need some information from each of you (E-mail address, Phone Number, that type of thing), be sure to get with him and see if your information is up to date.
Does anyone want to do a Newsletter for me to publish on the Web-site?
Your Servant
Lt. George Copeland
During our annual planning meeting we voted unanimously to join The Army of Tennessee (AOT). We did so because they're working on an event for the 150th Anniversary of The Battle of Fort Donelson and Porter's Battery was at Fort Donelson in February 1862.
We also elected Don Horton as Staff Corporal Aide de Camp and Richard Hamblen as Field Grade Gunnery Corporal. Congratulations to Corporals Hamblen and Horton.
We also voted to go to Shiloh in 2012 and Gettysburg in 2013 unanimously.
Porter's Battery is now a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation. We were being gifted with donations of a large sum of money from the Tennessee State Historical Society and a large amount of black powder from Dyno-Noble Corporation and had to be a 501(c)3 in order to receive this generous gifts. Currently, we are in the process of attaining a Tax Number from the IRS in order to open a checking account for the unit.
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