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P.O. Box 52, Brighouse, West Yorkshire,

HD6 1JQ, England

The A.C.W.S. NEWSLETTER

2014 Autumn Edition

Issue 174Website :- www.acws.co.uk

TATTON 2014

ACWS is a Member of NAReS

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A.C.W.S. CONTACTSDirectors & Army Commanders

Mr Michael Smart, Chairman

Mr Philip Clark, Secretary

Mr Ian Morris, Treasurer

Mr Peter Holt, Events

Miss Claire Morris, Membership

Mr Martin Cross, Health & Safety

Mrs Val Holt, Communications

Mr Mike Bussey, Webmaster

Mr Tim Davis, Federal Commander

Mr Glenn Gibson Confederate Commander

Mrs Vivienne Corbishley, Events Assistant

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Summary Report of ACWS Board Meeting 2nd August 2014

Present: Michael Smart Chairman, Philip Clark Secretary, Ian MorrisTreasurer, Martin Cross H&S, Vivienne Corbishley Projects Assistant,Claire Morris Membership Secretary, Mike Bussey Webmaster, PeterHolt Projects, Val Holt Communications and Tim Davies Federal ArmyCommander.

In attendance: Jennifer Clark Solicitor, Debbie Davies Minutes Secretary,Andrew Parrott , M McCarroll and Andy Wright.

Apologies received from Glenn Gibson Confederate Army Commander.

The meeting started at noon and the minutes of the previous meetingon 29th March were approved unanimously.

Matters arising from the last meeting included Claire Morris reportingthat her survey of former Members and why they left showed no overallclear results. Some had left for age or health reasons, some to doimmersive events in re-enacting etc. but all agreed it was a very usefulpiece of research work. Regarding the tent sales in partnership with theBoys Brigade, it was noted that no up to date figures or report have beenreceived from Roger Willison-Gray. Kevin Holden is now dealing withthe repairs to the gunpowder trailer. Businesses are being contacted toadvertise in our newsletter. Martin Cross reported he is now workingwith the King Edward’s Foundation School in Birmingham to help themwith their re-enacting Society artillery matters.

Reports came next, with the first from Events/Projects. The 2014 eventsalready being common knowledge, 2015 events prospects werediscussed. It was noted that members want to know well in advance ifpossible so that they can book holidays from employers but this is notalways possible due to many organisations, particularly local authoritiesoften not making decisions on who they are going to hire in a particularyear until March/April i.e. their turn of financial year. We have a one dayevent near Wrexham ‘subject to contract’ on the 2nd August and SewerbyHall, again ‘subject to contract’, 24/25 May the second May bank holiday.It was noted that Paul Edensor and Kerry are to get married there on theSaturday. Whittington Castle is a possibility, as is Rempstone Steamand Country show. We are look into the possibility of going back to

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Hingham in Norfolk whilst Army Training weekends are to be arrangedby the respective Army Commanders. Negotiations are proceeding withTatton, Spetchley and Shackerstone, but nothing concrete yet. InLiverpool on the 4th November 2015 there will be a celebration of thefinal event of the American Civil War, the Surrender of the CSSShenandoah, with American CSN re-enactors there.Mr Clark proposed that there should be a change of name from ‘Projects’to ‘Events’. All present were in complete agreement and the idea wouldbe taken to the AGM

Mr Morris in his Treasurer’s report predicted a loss overall financially thisyear, due to fewer events and poor fee income. Mr Bussey felt little hadbeen done to reduce overheads over the years and it was agreed thathe would go away and write up a list of expenditure he thought ought tobe cut or could be considered for elimination. The area of a big potentialsaving is artillery, but that is the very element that is required to keep theSociety gaining business. We have eliminated one van. Whilst we nowrun on the basis that no event will make a loss, sometimes we have notgot a paying event at the last minute and have to take on extra eventsthat are low paying, in order to try to maintain membership interest andsupport. Whilst next year is looking better, it is vital that we cut costswherever possible. It was acknowledged that we are a small Societynow and therefore we cannot charge the high fees we require to balanceour books. It was noted that small, regular Living History events do bringin money for little cost, so ‘Regimentals’ ought to be encouraged. TheConfederate Commander had reported increasing enthusiasm amongsthis army and some excellent inter-action with the public at events. Itwas felt we need to further promote British links to event sites to explainwhy American re-enacting takes place in the UK. The FederalCommanders report similar to Mr Gibsons and they are working togetherto encourage more public involvement at events. The children’squestionnaires were a big success. Encouraging our members to talkto the public and engage with them is a good thing. Mrs Holt reportedthat she had delayed publishing the current Newsletter pending the AGMnotice, which had been settled at this meeting

Mr Clark, as Secretary, announced the written resignation of MikeCorbishley the Society Powder Officer at the end of 2014. Accordinglya replacement was required as soon as possible and all were to seekout a volunteer to fill this vital position in 2015. Mr Clark also introduced

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Andy Wright as he will replace the Minutes Secretary soon, with a viewto him taking on the Secretary’s role at the 2015 AGM. There followeddiscussion regarding the AGM notice and it was agreed that the post ofMarketing Director should be abolished and that there be a MarketingOfficer at assistant level to deal with ‘pure marketing’ whilst Claire Morrisdeals with the Social Media side of things. A volunteer is to be sought.Mr Bussey noted that often in ACWS there was little or no successionplanning, and everybody ought to try harder to sort this out. VivienneCorbishley has decided to cease to be a Director this AGM and theProjects Assistant post would revert to an Officer position. She will carryon in that job as long as Peter Holt wants her to. Regarding Health & Safety, matters Martin Cross noted that there hadbeen very few FSPC Trade Tests being carried out within units. Herequested that all units carry out the Trade Tests, and copy all the resultsto him, whilst retaining a copy in the unit and presenting the soldier withthe original version for him to keep. These ‘Trade Tests’ must be carriedout each year by everybody, according to their arm-of-service, to ensurethat we are safe and as a requirement of our insurers. Artillery matters were further discussed. Would we save money byselling some artillery pieces? The history of cannon repair was discussedas was the market value of a set of four cannon. It was agreed that moreinformation is required and therefore a decision on this matter waspostponed. Regarding guests, the Chairman advised he had been askedwhy people can only guest once as an individual and then have to join,even if they are members of a different re-enactment society. It wasclarified that invited groups can attend ACWS events as often as theBoard wishes. They pay a registration fee plus a guest fee. That getsreimbursed if an individual joins that year. However all the guests asindividuals can only guest once before having to join ACWS, otherwisethe system would be abused and people come as often as they like,without joining ACWS. Rules and Bye-Laws amendments – as a result of last years AGMregarding e-votes, junior memberships and disciplinary matters, theRules and Bye-laws had been redrafted accordingly. In accordance withlast AGM’s delegations to the Board, the redrafting now considered wasapproved unanimously. Gunpowder audit. Claire Morris wanted to findout who had what Society gunpowder. It was explained that MikeCorbishley knew where all his powder and boxes were, but someRegiments had surplus powder held over from events with their Acquire& Keep License holders. It was agreed that an audit take place of looseblackpowder held on behalf of the Society, excluding made up rounds

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and excluding Mr Corbishleys boxes. It may well be that we do not needto spend so much money on gunpowder in 2015 and that surplusholdings can be used up. Two disciplinary matters were discussed andthe actions to be taken agreed. One concerned shouting and screamingby two individuals at an event and another referred to urinating in theopen during daylight. Appropriate action had already taken place toobtain apologies and to remonstrate with the individuals concerned. TheChairman sought views from all Directors as to the need for furtherdisciplinary action within our Disciplinary Procedures and Codes. It wasagreed that the Secretary issue the appropriate written warnings thistime round.

The next meeting will be on Saturday the 11th October (pre AGM meeting)and this meeting finished at 6pm.

A.C.W.S.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

December 6th 2014

The Rubery & Rednal Royal British Legion Club,

64 New Road,

Rubery,

Birmingham,

B45 9HY

starting at 1 pm.

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Resignation of Company Secretary

On 25th September, Philip Clark was admitted to hospital sufferingfrom what was eventually diagnosed as being a serious stroke.Although this has not really affected Philip's speech, the stroke hasweakened his other abilities and activities, primarily affecting hisbalance and co-ordination. Following subsequent stabilisation andtests, it became apparent to Philip that he could not perform hisduties as Secretary and Director of ACWS, and therefore wasforced to give up, and retire from, the position of CompanySecretary due to ill-health. Philip's letter of resignation was receivedon 20th October and was effective immediate.This retirement is a year earlier than planned and happened toolate for the post to be advertised and candidates sought for electionat the AGM. The Board would like to express their sincere thanksand appreciation for the significant contributions Philip has madeto ACWS especially during his years as a Board Member.Philip has only recently been discharged from hospital and is nowrecuperating at home. I am sure we all wish him well and as full arecovery as possible.Due to his long experience as a Director and Committee memberof ACWS including the post of Company Secretary, Mike Busseywas asked to and agreed to step in and become Acting Secretaryuntil at least the AGM in December. The Board will then, after theAGM, sort out the Secretary role and co-opt an appropriatecandidate as per the ACWS Bye-Laws.Mike BusseyActing Secretary and Director ACWS LtdFor and on behalf of the Board of Directors28th October 2014

I am sure we all wish Philip a speedy recovery and look forwardto seeing him on the field again very soon. Ed.

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Summary of ACWS Board Meeting 11th October 2014

Directors present: Michael Smart Chairman, Mike Bussey ActingSecretary & Webmaster, Ian Morris Treasurer, Martin Cross H&S,Vivienne Corbishley Projects Assistant, Claire Morris MembershipSecretary, .In attendance: Debbie Davies Minutes Secretary, Gary HolmanIncoming Explosives Officer, Mike Corbishley Outgoing ExplosivesOfficer, Gareth Hamilton, and Andy Wright.Apologies received from Philip Clark Secretary, Peter Holt Projects,Val Holt Communications, Glenn Gibson Confederate ArmyCommander, Tim Davies Federal Army Commander, Jennifer ClarkSolicitor.The meeting started at 12:15pm and the minutes of the previousmeeting on 2nd August 2014, with proposed corrections, wereapproved unanimously.Matters arising and action points from the last meeting were discussed.Events team to contact as many of the old Event ManagementCompanies as possible. There was a need to furnish Sewerby Hallwith the scenarios for 2015. It was agreed to use "The Road toAppomattox" as it is the 150th Anniversary next year. Firearms SafePractice Certificates have been handed in by most regiments. MartinCross to look into possibility of FSPC lasting for more than one year.Reports came next, with the first from Events/Projects. The 2015 eventsprospects were discussed. We have a one day event near Wrexham'subject to contract' on the 2nd August and Sewerby Hall, again 'subjectto contract', 24/25 May the second May bank holiday, plus Spetchleyon 15/16 August. We have also agreed to a Living History and/orTraining Weekend at Bruntingthorpe, site of the International LivingHistory Fair, and on the same weekend of 10/12 April. RempstoneSteam and Country show is still a possibility for July. Negotiations arecontinuing with Tatton and Shackerstone, but nothing concrete yet. Weare still looking for a suitable venue to hold some sort of 40thAnniversary celebration in 2015. In Liverpool on the 4th November2015 there will be a celebration of the final event of the American CivilWar, the Surrender of the CSS Shenandoah, with American CSNre-enactors there.It was agreed once more that we should seek sponsorship for eventson a top down basis, i.e. ask for the highest price and negotiate downif necessary, providing only what the sponsor can afford. We cannot

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afford to take on loss making events. We are also looking to use thecannon as a marketable asset with a potential profitable income streamof their own.The Treasurer Mr Morris reported a loss overall financially this year,due to fewer events and poor fee income. Sponsorship is down thisyear (due to losing 2 events) but other income is basically the same.Postage costs have rocketed this year due to the increase in the costof stamps but also the increased events enquiries posted out. BoardMembers were encouraged to use email rather than letters. It wasre-emphasised the need to cut costs and raise money whereverpossible. Claire agreed to organise raffles at events next year to helpfund any 40th Anniversary Celebrations, with donations for prizes tobe requested.Glenn Gibson's and Tim Davis' Army Commander Reports were readout, both reporting encouraging signs for rebuilding.The Board formally recognised Matt Body as Captain and CommandingOfficer of the Cavalry.Regarding Membership, Claire Morris reported that membership wasdown on last year, but there are already new recruits signed up for nextyear, and the possibility of re-enactors from other groups who took partat Spetchley, joining us next year.She commended the idea of hiring out the cannon to generate incomeand will work on marketing material during the close season.Regarding Health & Safety, matters Martin Cross' report was accepted,and suggestions were made to ensure the artillery crews were allworking to the same Code Of Conduct following changes of personneland more "part-time" crew taking part. Need to ensure the Trade Testsare completed and filed away.AGM Matters were then covered. Mike Bussey in Philip Clark's absencenoted that there were no proposals or nominations for election fromthe membership. So the only proposals were those of the Board,namely to rename Projects team as Events, retire the Directorships ofMarketing and Assistant Projects to that of Officers of the Society. TheBoard then agreed to keep the Membership, Registration and GuestFees unchanged for 2015. It had also been agreed at the last meetingto retire the Non-Combatants, Signals and Civilian units due to lack ofmembers, and the existing members transfer to other units of theirchoosing. This needs to be announced at the AGM.

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The Board appointed Gary Holman to be Explosives Officer from nextseason replacing Mike Corbishley, who is retiring.The location of the 2015 AGM was then discussed and it was agreedthat it would be in Gainsborough on 5th December 2015.The next Board meeting will be on Saturday the 24th January 2015and this meeting finished at 6pm.

ADDENDUM TO MINUTESDue to ill-health, Philip Clark has been forced to resign as CompanySecretary, effective immediately, and effectively retiring a year earlierthan planned. This resignation came too late to seek another candidateto be voted in at the AGM, so the Board will need to consider co-optinga suitable person as Company Secretary. In the meantime, MikeBussey will continue as Acting Secretary

publicise the event. Whilst there anddue to the large crowd present,Mike Bussey, ACWS webmaster,gave an interesting and informedtalk on the Civil War and Denis“General Lee” Jarwick gave a talkon the pre arranged ConfederateFlag display. The ACWSConfederate Army has manyauthentic State, Regimental andBattle flags and this was a perfectopportunity to display them in theirentirety. The display was thenaccompanied by the EventOrganiser and ACWS member JohnWard singing an excellent renditionof Elvis Presley`s American Trilogywith the flags being lowered andthen raised as the song progressed.Following the display, the Union andConfederate Armies then took partin the Annual Ingleton Chilli EatingCompetition. Once again, the UnionArmy Team totally dominated thisEvent by easily beating the poorRebel Team attempt with the Union

The American Civil War Societytravelled to Ingleton, NorthYorkshire on the Bank Holidayweekend of 23 August to 25 August2014. This was a move by both theACWS Board and the EventOrganiser designed to try and(hopefully!) get better weather withthe last few Ingleton Events inSeptember being rained off on theSundays. The move proved perfectwith excellent weather over thewhole weekend (apart from somelate evening rain) and, as such, thefull ACWS programme arrangedmanaged to go ahead and thepublic that attended allowed to baskin the late summer weather.Although the Friday was officially arest day, the Confederate Army, aspre-arranged, marched to thevillage square in an effort to

ACWS at Ingleton

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Major, Tim Davies easily beatinglast years Champion, UnionSharpshooter, Paul “Uncle Fester”Edensor in the final individual play(eat!) off. As the non biasadjudicator responsible for cleaningup after the Event, it is obvious theConfederate Army clearly have along way to go to compete on anequal level as many of the Rebelsselected managed to spill andsplash most of their Chilli on eitherthe floor, their uniforms, the table aswell as a member of the public whowas standing over 10 yards away!On the Saturday, the Union Armymarched to the village square andthis was very well received by thepublic as there was an excellentattendance at the subsequentbattle. The overall battle was wellplanned by Confederate Major GlenGibson and Union Major Tim Daviesand designed to be exciting to boththe public and the participants. Thecharging through the camps as wellas pyrotechnic charges beingplaced in the lines was a freshscenario. The use of large authenticwooden barrels and hay bales asprotective cover for both armiesalso made for a different approach.On the Sunday, both armiesmarched to the village square whichwas a particularly impressive siteand provided a nice contrast withthe different uniforms andequipment displayed by therespective armies. TheConfederates repeated their flagdisplay. The Sunday battle had

more pyrotechnics as well as anarms depot which was blown up inthe grand finale. The battle involveda mass Confederate charge as wellas lots of movement around thebattlefield and through both campsand was thoroughly enjoyed by thepublic. Both the Union andConfederate artillery batteries werein full swing during both battles andadded to the publics excitementand entertainment.

Throughout the whole weekend,there were lots of activities for boththe public and the re-enactorsincluding 3 evening Social Eventswith 3 different bands, a Duck Race*, the Ask a Soldier Quiz as well asthe Sunday highlight of ACWSmembers Leigh and StuartWardley`s wedding buffet andparty.

Overall, this was the best IngletonEvent yet and an excellentweekend. It was pleasing to notethat for once the Confederate Armyslightly outnumbered the UnionArmy and were able to field 3separate fighting regimentalcompanies. This is the first time thishas occurred for quite some timeand it is hoped that all the newUnion and Confederate recruitspresent sign up permanently for thenext 2015 season and increase themembership.This Event would not haveoccurred without the hard work,necessary fund raising and

Continued on page16

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Spetchley Park

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INGLETON

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IMGLETON

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Avoncroft

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On the surface, it could be anyother high-end watch from themid-1800s. Inside, however,amidst the cogs and gears, is adifferent story. The words “FortSumpter was attacked by therebels. Thank God we have a

considerable effort put in almostsingle handedly by ACWSmember and Event OrganiserJohn Ward and his family. Manythanks must go to them. ManyACWS members, both Unionand Confederate, have statedhow much they enjoy this Eventand it is hoped that in the futurewhether as a Full, Small orRegimental ACWS SocietyEvent, we can all returnsometime in the future. It is suchan enjoyable event in stunningsurroundings with verywelcoming village hospitality.

Article by Stewart “Goober”Douglas

*The vast majority of the yellownumbered plastic ducks werenot retrieved by the Reb Army.It has been reported that somehave now been sighted in theMorecambe Bay WildlifeReserve causing bewildered andconfused Birdwatchers toscratch their heads!

Lincoln’s PocketWatch

government” are etched there, thoughthe author of the text rememberedwriting something a tad different, asyou’ll soon see.The watch was Abraham Lincoln’s.On April 13, 1861, it was beingrepaired by Jonathan Dillon at M.W.Galt and Co. jewellers. Dillon reportedthat he was just screwing on the dialwhen one Mr. Galt approached himwith the news that shots had beenfired on Fort Sumter.Fort Sumter was a federal fort inSouth Carolina, which had secededfrom the Union in December 1860—however, because the fort was ownedby the federal government, itremained part of the Union and wasmanned by Union troops. To fire uponthe fort was an act of war, and Dillonknew he was hearing of history.Indeed, the shots fired on Fort Sumteron April 12, 1861 kicked off the CivilWar.Forty-five years later, the Union waswhole again and Abraham Lincolnwas dead. Dillon reported what he didto the New York Times, saying, “Iunscrewed the dial, and with a sharpinstrument wrote on the metalbeneath: ‘The first gun is fired. Slaveryis dead. Thank God we have aPresident who at least will try.”The watch was still around, but forwhatever reason the claim about themessage wasn’t investigated further—perhaps because people wereskeptical of the legitimacy of Dillon’sclaim. It wasn’t until Harry Rubenstein,the chief curator of the Abraham

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Lincoln bicentennial exhibit,received a phone call fromDouglas Stiles, Dillon’s great-great-grandson, that the messagecame to light.Deciding to check for the messagewas a slightly risky move as onedoesn’t take apart a complex pieceof machinery, and a pricelesspiece of history, on a whim.Nevertheless, Rubenstein decidedto take the risk, and in March 2009the watch was carefully opened upat the National Museum ofAmerican History by masterwatchmaker George Thomas.Sure enough, there was amessage there, just not quite whatDillon himself had reported, but thesentiment was more or less wasthe same. Historians speculatethat Dillon was rushed while writingthe message, and perhaps meantfor something with more meaningwhich he added in the interviewwith the Times 1906. Alternatively,perhaps he just ran out of room togive his full thought.Whatever the case, besidesDillon’s message, when theyopened the watch in 2009, theywere surprised to find other writingas well. Specifically, there are twoother messages that were addedto Dillon’s: “LE Grofs Sept 1864Wash DC” and simply, “Jeff Davis.”Jefferson Davis was, of course, theleader of the confederacy duringthe Civil War. However, it’sunknown whether he somehow got

hold of thewatch afterthe war andscribbled hisname in it(unlikely), ifs o m e o n eelse namedJeff Davismanaged toput his namein the watch,or if someone knew it was Lincoln’swatch and decided to write “JeffDavis” to be contrary- the 19thcentury watchmaker version of theclassic children’s taunt “Jeff DavisRules, Lincoln Drools”.As for LE Grofs, it’s likely that hewas another jeweller—the watchwould need to be taken in forcleaning every now and then, afterall. It’s possible that he wrote “JeffDavis” in the watch in 1864, at theheight of the Civil War.The inscription find doesn’t changehistory, of course, but it’s upliftingto think that Lincoln carried amessage of support in his pocketduring the war, apparently withoutever knowing that it was there.In the end, despite it sayingsomething slightly different thanoriginally reported, Stiles washappy to be able to see hisancestor’s inscription, saying,“That’s Lincoln’s watch and myancestor put graffiti on it.” Takenfrom Today I Learned.

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Medal of Honour ForAlonzo Cushing

First Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing wasbleeding profusely from wounds tohis abdomen and shoulder asthousands of Confederateinfantrymen advanced on hisartillery battery in the Battle ofGettysburg. At least one of hissoldiers begged him to seekmedical treatment, but he refused.He stayed on the battlefieldanother 90 minutes while underattack, ordering his men to keepfiring their three-inch cannons rightup until the moment that he waskilled with a gunshot to the head.The Union Army’s ability to stopthat assault by at least 13,000soldiers — known as Pickett’sCharge, after a Confederategeneral who led rebel troopstaking part in it — is a key part ofthe Civil War’s most iconic battle.

But the heroism of Cushing, 22, onJuly 3, 1863, was not honouredwith the nation’s highest award forcombat valour, even though 63other Union soldiers received theprestigious decoration.U.S. officials will rectify thatThursday.President Obama is scheduled toaward the Medal of Honour in aWhite House ceremony todescendants of the Cushingfamily, more than 151 years afterthe battle. They’ve passed hisstory down for generations withpride, but had not considered itpossible that Cushing wouldreceive the award, they said.“His whole family was a very bravefamily,” said Jessica Loring, whois Cushing’s first cousin, threegenerations removed. “His motherwould say, ‘Death beforedishonour’ when she sent her sonsoff to war, and three of them diedvery young.”It’s a highly rare, if notunprecedented, occurrence forbattlefield bravery to berecognized with the Medal ofHonour so many years later.Cushing initially was recognizedposthumously with an honorary“brevet” promotion to lieutenantcolonel, something that wascommon for officers at the time,said Mark Bradley, a historian withthe U.S. Army Centre of MilitaryHistory. But officers rarely receivedthe Medal of Honour at the time.

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Mary Custis, was the great granddaughter of Martha Washington and daughter of George Washington Parke Custis. She must have had a happychildhood at the beautiful home she grew up in, Arlington, it was where a young West Pointer, Robert E Lee, whom she had known since childhood, cameto visit in 1827. Mary returned his affections and he offered marriage, which proved to be a very happy one, They married four years later on 20th June1831.When war came, her beautiful home. Arlington, was confiscated, her belongings were swept away. She knew the anxiety that must be endured whosehusbands and sons are in frequent combat and against heavy odds. She watched as Virginia was drained of men, money and resources, we can havesome idea of the privations of the time when we read in one of his letter that General Lee sent her two peaches.After the surrender of the South in April 1865, she wrote the following letter to her cousin, Mrs Edgar Snowden, wife of the editor-owner of the AlexandriaGazette.

Some other Union soldiers whowere awarded the medal foractions at Gettysburg received itposthumously; for decades,no one nominated Cushing.About 40 years ago, a woman wholived on a farm in Delafield, Wis.,once owned by the Cushing familybegan asking why not. MargaretZerwekh, now 94, learned aboutthe soldier’s heroism whileresearching his family, and begancompiling an application tonominate him for the Medal ofHonour. She enlisted the help ofthen-Sen. William Proxmire (D.-Wis.), and later received backingfrom other members of her state’scongressional delegation. Then-Sen. Russ Feingold (D.-Wis.)nominated Cushing for the Medalof Honour in 2002, Army officialssaid.Even then, the process tookyears.  The Army approved thenomination in 2010, but theamount of time that had passedsince Cushing’s act of heroismrequired Congress to suspend thestatute of limitations on thehonour. Legislation to doso passed in 2013, paving the wayfor Obama’s approval of the award.Zerwekh and many members ofthe Cushing family had not metuntil this week, turning the eventinto something of an extendedfamily reunion. Helen LoringEnsign, 85, of Palm Desert, Calif.,will receive the medal from the

president at the White House. Itwill be displayed in numerouslocations afterward, includingGettysburg and the U.S. MilitaryAcademy at West Point, N.Y.,which Cushing attended andwhere he later was buried.“The idea is that it shouldn’t just siton someone’s mantelpiece andjust stay there,” said JessicaLoring. “It needs to be shown sopeople today can understand theprice of making our country freeand the sacrifice it takes. We wantto bring Alonzo to life in what hedid for this nation.”Although Medals of Honourawarded today require proofbeyond a reasonable doubt of actsof valour, Bradley said it is difficultto determine the exact details ofCushing’s actions 151 years later.The standard at the time was notas stringent, however, and thereis no doubt that Cushing faced afearsome barrage and refused togive up his command.“That area looked like aslaughterhouse,” Bradley said ofthe battlefield around Cushing,known as Cemetery Ridge. “Therewere dismembered horses…literally hundreds of Confederatedead and dying lying in front of theguns. This was not a sight for thefaint-hearted, and that is whereAlonzo Cushing spent his lasthours on this hour.”Two of Cushing’s brothers also areconsidered war heroes. William B.

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John Rhienholdt

It is always sad to hear of thepassing of a comrade and inSeptember we heard of the passingof a much respected member andformer Provost Marshal JohnRhienholdt. He was a member of69th NY where he wasaffectionately known as ‘‘Dad’. Ourthoughts and prayers go out to hiswife Geraldine and his family at thissad time.. The 69th NY will raise aglass to John’s memory at the firstevent next season. R.I. P. Old friend.

Cushing was a commander in theUnion navy, and best known forplaying a key role in the sinking ofthe CSS Albemarle, an ironcladConfederate ship. An olderbrother, Howard B. Cushing, wasa soldier during the Civil War andlater killed in a fight with NativeAmericans in the Apache tribe.Dan Lamothe covers nationalsecurity for The Washington Postand anchors its military blog,Checkpoint.

11th – 12th April 2015International Living HistoryFair, Bruntingthorpe, BathLane, Lutterworth, Lices LE175SQ.This will be a joint Union andConfederate Training and LivingHistory weekend (full societyevent) with authentic camps anda shared family camp. Campingwill be available from Thursday9th April at 17.00 until Sunday12th April 19.00. Public openingtimes are to be arranged. Dogsallowed outside in the camps butnot inside the hall. They must bekept under control at all times,especially at night as the securitypatrols use dog handlers as partof the security sweep. Ifmembers wish to visit the indoorfair, the usual admission chargewill apply.

24-25 May 2015 (Spring BankHoliday) Sewerby Hall,Bridlington, N. Yorks YO15 1EAThis is a fully society event withInfantry, Cavalry and Artillery,

The EventsTeam

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although the cannons will not befired because of the closeproximity to the house. Campingwill be from Friday afternoonuntil Tuesday morning. Twomembers of the Sharpshooterswill be married there onSaturday and ACWS wishes thateverything goes well and thatthe weather is kind to them.This year the house will not beused for scenarios as in thepast, but negotiations are underway as to the use of theOrangery.11-12 July 2015 POSSIBLEevent in Liecs. We are still indiscussions with the organiser.This would be a fully societyevent with Infantry and Artillery.Sunday 2nd August 2015Bersham Heritage Centre,Bersham Road, WrexhamClwyd N Wales LL14 4HT.This is a full society event withInfantry and Artillery. LivingHistory and skirmish on Sundayonly. Camping from Saturdayuntil Sunday actual times to bearranged.15-16 August 2015 SpetchleyMulti-period, Spetchley ParkGardens, Spetchley, WorcsWR5 1RS.This will be roughly the same asin previous years with LivingHistory and Skirmish onSaturday and Sunday. NO

DOGS ALLOWED ANYWHEREON SITE. Camping from Fridayuntil Monday.5-6 September 2015CONFIRMED EVENT at TattonOld Hall.5 December 2015 ACWS AGMGainsborough Lincs. It hasbeen decided to change thevenue for the AGM in 2015details will follow in due course.

Final details and timings for eachevent will be given in the WarningOrders and on the Website. I amin contact with other sponsorswith a view to staging otherevents but at present I have nodates to pass on to you. As soonas anything occurs I will informthe Webmaster so he can postthe information to the website.

ACWS

LENDING LIBRARY

We have a great collection ofbooks which can be borrowed touse for reference purposes orjust for the sheer pleasure ofreading a book about the CivilWar.

Lists of titles and how to goabout borrowing a book can beobtained from Tim or Caz Davies.

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We have all heard of NAReS buthow many of us know what it doesfor re-enactors. So I hope this willhelp you understand.

N.a.Re.SNational Association ofRe-enactment Societies.

Since 1991 NAReS has acted asan advocate and advice resourceto those involved in historical re-enactment of all period.Quite simply, if NAReS did notexist, re-enactment as we know ittoday would be entirely different.NAReS Executive Committeemembers meet with government,the police and H&SE (amongothers) – we are officiallyrecognised as representing re-enactment by many official bodiesWe watch for potential legislationat EU, UK and local level, andspeak up for us all where ourinterests are affected or likely tobe affected.However we do not work inisolation and are always keen tohear from member societies orothers involved in historical re-enactment if they have relevantinformation, concerns or requirehelp relating to specific relatedissue.Our input into lawmaking hasresulted in legal protections for ourhobby, such as:

Gaining a legal definition of re-enactment in the Violent CrimeReduction Act 2006;Gaining a defence to purchasinga replica imitation firearm in theViolent Crime Reduction Act 2006;By consultation with ACPO, re-enactment is now recognised asa legitimate reason for beinggranted a section 1 or 2 firearmscertificate;Providing invaluable consultationwith regards to the legislation onsamurai swords;Consulted with the Health andSafety executive in relation to thenew legislation over the transportand storage of black powder;Making positive contributions tothe debates over pistols in privatehands, thus saving black powder,percussion & flintlock pistols frombeing banned.Best practice guidelines for re-enactment have been producedon our website on a wide range ofsubjects covering Film, TV andMedia Work; The transportationof Firearms; Food Hygiene; BasicGuide to Risk Assessment andmany more.We have organised courses formembers of affiliated societies –for example on pyrotechnics.NAReS is constantly working ona wide range of issues that mightor will affect re-enactment, both atthe present time or in the future,to try and minimize their effects.These cover many topics and

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The Greatest BankRobbery in the Civil War

have included regulation onknives and swords, gun licensing,safeguarding and data protectionto name just a few.In short – we do the boring stuff– so you don’t have to.Many societies and theirmembers have already benefitedfrom NAReS advocacy and theguidelines that are freely availableon the website – so why shouldyour society join or stay inmembership? NAReS currentlyrepresents a number of re-enactment societies Who havetotal membership of about 18,000re-enactors However it isestimated that there are manymore re-enactors in the UK andwe to make sure that everyonehas a voice and is represented.If your group is not a member weneed your participation and input.As we all know there is strengthin numbers, therefore the moremembers we represent, the moreour voice will be heard. Moresocieties joining NAReS meansthat we can say to legislators andofficials that we speak for an evenlarger constituency. It puts us ina much stronger position to lobbyin defence of our hobby.NAReS is a not-for-profitorganisation, run by volunteerre-enactors, like you.Membership money goes towardsbasic running costs and a ‘fightingfund’ that can be used to lobbyparliament in defence of re-

enactment, if that becomesnecessary. Membership ofNAReS gives those who comeinto contact with your society, forexample, potential clients, theknowledge that you adhere to thehighest standards in the hobby. Italso means you have a direct sayin the future of your hobby.

On 19th October 1864, a youngman mounted the steps of a hotelin a small quiet village just 15 milesfrom the Canadian Border and withhis gun drawn loudly announced“This city is now in the possessionof the Confederate States ofAmerica!” Panic, shock andconfusion immediately spreadthroughout the village as gun totinghorsemen suddenly appeared,rode down the Main Street andherded all the confused andfrightened residents onto the villagegreen. This occurrence was theNorthernmost land engagement ofthe Civil War and althoughrelatively minor in nature was tohave far reaching political anddiplomatic repercussions. This isthe amazing story of the GreatestBank Robbery of the Civil Warwhich occurred in St Albans,Vermont.In this highly unusual incident, theraid was led by Lieutenant BennettH. Young of the Confederate States

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Army. He had been capturedduring Confederate GeneralMorgan`s raid into Ohio at theBattle of Salineville in 1863. Helater escaped from Chicago intoCanada (part of the British Empire)and returned to the South viaBermuda and then through theUnion blockade. On his return toRichmond, he advocated raids intothe Union from the Canadianborder to firstly build theConfederate treasury, secondly tobring the hardships of war andshock to those well away from thebattlefields of the South and thirdlyforce the Union Army to diverttroops from the South to protect theCanadian Border. The ConfederateAuthorities were impressed by theproposals and he wascommissioned a Lieutenant andreturned to Canada. Here he metConfederate Agent, GeorgeSanders and they quickly recruitedother escaped Confederateprisoners of war to participate in hisraid on St Albans, Vermont.Initially, Lieutenant Bennett Youngand 2 others checked into a localhotel in St Alban`s on the pretenceof a “sporting vacation” on 10th

October 1864. Every day, 2 or 3other young men arrived until on19th October, 21 rebel cavalrymenwere present. Just before 3.00pm,the group simultaneously stagedbank robberies on the three banksin the village. During the raid, theyclearly announced they were

Confederate soldiers by taking offtheir overcoats and revealing theirConfederate uniforms with a pairof Navy sixes. They emptied thetills and vaults of all the money theycould carry and even had time toforce the bank tellers to swearallegiance to the ConfederateStates of America. As the bankswere being robbed, the remainingConfederates herded thetownspeople onto the village greenand took their horses. LieutenantBennett Young then ordered thevillage to be torched but the four-ounce bottles of Greek Fire (anincendiary chemical that bursts intoflame when exposed to air) theyhad brought failed to ignite andonly one small woodshed wasburned. Although theysubsequently lost much of their lootwhilst escaping, they still managedto make off with $208,000. By thetime a pursuit was organised, theywere well over the border and backin Canada. During the skirmish thatensued, one townsman was killed,another wounded and one raiderwas injured and later died.Following the raid, Union GovernorGeneral Monck ordered out theMilitia and the survivors were latercaptured in Montreal andsubsequently tried. However, theywere never extradited despiteenergetic demands from theFederal Government inWashington. They contended thatthe raiders were criminals butCanada argued that they were

25

military belligerents, so as toremain neutral, and refused toconvict them of any crime. TheCanadian Court cemented thisposition. However, the Court didreturn the $88,000 the raiders hadon their persons when captured.The pro Lincoln Chicago Tribunescreamed “take Canada by thethroat and throttle her as a StBernard would a poodle pup!”President Lincoln immediatelyannounced that Canadians wouldnow have to produce passports togain entry to the United States. Healso imposed tax duties on goodsnow passing between the 2countries. The FederalGovernment subsequently movedtroops to patrol the border and theCanadian Court ruling wasinterpreted by many that this wasclear recognition of theConfederate States of America bythe British Government sinceCanada was a province and part ofthe British Empire.From a Confederate perspective,the St Alban`s raid was one of themost successful ConfederateSecret Service Operations. It wasdue to the loyalty, fraternity andleadership of the Confederatesoldiers (average age of 23) whowere mainly General Morgan`sKentucky cavalrymen and theywere never infiltrated or exposedby Federal informers. TheirDefence Counsel, ToussaintAntoine Rodolphe LaFlamme, QCsaid at their trial “In no other

country, perhaps, but in theSouthern Confederacy, could 20young men be found who wouldbe prepared to risk their lives, tooffer them to a certain ignominiousdeath in taking possession of atown of inhabitants”.Following the raid, LieutenantBennett Young was promoted tothe rank of a Confederate General.After the Civil War, when he visitedMontreal in 1911, a group of StAlbans dignitaries paid him acourtesy visit at the Ritz CarltonHotel. In 1914. a commemorativeplaque was placed at the entranceof the Franklin County Bank whichwas the only bank robbed that stillremained standing from the raid.

Goobers Notes

1) The 1954 Film “The Raid”is loosely based on thisincident.

2) The only standingremaining bank from theraid is now called theToronto Dominion BankBranch.

Article by Stewart “Goober”Douglas

Sources: Wikipedia; VirtualVermont Internet Magazine; StAlbans Raid by Jonathan AllenJuly 6 2009.

Thanks for this very interestingarticle Stewart. Keep them coming.

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New Recruits?

All too often I have to report the passing of another comrade, so it is apleasure to welcome not one but two new arrivals.

On Remembrance Sunday 9th November 2014 saw the arrival of

Grace Janet and Hope Rose to Charlotte Parkin (1st USS) and her partnerGeorge.

Grace Janet Hope Rose

2lb 4oz 3lb 5oz

Both babies are being cared for in the Neo Natal Unit of the John RadcliffeHospital in Oxford.

I think I speak for all ACWS members in wishing these little ones ‘All theVery Best’ in life and look forward to seeing them running about the fieldvery soon.

All newsletter correspondence should be sent to: - Val Holt Editor

E-mail address Editor@acws.co.ukor send to

PO Box 52, Brighouse, West Yorkshire HD6 1JQ Web Site: - http://www.acws.co.uk

Copy date for the Next Issue will be 14th February 2015 for the next issue

All advertisement & editorial copy should be sent by the above date

THE EDITOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALL ARTICLESBEFORE PUBLICATION, FOR SPELLING, GRAMMAR, DECENCY OR

LENGTH ARTICLES AND VIEWS PRINTED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ARENOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE A.C.W.S LTD.

FIRST AID KITS & DRINKING WATER

Members please remember to bring personal first aid kits with them to events,just as you would take on holiday. This should contain plasters, wipes, etcalong with any medication you may need and any painkillers or medicationfor upset stomach if you’ve needed it in the past. The First Aiders are notallowed to give out any medication under any circumstances.

Also last few years at a couple of events a few members had upset stomachspossibly from the water, so I would recommend that you boil water drawnfrom the taps onsite and take bottled water with you for putting in yourcanteens and for cold drinks.

So let’s all be careful out there.

Ian Morris

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EVENTS CALENDAR 2014December 6th - ACWS A.G.M.

The Rubery & Rednal Royal British Legion Club, 64 New Road,Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9HY starting at 1 pm.

EVENTS CALENDAR 2015April 11-12th - Bruntingthorpe

Full Society Event at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, Bath Lane,Lutterworth, Leics. LE17 5QS.

24-25 May 2015 Sewerby Hall.Church Lane, Sewerby, Bridlington,

East Riding of Yorkshire, YO15 1EA11-12 July POSSIBLE EVENT Liecs.

No details yet as negotiations are on going

Sunday 2nd August 2015 Bursham IronWorks, LL14 4LL

in the Clywedog Valley, 2 miles west of Wrexham, N Wales.15-16 August 2015 Spetchley Multi Period

Spetchley Park Gardens, Spetchley, Worcs WR5 1RD.5-6 September 2015 Tatton Old Hall

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN

5th December 2015ACWS AGM Gainsborough

Details to FollowThese dates are subject to contract.Watch this space for future events