By 1st Sgt. Koepp

     Captain Whitehall, Mrs. 1st Sgt, and I spent spring break researching Company D in the great state of Maine.  We saw and learned so much and only a portion of what we saw is here in the slideshow.  Many once in a lifetime experiences like holding Edgar Crockett’s buttons, an original target rifle, and numerous artifacts belonging to the 20th Maine that belong in a private collection and we want to honor their privacy.  Most of what we did and saw will be posted on an ongoing basis, like the hundreds of pages of original Company D paperwork.
     We started our trip in Portland where we visited Captain Fessenden’s grave and stood in the place where his recruiting office once stood.  Leaving Portland, we stopped in Brunswick to visit Bowdoin College, Chamberlin’s house, and grave.  We then visited the Maine maritime museum in Bath to learn about the vast maritime culture that would have been so familiar to those in our company.  After Bath, we a day and a half in Augusta researching in the Maine State Archives.  We also met the legendary Company D historian, Captain Sulin who guided us through our experience and helped us get our researcher credentials.  After spending the next morning back at the archives, we visited the state history museum to learn more about Maine culture, history, and commerce.  We also got to see the 20th Maine’s Gettysburg battle flag.  Leaving Augusta, we carpooled with Captain Sulin through the Maine woods down to Cherryfield to visit the graves of the Tucker twins.  The Captain is an amazing tour guide and pointed out places like the building where James Matthews worked as a newspaper man, forts, and so many wonderful stories.
     We spent the rest of the time in Rockland which was the home to many of the company.  We researched original newspapers, spent time in the Rockland historical society, visited the graves of more fellow Sharpshooters, and was invited to an amazing lobster dinner with Captain Sulin and his wonderful wife.  We can't thank the Captain enough for sharing his time, his knowledge, and hospitality.
     The trip was overwhelming in all the right ways.  We learned so much, touched so much of history, and learned we definitely need to return to further our research!  Reading books and diaries is important for a better experience in our hobby, but visiting your unit’s home towns, and holding the very items they held is inspiring.  There is so much more to be learned by doing on site research and being moved by paying respects at the graves of soldiers we portray.

By 1st Sgt. Koepp

     Wednesday and Thursday, several of us began scouting new locations for future bivouacs starting with a site in Eastern Washington.  For our first scout, Skipper took us about an hour and a half north of Spokane where we spent several hours driving around the forest and stopping to march a washed out mountain road.  While it was in the mid to upper 90s and hazy from wildfires, the area was beautiful.  The several mile uphill march took its toll on Pvt. Severson but he powered on much further than he thought he could.  After a cool down, he recovered well for the long march down.
     After our march, we settled on a nice, small camp near a creek for our bivouac site.  Once the arms were stacked and the bedrolls laid out, we dug into our haversacks and began trading MREs.  With fire danger so high across the state, fires and cooking were out of the question, so we decided on modern soldier rations.  We used a water filter to refill our canteens with clean drinking water.  After supper, we settled in for a relaxing night of sharing stories.  With the weather so hot, no one got cold that night.
     Waking up with the sun the next morning, I explored with Pvt. Soderling and did a photo shoot near the creek.  Afterwards, we hit the trucks again and continued exploring to the top of a mountain where we shot a new YouTube video and took some great pictures.  On the way down, we checked out another camp site before heading back to Spokane.
     In all, our first scouting expedition went very well.  With our reenacting organization still struggling to secure event sites and our ever increasing closeness as a unit, finding places to reenact throughout the year is of increasing importance to us.  We hope to get a short of list of locations in Eastern and Western Washington to accommodate people's availability and transportation.  With our summers warmer and wildfire seasons so severe, finding places near water and with the ability to do some live-fire target practice is high on the priority list.
     Prior to this scout, I attempted to scout an ideal location in the central Cascades only to find all the roads closed due to a wildfire.  When I got home from that, the state announced a state-wide shooting ban on all state-owned public lands.  This underscores the importance of having two or three site on each half of the state to choose from.  For all of those who couldn't make this trip, don't worry.  While we did have fun, this, like future ones are working trips with quick turn around to accommodate work schedules.  We were considering a get together in the mountains over labor day but with extreme fire restrictions, shooting bans, high temps, and poor air quality, we're most likely going to postpone until rain returns.
     One other thing to keep in mind as we continue to explore state and national forests, is there are parking permits for all of the sites we are considering.  When these sorts of bivouacs become more regular be sure to look in to getting any applicable passes or planing to carpool.

By 1st Sgt. Koepp

      CO. D SKIRMISHES BY THE BUGLE!  That's right, folks, we finally did it!  With the Captain on the bugle, we managed to hold off the secesh for the first 15 minutes of our last battle with only bugle commands.  It's so fulfilling to finally have this important element of Sharpshooter history an increasingly regular part of our routine.
     In other news, the weather was hot but not as terrible as was originally predicted so our health and spirits were with us.  After the hot day's battles, several of us went to the nearby river for a quick cool down and some fun.  This weekend's drill focused mostly on tactics and battlefield training.  As always, we spent a lot of time scouting the battlefield prior to battles which allowed us to direct battalion on good routes for better battle scenarios.  The battles were alright but most notable was acting Corporal Soderling's excellent performance filling in for Cpl. Hardway.  Cpl. Spiekerman brought along a new recruit who we hope will join us regularly next year.  He was a quick study, hard worker, and great fit for Co. D.  Cpl. Spiekerman had his work cut out for him since it seemed that in every battle his flank was pushed the hardest.
     Camp life was good with Quartermaster Severson doing an excellent job issuing and caring for equipment.  He also proposed using company funds to invest in some needed items like trousers from Milk Creek at $75 each and some more shirts.  The skipper and I bought the loaner kit a shirt, cap pouch, belt buckle, and some other odds and ends.  With more of us interested in campaign impressions, Severson also recommended a knapsack or two for loaner gear.  We'll keep you posted  as we get shopping in this off season.
     As usual, no one seemed to want to be the battalion color guard which made battalion drill and parade a bit interesting.  So, of course, we volunteered.  What's better than having battalion form on our Nationals and Regimentals?  
     This was a weekend with lots of Berdans involved in the film-making process.  A small crew from Seattle's Cherry Street Films joined us to film a short scene with us in camp.  Acting Corporal Soderling had a fun time teaching them how to play Euchre.  Shooting and extra time for b-roll ran us right up to battle time, so those of us involved had to sprint right into battle and start shooting.  A very special thanks to Logan from the 3rd Michigan for connecting us. This event also included another viewing of the film "Vivandiere" which includes cameos of Cpt. Whitehall, Severson, and yours truly.  A painter looking to do some Berdan Shapshooter pieces wanted some poses from Cpt. Whitehall, so our company photographer, Private Ternan spent some time taking some nice portraits to send the artist.  
     This weekend also included an early birthday celebration for our Captain organized by his amazing grandparents.  Along with delicious cupcakes, the Captain received the gift of the last Trionni Berdan painting to complete his collection.
     I also had the pleasure of delivering our battalion Sgt. Major his new field desk which is featured in our latest YouTube video.  
     With our season ending sooner than usual this year, everyone is really committed to spending more time together in the off season.  We were considering rushing a bivouac for next week but we might be looking ahead to Labor Day weekend, so if you're interested be sure to let the skipper know.  We'll also have to come to some consensus about where to meet.  Either in the wilderness near the captain or the central Cascades.  I'm also sure people will be interested in a Christmas party, so keep in touch.  The Captain and I can't push everything along and still maintain sanity.
     Next year, if you use ANY of the company cleaning kit you must bring funds to reimburse our master of arms, Private Ternan.  She has graciously contributed out of pocket this year.  If you don't bring money for events next year, you will be left with a dirty rifle and ineligible to take to the field.  You will also not be issued a loaner rifle unless your small fee is submitted.  
​      Thank you to everyone in our company who worked hard to make this another amazing year.

By 1st Sgt. Koepp

     Our Ft. Stevens living history was another wonderful time full of demonstrations, training, and squad on squad tacticals.  Pvt. Hanks and his friend joined us this weekend to try out our unit, share some laughs, and get trained in using multiple firearms.  In all, we had a good turn out and we were all very to happy to see Cpl. Spiekerman again.
     The height of fun for everyone were the tactical competitions that were carefully planned and ref'd by our amazing corporals.  Privates Severson and Cook were squad leaders and the battles that ensued around the fort were entertaining for the public, too.  Fighting across the grounds of a historic fort really gave a tantalizing glimpse of how exciting reenacting can be when not stuck on "football field" battlefields.  We even got in some hand to hand combat and bayonet charges.  If you listen quietly, you can almost hear a mainstreamer yell, "safety violation!"  Many event organizers like small, boring fields because "it's better for the public."  Well, in our experience this weekend, families would pull over on the side of the park road and walk over to watch us shoot around buildings and the deuce and half tour truck routinely passed by full of visitors.  It is possible to have mixed terrain, buildings, and even trees to provide an even more engaging viewing experience. The squad leaders did a good job and each one won a battle.  The skipper and I fell in with each squad as either a person to guard or as a wild-card private.  We had fun keeping everyone on their toes.
     Camp life was quite relaxed with Severson working hard to get a jump on his new role as company quartermaster.  Since the 4th of July fell mid-week this year, fort attendance was down but we still worked with some good sized crowds.  During the lulls, we shot some more YouTube videos and I worked on figuring out our new audio recording gear.  Private Cook and the Skipper enjoyed loading the target rifles as if they were light artillery.  It certainly drew in the crowds.
     The Battle of Chehalis is coming up soon so be sure to watch the weather forecasts and prepare yourself accordingly.  Pvt. Soderling will be filling in for Cpl. Hardway, so we'll be doing extra drill to get the company ready for lots of movement.  You still have plenty of time to stock up on rounds and caps on your own.  The company ordnance stores are running low so feel free to visit a sporting good store and at least purchase some caps.
     Lastly, let's all be sure to keep in touch for a bivouac/live fire camp out.  The more everyone is curious and willing to help coordinate, the more likely it will happen.  I've ordered sixty more rounds and will be selling them if we have the event.

      Thank you to all of our Berdan's who were able to make it this last weekend and an extra thanks to all of their hard work.
     As usual, Union Gap was a relatively ho-hum event though we got very lucky with favorable weather.  While no one got over-heated, the pock mark covered battlefield took its toll on a number of us.  Camp life was comfortable with lots of down time to chat, rest, and socialize with our fellow reenactors.  Well, socializing and maybe some plotting with our friends in the 79th New York.  With a little extra planning and communication work, duty delegation in the company worked out smoothly.  We look forward to supporting and educating our soldiers who have added to their daily duties the specialization of specific responsibilities like master of ordnance, master of arms, and quartermaster.  While unofficial titles, the work is highly valued and appreciated by everyone.
     Saturday morning including a "parade."  While simply a slightly longer march to the battlefield for the public, Company D pulled out all of the stops going in full campaign gear, white gloves, and with flags flying.  Enjoying the sight of our two flags flying made up for an otherwise underwhelming parade. The battles were alright.  Not much to complain about but not much to write home about either.  For those of you who haven't been, the battlefield is the size of a football field with waist high grass.  Saturday evening included a nice dinner hosted by Confederate battalion.  From the end of second battle and for well over an hour, the Captain and I spit polished our uniforms with precision and cleaned ourselves up pretty good, too.  After being told no swords for the dinner, we finally agreed that uniform dress regulations matter, dang it! If no one does it, no one is going to know about Civil War uniform dress regulations.  So, we did it right and didn't make a big deal about it.  In a similar vein, both battalions have agreed to adopt our period correct and well documented resting on arms for taps.  After getting the "stink-eye" from enough reenactors, people started asking questions and we jumped at the opportunity to educate.  It's inspiring to learn just how many reenactors are eager to learn the proper ways of doing things and to adopt them when they learn.  Sometimes, people just don't know what they don't know.
     We're still learning some of the battalion's often unspoken or under-communicated management agendas.  After the Captain returned one afternoon with the disappointing news that my very period correct morning report was rejected, I nearly burst a blood vessel!  After lodging a complaint with the "higher ups" and asking to be informed explicitly when farb was required we learned that period morning reports don't matter to battalion.  They only need a modern check list of unit members and a rifle count.  Our unit takes maybe too much pride in period correct clerking and paperwork, so naturally it made me twitch to obey this modern accommodation for our dedicated battalion staff.
     Our next event is our living history weekend at Fort Stevens where we'll be filming a bunch of new videos, taking inventory and repairing loaner gear, drilling, training, offering project activities, and of course putting on a good, informative show for the public.  We hope to see you there.

,By 1st Sgt. Koepp

     Deep Creek was a weekend of some of the best battles the organization has seen in years.  Co. D performed brilliantly, sharpshooting and defending the flanks.  Shooting was exceptionally heavy as we defended "Berdan Hill" for another year.  Battalion really let us put our training and tactics to full use with lots of movement and prone firing.
     We were very fortunate to meet a wonderful new recruit, Pvt. Moore, who jumped in feet first and quickly distinguished himself as an excellent soldier and certainly Berdan material.  He was able to join us Saturday and Sunday and we hope he can join us for Union Gap.  Pvt. Soderling did an excellent job filling as acting corporal.  As always, Cpl. Hardway excelled at keeping the camp running smoothly and the soldiers always ready for a fight.  Pvt. Ternan was a great help with taking photos and participated really well with her medical demonstration.  Pvt. Walker was a steady and reliable addition to the line and it was fun to watch his amazement at how many rounds he fired each battle.  Lastly, it was great to catch back up with Pvt. Teacup and his ever improving impression.  It seems with each event, we're looking more and more campaigner.
     Camp life was full of activity with Mrs./Pvt. Soderling cooking a delicious dinner for the company, card playing, song singing, and spending time with our friends and brothers in the 79th New York.  We also had lots of fun with Pvt. Slug of the 3rd Michigan, who due to goofy camp layout, ended up camped right next to our fire.  We had plenty of fun messing around with our new bugle, though I can't say the rest of the camp would agree.  We were able to shoot several new YouTube videos, take lots of photos, educate the public, and ample time admiring our new flag.
     It was great to have everyone together again and in good health and good spirits.  Everyone contributed so much passion and hard work.  Before the end of the event, we were able to share our love and good wishes to our dear friend, Pvt. Melendez of the 20th Maine who will be moving to Texas.  We hope to see you all at Union Gap.

By 1st Sgt. Koepp
​
     Company D had the largest attendance of any Union unit at School of the Soldier this last weekend.  One can easily say this company is committed.
​      School of the Soldier is always a good way to dust off from the off season, work on drill, and learn new drill.  This year we began learning bayonet drill which will now become routine at every event.  It's fun, and really draws attention.  When we weren't drilling, we were studying manuals, goofing around, and catching up with old friends.  With the help of private Soderling, Company D began playing Euchre.  Euchre was a very popular game in Company D during the war and it's great to bring it back.  Though, it would have been better if privates Soldering and Ternan didn't beat Severson and me so badly.
     We also managed to shoot a couple more videos for our YouTube channel that will be coming out in the coming weeks.  Cpl. Hardway did a wonderful job leading drill.  I learned that reading five different manuals two weeks before an event is probably a bit more confusing than it's worth.  Cpl. Hardway also helped raise some company funds with her excellent and well known tailoring skills.  We also had a nice surprise when private Cook was able to join us.    
     We're expecting a big turnout for Deep Creek, so don't waste any time reserving loaner tents, calling dibs on a loaner rifle, or other loaner equipment.  We'll have more Hainsworth to show off at Deep Creek and our new National flag.  A special thanks to private Ternan for her wonderful pictures.

That's right, folks we're #sponsored!  Cary Davisson has been so kind to work with our company and our YouTube channel on what he hope is a great and lasting partnership.  Those of you who are in our unit, or know our unit know we only set the highest standards for gear.  Cary makes high quality kits and gear at reasonable prices.  If you're not already subscribed to our channel you might want to do so now as Company D, 2nd USSS will be your only readily accessible source for kit assembly reviews and how-tos.  We've already uploaded our first ACWkits.com review video covering his cap pouches.  You can easily spend $100 or more for a quality pre-made cap pouch or you can make your own for about $30 with one of Cary's kits and a few basic leather tools.  We have the video down below for you check out and let us know if you have any questions.  When you decide to buy one of Cary's kits, be sure to let him know Company D, 2nd USSS sent ya'.

     Snoqualmie turned out to be a great end to another amazing reenacting season.  It began with opening our Maine care package from Cpt. Sulin.  The box contained so many wonderful treats enjoyed by everyone.  Items included lobster chowder, baked beans, sardines, salt, jams, maple syrup, books, pancake mix, and more!  The maple syrup was loved by all with all of us tasting it from our spoons or the palms of our hands.  The books on Maine lingo entertained us for hours and we've already started using it.  The book is titled, "Maine Lingo" by John Gould and probably is a must have for anyone portraying a unit from the state of Maine.  Some of our favorite words or phrases included, Methodist hell, salt through a goose, beamie, gormy, bar room, odd bastard, and of course, ayuh.  We can't thank Cpt. Sulin enough for all of support and generosity.
     As always, Co. D drilled more often and for longer than other unit in the WCWA and it continues to show.  On Sunday we drilled through church call all the way up until battle.  Keep in mind, for some absurd reason Sunday drill has now somehow become optional.  Not for Company D, where we have higher standards.  We started having our corporals leading drill for their individual platoons which paid off greatly during battle.  While battalion was looking the other way and being generally passive, 2nd Platoon took the initiative by sprinting across the right flank to capture a cannon and its artillery crew while 1st Platoon continued to hold down the flank with withering Sharps fire.  Our corporals and our privates remain unparalleled in their enthusiasm and dedication.  We also had the pleasure of having Logan from the 3rd Michigan join us this weekend on the target rifle.  It is always nice to welcome such knowledgeable and friendly guests into our reenacting family.
     The weather cooperated until the end of our last battle when the rain finally came.  It was a bit disappointing to see so many reenactors bringing cars into camp and packing up long before the rain came.  The constant breeze kept us cool but unfortunately made making videos out of the question.  We do have many exciting new videos coming up including several from our new channel sponsor!  I'll leave you with the tease on that one.
     It's hard to believe another season is over.  We have all sorts of projects for this off season and hopefully we'll be able to organize a get together.  We're also hoping the winter is mild so we can have a spring bivouac.  During this event we mapped out our company Hainesworth wool buy, so if you are interested be sure to email Cpt. Whitehall.  Bulk wool purchasing means we get increased discounts.  Until next time, keep checking in on the website and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for all of our upcoming videos.
     Finally,our company treasurer's report shows that we have now raised enough money for our National Colors!  Next year we'll have the pride of flying both flags in camp and on parades.
     It was a pleasure serving with you all!

The always elusive Sharps arsenal pack is no longer a mystery.  Capt. Whitehall and I have been researching these for some time now.  After re-reading Bill Skillman's detailed article on making these, I thought I'd put the Company D spin on it.  Armed with my cartridge tin, I hit the craft stores.  Pasteboard boxes are commonly discussed and the Skipper had been talking about using jewelry boxes recently.  I quickly gave up on the bulkiness of pasteboard boxes that never quite fit and hit the jewelry section of Michael's.  In just a few minutes, I found a four pack of jewelry boxes that fit my tin perfectly.  The boxes were also paper-wrapped much like the originals and cost only $3.99.  If you pull up your 40% off Michael's coupon on your phone, they're even cheaper!   Here's what you'll need:

• A brown paper grocery bag/lunch bag for your hinge.
• Sharp Xacto knife
• White glue 
• Sharps cartridge box label
• Ruler
• That's it!

Here's how to do it:

1. Cut one long side off of the lid.  Removing the bulk off the back of lid helps the box slide in and out of the tin much easier.  Cut carefully and don't try to cut all the way through at once.  Multiple passes make for a cleaner cut.  Then put the lid back on and check the fit.  You want the lid to fit flush against the back.
2. Using a large Popsicle stick, like I do, or using a ruler, cut a roughly 3/4" strip off of your grocery bag.  If you're making several, cut a long piece.
3. Butt one end of your strip up against the inside of the back of the lid and using your Xacto knife cut the hinge to length on the inside of the other side of the lid.  You're going for an inside diameter fit.
4. Fold your hinge length-wise taking care to make a very crisp fold.
5. Using white glue (or glue stick, or other gluing method) use just enough to evenly coat the inside of the hinge.  Spread evenly with your finger.  You don't want any puddles or squeeze out.
6. Put your lid on the your box and apply the hinge.  Aligning it carefully, smooth the hinge to remove any air bubbles that may have snuck in.
7. Let dry.
8. Apply Sharps cartridge label and enjoy!

Using this method, you can manufacture your box any way you like.  You can add an additional strip with a string glued inside so you can open the box like it was brand new.  This auction site link: HERE shows how the arsenal packs were wrapped.  There is variety in construction.  Some are stamped with the label, some have pasted labels, some are white boxes, and some wrapped caps in light-weight brown paper. Remember, Sharpshooters used these boxes a lot and there are many accounts from Sharpshooters using these in combat.  In less than 10 minutes, you can really improve your impression and make your life a lot easier while shooting prone or from cover.

After Action Report:  Chehalis, WA 2017

     Fair weather, good battles, good turnout, and of course we finally fired while prone!  Our drill skills and our stellar safety track record allowed us to prove ourselves on the battlefield with great effect.  We had some great young reenactors fall in with us this weekend and one even plans on transferring.  It's hard to go back to line infantry after having ran the field, shot prone, help to capture a company, and drilling like a boss with Company D.  As always, we drilled more than any other unit in the club and as always it shows.  Our corporals continue to improve their leadership and their mastery of Civil War drill and instruction.
     Camp time was fun and relaxing with plenty of camp fire singing with the help of Pvts. Soderling and Cpl Hardway.  Mrs./Pvt./Co. Cook Soderling stayed with our Maine Camp and Hospital Association and with the help of her steward prepared a wonderful dinner of chili, cornbread, and blueberry pie.  The Corporals were on top of every detail and every private performed their work with dedication and quality.  It's hard to believe that the end of the season is only one event away from us.
     During some of our down time we even managed to shoot some more YouTube videos.  We're getting quite a collection of them in the can and they will be continuing to come out every Sunday.  It was a good surprise and a bit sad that Pvt. Edwards was able to join us for our last battle Sunday.  This was his last event with us before moving to the east coast.  We wish his family the best of luck.
     We'll likely not make it to Kennewick in August but will be planning to come out in force for the September Battle of Snoqualmie.  In the meantime, we'll keep working on our impressions and studying our drill manuals.  

     We had another fun weekend at Fort Stevens educating the public, working on our gear, and having fun as a company.  The cool weather made for a comfortable weekend and the interested, engaging public kept us busy during the day.  In addition to shooting demonstrations and our information booth, we also had wonderful tent displays available for the public to enjoy.
     During the day we repaired, cleaned, and cataloged loaner gear and had our first opportunity supporting our new company cook.  It was also great assigning stewards to the cook for extra duty.  We also shot three new YouTube videos that will be coming out soon.  On Sunday, thanks to the help of Pvt. Soderling and Cpl. Hardway, we were able to improve our impressions by filling out enlistment papers based on Company D impressions.
     After the park closed we enjoyed hanging out, having fun, singing, and continuing our annual tradition of going into the tunnels inside Battery Clark late at night to enjoy utter darkness.  
     We are always so thankful to the people of Fort Stevens inviting us every year and we now have plenty of company funds to purchase our own national flag this off season.  We'll see you at the Battle of Chehalis!

Fulbright Park, Union Gap, WA

     Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! Seemed the theme of this year's Battle of Fulbright Park as the Colonel marched the battalion every where while the Secesh marched but paces to each battle.  The battles weren't the greatest but working alongside the 20th Maine is always a pleasure.  It was also nice to have the weather participate with rather mild temperatures for eastern Washington.  
     Camp time was relaxing and we shot another YouTube video that will be coming out soon.  The evenings were cool and a lot of time was spent around candle light catching up and sharing stories.  The days were spent with lots of drill with Company D being the first and last company off the drill field each day.  The corporals did a fantastic job leading drill.  All our drill practice really paid off on the battlefield and earned us accolades from the Union battalion.  
     Perhaps the biggest highlight was holding Cpl. Hardway's official promotion ceremony.  One our company's strongest assets is having such a dedicated and talented corps of NCOs.  Our next battle event will be the Battle of Chehalis River.  We'll see you all then.

Deep Creek, WA

     The first major event of the year was shockingly hot but a good event over all.  We had some new people join us for this event and they each did a wonderful job.  Everyone worked hard, gave it there all, and had a fun time.
     We shot five new YouTube videos that will be coming out over the coming weeks, the Skipper gave two talks at the pavilion about Sharpshooter history, Pvt. Severson and the Skipper participated in the Memorial Day ceremony, and we had some great tintypes made.  The company cleaning kit made its first appearance and seemed to really help everyone and keep the rifles in top shape.  We have so many bayonets now, that we're still trying to catch up at getting stacking arms perfect.
     I'll be watching the weather forecast carefully leading up to Union Gap.  If it's as hot or hotter than it was at Spokane I'll be encouraging everyone to bring extra socks and comfortable modern clothes to change into after hours.  Health and safety supersede historical immersion.  I'll also plan on bringing a treat for company bath time that everyone should enjoy.  Melissa and I will continue to have Zip Fizz rations for everyone.  If the heat looks to be really bad, I'll consider bringing an extra cooler just filled with ice for everyone to cool off with over the weekend.
     The battles were alright.  There was a lot less time running up and down the hill as in past years which wasn't necessarily a bad thing.  Camp layout was bungled again but I think that's just becoming the thing with Spokane.  Get there early or have your company stacked up like cord wood.
       Union Gap is fast approaching, so I hope everyone continues to take good care of themselves, work on their physical fitness, and come ready for some fun.  Speaking of fun, this will be our company's first time marching with our flag in the parade!  It'll make that long march so much more worth it.  Thank you again to everyone who could make it and for enduring the heat. 

     Company D has permission to go prone during battle!  After much persistence, our hard work at drill, our commitment to safety, and good reputation helped us secure the privilege to go prone whenever the opportunity presents itself.  With the help of Colonel Longbeard and Captain Whitehall, we even have the blessing of the Confederate battalion staff.
     In other equally exciting news, Colonel Longbeard came up to the Captain and myself to ask if we'd be interested in practicing skirmish by the bugle!  Of course, we said, "yes."  Separate from battalion drill, the Colonel brought his bugle and met us and the 20th Maine to begin our instruction in bugle deployments.  This included...wait for it....bugle calls for lay down and stand up!  The Colonel hopes to have a battle scenario where a field piece gets taken, turned, and fired.  To accommodate this, the artillery was offering cannon training so naturally, we all ran over to practice on the mountain howitzer.  So, start booking your time off for this season because you don't want to miss the event where Company D captures a cannon and fires it.  
     The rest of the weekend was fun and low key.  We filmed some more videos, got in lots of drill, Severson had a blast playing town ball, and the Captain enjoyed displaying his hardcore officer's tent set up.  We also had the strange experience of learning how to stack arms.  Word on the street is Company D has more Sharps bayonets than any other Sharpshooter unit anywhere.  Let alone with the future potential of having two stacks of Sharps.
     With so many more possibilities available to us this year, we really hope you can all make it to Spokane Memorial Day weekend.  Platoon leaders should expect to take charge of their platoons, since the Captain and I are going to be spending more effort in drilling for tactical deployments and leaving more school of the soldier training to platoon leaders.  
     Make sure you schedule your time off now if you haven't already and make your transportation arrangements.  If you need to use the company cleaning kit, the price is a dollar a day. We'll see you at Deep Creek!

     Before you start and exclaim Berdans threw away their bayonets remember, we did it once and had to buy them back.  Then, captains were held financially liable for further "lost" bayonets.  Finally, if you check your documentation there were Berdan bayonet charges on record.  With that out of the way, we are nearing the end of our off season fitting 1861 Springfield bayonets to many of our Sharps rifles.
     As a necessary disclaimer this information is for entertainment purposes only and we in no way condone or suggest these modifications being done by anyone other than a professional.  That said, this is how our unit goes about making these modifications.  We've fitted five bayonets so far this season and none of them really interchange.  This is great if you worry about your stuff getting stolen.
     If you have an Armi Sport Sharps, you're in luck.  Your mods should only take about 15 or 20 minutes.  We start with a bayonet purchased from Regimental Quartermaster sand smooth all the rough machining marks inside the lug.  Just smoothing the inside of the bayonet lug seems to be all that is needed for an Armi Sport. We then slide the lug to the front sight and use a Sharpie to trace the outline of the sight onto the rear of the lug.  This is a poor man's machine bluing.  We then file the area inside the "bluing."  Once the sight clearance is addressed we then make some slight modifications if necessary to the channel.  Lastly, we file the very end of the sight channel with a square file until the locking ring locks snugly behind the front sight.  Make sure as you file you keep your corners nice square and crisp.
     Now, if you have a Pedersoli, pull up a chair and clear your schedule because you are in for hours of grinding, sanding, and filing to make a bayonet fit.  Before you even consider fitting a bayonet to a Pedersoli, you have to come to terms with the fact you will need to file your front sight down by nearly half.  The Pedersoli front sight blade is nearly twice as tall as that of an Armi Sport.  We used calipers to measure an Armi Sport sight and filed the Pedersoli to the same height.  Even then, you will need to file the sight entry of the lug as close to the edge as you dare. 
     The Dremel is indispensable in the process and we prefer the extension tip for grinding further into the center of the lug with greater ease.  We keep the bayonet firmly in a vice with guards to protect the finish.  We do most of the heavy material removal with a grinding attachment and a low grit sanding disc.  The bayonet material is very soft and one grinding wheel is all we need.  Be mindful about over heating the metal while you're grinding and cool it off frequently in water.  If you do have any heat discoloration, it sands off nicely with high grit wet/dry sand paper. We have often been plagued by high spots due to the low production standards of Indian made bayonets so an aggressive rat tail file is indispensable in locating the high spots.  Everything else requires some measure of filing.  
     Whether an Armi Sport or Pedersoli, we remove a little and fit.  We then remove a little bit more and then fit.  It's better to not take off enough and try again than take off too much and have a bayonet for the trash. Don't rush the process.  When you're finally complete you can spend as much time cleaning up and perfecting your work as you prefer.  Smoothing and polishing with wet/dry sand paper from 1-2,000 grit restores the luster removed from grinding and filing.
     When done correctly, the bayonet should fit snugly without scratching or catching and with hardly any rattle.  When your bayonet is fitted perfectly, we highly recommend the two rivet bayonet scabbards from ACW kits.

      This weekend was incredibly hot with many people suffering from the heat.  Army medical and Lou's friend, Dani were life savers.  Medical's beds and cold water combined with Dani's nursing bag and experience were so appreciated.  Despite the heat, Company D got lots of skirmish action in and often worked along with the 79th New York.  It was a pleasure to fight alongside such professional soldiers.
     The battlefield was, as usual, practically a football field but with the leadership of Lt. Tackitt, it was a weekend of dynamic battles and too many confederate companies captured to count.  Brigade drill time ate severely into our regular company drill but even with new recruits and extreme heat, we performed honorably.
     Our newest recruits, privates Hilton and Moran proved to be exceptionally fast and observant learners, dedicated, and hardworking.  Both put in so much time on fatigue duty, often without being asked.  We are so happy they decided to join the Berdan family and can't wait to see them at our next event.  It's really important to honor our runners, Pvt. Doramus and Moran.  In Company D, everyone works his or her way up and works hard.  When young recruits come in, we train them, support them, and appreciate their hard work because they are not just the future of Company D, but the hobby as a whole.  Next year, Pvt. Doramus will be taking the field with a rifle and before long, Pvt. Moran will be ready, too.  Thank you to everyone who gave just a little more and worked a little harder all year long.  Your work ethic and passion is what makes this company so esteemed.
      Also of note, this was the last large event of the year under Col. Geho's leadership as Union Battalion commander.  The Col. and his staff have long been friends and mentors of our company and it is was with heavy hearts we saw our colonel retire.  During the Saturday pie social, Captain Whitehall along with the rest of Company D, presented Colonel Geho with a Sharpshooter service medal in token of our deep appreciation.  After our last battle, Captain Whitehall marched us back to the Colonel's tent after battalion dismissal to give one last cheer of "Hail! Hannibal!"  Company D also presented Corporal Spiekermann with his very own custom made Hainesworth wool forage cap in token of our appreciation of his leadership as corporal.
     We are starting our off season now and we encourage everyone to stay in touch, ask questions, and keep an eye on our website and YouTube channel for more content and resources.  Stay tuned next year as Ft. Simcoe will continue to grow and will be something we'll be discussing about making a formal Sharpshooter event.  Finally, as our season wraps up, a special thanks to all you who helped out as carpool drivers to provide the greatest amount of opportunity to our soldiers.  Be well, be safe, and we'll see YOU on the battlefield.

It was another wonderful time at our Fort Stevens living history weekend.  It's such a privilege to be invited back by the park every 4th of July weekend.  The public turnout was large as usual and they all really enjoyed our demonstration and museum fly.  We really appreciate that Pvt. Ternan contributed so many books and artifacts from her collection to the museum.  It was all made possible by Pvt. Hardway who served as our full time Sharpshooter display docent. 

The weather was cool, breezy, and little a drizzly at times allowing for favorable drill conditions.  We drilled about four hours each day with a lot of emphasis on marching and skirmish drill.  Each movement was repeated until it was done right!  Corporal Spiekerman did an amazing job leading drill, even giving the Captain and 1st Sgt new ideas!  While he lead or supervised most of the drill, even the 1st Sgt was learning, practicing and perfecting his duties.  He might even have his "by the flank" and "off the file" commands finally stuck in his head.  By Sunday, every soldier had an opportunity to lead drill including manual of arms, inspection arms, marching, and even skirmish deployments.

Even though Saturday kept the company busy at the demonstration area, the Skipper managed to take much of the company on an hour long marching exercise around the fort during a brief lull in the visitors.  The marching exercises have become very popular in the company as it gives the soldiers the opportunity to build endurance and feel more of the soldiering experience.  At the end of the day, Pvt. Ternan and the 1st Sgt shot a product review video for the company YouTube channel.  Thompson Center foaming bore cleaner was put to the test as a speedy alternative to the time consuming hot water bath usually employed for cleaning the rifles.  Without water and with minimal additional items, the veterans were able to cut cleaning time down to less than 15 minutes with perfect results! Of course, we always insist on full breakdown, hot water batch, and seasoning after events.

After rifle cleaning, the Skipper cooked and served a delicious spaghetti dinner for the entire company and privates Doramus and Hardway were the clean up detail.  This weekend, the hardcore award may just have to go to Pvt. Severson who cooked his canned meat on a shovel!

Sunday saw more drill and even more firing exercises and speed shooting drills.  Simulated stress conditions on the drill ground make for confident soldiers on the battlefield.  Soldiers practiced loading and firing while marching many times and even developed their skills at prone firing.  Everyone did so well at pitching in, giving their best, pushing themselves just a little harder, and supporting each other.  In addition to performing their company duties, everyone was always ready to help our civilians.  Company D has really flourished as a soldier and civilian family and as leaders and team players.

Co. D captures the entire 11th Mississippi and colors with only four sharpshooters and not a shot fired!

   Union Gap was quite nice this year with cool temperatures, light rain, and new union camp.  Visitors were low in number in the new camp but the layout was amazing.  As always, Union Gap had little to no firewood and what was there was garbage.  It was so hard, it literally broke the 1st Sgt's axe!
    Saturday morning Co. D participated in the annual parade through Union Gap.  The tractor pulled trolley left at 8:30 a.m. for a very low attendance parade.  The cool, drizzly weather had a definite impact.  The battles were fairly good this weekend and attendance for them was pretty high.  We again tried to avoid the night battle since no apparently understands the difficulty of cleaning a Sharps in the dark but we were eventually goaded into it.  We were initially going to work the public and informally MC the battle but apparently battalion staff didn't pass the word the Colonel who had a bit of tantrum over it.  Feeling ornery, we decided to freak out the Confederates while not firing...still determined to not clean our rifles at night!  We ran like we haven't ran in years!  We circled the battlefield and the Confederate battalion twice, pulling several companies off line to see what we were up to.  At one point we worked with Union Cav and actually kept up with them while running around the whole battlefield, past Confederate artillery, only to plow directly into the back of the 11th Mississippi.  The four of us left charged them at a rush scared the life out of them and they almost instantly turned their rifles upside down in surrender.  A couple of the officers where having a cow and during the awkward standoff, Cav, in amazement at what was happening, rushed over with their six horses to support us.  Also coming out of seemingly nowhere, was our Sgt. Major with pistol drawn to lend support at our impressive feet of taking an entire company without firing a shot.  It was the talk of Union battalion that night in camp with several people coming over to camp complementing us on our extraordinary feat.  There is a really nice picture of the Captain with his sword drawn during the capture on the Yakima Herald website (CLICK HERE).
     It was really nice to have Joseph join us again for this battle and we also had the exciting experience of signing up a new recruit.  Not quite old enough to take the field but with Pvt. Doramos field ready next year, we'll definitely need a new runner.  Our newest recruit, Ken, is expecting to join us at Snoqualmie in August.
     Union Gap was a great event to just hang out.  With so much modern activity going on, it was impossible to get into the period mindset.  We still had plenty of fun, especially seeing Pvt. Hardway pretty up for the officer's ball.  As always, thanks to everyone who could join us over the weekend, you're company, friendship, and support make this the great unit it is.