Cas City Forum Hall & CAS-L
Special Interests - Groups & Societies => The Barracks => Topic started by: Major Matt Lewis on November 01, 2005, 12:28:56 PM
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OK,
All you folks who had a great time this past weekend, or wanted to partake in the fun but could not for what ever reason, the 2006 Muster will be held on the 5th weekend of September in Ackley, Iowa.
The theme will be the Civil Ware and the match name is "Rebellion." I have ordered a Spencer to be staged. I wanted one anyway, and this is just an excuse to buy one. I am also working on getting an 1861 Springfield with a bayonet for a staged rifle. There is also a side match that I have mentally worked out called "The Spirit of the Bayonet."
US Scout and I were also talking through one big bull dog of a side match called Fredricksburg. Think clearing a town....Also, the night fire seemed to be a big hit. I would like to do that again. Accept I will have a medal for that one next year.
I would also like to do a Plainsman match next year instead of a Wild Bunch Match next year on Side Match Day...
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(http://www.cascity.com/howard/animations/77.gif) Major Matt is already thinking and planning for next year. :D
Just goes to prove that an event like this isn't done in a week ..
and the long hard work and effort is more than apparent when you have attended a GAF Muster.
I have never had such a good time at a shoot yet, as I have at this one.
I can't wait until next year.(http://www.cascity.com/howard/animations/73.gif)
I posted over on the NCOWS... but I will say it again here....~~
Thank you Matt...You out did yourself !
Thank you Del and Gopher Grease..and thanks to the shooters and all the wonderful people who helped make this what it was.
What an awesome, easy going, friendly group of people. Just like being with family.
Wow.. it was just the best! (http://www.cascity.com/howard/animations/74.gif)
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Aw shucks, Marshalette, the Muster was just a bigger version of what we do all the time!
Grizzle Bear
and the
Kansas Vigilance Committee
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Major Matt; I shore hope I can make the 2006 Muster as the 2005 muster was one h--- of a good time. Thanks for the great match.
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Hope Stina and I can make it. Just checked MapQuest and find that it is only ONE LLLOOOONNNGGG days' drive from here.
Lars
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Looks like Del & Matt will be joining us again with their Dutch Oven Magic next year.
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I've already committed - that Maj Matt can be one smooth talker!
I like the idea of holding the Muster at a new location. It may provide some incentive to some to attend by placing it closer to them, and hopefully will drag along those who have already a Muster.
I'd love to see the entire GAF attend!
US Scout
Chief of Staff
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Lars,
It may be a long drive for you, but I'll probably still have to fly in, and that makes it a full day adventure for me. Getting to KC was pretty easy, but looking at outgoing flights from here, it looks like it'll be at least one connecting flight for me - which I hate to do while carrying firearms.
US Scout
Bvt Col of Marines
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Lets not forget about Rattlesnake Jack from Medicine Hat, Alberta or Hardtack Henry from Great Falls, Montana. Those are the two long riders.
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Lets not forget about Rattlesnake Jack from Medicine Hat, Alberta or Hardtack Henry from Great Falls, Montana. Those are the two long riders.
Well, after leaving Brighton, just north of Denver, at 7:30 a.m. yesterday (where we had spent the night as the guests of Hardtack's very gracious Aunt and Uncle), I departed from Hardtack's place about 8:00 p.m. last night and finally made it home about 11:30 - no delay at all at the border, thankfully! Managed to get to bed by about 2:00 a.m. this morning and am now sitting here, still somewhat bleary-eyed, trying to catch up on the news ...
Had a grand time at Muster, renewing the acquaintance of friends met last year and also meeting new friends!
The biggest "downside" to the whole affair was waking at about dawn on Monday morning to the sound of rain spattering down on the tent canvas, followed by two delightful hours of striking camp and packing up the vehicle in a steady downpour! :-[ >:( :P
The International Camp of Hardtack Henry and Rattlesnake Jack Robson (avant le déluge ....)
(http://members.memlane.com/gromboug/camp1_edited.jpg)
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I was sitting in the airport at KC watching it pour down and hoping that you boys had managed to load up before it hit.
Having set up and struck camp in heavy rains on many occasions (and sometimes when it was pitch dark besides), I can both appreciate and sympathize with your plight - on the other hand, I can grin because I didn't have to do it myself this trip!
That said, I'm glad to hear you fellars made it home in one piece and without any problems.
Speaking of problems, when we landed (at home) the pilot requested I come forward to the cockpit. His manifest said that I was carrying (concealed) and he was concerned because I had not declared myself to the crew. Seems the ticketing agent made a note next to my name that I was carrying firearms instead of transporting firearms.
US Scout
Bvt Col of Marines
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LOL Scout.
I hope they spared you the inflight body cavaty seach :o ;D
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And so - tired ... but happy (?) .....
(http://members.memlane.com/gromboug/and%20so%20.....jpg)
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Happy now! ;D :D ;)
The reviews are in. The event was a success. Now I am in the process of wrapping up, getting thank you letters to Sponsors and then having Lone Gunman update the website.....And then start building the match for next year with an all new round of solicitation requests for sponsors. Fun Fun Fun.
Not to mention back in the gym and on the diet. Dude, I packed on some lard....
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Maj Matt,
You know what they say, don't ask, don't tell!
US Scout
Bvt Col of Marines
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Withall the baking, and such we went through almost an 8 pounder of lard. ::)
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Delmonico,
Would the proper verb to go with "lard" be "transferred"?
Lars
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That might be a good term. ;D
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LOL!
Scout, one of few pieces of sound advice that my mother ever gave me was that pictures don't lie. Now, I was pleased to get on the scale today and get a good honest survey of the damage. It's not too bad. Correctable by Mid-December, I am thinking.
Now that the lard has been "transfered," I will actively work at "discharging" it ;)
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Will the 2006 also be a two gun shoot?
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Matt,
It sure will. The reason why we do the rifle and pistol only is because back in the Frontier Military, nobody was armed with a Rifle, 2 Pistols and a Shotgun. Now, having been busy tying up some of the business of the 2005 Muster, I have been thinking about people bringing their second pistol so they can used a staged gun with their own ammo. I am not sure yet, I have to wrap up this years first.
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I am one that really enjoyed using only one revolver, even if I did have to reload it lots. It sure was nice not having a second dead weight hanging on my gunbelt all day.
Shooting the staged, match-supplied guns was a plus too, even if some of us did have problems with them. I personally would opt for a staged, match-supplied period revolver of unusual type, say a Webbly, a Schofield, a S&W #3 Russian, a Rogers & Spencer C&B, a Mewlin & Hulbert, an 1871 open top, etc. I liked the concept of replicating having to use a "found" gun or a gun taken from a corpse.
Lars
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Lars,
That goes without saying. Now with the theme being the Civil War, you can depend on a strange variety of staged match guns.
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Matt:
2006 being a Civil War theme would that require weapons, uniform, etc of that period? No problem if it is, just have to figure how much BP I'm going to need between now and then.
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No,
The shooter can shoot a Colt SAA and a Winchester 1873 if they want. Or a Ruger Vaquero and a Marlin, any NCOWS approved gun is good to go. The scenarios will be taken from the Civil War and all NCOWS Classes will be honored. Now, the shooter may find staged weapons of the engagement that they have to shoot. If the shooter chooses to shoot The Originals Class, they will need 2 Cap & Ball Pistols, if Colts or a Spare Cylander for ROA's. They will also need a black powder muzzle loading rifle (Yes, a Civil War Issue Sharps is OK.) They will also need to be in uniform, the entire time of the event and must have a copy of the regs. The Originals can be Federal or Confederate. I have a Civil War Uniform on order and may try The Originals Class, I doubt it though.
Knowing me, I will probably shoot Smokeless Duelist, as I always do, with my Hartford Armory Pistols or 1851 Navy Conversions and my Henry. I don't know, that's a long way away.
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Thank you Sir.
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If the shooter chooses to shoot The Originals Class, they will need 2 Cap & Ball Pistols, if Colts or a Spare Cylander for ROA's.
Major, the Ruger Old Army is specificly listed on the NCOWS unapproved list http://www.ncows.org/Not_approved.htm (http://www.ncows.org/Not_approved.htm) since it is a 20th century design. This and other rules can be read on our website at http://www.ncows.org/Bylaws.htm (http://www.ncows.org/Bylaws.htm)
You probably meant to name the Remington New Model (commonly referred to as the 1858) which is also very easy to replace cylinders in. ;)
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Thanks George and I did. I actually thought it was the Remington Old Army. I am not much of a C&B Person. Thank you for the correction.
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I will be a Bushwacker. Don't have no Regs. I'll be wearing the bushwacker colors under the federal blue to lul those redlegs into a false sense of security. jt
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Major Matt, You'll have to exuse my ignorance but why 2 colt cap and ball pistols intead of an extra cylinder? And what are regs?
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I will be a Bushwacker. Don't have no Regs. I'll be wearing the bushwacker colors under the federal blue to lul those redlegs into a false sense of security. jt
Trap:
Figure I'll be ridin' with Cap'n Quantrill next September.
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Derby;
I'll cover your back. jt
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Well,
The original thought with a 1858 was that you can slide the cylander out and put a new one in real quick. With a colt, you will have to disassemble the pistol. Remove the screw and wedge to change out cylanders. Now thinking about it, an Original can have 2 Colt C&B's or 2 Remingtons. The second one will have to be capped on the clock for time.
Regs are Uniform Regulations. If you are going to portray a Confederate than you have to have a copy. Same with Federal. That however, is only for those who choose to shoot in The Originals class.
For for instance, if I show up in a Federal Cavalry Uniform, and shoot Smokeless Duelist, than I don't need the regulations....
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Major Matt, I know that changing cylinders on a Remington is perceived as being faster, but with practice one can change a cylinder in a colt in a very short time.
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Jack,
I don't want people to loose their wedges and screws. For folks to be in The Originals class, it is HIGHLY adviced that they bring 2 C&B Pistols. Historically speaking it is correct, as many officers, cavalrymen and enlisteds brought a spare side arm into battle with them.
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And the bushwackers were well known for carrying multiple revolvers - between 2 and 4 on their person, with more on their horses. I ran across one account of a bushwacker getting married - with 6 Colt revolvers strapped around his waist!!!! :o I wonder how his new bride felt about his finery.
Trap - by redlegs I'm assuming you mean them low-down Jayhawkers >:( - not the Queen of Battle, the Artillery! ;D Those latter boys have some pretty big ordnance to shoot with.
US Scout
Formerly of SW Missouri
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Yes Sir, jayhawkers is exactly what we mean. Now for the Major's consideration - irregulars could be wearing confederate uniforms, parts of federal uniforms, civilian clothing or any combination thereof. Your thoughts Sir?
Derby Younger
Western MO
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Yea , Jayhawkers then as now, lowly of the low. (joke) (sort of)
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Originals Class .... hmmmm ......
Now y'got me thinkin', Major ... though, as you might expect, it's along the lines of my own interests and preferences. Would there be any allowance for us "furriners" within the class? In other words, what about military impressions which are of the appropriate period, but neither CSA nor USA? There were certainly a lot of foreign military observers during the American Civil War, and that might well form the basis for any such attire and accoutrements, to keep things from straying from the theme of the shoot ....
I already have a nice reproduction London Model Colt Navy revolver (as acquired for the Canadian Militia in 1855, and also used by many British officers of the period) and this would provide the perfect excuse to get a suitable companion piece! (Mind you, I already do have a "backup" revolver, of sorts - one of those non-authentic .44 cal. brass-framed "Navy"-type revolvers ...)
And this would also seem to be the ideal occasion to use my "first-generation" Parker-Hale reproduction Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle ....
So, whaddya say ?!?! ??? ;D :-*
(http://members.memlane.com/gromboug/51navy09.jpg)
(http://members.memlane.com/gromboug/ph'53a.jpg)
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The way the "Originals" is set up in NCOWS is: If you can document it, you can do it.
A Major Freemantle [or someone of that ilk] would be a very neat impression.
To do a true "Originals" class would require two or more certified "Originals" to review the packets of documentation submitted by hopeful participants. It sounds more complicated that it is. Case in point, I did it.
Books
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Jack,
You can. But don't forget the documentation.
Books,
I am going with one form of documentation being Military Regulations. We all can agree that A Military Regulation is documentation above reproach.
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Major ; You might want to change the name of your class to C W Soldier, Not Originals
Reasons; Originals has an already written set of standards in NCOWS.
Three originals would have to be on site to OK applicants, Probably doable.
An original wouldn"t have to be a soldier, My orig. persona was travelling the Santa Fe road during the CW(and by definition I could enter as an original as that persona)
Not all fighters in the CW were REAL military, Border guerrillas had no uniforns or regulations.
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I have to agree with Trap. If you call it an "Originals" class you should follow the established guidlines.
This would include documention that someone actually wore/used said equipment in the field, not just the Regs.
As an example: The Regiment of Mounted Riflemen were, on paper, issued the Ames Rifleman's knives. In reality only one or two companies actually got them.
Books
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Major Matt, I've just found and looked up the military Regs. for the confederacy and to tell you the truth I don't think they were followed to closely by the Confederate army.
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The idea has credence. Now, The Originals would need to stay in period 1861-1865 apparrell throughout the whole event. That includes the Banquet and Awards. I know that shooting is only 60% of The Originals score and the other 40% is judged by your peers. We can talk, I don't see where we would have to exclude them.
Ok, Regs and pictures or descriptions....
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Dagnabbit Major Matt, that's the same weekend as SASS' Northeast Regional.
:'(
AnnieLee
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A Regional on a 5th Weekend????
Choices, Choices....
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Dagnabbit Major Matt, that's the same weekend as SASS' Northeast Regional.
:'(
AnnieLee
Which is more important? ;D
Slim
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The Northeast Regional is about three hours drive from here, so Will misses only two days of school for it. I can pack everything into the car and bring more clothing than necessary without having to worry about firearms and clothing checked onto an aircraft (and over limit fees on baggage). As much as I love you guys and want to shoot with you, the prudent choice would be the Regional, which is always held the last weekend of September.
:'(
AnnieLee
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It's only an 18 hour drive to Ackley, IA. ::)
Slim
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Matt:
If you're not thinking "I just finished one, why did I start talking about 06?"..................
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You know, if y'all weren't interested, you wouldn't be responding. I take that as flattery for the product I put together this year....
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Civil War Soldier vs Original. Sounds like a good alternate designation. Maybe even Civil War Original.
General guidelines might be appropriate uniform using regulations, other documentation, and photographs. I would think that as long as the uniform, firearms and accoutrement fit within the 1861-65 time frame, and could be documented for the judges, that it would be appropriate regardless is US, CS, State Militia or foreign observer.
The biggest issue I see with this is that there was considerable variation between regulars and volunteers, among various state raised units, regulations vs practice, and the like. There were probably a couple of thousand ways to wear a slouch hat for example, and various colored shirts or pattern shirts were worn alongside white shirts. It might be necessary to state that it either follows regulation or can be documented with other documentation and photographs. This latter requirement would actually be essential for "guerrillas" to be in the category since there are no regulations for irregular type units (with the possible except of partisan units such as Mosby's that were required by law to wear CS uniforms).
Not saying it can't be done, just that it would require precise definition as to what was required to shoot in the category (whatever it might eventually be called).
US Scout
Bvt Col of Marines
Chief Judge and Bottle Washer
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Annie Lee-
I've flown out twice now for the Muster. It ain't easy trying to keep the bag limit and weight down, but it do beat driving for two days.
Next year I'm considering shipping my uniforms, ammo and leather out early so I don't have to worry about hauling it through the airport.
US Scout
Bvt Col of Marines
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You know, if y'all weren't interested, you wouldn't be responding. I take that as flattery for the product I put together this year....
Well Sir, it was an attempt at humor referencing no down time between events. Flattery? Putting on my ex Corporate hat, based on those responses and location, my marketing forecast would be a minimum of two Companies in 06.
Annie:
Although it's early, Sioux and my intent is to be there. If so, we could certainly accept a shipment and transport for you or, for that matter, pick you up at KCI and transport everything.
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Derby,
Now I don't know if you knew this, but I run the Muster like a business. So I can identify with you. But I can tell you that 2 Companies = 300 shooters in my mind.....Realistically, that's a problem.
Annie,
I will tell you this once and only once...You will have more fun at the Muster and will be glad you came.
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Once again Major, you are thinking like a 20th century soldier/marine.
In 1842 a 42 Pvts., 4 corp.s, 4 sgt.s and 3 Officers.
And companies were rarely at full strength.
Books
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Books,
That is distinctly possible, but I know that companies were at least 100 in the Civil War. That would mean 200 shooters and thats....still a problem ;)
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So many shoots, so little time.........
Maybe 2007 Annie. ;D
It's a shame it conflicts with MDS, that lets me out, too.
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During the Civil War it varied but you are correct as to the rule of thumb.
When war was declared on Mexico in 1846 the company structure stayed the same.
Meaning;
1 Capt.
2 Lt.s
4 Sgts.
4 Corp.s
but instead of 42 pvts. congress funded 100.
After the war ended in 1848 the company immediately reverted to 42 pvts.
This is a FAQ at Frotier Army Living History Assoc. events. (How many men in company?) It varies year to year due the congress controlling the purse strings.
Boy did I hijack this thread. Sorry.
Books
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Books:
You almost got me off the hook.
Matt:
I have the honor of requesting a change in the marketing terminology from Companies to Platoons. I forgot I was doing a marketing analysis and did a census funding projection.
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;)
Books,
Actually no apology needed, that was some good information.
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Annie: Which will have the better eats? ;D
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I know I know I know...(http://www.cascity.com/howard/animations/yes.gif)
Let me answer Del.. I can answer.. pleeeassseeee...
I know the answer.
(http://www.cascity.com/howard/animations/stirpot.gif)
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My wife Penny enjoyed herself greatly at this year's Muster, and has already decided that we will attend, and she will compete in next year's Muster in Ackley. She has already decided that she will depict an actual person, Hannah Eubank from Marquette, WI, who was a vivandiere, or "Daughter of the Regiment". These women were wives or loved ones of a unit's soldier and assisted the soldiers with water, aid, and other legitimate duties.(Not Hooker's women) Kinda like Molly Pitcher in the Revolution, they sometimes took an active part in battle and many were armed. Most vivandieres dressed in a feminine uniform more or less patterned after that of the Zouaves, and many received pay from the Army. Now the question arises, will she be classified as "Military" or "Ladies" in either the shooting or clothing contest?
If you had enough ladies interested, I suppose you could have a category for "Military Ladies" for both the vivandieres and those depicting women who "posed" as men (over 700 women did this). I'm not necessarily advocating this new catagory, as adding more categories tends to "weaken the gene pool", so to speak - you end up with two or three folks in each category, so everyone wins, or places, right?
I'm still mulling my personna around - may pay homage to my Gr-Gr-Grandfather, a Pvt in the 5th Virginia, wounded at 1st Manassas. I do have some documentation on him. Doing some research on the Mississippi Marine Brigade, too. Penny would like us to be a "couple", even in our portrayals, so I may end up as a member of the 7th Wisconsin, of the "Iron Brigade".
We have 11 months to hash it out -
Guns
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Guns,
Nothing says you have to restrict yourself to any one "persona" for the weekend.
At present, I'm considering bringing a USMC uniform, an artillery uniform, and one other - all for the shooting days - and something completely different for the banquet. I've got almost as many uniforms as I have firearms (well, not really), and I'm always looking for someplace to wear them.
On the Delta Queen cruise, I wore USMC, CSMC, US Artillery, CS artillery, Mississippi Marine Brigade, and USN. I had a great time keeping everyone guessing as to what I'd be wearing next.
US Scout
Bvt Col of Marines
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This topic is posted at the Belle Alley - I have some material on Mary Walker as well -
Perhaps the 2006 GAF Muster with a Civil War period could also give honorable mention to a particular woman of acclaim but not as well known as she should be - Dr Mary E Waler -
Pretty scarce, signed 1860s, Elliott & Fry cdv of the American Civil War Heroine and Doctor Mary E. Walker (1832-1919). Walker quite a figure in her time, was a supporter of Womens` rights, tended to wear male clothing, and became a respected figure during the American Civil War. During the earlier part of the war she tried to join the Union cause, was denied a commission as a medical officer but joined as an un-paid volunteer and served as acting assistant surgeon; therefore becoming the only female surgeon in the U.S. Army. She worked in the U.S. Patent Office Hospital in Washington moving on later to serve as a surgeon on the Union front lines for nearly 2 years. Constantly crossing the confederate lines to treat civilians she was eventually arrested in 1864 and imprisoned for several months before being returned in an exchange of prisoners. In 1865 she was presented with The Congressional Medal of Honour in recognition of her efforts and contributions to the war effort; she was the only woman to be presented with this, her country`s highest honour. She was asked to give it back in 1917, which to her credit she refused to do, proudly wearing it until her death in 1919. (Medal rescinded 1917 along with 910 others, restored by President Carter 10 June 1977.)
More info -
WALKER, DR. MARY E.
Rank and organization: Contract Acting Assistant Surgeon (civilian), U. S. Army. Places and dates: Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861; Patent Office Hospital, Washington, D.C., October 1861; Chattanooga, Tenn., following Battle of Chickomauga, September 1863; Prisoner of War, April 10, 1864-August 12, 1864, Richmond, Va.; Battle of Atlanta, September 1864. Entered service at: Louisville, Ky. Born: 26 November 1832, Oswego County, N.Y. Citation: Whereas it appears from official reports that Dr. Mary E. Walker, a graduate of medicine, "has rendered valuable service to the Government, and her efforts have been earnest and untiring in a variety of ways," and that she was assigned to duty and served as an assistant surgeon in charge of female prisoners at Louisville, Ky., upon the recommendation of Major-Generals Sherman and Thomas, and faithfully served as contract surgeon in the service of the United States, and has devoted herself with much patriotic zeal to the sick and wounded soliders, both in the field and hospitals, to the detriment of her own health, and has also endured hardships as a prisoner of war four months in a Southern prison while acting as contract surgeon; and Whereas by reason of her not being a commissioned officer in the military service, a brevet or honorary rank cannot, under existing laws, be conferred upon her; and
Whereas in the opinion of the President an honorable recognition of her services and sufferings should be made:
It is ordered, That a testimonial thereof shall be hereby made and given to the said Dr. Mary E. Walker, and that the usual medal of honor for meritorious services be given her.
Given under my hand in the city of Washington, D.C., this 11th day of November, A.D. 1865.
Andrew Johnson,
President
If I can make it to the 2006 GAF Muster...I would love to portray Mary Walker (hmm...Chantilly, that nearly faints at the sight of blood....). What an honorable woman!
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If we keep going at this rate, just about everyone will be in a uniform or quasi-uniform (such as the vivandiere), at the 2006 Muster! COOL!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
(Chantilly - I've heard of Dr Walker, but then you probably expected that.)
US Scout
Bvt Col of Marines
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RCJ,
You are feeling quite fiesty today with all the bone pickings. I think that with your demeanor, you would make an Excellent Southern Gentleman....
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Don't worry John, I can find plenty of written documentation of soup bones. ;D Does that mean we should do at least one meal with ham and beans? The only problem with that is that with folks from so many regions, what kind of bean do we use?
Does this also mean I should start bakin'hardtack and corn pones so that they can age a bit before the Muster? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I have a major bone to pick with the,. . .uhh,. . .Major.
He's gone and made me purchase firearms that I had no intention of owning. Added another c 'n' b revolver and a front-stuffer to my armament.
U. S. Scout will simply politely suggest that the term 'bonehead' should have a picture next to it in the Dictionary and could I think of any volunteers?
RCJ ::)
John,
The way I look at this is that you can never have too many guns, or too many personas to go with them. In fact, you should have multiple personas and lots of different guns - none of this sharing business. Either make up a new persona for new guns, or buy new guns so you can make up a new persona.
Far be it for me to discourage anyone in developing additional personas or buying more guns. It would be like reprimanding myself and my sensitive nature wouldn't be up to the strain of hearing me chew out myself. :o
As for adopting the persona of a Southern "gentleman", I do believe that the bottle of libation I got you has somehow infected you. Let me know if you need another next year. ;)
I don't need no pictures in my dictionary - I done graduated the sixth grade and can read well enough. Besides, I'm none too partial to volunteers - I prefer to select the most qualified inviduals for the job at hand. However, when I looked up bonehead all I saw was "syn: River City John" ;D
US Scout
Bvt Col of Marines
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RCJ-
I'm thinking we need to establish a "Ward Room" for those of us who portray naval types to enjoy our "grog" in the evenings (after the shooting is all done of course).
One must be in naval uniform to participate and bring a suitable beverage for others to sample.
Guests could be allowed, at the discretion of the members of the Ward Room.
US Scout
Colonel Commandant of Marines, GAF
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RCJ
Glad to help. jt
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Sirs, Staff & Etc.,
Mr. Hill, my Associate from the UPRR Coy., has informed me of a most unfortunate and yet timely event, to wit, the Destruction of Rail Car #1155 destined for the Grand Hotel in Denver, Colorado and laded with cases of Imported Potables, etc. He suggested that this particular Rail Car had been involved in an earlier Foray involving River Pirates on or near one of the Southern lines as it crossed the Mighty Missouri River. He indicated that it had been emptied and reladed with another Shipment of lesser quality Liquids in Wooden Casks and re-directed to another destination of unknown standards.
These oversized hand-labelled Casks were said to be of an odd quality and contained a strong Odor of Smoke. As with all Shipments that pass though his Yards, he must investigate, delay and or destroy if needed, any Shipment that does not match with his Bills of Lading. Such, it seems, was the case with Car #1155, it was said to be 'leaking' by his railhead Gandy Dancers who were seeking out the source of the smell, Smoke, as they had told him.
Upon further Inspection, Mr. Hill garnered that this particular Car was not on his Inventory and therefore not Passable. As with all Goods involved in this manner, they must be sampled for quality and content before being rewarehoused until Proper transport can be acquired, etc. On his Orders, the Crew opened one of the Casks proclaiming it was the biggest Hogshead they had ever seen and that the clear Liquid inside was of a Brownish color and most interesting in its darkened manner, pleasing yet perplexing to the Palate.
After many series of tests were completed, the Crew and Mr. Hill all agreed that further additional testing and verification of the remaining Casks was needed, so they were put in Cold Storage, and the Car, now useless with unrepairable leaks, and in need of further reconstruction due to the initial Foray, must be put in the Work Shed til repairs can be assigned, i.e., it is now on the Destruct List. The damage to the Car when purloined by the River Pirates was such that it may never roll again except as a Carrier of Hogs on their way to the Slaughterhouse and ultimately, the Soup Pot.
As such, Mr. Hill has decided to provide a sampling of same, upon request, to all Officers and Ranks at his Side Door, all Cavalry and Transport Officers should please remember to bring their own Tie-down ropes and Stakes as his posts and rail have been moved to allow new tracks to be lain in order to move his Storage Goods closer to his Warehouse. Samples for Testing will be held for this office for the September, next, gathering of Officers & Staff.
I remain, etc.,
'Ol Gabe,
Bvt. Capt.,
Adjt.,
Dept. of the Missouri,
GAF
c/o Dunbar Station, Iowa Territory
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US Scout, RCJ:
To us enlisted naval types, that would be "wierd room."
Grizzle Bear
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Y'all come down to the mess decks while we fire up the secret engine room still . . . don't be tellin' no occifers now!
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Sgt Drydock,
I took it as a given that the engine room would supply the coffee.
US Scout
Bvt Col of Marines