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Post by OLKoot on Dec 8, 2004 6:57:44 GMT 12.75
Well I guess its quite because this is the time of year most armies came to a halt in their operations and they were drawn to winter quarters, until the spring when they could resume movement....Only George Washington could concieve a plan to move his army and attack the Hessian forces in Trenton NJ on Christmas eve.
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Post by shiloh on Dec 9, 2004 6:19:15 GMT 12.75
Not so in the Civil War! In fact, the Battle of Stones River/Murfreesboro 18620'63 is just gearing up! ANd yesterday, Forrest performed one of his greatest feats at "Parker's Crossroads."
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Post by OLKoot on Dec 10, 2004 8:35:42 GMT 12.75
I think though we can honestly say that armies of the F & I period thru the American Revolution did hold up for the winter. Maybe it was a matter of better roads and equipment that kept the Civil War in motion and that the battles seem to me to have been fought in warmer climates....but tell me more Shiloh....I'm, not to familiar with weather patterns during the Civil War.....
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Post by MadJack on Dec 26, 2004 17:17:44 GMT 12.75
Go here and learn of just one of the winter historical recorded events in what is currently called the US of A. And yes, this, as well as other events, are participated in by a good number of reenactors. We in the F&I as well as the Rev War period participate as a rememberance, as well as to pay respect to our forefathers who made this nation what it is. Being from PA , there is: www.nps.gov/vafo/Also, for another infomative event in NY, view: www.dmna.state.ny.us/historic/articles/snowshoe.htm
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Post by OLKoot on Dec 29, 2004 7:27:29 GMT 12.75
Great reading....thanks Jack......I do remember watching the American Revolution on the HIstory Channel and that Joseph Plumb Martin survived the war and I found his journal and commentary very interesting........ Now that I think of it...Rogers later moved into the Illinois territory to capture several forts in that region also....IT was cold then too.
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Post by shiloh on Jan 5, 2005 9:05:55 GMT 12.75
Armies historically did try to limit activities during the winters up until WWI when mechinery came along that better allowed transport of supplies. Getting men to fight wasn't really the issue. It was supply that ground to a halt.
One of my direct Rev War ancestors survived Valley Forge. I have copies of hist muter roll cards that show he was "sick" much of the time.
The invention of the flintlock allowed guns to operate well enough in winter most of the time. But, the introduction to the military of the percussion cap truly gave armies all-weather weaponry. I have demonstrated many times in steady rain and never had my musket to fail due to water. Even the arillery of that time was using a similar device called a friction primer fuze that was fairly well water resistant and kept in a leather pouch covered at all times. Some cannons were fitted with percussion cap devices too.
If you can get to the NAHC BB, go into he Misc forum and look at the "War Between the States" thread we have going. I've been chronicaling the Stones River winter campaign almost day-by-day there. I am trying to really show a lay-man's view of Civil War battles and the weather plays an imprtant part. I am playing the parts of 2 reporters embedded with the two sides. I cannot tell how people like it, but I've had a lot of views in it.
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Post by Paws on Jan 5, 2005 16:26:36 GMT 12.75
I like it! Keep it up!!
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Post by shiloh on Jan 6, 2005 9:05:26 GMT 12.75
I was wondering if anyone was really reading them because until just a day ago nobody was replying. I'll only do one more post tonight. My hands are worn out!
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