Our mission is to accurately portray quartermaster-issued soldiers of the period 1862-1865 to the best of our abilities. To accomplish this, we continuously scrutinize and upgrade our uniforms, equipage, and style of camping and fighting.To help with this mission, the 27th fosters creativity and avoids complacency.

This unit is committed to a style of reenacting wherein the physical setting and living history scenarios combine to provide its members with a unique, safe, and accurate experience. Consequently, our standards are high, and are based on sound research and documentation.

We welcome interested individuals into our hobby! For our new recruits, we provide most of the uniforms and gear that you will need, for one year. Our unit events are listed on our web site, so if you would like to meet or join us, you'll know where to find us.

We are always looking for good quality men to bolster our ranks! Come out for a day or an entire weekend to see what we are all about! We will outfit you with loaner gear and teach you everything you need to know. We are also a family friendly organization so bring the wife and kids and we will outfit them too! Ladies are also more than welcome!

Feel free to reach out to our recruiter with any questions or for more info on our unit. We are looking forward to seeing you on the field!

Email our Recruiting Officer

February 3-4

Fate of all Foragers
South Carolina

February 17-18

Battle of Olustee
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, Florida
Click Here for More Info

March 16-17

Bentonville Living History
Four Oaks, NC

March 23-24

Pamplin Park, "Give Us a Higher Courage"
Petersburg, VA
Click Here for More Info

April 13-14

Manassas NP Living History
Manassas, VA

April 27-28

160th Battle of Plymouth
Plymouth, NC

May 4-6

160th Wilderness: "A Devilish Engagement"
Spotsylvania County, VA
Click Here for More Info

May 18-19

Battle of Resaca
Resaca, Georgia
Click Here for More Info

June 1-2

160th Ft. Pocahontas (Federal)
Milton, VA
Click Here for More Info

August 10-11

Gettysburg NP Living History
Gettysburg, PA

September 14th (TBD)

Fort Macon
Fort Macon State Park, NC
Click Here for More Info

September 21-22

Battle of Bost Frist Mill
Concord, NC
Click Here for More Info

October 5-6

J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace
Ararat, VA

October 19-20

160th Battle of Cedar Creek, ANV Event
Middletown, VA
Click Here for More Info

November 2-3

Ft. Branch
Hamilton, NC

December TBD

Bentonville Christmas and Annual Meeting
Four Oaks, NC

Formed May 1861, Lenoir County NC

Officers

Captain William F. Wooten
1st Lieutenant James G. Davis
1st Lieutenant George W. Jones
2nd Lieutenant Calvin Herring
2nd Lieutenant Cornelius Harper
3rd Lieutenant Worley, Thomas

Non-Commissioned Officers

1st Sergeant Henry S. Nunn
2nd Sergeant Zach Harper
1st Corporal John R. Howard
2nd Corporal John R. Gray
3rd Corporal Issac E. Taylor
4th Corporal Stephen H. Kornegay

Privates

Basden, David C.
Basden, E. H.
Belk, Peter R.
Blizzard, Alfred B.
Blizzard, Hosea P.
Brown, William
Butler, W. R.
Carter, B.A.
Carter, Ila J.
Carter, John H.
Carter, Wm B.
Cheek, John F.
Coble, Simon P.
Cunningham, Henry
Cunningham, Ivy
Cunningham, Jesse
Davenport, John
Davenport, Lewis
Davenport, William
Davis, Jarman
Davis, John Z.
Davis, Malaciah
Davis, Robert W.
Davis, Seth
Davis, William T.
Deaver, Richard
Freeman, William Jr.
Goodman, Ezekiel
Grady, George W.
Grady, James B.
Grady, Lewis
Gray, Benaja
Gray, John R.
Hardy, George E.
Hardy, James
Hardy, John W
Harper, Windal T.
Harper, Zachariah
Hatley, James W.
Hazard, Samuel
Heath, William
Herring, James W.
Hines, Joseph
Hines, Thomas
Hopewell, James H.
Houston, William
Howard, Issac J.
Howard, John
Howard, John Robert
Jones, Willliam S.
Kornegay, Stephen H.
Lambert, John H.
Lawson, John A.
Lawson, M. J.
Lawson, Tucker
Lee, David C.
Lee, Isaac E.
Miller, Elias
Mizell, Augustus
Moody, James M.
Moody, John
Moore, Sidney D.
Mosley, William
Newman, William
Noah, George M.
Nunn, Henry S.
Nunn, Jesse I.
Outlaw, William
Parker, Wilson B.
Phillips, David
Phillips, Jesse
Potter, Abner J.
Potter, Daniel
Potter, Drury
Potter, Jesse
Price, Stephen H.
Quinn, David
Quinn, George
Quinn, James
Quinn, John A.
Rodger, Reuben C.
Rouse, Thomas A.
Smith, Arrow
Smith, Henry E.
Smith, Ira
Smith Jonas W.
Spence, James A.
Stanley, Jesse
Stanley, John
Starber, J. F.
Stray, R.
Stroud, Curtis
Stroud, Daniel
Stroud, Everett
Stroud, Luston
Stroud, Samuel S.
Swinson, George L.
Taylor, Amos
Taylor, Daniel G.
Taylor, Isaac
Taylor, Isaac E.
Taylor, James
Taylor, John L.
Taylor, John N.
Thomas, James H.
Tilghman, Joseph
Tindall, Allen
Turner, Aretas
Turner, David J.
Turner, George
Whitfield, James G.
Woody, John M.
Wooten, James B.
Worley, Bryant
Worley, Curtis
Worley, William S.
Yarbrough, W. G.

As reenactors of the mid 19th Century, we pride ourselves on being as authentic and as period correct as possible. Therefore we encourage our members and new recruits to follow our uniform and equipment standards that are based on actual quartermaster records. That is easier said than done, however, as sutlers and manufacturers come and go. Our uniform committee continues to work hard to provide up to date lists of places to procure our equipage, and we welcome any additional information.

Shoes:

Enlisted-military pattern brogans
Officers-brogans or private purchased boots

Missouri Boot and Shoe

Socks:

Cotton or Wool

North State Haberdashery

B&B Tart

Shirts:

Civilian or military styles allowed+
3-button styles are most prevalent; should be cotton or of period correct fabric (homespun, quilting fabric, etc)

North State Haberdashery

Hats:

Kepi or slouch hat
No forage caps, straw hats, stovepipe hats, etc.

Dirty Billy's

Jacket/Blouse:

NC Depot or Richmond Depot jackets+
NC sack coats are encouraged for early war events
Officers are authorized to wear frock coats
Jeancloth only

North State Haberdashery

B&B Tart

Pants:

Civilian or military patterns+
Mule-ear or 'modern' pockets allowed; jeancloth only
We discourage 'captured' Federal pants

North State Haberdashery

B&B Tart

Blankets:

CS, NC, and T.V. Brooke patterns are most common
Wool

North State Haberdashery

B&B Tart

Rifles:

1853 Enfield 3-bands are preferred
1842 & 1861 Springfields are authorized
No 2-bands or musketoons

Comer's Gunworks

Lodgewood

Bayonet:

Appropriate model to fit your rifles

North State Haberdashery

Comer's Gunworks

Bayonet Scabbard:

Black leather w/ stitching
No English style scabbards

Missouri Boot and Shoe

L.D. Hanning & Co.

Vests:

Both civilian or military styles+
Black cotton backing preferred; jeancloth or wool

Haversacks:

Canvas sack w/ cotton strap+
Single button; twill tape suggested

Belts:

Black leather or painted canvas w/ black roller buckle
Snake buckles are permitted in small numbers

L.D. Hanning & Co.

Dell's Leather Works

C & D Jarnagin - The Selma Arsenal Belt (With Roller Buckle) in Black without the Selma Mark

Cap Pouch:

Black leather w/ 'shield' cover
1-loop/single-loop style highly preferred

L.D. Hanning & Co.

C & D Jarnagin - Either the "Unmarked Shield Front Style" or the "Richmond Arsenal Shield Front Style"

Cartridge Box:

Black leather w/ painted canvas sling
Sling should have double-helix stitching
. 58 or .69 pattern

Lepierre Leather

Missouri Boot and Shoe

Canteen:

Tin drum, Gardner, and Bullseye patterns are allowed
No gourd canteens

S&S Sutler Link

Tentage:

Dog tents or shelter halves are highly encouraged
A-tents are authorized for garrison events
Wall tents are authorized for officers
Canvas only

S&S Sutler

Maryland Sutler

Groundcloths:

Oil cloth/Tarred canvas
Federal gum blankets are acceptable

North State Haberdashery

Dell's Leather Works

Knapsacks:

Mexican War (Kibler) packs are preferred
Federal single/ double bags are authorized as 'captured' items

S&S Sutler

L.D. Hanning & Co.

Dell's Leather Works

Mess Gear:

Tin cup, tin plate, fork(3-prong)/spoon/knife (bone or wood handles)
Individual frying pans encouraged
Canteen halves are great dual purpose plates/frying pans

North State Haberdashery

S&S Sutler

Maryland Sutler

Greatcoats:

Federal greatcoats are most common
Grey greatcoats are authorized; infantry pattern preferred

Personal Equipment:

Housewife(sewing kit), soldiers lantern, playing cards, pocket watches, eye-glasses, etc

North State Haberdashery

S&S Sutler

Maryland Sutler

Smoking Pipes:

Briar wood, meerschaum, or clay+
No corncob pipes

Civilian:

Southern Family Impressions: Ph: (904) 626-2608 or (904) 259-3188 Email

Other Recommended Vendors:

Lepierre Leather - Various leather items and accouterments

+ Many of our members make a number of the above items and may know additional locations to procure them

Officers

Captain Reid Hodges
1st Lieutenant Bryan Craddock
2nd Lieutenant Kendall Smith

Non-Commissioned Officers

1st Sergeant Travis Bennett
2nd Sergeant Sam Ward
Corporal Ryan Giguere
Corporal Jonathan Vaughan
Corporal Zack Hodges - Detached Duty

Privates

Pvt. Anthony Allen
Pvt. Gavin Barbee
Pvt. Nate Bennett
Pvt. Andrew Boldt
Pvt. James Britt
Pvt. Sean Gallagher
Pvt. Trent Howell
Pvt. Danny Jackson
Pvt. Brian Keen
Pvt. Issac Keen
Pvt. Robert Lancaster
Pvt. Dan Mallard
Pvt. Kenneth Smith
Pvt. Lane Smith
Pvt. Jonathan Stafford
Pvt. Andrew Turner
Pvt. David Turner
Pvt. Rob Vernon
Pvt. Harrison Wilkerson

Engineer

Major Jeff Gowen

Civilian

Dean Harry
Caleb Bennett
Crystal Kornegay
Jacki McGuire
Bruce Simmons
Jean Smith
Cindy Thompson
Guinevere Tripp
Jennifer Tripp
William Tripp
Abe Wiles

160th Gettysburg

After Action Report, Captain R. Hodges

I arrived on site Thursday midday to find a wet, dreary, and yet very busy camp. A few hundred soldiers had already arrived, and the skeleton of an army camp was beginning to form. I quickly located our battalion, but due to the wet weather, I decided to forgo setting up camp in hopes the weather would turn. I instead took a trip down to sutler row, where I found Pvt Giguere quickly burning holes in his pockets. After visiting the sutlers that were open, and noticing the weather finally turning, we headed back to camp to setup. In my “wisdom” to try and beat the storm coming that evening, I decided to bunk with Cpl Hodges who had brought a large wedge tent. However, the wedge in question functioned more like a shower head, and around 3am I heard that terrifying sound of “drip…drip…drip”. Cpl Hodges was nowhere to be found however; I learned later that he had fled the tent (and shower head) to take refuge in his wagon… He ended up visiting a local launderer the following morning, who was able to get most of his clothing dry.

Friday morning dawned bright, and quickly burned off the previous night’s rain. That, however, led to a steep and quick rise in the temperature. The battalion formed that morning for roll call and morning parade, and it was incredible to see almost 1,000 troops lined up for parade! After a semi-short (and rather sweaty) drill, we returned to camp with instructions to be ready for battle by 1pm. We managed to pickup most of the remaining battalion in the time between morning parade and afternoon’s first call. And when the army formed up to step off, it was epic! Over 1500 men stacked up in three battle lines! We soon begin marching to the sound of distant artillery fire, and upon crossing a small creek (pseudo Willoughby Run) we found ourselves neck deep in yankees. The air was hot and stagnant, and the smoke from battle hung low and heavy; and multiple times during the engagement we could not actually see our enemy, but were merely shooting at what appeared to be muzzle flashes. A second column of yankee troops came over the ridge to our front, compelling us to fall back over Willoughby Run. After a quick reorganization, and with the support of our reserve battalion being thrown in, we were able to re-cross Willoughby Run, and secure our foothold on the opposing side. Upon the sight of our reinforcement, the Federal line began to waiver, and eventually was forced to leave the field. Our victorious army trudged back to camp, and most of us quickly ate and turned in for the night.

Saturday morning came similar to the morning before, but with significantly more cloud cover; which the troops were extremely grateful for. After morning parade, we were told to be ready for multiple engagements, and before we could even think about making food, we heard the long roll and assembled for battle. We marched back over the previous day’s battlefield, and were engaged by the yankess once we crested the ridge in front of Willoughby Run. A sharp, hot fight ensured, with out troops consistently pushing the federals back. We were held in reserve for most of this engagement, and were then held on the field after hostilities ceased, in case we were needed. We were initially halted atop a low ridge, under the shade of some fir trees; this position afforded excellent visibility of the battlefield, as well as provided a consistent cool breeze that we desperately needed. However, in true army fashion, we were pulled from our lovely spot atop that ridge, and moved to tree line just in front of Willoughby Run … While the trees afforded us ample shade, the bottom land we were in offered no wind at all. After about 3 hours of waiting, we were again called to reform in a line of battle, and instructed to go help a South Carolina unit that was bogged down on the Emmitsburg road. Again, in true Southern form, we consistently beat back multiple counterattacks, and were able to drive the yankees off the field. After an extremely long march back to camp, we quickly cooked our rations and almost as quickly most of us were off to sleep.

Sunday morning woke with the gaze of victory; we were so close. One final push and we could break the back of the entire federal army! After breakfast and a quick morning drill, we began to pack our gear and get ready for the ensuing fight. Our army, without a blemish so far in this campaign, looked (and felt) invincible. Some local citizen of Gettysburg was heard to utter, “There has been no such army finer than in the days of Julius Caesar!” We certainly felt like it too…

Then it came, 2pm, July 3rd. We were reassigned to Pettigrew’s Division, and were placed almost dead center of our army. After an almost hour-long artillery barrage, we heard the bugle, and our entire line stepped off. Straight as an arrow we marched across that field… until the artillery opened… Large massive gaps were torn in our line, only to be quickly filled by those in the rear ranks. Our line held strong up until we were forced to clear a partially broken fence; then things started to degenerate into cause. After crossing the fence, we tried to reform, but we were well within musket range at that time, and no sooner would the line straighten up, then another 5 men would fall out and we would try to reset. Our Major went down shortly after this, and with him what semblance we had of an organized army went also. I was hit in the shoulder shortly after our Major and was thrown out of the line. As I made my way to the rear, I was able to catch a glimpse of our flag making it all the way to the stone wall… the farthest anyone made it that day.

The results of this charge were catastrophic; not a single unit came out of this engagement that didn’t have at least 40% casualties, with many units suffering in the 60% range. The aftermath was horrible; an endless stream of walking wounded was making its way back to camp, dragging their rifles, equipment, and themselves. I managed to regroup with a few others from the Battalion, but with our numbers severely depleted, and suffering from a lack of leadership, any semblance of a counterattack would be fruitless. The survivors of that fateful charge quickly packed up camp, and we began making our way back towards the Potomac and our homes.

This report humbly submitted by,
Captain R. Hodges, 27th NC Co. D

Present for Duty:
Captain Reid Hodges
1Sgt Travis Bennett
Cpl Zack Hodges
Pvt Ryan Giguere
Pvt Nate Bennett

160th Shiloh

After Action Report, 1SG R. Hodges

After a long carriage ride, Pvt. Giguere and I (along with a doc. from 18th, Steven Williford) arrived on site late Thursday night to find a confused, wet, and cold mass of both civilian and military, most of whom were huddled around campfires. Not knowing where the battalion was, and not willing to search in the chilly, drizzly night, we found the camp with largest fire and quickly set up our gear and got warm. An icy drizzly was slowing making its way across camp, and it made quick work of our will to stay up and get to know our new campmates. And after a quick enjoyment of a locally procured libation, Pvt. Giguere and I escaped the rain to the shelter of our canvas (or in Pvt. Giguere's case, the bask of our wagon!).

As we arrived a day early, we had the pleasure of sleeping in Friday morning, with no drill or muster happening the entire day. We had previously decided to take a tour of the battlefield, and we spent the better part of 5 hours visiting the various monuments, cemeteries, and museums. After a quick stop back in camp, we finally located our battalion, so we relocated to join the rest of our fellow Tar Heels. Hunger was beginning to set in, so we made our way down a long dark road for the better part of an hour, until we found a local Inn that was serving hot food and cold beer; apparently, we were in Corinth, Mississippi! After what seemed like a shorter ride home, we arrived back in camp to find more Tar Heel reinforcements already set up and huddled around the campfire. After some brief greetings, we all decided to rack out early, as General Johnston has issued orders for us to from up early Saturday, for what was supposed to be a "surprise" attack (how it was a surprise I don't know, as we had been exchanging skirmish fire with the yankee's for the past two days).

Saturday morning dawned cold, very cold, with a heavy blanket of both fog in the air and dew on the ground. No reveille was played, as to keep our presence unknown, so company officers quietly woke their men. Suddenly, just as our company was moving out to join the battalion, a figure was seen imaging from the fog; it was Cpl. Bennett! A welcome sight!

I was not privy to the morning engagement, however, as a handful of pickets were left to guard camp, of which I drew one of those straws. What I heard though, will stay with me until my last day: long rolls of musketry, the rebel yell in the distance, followed by a yankee Hurrah! Soon however, all I heard was the sound of cannon and the rebel yell, it seemed to fill the air from all sides!

The sounds of battle soon tapered off, and the company began to trickle back into camp; apparently the attack had been a resounding success, and we had pushed the yankees all the way to the Tennessee River! The company was quickly dismissed, and everyone took a much-needed rest.

We reformed a few hours later, around noon, and we were soon formed up with the battalion, and were in motion toward the sound of heavy skirmishing. Once on-line with the battalion, we were deployed behind what I counted to be 48 pieces of artillery. What followed what the heaviest cannonade I have ever borne witness to; the earth seemed to shake for what felt like an hour, as our artillery poured round after round into the enemy lines. One particular piece of artillery, a 12lb Napoleon, nicknamed "Long Tom", fired so many rounds that the crew took cover behind our lines due to their barrel being too hot to continue firing.

Once the bombardment ceased, the battalion moved in front of the cannon, and were soon greeted by a stiff volley of yankee musketry. We answered post haste, and a hot exchange of volleys ensued. Our superior numbers though, and the arrival or a flanking column of Tennesseans, helped roll up the yankee left, and the entire Federal column began to collapse. We gave chase for a goof half mile, before we were recalled back to reform; we had completely swept the field!

After some light confusion, the battalion reformed, and we were dismissed back to camp; somehow, our company had come out unscathed, but our battalion had sustained fairly heavy casualties. A welcome dinner was found back at camp, and most of the company found their tents fairly early in the evening; although a handful did stay up late enjoying the liquor stores that were looted from the federal camps.

Sunday morning was surprisingly warm, compared to the prior day's frosty arrival, but it was an ill warning for the coming days heat. We formed as a battalion around 11am and were quickly rushed into what seemed like the same battlefield as the day before; however, the days battle would not be in our favor. We discovered initial success in our first attack, but as our battalion made up the left flank of the army, we were ambushed and outflanked by a heavy column of dismounted federal cavalry. Our listen soon began to crack, and then essentially disintegrated, and with it our entire army. Multiple times our company officers tried to rally our men, but it was useless, as we had been outflanked and were in the process of being overrun and captured. What was left of our army retreated in disarray and made its way piece-meal back towards Corinth.

This report humbly submitted,
1SG R. Hodges

Present for duty:
1Sgt R. Hodges
Cpl. Travis Bennett
Pvt. Ryan Giguere

Ft. Branch

After Action Report, 1SG R. Hodges
Nov. 5-7, 2021

Arriving shortly after dusk Friday evening, I found the majority of the company huddled around a large fire, as the evening was unusually cold and windy. With the help of a few on the enlisted men, my wagon was quickly unpacked and I took my place by the fire alongside the men. More than one bottle was passed around, and many a story was shared of previous engagements and actions, but the men slowly started to peel off for some shut eye. Having a long trip myself, I quickly retired to my tent and was soon sound asleep.

Saturday morning came chilly and overcast, with a steady breeze that gave us all quite a chill. Breakfast was quickly cooked and eaten, and we were all in line for parade by 8am. We drilled as a battalion after parade, particularly focusing on some very tricky battle maneuvers. There was a bit of miscommunication among the command staff as to the exact rules of some of said maneuvers, but we were back on course, and completed our drill with precision and grace. I then instructed the company in practicing skirmish drill, as we had been tasked as skirmish company of the day. After being dismissed from drill, we quickly gathered rations and refilled our canteens, as we had orders to reform on the parade grounds. There were reports of yankee infantry in the area, and we had orders to find and engage any enemy in the area. After leaving the fort and marching west along fort branch road, we turned south into a cotton field, where we deployed as skirmishers. We advanced for approximately 100 yards, before moving into some thick brush along a creek bed. Exiting the thicket on the other side of the stream we came upon an open field were we reformed our skirmish line; advancing about 50 yards into the field, just below the crest of a small rise. Our scouts were reporting enemy activity directly to our front, so we kept our heads low and waited; we did not have to wait long.

Within 20 minutes our halting our skirmish line, we finally began to make out enemy movement to our front. The men were loaded and itching to fight, and we began taking shot at the oncoming line. We initially held our own, but enemy reinforcements soon threated both our flanks. The remainder of the regiment was deployed as skirmishers, supporting us on each flank, but we were unable to halt the enemy advance. We were thus pushed back into the thicket we had previously crossed, were we disengaged and reformed.

Reports of more yankees threating the fort then reached us, so we marched back to fort and assumed a line of battle along a fenceline to the east of the fort. Enemy cavalry was ever-present, and we began taking pot shots at them and the approaching yankee skirmish line. The enemy line of battle was not far behind the skirmish line, and we were soon heavily pressed and were forced to fall back and reform. And although pressed heavily at times, we were able to hold our line and successfully push the yankees back from the fort.

After a much needed rest and refitting that afternoon, we were treated by the locals to an extravagant pig-pickin bbq! They even went so far as to cater a dance for us that evening, which was called by our very own 1st Lt. Craddock!

Sunday morning found us chilly, yet dry, even though rain had been reported in the area. After morning parade we were dismissed and many of the men visited sutlers and more than a few of us went in search of some leftover bbq from the previous night. Alas there was none to be had.

There had been more reports of yankees in the area, so we reformed on the parade ground shortly after 12 that afternoon. We formed a line of battle of the same fenceline as the day before, and we expected the days fighting to play out similar to that of the day before; we were wrong.

We were almost immediately pressed on our flank by some cavalry, and with the support of some artillery, were able to dislodge the unit on our left. Our line immediately began to crumble and fragment, and we were ordered to fall back and reform behind the trenches of the fort. However, between our fighting on the fenceline and our piecemeal retreat, we had lost all but four of our company. The rest of the brigade faired similarly, and with a final push by the yankees, they overran our trench line and we were forced to surrender.

Luckily, since supplies were short on both sides, we were shortly paroled and allowed to return to our homes. Camp was soon cleared out, and I found myself back on the road up the mountain.

This report humbly submitted,
1SG R. Hodges

Present for duty:
Cpt. Dean Harry
1St. Lt Bryan Craddock
1Sg. Reid Hodges
Cpl. Sam Ward
Pvt. Andrew Turner
Pvt. David Turner
Pvt. Gavin Barbee
Pvt. Ryan Giguere
Pvt. Travis Bennett
Pvt. Jonathan Vaughan
Recruit Lucas McGuire

Civilians:
Bruce Simmons
Jacki McGuire

Battle of Goldsboro Bridge

After Action Report, 1SG R. Hodges
May 21-23, 2021

I arrived on site midday Friday to warm, sunny weather, and found one of our civilians, Bruce, was already on site, unpacked, and working on starting a fire. I quickly unpacked my wagon and joined Bruce around the fire. More troops arrived throughout the day, with many of them wearing strange and foreign uniforms, carrying strange equipment, and toting a wide variety of antique and obscure looking weapons. It almost seemed to be a living parade of weird and odd looking people. None the less, we were informed that since there was little to no yankee presence in the area, we were to be treated to a pig pickin', hosted by the local townsfolk! Additionally, with no danger present, both Friday and Saturday were spent in relative luxury; sitting under the fly, taking a walk by the river, and generally enjoying oneself with little cause to worry.

Shortly before the pig was ready to consume, we were rewarded yet again when a local cache of beer was found; libations were consumed. To no surprise, when the pig was served, we found Pvt. K. Smith (who was wearing some red uniform that looked awfully close to those of the British empire) at the front of the line; I have never seen him move so fast! And between the all you could eat pork, the beer flowing like the Neuse, and some of Pvt. Howell's vinegar sauce, we were all in a heavily induced food coma. Sleep came early and heavy Saturday night, with only the occasional train thundering by to bothering us.

Waking up with the sunrise, I helped Bruce pack up, I threw my stuff in my wagon, and I headed back up the mountain.

I would also like to submit for my report the new, corrected name of this event... The Battle of Goldsboro Pig.

This report humbly submitted,
1SG R. Hodges

Present for service:
1SG R. Hodges
Pvt K. Smith
Pvt J. Whitaker
Civ B. Simmons

Bentonville Christmas Program

After Action Report, 1SG R. Hodges
December 7, 2019

I arrived on site early Saturday morning to find the battlefield slightly chilly, but drenched in sunshine. I was preceded by Lt. Craddock and Cpl Ward, who already had a fire going and were assembling their blanket rolls. I quickly assembled my gear and joined the early arrivals by the fire to scare off the remaining chills of the morning. A few more company members began to arrive as the morning progressed, but due to the large number of furloughs issued, we knew we were going to have a small company. Luckily, we were slated for an easy day, as we have no drills or formations, and largely enjoyed the down time to chat with each other and the multitude of civilians that made their way about the camp.

A few pieces of mail did manage to find their way to our encampment, and the company (as well as myself) enjoyed multiple boxes filled with produce and a few luxury items to keep us warm. These items were quickly beset upon by the company, and were greatly appreciated among the ranks. The rest of the afternoon was relatively quiet, and as the sun began to set, so did we begin to disassemble the camp.

As the event ended, the company reconvened at the local BBQ establishment to conduct our yearly meeting. Next years events were planned out, as well as amending our bylaws to now allow women to be voting members of the unit. We are also ready to vote on our new recruit, Issac Keen, and we will bring him into the fold at our next event.

This report humbly submitted,
1SG R. Hodges

Ft Branch, November 1-3, 2019

After Action Report, 1SG R. Hodges

I arrived on site late friday evening to find most of the company already set up and in good spirits, most of whom were sitting joyously by the fire. With the help of a few fellow soldiers and civilians I quickly assembled my kit and joined the company by the fire. Pvt Turner had managed to smuggle a guitar through the blockade and with the help of a few tin whistles beautiful music was heard throughout the fort. It was a quite chilly evening, but thanks to the fire and the passing around of a few acquired spirits, few complaints were voiced. One by one, the company began to filter off to their respective bunks and the fort began to grow quiet. I enjoyed the crackle of the fire for a few minutes before quickly finding my blanket and joining my comrades in sleep.

Reveille came early and cold Saturday morning, and many grumblings and curses were hurled towards the incessant bugler. A large fire was quickly stirred up and the company busied itself with making breakfast. First call was sounded at 0845 and the battalion was assembled on the parade ground out-front of the fort by 0900. We were delighted to learn that NC's own Colonel Potts was in command, and after a brief inspection we broke off to our individual companies for drill. Being that the 27th is so expertly trained, we only drilled for a short time. After stacking arms we began to discuss the upcoming tactical engagement. One soldier in particular, Recruit Issac Keen, was extremely excited by the novel concept of 'grizzly' warfare... Being foreign to the rest of the company, we inquisitively asked what he was referring to. We soon discovered that he was referencing 'guerrilla' warfare, but in his excitement has gotten the animals wrong. Perhaps a nickname for the recruit is in order?

We moved out as a battalion and made our way across the main road in front of the fort. We marched a short distance and then turned into a recently plowed cotton field, where we were ordered to halt and stack arms. We were told that the Yankees were 'out there somewhere,' but where unsure as to the exact location. We didn't have to wait long before they made their presence known. Yankee pickets soon started to make their way across the field, and we withdrew to the cover of the wood line to prepare to repulse their attack. While initially blunting their first assault, their renewed attack, bolstered by fresh reserves, forced us to slowly fall back through the woods. We fought in a single rank, reverse leap-frogging to keep a constant fire on the yanks; although they seemed to be undaunted by our continuous fire. We finally loosely formed the battalion, with our backs to the end of the tree line, and waited for the final Yankee assault. A company of yankee cavalry had somehow managed to come up towards our left flank, to which we were prepared to refuse. However, the 30th NC was on that same flank, and they had laid a trap... Their ambush was so effective, in fact, that when they sprung it the cavalry was so surprised that the vanguard cavalrymen was thrown clear from his horse! Now, with a few prisoners and a couple fresh mounts sent back to the rear, we were ready to meet the oncoming yanks. The assault finally came, although it came piece-metal; the 27th was not pressed terribly hard, as most of the fighting was happening on our right. So much in fact that before we knew it our right flanks had melted and we were now the only company in the front! We quickly regrouped in the cotton field to our rear to find that most of the battalion was either dead or missing. We tried in vain to halt the yankee advance, but their numbers were too overwhelming. We were being continuously forced backward, and entire companies were being obliterated by artillery fire. We were finally so hard pressed that we were forced to vacate the field.

Upon returning to camp we were delighted to find a delicious lunch had been prepared for us by our dedicated ladies, and the entire company was soon spoon deep in a wonderful stew. After eating, most of the company found themselves overcome with exhaustion, and more than one was seen laying deep in slumber. The afternoon was quiet, and a few of the company made the trip to visit the sutlers. However, most of the talk around camp was about the upcoming dinner and dance. The gracious citizens of Hamilton had been busy most of the day cooking a delicious supper for the garrison, and we were amazed by the spread presented to us: bbq, venison, potatoes, green beans, sweet tea, and lemonade! Desserts of cake and cookies were also in abundant supply. It was a feast many of the men had not had in many a year.

After the supper crowd began to dissipate, the decorations and instruments began to appear, and before long the entire fort was awash in music and merry making. Our own 1st Lieutenant Craddock was tasked with calling the dance, and none other than our Cindy Thompson was directing and demonstrating the dances. The festivities continued late into the night, and those who did not visit the dance were reminiscing past battles and engagements around the fire. This evening was not as quiet as the the previous nights, as a neighboring company had discovered a local cache of liquor, and were busying themselves emptying bottles and loudly boasting of past feats. More than one in the company was kept awake by the ruckus. I do seem to recall hearing someone shout at them to keep quiet, however I do not remember them taking much heed. A second, louder reminder finally set them in their place.

Sunday morning bloomed chilly, but much more tolerable than the previous morning. The troops were given leave from morning formation and parade, as a local preacher was conducting a morning service, so the company busied itself with breakfast and getting ready for the service. We were told that a battalion of Yankees had been seen just down the river, so first call was sounded at 12:15, and our battalion was assembled on the field in front of the fort by 12:30. Our company was positioned behind a small knoll, just below a short fence line, and we had barely taken our position before our pickets began firing. Yankee cavalry was pressing our left flank and the main body of the federals was about 200 yards in front when we first opened fire. The entire battalion was short on ammo, so we fired individually, as to conserve and make our shots count. The federal body continued to press our front, uninhibited by our fire, and the entire battalion was being pressed just as hard. Just as we thought we had stalled the yanks in our front, a loud yell was heard, and a second body of federals poured over our forts battlements. Our left flank immediately folded, and the entire battalion was sent reeling back to our trenches. Front our breastworks we poured a wicked fire into the oncoming yankees, and our artillery managed one more volley before spiking and abandoning their guns. We had managed to put quite a hurting on the federals, and what was left of them assembled for one last charge. The charging federals smashed into our trenches and for a few seconds all was a whirl of fire, smoking, and shouting men. Many of us had already run out of ammo and we grabbed whatever we could to use as a weapon; sticks, rocks, rifle butts... I think someone even threw a pumpkin! When the smoke and dust finally cleared there was nothing left of the yankee army; we had utterly destroyed them! The fort remains in Southern hands for now.

This report humbly submitted,
1SG R. Hodges