A Fighting Withdrawal

Land Between The Lakes

Dover, Tennessee

March10-12, 2006

Proudly hosted by the MOOCOWS

 

General Scenario

 

Rules of Engagement

 

Park Rules

Impression

Cavalry

Civilians

Registration

Directions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“A Fighting Withdrawal” – What it's not – What it is

This is not a reenactment or a living history. The Fort Henry to Fort Donelson march occurred to the south of our site and there was partisan activity all through the area but no infantry clashes I’m aware of and we’re not replicating any specific incident of the war. Despite this it’s also not a tactical, the Confederates have already lost before the event begins and there is a strict 2:1 minimum ratio for US/CS forces. What it will be is 39 hours of continuous operation in close contact with a moving enemy, carrying everything you need. It won’t be a dangerous or difficult event but it’s not for the parking lot campaigner or constant whiner. No fixed camp, cut firewood, port-o-jons, Saturday night dance, spectators, down time, modern sutlers, etc. We’ll go live at 6:00 Friday evening and strive to have everyone on the road by 9:30 Sunday morning.

Our preservation focus will once again be Fort Donelson Battlefield Park. Last year we put $505 in the donation box, not a huge amount at all but they were thrilled. A minimum of $5 per each $15 registration fee goes to the Fort along with any and all “profit” that may occur.

Scenario

As stated above this is not a literal depiction of a particular action. The general idea is a withdrawal from a battle like Perryville. A small rear guard on one of a myriad of farm roads is trying to move south as slowly as possible to buy the wagon trains more time. A more numerous Federal pursuer is following to keep them moving and to perhaps overtake the slower elements. The soldiers of both sides have just survived a major battle and are not that eager for a stand up fight at this point. The private soldier through company level officer will have no exact idea of what will happen next, where they’ll find water or camp for the night.
 

Rules of Engagement

We want this to be as real as safe and practical but absolutely don’t want any injuries. There only a few basic rules.

  1. The single most important thing to bring to this event is a good attitude.
     

  2. If captured you may be held for the remainder of the event or released at the discretion of your captor. Anything taken will be returned by the end of the event and you will not be left without a blanket at night.
     
  3. This is not a competition, it’s for fun, we do NOT want any “Hey you’re dead” “No I’m not”. Act as you would if the bullets were real – if resistance is too strong stop pushing, if pressure is too strong withdraw.
     
  4. Any mounted man captured must be allowed to feel comfortable at all times with the care being taken of his horse (or mule).
     
  5. We’re not requiring absolute first person but strongly discourage any modern talk. Officers and NCOs are responsible for setting the example. All interactions with citizens are to be in first person.

Park Rules

There are a few basic park rules all will have to follow or be asked to leave the event:

  1. There are quite a few small family cemeteries left in the area from before TVA acquired the land.  These can not be disturbed or damaged.  Citizens may visit these but the military will not use these as battle areas.
  2. No digging trenches or cutting down trees.
  3. Horses can not be tethered close enough to trees to damage the bark.
  4. Northerly event limit is at the TN/KY line at the north end of a bridge.  The KY side is a public horse trail area and we don’t want to ambush a group of grandmothers out trail riding.
  5. The “Homestead” area of the park will be to the west of us and can’t be entered.  The limits are some power lines and will be readily apparent.

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Impression

Though not a specific timeframe we’re using roughly the Perryville period or February through October 1862. Soldiers of both sides should be uniform, no civilian firearms, mostly military issue clothing. Pistols for officers and mounted men only. It’s been my experience that folks attending this type of event know what they should look like and I don’t see the need for a detailed list of uniform items, leaving it to company commanders to take a more customized approach if they wish – hats versus caps, etc. We’ll be glad to address any specific questions. Obviously no: wristwatches, modern eyewear, modern shoes, female soldiers, etc. At LBL the common sense rules pretty much take care of themselves, when you have to carry everything you use there’s not a lot of heavy camping going on. I hear constantly of folks afraid to try immersion type events for fear of their impression being ridiculed in the parking lot. The MOOCOWS don’t care who made your cartridge box, it’s your attitude that’s most important. If you’re missing a piece of equipment please let us know ahead of time and we’ll arrange a loaner.

Cavalry

Mounted participation is by invitation only. To request an invitation or for information on guidelines contact Coley Adair at cadair8064@aol.com

Citizens

Civilian participation is being handled outside of the MOOCOWS and is literally by invitation only, they’ll call you.

Rations

Rations will be issued to all Confederate and Federal enlisted, both infantry and cavalry. Officers will be responsible for their own. Extra food will not be allowed, come with a full belly and an empty haversack. Exception will be made for those with special dietary needs.

Ammution

We won’t be issuing rounds this time, all infantry should bring 40 rounds each. No more than 40 rounds will be permitted per man and there will be no re-supply.

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Registration

Registration fee is $15 for Federal and Confederate infantry, there’s no fee for mounted men. $5 goes straight to Fort Donelson, the remainder towards rations and LBL fees with all monies left also going to Fort Donelson. There is a minimum ratio of 2:1 for US/CS forces.

 

CS registrations will be numbered as received and added in as slots are available. “Extra” confederates at close of registration will be given the option of going Federal or getting a refund.

 

Registration fees can be paid by check, money order or PayPal (please add $1). No matter how you pay your registration fee you MUST FILL OUT A REGISTRATION FORM AND MAIL IT IN. Please note if there’s a mess or unit you want to be with.

 

John Duffer will be the overall Confederate Commander. Art Milbert and Justin Morris will be the Confederate Company Commanders with a 3rd to be announced if Federal numbers warrant. Steve Acker will be the overall Federal Commander.  Jim Butler, Dave Gerow, Fred Baker and Dave Thomas will serve as the Federal Company Commanders..

 

For those who want to participate but don’t feel they should walk a great deal we have stationary roles as well as the need for behind the scenes folks to help with logistics and emergencies. Please make sure to note on the registration form under medical conditions if you would like to fill one of these roles.

Make check/money order payable to John Duffer w/ “MOOCOWS” under “FOR”.
John Duffer
111 Acklen Park Drive
E-201
Nashville, Tennessee 37203

 

Click Here for Printable Registration Form

 

To pay your registration fee via PayPal click on the button below. Don't forget you will still need to send in a completed registration form as well.

Directions

Late Arrivals / Early Departures:
Just let us know and we can work with folks to get them to their units or back to parking.

Fort Donelson:
Our preservation effort for this event is Fort Donelson which is a short drive from the event site. We’ll be visiting at noon Sunday to formally stuff funds raised into their contribution box. All are welcome to attend and if you haven’t been to the fort before you ought to go while you’re here.

Probably the easiest and most period correct way to get there is by steamer on the Cumberland River but for those who prefer to drive:

For those using MAPQUEST or GPS - The local McDonalds is located directly across US Highway 79 from the turn in to Land Between The Lakes.
McDonalds
1505 Donelson Parkway
Dover, Tennessee

Traveling on Interstate I-40 take the US 45 Bypass N exit, exit 80B, towards Humboldt.
Travel 6.9 miles on US 45 Bypass N which becomes US 45 N, take US 45E N ramp towards Milan.
Travel 13.4 miles and turn right onto E Van Hook Street which becomes US 79.

Traveling on Interstate I-24 take the US 79 exit, exit 4, towards Guthre/Clarksville and go left(south) on US 79 S.
Travel 8.9 miles and turn left, then stay straight to go on Dover Road which becomes US 79.

US 79
Coming from the west it’s just under nine miles from the Tennessee River to McDonalds on your right, you’ll turn left onto The Trace. Coming from the east it’s right at three miles from the Cumberland River to McDonalds on your left, you’ll turn right onto The Trace. Travel north on the Trace 9.6 miles and turn right towards the Neville Bay Lake Access Area. Travel 1.5 miles and Parking and Registration is on your right at the boat ramp parking area.

For more information you may contact John Duffer at:
jduff@gspnet.com
615-770-8150 day
615-297-5509 evening

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