Well, I thought it would be good to have links to the
5th Texas Partisan Ranger Cavalry Regimental roster, as well as the company we portray,
Company C. The person I chose to represent is 2nd Lieutenant Andrew J. Lewis. Of course, this is almost perfect for me, as my 3rd great Grandfather from the
8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment is
2nd Lieutenant Joseph G. Lewis. And there is also an Andrew Jackson Harty in my family line as well. Pretty cool stuff, eh?!
At any rate, just follow the links to an outside site of the 5th Texas Partisan Rangers. You can also find the
Regimental History, from Corporal Spoonemoore's point of view, if you follow the provided link. You can also see the
Organizational History if you follow the provided link. Whoever put the original site up, great job. I have received no response from them, but wish to thank them for finding the research on this group.
Towards the end of the War, when enlistments were expiring, President Jefferson Davis called upon men to support their fledgling country still. This was the response of the Colonel Martin and his men.
Whereas the 5th Cavalry, Texas Partisan Rangers, having re-enlisted for the war, in obedience to a call from our congress, the following resolutions expressive of their sentiments and feelings are adopted:
First. That we, the officers and men of Martin's Regiment, do most heartily and willingly tender our unanimous services and cordial support to our country in vigorously prosecuting the present war so long as the footprints of the vandal pollutes the soil of our beloved South, pledging ourselves never to sheathe the sword nor lay down the musket until success shall crown our efforts and an honorable peace be proclaimed throughout our land.
Second. That we esteem it a privilege and an honor to have the opportunity afforded us to thus make known to our friends at home that we still are determined to protect the sanctity of their homes, honor, lives, and property from the ruthless hirelings of the north, or sacrifice our lives upon the altar of our country; to our comrades in arms that we are resolved to stand by them as friend to friend in battling for the great and glorious cause for which they are so nobly contending.
Third. That we tender to our commanding officers our hearty and cordial support in their efforts to drive the dastardly foe from our soil and in promoting the good and prosperity of our country.
L. M. Martin Chairman
Geo. White Secretary.
Here is most all the cavalry in one shot...Herb, Jeff, Nick, Brent, Merle and Bob. We're just missing Gary and Rick. There are a few Yank infantry milling about. This is at the end of one of the battle when the infantry would put on a little talk and show for the crowd up close. Then spectators would come, pet the horses, ask questions about the War and so forth. So although we had no spectators in camp before and after battles, it was a nice way to still interact. I know Bethany had several good conversations with individuals as she took refuge from the sun under our dinning fly.
Herb, Brent and Jeff amidst a saber fight. Or as some like to say, the Dance of the Saber Fairies. Although saber fights amongst cavalry, and even cavalry charging into infantry lines, were very rare in the Civil War, it is a crowd favorite. Also it is fun for the reenactor!
Herb, Brent, Gary, Rick and finally Merle. Herb and Gary went Union at this event to balance out the Union number. Otherwise it would have been Rick against 6 Confederate cavalry!
Gary dueling with Brent.
Here is a good view of the spectators at the event. The small battle occurred in front of the them. Then the Yanks would come in and execute a few of their guys, have a drunken pistol fight maybe, and then get back on the train. You can see the head engine just behind them in the trees. There was a nice play structure for kids to play (our kids played on it all weekend!). It was a nice little spot for a nice little event.
Here is some nice chicken stew that Bethany cooked up for the kids and others. She and I didn't get to partake, as we are on a special nutrition plan at the time. But all said it was good and it sure looked good!
Here is a nice pic of Merle on his new reenactment horse, Ritchie - a Standardbred who is a recently retired buggy racer. He is a beautiful gelding with a lot of reenacting potential for Merle, as Ritchie is just a young fella still.
Here is a close up of Merle on Ritchie.
Here is Dave Koonce in his 'turncoat' talking to James O' Moore at the end of Sunday's last performance. Dave is the captain of the 5th Texas Infantry.
Bethany and Joe on the Train. The open air portion of the train was a lot of fun to ride. A five minute drive was a 30 minute ride on the train. There were seats in the cars of the train, but it was much cooler out back!
Brent With Battle Flag
