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To: Core_Conservative
Four Companies (about 100 men) of The 1st. US Sharpshooters were engaged with the 3rd Maine in a Skirmish line against 3 Alabama Regiments (8th,10th, and 11th) at Pitzer's Woods at GB, 2nd Day.

We had a couple of guys doing a 2nd USSS impression up here for a while - at one of the bigger events the Brigade Commander ordered the one who had promoted himself to Captain to take a detached Company of Infantry into the line - but this "Captain" didn't have clue #1 about Hardee's, Scotts, or any other system of tactics of the period for that matter, nor any idea how to lead a Squad of Infantry, much less a Company.

He was promptly marginalized by the Union Reenacting Community for his vain, egocentric, pretentious incompetence, and probably shared his stigma with everybody else that has a SS impression, unfortunately.

It was this sort of thing, we understand, that led to the rule at most major events that the only "Officers" allowed onto the field had to be functioning competently in that position as part of an established Line Company or assigned to Brigade / Division Command by the event hosts.
No more "walk-on", self-promoted sham shoulder boards allowed.

Now the incompetent "phony" Officers are easy to spot. They are the ones pacing back and forth in front of the Spectator bleachers, chewing cigars, and trying to look important.
Generally, anyone appearing on the Field as an Officer lately, knows what they are doing - and it's a better and safer event for it IMHO.

Another reason we might not see all that many people doing the SS impression is the cost of those Sharp's Rifles; well over a grand for an authentic replica, aren't they?
Historically, a lot of them used the regular issue M-1861 Springfield rifle musket even after the Sharpe's were regular issue.
20 posted on 06/12/2003 7:34:20 PM PDT by Uncle Jaque (Rev. III:11; "Behold, I come quickly; Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.")
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To: Uncle Jaque
Take a look at our website - lots of information (hopefully I got all the links working again - I modified the site again - just can't keep my hands off of it - lol) http://www.geocities.com/rdbrown_79
21 posted on 06/13/2003 3:56:07 AM PDT by Core_Conservative (Prayer for those who Serve our Country - Pray for our President for the Wisdom of Solomon)
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