Ladies and Gallant Men of Longstreet's Corps;
By now you probably know that I have stepped down as your Corps Commander and Maj. Gen'l. Terry Shelton is your new (unanimously elected) Corps Commander. I would ask that you give your full support to Terry as he takes on the monumental task of leading you into the future. Until you have been in a position such as this, you have no idea of the demands and pressures involved. Someone once said that it is lonely at the top and it truly is. While being in such a position and utilizing the input from the Staff on making decisions, the bottom line is that the Corps Commander alone makes that final decision and he is the one who has to live with it. I wholeheartedly endorse your selection for your new Corps Commander. I feel that with the changing of the hobby, Terry is the one to lead the Corps to the next level.
Twenty-five plus years ago I entered the ranks of the 18th Va., Co. G never aspiring to be anything more than a Confederate re-enactor. I guess we all thought Chuck would be here forever. As fate would have it, several of us decided to start the 28th Va., Co. C and join Longstreet's Corps. Along the way, I was elevated to command 2nd Battalion and then you saw fit to elect me as your Corps Commander when General Maupin stepped down.
The last five years have been challenging to say the least, particularly this past year. As I spoke to those in attendance at the Corps meeting this past weekend, you are probably wondering why I have decided to step down. This decision is not one that was made hastily nor easily. I have reached the point where I feel that there is no more that I can do for you. I no longer have the desire to fight the fight and I will not just go through the motions to be the commander of such a great organization as Longstreet's Corps - you deserve much better. The decision to leave all the hassles, politics and headaches was an easy one; to leave such fine people and friends was the difficult part.
Through it all there have been many ups and downs and many great friendships which have added up to a great many memories. Those are the things I will take with me and cherish til my dying days. As Augustas McCrae said on his death bed in "Lonesome Dove", I echo his sentiments; "By God Longstreet's Corps, it's been a helluva ride!
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps (retired)
Monday, January 28, 2013
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Season's Greetings!
Ladies and Gentlemen of Longstreet's Corps;
I have been negligent in keeping up frequent postings and for the Corps commander, this is not acceptable. In the coming year I will endeavor to be more persistent in such postings.
This next campaign season is shaping up to be a busy one. I know many of you are working diligently on local or "home" events, adding to the events of the year. As we all can become involved in the planning process, let us not become so trapped in the tasks at hand that we fail to enjoy the camaraderie of those we share these experiences with - each other and especially, families.
In this holiday season, let us be sure to reserve time from our busy schedules to enjoy and reflect on the true meaning of this time of year. Let us remember that were it not for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we would have no hope for the future. Take time to thank Him for His gift to us on this Christmas Day.
On behalf of the Staff of Longstreet's Corps, we wish each and every one of you the Merriest of Christmases and may the year 2012 bring many special and joyous things your way! Until we meet again, I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
I have been negligent in keeping up frequent postings and for the Corps commander, this is not acceptable. In the coming year I will endeavor to be more persistent in such postings.
This next campaign season is shaping up to be a busy one. I know many of you are working diligently on local or "home" events, adding to the events of the year. As we all can become involved in the planning process, let us not become so trapped in the tasks at hand that we fail to enjoy the camaraderie of those we share these experiences with - each other and especially, families.
In this holiday season, let us be sure to reserve time from our busy schedules to enjoy and reflect on the true meaning of this time of year. Let us remember that were it not for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we would have no hope for the future. Take time to thank Him for His gift to us on this Christmas Day.
On behalf of the Staff of Longstreet's Corps, we wish each and every one of you the Merriest of Christmases and may the year 2012 bring many special and joyous things your way! Until we meet again, I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
Sunday, May 29, 2011
This Memorial Day
Ladies and Gentlemen of Longstreet's Corps;
May this missive find you all in good health and good spirits! I would like to take this opportunity again to personally thank the 9th Virginia, the 24th Virginia New River Rifles, and the 44th Virginia for making the Spotsylvania event a success. Without there assistance and sacrifice, the event would not have been a good showing.
Thoughts on sacrifice is what I would like to share in this missive. As we enter this Memorial holiday weekend, let us take time to reflect and remember every one in our Nation's history who gave of themselves to put on a military uniform - be it from the Continental Army of the Revolution through the young men and women who are now serving our country, where ever they may be serving.
Without their sacrifice and call to duty, the freedoms we enjoy today would not be possible. Many within Longstreet's Corps have answered the call and served - or are currently serving in our Armed Forces. The next time you take the field, take a moment to thank them for their sacrifices.
As we Honor our service men and women this holiday weekend, let us also renew our dedication to Honoring our ancestors who wore the blue and the gray. We all get caught up in the fast pace of life and our re-enactment events are no different. We hurry to arrive at the event, hurry to get camps set, and hurry through our busy weekends. Let us all challenge ourselves to truly show to the public and the spectators at our events the sacrifices our ancestors made by answering the call to defend their country.
As we have begun the 150th Anniversary events of the American Civil War, the eyes of the world will be on us! For many, this will be the last hoorah. This may very well be our one chance to educate the world on the sacrifices made many years ago that still have a bearing on our very being today. Let us make the most of it by giving nothing less than our best efforts! Until we meet again, I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
May this missive find you all in good health and good spirits! I would like to take this opportunity again to personally thank the 9th Virginia, the 24th Virginia New River Rifles, and the 44th Virginia for making the Spotsylvania event a success. Without there assistance and sacrifice, the event would not have been a good showing.
Thoughts on sacrifice is what I would like to share in this missive. As we enter this Memorial holiday weekend, let us take time to reflect and remember every one in our Nation's history who gave of themselves to put on a military uniform - be it from the Continental Army of the Revolution through the young men and women who are now serving our country, where ever they may be serving.
Without their sacrifice and call to duty, the freedoms we enjoy today would not be possible. Many within Longstreet's Corps have answered the call and served - or are currently serving in our Armed Forces. The next time you take the field, take a moment to thank them for their sacrifices.
As we Honor our service men and women this holiday weekend, let us also renew our dedication to Honoring our ancestors who wore the blue and the gray. We all get caught up in the fast pace of life and our re-enactment events are no different. We hurry to arrive at the event, hurry to get camps set, and hurry through our busy weekends. Let us all challenge ourselves to truly show to the public and the spectators at our events the sacrifices our ancestors made by answering the call to defend their country.
As we have begun the 150th Anniversary events of the American Civil War, the eyes of the world will be on us! For many, this will be the last hoorah. This may very well be our one chance to educate the world on the sacrifices made many years ago that still have a bearing on our very being today. Let us make the most of it by giving nothing less than our best efforts! Until we meet again, I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
Friday, March 18, 2011
The "Off Season"
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Corps;
I had not realized that it had been so long since my last communique`. I will endeavor to post a comment on a monthly basis.
Although we are currently in our "off season", the Corps Staff has been very busy working on a variety of issues on behalf of the Corps. Since the Corps meeting, the Staff (along with the artillery Staff) has been working with other organizations within the Blue-Gray Alliance to come to an acceptable compromise concerning a safety regulation known as "the three-minute rule". I am confident that a compromise has been achieved. I would like to extend a great deal of gratitude to all who worked diligently to achieve a workable agreement for the benefit of not only the Blue-Gray Alliance, but for the re-enacting community as a whole.
The Staff has been working diligently with Tim Greene and the Endview Plantation Staff in preparation for our event there in a few short weeks. As you know, we will be presenting the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Big Bethel. Additional earthworks and redoubts have already been constructed in preparation for the event. Tony Daniels is scheduled to be the Federal commander with support from the USV and other Federal units. There is still time to register.
The cavalry Staff has been working within the cavalry community in support of General Ken Wilts as he organizes a new cavalry organization. Brigadier General Sheppard and his Staff have been working within the cavalry community to establish a working relationship with other organizations as we enter the 150th Anniversary events.
I want to thank each and every one who took the opportunity to answer the call concerning the April events in Gettysburg. The Staff received responses from a great number of units and with your cooperation were able to provide a report to the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee.
Work continues in preparation for the Spotsylvania event in May. We will soon have a walk-thru scheduled with the Federal command to fine-tune the scenarios and camping grounds. Again Tony Daniels and his Staff will command the Union side. There will be trenches, fortifications, and artillery lunettes constructed here as well. Saturday's battle will feature a Wilderness type tactical engagement in a wooded area.
You can help with the preparation of events by registering as soon as possible. The Staff depends on your commitments to prepare for sufficient camping grounds as well as the formation of battalions and the selection of battalion commanders in sufficient time for the commanders to organize their respective Staffs.
The Insurance Committee has been hard at work in searching for the best possible coverage for the best possible price to satisfy the needs of the Corps. A special called Corps Meeting will be convened at Spotsylvania to discuss the findings.
These are but just some of the things that are being worked on at this time. There are other irons in the fire as well. There is the organizational planning under way on Gettysburg, Manassas, and Cedar Creek. There is also on-going communication with our Western comrades in the planning of the 150th Anniversary battles of the Western Theater.
As you can see, the Staff has been extremely busy during the "off season". I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the Corps Staff, Brigadier General McCann and his Staff, and Brigadier General Sheppard and his Staff for their diligent work in making Longstreet's Corps the best!
As you take the field this season, take a moment to extend a well deserved "thanks" to the members of the Corps Staff, the Artillery Staff, and the Cavalry Staff for their "off season" work that makes your campaign season possible. I look forward to seeing you in the field at Endview and until then, I remain
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
I had not realized that it had been so long since my last communique`. I will endeavor to post a comment on a monthly basis.
Although we are currently in our "off season", the Corps Staff has been very busy working on a variety of issues on behalf of the Corps. Since the Corps meeting, the Staff (along with the artillery Staff) has been working with other organizations within the Blue-Gray Alliance to come to an acceptable compromise concerning a safety regulation known as "the three-minute rule". I am confident that a compromise has been achieved. I would like to extend a great deal of gratitude to all who worked diligently to achieve a workable agreement for the benefit of not only the Blue-Gray Alliance, but for the re-enacting community as a whole.
The Staff has been working diligently with Tim Greene and the Endview Plantation Staff in preparation for our event there in a few short weeks. As you know, we will be presenting the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Big Bethel. Additional earthworks and redoubts have already been constructed in preparation for the event. Tony Daniels is scheduled to be the Federal commander with support from the USV and other Federal units. There is still time to register.
The cavalry Staff has been working within the cavalry community in support of General Ken Wilts as he organizes a new cavalry organization. Brigadier General Sheppard and his Staff have been working within the cavalry community to establish a working relationship with other organizations as we enter the 150th Anniversary events.
I want to thank each and every one who took the opportunity to answer the call concerning the April events in Gettysburg. The Staff received responses from a great number of units and with your cooperation were able to provide a report to the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee.
Work continues in preparation for the Spotsylvania event in May. We will soon have a walk-thru scheduled with the Federal command to fine-tune the scenarios and camping grounds. Again Tony Daniels and his Staff will command the Union side. There will be trenches, fortifications, and artillery lunettes constructed here as well. Saturday's battle will feature a Wilderness type tactical engagement in a wooded area.
You can help with the preparation of events by registering as soon as possible. The Staff depends on your commitments to prepare for sufficient camping grounds as well as the formation of battalions and the selection of battalion commanders in sufficient time for the commanders to organize their respective Staffs.
The Insurance Committee has been hard at work in searching for the best possible coverage for the best possible price to satisfy the needs of the Corps. A special called Corps Meeting will be convened at Spotsylvania to discuss the findings.
These are but just some of the things that are being worked on at this time. There are other irons in the fire as well. There is the organizational planning under way on Gettysburg, Manassas, and Cedar Creek. There is also on-going communication with our Western comrades in the planning of the 150th Anniversary battles of the Western Theater.
As you can see, the Staff has been extremely busy during the "off season". I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the Corps Staff, Brigadier General McCann and his Staff, and Brigadier General Sheppard and his Staff for their diligent work in making Longstreet's Corps the best!
As you take the field this season, take a moment to extend a well deserved "thanks" to the members of the Corps Staff, the Artillery Staff, and the Cavalry Staff for their "off season" work that makes your campaign season possible. I look forward to seeing you in the field at Endview and until then, I remain
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Celebrating the 150th Anniversary Events
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Corps;
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a most Joyous and Happy New Year! As we celebrate this Christmas season, let us all take a moment and offer a prayer for those serving in our Armed Forces, wherever they may be serving, that God will protect them, keeping them safe while in harm's way and bring them safely home to their families.
Exciting times lie ahead as we enter the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War! Our first engagement will come in April as we re-live the Battle of Big Bethel at Endview Plantation. Much
progress has been achieved working with the Endview staff in again making this a prime event. Tony Daniels of the USV has graciously accepted the Federal Command for Endview and there should be plenty of Federal troops present.
May will see us return to Spotsylvania for another good event. Additional work has been done to make this a premiere event as well. Tony Daniels has also accepted Federal Command for this event through the 150th. This will provide the basis for bringing in Federal troops.
July will see us re-create the first major land battle of the War Between the States with 1st Manassas. Major General Jake Jennette with the ANV will serve as the overall Confederate Commander for this event. You may have already heard of some issues with this event. Let me tell you what I know. There are some issues that primarily affect all cavalry. A parcel of land that was to be used for cavalry camps has now been pulled by the State Park Service. This leaves very little good ground for horses - lacking shade. Negotiations are underway to try and re-obtain the land. Unfortunately, until this situation is resolved, General Jennette has been forced to limit the number of cavalry horses to fifty due to the lack of shade. He has encouraged Longstreet's Corps cavalry to register ASAP as the first fifty registered are reserved. Right now, there are plenty of spots available. Should the land issue be resolved, then more registration will be allowed.
I want you to know that the Staff has been diligently working to improve services to the Corps. We now have the beginnings of a Provost that will be able to assist with directing people to the appropriate camps. As we enter the 150th Anniversary, a greater workload will be placed on the Staff. They are diligently preparing so they are able to provide the best possible service to you, the Corps.
As part of the preparations for the 150th Anniversary events, K.C. Meadows and I will be attending the Blue/Gray Alliance convention in St. Louis the weekend prior to the Corps meeting. We will be reporting at the Corps meeting.
I look forward to seeing you at the Corps Meeting in Winchester and until then, I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a most Joyous and Happy New Year! As we celebrate this Christmas season, let us all take a moment and offer a prayer for those serving in our Armed Forces, wherever they may be serving, that God will protect them, keeping them safe while in harm's way and bring them safely home to their families.
Exciting times lie ahead as we enter the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War! Our first engagement will come in April as we re-live the Battle of Big Bethel at Endview Plantation. Much
progress has been achieved working with the Endview staff in again making this a prime event. Tony Daniels of the USV has graciously accepted the Federal Command for Endview and there should be plenty of Federal troops present.
May will see us return to Spotsylvania for another good event. Additional work has been done to make this a premiere event as well. Tony Daniels has also accepted Federal Command for this event through the 150th. This will provide the basis for bringing in Federal troops.
July will see us re-create the first major land battle of the War Between the States with 1st Manassas. Major General Jake Jennette with the ANV will serve as the overall Confederate Commander for this event. You may have already heard of some issues with this event. Let me tell you what I know. There are some issues that primarily affect all cavalry. A parcel of land that was to be used for cavalry camps has now been pulled by the State Park Service. This leaves very little good ground for horses - lacking shade. Negotiations are underway to try and re-obtain the land. Unfortunately, until this situation is resolved, General Jennette has been forced to limit the number of cavalry horses to fifty due to the lack of shade. He has encouraged Longstreet's Corps cavalry to register ASAP as the first fifty registered are reserved. Right now, there are plenty of spots available. Should the land issue be resolved, then more registration will be allowed.
I want you to know that the Staff has been diligently working to improve services to the Corps. We now have the beginnings of a Provost that will be able to assist with directing people to the appropriate camps. As we enter the 150th Anniversary, a greater workload will be placed on the Staff. They are diligently preparing so they are able to provide the best possible service to you, the Corps.
As part of the preparations for the 150th Anniversary events, K.C. Meadows and I will be attending the Blue/Gray Alliance convention in St. Louis the weekend prior to the Corps meeting. We will be reporting at the Corps meeting.
I look forward to seeing you at the Corps Meeting in Winchester and until then, I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Season of Thanksgiving
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Corps;
Let me take a brief moment of your time to encourage each of you to enjoy a time of solitude to reflect on a season of Thanksgiving. Let us remember the joyous moments we have shared with those who have gone to their just reward. Let us be thankful for having known them. Let us be thankful for all the Good Lord has provided for us....friends and family, good health, the freedom to worship as we please, and many other things that each of us in our own heart feel grateful for. Let us also offer a prayer of Thanksgiving to those in our armed forces who place themselves in harms way so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have. I wish for all of you a rewarding and humbling Thanksgiving. I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
Let me take a brief moment of your time to encourage each of you to enjoy a time of solitude to reflect on a season of Thanksgiving. Let us remember the joyous moments we have shared with those who have gone to their just reward. Let us be thankful for having known them. Let us be thankful for all the Good Lord has provided for us....friends and family, good health, the freedom to worship as we please, and many other things that each of us in our own heart feel grateful for. Let us also offer a prayer of Thanksgiving to those in our armed forces who place themselves in harms way so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have. I wish for all of you a rewarding and humbling Thanksgiving. I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Cedar Creek
Gentlemen of the Corps;
I look forward to serving with you during the upcoming Cedar Creek campaign. As I and the Staff have been working on the battle scenarios with our Federal counterparts, one thing has become clear to me. As I have researched the accounts of the Cedar Creek campaign and the Fisher's Hill battle, our ancestors suffered some of the hardest defeats of the war.
Confederate forces under General Early retreated from Winchester following the Third Battle of Winchester. In September of 1864, Early's boys were swept off of Fisher's Hill. Then came the brief revenge of Cedar Creek!
Throughout my experiences in re-enacting, I have often read accounts of the battle we were about to re-enact. This has always put me in the frame of mind of our ancestors - what they must have felt at the time of the battle, their morale, etc. This has helped to allow me to "see the elephant" on more than one occasion. I would encourage you to place yourselves in 1864 for this event and I trust that you will come away with a more rewarding experience.
As you make plans to attend Cedar Creek, our Cavalry brothers have cordially invited all officers of all branches, all senior NCOs, and their spouses to a "pig roast" in the Cavalry camps on Saturday evening. To help defray the cost, they have requested a donation of $5. This will be an excellent opportunity to get to know our Cavalry brothers a little better.
I look forward to seeing you all at Cedar Creek and trust that you have safe travels to and from the event. Until then I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
I look forward to serving with you during the upcoming Cedar Creek campaign. As I and the Staff have been working on the battle scenarios with our Federal counterparts, one thing has become clear to me. As I have researched the accounts of the Cedar Creek campaign and the Fisher's Hill battle, our ancestors suffered some of the hardest defeats of the war.
Confederate forces under General Early retreated from Winchester following the Third Battle of Winchester. In September of 1864, Early's boys were swept off of Fisher's Hill. Then came the brief revenge of Cedar Creek!
Throughout my experiences in re-enacting, I have often read accounts of the battle we were about to re-enact. This has always put me in the frame of mind of our ancestors - what they must have felt at the time of the battle, their morale, etc. This has helped to allow me to "see the elephant" on more than one occasion. I would encourage you to place yourselves in 1864 for this event and I trust that you will come away with a more rewarding experience.
As you make plans to attend Cedar Creek, our Cavalry brothers have cordially invited all officers of all branches, all senior NCOs, and their spouses to a "pig roast" in the Cavalry camps on Saturday evening. To help defray the cost, they have requested a donation of $5. This will be an excellent opportunity to get to know our Cavalry brothers a little better.
I look forward to seeing you all at Cedar Creek and trust that you have safe travels to and from the event. Until then I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
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