It has been a some time since I last addressed you through this communique, and I apologize for the absence. The preparations for our recent Gettysburg and Chicamauga campaigns have left me a little worn for the efforts. However, there is a hint of fall in the air and I seem to always get invigorated with the coming of fall.
I have had an opportunity to study the AARs from the Gettysburg campaign that some of you have supplied - some good comments were made as well as some concerns. I encourage your participation in these AARs as I assure you that they are read and I use your comments to improve our enjoyment of this hobby that we all share a passion for.
The overall issues that seemed to have been expressed the most in the Gettysburg AARs include:
- SAFETY - a reinforcement of safety procedures, ie: loaded weapons at the half-cock, ensuring that the NCOs are properly training the new recruits in basic skills, reminding soldiers not to take hits or "charge" the enemy with loaded weapons, reminding the NCOs to instruct proper weapons safety procedures such as the proper way to clean, inspect, and load weapons. It is easy to become complacent with the simple tasks, but we should remember that we are constantly adding new people to our ranks and we must not take it for granted that they know what we know. Company commanders should be ensuring that their NCOs know what their respective "job descriptions" consist of.
- CAMPS - overall, many were pleased with the way the camps were laid out. Keep in mind that this is not a perfect world and we cannot have the camps always as we would like them, but understand that the efforts are there to ensure that adequate space and amenities are available - the key word here is ADEQUATE. We will strive to provide the best that we possibly can at each event. One concern that was brought to my attention is the possibility of having multiple entrance and exit points from the camps to help alleviate traffic congestion. This is a concern that we will look to address in future events where the Corps is in overall command. Another concern that was shared was the amount of participants in the camps who were not in period attire throughout various times of the day and the amount of "above average carousing" after dark. As has been the practise for the most part (which I admit probably needs reinforcing) once you have set up your camp and parked the wagon, participants should place themselves in period attire form that point on to the conclusion of Sunday's battle. We all participate in this hobby for the love of the American Civil War and an opportunity to experience in a small way what our ancestors experienced. It is difficult to do in shorts and T-shirts. After a hard day of drilling and fighting we all like to kick back and revel in the day's events. However, we must remember to respect our fellow comrades and limit our activities to a respectable hour. If you read the event rules they publish a "Lights Out" time for this purpose.
- REHAB STATIONS - while you were pleased with the ice and water deliveries during and immediately after the battles, suggestions were made that these rehab stations be placed a little more off the travel paths back to camps to avoid congestion on the roads. This is an excellent suggestion that we can implement.
- STAGING for BATTLES - soldiers seemed to be pleased with marching from the camps to the battlefields and having little time to wait before engaging the enemy. This is something that was discussed in the planning stages and agreed upon by members of the staff.
- MAIL CALLS - the soldiers seemed to enjoy the mail call that was prepared by many of the ladies of the Corps. Some concerns were expressed that some units who did not support the efforts benefited from the rewards while those that did received none of the rewards. These activities are planned by many of our ladies for the benefit of the soldiers in the ranks and in order for it to work properly all should participate.
These are the main comments garnered from the AArs that will be taken into account. Other suggestions were made as well that will also be taken into account that deal with improvement of Artillery and Staff operations. Gentlemen, I hope that we all can see areas of improvement for your Corps - not that we are in "bad shape", but if we become content with where we are then we cannot grow. We should strive to improve ourselves and our Corps in order to enhance our learning experiences.
We are about to enter into the Cedar Creek Campaign. The numbers from the Corps look like we will have a good turnout. I hope to have a breakdown of our command structure very soon along with general information which will come from our Adjutant. I know you all will give your best to the Corps! I am constantly impressed with the dedication and professionalism that each of you demonstrate - from the Privates all the way to the Officers who lead them. Your hard work has given the Corps the reputation that it has and that it deserves! God Bless the men and officers of Longstreet's Corps! I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
