Ladies and Gentlemen of the Corps;
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of the Spotsylvania event. I am aware that there are areas in which we need to improve - Spotsylvania County is aware as well. We will be sitting down with the County in the near future to discuss those areas and to begin planning for future events.
We are in the process of operating a new website which should be up and running very shortly. The new website address is www.longstreetscorps.org and should be more user friendly. In addition to the Chief of Staff's blog and the Corps Commander's blog, there will be a blog for the Corps Adjutant and the Corps Sergeant Major.
The Gettysburg campaign is quickly upon us and promises to offer some good fighting. On Friday evening we will be engaged in the Brickyard fight which was the site of some of the fiercest fighting of the Gettysburg campaign. Saturday's fight will involve the action in the Wheatfield and Sunday's fight will portray the advance of Pettigrew's Division in Pickett's Charge. Monday has an engagement scheduled to portray the retreat from Gettysburg with rearguard action.
There are numerous ideas at work to build the Corps into a more unified organization. Like any organization who has visions of bettering themselves, it takes time and goals must be achieved one at a time. There are so many things that I and the Staff would like to do to help make the Corps the best that it can be and I trust that with your support and understanding, together we will!
This Corps has the most dedicated people who desire to truly do more than just Honor those who have gone before us. You strive to Honor them by totally giving your very best at every opportunity to understand the hardships they experienced and to relay that experience to the viewing public. It is indeed my Honor to be associated with such a dedicated group of the finest people I have had the privilege to know! Godspeed and I remain,
Your Most Humble servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Spotsylvania
Gentlemen and Ladies of the Corps;
I must ask that all Southern boys rise and prepare to defend our lands from Union occupation! Soon Yankee invaders will be marching on Southern soil. We need all available able bodied men to rise to the occasion!
As a reminder, the Spotsylvania event is to be held on May 21-23, 2010. Due to the size of the ground available, the numbers are limited to 175 per side. As of today, we (Longstreet's Corps) number 83 effectives. The County of Spotsylvania is hosting the event and with our suggestion, we have limited the participants to the Corps and ANV (portraying Federals) with the aid of the USV.
Contrary to what you may have heard, the event is NOT cancelled. The event has purposely kept this low key as they are new to organizing such an event and wish to ease into this type of task. They have been extremely good to work with and they plan on being with us for quite some time. They are committed to make the Spotsylvania event a premier event through the 150th Anniversary. As we speak, the Staff and I are in attendance with Spotsylvania County to fine tune the details. There is a Bluegrass Festival the weekend of the event within walking distance of our camps for your pleasure. There is still time to register. I would like very much to be able to maximize our numbers.
The Staff and I will be more than happy to answer any concerns that you may have. Please feel free to contact any of us. I look forward to seeing you all in Spotsylvania! Until then, I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
I must ask that all Southern boys rise and prepare to defend our lands from Union occupation! Soon Yankee invaders will be marching on Southern soil. We need all available able bodied men to rise to the occasion!
As a reminder, the Spotsylvania event is to be held on May 21-23, 2010. Due to the size of the ground available, the numbers are limited to 175 per side. As of today, we (Longstreet's Corps) number 83 effectives. The County of Spotsylvania is hosting the event and with our suggestion, we have limited the participants to the Corps and ANV (portraying Federals) with the aid of the USV.
Contrary to what you may have heard, the event is NOT cancelled. The event has purposely kept this low key as they are new to organizing such an event and wish to ease into this type of task. They have been extremely good to work with and they plan on being with us for quite some time. They are committed to make the Spotsylvania event a premier event through the 150th Anniversary. As we speak, the Staff and I are in attendance with Spotsylvania County to fine tune the details. There is a Bluegrass Festival the weekend of the event within walking distance of our camps for your pleasure. There is still time to register. I would like very much to be able to maximize our numbers.
The Staff and I will be more than happy to answer any concerns that you may have. Please feel free to contact any of us. I look forward to seeing you all in Spotsylvania! Until then, I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Spring Campaign
Gallant and Brave Men of the Corps;
First, I would like to apologize for my not being able to be with you in the field at Endview. I received a telegraph from the event organizers praising the Corps for your efforts! Because of your dedication the event turned a handsome profit. Captain Tim Smith and those of the Corps who made it possible are to be commended for an outstanding job well done!
Secondly, I am thrilled beyond description at the excellent turnout for the Bentonville event! I look forward to being in the field with such a Noble gathering of proud, dedicated soldiers such as the men of Longstreet's Corps! It is indeed an Honor and a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead such a determined and strong spirited band.
Lastly, as we begin this campaign season, let us resolve to remember our ancestors who made this journey before us. May we strive to constantly endeavor to bring Honor to their gallant efforts. Let our actions in the camps and on the field make them proud of our efforts. Until we meet on the field of Honor, I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
First, I would like to apologize for my not being able to be with you in the field at Endview. I received a telegraph from the event organizers praising the Corps for your efforts! Because of your dedication the event turned a handsome profit. Captain Tim Smith and those of the Corps who made it possible are to be commended for an outstanding job well done!
Secondly, I am thrilled beyond description at the excellent turnout for the Bentonville event! I look forward to being in the field with such a Noble gathering of proud, dedicated soldiers such as the men of Longstreet's Corps! It is indeed an Honor and a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead such a determined and strong spirited band.
Lastly, as we begin this campaign season, let us resolve to remember our ancestors who made this journey before us. May we strive to constantly endeavor to bring Honor to their gallant efforts. Let our actions in the camps and on the field make them proud of our efforts. Until we meet on the field of Honor, I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Greetings to All!
On this Christmas Eve, I wish for each of you and your families to enjoy the most wonderful of Christmas seasons. While this is the season to enjoy the company of friends and family, it can also be the most hectic of times as we prepare for this Holiday Season. May you all take the opportunity to relax and merely enjoy the company of family and friends and remember what this time of year means to us all - the celebration of the birth of our dear Lord and Savior. please take time from your busy schedules to thank the One who gave us all the gift of eternal life with Him.
Please, join with me in remembering one of our own, Reverend Buddy Wheat, at the passing of his mother recently. Although we all know that the dreadful day is coming when we lose our parents, it is never easy. Buddy, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.
Let us also take the time to remember our troops in the field during this Christmas season and offer up a prayer of protection and comfort wherever they may be serving. May they know how much they are appreciated and how thankful we all are that they are on guard for our freedoms.
May God bless and protect our troops! I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
On this Christmas Eve, I wish for each of you and your families to enjoy the most wonderful of Christmas seasons. While this is the season to enjoy the company of friends and family, it can also be the most hectic of times as we prepare for this Holiday Season. May you all take the opportunity to relax and merely enjoy the company of family and friends and remember what this time of year means to us all - the celebration of the birth of our dear Lord and Savior. please take time from your busy schedules to thank the One who gave us all the gift of eternal life with Him.
Please, join with me in remembering one of our own, Reverend Buddy Wheat, at the passing of his mother recently. Although we all know that the dreadful day is coming when we lose our parents, it is never easy. Buddy, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.
Let us also take the time to remember our troops in the field during this Christmas season and offer up a prayer of protection and comfort wherever they may be serving. May they know how much they are appreciated and how thankful we all are that they are on guard for our freedoms.
May God bless and protect our troops! I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Corps;
As I set to share a word with you, many thoughts pass through my mind - thoughts of the past as well as thoughts of the future. Where have we been? Where are we going? What does the future hold for the Corps? And finally, where does the Corps want to go?
General Hillsman and the early founders of Longstreet's Corps set the mark for what the Corps should be and what it stands for - a family oriented community where re-enactors could experience the Civil War soldiers' life in the field while giving Honor to their ancestors and sharing those experiences with their families. General Hillsman had a way of making the common soldier want to present the best possible impression - and he did! That is what set Longstreet's Corps apart; we could talk-the-talk and walk-the-walk.
General Maupin inherited a Corps that was on the threshold of embracing the future of the re-enacting world. Greater emphasis began to be placed on the "big" events by the event organizers. This began a change in the way the re-enacting world operated. During this time, the Corps experienced some "growing pains" and was made stronger for the efforts.
We have reached another crossroads in the existence of the Corps - where do we want to go from here? Whatever we find the answer to this question to be, I believe first and foremost that we must hold to the vision of the earliest days of the Corps. Without that, we are not the Corps. I also believe that, as your Corps commander, any and all decisions concerning the Corps should be based on what is in the best interest for the Corps. Not all decisions are going to be easy or popular - I know from experience. Anybody can make decisions based on pleasing people, but that is not the basis an effective leader employs when keeping with the best interests of the whole.
Any organization is only as strong as its people who share in the vision of the organization. For the organization to flourish, its people need to support that organization and at times, put the needs of the organization above their own. I would challenge each of you in the days to come to, as I continuously challenge myself, to do our part in supporting the Corps as a whole.
Who knows what the future may hold for the Corps, but let us all work together to ensure that the Corps will be in a position to lead into the future and not follow - let us work together to ensure that the future of the Corps will be for the better of the Corps while on our watch. I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
As I set to share a word with you, many thoughts pass through my mind - thoughts of the past as well as thoughts of the future. Where have we been? Where are we going? What does the future hold for the Corps? And finally, where does the Corps want to go?
General Hillsman and the early founders of Longstreet's Corps set the mark for what the Corps should be and what it stands for - a family oriented community where re-enactors could experience the Civil War soldiers' life in the field while giving Honor to their ancestors and sharing those experiences with their families. General Hillsman had a way of making the common soldier want to present the best possible impression - and he did! That is what set Longstreet's Corps apart; we could talk-the-talk and walk-the-walk.
General Maupin inherited a Corps that was on the threshold of embracing the future of the re-enacting world. Greater emphasis began to be placed on the "big" events by the event organizers. This began a change in the way the re-enacting world operated. During this time, the Corps experienced some "growing pains" and was made stronger for the efforts.
We have reached another crossroads in the existence of the Corps - where do we want to go from here? Whatever we find the answer to this question to be, I believe first and foremost that we must hold to the vision of the earliest days of the Corps. Without that, we are not the Corps. I also believe that, as your Corps commander, any and all decisions concerning the Corps should be based on what is in the best interest for the Corps. Not all decisions are going to be easy or popular - I know from experience. Anybody can make decisions based on pleasing people, but that is not the basis an effective leader employs when keeping with the best interests of the whole.
Any organization is only as strong as its people who share in the vision of the organization. For the organization to flourish, its people need to support that organization and at times, put the needs of the organization above their own. I would challenge each of you in the days to come to, as I continuously challenge myself, to do our part in supporting the Corps as a whole.
Who knows what the future may hold for the Corps, but let us all work together to ensure that the Corps will be in a position to lead into the future and not follow - let us work together to ensure that the future of the Corps will be for the better of the Corps while on our watch. I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The Past and the Future
Gentlemen of Longstreet's Corps,
I fear I have been too long away from my duties of keeping in touch with you. Even though the campaigns have been few in number this year, many things have kept your Corps Staff busy. Bare with me as I update you on some of the changes that have occurred and the plannings we are at work with.
Some recent changes on the Staff have seen Major Tim Fogarty fill the vacant position of Adjutant for the Artillery branch. I trust you will join with me and wish Major Fogarty well in his new duties. He has served the Infantry Staff well for many years and I trust he shall serve the Artillery well for years to come.
With Major Fogarty accepting this assignment, Captain Les Switzer, who has been serving on Staff as my Aide, will now assume the duties of Quartermaster. Captain Switzer has been working diligently since Spring at organizing the Quartermaster Department to ensure that adequate needs will be supplied in future campaigns. I would ask that when you see Captain Switzer welcome him to his new assignment and let him know of your needs through your respective Company officers.
Many of you may remember Karl Meadows who has served on Staff in the past. I am Honored that Karl has accepted the position of Aide to the Corps Commander. His service in the past has been most admirable and I do look forward to his services once more.
As I have shared with you the new alliances with the ANV organization and with Cleburne's Division from the West, a great deal of work has been accomplished with more to come. I have shared with you that my role as your Corps Commander is to look to the welfare of my men. I continue to see that as my objective. I have also shared with you that I would not seek overall Confederate command if it took me away from my task to see that the Corps was taken care of. I still intend to Honor that commitment. I must tell you now that many event organizers and localities are even now making plans for the 150th anniversary events. It seems like a long time away but, 2011 starts the 150th events.
Our comrades-in-arms in the ANV are already on board and taking the lead with 1st Manassas and Bentonville. Our western alliance in Cleburne's Division is also working on key events like Franklin and Chickamauga. Your Corps has been approached to take the lead with Spotsylvania, Gettysburg, and possibly Cedar Creek, Sayler's Creek and Appomattox.
The leadership of your Corps, the ANV, and Cleburne's Division work well together with no egos or hidden agendas. Our goal, as an Alliance, is to provide ALL re-enactors with good, quality events. Many of you will remember the once in a lifetime experiences of the 125th Anniversary events. Gentlemen, the 150th Anniversary events WILL be the once in a lifetime experience! That is why this alliance of the Corps, the ANV, and Cleburne's Division is so very important.
More than 22 years ago I joined this family of re-enactors because I believed in what you do - give Honor to our anscestors that their service and their memory not be forgotten. We must band together now to do them proud! I ask you to join with me in this endeavor to do what is best for the Corps. Your Corps Staff is hard at work, along with the ANV and Cleburne's Division, laying the groundwork to support each other during the 150th Anniversary events so that we may give you a truly personal experience while doing our utmost duty to Honor our ancestors who made many sacrifices for what they believed in.
I would hope that more of our Corps units will support the Corps Staff in the campaigns to come. I must tell you that I am somewhat disappointed that our numbers in the field have not been what I had hoped for. I know that there have been some difficulties in the past and I trust we are working to put those behind us. We all need to lend our support and efforts to the Corps as a whole. We are family and family supports each other. There are events that your Staff is obligated to attend and beginning with the next Corps meeting I will share with you what events the Staff is obligated to attend in the year to come. My fondest hope would be that your Corps Commander could know that his Gallant men would be there in support.
It is indeed an Honor to serve as your Corps Commander. I still feel that while we move forward to the future, we must keep ahold of the vision of the past. While our course has changed over the years out of necessity, our goal must still be to do our utmost to give all due Honor to our ancestors so that their memory will remain long after we are all gone. I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
I fear I have been too long away from my duties of keeping in touch with you. Even though the campaigns have been few in number this year, many things have kept your Corps Staff busy. Bare with me as I update you on some of the changes that have occurred and the plannings we are at work with.
Some recent changes on the Staff have seen Major Tim Fogarty fill the vacant position of Adjutant for the Artillery branch. I trust you will join with me and wish Major Fogarty well in his new duties. He has served the Infantry Staff well for many years and I trust he shall serve the Artillery well for years to come.
With Major Fogarty accepting this assignment, Captain Les Switzer, who has been serving on Staff as my Aide, will now assume the duties of Quartermaster. Captain Switzer has been working diligently since Spring at organizing the Quartermaster Department to ensure that adequate needs will be supplied in future campaigns. I would ask that when you see Captain Switzer welcome him to his new assignment and let him know of your needs through your respective Company officers.
Many of you may remember Karl Meadows who has served on Staff in the past. I am Honored that Karl has accepted the position of Aide to the Corps Commander. His service in the past has been most admirable and I do look forward to his services once more.
As I have shared with you the new alliances with the ANV organization and with Cleburne's Division from the West, a great deal of work has been accomplished with more to come. I have shared with you that my role as your Corps Commander is to look to the welfare of my men. I continue to see that as my objective. I have also shared with you that I would not seek overall Confederate command if it took me away from my task to see that the Corps was taken care of. I still intend to Honor that commitment. I must tell you now that many event organizers and localities are even now making plans for the 150th anniversary events. It seems like a long time away but, 2011 starts the 150th events.
Our comrades-in-arms in the ANV are already on board and taking the lead with 1st Manassas and Bentonville. Our western alliance in Cleburne's Division is also working on key events like Franklin and Chickamauga. Your Corps has been approached to take the lead with Spotsylvania, Gettysburg, and possibly Cedar Creek, Sayler's Creek and Appomattox.
The leadership of your Corps, the ANV, and Cleburne's Division work well together with no egos or hidden agendas. Our goal, as an Alliance, is to provide ALL re-enactors with good, quality events. Many of you will remember the once in a lifetime experiences of the 125th Anniversary events. Gentlemen, the 150th Anniversary events WILL be the once in a lifetime experience! That is why this alliance of the Corps, the ANV, and Cleburne's Division is so very important.
More than 22 years ago I joined this family of re-enactors because I believed in what you do - give Honor to our anscestors that their service and their memory not be forgotten. We must band together now to do them proud! I ask you to join with me in this endeavor to do what is best for the Corps. Your Corps Staff is hard at work, along with the ANV and Cleburne's Division, laying the groundwork to support each other during the 150th Anniversary events so that we may give you a truly personal experience while doing our utmost duty to Honor our ancestors who made many sacrifices for what they believed in.
I would hope that more of our Corps units will support the Corps Staff in the campaigns to come. I must tell you that I am somewhat disappointed that our numbers in the field have not been what I had hoped for. I know that there have been some difficulties in the past and I trust we are working to put those behind us. We all need to lend our support and efforts to the Corps as a whole. We are family and family supports each other. There are events that your Staff is obligated to attend and beginning with the next Corps meeting I will share with you what events the Staff is obligated to attend in the year to come. My fondest hope would be that your Corps Commander could know that his Gallant men would be there in support.
It is indeed an Honor to serve as your Corps Commander. I still feel that while we move forward to the future, we must keep ahold of the vision of the past. While our course has changed over the years out of necessity, our goal must still be to do our utmost to give all due Honor to our ancestors so that their memory will remain long after we are all gone. I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Reflections
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Corps;
As we enter this Holiday Season, let us pause a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this time of year. For if it were not for the arrival of our Lord and Savior, none of us would enjoy true peace and happiness within our souls. Many things of this world detract from our taking time to remember and reflect upon what the Christmas Season means to each of us personally. My Christmas wish for each of you is to find the time to share a moment with your Redeemer on this, His birthday.
As I reflect back on this past year I have mixed emotions. First, whew...what a year! Trying to fulfill the expectations that you have of your Corps Commander is a tall, all-encompassing task. I feel that we have made some progress in the morale of the Corps, but we still have much work to accomplish in making the Corps the best that it can be. I look forward to working with each of you and the Staff in the coming year to take the Corps where you want it to go. I would solicit from each of your Company Commanders ideas and suggestions on how this goal can be accomplished.
I have my own thoughts and ideas on what I think will enhance our portrayal in the field and as well our own learning experiences as Confederate soldiers. I would challenge each of you as I am challenging myself to answer two important questions that I think will motivate each of us to look to the new year in a more serving way:
As we enter this Holiday Season, let us pause a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this time of year. For if it were not for the arrival of our Lord and Savior, none of us would enjoy true peace and happiness within our souls. Many things of this world detract from our taking time to remember and reflect upon what the Christmas Season means to each of us personally. My Christmas wish for each of you is to find the time to share a moment with your Redeemer on this, His birthday.
As I reflect back on this past year I have mixed emotions. First, whew...what a year! Trying to fulfill the expectations that you have of your Corps Commander is a tall, all-encompassing task. I feel that we have made some progress in the morale of the Corps, but we still have much work to accomplish in making the Corps the best that it can be. I look forward to working with each of you and the Staff in the coming year to take the Corps where you want it to go. I would solicit from each of your Company Commanders ideas and suggestions on how this goal can be accomplished.
I have my own thoughts and ideas on what I think will enhance our portrayal in the field and as well our own learning experiences as Confederate soldiers. I would challenge each of you as I am challenging myself to answer two important questions that I think will motivate each of us to look to the new year in a more serving way:
- Why am I doing this? What purpose do I serve in being a Confederate re-enactor?
- How can I do my utmost to demonstrate and educate the public on what it is we do and why we do it?
I think that if we all can give an honest assessment to these two questions, we can enhance our own dedication and enthusiasm to giving Honor to our ancestors while enjoying the hobby that we love and giving the public the best possible historical portrayal that we possibly can.
This upcoming year presents opportunities to better ourselves and the Corps. I know there are some areas where I and the Staff need to attend to - and they are on my wish list, if you will. There are many things that I would like to accomplish and we must assess which tasks take precedence and work on one at a time. New challenges face us in the coming years and we must look to the future of our Corps, but let us not forget to look to the past on occasion lest we forget why the Corps was formed and what the Corps stands for! I remain,
Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps
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