GRANT vs LEE (June 1999) SPECTATOR COMMENTS:

From: qlockard@mindspring.com Tue, 29 Jun 1999

I recently attended the battle of Cold Harbor in Culpeper, VA. It was done in a very good manner, I enjoyed it immensely. I wish the sani pots would have been closer to the spectators but I understand why they were where they were. To all re enactors-KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

From: <criggins@Exchange.FULLERTON.EDU Sat, 26 Jun 1999

I just recently attended the re-enactment at Brandy Station in Culpeper, Virginia on June 19th. For my first experience, it was overwhelmimg. I really did't know what to expect but what I saw was fantastic. The grounds were perfect and to re-enact the "Fight for the Mule Shoe" at dawn just as it happened was a treat to say the least. To sum it up, it was a Civil War buff's rush.

The one thing I found somewhat disturbing was seeing a Confederate soldier walking back to camp with a twelve pack of 'Bud Light'. Not that I have a problem with indulging in a little "spirits" but, I think it would be more authentic if they stayed in character with what the soldiers drank at that time, which was wiskey. Also, there were quite a few of the soldiers,both Confederate and Union, that I saw drinking from styrofoam cups on thegrounds; I even asked one of them where his tin cup was?

It is my opinion that to really re-create history for the younggeneration it should be done with the most character representation possible. This is the only way to convey the truth of how it realy was with no quick and easy luxuries of today.

Charlene Riggins, Student of History Civil War Emphasis
N E W

Date: Mon, 19 Jul 1999

From: "Dennis A. Nordgaard" <irishone@icx.net>

The Grant vs Lee reenactment was the second in my experience and was one I will cherish forever. Perhaps what struck me most was the range of attitudes among the reenactors with regard to how far to take the authenticity of the event. One gentleman from the South was adamant about the accuracy of every accoutrement of his attire.

Another reenactor (this time of a more Northern pursuasion) was equally concerned about the accuracy of his attire, the encampments and, particularly, the battle scenes, while experiencing no qualms about hiding a Coke under his bedding. I understand, respect, and appreciate both perspectives, and wish both to continue in full force. It seems unfortunate to me that there appears to be some level of conflict between the two schools of thought, because the primary purpose of each is to preserve the historical accuracy and heritage of that incredible era.

With regard to the specific reenactment, I was very pleased with the overall organization of the event, the particular battlefield scenarios addressed, and the layout of the encampments and suttlers.

However, two areas could have been improved upon (and I heard multiple similar comments from my peers):

1) Poor organization of the food vendors. Many of us waited too long in line simply because there WAS NO organization.

2) The final reenactment (Cold Harbor) was poorly organized wherein the initial spectator line was redrawn 15 minutes before the reenactment began. While I fully understand the reason for the realignment (safety, unit participation, etc.), those of us who staked out excellent vantage points in advance all of a sudden found ourselves on the reverse slope of a hill, unable to view most of the upcoming battle, and maneuvering desperately among the late arrivals to see any of the action at all.

This episode almost ruined an otherwise exceptional weekend, one which I had planned for months.

Regards, Dennis Nordgaard

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Updated Oct 22, 1999