Summer of '62 Event Report
August 31, 2005

        For most of the attending members of the 78th PA, Co. F, our weekend began by meeting at Tarentum at 4:30 PM on Friday and caravanning from there. We arrived at the event site shortly after 8:00, it being dark by that time, and proceeded to register. After feeling our way around the site, we finally found the camp of the 3rd Regiment, USV where we dropped off our gear and went to park our vehicles.
        The Friday night sky was overcast, but weather reports were calling for a fairly dry weekend. With a nice fire nearby, we laid our blankets and were ready for a pleasant night under the stars. Not too long afterwards, we began feeling the first rain drops of the weekend which eventually became steady and harder. Figuring it perhaps the best option, each of us curled up and pulled our gum blankets over us while hugging our gear to stay dry. Although not the most comfortable way to get some sleep, it surprisingly worked for the most part. Off and on the rain came all night before a lull during Saturday morning.
        The 3rd Regiment, commanded by Major Buffington, fielded five companies during the weekend with approximately 100 men total. Our own Company B, with myself in command, was composed of the 9th Res., 63rd, and 78th PA. The other companies included the 28th Mass., 56th PA/8th CT, 43rd NY/5th NJ, and Independent Co. I. The battle scenarios for the weekend included the battles of Cedar Mountain, Brawner's Farm, and the Railroad Cut at 2nd Manasas.
        Saturday morning started with routine duties like cooking breakfast, filling canteens, and gathering firewood. At 10 AM, the battalion assembled and marched to the main field for drill. The battalion drilled for over an hour, practicing formations such as breaking to the right and left, forming and deploying a column of divisions and companies, and changing fronts. Arriving back in camp, the men began cooking lunch while the officers went off for the Cedar Mountain scenario walk-through.
        By noon, the rain had resumed its on-and-off pattern as before. Shortly before 2 PM, the two armies began assembling at their respective staging areas. After the start of the battle, our battalion, representing the 10th Maine, advanced forward and struck the Confederate left flank. The battalion pushed forward to a group of rocks and engaged in a hot fight before being driven back by a rebel force on our right flank. As the two sides began to slug it out, we were able to watch the Federal cavalry, representing the 1st PA, make its failed charge upon the enemy line.
        After the scenario concluded, the battalion marched back to camp to relax for a couple hours before the next one. Around 6 PM, the officers of both sides met again for the walk-through for the Brawner's Farm scenario. This scenario had high expectations for just about everyone present not only because of the Iron Brigade's involvement, but also because it was nearly dark. For this scenario, the 2nd WS, 6th WS and 19th IN were represented while our battalion represented the 56th PA of Doubleday's brigade. Before the scenario began, our battalion conducted our evening dress parade.
        At 7:30 PM, the 2nd WS encountered rebels in the wood line and the battle began as the other two regiments engaged as well. As our battalion moved forward in a column of companies, we witnessed the grand spectacle of the Iron Brigade pushing forward while silhouetted against the increasingly thick smoke that clung to the ground. Caught up in the battle in front of us, the men and I were startled for a few moments as we quickly had to avoid stepping on a black snake which was attempting to flee from the commotion. Our battalion immediately filled a hole between two regiments of the Iron Brigade and commenced a hot fire on the rebels. The rebels soon advanced closer and for twenty or so minutes, both sides slugged it out in one of the most intense actions I have ever experienced. For a few brief moments, I even thought the near flank of the 2nd WS was completely gone, but was relieved when I realized it had only been pulled back some distance. The smoke became so thick, either side could hardly see more than thirty yards and as darkness set in, had to rely on muzzle flashes to find the enemy. Eventually, both sides withdrew, but the Confederates held the ground.
        Other than the intensity of the battle, one thing that really amazed me was the fact there was not one modern thing within sight, no cellular towers, planes overhead, and since it was for participants only, there weren't even spectators present. I must also compliment the effort units put into representing the Iron Brigade for this battle. I was very impressed to see so many Hardee hats along with a fair number of frock coats, leggings, and even dark blue trousers. I was also surprised and very pleased to see those battalions actually using Scott's manual of arms.
        Arriving back in camp, the battalion was dismissed and the men either went to work cleaning their muskets or began getting ready for bed. Having strung up a shebang in the woods late in the afternoon, I laid out my gum blanket and made sure everything was tucked away for the night.
        Around 9 PM, Mike Huston and I made our way to the event activity tent to watch the performance of "Our American Cousin" presented by The New Old Theater Company. With the tent mostly already filled, we managed to squeeze in just enough to be under cover. The performance was truly one of the highlights of the weekend. The actors and actresses were wonderful and the entire play was witty and funny. Everything from the wardrobe to props was historically correct. Shortly into the play, it began to rain again, fairly hard a t several points, but the play went on without a flinch. I was truly surprised by the number of people who stood or even sat out in the rain to see the play, almost as many outside as there were inside the tent, a testament to the quality of the performance.
        Back at camp, I discovered a section of gum blanket must have been sticking out from under my shebang, collecting water that ran into the center. Thankful that my blanket has still dry inside my knapsack, I spent about twenty minutes trying to dry my gum blanket, so I'd at least have something decently dry on which to sleep. Shortly after turning in for the night, it began to rain again, so Mike Huston and I spent much of the night curled up trying to stay dry. Around daybreak, the rain finally stopped and I managed to get a little sleep before reveille was sounded.
        After morning roll call, the men commenced with cooking breakfast and attempted to dry out blankets and clothing before packing them up. By around 10 AM on Sunday, the sun had finally broken through the clouds for the first time all weekend. Shortly after, the officers of both sides met for the walk-through of the last scenario, the assault on the railroad cut at 2nd Manassas. For this scenario, our battalion represented the 63rd PA and would be the first battalion to enter the battle.
        Around 11:30 AM, the battalions took their places in the respective staging areas before the scenario commenced at 12 noon. Our battalion moved forward in a column of companies closed in mass and passed through a narrow clearing between a copse of trees and the wood line. As soon as space permitted, the column was deployed and gave several volleys to the enemy in our front. Major Buffington then ran to the head of the battalion, ordering us to advance at the double quick, and then gave the charge. As the battalion closed into about fifty yards, Archer's brigade, hidden in the railroad cut, unleashed a volley that ripped through our ranks. I went down with a slight wound to my leg, but managed to retreat with the battalion.
        The battalion reformed and advanced forward again with Major Buffington waving his sword. The battalion charged forward and as we closed into about fifty yards, a rebel volley cut us down again. Major Buffington, Captain Herzog, Color-Sgt Bonzo, and I all went down seriously wounded or killed. Just behind me, men were dropping all across the front of the battalion, littering the ground with casualties. As the regiment reformed for a third and final assault, I was unnerved to hear shouts from the rebel lines to shoot the wounded and immediately threw my knapsack in front of me for some sort of cover.
        With the battle over in our sector, the rest of the Federal forces attacked the Confederate left and managed to break through and force them back in a hot fight. Confederate reinforcements, however, arrived in time to hurl the Federals back. The rebels counterattacked and in a very intense fight, pursued the remnants of the Federal forces. If the intensity of this scenario didn't match that of Brawner's Farm, it certainly came pretty close. Immediately afterwards, the battalion was dismissed and we headed to our vehicles to begin the trip back to our respective homes.
        Overall, the Summer of '62 event, from the reenactors' view, was a huge success. Everything was run very smoothly and all logistical needs were in abundance the entire weekend. The rain may have made things a little uncomfortable, but it certainly did not dampen the spirits of the people there or the memories we will have for years to come. This certainly was one of the best reenactments in recent years and even ranks among the best I have attended. And, the best part is that every penny of proceeds will go directly to preservation efforts at South Mountain.

Respectfully submitted,
Aaron Hooks, commanding
Co. B, 3rd Regt, USV