July Muster Message from Forrest Chanay:

Greetings Civil Warriors!

This heat and humidity has caused me to reduce my activities and output as I am sure you have also made adjustments.

I look at what means of relief are available today and compare our situation with Americans of our Civil War period. The solders had to march and fight when the situation and conditions required it and not when the temperature and weather was more comfortable or pleasant.

Military personnel of modern wars have clothing suited for the climate of the area in which they are serving. Not so during our Civil War. All Federal troops were issued uniforms made of 100% WOOL and worn all year whether in New York State or the Deep South. Wool was durable, cheap (we had lots of sheep) and obtaining cotton from our southern states wasn’t happening at this time.

The Federal army recorded 313 deaths from sunstroke. In addition several thousands more suffered to varying degrees just short of death and endured lingering heat related health conditions and limitations for the rest of their lives. I have not found any figures for the Confederate army but it too must have surely experienced similar occasions and quantities.

Once again a very special thank you to Mr. Steve Long for his great presentation of the 51st Ohio Volunteer Infantry for our June Muster.

This month we will for the first time be taking a look at a Civil War field commander. We have selected Robert E. Lee – The Man – The General – The Legend. Some interesting and surprising information is revealed in this documentary film. I think we each will see or hear something we will want to comment on or possibly pursue further.

Muster will be at 7:00pm Wednesday 28 July at the Cary House, 114 North Clay Street Millersburg.

Thanks for reading.

Tell someone about us, bring someone with you.

As always, Refreshments, Show and Tell, Swap and Sell. Always open discussion. Handicap accessible.

Hayfoot/Strawfoot – Forrest Chanay