From The Command Tent

I am taking this opportunity to explain how our organization operates at events. First, the unit portrays the life of the American soldier during the Civil War. This means that we strive to provide the public with a view into the past, daily life activities of an artilleryman. We set up an authentic garrison camp. This means that every man has a tent and the tents are arranged in a unified manner as if we were camping for a long period. They are not placed haphazardly on the ground. We encourage families to participate. It has been our experience that if families are not included, then the battery membership falls off, because of family pressures. Family members must be provided with separate accommodations, to be located outside the military camp. The member is responsibility for his families' camping. We are ready to assist new members and their families with assimilation into this environment.

Some events require the unit to set up in an authentic area and families to be located in a family camping area. Most of our events are small and local; however, we still will set up our garrison camp. The family camp will be adjacent, but not included, in the authentic camp setup. The member must be ready to participate with the battery from 7 A.M. until 5 P.M. During this time the family and spectators are not allowed to mingle in the interior of the authentic camp. We want spectators to view the camp but not sit in it. After retreat, which is generally 5 P.M. The camps are open for the rest of the evening and their is no exclusion. This is considered social time. Members can visit with their families through out the day, as long as the First Sergeant knows where the member is going and the member is available for the unit schedule of activities.

The standard member tent is a wedge tent. The family camping facilities are at the discretion of the member. Details about camping are available form our Quartermaster upon request.

Current family members are available and eager to assist new families in developing their own civilian Civil War activities.

Respectfully,

Allen Dorsett

Captain Commanding

18^th Indiana Artillery Battery/ 1st Rockbridge Artillery