Enlisting in the Civil War
Pamplin Civil War Adventure Camp
By Sandra Scott
 The morning tattoo sounded at 5:45.
Slowly, I crawled out of bed and rolled up my sleeping bag, which was a mistake
because I didn’t have time to go up the hill to the “sink” – military euphemism
for toilet – before assembly.
 My husband, John, and I signed up for the
Civil War Adventure Camp, part of the Pamplin Historical Park. I volunteered for
the Army of the Potomac and John joined the Army of the Confederacy. I wonder
how many volunteers knew what they were getting into – then and now! We
didn’t. Regardless of the era the visions of glory when enlisting in the
military quickly fades with the intensity of training and the horror of war.
Dressed in my blue uniform, I stood next to John in his gray uniform as we were
sworn is as privates. We were each issued a haversack, canteen, cartridge case,
and cap case.
“Platoon Assemble,” barked First Sergeant Young. “A sorry
looking bunch of fresh fish if ‘er I saw one. Here is how you wear your uniform
and equipment. What do you say?” We quickly learned the correct reply was,
“Yes, Sir!” First Sergeant proceeded to teach us the proper way to salute –
“Palm out!” He made us look somewhat presentable and then instructed us in
commands: “Form columns of companies!” “Count off!” “Dress right!” “Right face!”
“Right Flank!” and, my least favorite, “March, One, Two!”
 It took a bit of doing and redoing
but we finally looked somewhat orderly. We marched to our encampment where we
were issued blankets and assigned our quarters. We were lucky we didn’t have to
build our houses and dig the trenches like the Civil War soldiers did. The log
and canvas quarters were surprisingly comfy – and inviting after the drilling
and marching - two bunk beds with foam mattresses and a little Franklin stove,
which we would not need given the unseasonably warm weather.
 Before we had time to enjoy our
accommodation we heard the familiar command “Platoon assemble!” Back in line we
were issued muskets – albeit wooden ones to practice with. We learned the proper
way to handle our muskets in a variety of situations – at ease, for inspection,
marching, and climbing over fences. Then the learning curve increased as First
Sergeant Young taught us to “load in nine.” During the Civil War most of the
southern soldiers were familiar with muskets and rifles but not the northern
soldiers. Following the commands we positioned our musket at an angle by our
left heel, took out a cartridge, tore off the paper with our teeth…. “All
infantrymen must have at least four teeth, preferably two on the bottom and two
on the top.” “Spit that paper out, you don’t want to swallow it. I want to hear
everyone spit!” We poured the power into the barrel squeezing to make sure the
ball went in. Drew the ramrod and used it to ram the cartridge into the barrel,
returned the ramrod, moved the musket to our right hand. “You are all right
handed here.” We reached into our cap pouch and put a cap on the cone of the
weapon. Using the right thumb, cocked the weapon, and aimed and waited for the
order to fire. We drilled and drilled some more – and it was hot, but I guess
we were lucky it wasn’t raining. Off we marched to the firing range where we
actually got to fire a real black powder musket and a mortar.
 In the evening, after a hearty dinner of
beef stew, some was fruit donated by a local farmer, hard tack, shrub (fruit
drink) we took turns on patrol with some standing watch and others waiting to
stand watch. The moon was full offering a bit of light. The only sound was an
owl in the nearby woods. It is said that Stonewall Jackson had a soldier shot
for falling asleep on guard duty. That was enough to keep everyone alert.
 Soldiers not on guard duty were in camp
playing card and dice games. “If’n I happen to buy the farm promise you’ll get
rid of the cards and dice in my haversack. I don’t want my momma to know I was
gambling.” No one had to be told twice what taps meant. Hitting the sack was a
wonderful respite.
 In the morning, after assembly, we
lined up to get our field rations – hardtack, dried fruit, corn muffin, and beef
jerky – filled our canteens and marched off to battle. We Union soldiers took
up our position in a field trying to be as inconspicuous as possible in the
grass. We were trying to break through General Robert E. Lee’s line near
Petersburg. Tension built. Then through the trees someone thought they saw a
movement. “Hold your fire!” Sure enough the Confederates were advancing
through the nearby woods. With a rebel yell the Confederate army broke out into
the open. “Fire!” Using the buddy system we took turns firing and loading.
“Watch your left flank.” After a few intense minutes the skirmish was over, we
assembled, and marched back.
Some of the “wounded” were treated in the field, most of
the injuries were minor, but one unlucky soldier was brought to the surgery
where he had to have his leg “amputated.” In graphic detail, the doctor
explained the process.
 Just when it seemed that we were
getting with the program it was time to muster out. We assembled, received our
“pay” and “walking papers.”
Located south of Richmond, near Petersburg, Virginia, The
Civil War Adventure Camp is part of the Pamplin Historical Park where their
Civil War Battle video, “A War so Terrible” graphically depicts the realities of
combat. At their National Museum of the Civil War Soldier we picked the name of
an actual Civil War soldier and followed him through seven galleries with
interactive displays. Pamplin Historic Park also included Tudor Hall
Plantation, trails, and a military encampment.
The campaign of Petersburg lasted 292 days in 1864 and
1865. Known as “The Breakthrough,” the Union victory led to General Robert E.
Lee’s surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House that
ended the Civil War.
 The Civil War Camp Experience was one of those things that
I am glad we did. It was a “real life” experience. I kept thinking, “We can
check that off our to-do list.” But, I’d do it again, especially if I had a
young person to take along. Our group was a mix of all ages, mostly male but
with a few females that were mainly part of family groups.
More information can be found at
www.pamplinpark.org or by calling 877-PAMPLIN.
|
