There's not much more entertainment to me than waking up after a night, not much colder than an arctic winter, in a canvas tent set out in the middle of the country. The birds and insects are the alarm clocks of nature as the sun peeks out from beyond the horizon to announce another wonderful day. Shortly thereafter, the air will crack with the thunder of cannon fire and the ground will tremble under the marching feet of several hundred men marching in step as they go toward the chaos of war. Bugle calls blare across the field ringing in the orders from the generals, causing a macabre excitement of what's ahead. After twenty minutes of endless musket fire and the perfection of Hardee's drill marching, the fight stops almost as soon as it begins. While it may sound like a page right out of "Gettysburg", it's really a playground for big boys and girls who love nothing more than dressing up in period costume and reenacting a scene from the American Civil War. I've been doing it for many years now and have always been interested in the historical aspect, but really began when I witnessed the excitement up close and jumped in with both feet. My cartridge box and belt made a neat combination, as I got a new buckle and plate for them. The photo is kind of a "keep tuned" type of picture as there will be plenty of times in the near future where I'll be able to live my hobby. Then, as in events' past, I will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the next man, load my Enfield with a powder cartridge, and aim it across the field joining hundreds of others in a volley that would make the earth tremble.
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