The Florida companies A/C left in 2 shifts. Private (sometimes Surgeon) Rollin Bearss left on Wednesday AM with his wife Sharon and arrived that evening. Major (Bvt Lt. Col.) John Poe, Lt. Vern Catron, Sgt. Brian Smith, Pvt. Jay Poe, and Pvt. J. Eric Hargraves left at 3 PM Thursday arriving around 2 AM at Brandy Station. We were in for a shock with the weather. When we arrived wearing shorts and T-shirts the low 50-degree temperatures caught us unprepared. Check in was very crowded for 2 AM and took a while. We did notice that the great maps done by Don Bussey and crew were in use. Piling back into the truck with the heater running full blast we set off to find the campsite.

We knew generally where Don had setup but finding it in the dark and cold was another matter. After circling the Federal camp three times we gave up and slept for two hours in the truck. At dawn the search continued. Finally we spotted the Widow Barfield’s Cookhouse and John asked for directions. Betty pointed us back up another hill towards Lorrie Clickstine’s camp. When John walked into the camp Lorrie was very startled, however she then proceeded to direct us to the right campsite. Upon Arrival at the correct camp we proceeded to setup our gear. Setup went very well, as there were many helpers. Capt. Kerry White, Capt. Don Bussey, Lt. Dave Lay, 1^st.Sgt. Oswald, Sgt. Broach, Sgt. Koslosky, Sgt. Rich Strunk, Pvt. Bill Clickstine, and Pvt. Bud Clickstine made the job easy. Upon completion the truck was moved to the parking area, in "BFE".

Rich Strunk and the men from the 15^th NYV Engineers brought in chivoux du freix for fortifications. These were to be used in several scenarios. While these were being setup Capt. Bussey took a detachment out to mark groundhog burrows. Several of us have fond memories of these traps from other events.

After lunch we prepared for the Wilderness Tactical. All engineers now including Major James McElhinney and Capt. Kerry White (except Lt. Catron who did a "crash and burn") participated in the Wilderness tactical. A good time was had by all. That evening we enjoyed Lorrie’s great cooking and general camp fun. The Florida contingent called it an early night as we were running on less than 3 hours sleep.

At 4:15AM we were awakened by drummer’s call. As a side note; the field music was exceptional, and it was a pleasure to hear correct drum, bugle, fife calls and music. Lorrie true to her word did have coffee ready for us. We formed up and marched out in advance of the main army to scout the enemy at the Mule Shoe. We were ordered to advance on the breastworks in advance of the army. We did this under arms with axes and tools unslung. The defenders Proceeded to ask, "What y’all doing we can see ya and you’d be dead." Remember that the assault really took place before dawn. Any way we were placed in charge of Prisoners. Had a good time ribbing the Confederates, and had to shoot only 1 runner. The view from the rise overlooking the battle was spectacular. Literally you could not see anything due to the battlefield smoke.

Later on Saturday we gathered for photographs. Due to crossed messages several people did not make the picture shoot. We after the photograph were asked to setup for some filming for the discovery channel with our surveying gear. Unfortunately not long after that we lost Kerry White to a drive home so he could be home for his 1^st fathers day. Thank you Merri for letting Kerry come play.

We skipped the battle of Laurel Hill and went shopping instead. There were many good sutlers there. Of note Dells Leatherworks, purveyors of quality leather goods http://www.dellsleatherworks.com/ .

The social gathering Saturday evening was grand. The Punch was a success and John presented mugs and coins to several people. A "Chef of Engineers" apron was presented to Lorri Clickstine. Upon finding out that Lorrie and Bill were celebrating their anniversary, John presented them both Engineers Steins. Our camp was visited by the Commanding General and he expressed his gratitude for our services rendered.

Late Saturday night or early Sunday morning it began to rain. Very soon after breakfast the Florida men started packing up. Loading up was an experience; we could not drive to the camp but had to cart the wet gear out. We managed to get on the road by noon Sunday for the trip home.

Below is a copy of the schedule we tried to follow: