Duncans Mills 2009

Leaving furlough I heard reports of the union going on the offensive. I had to get back to my 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Company. I travelled to the west coast, west of Santa Rosa to the hamlet of Duncans Mills. The union encampment was tucked in a pasture back up in the hills. Red woods and California Bay trees lined the pastures.

The confederate army was camped not far away and we were going to attack in the morning. We assembled in battalion and the skirmishers went out in front of our line. The skirmish fire became continuous and the cavalry entered the fight. Southern artillery opened fire and the northern guns returned in kind.

As we marched toward the battle the column was commanded to halt. We were in sight of the reb infantry. The column counter marched to the rear and we headed back in the direction we had just marched. I'm sure the rebs thought we were running like cowards. A few miles up the road the column halted. Colonel Bispo made a difficult decision to divide his forces. He sent half his force on a circuitous march around to the flank of the enemy. The remainder of us halted and just waited.

After some time had passed we could hear the battle increase in fury and sound. Col Bispo turned the column back into the original direction and we made a rapid march back to the battle. As we came closer to the battle we could see the right flank of the enemy artillery. They had pulled there cannons forward and were firing on the other half of the union force. The other union force was engaged off to our right front. The reb artillery did not see our rapid advance until it was too late for them to react. We quickly overtook their guns and turned a few of reb guns on the other reb positions.

Although we had a tactical advantage the rebs fought like veterans. Men were hit and bleeding on both sides. I felt a ball tear into my left arm. The black hats stood strong but many were injured and killed.

Our line pressed forward and kept moving with intense fire.

After recovering from the initial shock of my wound I joined the line,

The firing was reduced to sporadic fire and the reb line fell apart.

The reb army was pushed back until they were at the outskirts of their camp. The 2nd South Caroline fled the field and ran through their camp. Finally, Col Bispo called cease fire and allowed the remaining confederates to withdraw from the field and tend to their wounded.

The Field was covered with the dead and wounded.

Sadly Corporal Vranicar was found among the dead.

Duncans Mills is set in the hills close to the coast. The fog rolls in the morning and it is blazing hot by the afternoon. The setting is beautiful and rustic. I liked the event. I think I will go next year.

Aces 4th Celebration

The Reno Aces baseball team asked our the Comstock Civil War Reenactors to participate in the Independence Day celebrations at the ball park. The theme was centered on celebrating and sustaining the US Armed Forces. We presented ourselves to the management and they were impressed with our preparation and willingness.

At the end of the game we marched out onto the field. The stadium was sold out and at capacity of 9000.

The ceremony was well produced and very patriotic. The crowed really enjoyed our portion. Later we greeted and talked with the crowd. The crowd streamed by and constantly issued thanks and thank yous to us.


Civil war, baseball, and fire works: now that is a real 4th of July!

Graeagle 2009

After recovering sufficiently from my wounds, I was released from the fields hospital. I travelled to Graeagle, CA to join my unit in time to celebrate the birth of this great union, in which we were fighting to preserve.

Time was spent setting camp and duties of the camp were assigned by our new Corporal, Corporal Josh Giurlani.

The newly promoted Corporal had us drilling and maneuvering all day.


They say that revenge is a dish served cold. I say Corporal Giurlani had revenge on me for all the wise and unprompted remarks made from my mouth towards his being.

The Colonel received reports of Reb troops in the area. The Colonel ordered the artillery forward to protect our flank.

Captain Clark called the company to attention and gave us a speech about honor and bravery when defending the flag. As regular army infantry we had heard this speech a dozen times. We were professionals before the war started and we were trained and ready to battle all the time. We did not need a rousing speech daily. I think Captain Clark talks so much to make up for the missing eye. Doctors say that when one loses a sensory organ the other organs become more acute. I don't think the Captains brain knows that talking isn't a sensory organ.

A line of rebel infantry were seen at the treeline across the pasture. We formed up and marched toward our foe. The sun was falling out of the sky. The sharp shooters took to the field in a hurry. I never understood why they were in such a hurry to die.

The thunder of cannons roared ahead of us. The smoke of the cannons did not dissipate as usual. The smoke settled in to witness this coming battle.

We progressed forward and fired. Looking through the smoke was like looking through a misty window.


As the battle went on we moved forward. We found ourselves between the Louisiana Tigers and Texans. We were outnumbered and outgunned. The rebs had more artillery than we were expecting. The fight was hot and hurried. Our men were struck by grapeshot and ball.


Suddenly I knew I was gong to die. I did not want to. A great volley tore into our line and I found myself standing with only one other man. Captain Clark was screaming at us, commanding the two of us to charge forward. I fired and yelled retreat! I turned around and made for the rear of the field. "Where are you going, get back in line!" screamed the Captain. My reply was, "I am not going to die here, for you!"
As I continued to run I felt the sting to my low back and my legs buckled. Did the Captain just shoot me in the back?
"You will die as a coward," he screamed.
Corporal Giurlani limped up to me and I asked him to roll me over. He did so and leaned me on my knapsack. As I tried to make out the battle through the smoke. I could see Captain Clark fallen and lying in an unnatural posture.

The war was over for me. I could feel no pain. I could not feel anything. I couldn't move my legs. Corporal Giurlani tended to me and then went to tend to the other wounded.

I lay there for a time and then noticed some yellow eyes watching me through the smoke. The eyes got bigger and brighter. Was this what death looks like. My hear pounded in my chest. The eyes changed to lanterns and two you girls came to me offering water. They looked like angles. I was now hoping that death was pleasant, like the two girls tending to me in the dark.

The Surgeon walked up and wanted to inspect my back injury. A stretcher bearer helped him roll me over. He made a quick evaluation and said that the ball must not be deep and he would have to remove it. Fired coursed through my back as he probed into my back and then all went black.

Graeagle was a great venue. The scenery is fantastic and the fireworks following the night battle are really bright. I look forward to it every year!