Repeated firing of my Original 1860 Spencer at the 150th Battle of Selma

[Walksfire]

   I am so elated to tell y'all how much fun and excitement it was to have my 1860 Spencer all cleaned and tuned up to shoot at this weekends 150th Battle of Selma Alabama. Shooting and reloading around 100 blanks while advancing on the rebel forces in a one hour show of force. The cannons going off, booom. The order to charge the revetments by the Colonel with his sword held high. We were dismounted cavalry  skirmishers sent in advance of the infantry. We had 13 Spencers (some original, some repro). There was also 14 Henrys and one double barrel shot gun in our Company. We were led by Nactorman into the smoke of battle. We fired on walking forward in line, we fired kneeling, we fired laying down, we fired walking again, then kneeling, and finally right up to the top of the defense's were the Rebs were surprised to see us continually firing at them as they tried to reload there one shot Sharps.

It was all done very safely, as we were told to aim at the ground till we got close to the opposition, then fire in the air. I am hoping that someone else's  wife took pictures that can be posted. It was exhausting, I must admit. Wearing the wool pants and wool jacket in 70 to 80 degree heat left me soaking wet at the end. Because it had heavily rained the night before, the ground was spongy and muddy. But I am not complaining. It was a thrill of a lifetime. I Thank all those involved, esp Charles for guiding me through my first reenactment. I also marched shoulder to shoulder with Pvt Greg and his son with their Spencers into Battle. He even loaned me a better adjustable strap for my Blakeless Box, so it would hang better. That box proved invaluable in quickly reloading. But when it ran out, I resorted to the haversack bag of blanks provided by Veteran Arms.

The Ball at the Mansion that night was also a special event, where all the muddy CW people were transformed into cleaned up, dressed up professionals. The Ladies in those period correct hoop skirts were a sight to behold.

[Two Flints]

Photos, photos, photos . . . what a terrific weekend for all of you