My humblest and most sincere apologies for this most unforgivably late issue of the Irish Volunteer—Ed.

Modesto Event Report

At Modesto both the Union and Confederate camps, though crowded, were situated on green grass and in the shade of tall leafy trees. The Company Streets were quite narrow; in the 20^th Maine camp they were as small as three feet wide.

The battlefield was, like everything else, also narrow. It was no wider than twenty or thirty yards at the most, and was bordered by a river on one side and thick brush and trees on the other. It is lucky the number of participants didn’t exceed 100, or we would not have been able to fit them. The size of field also hampered troop movement, which made three of the four battles really sad.

Unfortunately, the site was situated in the lower class of side of town. It was reported that this park was used for, as Kitzero put it, “Recreational drug use.” For safeties sake, we swept the field for hypodermic needles before we fought, a first in my six years of reenacting. (Luckily though, we didn’t find any). Due to the type of people who frequented the site, we had reenactors on guard for twenty-four hours a day at the parking lot, and had between six to ten reenactors on guard at one time during the night. Luckily, nothing unusual happened, (with the exception of when one of our armed pickets waved at a passing patrol car early in the morning. Headquarters had failed to inform all the officers that an event was going on at that park).

Though things did not work our perfectly, I think everyone made the best of what we had and enjoyed themselves.

2003 REENLISTMENT

In this issue of the Irish Volunteer I’ve included both the 69^th New York’s enlistment form and the ACWA’s 2003 enlistment form. (For online readers, please go to; http://www.angelfire.com/ca5/acwa/forms.html

For the ACWA’s forms, and www.69thNewYork.com for our unit enlistment form.)

It is VERY critical that each and every member returns both the enlistment forms BEFORE January 1^st! The unit will receive $5 for each ACWA form sent in before the first. Bob Todd will also NOT be processing enlistment forms at Knights Ferry, (he, understandably wants to do something more than paperwork there). If you leave it that late, you’ll probably be sitting the event out.

As for the unit enlistment forms—election ballots will not be sent to members not paid for the year 2003.

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ELECTIONS 2003

The way we did elections this year worked quite well, so we’ll do that again for ’03. The candidate statements will go out in this issue of the Irish Volunteer, (see below), and ballots will go out with the December issue. More instructions on the ballots next month. The ballots will be counted at the Fort Point unit meeting. Please note that only members who have returned their 2003 enlistment form with the next season’s unit dues will receive a ballot!

As specified in the unit bylaws concerning elections: “Anyone is permitted to run for a NCO or CO rank provided they know the required knowledge, attend events regularly, have been a member of the unit at least one year and are capable of taking command of the unit.”

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Candidate Statements:

Commanding Officer;

By now everyone already knows me. I’ve been a member of good’ol B Company since 1997, and have been the commanding officer for the past several years. I’m really proud of what the unit has developed into, and I’m proud of what we have all done together.

For the 2003 season, despite the fact that I’ll be gone for the first two events, (real military service), I would like to run for the rank of First Lieutenant. I should be back from detached duty in time to serve with the company at our Roaring Camp event and for the rest of the season. (Please note: due to a broken wrist acquired at the Modesto event, my ship date may be moved back, which will effect whether or not I will be back in time for our Roaring Camp event. I’ll have more info as I get it—Ed).

I look forward to meeting and commanding everyone on the field of battle once again,

Slan,

2^nd Lieutenant “Irish” Joe Gilbert

First Sergeant:

Since most of you know me and my abilities and inabilities better than I, I will keep this fairly short. This upcoming election, I would like to run for First Sergeant. As most of you know, Lt. Gilbert will be leaving for U.S. Army Basic Training before Fort Point and will hopefully arrive back in time for Roaring Camp. I think I am capable of keeping the regiment together and well drilled in his absence. However, as some of you know, I have applied to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. If I am accepted I will be unable to attend any reenactment after Roaring Camp, (with the possible exception of Pollock Pines). In any case, Lt. Gilbert will be back by then and will be able to take over command. I hope to see all of you at Fort Point!

Sergeant Matthew Gilbert

Corporal:

Hello all,

My name is Billy Coye I am running for reelection of Corporal for the 69th NYVI. As Corporal I will help assist the commanding officer and the 1Sgt. with required duties. I will help command the unit in battle as well as in drill. As Corporal I will also keep charge of all the loaner gear and make every effort to expand the quantity of supplies for new recruits that join our ranks. For the 2003 season I will also help drill the company so that we will be the best company the ACWA has ever seen. I will in addition help increase the size of our company through new methods of recruiting. I will greatly appreciate your vote. "Erin go Braugh!!"

Cpl. Billy Coye

69th NYVI Co. B

ACWA

“Cuzz Sergeant Sezz!”

Fresno,

Fresno was once again one of the biggest, if not the biggest, Reenactment on the west coast. Unfortunately, size is not everything. Comparing it to Duncan’s Mills there was a lot less troop movement making for much less interesting battles. This could be because it was a small battlefield (compared to the number of troops that were there) and hard to maneuver the number of troops that were present. There was no way either side could have flanked the other because the Union brigade formed a battle line that was as long as the field was wide.

For three of us, the weekend started Fri. morning in Martinez where we boarded an Amtrak train bound for Fresno. The whole trip was a couple of hours shorter and a lot pleasant than driving would have been. We arrived Fri. evening with plenty of time
before we could even set up camp. Saturday, being one small unit among many much larger ones, we decided to fall in another small unit from the RACW, the 72nd New York. During the first battle their captain commanded the combined companies and during the second, Lt. Gilbert commanded. Everything went quite smoothly with both
companies marching together quite well.

On Sunday everything went quite smoothly until a mysterious illness started creeping through camp. It first made itself known when I decided it was time for unit drill. It amazed me when half the company failed to fall in on the grounds of not feeling well. If it wasn't for the fact quite a few people in the twentieth Maine had been sick earlier and Cpl. Coye’s green face I would had been inclined to think that everyone was merely trying to get out of drilling. As it ends up nearly everyone in the 69th that was at Fresno came down with the flue within the next couple of days.

Sergeant Gilbert

Corporal’s Corner

Another year has come and gone. The season has come to a close and now it is time to retire to the winter quarters until spring. This season probably was the best season yet. The unit has expanded in size and the drill has improved so much. There have been so many great events it’s hard to say which the best one was. I have a feeling that season 2003 will top them all especially since the 140th anniversary of Gettysburg will be approaching.

In this season we have seen a excellent commander lead our company to victory and a superb command staff to support him. I hope that next year will bring new friends and recruits and new exciting experiences. I am looking forward to seeing every one next season and I hope to see every one at Fort Point.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

"Gary Owen!!"

Cpl. Billy Coye

69th NYVI Co.B

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Reuben Cannon

As all of you know, long time friend and fellow reenactor recently passed away. He will be missed

I would like to thank each and every member of the 69^th New York who graciously gave donations to help pay for a nice flower arrangement for Jane Cannon, the maker of many of our New York Shells. I am very proud of you all!