Reenactor's Notebook:  "Three Days at McDowell" - Part 2
Author:  Justin Myzie, 142d Co.G; SAC Co. Liberty Rifles

Posted: 13 June 2005
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Story Background:  Justin Myzie, along with two other members of Company G, recently attended an event at McDowell, Virginia.  In this three part series, Justin recounts his experiences at the event.

Story:  I convinced myself I was asleep until reveille. That day’s rations had not yet arrived. We would have to go hungry for the forthcoming several hours of drill. Right before our company formed up for drill Headquarters requested a couple of clerks. The Sergeant picked me to be a clerk for a few hours. As a clerk I had to copy orders and deliver them to the appropriate officer. When my company returned from drill, Headquarters allowed me to return to my company. As soon as I got back to my company I was told to go to the Commissary to help cut the cow into pieces small enough for rations. That took quite a while. By the time I returned to camp all of the rations were already there. We decided to make a stew with everything we have except for the soft bread. It took a while to cut the meat, potatoes, onions, and turnips for the stew. The stew had not finished cooking before we had to leave for the battle. Until then I walked very little. The army booties don’t fit right and hurt when I walk too far. We marched out and once we were in position we waited for the Rebels to attack. The battle lasted for a while, but I didn’t shoot too much. After the battle we were treated to a few tunes from a field band. The stew was hot when we returned from the battle. It tasted pretty good. After dinner we had to prepare for the battle the following day. Once everyone and everything were ready we were permitted to go to the sutlers or the show. By the time I returned to camp I was exhausted. It was a long day and I hadn’t slept the night before. I tried my best to keep warm Saturday night.
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About the Author: 
Justin has been a member of the 142d since 1995 and has been reenacting for about 13 years.  Justin currently works at Seton Hall University and is pursuing his Master's in Diplomacy and International Relations.

REENACTOR'S NOTEBOOK:

Three Days at McDowell Part 1

Three Days at McDowell Part 2

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