CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES FROM THE 1999 EVENT

The year 1835 was a momentous one in the history of the United States. In October tensions between Texian Colonists and the Mexican Republic broke into armed conflict. In December war would erupt between the United States and the Seminole Nation in what is now the State of Florida. Standing ready was the small Army of the United States. They were scattered about at forts along the eastern and southern seaboard as well as isolated posts in the country’s interior.

At Fort Gibson, in the Cherokee Nation, today part of the State of Oklahoma, nine companies of the 7^th United States Regiment of Infantry maintained peace within the Indian Territory. The Regiment’s 10^th company was stationed south of Gibson at Ft. Coffee. On duty in the Nations since 1824, an unheard of length of time for any regiment to occupy a single post, many of the men would die from disease at Ft. Gibson, which became known as the Charnel House of the Army.

In 1824 Company A of the Regiment established Ft. Towson. The Fort was located near the confluence of the Kiamichi and Red Rivers. The Red River served as the International Boundary between the Indian Territory and the Republic of Mexico.

A military road was opened between Forts Gibson and Towson as well as Ft. Jesup located in western Louisiana. The 7^th had established Ft. Jesup in 1821.

A distance of six and one half miles separated Ft. Towson from the Red River and the international boundary. With tensions high between Mexico and its colony of Texas regular patrols are run down from the Fort.

By October Texas was in revolt. Patrols along the border increased. Volunteers for Texas crossed the international border here and near Ft. Jesup into Texas. Though officially neutral the US Government turned a blind eye towards these incursions.

As part of its goal of bringing outstanding living history events to the public and participants alike, Company A 7^th Regiment of United States Infantry Living History Association is sponsoring an intense total immersion living history event recreating this forgotten time period of 1835.

Many of you are aware of our other total immersion events; Alamo 162!, Campaign Ft. Towson--1836 and the National School of the Soldier. Here is another chance to challenge yourself and join with us in what promises to be a memorable weekend. Complete details and a registration form are included. If you are reading this on your computer you can easily download the form and snail mail it back to us. You can also forward this on to a friend via e-mail. We hope you like what you read and will consider joining us on this unique recreation of American History.

WHAT ARE THE EVENT DATES?

Camp on the Kiamichi 1835 will begin Thursday November 8, 2001 and conclude on Sunday November 11. The event officially begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday evening. A school tour will be held on Thursday day. Anyone who would like to be a part of this school program is welcomed and encouraged to participate.

WHERE IS THE EVENT TAKING PLACE?

The main camp will be at the confluence of the Kiamichi and Red Rivers in Oklahoma. For a base of operations we will use Ft. Towson Historic Site. The Oklahoma Historical Society manages the site.

Ft. Towson State Historic Site is located in SE Oklahoma just above the Red River near the town of Fort Towson. It is east of Hugo, OK and north of Paris, TX.

Participants may begin arriving Thursday morning. Some of the staff will be on site beginning Wednesday. They will be making final preparations.

It is our purpose to recreate the era of 1835 in the Indian Territory. This means a variety of impressions are needed and welcomed. We want to challenge you as living historians by placing you in the time period, giving you situations to handle and using those situations to interact with your fellow interpreters.

This is a total immersion, 24 hour a day living history weekend. This means that for the entire time you participate you will be able to immerse yourself in the 1835 time period. Interpretation will be on going for all three days, 24 hours a day. This is challenging but the result is more than worth the effort. It is also a "campaign style event". This means you will be marching, carrying your possessions with you. However there will also be provisions made for those who want to march but are physically unable to do so. These individuals will form the settlement of Jefferson Crossing. They will be allowed to already be at the Kiamichi camp, set up when the main column arrives.

One of our goals in the 7^th Infantry is to challenge those of us in the living history field. Many events end at nightfall, or are done in third person format. In this format, total immersion, we want you to be able to experience, as closely as possible, what a Regular army field campaign was like in 1835. You'll be able to challenge yourself, participate with others of a like mind and work as a team to accomplish this unique goal.

Yes and No. On Thursday during the day, while we are encamped at Ft. Towson the site will also be open to normal visitation. However, once the Park closes and the march begins this event is for us and us alone.

The following are welcome: Regular US Infantry of the 7^th Regiment, Regular US Artillery of the 2^nd Regiment, Regular Dragoons of the 1^st US Regiment, Topographical Engineers, Arkansas Mounted Gun-men, volunteers for Texas, Arkansas Militia, Choctaw Indians, Civilians, Whiskey Runners, Texians, Laundresses, gamblers, residents of Miller County Arkansas, and land speculators.

We are limiting this to 100 participants. This way the event will be large enough in size yet still be small enough for all to contribute to its overall success. If response goes over that number we will think of expanding.

Yes. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! There are two. The first fee is $20.00 per person. All must pay this fee. This is non-refundable. All money must be in by October 26. Your check should be made out to 7^th U.S. Infantry Living History Association. You can mail it to the address on the Registration Form, along with the form.

Your fee pays for wagon rental, site preparation, firewood, straw for bedding, hay for horses, candles, commemorative coins, mailings etc. Potable water and port-a-johns will be provided by the State of Oklahoma.

Yes, for an additional fee of $20.00. This is the 2^nd fee mentioned above. This fee must be included with your registration form. It should also be made out to the 7^th USILHA. The first meal served will be Thursday dinner (4pm).

As to meals participants will have two options.

1. They may subscribe to the meal plan. In this case all meals will be provided.

 2. Or they may choose to pack their own rations and feed themselves. In this case the $20.00 fee is waived. However, that means you provide for yourself. No handouts will be forthcoming from the company kitchen unless your fee is paid.

This is a campaign, 1835 style. We will be serving two meals a day, just like the old Army. A complete listing of food items will go out in the final packet. You are free to supplement these rations. Rations, which you carry, must be period in nature and in period packaging. They must also be carried in your haversack. There will be a company kitchen run by Cynda Abolt and Monica McMahon of the 7^th Infantry. This will be good and hearty fare, but don't expect haute cuisine. All will wash their own plates and details will be organized to aid in the proper running of the kitchen.

For those choosing to feed themselves all cooking must be done in the company kitchens. No fires may be built in any area not approved by the Quartermaster. Also, due to limited space in the wagons we cannot carry personal large cooking ware, ice chests, etc.

On Friday we will march approximately 6.5 miles. Our campsite will be on the Kiamichi River near its confluence with the Red. We will remain in this camp on Saturday doing patrols. Sunday we will retrace Friday’s route and return to Ft. Towson.

The march will commence no later than 9:30 a.m. on Friday and Sunday. Reveille will be at break of day.

We plan on making camp by 1 p.m. Friday. Plan on covering two miles each hour. There will be a 15-minute rest stop each hour.

We will have to cross U.S. 70 twice. Once will be on Friday. The other time is on Sunday. There will be an occasional house or power line in the beginning.

The road followed for most of the way is the original constructed by the 7^th Infantry back in 1824. At times it can be quite hilly and the road surface worn and rough. Mile markers will be placed along the way to help guide you. The beginning ¾ mile is on asphalt.

Don't let this stop you! If you can't get in until Friday late morning or early afternoon, you can park your car at Ft. Towson, change and then march into camp. The road through the woods will be marked. You can then march in on your own. Be aware that the distance is almost seven miles! If you are marching on your own we must know in advance. This way we can send mounted patrols along the road to be sure you are all right. It gets pitch black after dark. Marching on your own can be dangerous. Try to get someone to go along with you. We are miles from any modern areas.

We should be back at the Fort no later than 1 p.m. Sunday. It is hoped you can do the whole event. We don't however, want to exclude you if at all possible, hence the above plan.

Before we go any further remember this is going to be extremely physical. You need to begin walking and exercising now. Don't wait until the last minute. You won't make it. We will have an EMT with us. We will also have period transportation if you must fall out due to an emergency. However, all going on the march must do just that---MARCH. No one, except the drivers, will ride in a wagon except in case of an emergency. Be prepared to walk! We will be in contact with the Fort, via Cellular telephone, in case any emergency arises.

You can still participate!!!! Those who can’t march will be allowed to set up at the Kiamichi site. They will be the residents of Jefferson Crossing, as well as the members of the advance military party sent to the Crossing. You will either be able to drive to the site or be taken there by State vehicle on Thursday. These camps must be set up prior to Friday morning. Those who will be there on Thursday will be the Camp Commander, Quartermaster Sergeants, some of the Artillery detachment, some of the laundresses and the party of engineers.

Please inform us on the registration form if you plan to march or already be at the Kiamichi site.

It is currently hoped the landowner will give permission for private vehicles to be on his land. If this is the case you will be able to drive into the site, off load and then immediately move your vehicle about 3/8ths of a mile away, out of view. If not you will have to report to Ft. Towson. Your gear will be placed in a state vehicle and you and it transported to the site. If that is the case you must be in no later than Thursday afternoon. We will keep those opting for this plan informed of any changes. Remember this is private land and we must obey the owner’s wishes.

IS THERE ANOTHER WAY TO GO ASIDE FROM MARCHING?

Yes. You can ride, provided you have a horse with proper period tack. You can also canoe to the site. Those with proper canoes or pirogues can launch them near Ft. Towson at the public boat ramp. You can then follow the Kiamichi River to the camp. Be advised the distance to the camp by water is longer than overland. On Sunday you will either have to canoe upstream back to the fort or if possible we will transport you and the canoe back. This is not definite yet. Please be advised you should call and ask.

YES! It would be great to have companies marching in as Volunteers for Texas. This way if your group can’t make the step off time on Friday morning you can come down the road on your own. Be advised you must make arrangements for your own baggage. That means you either carry it all in on your back or have your own wagons. You still have the choice of the meal plan as listed earlier. Your command structure will remain in place but you will be under the overall command of the individuals listed in this packet.

Both of our campsites, Ft. Towson and the Kiamichi location, are extremely beautiful. They are also isolated. We are providing bedding and some firewood. Foraging parties will be organized once we arrive in bivouac. There will be potable water and port-a-johns at the Kiamichi camp. They will be located away from the main area. There will also be hay for horses. This is not to be used for bedding.

The camps will be run by Regulation. The Quartermaster Sergeants prior to your arrival will lay them out. You can expect to stand guard, do fatigue and foraging duty. And for those of you who know me you know there is always a surprise here and there!

Yes. Company A, 7^th USI has available 12 regulation tents. We will put four men in each tent. These will be for the use of the regular Infantry and Artillery. Dragoons will either bring their own or they can merely bivouac next to their animals. Scouts can construct lean-tos or bring tents. The same is true for all other impressions. The camps will be laid out according to regulations. The Quartermasters will decide placement of the camps. If you are bringing a tent let us know. Any tent carried in the wagon must use no more than 3 poles in its erection. This does not hold true for those setting up at the Kiamichi site. In case of inclement weather we will make sure all are sheltered.

It is November. You can expect either pleasant, warm days and cool nights or snow, ice and rain. Take your pick, but be prepared! In 1999 it was blistering hot during the day and cold at night. Last year there was an ice storm! Expect mosquitoes and if we haven't had a freeze watch out for ticks. Sulfur powder mixed with Baby Powder, or better yet mixed with Gold Bond is a good repellent for ticks and chiggers.

The following is a partial list of impressions and uniform requirements for those in the military. Before we begin an historical note. During the 1836 campaign into Texas by the 7^th hardly any of the soldiers were wearing the proscribed uniform. They were ordered to wear flannel shirts and carry two blankets. Remember though, that was in May. This is November.

You can wear the 1832 pattern sky blue winter issue service uniform.

You can wear the old pattern 1821 gray winter issue service uniform.

You can mix the two patterns.

You can wear civilian roundabouts and uniform trousers or vice versa. You can also wear overshirts.

You can use the current issue (1832) or old issue 1821 pattern greatcoat. You can also use War of 1812 era watchcoats. If you don't have this you can wear a cloak, blanket with hooks and eyes or capote. Please, no CW era greatcoats.

You may use two period blankets. The white issue blanket is preferred. You should also plan on a period waterproof such as painted canvas. Please, no gum blankets.

Though the issue knapsack is preferred, any period knapsack is acceptable.

Leather stocks are optional. I expect all "good regulars" to have them on while on duty at Ft. Towson.

The following items are required:

The 1825 pattern chako or forage cap. The 1833 pattern is for Dragoons only.

White buff leather crossbelts and waist belt. The 7^th was wearing a waistbelt of their own design. This is not the Mexican War pattern. We have these available to you at cost. This includes the belt plate. Please contact me if you need one.

Military musket either US pattern or Charleville with bayonet. No Brown Besses!

White cotton, scalloped front, haversack.

Functional Canteen. Wood preferred but tin or gourd is acceptable. No CW bullseye canteens.

Military brogans. CW style is acceptable. Moccasins may be worn in camp but not on the march.

Period shirt. Issue shirt preferred, but any period 1830's style is acceptable.

For more information contact Steve Abolt at sacbg7@lynchburg.net

Sky blue woolen trousers.

Red wool or jean cloth overshirts. (optional the 1832 artillery pattern roundabout)

1825 pattern chako or forage cap for artillery.

Military brogans. C.W. style acceptable.

1832 pattern artillery short sword on white buff waistbelt.

Overcoat, same as prescribed for 7^th Infantry

Canteens, blankets, knapsacks, haversacks, and shirt same as for 7^th Infantry.

For more information contact Artillery Commander Dan Lawrence at dan_lawrence@hotmail.com

1. 1832 pattern winter issue uniform. (Jacket and trousers.)

2. 1833 pattern leather forage cap.

3. 1833 pattern dragoon saber on white waistbelt.

4. Mounted service overcoat.

5. For more details contact Dragoon commander Paul Rosewitz at dragooncpt@hotmail.com

Any civilian style clothing 1830's period or slightly earlier. Minimal out of date US uniforms also acceptable. (No Rev War!) Some examples:

Vests if wearing frock or tailcoats circa 1820-40.

Shirt 1820-40

Stock or cravat.

Woolen fall front or fly front trousers. CW civilian style is marginally Okay. Can be more acceptable if covered by an overshirt. Jean Cloth is also okay.

Woolen or other period stockings.

Military or civilian style brogans or boots.

Surplus black or white belts of the 1812 vintage.

Cartridge boxes or belly boxes on either white or black belt.

Bayonet and Scabbard on belt if using a military musket--optional

Flintlock or percussion rifles, muskets or pistols.

40 rounds blank ammunition

Extra flints, percussion caps, cleaning rags.

Any style 1830 period or earlier blankets or overcoats.

Civilian cap or hat circa 1820-40 or pattern 1825 or 1833 forage cap.

Civilian or military style bedroll, haversack, canteen, or ground cloth.

Period 1820-40 saddle and saddle blanket (flat, plantation, Spanish, Texas) with surcingle.

Period halter, bridle, and hackamore.

Horse with current Coggins test.

1833 or 1812 saber with waist or shoulder belt optional.

Horse pistols in saddle holsters.

Tent.

For more details contact either Steve Abolt sacbg7@lynchburg.net or Paul Rosewitz dragooncpt@hotmail.com

Southeastern style tribal clothing. Seminole and Creek styles acceptable.

Cast off army clothing or civilian styles. (Although you are free to mix and match traditional tribal clothing is encouraged.)

Traditional turban or any 1830's style or earlier headgear.

Military style shoes encouraged. Moccasins are fine if your feet can take it. Some of the terrain is rough. Moccasins may be worn in camp.

Military or civilian flintlock or percussion rifle or musket.

Army issue or trade blankets.

Any style 1830's or earlier canteen, knapsack, haversack, overcoat and waterproof.

For more information contact Choctaw Scouts commander Chris Kimball at fortrat@gulftel.com You can also contact GrayHawk at daddygrayhawk@aol.com

The above serves as a good guideline to aid you in your impression. It is by no means complete. If you have any questions please contact the unit commanders listed. The main goal in your impression is authenticity. Don't try to slide by. We will be inspecting all knapsacks and personal impressions. If there is something that isn't correct, you'll be asked not to use it. This is not meant to be snobbish or controlling. The goal is to be the best. Authenticity must begin with you.

Some things should go without saying, but I'll reiterate: No wristwatches, modern eyeglasses, tennis shoes, hiking boots, speckleware enamel, cigarettes, cola cans, beer cans, modern candy bars, Doritos, Fritos, or what have you! Modern medicines are an exception. But please put them in period containers!

Yes. Women may participate as laundresses or civilians. They must be able to stand the same physical tests as the men. We cannot make special allowances. We believe in and are proud of the contributions made by women to our organization. For information on laundress impressions please contact, Gail Young, at comanche1836@yahoo.com

The event will be organized as follows:

Campaign commander………………………Maj. Steve Abolt 7^th USI

OHS Liaison/Teamster………………………John Davis 7^th USI

Camp & Artillery Commander………………Capt. Dan Lawrence 2^nd USA

Mounted Troops Commander..………………Capt. Paul Rosewitz 2^nd USD

Infantry Commander…………………………Lt. Alan Huffines 7^th USI

Engineers……………………………………..Lt. Bob Dorian USE

Choctaw Scouts………………………………Chris Kimball and GrayHawk 7^th USI

Adjutant………………………………………Capt. Kevin Young 7^th USI

Command Sgt. Major…………………………Sgt. Major John Lawrence 2^nd USA

Quartermasters………………………………..Sgts. Gregg Peters & John Oien

Commissary…………………………………..Cynda Abolt & Monica McMahon 7^th USI

Laundresses…………………………………..Gail Young 7^th USI

All of the above mentioned individuals are tops in their fields.

For those marching allowed baggage will be two blankets, a greatcoat and knapsack. Officers may substitute a small trunk for the knapsack. Officer’s trunks will go in the wagons. They will carry their bedrolls.

Short but sweet: If you can't carry it---DON'T bring it. This is a campaign style event. Knapsacks will be carried. Your extra blanket may ride in the wagon, but it must be properly marked for identification. An extra shirt, several pairs of thick socks, extra drawers, toothbrush, soap, small towel, and any modern medicines are all you need. Candles will be issued at the Kiamichi. Not counting your extra blanket, but if your packed knapsack with blanket and greatcoat is over 17 lbs. then it is too heavy.

This will be an intense event to say the least. To get the most out of your stay with us bring a good attitude. This will be a team effort. It is the only way it can work. This is also not a democracy. It is run like a Regular Army company of the time period. Even if you are portraying militia, teamwork is expected. Your drill doesn't have to be perfect but you need to be a team player. Confrontational style living history is not needed or wanted. If you like intense interpretation, want to challenge yourself and work with others of a like mind then this event is made for you! If you have any questions, which haven't been answered in this packet, you can contact Steve Abolt at sacbg7@lynchburg.net or call any day after 5 p.m. EST and before 10 p.m. EST. The number is 434-385-7338. Our mailing Address is 423 W. Cadbury Dr. Lynchburg, VA 24501. If you know of someone who might be interested in this event please forward him or her a copy of this attachment. Thanks for your interest. We hope to see many of you on the Camp on the Kiamichi—1835!

Until then, I have the honor to remain, 

Y'r ob't s'v't,                    

Maj. C. Steven Abolt

7^th USI Living History Association

Cottonbalers by God!

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We will be happy to answer any questions. You can e-mail us at sacbg7@lynchburg.net You can also call us between 5-10 p.m. EST at 434-385-7338