The Post Herald
The Official Newsletter of the 9th U.S. Infantry
Company G
Fort D.A. Russell, Wyoming Territory
Issue #2
June 1999

Welcome to the second issue of »the Herald«. I’m not exactly sure when this issue will be sent out to everyone, but I am hoping to have this newsletter become a bi-monthly event if at all possible.

As we go through the year, I hope these newsletters find all of our members healthy, happy, and having a good time at reenactment events or at events in life in general. I will try and keep the article captions going from the first issue, such as »opening comments, our goals so far, after action report, upcoming events, and the closing comments«. If anyone would like to add articles or sections to the newsletter, please feel free to do so. Anyone who would like to write articles that would be ongoing would also be welcome, to include editorials or »how to do« articles. If you know of anyone from other groups who would like to input articles, they are also more than welcome.

I have started putting together some wooden boxes and crates we can use at events to store items, or to add that »extra something« towards authenticity to an encampment area. I don’t know how many I plan to make, but any amount would help. If anyone has an idea for projects or things to make our lives more tolerable at events please bring them up! I hope our imagination and efforts can come together to keep us from stagnating as a group.

Well, that’s enough for »opening comments« in this second issue for now. On with the rest of the newsletter!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS:
Lou Janack, Rick Souza and I joined our scouts, Lester and Ron at the Territorial Prison in Laramie, Wyoming for their annual mountain man rondezvous. Although it was warm for the wool uniforms, we had a lot of fun interacting with the mountain men and looking through the many sutler’s tents for items. To add our own era’s special touch to the event, the three of us »blue bellies« took turns posting guard at the prison gate and answered questions from spectators, along with posing for pictures. Toward the end of the day, the mountain men and women held a fashion show which was informative, showing what was worn during different time frames and the clothing of the different tribes in the area. Lou and I watched the show and had a surprise at the end - the show narrator called to us in the crowd and asked if we could explain our uniforms, equipment and weapons. For not being prepared and being caught off guard, we did a good presentation and were approached by numerous people afterwards with favorable comments and their appreciation. As the day ended and the tourists and spectators left, we were invited to a free dinner which we accepted with gratitude. It should be noted that Lester and Ron did very well during the different competitions and shoots that were held that day, with each of them winning a prize. To Les and Ron, thank you for letting us see »the other side of the fence« and experience the mountain man rondezvous era! Please extend our many thanks to the event organizers and our appreciation for a job well done!

July 24th Weekend: Members attended the Fort D.A. Russell Days event and black powder shoot at F.W.Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne over the weekend. Members from several civil war and Indian wars units were present, to include many civilians and sutlers. It was well attended by spectators who enjoyed the skirmishes and the view of camp life. Lou Janack, Rick and Carolyn Souza, Hank Miller, Lester Dumm, Ron Jackson, several members of the 30th Infantry, 5th Cavalry, 3rd Cavalry, 4th Texas, Betty, Bonnie and Megan Varga and Bill Hutchinson (surgeon) and his group participated in the event. A special guest from Fort Concho Texas was Steve Beistline from the 16th Infantry (IWP) who is an old member of the 5th Cav. Although the weather was hot for the wool, the event was well run, many thanks to Hank Miller and the Historical Society. The milk can dinner and dance was also well attended by the groups mentioned. Our Japanese Exchange student, Sachiko Kitada, may not have fully understood the event, but pitched in with a will, dancing every dance to the end with a smile and enthusiasm! My daughters, Bonnie and Megan, also danced with several gallant soldiers. Betty and Carolyn looked very elegant in their finery and much fun was had by all. Another thank you to Hank Miller, Paula Taylor and the Historical Society for their efforts which paid off hansomely!

SPECIAL NOTE:
A challenge was given to the muzzle loader reenactors by the »trapdoor troop« for a three-shot relay which was enjoyed by the spectators and participants alike. The Confederate Commander gave the order to fire and to keep a long story short, those with the trapdoor weapons finished their relay almost four full minutes before the muzzle loaders! Aaah - nothing like a little advantage with weapons technology (grin)!!!

The Cheyenne Frontier Days parades during the week of July 26th were attended by members of the 5th US Cavalry (reorganized) and 9th US Infantry (company G). Members received many favorable comments on their outfits. Bonnie Varga marched in both the East High Marching Band and the Wyoming State High School Marching Band during the parades, and Megan and Sachiko rode the Union Pacific float.

GROUP PROJECTS:
On July 10th, Lou and I got together in my garage and built four authentic looking wooden crates to use at our encampment sites. We added a final touch of stenciling infantry markings on each box, showing they were property of our regiment and company. With any luck, I will also be getting a water barrel for our sites, which will add tremendously to our comfort during events.

NOTE:
Due to the kindness of my Mom who was here visiting during July, Our group now has a 5 gallon water keg for our encampment area! Thanks Mom!

UNIT HISTORY:
With the ever present help of my campaign partner, Lou, I finally have concrete proof our company was present at the Battle of the Rosebud! In a book by Fred H Werner titled Before The Little Big Horn, he identifies companies C, G and H as being part of the infantry battalion that took part in the battle. I will type word for word the report made out by Major Alex Chambers, who was in command of the Infantry battalion during the battle:

Sir:

I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the infantry battalion composed of Companies D and F 4th Infantry, and C G and H 9th Infantry in the four days scout of the troops composing the B.H. and Y Expedition. The command left camp on Goose Creek, mounted on mules, at 6 o’clock AM and marched about thirty five (35) miles to headwaters of Rosebud. Marched the morning of the 17th about five (5) miles and camped. A short time after camping, shots were heard behind the bluffs in rear of camp, and cries that hostile Indians were coming. I sent as ordered, two companies, dismounted, to the edge of the bluffs to protect that point: posted as skirmishers. Shortly after the three (3) remaining companies formed a skirmish line on top of the ridge. After occupying this position for some time, I was ordered to have the battalion mounted, and marched to the crest of the ridge, which was done, as soon as the companies on the skirmish line could be recalled for that purpose, one returning for their animals, and the mules of the other companies, the men and animals being kept concealed as much as possible. The left of the cavalry line retiring closely pursued by the Indians. Two (2) companies of the 9th Infantry, G and H were sent to protect the withdrawal of cavalry. The three companies remaining there were sent as a skirmish line across the plateau to drive off a body of Indians, behind a conical hill, who kept up a constant fire. This was successfully accomplished, and the Indians disappeared. I then took up a position on the hill and remained until 7 PM when the command returned to camp on the banks of the river. The command marched next day in rear, to head of creek or branch of Tongue River twenty (20) miles. Next day twenty (20) miles, to near the camp left on the 16th. Each of the command performed this duty cheerfully and with credit. Casualties were, three enlisted men wounded of Company D 4th Infantry vis: Corporal James A. Devine wounded in head, Private John H. Terry severely wounded in left leg. Private Richard Flynn slightly wounded in left shoulder. For detailed reports I respectfully refer to reports of company commanders, enclosed.

The major’s report helps to shed some light on the actions and movements of the different 9th Infantry soldiers during the battle. Another source from the same book is from the various Indian leaders in the battle. They describe a good amount of hand to hand fighting between the warriors and the skirmishers Major Chambers describes both during the initial positioning and the withdrawal of the cavalry units. From everything I’ve read on the battle, it could’ve turned into a disaster for the army if it wasn’t for the infantry battalion’s actions.

In the Book »With Crook at the Rosebud« written by J.W. Vaughn, a complete roster of Company G is given, showing the individual soldiers, and their ranks who were present at the battle. It should be noted although the company was in some of the heavier fighting, no casualties were reported. Company strength at the time is listed at 36, with the commander being a Captain Thomas B. Burrowes.

Thomas B. Burrowes, Captain William L. Carpenter, 1st Lt John C. Rafferty, 1st Sergeant Frances Doyle, Sergeant Frederick Klein, Sergeant Frank McCarthy, Sergeant James Delaney, Corporal Timothy O’Sullivan, Corporal Rudolph Ormann, Corporal Joseph S. Wrisley, Corporal August Hocksmith, Private William R. Hardin, Private Micheal Healey, Private Frederick Lafine, Private William Doody, Trumpeter Gineral A. Lee, Private Hugh Thomsom, Trumpeter Alexander M. Lowrie, Private

Joseph Holtz, Artificer Michael Murphy, Private John Anderson, Private John G. Newman, Private Richard L. Case, Private John Norton, Private Edward Conlin, Private Samuel Smith, Private Patrick Dwyer, Private John Thomas, Private William Ecrestain, Private Charles W. Wilson, Private William Faulman, Private Samuel H. Woollen, Private James Gaskill, Private Samuel C. Wynkoop, Private William E. Glick, Private Rudolph Zysset, Private

One officer and two privates were on detached service and were not part of the battle. It should be safe to say the majority of these men were also part of the starvation march and the ensuing Battle of Slim Buttes, shortly after the Custer disaster.

This information can help us »put a face« on the company during events for spectators and fellow reenactors alike. During our presentations we can refer to these names in the first person when we are »in character«, adding a personal touch to events if we wish.

NOTE: Lou Janack has informed me there are rolls of microfilm at the National Archives which concern all the units posted to this area in the 1870s, and that there are several with post returns and other information concerning the 9th US Infantry. I am hoping to purchase at least one or two of these rolls to further my research into the unit and I will keep everybody up to date on any information I find that will help us with our presentations and displays.

GROUP GET TOGETHERS: Because of the busy schedules of our members, we were unable to get together for pot luck dinners or to socialize this summer. I am hoping to try again in the fall season when things start to slow down. If anyone has ideas in this area, I would be happy to hear them!

PERSONAL ARTICLES: One of our members in the Ukraine, Evgeny (otherwise known as »Sarge« or »Serge«) has written an article for the newsletter. As of August 17th, it was being translated by Max and I will attach it to this newsletter once it arrives. If anyone else would like to write an article, please feel free to do so. It may be anything from historical value, personal experiences at an event, funny humerous items or things you are trying to sell or buy.

HOT OFF THE PRESS FROM KIEV!!
Our company sergeant, Evgeniy Ivanov, sent an article via Max over in the Ukraine so I will include it in it’s entirety here:
Part of Company G 9th US Infantry is located in Kiev and counts 1 sergeant, 1 scout and 3 privates. With thanks to Cpl Varga we have now a good video helper (how to sew, how to wear and etc) as well as full set of insignia for our uniforms. Since all soldiers of our Company also participate in Civil War Reenactments we have had some parts of equipment and uniforms already. All other details are in process of developing. All soldiers of Company will be full equipped and have all part of uniform by summer 2000 because we are going to attend a serious local battle with Indians where many IWP reenactors from other countries will arrive. And we will be ready to fight with honor under 9th US Infantry Flag and we will KEEP UP THE FIRE!!!!
Sergeant Evgeniy Ivanov
Company G, 9th US Infantry

Thanks for the article Evgeniy and although the rest of the company won’t be able to make the event, our fighting spirit will be with you (grin)! Keep your hair, pass the ammunition and don’t forget to take pictures!!!

IN CLOSING: Well, that will be it for our second issue for now. I hope this edition finds all of our members healthy and happy and settling in for our winter season. I will try to get one more issue out before the end of the year so if anyone has any words of wisdom, etc they would like to say or just to put their two cents in, please forward it to me as soon as the pony express rider can pick it up! We wish our members in the Ukraine best wishes in their uniform and equipment endeavors and we are always available to help. For those of us here, as our campaign season comes to a close, we can start thinking of events, projects and goals for next year, and how we can help each other enjoy the reenactment world more than before. Till next time, take care, keep your hair and KEEP UP THE FIRE!!!

Roy D. Varga, Corporal, Bugler
Company G, 9th US Infantry