New Primary Sources

18 November, 2008 - We are adding a few new letters and diaries to the website over the next few days.  We have two officers, both of the 17th Regiment, and will be adding a few new letters from privates already on our site.  This is a lot of work, and we know you all will appreciate reading them as much as we do.  It does seem that our new young friend, Lt. Andrew McConnell, is quite fond of the Coleman Brothers, whose picture is available on our website.

Fort Negley Living History

10 November, 2008 - The boys of the TBM made it up to Nashville to visit Fort Negley, in an effort to help draw attention to a wonderful and neglegted site.  Fort Negley was built by the Union Army beginning in 1862.  It has a commanding position overlooking the approaches to the city.  The fort has only a small part of the Battle of Nashville, firing artillery towards the Confederate Lines.  The TBM fell in as members of the 142nd Indiana, a newly recruited unit during November of 1864.  The company demonstrated the training manual for School of the Soldier and bayonet drills. The event was well advertised in the Nashville area and we were thankful that so many visitors came to see us.  Professor Barclay, the Wizard of Edinburgh made a stop to entertain the soldiers as a distraction from the adjustment into army life.  The officers had made sure, although the work was hard, that the men were well fed and entertain.  Susan Odom and Augusta Carr were out providing some wonderful 19th century meals for the very hungry (and tired) Federal Soldiers.  Night time guard duty took on a whole new meaning at this event.  Fort Negley has long been a camping spot for the Nashville homeless population.  We posted guards around the company and civilian areas to prevent any unwanted intrusions.  Numerous encounters with the homeless took place through the night, but most found their way inside, avoiding our patrols.  Metro Police plan on increased patrols in the area to discourage these overnight visitors.  Thanks to Brian Hicks and the Widows' Sons Mess for bringing us up to Nashville for a very worthy cause.  Take a look at the image of the night guard, notice anything in the right hand corner? 

Cancelled - Fort Moultrie Living History - Cancelled

5 November, 2008 - Due to budgetary considerations with the NPS, the 1858 Living History has been cancelled.  We are working on saving the 1859 Living History, and we hope you will continue your support for this event.  Please contact Brian McGarrahan with any questions. We apologize for any inconvienience this may cause, and invite you to fall in with us at Fort McCallister on the same weekend.  We will portray Federal Soldiers during 1864.

Finding the Tramp Brigade near Jackson

25 October, 2008 - Greg Deese has been pouring over period maps, modern maps, and period documents attempting to locate the exact areas the Tramp Brigade camped in during 1863.  Several promising areas have shown up.  Some are currently developed and others are still rural in nature.  Here are a few pictures.

Sparks of Secession

20 October, 2008 - The reports are already rolling in.  This event was one of the best ever held.  Clerk of Court Greg Deese was kept busy by all of the shady dealings in the town, and banker Pete Berezuk was on the spot with the many business dealings that were taking place.  Several of our members were unable to make this event due to work considerations.  They surley missed the event of  lifetime.  Look for photos and AARs in a few days.  Thanks to Jim Butler, and the entire staff, for pulling this event together and making it one to remember. 

After Action Reviews may be found on the Authentic Campaigner site in the Westville Event folder.  Check our these images of the Citizens of Westville, 1861...

     This is a quote from TBM President, Greg Deese, "Jim Butler and Vicki Rumble hit a Grand Slam with this event. it has set a new standard with preparation, planning and flow. Jim did indeed pour sweat and blood into this. The Staff of Westville was also incredible and extremely hospitable. It was great to see everyone again and I learned a lot from the experience."

Tramp Brigade Mess Visits Historic Brattonsville

4 October, 2008 - The TBM travelled to McConnells, SC to participate in a living history portraying events from December 1860.  Members participated on both sides of a shootout between the Pugh (Pew) Family of McConnells and a local vigilance committee from the Bethesda Presbyterian Church.  Pete took up the familiar role as a member of the militia while the two Brians and associate member Jennifer portrayed the Pugh Family.  The shootout was presented twice during the day to the many visitors of this wonderfully preserved historic site.  We cannot say enough good things about how we were treated and the level of professionalism of the staff of Historic Brattonsville and the members of the Salem Light Infantry.  We look forward to a continuing relationship with these wonderful groups.  The Citizens of the Old North State were also on site working the kitchen and the main house.  They provided us with a wonderful meal after the event.  Thanks to all for a great event and a great living history.  We must give a special thanks to Historic Farmer Jonathon Failor for the invite to this event.  Look for a video of the shootout scene to be posted on Monday or Tuesday. 

TBM Celebrates One Year