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Elmira Reenactment Report

by srcurrie

April 30th to May 1st the 76th NYVI Company H participated in the Ben Newton Memorial Reenactment at the Newtown Battlefield Reservation.

The event was well attended by the public and reenactors despite the rain on Saturday. It was smaller then past years, however.

Two battles were fought. One on saturday and one on sunday resulting in a Union loss on saturday and a Union victory on sunday.

Confederate Infantry rapidly march down the road

Saturday's battle was obscured by fog and occasional rain. The rebels had a distinct advantage in artillery but were lacking in numbers of infantry. After quite a long period of skirmishing, artillery fire, and rifle fire through fog the Rebels finally appeared at 30 yards or so out of the fog. A large firefight broke out with the Rebels eventually moving their cannons forward. 1st Sergeant Sluti led half our company in an attempt to plug a whole in the Union line but were ripped to pieces by accurate rifle fire and had to withfraw to our main position behind some fieldworks. Soon after this the Rebel artillery hammered our line at close range and the grey-clad infantry attacked out of the fog. Taking heavy losses in seconds we heard "Run! Run!" from our side and so we ran as fast as we could through the briars and sticks and logs! Soon officers were attempting to rally us and form a new line against further rebel advances. Upon reforming our line it was discovered to our horror that only two of us were left (Steven Currie and William Traxel) besides Captain Thompson!

Sundays battle began with the Union battalion advancing downhill toward the Confederate lines. We met traitors as the ground became level and a firefight ensued. We fired many rounds and then finally were ordered to advance. As we advanced the terrain caused all sorts of difficulty due to large logs and briars as well as some wet slippery ground. After reforming we again laid on fire on the rebel hosts. The rebels withdrew a distance and then just when I thought that we would charge the enemy we received orders to withdraw!

On Saturday evening a Candlelight tour was run for busloads of tourists. Many units, including ours, had skits to show various aspects of life during the Civil War. Corporal George Breen is our skit coordinator and is in charge of our participation at events. This year Cpl. Breen had written a skit to honor Sergeant William Carney. Sergeant Carney was the first black American to win the Medal of Honor.

The 76th has been involved in this reenactment for several years. We participate in every aspect including every Candlelight tour. This year members of our unit also volunteered to help pick up cartridge papers on the battlefield left behind from our battles.

We were also happy to be led again by Colonel Mike Lavis. We are always happy to see the Colonel.

This event is a favorite of the 76th. We hope you will come and see us.