The 27^th Virginia Infantry Company D,
Stonewall Brigade Presents

The Brawner Farm event at Manassas National Battlefied Park will be hosted by the Stonewall Brigade, 27^th VA Co. D.  On 24-26 August 2007.  This event will also include selected Federal units portraying units of the Iron Brigade.  This will be the first time any reenacting group has held a dual living history event on this ground.  Please Note: this is NOT a Tactical Event!  We will be here to authentically portray the opposing units and to honor those who fought and served on this hallowed ground. The 27^th VA of the SWB will be hosting the 3^rd US and 3^rd Maine, who will portray the 19^th Indiana and 2^nd Wisconsin at this event.  Participation is by unit invitation only and will be limited to no more than 60 soldiers per side.  Registration/Check-in will be conducted at the event per the attached schedule.  Units are requested to send their list of participants to: Lt. Chris “Bunyan” Beck: bunmillet@comcast.net or Sgt. Dean “Hardluck” Ebner: drebner@hotmail.com, 27^th VA Co. D Stonewall Brigade.

• Download a participant registration form MS Word File
  
  
• Download a participant registration form pdf file
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Registrations need to be in by NLT than 10 August 2007, there will be a $10.00 registration per solider.  NO Walk-on’s will be allowed. Uniform Guidelines, event information and regulations are at the end of this notice.  Rations/Provisions and Caps/Rounds are the responsibility of each individual unit.  It is recommended to combine rations into a single unit mess/commissary.

Confederate Commander for this event will be Capt. Jerry Stiles, Stonewall Brigade; the Federal Commander will be Bob Crickenberger crickenberger@comcast.net.

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The Setting - August 1862:

T. J. Jackson

Rufus King

“The sun was beginning to drop towards the western horizon on August 28, 1862. Stonewall Jackson's men lay concealed in the woods north of the Warrenton Turnpike stretching from Sudley on the left to north of Brawner's Farm on the right. The Confederates had been resting after a devastating flanking march, which culminated the previous day in the capture and destruction of Major General John Pope's Federal Army of Virginia's supply depot at Manassas Junction.

General Jackson had marched his command northward to be in a position where he could monitor Federal activity on the Warrenton Turnpike, several hundred yards in front of his men. The critical linkup with General Robert E. Lee's remaining forces under General James Longstreet was paramount in Jackson's thoughts. Finally, a courier arrived earlier in the afternoon of August 28, informing Stonewall that Lee and Longstreet were nearby forcing a passage at Thoroughfare Gap, to Jackson's right flank and rear.

Now Stonewall Jackson could precipitate a fight, knowing that the junction of the two wings of the Confederate Army was only hours away.

Jackson, relieved at the news, had reclined to a fence corner catching some needed rest. Soon scouts reported enemy activity in the front of Brawner's farm on the Warrenton turnpike. Jackson rose quickly and ran to his horse, buckling on his sword as he approached "Little Sorrel." He immediately galloped off alone toward the Union column marching eastward across his front. Through the broomsedge field below Brawner's farmhouse he rode back and forth, trotting within easy musket range of the Federal Division of General Rufus King, which included a brigade of westerners wearing conspicuous black Hardee hats; soon to be known as the "Iron Brigade.

Stonewall scrutinized the Federal regiments, marching at route step, for several minutes in this highly exposed position, riding along their left flank, sometimes halting, then rapidly riding on, only to halt and reverse direction to examine them again.

Suddenly he pulled up, wheeled "Little Sorrel," and returned swiftly to his command. Arriving in front of this staff and officers he touched his hat in salute and quietly said, "Bring out your men, gentlemen."

Thus started the vicious fight at Brawner's farm which would be fought well into the approaching darkness, initiating the Battle of Second Manassas, and also initiating the bulk of the "Iron Brigade" to combat for the first time, opposite the flower of the Confederacy, the vaunted Stonewall Brigade.”

- “As each side waited for the other to come within rifle range, one Wisconsin soldier noted, the boys "held their pieces with a tighter grasp ... expressing their impatience with low mutterings in such honest, if not classic phrases, as 'Come on, God damn you."

 
Source: Steven Stanley, Colonial Type and Graphics, Stafford, VA

- “As the late summer sun set behind the Bull Run Mountains, the blue and gray battle lines continued to blast away at each other at point-blank range, neither side budging an inch, separated by less than 30 yards in some places. The men could barely make out the dark silhouettes of the opposing battle lines and instead fired at their opponents' bright muzzle flashes. "The two crowds, they could hardly be called lines, were within, it seemed to me, fifty yards of each other, and were pouring musketry into each other as rapidly as men could load and shoot," remembered one Union veteran. Men were dropping with every volley -- almost two-dozen men every minute -- but neither side yielded any ground. A veteran of some of the heaviest fighting of the entire Civil War, Gibbon later recalled, "The most terrific musketry fire I have ever listened to rolled along those two lines of battle ... neither side yielding a foot."

More information on the fight at Brawner’s Farm:

O. R. - Report of Lieut. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, C. S. Army, Commanding Second Corps, Battle of Second Mannassas: OFFICIAL RECORDS

“Battle of Brawner's Farm: Black Hat Brigade's Baptism of Fire”, by Todd S. Berkoff, from HISTORYNET.COM: BRAWNER'S FARM

Pertinent Information Relating to the Clash of the Titans:
24-26 August 2007

Stonewall Brigade units will be bivouacking on the actual Brawner Farm site where the Brigade was positioned on the evening of 28 August 1862.  The Confederates will portray the 27^th VA and 4^th VA regiments who were adjacent to the Brawner Farmhouse. 

The Federals will be encamped at Stuarts Hill to facilitate the actual march down the Warrenton Turnpike towards the Brawner Farm.  The Federals will portray the 19^th Indiana and the 2^nd Wisconsin – Gibbons Iron Brigade who faced off with the Confederate Brigades of Baylor and Taliaferro.

 Saturday morning individual inspection of arms and demonstrations for each Brigade will be conducted at their respective sites.  Both Federals and Confederates will assign an Ordnance Sergeant to collect, maintain and distribute rounds and caps prior to each demonstration.  At 10:00 AM the Federals will leave Stuart’s Hill and proceed east on Warrenton Turnpike towards the Stone House, tracing the same  steps the Iron Brigade took that fateful evening when the Clash of the Titans occurred.  Culmination of this demonstration will be a joint ceremony held in honor of those who fought and died, paying respects to both sides who valiantly fought and died on this hallowed ground.   As this is hallowed ground the Manassas NMP has requested there be no actual battle scenarios conducted on the Brawner Farm.  The Brigades will approach in line of battle, upon 50 yards, and each Brigade will halt, then form up together shoulder arms, preset arms wheel respectively into battle line and will fire a salute commemorating the honor of those soldiers.  Afterwards we will welcome all visitors to visit the camps of both the Federals and Confederates.

General Rules Uniforms:

Federal Uniforms will be left up to the individual units and commander(s) and will be in accordance with the August 1862 period.  Weapons will follow the guidelines listed below.

Uniform Guidelines, CS:

Listed in order of preference:

Jackets:

1. Early Richmond Depot jacket (RD Type I) of tan/brown or gray jean or wool. (trim preferred)
2. Commutation Jackets or limited frock coats
3. RD Type II, same material as RD I listed above
   (Refer to Leslie D. Jensen’s “A Survey of Central Government Quartermaster Issue Jackets, Part 1,” in Military Collector and Historian, Fall 1989, Vol. 41, no. 3, pp. 109-122, and “A Survey of Central Government Quartermaster Issue Jackets, Part 2,” in Military Collector and Historian, Winter 1989, Vol. 41, 4, pp. 162-171)
4. NCOs- All Company NCOs are encouraged to wear correct NCO insignia. When rank insignia is worn, only cotton or woolen tape shall be used, of which each piece shall be hand sewn directly onto the sleeves or collar. One piece embroidered patches with rank insignia are not permitted.
5. RD III or Tait jackets would not be appropriate to the timeframe.

Trousers

1. Richmond Depot Trouser of same materials listed above for RD jackets. Trousers should not have belt loops or leg creases. The fly and waistband should be relatively narrow (i.e. not more than 1.0 to 1.25 inches). The front edge of the trousers should reach the navel, rising towards the rear to come up beneath the back edge of the jacket or vest. The pockets should be side-slit or mule-ear (French pockets). All trousers must have button flies. Either tiebacks or belt backs are acceptable but belt back trousers are preferred. Buttons should be made of bone, pewter or black lacquered metal. 
2. Federal trousers are encouraged to be worn.  Remember, Jackson’s men just raided the US supply train and Depot at Manassas Junction.

Shirts

1. Any cotton civilian shirt is acceptable. Checks, plaids, stripes and solids are all acceptable.
2. Shirts with documented CS provenance such as “Louisiana”, Campbell, Beam, and Hollyday are strongly encouraged. Fabrics must be woven of 100% natural fibers, i.e. cotton or wool.
3. Civilian pattern, plaids and checks should be woven. Basic assembly may be machine sewn, but exterior details and buttonholes shall be hand sewn. Buttons shall be of appropriate size and made of glass, bone, agate or wood. For shirts, osnaburg, wool flannel, cotton flannel, and cotton muslin are all acceptable. Buttons should be of period materials including, but not limited to wood, bone, rubber, glass, and tin.
4. Please avoid CS issue Selden and Federal issue shirts.

Shoes

1. Shoes with known Confederate provenance
2. Federal issue shoes
3. British import shoes.
4. Civilian shoes, i.e. boots
5. Bare feet – No Bare feet!

Socks - A wide variety of military and civilian patterns are available for socks. Socks of wool or cotton are encouraged.

Hat

1. Civilian slouch hats, this is to include the English import or “Beard” hat. No hat brass whatsoever will be allowed. Black, Brown, or Gray in color. Made of correct wool felt. Edge of brim should be bound with silk ribbon, hand or machine sewn on. Leather or Cotton Duck sweatband should be hand sewn in. Cloth lining is highly recommended but not required. (EOG/CS - pages 166 - 169).
2. CS kepi. Gray jean wool, tarred canvas or leather bill, leather or painted cloth sweatband, with proper pattern and correct lining (EOG/CS - pages 163 & 163). No baseball cap shaped brims are allowed; no synthetic materials are allowed.

Firearms

We would like to see all firearms (three band types only) and bayonets “de-farbed,” i.e. modern makers marks removed and replaced with original type stamping. A bayonet appropriate for the piece should accompany all weapons.

Individual units are responsible for there own rounds/caps; an Ordnance Sergeant will be assigned by the commanding officer for each command.  All rounds will be turned in at the time of registration, rounds and caps are to be placed in brown lunch bag with name and unit affiliation on them and retained until prior to each demonstration.

All firearms will be inspected prior to use. All firearms must be period correct and must comply with Manassas NMP regulations (pdf file). NO EXCEPTIONS!

Note: Only reproduction muskets and rifles may be used for firing demonstrations; no original weapons may be used for firing in these demonstrations.

• Imported P1853 Enfield rifled musket
• Richmond Armory rifled musket
• Springfield M1842
• Springfield M1861
• Springfield/Harpers Ferry M1855 (limited numbers)

Leather Goods

Richmond Arsenal Style or Enfield leather goods are encouraged. This includes a cap box, infantryman’s belt, bayonet scabbard with metal tip, and a cartridge box with tins. Each man’s leathers should be in good shape and well maintained. Correct period natural iron-based dyed leathers are encouraged, but not required.

Cartridge Box - acceptable patterns:

1. US Issue Model 1857 or 1861 Cartridge Box (.58 cal)
2. CS copy of above patterns
3. Enfield pattern (.577 cal) in limited numbers

Cap Box (Leather or tarred canvas) - acceptable patterns:

1. US Issue, shield front or M1850
2. CS copy of above patterns
3. Enfield pattern in limited numbers

Waist Belt: (Leather or tarred canvas) – There is considerable leeway here

1. CS issue: Roller buckle, “Georgia” frame, “forked tongue,” buckles etc.
2. Limited “upside down” US belts allowed

Bayonet Scabbard: (Leather or blackened canvas)

1. “Gaylord Pattern”(U.S. or C.S.) to include lead or sewn tip, 2 rivet or sewn.
2. British Enfield style in limited numbers

Haversacks

1. Any documented CS pattern, made of “painted” or untreated cotton
2. Federal haversack

Canteens

1. CS tin drum
2. Uncovered US issue M1858 “Smoothside w/leather sling. (See J. Stillwagon’s article “A Photographic Analysis of Federal Canteens in Confederate Service 1863-1865”)
3. Above w/cover & cotton webbing strap
4. Federal “Bullseye” or wooden Canteens are discouraged for this event

Knapsacks – Usage based on availability from Manassas Junction supply train raid.

1. Blanket roll or “short” roll preferred
2. US issue “double bag”
3. CS single bag, or “Mexican War” style
4. English bags discouraged

Blankets, Ground cloths

Blankets should be of natural materials and good construction in period weaves and weights, with muted period colors.

1. Documented CS Issue: - 100% Wool or Jean - No synthetic blends. Should be muted earth tones; browns, grays, and blue are acceptable colors. Bindings should be hand sewn. Please avoid “imported” styles & patterns
2. Captured U.S. Issue - U.S. Issue blankets of either gray or brown. (EOG/US - page 214).
3. Civilian - To include coverlets, ingrain carpet, or quilts
4. Ground cloths can be of painted canvas, oilcloth, or rubber 

Tentage – None for the Confederates as this is a campaign event

We are portraying an infantry regiments on campaign; Federal tentage would be sparse, Federal shelter halves of the type IIA, IIB, and IIIA pattern will be permitted. No A-Tents, Wall Tents, and/or Sibley Tents will be allowed. Units are permitted to bring tent flys with them in case of inclement weather.

Note: the following rules and regulations do not preclude full compliance by all participants with any and all regulations that pertain to conduct in and or around the Manassas National Military Park.

1. The Event Hosts reserve the right to ask that anachronistic or inappropriate items be removed or replaced.
2. At all times during Saturday and Sunday (until departure), participants must wear period attire and conduct themselves as infantry soldiers of the respective Confederate and Federal Brigades we are portraying at this event.
3. All participants are encouraged to develop first-person impressions appropriate to the event. While this might not be an “immersion” type event, it may be perceived as such by some participants. We ask that you respect this and use only period terms and vernacular while on duty.
4. Direction of the military activities, camping areas, etc. is the responsibility of the event staff, and they reserve the right of authoritative oversight in these matters. Under no circumstances will modern items be permitted to be in camp.
5. Uniforms should be dirty and somewhat ragged. The “just issued” look is discouraged.   However some “new” equipment selectively can be used to represent new items from the supply depot
6. Accoutrements should be in good condition and should be worn at or near waist level. Bayonet scabbards must have tips. Rounds must be correctly constructed.  An ordnance NCO will be assigned for both Federal and Confederate units and will have control for distribution of all rounds based on NPS guidance and regulations.
7. In general, the hosts retain the right to request participants to make adjustments to their impressions to the meet the needs of the event.
8. Both Federal and Confederate units will be responsible to clean up their respective camping areas including securing all fire pits and trash removal.

Clash of the Titans EVENT RULES:

I. General:

• Registration will be held during Friday evening and up to 9:00 AM Saturday morning.
• Absolutely NO WALK ONS allowed.
• All participants must register and sign any and all required waivers and medical forms.
• All participants must abide by the clothing and authenticity guidelines established for their impression as described elsewhere on this site (Federal or Confederate).
• ALL military re-enactors must comply and be subject to any and all weapons safety inspections. No exceptions. Inspections will be handled by battalion staffs from each side prior to and during the event.
• All participants must wear appropriate period clothing from the time they leave the registration/parking area until the close of the event Sunday morning.
• The event hosts and organizing committee reserve the right to ask that anachronistic or inappropriate items be removed adjusted or replaced. (See list of forbidden items and behaviors, below). We don't want to embarrass anyone, so please read and understand the regulations before the event.
• All military participants are encouraged to develop first-person impressions appropriate to the event. While the Clash of the Titans event is not a mandatory immersion experience for military participants, many soldier re-enactors will choose to be in character for all or a significant part of the event and most others will wish to maintain a period ambiance. Therefore, please refrain from discussing obviously modern topics like cars, movies, the Internet, "the hobby", etc., within earshot of others.
• Direction of all military scenarios, activity schedules, and enforcement of military authenticity standards are the responsibility of the event military coordinators who reserve the right of authoritative oversight in these matters.
• This event is made possible through the permission of the Manassas National Military Park. As this event will be held on the ACTUAL field where soldiers met and died in August 1862, any disrespectful behavior toward the land or event participants will lead to immediate expulsion of the offender by the event committee. It is a privilege to be able to re-enact on this site and all participants are asked to remember this at all times. Per the wishes of the Manassas NMP, NO DEPICTION OF WOUNDED OR DEAD IS ALLOWED DURING THE EVENT.

II. Restrictions:

ALL Participants MUST read and understand the following prohibitions in regard to clothing, equipment, camps and conduct at this event BEFORE you register!!

• Fire pits will be marked. Sod must be lifted, placed a distance from the pit and replaced after the fire is extinguished. NO digging of ANY OTHER KIND is allowed on the property. NO cutting of trees is permitted at any time. Again, this is the actual battlefield and we cannot alter the natural terrain.
• Any objects placed to enable troops to cross water on site must be removed immediately following the crossing.
• No women depicting men in the ranks.
• NO vehicles in camp... ever – period!
• Military camps are expected to look like actual military camps in the1862 2^nd Manassas campaign.
• NO visible modern underwear or other visible modern / anachronistic articles of clothing or personal accoutrements / effects. NO obviously modern hairstyles on men (Mohawks, dreadlocks, long hair, pony tails, braids etc);
• NO smoking cigarettes within sight of other participants or the public;
• NO loud, rowdy or inappropriate behavior, especially between taps and reveille;
• NO obvious intoxication.  NO alcohol will be allowed.
• NO illegal substances or other illegal behavior

Friday 8/24

4:00 – 7:00 Registration/Check In
(Possible battlefield tour of Brawner Farm at 6:30PM details to follow)
Shuttle service from parking area from 1700-1900
Stuarts Hill – Federals
Brawner Farm - Confederate

Saturday 8/25

6:15 Musician’s Call & Breakfast
7:15 Move cars to overflow lot at Stuarts Hill or Manassas NMP Maintenance Area Parking Lot
Shuttle service 0700-0800
7:30 Reveille & Roll-call (final registration)
7:45 Form Company
8:00 Drill/Demo walk-through
9:00 Late Registration
10:00 Form up for demo
10:30 1st Demo (specifics to follow)
11:30 Visitors in Camp - Field Musician’s demo – Company Drill - Brawner Farm
12:00 – 1:00 PM Dinner
1:30 Form Up for Second Demo
2:00-3:00 2nd Demo(specifics to follow)
3:00-4:00 Visitors in Camp - Field Musician’s demo
4:00 Company Drill and Joint Confederate/Federal Dress Parade (more details to follow)
5:00 Camp Closed - Roll Call
6:00-7:00 Supper
7:00 – Camp Life Free Time

Sunday 8/26

6:15 Musician’s Call
6:30 Reveille
6:45 Roll-call
7:00 Breakfast
10:30 Form up for demo
11:00 1st Demo
11:30 Visitors in Camp - Field Musician’s demo – Drill – Brawner Farm
12:00 – 1:00 PM Dinner – General Camp Life
1:30 – Break camp and adjourn