FEDERAL OCCUPATION OF THE SHADOWS
November 6th & 7th, 1999
Shadows-on-the-Teche Plantation
New Iberia, Louisiana
Click on the house for information regarding the Shadows and New Iberia. Please be aware that due to space limitations, this event is by invitation only. For questions regarding this event, telegraph Steven L. Driskell ( SLDriskell@gmail.com)
Scenario This Living History is to simulate for ourselves and for spectators, a view of life during the Federal Occupation of New Iberia in the Fall of 1863. There will be no battle or reenactment, therefore, we do not need Confederate Soldiers. All soldiers will camp as Federal. In keeping with the intent of this event, we ask that ladies and children who are also camping, portray refugees during public attendance. There will be other scenarios which ladies may take part in.
Plenty of activities are planned and plans are to involve as many persons as possible. Make every attempt to setup on Friday. There will be an overall commander and Captains of the individual companies will be responsible to him. NCO's will need to follow regulations in the preparation of morning reports, organizing guard detail and other duties specified as belonging to the individual NCO. A full payroll is expected for soldiers. Due to space limitations and in the sake of authenticity, we ask that only dog, A-frame, and wall tents be used.
Plans are to have facilities for engineer, medical, quartermaster, signal or telegraph and an authentic sutler. Soldiers are encouraged to bring playing cards, horseshoes, dominoes and checkers to pass free time. Some form of inter-unit competition will be encouraged among the soldiers to gamble their pay - a favorite pastime among soldiers.
All aspects of this weekend should give the participants and the spectators a view of an occupation force. Participants will be expected to take part in roll calls, drill, sick calls, guard duty and unit games. Individuals will be selected, on a short term basis, to play sick or wounded soldiers, civilian enlistees, parolees or partisans caught damaging Federal property. Scenarios will be planned for this event and we encourage volunteers to help.
Unfortunately, there is no room for horses at the Shadows, therefore, cavalry would have to attend dismounted. Artillery will give periodic firings and drill as necessary for the public. All branches will be under the single command of the overall commander. There will be periodic drill time
by the individual companies. Guard duty times will be assigned by the overall commander and each company will use its NCO to post guard and work details.
As mentioned, we plan to make use of our civilian ladies, whom we hope to have make a collective protest to the Federal Commander about abusive treatment at the hands of the Federals. We also hope that many will participate in individual complaints or filings for claims against the Federal authorities. We also welcome Union sympathizers, whom the other civilians could ridicule.
In addition, individuals will give "camp talks" about the flags, equipment and weapons to the public. These are to be scheduled along with other activities so the viewing public can plan accordingly. If you have something special to add, please notify in advance.
Background The following is an excerpt from "The Conduct of Federal Troops in Louisiana", during the invasions of 1863 and 1864. This is an Official Report of the Teche Campaigns and The Burning of Alexandria and was compiled from sworn testimony under the direction of Governor Henry Watkins Allen, April 1865. Annotated and edited by David C. Edmonds, Acadiana Press, 1988.
General Stephen G. Burbridge occupied the enclosures around the residence of the Honorable John Moore in New Iberia, and flaunted his brigade flag over the entrance-gate. He was not satisfied with occupying the kitchen and all the out-buildings, thus depriving the family of the conveniences of the household, so he took possession of the lower rooms of the dwelling.
Mrs. Moore, a lady far advanced in years, belonging to a family distinguished in the annals of the nation, accustomed not only to the conveniences, but the elegancies of life, was driven with the ladies of her family to the upper apartments, where she was subjected to every privation.
General William B. Franklin, with his military family, arrived shortly afterwards, and fell into possession of the same quarters. His presence, did not, however, ameliorate the condition of the family; on the contrary, his continued occupation daily increased its privations. No relief was obtained - none offered. General Franklin says none was asked.
Mrs. Moore succumbed in the midst of these manifold privations. She died - died - imprisoned in her own dwelling, deprived of the comforts she would have bestowed upon the humblest of her servants; and as the Rentrops, Federal persecution followed her to the grave: her tomb was desecrated to furnish brick for Federal hearths.
Amenities Hay, firewood, water, flush toilet facilities, showers, Saturday evening meal, and Sunday noon meal.
June 25, 1999
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