CONFEDERATE FORCES PRESSING TOWARD THE WILLAMETTE RIVER

It appears that that Colonel Jim Stanovich is leading his forces deep into the Oregon. Although Union forces have been fighting a delaying action against Conferderate forces, the Rebel Calvary have been successful in breaking any stands. The farmers and citizens of Oregon are panicing as they see grey clad soldiers march down quiet roads. Foraging parties have been seen scattered through the rich area gathering cattle, strawberries and what ever else they could aquire without harming any citizens. It is believed that Colonel does not want to alienate the citizens and weaken the Confederate cause. When his forces entered Albany they did only minimal damage and set up camp outside of the town. Stanovich was even seen handing out Rebel script to widows and childern.

Today this reporter recieved word that rather than entering Salem, the Capital of Oregon, the Confederate forces are racing around the flank of the Union forces still under the command of Lt. Colonel Scott Eakman. An aide to Col. Eakman spoke to this reporter and said he believes that the Rebels are attempting to cut off them off at the Wheatland Ferry, which is just North of Salem.

Colonel Eakman has begun fortifications in the flood plain just outside of where the old Willamette Mission is located. In 1861 the Willamette River had washed out this area, and it appears to be good ground to fight on. President Lincoln must be watching nervously from the Nation Capital as he sees agressive forces in the East deep into Pennsilvania and in the West driving northward into Oregon.

May Colonel Eakman and the Army of the Willamette make a strong stand at Willamette Mission and drive back the rebels no matter how charitable they are.

WILLAMETTE MISSION CAMPAIGN EVENT REMINDERS

Your friendly event coordinator (Steve Betschart) would like to remind you to bring your membership cards and parking passes to the event.  You will need both.  Set up day is FRIDAY (JULY 1ST) for everybody except mounted cavalry units and sutlers who have coordinator permission.  If you need to do some pre-event camp clean up / brush clearing etc. then you MUST obtain approval from Steve first (503)-623-2102 or Yankeebugler@hotmail.com. The same thing applies if you want to stay in the Modern Camp.  You need to pre-register with Steve.  Otherwise, check with your unit commander about when to set up on Friday.  For map directions, event schedule etc. check out the web site www.NWCWC.org.

The Board also approved a process for the Willamette Mission event that will allow us to distribute two pounds of black powder to each combatant in the infantry and cavalry.  This will be done under the direction of Battalion Sergeant Majors Tom Harper and Bob Olin along with Jim Little.  The key factor will be "if you burn powder then you get powder." So, turn out and get your two pounds of powder. Finally, we all know that Willamette Mission can be a warm event.  All standard fire safety procedures will be used. That means ... no fires left unattended at any time ... each fire must have a bucket of water nearby and a shovel.  Each unit commander should have a fire extinguisher in their tent.

ONE MORE THING ... PLEASE GO TO THE WEB SITE, DOWNLOAD THE WILLAMETTE MISSION POSTER AND SEND IT TO  EVERYBODY YOU KNOW.  IT IS THE BEST ADVERTISING THAT WE CAN HAVE.

BIG BANG DEBATE

One decision reached by your Board of Directors at its meeting on Thursday, June 16th concerned ground charges.   Those who came to the Mt. Pisgah event were VERY impressed with what Jim Little and his crew did there.  But, they are expensive.  The Event Planning Committee recommended that, for the remainder of the campaign season we use no more than 16 charges per battle.  With permits, black powder and other consumable items involved this means that the three day events like Willamette Mission will cost us approximately $641.00 and the two day events like Mc Iver will be $348.00. The Budget & Finance Committee recommended that amount and the Board approved. 

UNIT RECOGNITION RULES - Combatant Numbers

For the past couple of months the Board has been talking about the issue of required combatant numbers for our units.  Basically what the Board decided was to implement rules that were originally passed in 2003 which give a broader definition to who can be considered a combatant and to use the four field events from 2011 and the first two events from 2012 to calculate unit averages.            

So, what are we calling a "combatant"?  The 2003 rule says that a "combatant is one that is engaged in or preparing to engage in combat."  This means any and all military personnel that would have been in service during the American Civil War.  This means that it's not just those who use firearms that should check off "combatant status" on the membership roster at registration !!  People like field musicians, medical staff, engineers and others who are on the field during combat scenarios.  It is VERY IMPORTANT that you do REGISTER as a COMBATANT on your unit roster with Membership Coordinator Anne Tamerius.  Our liability insurance also makes it a requirement for each member of the NCWC at the event to register.

NEW LIVING HISTORY EVENT

The Board authorized further talks with Portland Community College (Rock Creek Campus) to conduct a large scale Living History event on August 20-21. This would involve all branches of service and our civilians. There will be no battles so we can concentrate on education and recruitment. Please mark this on your calendar. Contact coordinator Steve Betschart at 503-623-2102 / Yankeebugler@hotmail.com if you have questions.