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Milton Light Artillery, Company A
BROOKSVILLE AFTER ACTION REPORT (Jan 03)
by Maj. Robert Niepert
Reprinted from www.floridareenactorsonline.com
CSS Goodrich........Gen. Goodrich (Milton Light Artillery, Hardy's Brigade) launched two Confederate submarines at the recent Brooksville Raid.  December's heavy rain left the center east part of the battlefield under water.  A total "lake" area, aprox 35 ft. wide and 250 ft. long stood between the Union and Confederate lines.  That problem didn't bother General Goodrich and he determined that if the water could be crossed, the Federal's east flank could be caught completely off guard. 
  Just before the battle started, Gen. Goodrich ordered the 10th Tenn. Cavalry Co. D. to scout out the lake on the battlefield.  We were to cross in several places and find a shallow point.  Pvt. Brent Bashand and I (Maj. R. Niepert) took on the task.  I had an idea that the lake was about 3 feet deep having seen a Union rider test the water earlier but the General wasn't interested in estimates, he wanted the exact depth.  We sat upon our horses and dreaded what was about to take place.  Together, we first entered the water where we were told the crossing would take place.  Slowly the water climbed on our horses, deeper and deeper.  Soon the water was up to the horses' bellies, then as high as their flanks.  My boots filled with very cold water and about eight inches of my carbine barrel became submerged.  I glanced over at the other horse and noticed we were in so deep that its tail was floating.  As the horses struggled to gain the opposite bank, we determined that the water was close to four feet deep and this was definitely not the place to cross.  To enter the water here would be crazy.  The artillery pieces would be completely under water.  We crossed east and west of the center and the results were about the same.  This was one deep little pond. 
  Wet and cold we reported back to the General and advised against crossing the lake.  I figured that that was the end of that.  I was wrong.  Towards the end of the battle, a courier came up to my cavalry company and requested support as the Milton Light were preparing to cross the lake.  I looked over and there they were on the opposite bank heading towards the deepest spot.  I again advised against the plan and reminded them of the water's depth.  Their mind was made up so I moved the 10th Tenn. Co. D. and the 5th Fl. Partisan Rangers into place to protect their crossing.  I put two riders and myself in the water and prepared to drag the men from the water before they drowned or froze.  At the General's command, the men of Milton Light put their shoulders to the wheels, hoisted their ammo boxes and implements above their heads and hit the water at a dead run.  Notice in the photo at the left (See the On The Field link for photos refered to in this report), the men in the center are in chest deep water and the cannon is completely under water.  The entire battle seemed to stop as all watched the spectacle.  Deeper and deeper they went.  It was almost unbelievable, the men put forth an incredible effort.  Both guns sank quickly to the bottom and the men pulled harder.  I thought to myself General Goodrich had just launched the second and third Confederate submarines and they, as was the Hunley, will not be found for 140 years.  The tremendous effort of the crew prevailed and somehow the men and guns made it through the water to the safety of the opposite shore where they immediately began to set up and load.  The photo at right shows the crew just starting to come ashore.  I swam my horse across and offered the General a ride to the opposite side.  General Goodrich got a very determined look on his face and said, "I will not send my men anywhere I myself would not go."  With the determination of MacArthur he strode confidently into the water and never broke his pace as the water rose.  By this time, the guns were in position and loaded on the opposite side of the lake and as the proud General came ashore a cheer went up and his artillery guns fired. 
  This was truly the most awesome site I have ever seen during a reenactment.  It is a fact that the artillery projectiles are not the only iron balls the Milton Light has with them.  Believe this; it is a true story.  I learned two things from this crossing.  First, never doubt the determination of a dedicated company and second, never doubt General Goodrich.
  P.S.  From this point on, the Milton Light Artillery will scout all water crossings.  Why get your horse wet when these guys like to swim while pulling 500lbs cannons? 
  I got the photos above from the Milton Light website.  I don't know who took the photos but I am very glad someone got this on film.  I hope they don't mind that I used their work without giving them credit.

FORT CLINCH AFTER ACTION REPORT (April 02)...The Milton Light made unit history by serving as garrison artillery for Fort Clinch, April 20-21. This unique opportunity provided an interesting view of a fort-bound soldiers life and duties. Not to mention, Clinch is an outstanding fort and well worth the visit (And we even witnessed a nuclear attack submarine pass 500 yards from us on its journey to the Atlantic. Very cool).

Upon our arrival, Sergeant Helms was quickly busy coordinating our battery's participation with Hardy's Brigade guard mounts and kitchen patrols. To his credit, Milton duty assignments ran smoothly and we were complimented repeatedly for the organization of our battery and the public firing demonstrations we performed. These demonstrations were held on the fort's upper wall, where we had the pleasure to roll one of our pieces up onto it and into battery with 10" Rodman guns for a excellent field of fire and view of the Atlantic.

Unexpectedly, the Milton was called to action to defend the fort from a Yankee schooner disguised as a Confederate blockade runner (yes, an actual masted reproduction ship). This vessel, boasting six gun ports to each side, slipped within 50 yards of the beach (100 yards from us) for a surprise attack. The ship's actions was in respose to an attack by us as it slipped through the channel earlier that morning. Realizing their hostile intentions as naval cannoneers on the ship's deck went into the ready position, the Milton raced into "action front." In another moment to go down in unit history we and the vessel exchanged fire as bewildered beach goers caught between the fort and the boat scrambled hastily for cover! What a hoot!!

Milton cannoneers quartered both in the barracks and at an adjacent beach side camp. Our beach location allowed for a night of revelry on the shore's white sands.

A special get well wish is in order to Pvt. Tim Sanders (aka Pvt. Sanders2), who endured a particularly brutal sick call Sunday morning. I'm still awaiting word from the Confederate Medical Service on his condition.

Look for photos of this weekend to appear soon at the On The Field link.

FLAT LAKE AFTER ACTION REPORT (April 02)...The Milton Light Artillery once again demonstrated a high degree of combat efficiency and determination to do what ever it takes to guarantee a Confederate victory during the Flat Lake tacticals, April 6-7. It was a landmark weekend for us, with the most combat and deployment time of any event in our long history.

A special thanks goes to event host Maj. Bob Niepert, who provided us with such an exhilarating weekend of great battles, food and entertainment!

While it was an exhausting weekend for all our cannoneers, it'll certainly be discussed around the campfire for years to come. We were heavily engaged in five separate battles, which required us to extensively use our long drilled, but never used, "change front" commands. It's clear all our efforts we have put into this drill paid off big time. The Federal cavalry repeatedly tried to sweep in on us, but each time were flustrated by the fact that we could quickly turn our guns in section to new directions so smoothly. Thanks to our response times they never were able to get close.

The enemy artillery also discovered they have a long way to go to match us. In two separate Milton artillery charges, we humbled the Federal cannoneers with such quick strikes that they never got a shot off.

The first incident occurred in wooded terrain (featuring rows of trees and heavy underbrush) as Confederate infantry enveloped the remaining Federal force. They met one strong point, however, a 12-pounder mountain howitzer anchoring the Federal center. As we discovered this guns exact location, it was a simple matter of calculating how many rows of trees they were over. Knowing they were situated in the center of that row, and they had not pinpointed our location, we charged a piece through the woods to their row. In a blinding move we went action front at point blank range and loaded as the enemy cannoneers looked on in bewildered horror. Before they even managed to advance a round forward, we quickly fired and relocated back to Confederate lines, all without facing a single shot. Needless to say the entire Federal crew died in our canister blast. They later congratulated us on our attack.

The second incident occurred during the Sunday morning tactical when Federal cavalry discretely dismounted near an abandoned 3 inch ordinance gun and with the help of a single cannoneer that arrived, attempted to bring the piece into action. Seeing this, the Milton charged over 100 yards and went action front at point blank range. Before the Federals could even get their piece and limber positioned, we loaded, fired and then sprinted off to their far left flank where their piece had no field of fire. Knowing they had still not recovered from our point blank blast, we safely secured our piece and charged with pistols and rammers in hand. These poor Federals expired without even managing to open their limber chest! A total rout!!

Other highlights included: (1) Maj. Cole's wedding. We snuck a quick two round artillery salute as he kissed the bride. We stunned the whole large gathering and everyone thought it was a great addition to the wedding. (2) A spectacular nighttime artillery bombardment on Federal troops. Our muzzle flash was a sight to behold! (3) Pvt. Riley's nighttime pistol attack (a Josey Wales special) on a group of unsuspecting Federal infantry in the woods. (4) The Milton will be a featured highlight of a new Canadian TV series, Weird Weddings. We set time aside so they could film us doing drills and firing. It was very movie like. Thanks to his riveting performance in Weird Weddings, look for Pvt. Denton to star with Brad Pitt next year in John Woo's latest shoot'em up blockbuster . (5) Numerous comments by other reenactors on the reputation of our unit as well drilled experts and a formidable fighting force!!

Everyone in the Milton should be exceptionally proud of the efforts they have put into our unit. This weekends performance reflects the positive direction the Milton continues to forge. And thanks to the Milton nurses for all their support here and throughout the season.

--Capt. Griffin