Well, this is it, my last submission to this newsletter as a regular contributor. As I think you all know, I am not seeking re-election and will not be as active next year. My three kids are growing like weeds and I need more weekends dedicated to the family. I plan on making about 5 events next year and look forward to serving as a Private at a few of our smaller events and serving on Battalion Staff for a few of the bigger events.
As I said in the last Captain’s column, I have begun the process of looking back. As this year draws to a close, so does my tenth year with the Texas Rifles. For the last eight years of those ten I have been in a leadership position of one type or another, as a Corporal, a Sergeant, a Quartermaster, a Regional Coordinator, a First Sgt., a Lt. and now Captain. Over that span I had the benefit of learning from the likes of Scott Swenson, Gill Eastland, Bruce Winders, Jamie Bain, Phil Ulbrich, Chris Strzelecki, Bob Huey, John Keahey, Pete Evans, Tom Heard, Mike Lucas, Lee Chesney, the list goes on and on. Our Hobby is focused on history and the past and I think the thing that makes the Texas Rifles different from other units is our history and our past. As the Texas Rifles go forward, I hope that all of our future leaders will embrace our past and measure future successes against our rich history.
As I step down, I feel like giving you a “State of the Rifles” address. We have a strong and competent NCO pool, our civilian contingent is growing by leaps and bounds and what were new recruits just 3 or 4 events ago now look like seasoned veterans. As Captain, though, I have failed you in a few areas;
Number one, I said in my very first Captain’s column that I had a goal of growing this company to 50 or 60 active military (and in turn grow our civilian contingent as well). We are putting about the same number of men in the field as we did when I started and though our Civilian numbers have grown considerably, I deserve no credit for that. You can thank the website and Nancy for bringing more civilians in and making them feel welcome. Our next Captain needs to focus on recruiting and further building alliances as well as being in touch with the Civilian Coordinator and the Civilian contingent and their needs. The biggest threat to our continued success is our size. We need to consistently put at least 25 to 30 rifles in the field to truly operate at a Company level. We have at times this year, been between 15 and 20, which puts us in an awkward position and does not allow the people in our elected and appointed positions to do the job they are supposed to be doing. When we see this trend, I do not believe it should be addressed at the organizational level (changing our positions, NCO’s and rank structure) but at the recruiting level. Our rank structure and elected positions work. We need to fix the real problem and that is the number of rifles we put in the field. If we are fielding a company of at least 25 to 30 at all events, all the problems go away, and for the big events, this means we will field a company of close to 40 if not more.
Second, I made a commitment to getting many of our inactive members active again. I did put some effort into this, but I was not successful and could and should have done more. We need to keep in touch with our members who have become less active. We need to make sure they know that we are looking forward to when the time is right for them to come back out.
In a way I feel like President Bush might feel about his first term. I know he had lots of things he wanted to do and accomplish in his first 4 years, but 9/11 and the war in Iraq took his focus away from those other things. I feel the same about our situation with the Texas Brigade last fall. I found myself dealing with that situation for months, and then the aftermath for several more months and the other things I wanted to do slipped through the cracks. I know a few of our folks did not agree with the way I approached the situation with the Texas Brigade, but I did what I thought was right and when I made decisions, I did so with the Texas Rifles best interest at heart. We handled it democratically, I believe we did the right thing and I believe we are in great shape to move forward and grow. Furthermore, despite the differences of opinion, our Company is still strong and that is the most important thing. Our membership has the ability to debate and voice their opinions without jeopardizing relationships, and it is because of the qualities you all possess.
It will be hard letting go, but I look forwarding to being one of those old guys who used to be in charge and who now is resigned to grumbling from the ranks about the current leadership and talking about how in MY day we did things RIGHT and in general, just having fun making things difficult for the poor sucker standing up front. Maybe I will start doing this right away when we get to “New Business” at Winedale . . . . . Hmmmmmmm.
There is still one more thing to do, and that is see to the planning for the upcoming Winedale. In lieu of filling this column with the organizational information for Winedale, I have submitted a separate organizational report on Winedale for this newsletter, so please read through it.
On the surface, I guess this is just a hobby, but serving on the executive board and as Captain for this organization is something I will always cherish and remember and is something I will always be proud of. Calling it a hobby does not do the way I feel about this experience justice. It was and always will be very important to me.
I hope to see you ALL at Winedale as we kick off the new year and as always,
To Tyrants Never Yield!
Rob Williamson
Captain, Texas Rifles
Lieutenant’s
Inkwell
Full Scale
The Civil War era is not my favorite time period to reenact. Actually, I prefer the American Revolutionary War. The uniforms are more attractive, the weapons more demanding, fife and drum corps adds period music to the unit, civilians have a more integrated role and the tactics more structured. When I lived on the east coast I reenacted the Revolutionary War during the Bicentennial of that conflict. My unit was atypical for the time in that it required that its members purchase two complete kits; the 43rd Regiment of Foote (British) and the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Line (American). What a concept; asking your members to purchase two uniforms! Of course, Rev War kits are more expensive. This was back in the 70’s and 80”, when having a uniform made of the correct materials was considered to be authentic. The authenticity bar has been raised since those times and costs are higher.
During the Bicentennial (200th anniversary) years our regiment grew to around 200 members including artillery, Light Company, Pioneers and a strong civilian contingent. We combined with two other American units with similar uniforms to form a full scale American regimental organization. We fielded over 250 men in a nine company regiment with all the associated period staff officers, artillery, music and civilians just as an American regiment did during the Revolution. It was full scale. By full scale I mean that each man in the ranks represented just that, one man. We did not field 60 men and call it a regiment, or field 120 men and call it a Brigade. The largest Rev War event I attended was the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown in 1981. Presidents Reagan and Mitterand were there. Also there were 5,000 participants including myself, my wife, my sister, my cousin and my mother. It was the largest 18th century military encampment since the 18th century. There is no reenacting experience in the world like wearing a red coat with forty-two buttons and laced buttonholes, white piped clayed belts and a goatskin knapsack; being lead by white gloved officers in dazzling silver laced uniforms, the Sergeants carrying halberds to straighten the already straight ranks, and the polished brass on the Brown Bess muskets shining like gold in the sun. Marching into battle beneath the King’s and Regimental Colors while the regimental fifes and drums play, “British Grenadiers.” Ah! Just thinking about it makes me want to bayonet a rebel!
Those times are gone. Now a large Rev War event draws a couple of hundred guys in fifty different uniforms. There are no large units, no composite regiments, nothing approaching full scale. Authenticity has improved, but organizations have shrunk to the “mess” level (I don’t consider those two developments as related). Participants can not experience the life of a soldier in an army. After an American Revolutionary War presentation at a local museum, I was approached by an audience member. He belonged to a French and Indian War Unit with members in Houston and in Louisiana. He was absolutely confident that I would want to join them since I had some experience in the period. His “regiment” consisted of four (4) guys. I asked him if there were any larger units active. This guy, almost exploding with enthusiasm, responded that I could join the 60th Royal Americans. Their members were scattered all over the Mississippi Valley, but at some events they fielded twelve (12) men! I think you can see the issue here. As a Civil War reenactor I have attended an event with 29,000 participants. I belong to a company strength organization. At the last event I attended (Franklin), our regiment was a full scale representation of the original 6th/15th Texas Consolidated Regiment. We did not have to close our eyes to imagine the numbers, battles and maneuvers; we had them and did them!
There is something to be said for small, authentic units. The Outpost Event in which the Texas Rifles participated was challenging and instructive. However, the primary experience of a French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War or Civil War soldier was being a small part of a big organization. He was part of a company which was part of a regiment (that he was very proud of and that was his primary identification in the army) which was attached to a brigade. He routinely was around hundreds and/or thousands of fellow soldiers. He was required to know his drill so that he could be maneuvered as part of a larger tactical unit.
So, while the Civil War is not my favorite time period to reenact, it offers something that no other recreated period can offer to participants… full scale. So, the next time the First Sergeant yells, “Fall in” and you find your place in the company ranks, savor the moment! You are doing something that most reenactors in other periods never get to do.
Lieutenant John Keahey, Texas Rifles
Because the Sergeant Says So!
Liendo, the last event of the year has come and gone, and so has my career as the Texas Rifle's 1st Sergeant. I won't be seeking re-election to that position again next year. I've held the position for three years, and it has been a term of more than a few "highs and lows." At the lowest point, I can honestly tell you all now that for a while I was closer than anyone might know to taking a leave of absence or just calling it quits. I wasn't having
fun, I didn't feel like I was learning anything or doing anything worthwhile..., but something kept calling me back. I think I knew that with the "lows" comes the "highs." At my highest point, we became an independent company and have just completed the best year in the hobby I have ever had. And the tip of the top was when
we led the battalion into Pleasant Hill after a two day, 15 mile march. The crowd cheering, the knowledge of our Mission Accomplished and meeting personal goals made that small preservation march greater than any large national event I have ever been to.
Now, we are recognized, again, as one of the PREMIER re-enacting units around. What a time to be a Texas Rifle!
These past few years as your 1st Sergeant have been a hell of a ride. Thank you all for riding with me!
FJMarek
(for the last time)
1st SGT of TEXAS RIFLES
Corporal Rowdy’s
Corner THE CHAIN OF COMMAND As Civil War re-enactors, we are portraying
soldiers of the 1860s. Like today’s soldiers they had a system called the
“Chain of Command”! In portraying a soldier of the 1860s you should be
using the “Chain of Command” for all questions regarding your reenacting role
while the decorum lamp is lit. For example you have a question about
Picket Duty. You should go to one of the corporals and ask them. If
they don’t know the answer, they are responsible for taking it up the “Chain of
Command”. These small things can put perspective to the way of life for a
Civil War Soldier. Rowdy Corporal, Texas Rifles It is great that our
civilian group is becoming a cohesive community; our experiences at Liendo and
TMD are guiding us for future improvement. At Winedale we will be planning
menus for future events, planning and starting our quilt, knitting socks
(finally!), and working on our impressions. For those of you who
have never been to Winedale, the civilian experience is a little different from
the posted schedule. On Saturday, our sessions (those listed above) will
be from 1:30 - 5 pm. Purchasing the meal plan is not required.
Single meals can be purchased, or people are welcome to bring their own
beverages and meals. We all sit together whether the meal comes from the
kitchen or not. If you would like to learn how to knit the soldiers’
socks, contact Molly Levine molly.levine@sbcglobal.net
for information about knitting needles and yarn. Unlike many reenacting
groups, our civilian members have a voice equal to the military members,
allowing us to contribute to the planning of future events. In addition to
having our regular annual events, at Winedale we have the opportunity to add
events that have more civilian activities and period appropriate
interactions. I’m looking forward to a great reenacting year. See
you at Winedale. Nancy Tucker Civilian Coordinator, Texas
Rifles
Winedale Logistics
Hey Folks, Winedale will be here before you know it and the planning is
well underway. Some ideas have been shared on classroom sessions, so if
you have any ideas, needs, or if you want to volunteer, please let me know. The event will begin the evening of Friday, January
21st and end around noon on Sunday, January 23rd. I
have proposed a schedule below. For those of you who are new, even though
we wear the appropriate uniforms / clothing (Military, wear your favorite
Confederate impression), the sleeping arrangements and amenities are not based
on the 1860’s reality. We sleep indoors (bring a sleeping bag and a small
mattress if you like) and our meals are catered. Bringing a cooler of your
preferred beverages is recommended. We will spend a large amount of time
outdoors, though, so make sure your impression is a warm one (wool pants VS
cotton and bring gloves and a scarf if you have them). Meals: The cost for the meals are as follows- IMPORTANT! – PLEASE EMAIL WHAT MEALS YOU PLAN ON EATING SO
I CAN GIVE THE WINEDALE FOLKS THE COUNT! My email: Rwilliamson3@austin.rr.com Dues: Please bring your checkbook or cash so we can settle up the
yearly dues on Saturday. Individual membership dues are $12.00 and family
memberships are $18.00. Saturday Night Auction Please bring along any item you wish to donate for the
auction. The item does not have to be civil war related. We auction
books, puzzles, cd’s, dvd’s, pictures, you name it. If it is valuable to
someone and you can part with it, bring it along. Winedale Event Schedule Friday: Arrive whenever you can. Friday night will
be our regular "good time". Socializing, picture sharing, storytelling,
movies, games, etc. An impromptu Officer and NCO call will be held around
9:00pm. Bring your favorite beverages for socializing and movie watching.
Nothing else on the agenda, just show up and have fun. Saturday: Sunday: Directions: For driving directions, go to:
http://www.cah.utexas.edu/divisions/Winedale/winedalemap.html Thanks! This is going to be a great event! Rob Williamson Captain, Texas Rifles Quatermasters Report
The current balance in the TR QM
fund is $-205.77. This is due to the purchase of the first TR QM owned
musket. This negative amount will be reduced by the time of Winedale, but
not significantly. The TR QM learned some
interesting lessons from the Liendo rain fest. First of all we need some
canvas bags with which to carry the loaner items to the field and back. My
paper grocery sack option works well… until the bags disintegrate in the
rain. We may need to purchase Enfield bayonets. It is becoming
increasingly obvious why the current bayonets have been donated to the TR QM:
the blade hilts are so big that they do not fit any but the largest scabbard
throats. Can anyone think of a period use for an Enfield bayonet other
than a tent stake, candle holder or pot hook? The QM would still like to add
two more Federal knapsacks to the inventory besides access to additional
firearms. Captain Williamson has very generously allowed the QM to keep
and loan his musket to members during his term as captain. All you new
members and some veterans who used Rob’s musket over the past two years should
buy him an extra beer as a small return on his generosity. I would also
like to add items to the QM that would benefit the growing civilian group.
Any ideas out there as to what you could use? In a small effort to stem the
tide of TR QM red ink, the QM will offer for sale for the paltry sum of $35.00
(US) padded gun cases to the members again. Anyone interested should
notify the TR QM. This is my last report as the TR
QM. In a moment of extreme mental lapse Rodney Bode foolishly agreed to
become the new TR QM as of Winedale 2005. Please support him in his new
responsibilities as he has generously agreed to donate his time to the Texas
Rifles in this key role. Regards, jmk Recruiting Report
This year we have brought a large number of recruits into our
fold. The efforts of a bunch of folks have helped with this. Don has updated our
recruiting literature, and publishing it in two forms: a trifold pamphlet and a
broadside handout. Those of us who worked at the November gun show saw first
hand how folks responded to our literature. Make sure you pick up a few of these
at Winedale and keep them handy. One never knows when he will meet a potential
recruit! We have a new recruit that attended his first event at
Liendo. Rodney’s cousin Joey. I can’t remember his last name, but he is a senior
at Texas A&M. whooop ( I think that is the catch phrase). Since I am a
Central Michigan Chip, I don’t know Texas college cat calls. I digress. Joey did
a fine job joining Kim Levine and John Lechmann in the field. While the Levine
and Lechmann families continued improving their civilian impression. So keep on recruiting and we will see continued growth of the
Rifles in 2005. Chris Strzelecki Proposed Bylaws Changes
The Bylaws Committee is composed
of John Keahey, Chris Strzelecki and Phil Ulbrich. After deliberations it
has submitted to the membership its proposed revisions of the Texas Rifles
Bylaws. These proposed revisions will be published on the website and in
the newsletter. They were read to the membership at our meeting at
Liendo. The required thirty days notice of proposed bylaws revisions in
the current bylaws have been met and the proposed revisions will be submitted
for discussion, amendment and approval at the annual meeting at Winedale in
January, 2005. The Bylaws Committee is not a standing committee and will
dissolve after the approval process is completed. jmk Bylaws of the Texas Rifles Adopted
January
25, 1989
as Amended January
12, 1991
as Amended January
21, 1995
as
Amended January, 2005 1.
PREAMBLE We,
the men and women of the Texas Rifles, have joined together for the purpose of
honoring those who came before us and bravely endured the crucible of the
American Civil War in defense of their homes and beliefs. Thus, our
primary goal shall be to accurately portray the period roles of nineteenth
century men and women during the War Between the States. The activities of
the men of the Texas Rifles will center on recruiting a company of Confederate
Infantry and attached personnel. The activities of the women of the Texas
Rifles will be based on the portrayal of wives, sweethearts and working women of
the Confederacy who gave their time and energy in support of the Southern
Cause. The Texas Rifles strives to provide its
members with a quality historical recreation experience in a safe
environment. The
secondary purpose of the Texas Rifles shall be to portray other important
historical nineteenth century roles such as the Texas Revolution, Mexican War,
Indian Wars, various peace time periods and any other impression which the
membership shall consider to be of interest to themselves and the
public. 2.
MEMBERSHIP 1.
Classes of
membership 1. There
are four (4)
classes of membership. They are: active, inactive, probationary and honorary. 2. An
active member is defined as someone who has completed the requirements for
application and justifies membership through active participation with the
company or on staff. 3. An
inactive member is defined as someone who is not current on paying dues.
An inactive member may not participate as a member, may note vote and may not
hold office in the Texas Rifles. 1. A
member shall be declared inactive when they become three months delinquent on
payment of dues. 2. An
inactive member will be reinstated to full membership upon payment of dues,
provided such payment is made within one year of the due date. 4. An
honorary member is defined as someone who has retired from the reenacting hobby
and has been voted into honorary membership by the active membership. 5. A
member may be placed on probationary, or “not in good standing” status, by a
vote of the Executive Board. A probationary member retains membership, but
may have some, or all, of the privileges of active membership withheld by the
Executive Committee. 6. No
member can be removed, or have his/her membership status reduced, except by the
processes specified. 2. Admission to
Membership 1. Eligibility:
Membership is open to any man or woman who is willing to accurately portray a
nineteenth century impression that is typical of their age, sex, race, and
national origin. No person shall be denied full membership provided they
are fully willing to abide by all regulations noted herein. 2. An
applicant (hereafter known as recruit) is defined as someone who is engaged in
complying with the regulations for admission to active membership. A
recruit may not vote, and may not hold office. 3. Sponsorship
of Members; A recruit interested in joining the Texas Rifles must first be
sponsored by an active member. 3. Sponsorship 1. A
sponsor must be an active member of the Texas Rifles in good standing.
Good standing is defined as being free of reprimands for failure to abide by the
bylaws or uniform and camp regulations of the Texas Rifles. 2. An
active member may sponsor only one recruit at any one time. Regional
directors may sponsor any number of recruits. 3. Duties
of the Sponsor: 1. Make
necessary plans and arrangements for getting the recruit to events. 2. Make
certain the recruit has all necessary uniform and equipment for an
event. 3. Help
the recruit meet and feel comfortable among other members of the Texas
Rifles. 4. Help
the recruit learn the necessary routines within the Texas Rifles; such as drill,
setting up camp, the proper way to wear a uniform and accoutrements, fatigue
details, etc. 5. Be
available to answer any questions the recruit may have concerning the Texas
Rifles. 6. Strive
to keep the recruit’s interest and enthusiasm growing from one event to
another. 4. Eligibility for
Election to Membership 1. Recruits
must attend two (2) Texas Rifles maximum effort events before they can stand for
election into the Texas Rifles. The recruit has 1
year to meet this requirement; unless an extension is granted by a vote
of the active membership. A “maximum effort
event” is defined as an exceptional event approved as such by the membership at
the annual meeting. All members should strive to attend maximum effort
events. There can generally be no more than four maximum effort events in
a year. The annual election muster shall be considered a Texas
Rifles maximum effort event. 2. The
recruit will become a full member of the Texas Rifles by a two-thirds (2/3)
majority vote of approval by the active membership. 3. The
recruit shall first become eligible to be put forward for election to full
membership after attending his second maximum effort
event. 5. Requirements of
Membership 1. Payment
of annual dues, due at the time of the annual election muster. 2. Payment
of participation fees as required per event. 3. Adherence
to the bylaws, uniform guidelines and camp regulations of the Texas
Rifles 4. Compliance
with the military orders issued by the officers and non-commissioned
officers. 5. A
minimum level of participation will be expected of each member; consisting of
attendance at no less than two (2) Texas Rifles events per year.
Participation is defined as service with the company or in a staff level
position. 6. Rights of
Membership 1. All
members in good standing will be eligible to vote on all issues that require the
attention of the Texas Rifles. 2. All
members in good standing will be eligible to be elected or appointed to any
position recognized under Section
III
of these bylaws. 3. All
members in good standing shall receive a copy of the Texas Rifles newsletter
when issued and are invited to submit any articles, letters, thoughts, or
complaints for publication in said newsletter, subject to editing by the
editor. 4. All
officers and members of the Texas Rifles are expected to act in the best
interests of this organization when representing it.
7.
Removal from Membership 1.
A member may be removed from membership by a two thirds majority vote of the
members present, or represented, at a meeting. This meeting and the
membership status vote must be announced thirty (30) days in advance.
3.
GOVERNING
BODY The
following shall be the official organization and command structure of the Texas
Rifles. 1.
Elections shall be held for the ranks of Captain, First Lieutenant, First
Sergeant and Civilian Coordinator on an annual basis. 1.
A member will be elected at the annual election muster to serve for one (1) year
as the Civilian Coordinator. Duties will be to organize and supervise all
civilian activities, including recruitment of civilian members and event
registration of civilians. 2.
The Executive Committee of the Texas Rifles shall be composed of all elected
officers plus the Treasurer. 3.
The Captain serves as an ex officio member of all standing and temporary
committees. 1. The
elected officers will appoint such officers, non-commissioned officers and posts
(such as Authenticity Committee, Newsletter Editor, Regional Directors, etc.)
as necessary. 1. Officers
– i.e. 2nd Lieutenant - shall be appointed by the elected military
officers on an event-by-event basis, as company manpower levels
demand. 2. Non-commissioned
officers shall be appointed by the elected military officers at the annual
election muster, and in proportion to company strength. NCO positions
shall be held on an event-by-event basis. 3. The
Authenticity Committee shall be appointed by the elected officers at the annual
election muster to serve for one (1) year. 1. The
Authenticity Committee shall consist of five
(5) voting members and
as many non-voting members as wish to participate in its deliberations.
The voting members shall consist of four military and one civilian member of the
Texas Rifles. 2. The
authenticity Committee shall be chartered to conduct research on such subjects
as nineteenth century uniforms, unit histories, dress, habits, etc. 4. Regional
Directors shall be appointed by the elected officers at the annual election
muster to serve for one (1) year. 1. Regional
Directors shall assist the elected officers in maintaining proper communication
among the members of the Texas Rifles between events. 2. The
number of Regional Directors shall be determined by the company strength and
geographic location(s) of the membership. 3. Duties
of Regional Directors 1. Organization
of such small local events as shall be held in their region 2. Distribution
of information to regional members 3. Promotion
of local recruiting 4. Organization
of local cartridge rolling parties 5. Oversight
of event transportation and messes 5. Vacancies
in the elected positions shall be filled by special election called for by the
highest-ranking officer or NCO present when vacancy occurs. Vacancies in
appointed positions shall be filled by appointment by the elected officers to
serve as required. 6. Any elected officer of the Texas Rifles who fails to
conduct him or her self properly, or act in the best interests of the Texas
Rifles, may be removed from office by a 2/3 majority vote of the voting members
present, or represented, at a meeting held with at least thirty (30) days prior
notice to all members. If the Captain is removed the Lieutenant will
assume his office. If the Lieutenant is removed the First Sergeant will
assume his officer. If the First Sergeant is removed the Second Sergeant
will assume his office. If the Treasurer is removed the Captain will
appoint a successor. If the Civilian Coordinator is removed the Captain
will appoint a successor. 4.
FINANCES 1. This
proposal supercedes Section 4; A and B of the bylaws. 2. Appointment 1. The
Treasurer is appointed by the Captain as an executive assistant, and has a seat on the Executive Committee. 2. The
Captain may seek the advice of the Executive Committee and of interested parties in making this appointment and
satisfy himself to their skills and knowledge according to part
5. 3. The
term of the office shall be one year. 4. Duties
and Responsibilities of the Office 1. The
Treasurer will: 1. have
custody of the checkbook and register 2. reconcile
bank accounts monthly 3. prepare
checks. The treasurer will not be a signatory on the bank
account. 4. receive
funds and make deposits 5. issue
receipts for cash 6. prepare
annual budgets of reoccurring activity 5. Knowledge
of Office 1. The
Captain must satisfy himself by any process deemed reasonable as to the
Treasurer Candidate(s)’ following traits and choose the best qualified
member: 1. commit
time to office 2. maintain
accessibility 3. show
self-discipline 4. have
above average knowledge of fundamental accounting & book-keeping 5. have
journeyman experience level 6. at
least two (2) years membership in good standing in the company 7. history
of active participation with the Texas Rifles 6.
Removal from Office 1. The
Captain can dismiss the Treasurer at his discretion. The 1st
Sergeant will act as interim treasurer, if necessary, until one can be
appointed. 2. Upon
dismissal, the former treasurer must expedite the return of all books and
records to the successor treasurer – the Executive Committee may
expedite. 7.
The initial treasurer will prepare the first set of books and is responsible for
transferring this knowledge to the next Treasurer. 5.
AMENDING AND
VOTING PROCEDURES
1. All votes on any issue under consideration by the Texas Rifles, excluding
amendments and membership questions, may be determined by simple majority (50% +
1) vote. Amendments to these bylaws, as well as
membership and removal from membership must be approved by a two-thirds
(2/3) majority vote. Active members not present
at a meeting may have their votes placed by another active member displaying a
signed and dated proxy. 2.
A quorum for a meeting of the Texas Rifles at which any voting shall occur shall
consist of at least a 20%
representation of the members in good standing, plus at least two members of the
Executive Committee. 3.
Texas Rifles Dues can only be changed at a meeting called with a thirty (30)
prior notification and the announcement of the intention of changing dues.
Current dues are $12.00 per member and $18.00 per family. 4.
All business meetings of the Texas Rifles will be conducted under Robert’s
“Rules of Order.” 6.
SPECIAL
PROVISIONS
1. Any grievance should be submitted, in writing, to the commanding officer,
and/or other officers, non-commissioned officers or regional Directors as are
appropriate.
2. In the event that the members in good standing of the Texas Rifles votes to
disband the organization, all property of the Texas Rifles shall be donated to
one of the following entities listed below. In order of preference they
are:
1st choice- George Ranch Historical
Park
2nd choice- Museum of Southern History Proposed guidelines for the Western theater Confederate
impression have been approved by the committee and submitted to the members of
the TR for consideration at Winedale (see below). The only required impression
remains the ANV guidelines already in place. At Winedale, we will most likely have some work on defining
the committee membership, and the scope of the committee - as to whether
approved sources of supply should also be addressed by the committee in order
to make it easier for our members to obtain authentic kit items, for example.
T. Attaway PROPOSED UNIFORM and EQUIPMENT
REGULATIONS: WESTERN THEATER
CONFEDERATE 1.
Whereas the Texas Rifles are
frequently called upon to do a Western theater Confederate impression, at those
times the Texas Rifles’ uniforms and equipment should parallel uniforms and
equipment likely to have been used by troops in that theater of operations.
2. After
the collapse of the Commutation System (under which troops supplied their own
clothing) in 1862, Western theater soldiers would have received subsequent
issues of uniforms and equipment from the various clothing depots in their area.
Thus at the peak of the struggle, Western theater Confederates would have
received clothing and equipment produced within the Western theater, limited
captured Federal supplies, or goods imported from foreign sources. 3. We
propose that the Uniform and Equipment Regulations offered below be secondary to
the primary Texas Rifles impression of Eastern theater soldiers. Members would
not be required to obtain any of the following items. However, those Texas
Rifles members desiring an authentic Western theater impression are advised to
adhere to these regulations. Western theater uniform and equipment items owned
by current members, but not conforming to these regulations can be used until
replaced. New recruits will be required to conform to all regulations in this
document. 4. The
goal of these regulations is to maintain the Texas Rifles as one of the premier
organizations of its kind in the United States and to more accurately portray
the rank and file of the Western theater Confederate soldier. The initial armament of many Confederate infantry units
consisted of .69 caliber smoothbore U.S. muskets. Throughout its service
the Confederate Army increased the proportion of rifled-muskets, particularly
imported Enfield Rifled-Muskets, to smoothbore muskets. Although the
Enfield was imported in large numbers beginning in 1862, the U.S. pattern .69
caliber smoothbore and .58 caliber rifled-muskets were present in significant
numbers throughout the war in the West. However, since the P1853 Enfield
is currently over-represented in our ranks, the following weapon preferences are
recommended: Recommended
Weapons: Preference #1
M1842 .69 caliber US musket
Preference #2 M1816 .69 caliber US musket, percussion conversion
Preference #3 M1861 .58 caliber Springfield rifled-musket
Preference #4 M1855 .58 caliber US rifled-musket
Preference #5 P1853 .577 caliber Enfield rifled-musket
Acceptable Weapons:
M1863 & M1864
.58 caliber US rifled-muskets Discouraged Weapons: M1841 .54 or .58 caliber “Mississippi”
Rifles
P1858 .577 caliber Enfield Each weapon must be equipped with the appropriate bayonet,
tompion and cleaning tools (such as a worm and nipple wrench) and cartridge box. Cone
protectors for Enfield muskets are optional. The following items are recommended. Often, these
accoutrements will allow the member to participate as either a Federal or
Confederate soldier. Uniquely Confederate accoutrement items of issue can
be added later as desired. Cartridge box caliber should match caliber of
weapon. Recommended
Accoutrements: Cartridge
Boxes Preference
#1 M1857 .58 or .69 Cartridge Box unmarked & unriveted Preference #2 Confederate manufactured early war
Cartridge Box Preference #3 M1857 .58 or .69 US Cartridge Box,
early or pre-war stamps Preference #4 M1839 (42) .69 Cartridge Box Preference #5 Enfield Pattern Cartridge Box When doing a Confederate impression the oval
“US” cartridge box plate and round “Eagle” plates should be removed or turned
upside down. Preference #1 M1857 Black “Waxed” Leather
Cartridge Box Sling Preference
#2 M1857 Black Leather smooth-side out Cartridge Box Sling Preference #3
Confederate Cartridge Box Sling, painted cloth Preference
#4 Confederate Cartridge Box Sling, unpainted cloth Preference
#5 Enfield Pattern black leather Sling When doing a Western theater impression, the
cartridge box sling is optional on some boxes. Preference #1 Confederate Georgia Frame
Buckle Preference #2 Confederate Forked Tongue
Buckle Preference #3 Roller Buckle Preference #4 Pewter “CSA” Buckle Preference #5 English “S” hook pattern Buckle Preference #6 “US” Oval Waist Belt
Plate Preference #1 Smooth
or Waxed leather belt for frame or US oval buckle. No brass keeper. Preference #2
Confederate Waist Belt, painted cloth Preference #3 British
pattern Waist Belt with “S” hook belt plate The buckle you use may determine the waist belt
style; make sure they are compatible Preference #1 M1839 US pattern russet leather
Musket Sling Preference #2 Confederate pattern linen Musket
Sling Using a musket sling is optional. Many
Confederates probably did not have one at all. Bayonet Scabbard Preference #1 M1857 US Gaylord pattern Bayonet
Scabbard, two rivet or all sewn Preference #2 Confederate pattern Bayonet
Scabbard, all sewn, brass or tin tipped Capbox Preference #1 M1850 US pattern Capbox, shield or
tapered front Preference #2 Confederate pattern Capbox Recommended Quartermaster Equipment: Preference
#1 Texas Rifles Confederate / Mexican War Pattern single-bag
Knapsack with russet leather straps, stenciled with company
letter, soldier’s company number and regimental number Preference
#2 US M1853 “Double-Bag” Knapsack (early-war version) Preference #3 Blanket roll (no
knapsack) Preference #4 Isaac & Campbell British
Knapsack Preference #5 Any authentic period Knapsack Haversack Preference #1
US regulation painted Haversack with liner bag and black leather closing
strap, stenciled with company letter and soldier’s
company number Preference #2 Unpainted cotton duck Haversack with
button closure Tent Preference #1 Gaede Type IIa pattern Shelter Tent
Half Preference #2 Gaede Type IIIb pattern Shelter
Tent Half The Texas Rifles is a “campaign style” unit; our
shelter must be comfortably transportable in our knapsacks or in a blanket roll. Sibley and
“A” frame tents are suitable only at static events. Wall tents for
enlisted men are unacceptable. Many Confederates
had no shelter on campaign. No Texas Rifles preference; any authentic period canteen is
appropriate. Federal style canteens should be covered, or re-covered, in Texas Rifles approved gray
/ brown jean material. Preference #1 Painted Oilcloth Preference #2 US pattern painted cloth “Gum
Blanket” Preference #3 US pattern rubber coated Gum
Blanket (no reinforced head hole) Cooking and Eating Gear Texas Rifles
members must have an authentic period tin cup, tin plate, knife, spoon and
fork. Each member needs access to authentic period cooking gear for food
preparation. These items could include a sheet iron frying pan and a tin
boiler. All cooking items must be of a size suitable to be conveniently
carried by one man. No stainless steel or cast iron! Blanket Preference #1 Any authentic period blanket or
coverlet Preference #2 US pattern wool Blanket with “US”
stitched into center IV.
Uniform Recommended Uniform: Jacket Preference #1 Columbus Depot Jacket, Type I
or Type II, Sheep Grey wool / brown cotton jeans with French blue kersey collar & cuffs, five to seven
button front with “I” buttons, lined in period Osnaburg Preference #2 Department of Alabama Depot
Pattern Jacket (Mystery Jacket) Preference #3 Generic CS Jeans Jacket with
low collar, one piece sleeves & six piece body Preference #4 CS Single Breasted – Jean
Cloth Frock Coat Preference #5 Any Authentic Period Civilian
Sack or Frock Coat Preference #6 US Pattern Sack
Coat Trousers Preference
#1 Trousers, any authentic period civilian trousers of cotton, wool,
linen or wool / cotton jeans with
porcelain, wood, metal or bone buttons Preference
#2 Trousers, US pattern sky blue kersey of the Schuylkill Arsenal or
contractor design. Machine sewn and
hand finished with black tin buttons. Preference
#1 Any authentic period slouch hat. No fedoras, outback or
modern cowboy hats! Preference
#2 Any authentic period civilian hat, including wheel, straw,
mechanic’s, top and bowler hats. Preference
#3 CS Kepi or Forage Cap of wool, cotton or wool / cotton jeans.
Preference
#4 US pattern dark blue Forage Cap. The
Western theater of the Civil War was not supported as well materially as the
Eastern theater. Insignia should be kept to a minimum, or not used at
all. Avoid the use of leather drawstrings on slouch hats and animal parts.
Shirts No
Texas Rifles preference, however white muslin shirts are over-represented in the
ranks. Although the CS authorities issued shirts, no standard style, or
fabric has been identified. Many Confederate soldiers were outfitted with
donated shirts and / or civilian shirts from home. These shirts were
either made from homespun cotton or manufactured print patterns. They were
frequently colorful and pleasing to the eye, as dictated by the fashion of the
day. Small glass or porcelain buttons of many varieties and colors were
used most often. Metal, bone and wood buttons are
over-represented. Socks No Texas Rifles
preference; any authentic period sock made of 100% wool, cotton, or wool /
cotton blend. Shoes Preference #1 Confederate pattern
shoes Preference #2 Any authentic period working
class shoes Preference #3 US pattern black leather
Brogan shoes with leather laces Braces
(Suspenders) No Texas
Rifles preference; any authentic period non-elastic suspender is
appropriate. Suspenders were not an item of issue to soldiers. Items which are useful,
but not required by the Texas Rifles, include the following: Federal or Confederate
Overcoat
Spare pair of Socks Cotton or linen long
Drawers
Spare
shirt Period Hatchet for cutting fire
wood
Wool shirt
for cold weather events Housewife (sewing kit) for
in-the-field repairs Vest The Texas Rifles Authenticity Committee
1.
WEAPONS
II.
ACCOUTREMENTS
Cartridge Box
Slings
Waist Belt Buckle
Waist Belt
Musket Sling
III.
Quartermaster Equipment
Canteen
Rain Protection
Hats
V.
Accessories