Jan 27, 2009

Dear Unit Representative,

The Fort Pocahontas Planning Committee and I wish to invite you and your unit to attend the 12^th Annual Living History and Reenactment of the Action at Wilson's Wharf, known as Fort Pocahontas, May 15-17, 2008.  This once forgotten fort will once again be recreated through your support marking the 11th consecutive year of reenacting this historic event that took place at Fort Pocahontas on May 24, 1864.

  The planning committee endeavors to provide a safe historically based event that offers interest for the reenactors and spectators while preserving this unique Civil War fort.  I am thankful to those who have participated in this event and its programming, who have volunteered talent and time, and who have developed the site construction of the gun platform and the signal tower over the past years .

Once again, Joe Funk will continue to be the able-bodied Event Commander and Union Commander; Joe Ferguson will be the Cavalry Commander; the steadfast Wayne Womble will be the Artillery Commander.

Registration is open to Union and Confederate military impressions.  The presence of the USCTs is particularly important to the history of the site and therefore, the registration fees are waived for members of the USCT units.  This year’s event will feature The Action at Wilson’s Wharf on both Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.  Please make every effort to represent your unit on both days to provide the best event possible.

A strong artillery performance is needed for both battles and the Saturday evening nightfire. Bounties will be offered to the first four full size guns registered for a fee of $150 per gun. 

As always, sutlers are welcome and hope they will enjoy being closer to the spectator tent and the action.

For daily food service Bill’s Hot Dog will be on site. The evening entertainment will be an informal musical soire graciously led by the musicians from the 69^th Pennsylvania followed by the nightfire and signal tower demonstration beginning at dusk. 

The registration forms and fees should be sent in by May 11, for the pre-registration fee of $10 per adult.  Free for children under 12 years old.  After May 11, the registration fee is $15 per person. A registration form is enclosed and additional forms may be found on the updated web site at www.fortpocahontas.org, including the registration form, itinerary and rules and regulations. A press release and flyer is also online. Please feel free to print the flyer and distribute to businesses, spectators or at related events to help promote this event.  Thanks for your help!

Questions or inquiries about the reenactment may be made to Event Commander, Joe Funk by email at gweitzel@prodigy.net.  Questions about registration may be made to Kay Tyler, Event Administrator, ktyler@sherwoodforest.org or by calling (804) 829-9722.

                                                            Best regards,

                                                                        Harrison Ruffin Tyler