HMGS' Cold Wars Day 1

       

COLD WARS 2015 - THE END OF THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR!

Our theme is The 150 the Anniversary of the end of the American Civil War.

The year - 1865. The place - Richmond, Virginia.

”In the last days of the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia was fighting with its back to Richmond. These battle-weary but determined Confederates were facing overwhelming odds. A section of guns from the Third Company, Washington Artillery of new Orleans, "...the most famous of the Confederate volunteer artillery organizations," was posted at Fort Gregg, a critical portion of the thin line of defense close to the Appomattox River. If the fort fell, the Union forces could break the Confederate line. 

On April 2, 1865, the Union forces attacked Fort Gregg. The 270 defenders had to hold until Lieutenant General James Longstreet's men could occupy new positions. Assault after assault broke against the walls of the fort like a rising blue tide against a rock. One of the assaults swept over the parapet of the fort. Lieutenant McElroy's guns of the Third Company, Washington Artillery barred the way. Three-inch Parrot rifled cannon, loaded with canister were aimed at the attacking Federal soldiers at point blank range.

A Union soldier called to Private Lawrence Berry, who had the firing lanyard in his hand, "Don't fire that gun! Drop the lanyard or we'll shoot!" Berry yelled back, "Shoot and be dammed!" and fired his cannon into the faces of his assailants. Almost immediately Berry went down with multiple wounds. The tenacious defense of Fort Gregg gained precious time for Confederate forces to solidify their lines. The courage, dedication and self-sacrifice of the Washington Artillery is carried on today by the 141st Field Artillery, Louisiana Army National Guard."

Little did these brave lads in blue and grey know, but Lee would surrender at Appomattax Court House just a few days later, ending a tragedy that saw 600,000 Americans on both sides die for causes they truly believed righteours and just. Yet these soldiers did not die in vain, but instead left a legacy of courage and dedication the heights of which have seldom been seen since. Are you willing to try and match their fortitude? Grab somehard tack or johnny cake, swish down one final slug of good Tennessee sippin' whiskey and sling your rifle for the long march to Lancaster, PA and the HMGS Cold Wars Convention now scheduled for 5 - 8 March 2015. Some of toughest commanders in blue and grey are in the front ranks ready to lead. Do you have the courage to follow?
My account Day 1

         Snow storms are becoming the normal for Cold Wars. This people were ready. There were 50 rooms sold a day early.

         Of course the Lancaster Host was not ready. Understaffed and unprepared. The large game room was colder inside than it was out side. It was so cold inside, people were playing games in there winter coats. Some one bought a space heater.

         I did get in a AdeptiCon primer game. Kal was nice enough to test me.