California Column, Spring 2011

[Cpl Bell]

Andy,

Thank you for your interest. We are planning on making this march with Inf. Cav and maybe even Howitzers. As the California Column was made up of several small units moving across the desert, we can attempt to recreate one of these small commands.

A couple of of small commands that we might consider is CPT Calloway's Command Company I 1st Inf. who marched from Yuma towards Tucson along the Gila River. Calloway had a force of about 125 troops of Inf. Cav & two Howitzers.

Also we might consider CPT Roberts who had a combined force of Inf, Cav & Artillery too.

We are still looking for suggestions on what particular command and route to portray.

Please let me know your ideas.

Yours, Sean

[Masich]

These are two excellent choices, Sean. Both are small commands composed of mixed arms--cavalry, infantry, artillery. Calloway's force skirmished with the Rebels at Picacho Pass. Roberts's command blasted its way through Cochise's Chiricahuas to the springs in Apache Pass (and bloodied Mangas Coloradas in the process). Calloway's [Lt Phelan's] Mtn Howitzers were packed on mules while Roberts's [Lt Thompson's] were pulled on prairie carriages. As I remember, Roberts's men were not required to carry their knapsacks--they stashed them in the company wagon.

[Cpl Bell]

Thank you Mr. Masich. You have provided me a lot of help on this topic. I've would like to look at Col Carleton’s escort as well. That might prove interesting too.

I think the idea of combined Inf & Cav along with a pair of Howitzers would be an authentic and interesting example of operation in the S.W. during the Civil War.

As I look at various scenarios the operation along the Gila seem to provide us with many opportunities. What I'm wondering now is what the terrain looks like now. What kind of routes might we encounter? Are they mostly free of modern intrusions?

Please let me know your thoughts and ideas.

Yours, Sean

[Cpl Bell]

For those of you interested in learning more about the California Column, may I suggest reading a fine and recently published work on the subject? Since Mr. Masich is beyond shameless self-promotion, I will promoted his work without shame, as it is truely a great work that addresses the subject quite well.

Please read The Civil War in Arizona, The Story of the California Volunteers, 1861-1865, by Andrew E. Masich, University of Oklahoma Press, 2006

[Masich]

Thanks for your kind comments, Sean. I'm happy to help in any way I can. It's been more than 20 years since I rode from Stanwix Station (80 miles east of Yuma) to Painted Rocks (now a State Park). Most of the land along the Gila was in private hands then, but most of the property owners were cooperative and actually interested in the history of the Gila Route. The State land should be no problem, as far as permission goes. The Pima land may not be a problem if we approach the Tribal Council respectfully. They now have a museum with a professional curator who may help. If you really decide to make a dash to Picacho (30-40 miles) there will probably be a lot of dirt farm roads following section lines. We might want to talk to the NPS people at Casa Grande ruins (where the names of some CVs and scout Paulino Weaver can still be seen scratched in the 800-year-old mud walls) and see if they might be able to help us chart a course without too many modern intrusions. The rangers at Picacho State Park may also be helpful, but the guys who know the land best around there are Arnie Frank, Jay Van Orden, and Rick Collins--military historians in Tucson.
I'm sure that Don and Troy and others who have tramped CV trails more recently than I will be better sources for on-the-ground intelligence for the area west of Fort Bowie--which has been less impacted by modern development. Again, the NPS staff at Bowie could probably sketch a route for us--they know the locals and I'm sure would love to be involved.

[AZReenactor]

map of the Butterfield Route

[AZFarrier]

CPL Bell
I live in Casa Grande AZ and know this area well. The origional route has been taken over by technology. The Southern Pacific RR followed the Overland Stage rode and I-10 is adjcent to that. I agree with Andy Masich, that the NPS and the tribes could be contacted to provide an alt route suggestion, all we need to do is ask. I would be willing to do some leg work on this if called on due to my location, and gives me an excuse to get out of the house on horse back. I would prefer Eastern AZ but know that you may not get a lot of CA interest. eastern AZ is less developed and more of the original landmarks are there. To the west, my only issue is water. The Gila River has been dammed above Florence AZ and there is little to no water exept monsoon season. I'm game either way, just give me a direction and I'll point my horse trailer that direction. Also I might have a small string of horses ready by then...maybe!
Please let me know.
Andy Miller
1st CAL Cav

[fightingboy48]

Sean and all,
Count me in as well! We need to do more California state troops events out here in our areas!!
I beleiave we could march through the Anza- Borego state park area. the original butterfield road still exists there in portions and this route is one that the troops used on their way to Ft. Yuma assembly point. Sean lets work on the uniform and equiptment standards for the event.
I'm willing to help with correct period supplies(food,{containers, Boxes}, Candles, other issued items) and offer my skills as an artist and researcher.
Lets get the oral word out to all of our friends about this event and our other California Volunteer events also!!
On a sloghtly different note, remember everyone that here at Fort Tejon State Historic Park we will be hosting two 2nd Cal garrison events this year!!
The first event dates are February 5-7th 2010. The second event dates are Friday April 30th - May 2d 2010. Also we have one other California state troops event planned at Keyesville, Ca for the last half of September. Both Ft Tejon and Keyesville are original "period" sites.
I fully support these events and encourage everyone who reads this to come as well.

Sincerely,
William Picking

[zachariah]

Count me in as well.
Here is a little ditty I composed while marching toward Fort Bowie with the fellas of 1st CA Co F.

LAMENT FOR ME BROGANS
It started with shoes on a San Francisco street.
It ended in Arizona with two dirty feet.

I marched out of San Francisco,
a fine new chapeau from the hatters.
I got to Arizona in rags and in tatters.

I'd weep for me brogans, but salt water I can't drink.
I feel like something left behind in the sinks.

(chorus) I weep for me brogans.
I cry for me shoes.
No heel plates. No hobnails.
No pegs and no tools.
We've marched for so long, they think we are fools.

Cactus for cushions. Thorns for a seat.
Sucking on stones, suffering the devil's heat.

If the sun doesn't cook me like a fat german brat,
then the wind will surely steal my goddamned hat.

I left the fort with a big sack of wheat.
Now all I have are Sesech to eat.

(chorus)

I left California in a bonny blue coat.
I arrived in Arizona wearing the hide of a mule and a goat.

I left California with a shirt on my back.
I got to Arizona and suffered an Apache attack.

I left California with hair on my head.
I ended up in Arizona scalped and quite dead.

(chorus)

Dedicated to the men of the 1st CA and my pards...

@michael bogert 2008

[FootsoreFederal]

I'm in as well!