Had excellent weather Saturday for the battlefield tours and have a much better understanding of the movements of Caldwell and Rodes divisions after having walked the ground they fought over. Unfortunately I was unable to hook up with Col Quick and his son as I didn't see his message until today. Next year I'll have to make my post earlier to give people more time to respond.
The park supervisor adressed the Friends during our lunch break and brought us up to date on some of the goings on. Construction of the new Visitor's Center and Cyclorama is progressing well and they are expected to open in 2008. The park continues it's effort to restore more of the battlefield to it's 1863 appearance. In some places more trees are being cut down while in other places missing orchards and woodlots have been replanted. For those of you who haven't been there lately you can almost see Houck's Ridge from the position of Branch's Battery, understand that by next year the remaining trees blocking that view will be removed and you will be able to see the guns of the 4th NY artillery from there. Also I saw a lot of carriages without guns as they are having a lot of them repaired and refurbished.
Got back yesterday evening after taking the scenic route home to let the wife check out the fall foliage. Upon our return I discovered my Vicksburg game had arrived, now I have to find the time to get it installed. I also hope to check out the OOB's when I get the time so I can put together a units.bmp for it. Will let you know when I get that done but it may be a while as this is my busy time at work.
Gen. Ken Miller
Army of the Shenandoah