Dear Recruit,

Thank you for your interest in Civil War re-enacting and the 9th Virginia, "Company B". This letter is designed to provide you, the potential recruit, with some general information to assist you in your decision to become a reenactor.

The philosophy of Company B, 9th Virginia Infantry, is to present an impression/portrayal of American Civil War military life which is as authentic as possible.  We seek to promote a deeper understanding of that period and those people, to do justice to the memory of the veteran infantryman and to feel comfortable that, if they were among us, they would be proud to serve and associate with us.  Furthermore, we are pledged to strive to be the most faithful representatives of those soldierly virtues revealed to us as we re-create this unit.

In order to promote this understanding, we portray soldiers on active campaign (marching and fighting).  This means we bring only those items a man could carry on his body for a 15-20 mile march.  We do NOT use large A-frame tents, camp furniture, large cook pots, etc.  Real Confederate veterans did not and, to accurately do justice to their memories, we do not either.  This unique hobby allows you the opportunity to live the life of a soldier during the era of the "War Between the States".  We dress in well researched and authentic reproduction uniforms, perform military drill from period manuals, cook over open fires, and re-create battles using historic tactics.

The 9th Virginia Company "B" is a member of a larger organization known as The Liberty Rifles. As a member of The Liberty Rifles, Company "B" is known as "The Chesapeake Mess".  The Liberty Rifles were founded in 1999 by Living Historians dedicated to accurately portraying the Patriots of the War Between the States.  They portray the common soldiers of both Northern and Southern Armies.  The Liberty Rifles has grown from two companies to what now encompasses six companies with 189 members in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New York and Wisconsin.  This living history organization has enabled many fellow citizens to truly understand the sacrifices of their forefather and the important task of preserving their memory for generations to come.

The men of the re-created 9th Virginia Infantry, Company B, strive to honor the memory of the Confederate fighting-man. Our goal is to portray the lives these soldiers led, not only through our uniforms and equipment, but also through our behavior and by learning those virtues the Southern infantryman held dear.  To offer tribute to those great men who sacrificed so much, we study as much as possible, the many facets of army and civilian life during the "War Between the States".  We can think of no higher honor than to have a knowledgeable member of the public or other reenactors comment that they feel they are truly in the presence of Confederate soldiers when viewing or talking to the 9th Virginia.

The 9th Virginia, Co. B, portrays infantrymen on active campaign (marching and fighting), therefore, we have only the gear we can easily carry on our backs.  Due to the varying degrees of authenticity within the re-enacting community, and the varying degrees of equipment and uniform quality and authenticity, we have prepared uniform and equipment guidelines that include the names of some of the best suppliers for these items.

The best method to begin collecting your gear (your "kit" as it is called) is to work with a veteran reenactor within the 9th Virginia.  Do not make purchases without first talking to this veteran mentor.  Inexperienced purchasing can be expensive as you may get poor quality or poor authenticity goods and find yourself buying the same items twice.

Along with information on uniforms and equipment, you will also find information on Gilliams Military Drill (School of the Soldier), preparing ammunition for your musket and authentic food items you can carry in your haversack as your rations.

Throughout the year the 9th Va, Company B publishes a monthly newsletter to keep members informed about upcoming events, as well as articles about authenticity.  Your membership dues covers the cost of scheduled event registrations and the printing and mailing of the newsletter.

We recommend that you consider coming out to join us for a day or even an entire weekend to experience the hobby first-hand before you ultimately decide to join a unit.  The 9th does offer interested recruits uniforms and equipment to borrow for a limited time.

By joining, you have shown your desire to strap on a cartridge box, shoulder a musket and learn the school of the soldier, deploy as a skirmisher, smell the powder, discuss strategy and tactics, sing around the campfire and sleep under God's canopy.

Company B of the 9th Virginia is primarily located in the Maryland/Virginia area.  We have members from as far away as Canada and California, to Philadelphia, to Richmond and Southampton County, Virginia.

Anyone who has questions or wishes information regarding possible recruitment with the 9th Virginia, Company B, feel free to contact Mr. Chuck Nicholson, aka Walter C. Thorp and he will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns.

Walter C. Thorp