To all:
By way of explanation, I would like to extend my apologies for so long a time passing between the now memorable events of last January 2015 and the posting of this open letter to all those involved in the efforts of the Columbia Light Infantry during the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans. This heartfelt letter was intended to be posted shortly after the event.  However, though my interest is that of the early 19th century, I am at the mercy of technology of the 21st century.  Laptops crash and pictures are lost.  So, as they say, better late than never.  

Warmest Regards,

Jeffrey L. Brewer
Capt. Columbia Light Infantry

CLI as the 1st Company, Tennessee Volunteers holding the line at the High-Water mark of the English advance.

Men and Ladies of the Columbia Light Infantry

Frozen and numb, the CLI march out to battle yet again.

This past week, given the limitations placed on our little “band of brothers” by time and distance, we achieved something quite remarkable.  First, like those original volunteers, we came together of our own free will to engage in a challenge of our own choosing.  That challenge was of course the reenactment of the battles for New Orleans, beginning December 23^rd 1814 and culminating the 8^th of January, 1815.  While I must say, we in no way will ever understand the rigors of what those original combatants endured, as far as reenactments go, this was no easy task.  Unlike 200 years ago, we did not experience the pain and suffering associated with linier combat, we did however, experience the “unseasonably cold” temperatures those men endured two centuries ago (I almost froze my brass buttons off sometime between Wednesday night and sunrise Thursday morning) and we definitely were victims of the “fog of war.”  Uncertainty ruled the day during our recreation which, having the benefit of hindsight was probably the most realistic aspect of the entire recreation.   

Colonel Abolt often addresses assembled reenactors as “my brave comrades” which I think is a manifestation of his genuine appreciation for those present.  I, however, will refrain from using the epithet “brave” because simply speaking; it takes no courage in a recreated battle to oppose a recreated enemy that can do you no harm.  Although I have served in two separate branches of the military, it appears at this point in my life, it has not been my lot to risk the supreme sacrifice for my country.  As I have the most respect for those who have, those men, and now women, are the brave, not me.

With regard to comrades, this I fully embrace.  Each and every one of you has made me, and I know I speak for Bryant Boswell as well as Tony Turnbow, extremely proud!  Furthermore, you should be proud of yourselves.  With no more preparation than we had, and the last minute imposition of Smyth’s Manual of Arms in place of Von Steuben’s Rules and Regulations; we adjusted as required and by my observation, was as good as or better than any other unit I witnessed in our Brigade.  Congratulations on a job well done!

Acting 1st Sergeant Bryant Boswell.

In recognition of each of you; To Bryant Boswell, you are a driving force and your passion and commitment is indispensable.  While it may not be blood, I do know that you have sacrificed greatly of your time and personal resources.  It is an honor to know you.  

Steve Myers.

To Steve Myers, you are a solid individual that is much more knowledgeable regarding all aspects of our common passion than I was aware of.   It is a genuine comfort to know there are others in the ranks that can provide technical and moral support amid the “fog of war” that comes from the confusion that reigns in events like this.  I appreciate you and look forward to joining you in future events.  

John Hess

John Hess, you deserve my heartfelt appreciation for simply being there.  You had double-duty caring for your ailing wife as well as nursing a nasty cold yourself yet you still came.  Thank you. 

Parson Jeff Sinclair belting
out the Gospel to a camp of
hardened sinners.              

To the whole Sinclair family, Jeff, Cheri, Elisabeth, Matthew and John, thank you all.  Jeff, thank you so much for your obvious concern for the proclamation of the Gospel and your visible love of the Lord.  The “impression” you do as Parson is something completely authentic to the time and place of those early Americans collectively known as Brother Jonathan.  I salute you and thank God for your willingness to be part of our endeavor.  

Elizabeth and Cheri Sinclair

Fifer John Sinclair taking
his place in line with musket.

John Sinclair was 
a Godsend this weekend.  You, John, I watched as you patiently assisted your elders as you saw need as well as shepherded my little Samuel.  In battle you filled in as needed from closing the files to eventually taking your place on the firing line, 
thank you John.  

2nd Platoon Sergeant
Matthew Sinclair

Matthew, it is a genuine pleasure to watch how you and Nathan are forming a bond of friendship as well as an eager acceptance of your role as a Sergeant in our recreated Columbia Light Infantry.  When I was “felled” by John Bull during our inglorious retreat on the West Bank, you took what was left of our company and got them safely to the rear.  Play, yes, but being thrust into a leadership role unexpectedly is a challenge in any circumstance.  I am proud of you Matthew. 

1st Platoon Sergeant
Nathan Brewer

Nathan, my own son, you have brought the most delight to your Captain and your father as I watch you mature into a man.  I am all too aware that in the world in which we live, you, as well as Matthew as well any or all of your younger brothers may one day be tasked with laying aside your muskets, drums and flags as you take up arms for real.  It is a dangerous world.  I am comforted that I was able to be there for all of you and hopefully instill some understanding of military life and concern for those around you and commitment to something larger than yourselves.  Learn from your elders you have been blessed to be surrounded by in our unit, they have much to pass on and are eager to convey their wisdom to your generation.

Ensign Jonathan Brewer

To Jonathan Brewer, my second son, I am so proud of you and also extend my thanks to you for adapting to the situation with maturity that becomes a reasonable and thoughtful young man.  On day one you were informed that you would not be given the honor of carrying our standard into battle as company flags were not to be allowed in association with the battalion flag.  Disappointed, nevertheless you took your place at the back of the company and served to help hold the place between second platoon and the 2^nd Company of Tennessee Militia in addition to assisting your Captain wherever you could and for that your Captain thanks you son.

Drummer Samuel Brewer

To Samuel Brewer, my third son, I am so very proud of you!  With no formal training and no guide to instruct you other than some recordings from Colonial Williamsburg’s Fife and Drums, you disciplined yourself and learned to the best of your ability the basic tunes that were required of you.  After meeting John Sinclair and under his care, you made me very proud as the two of you provided the only company level music in the militia early on and finally as part of the music of the battalion.  Thank you son!

Alan Fitzmorris and John McBride

To our newest recruits Alan Fitzmorris and John McBride; thank you.  This was very much a new and strange experience to you both.  However, each time I conversed with you or glanced your way in line you were attentive to orders and during the battles excited and filled with enjoyment.  A pleasure it is to have you both! 

Mike Bowman, Tom Watts, Jim Wallace, Sid Stoffels, Marty Aubuchon, and Ed Scholl.
Columbia Light Infantry's "Old Guard" veterans of Lewis and Clark fame.

To the “Old Guard” of the recreated Lewis and Clark expedition; Mike Bowman, Tom Watts, Jim Wallace, Sid Stoffels, Marty Aubuchon and Ed Scholl, I salute you.  All of you gentlemen since your Lewis and Clark days, along with Bryant, have displayed a selflessness in promoting the history of this nation that far surpasses anything that the “professionals” would attempt to do with public funds and never do at their own expense.  Mike Bowman, I appreciate your commitment to the unit.  Since meeting you for the first time at Colbert’s Ferry, you have been present at each gathering of the Columbia Light Infantry.  This is in and of itself commendable coming from such a long way as in fact so many of you do.  Thank you.  Tom Watts, I have enjoyed getting to know you.  As former military, I thank you for your humility to lay aside your former commission to serve in a reversed role under a once enlisted man now playing the Captain.  Thank you.  Jim Wallace, thank you for your wisdom and proficiency with the tools of our trade.  It is no small thing to have our very own artificer to help with the maintenance and repair of our weapons.  I also take note of your kindness toward the younger ones in our camp.  I appreciate that on a personal note since you, and indeed all of our elder men in the company, can be a grandfatherly influence on my sons that they no longer have on my side of the family.  Sid Stoffels, often you extended your thanks to me for instructing and “putting up” with you.  Sid, I appreciate you sentiment but the honor is all mine.  Thank you for your commitment and willingness to learn.  To Marty Aubuchon, thank you for being you!  At times this event was stressful to which we can all attest.  However, in my weaker moments, you must have taken notice as you would address me from the rear rank, “Captain, are you having fun?”  If I wasn’t, seeing your inquisitive smile as you asked, instantly reaffirmed that I was indeed having fun!  Also, thank you for your encouragement on the dance floor.  You are quite the specimen of grace in the ballroom sir and I hope to emulate you soon.  To Ed Scholl, Colonel sir you are an inspiration!  At 84 years of age and after 30 years in the United States Army, you went over the works and took your place in line with fellow soldiers 68 years your junior!  All at the Quick Time!  Watching you scrambling forward sir, I could not help but note you looked quite the young man full of vigor and energy.  During a formation the next morning, I recounted what I had witnessed to the company.  I compared you to the men I had seen several days earlier in the WWII museum storming the beaches of Normandy.  To which Tom Watts replied, “I think Colonel Ed was one of those men storming the beaches of Normandy.”  We all had an affectionate laugh at your expense.  Again, you are an inspiration sir.

Jeanne Anderson

I want to make special mention of Jeanne Anderson.  Jeanne, along with my wife Teresa and Connie Jeans, took care of all the preparation for the event at the Bosque House in the French Quarter.  In addition, on two separate occasions that I’m aware of, Jeanne quietly loaded cartridges for the men of the company to replace the ones that we were rapidly expending in the field.  Thank you Jeanne for all you have done in the past for the Lewis and Clark Expedition and all you do for our newly formed Columbia Light Infantry.  I also would like to thank Connie’s husband Hal Jeanes for graciously opening up the Bosque House to us all. 

Our Commissary crew, Rick Pennington
and Rick Pennington Jr. 

A special thank you to Mr. Rick Pennington and Rick Pennington Jr. of our Commissary Department.  Napoleon was aware that an army marches on its stomach.  No different the reenactor although I doubt the former French Emperor ever imaged such robust stomachs!  Regardless, Rick and Rick Jr kept us fed and in less than hospitable weather conditions.  Not only did you two men feed us, you took care of the little things such as having hot water on the fire with which to clean muskets when the company returned to camp and hot coffee as a bulwark against the cold.  A sincere thank you to you both.

My littlest soldier, Ethan.

Another thank you that needs to go out is to my littlest son Ethan.  Unknown to the company, while the camp was abandoned at various times, my little Ethan kept the fire going.  He told his Mama he was not going to let that fire go out.  He is a precious child that can’t wait to grow up enough to fall into line with the rest of us but for now, he does what he can where he can while his big brothers go off to fight.  Thank you Ethan, I love you.

Tony Turnbow, the originator of the
drive to bring Living History to the
Natchez Trace Parkway.

Now I come to a very special thank you that I believe, without this person, none of this would have happened.  To Mr. Tony Turnbow I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Tony is truly unique and he has a passion for Tennessee history that I simply haven’t seen in another.  He selflessly commits a tremendous amount of time and resources doing the background foundational work that moves this enterprise along.  I and my family consider Tony a true friend and no event seems complete without seeing Tony peering across the camp from behind a telephoto lens.  I would also like to complement Tony in my honest sentiment that I believe if he ever gave up the practice of Law, he could find work as a freelance photographer.  His self-taught skill is with his camera is remarkable and the quality of his photo are, if not professional, something very much like it.  Thank you Tony.

My lovely wife at the Victory
Celebration Ball.

Finally, I want to give my most appreciative thanks to my wonderful wife Teresa.  She cooks, she cleans, she takes care of me, she raises and home-schools all four of our boys.  Never an easy task and certainly not when you add the rigors of taking all of this on the road to living history events and reenactments.  My appreciation for this period was heightened on the dance floor at the Victory Dinner held at Antoine’s.  Thank you Marty once again for encouraging us to attend the dancing.  Your encouragement resulted in memories that will last a lifetime.  What a magical night with such a beautiful lady.  Thank you Teresa, I love you.

Maj. Robert Nichols, Lt. Pat Milton, and Sgt Major Daniel;
Leaders of the Tennessee Militia Battalion 

In closing, to all of our new friends, Major Robert Nichols, Sgt. Major Daniel, Lt. Pat Milton, and all the rest of whom I can’t simply recall there are so many, thank you for the time and effort you put forth to make this event happen.  

"Foreign Policy"

Additionally, a special thank you to Major Alan Earp of the 1/95^th Rifles, a truly charming “chap” that does a credit to his uniform and the mother country; Major Earp, I was pleased to meet your acquaintance.  


Of course, a special thank you to Colonel Steve Abolt, the driving force behind all of this.  It has been an honor Colonel to get to know you over the last few years.

Colonel Steve Abolt, the driving force behind the Bicentennial
event of the Battle of New Orleans. 

Thank you to all of you for your time and effort in participating in a truly once in a lifetime event.  The memoires will last forever.

In Respectful Admiration,

Jeffrey L. Brewer

Captain, Columbia Light Infantry