Civil War Index

BATTLE REGISTRATION FORM || BALL REGISTRATION FORM

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Forms in Microsoft Word Format: Brochure | Battle Registration | Ball Registration

The Last Review

“I shall never surrender. . . . Who will join me in Mexico?”

-----Gen. JO Shelby, June, 1865

near Chatfield, Texas

For a brief moment, the spotlight of history fell on a place where the pines of East Texas give way to the prairies of Central Texas. Only a few miles from the west bank of the Trinity River, close to the village of Chatfield, the War Between the States came to an end.

On the morning of June 2, 1865, Maj. Gen. J. O. (Jo) Shelby reviewed his famed “Iron Division” of Missouri Cavalry for the final time before disbanding them. This was now the only organized unit of the Confederate Army remaining in any of the Confederate States. They had held out to the very last --- almost two full months after Gen. Lee had surrendered at Appomattox. Now with the complete collapse of the Confederacy, even Shelby knew they could not go on.

He assembled his men for the last time in a review --- a military ceremony of parade drill, inspection, and speeches –The Last Review of the Confederacy. After recounting their many adventures, Shelby told them, “I shall never surrender; I shall go to Mexico!” Standing in the stirrups, he asked, “Who will join me in Mexico?” Hundreds cried out that they would follow him.

The 1960’s era John Wayne movie, “The Undefeated,” is loosely based on the Shelby adventure in Mexico.

Many sites relating to the War are in the area. Visit Pioneer Village, a museum of Civil War buildings and the Pearce Civil War Documents Collection at Navarro College, both in Corsicana; and the Ellis County Museum in Waxahachie.

Schedule of Events (Partial)

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday

April 30 – May 2, 2004

Friday, 9:00 A.M. – Midnight

Soldiers Camps Open

Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

School Tours

Saturday, 9:00 A.M.

Gates Open to the Public

Saturday, 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Living History – Civilian and Military Activities

Saturday, 2:00 P.M.

Battle of Hodge Oaks Plantation

Saturday, 3:00 P.M.

Shelby’s Last Review

Saturday, 6:30 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.

Banquet and Confederate Ball

(Reservations Required – Dinner served at 6:30 sharp)

Sunday, 9:00 A.M.

Gates Open to the Public

Sunday, 9:00 A.M.

Living History – Civilian and

Military Activities

Sunday, 1:00 P.M.

Battle of Hodge Oaks Plantation

Sunday, 2:00 P.M.

Gates Close to the Public

(Times subject to change; please inquire in advance)

Battle of Hodge Oaks Plantation

The annual Battle of Hodge Oaks Plantation, sponsored by the William Henry Parsons Camp #415, Sons of Confederate Veterans, is a War Between the States re-enactment held every spring at Chatfield on a portion of an original ante-bellum plantation founded by Capt. Robert Hodge. Spectators will see re-enactors portraying both Union and Confederate soldiers, as well as civilians.

Come and live the history of that era!

Feel the ground shake from the thundering cavalry charges!

Smell the smoke!

Hear the cannons roar!

This Living History Weekend will feature the battle re-enactment as well as the re-creation of Shelby’s Last Review of the Confederacy.

The Chatfield site of the Last Review of the Confederacy and the Battle of Hodge Oaks Plantation is about mid-way between Ennis and Corsicana off of I-45. Exit the interstate highway on FM 1603 and proceed east five miles. Dallas is approximately 55 miles north; Tyler 70 miles to the east; Waco 65 miles to the southwest

For More information, Contact:

William H. Parsons Camp #415

P. O. Box 26

Chatfield, Texas 75105

(903) 345-2223

(903) 654-2066

e-mail: [email protected]

Living History

Texas sent over 90,000 of her sons to fight for the Confederacy. For the people at home, great hardships were endured, but they went on with life as best they could.

See how people in the Lone Star State lived during the War.

See soldier encampments and how fighting men of the 1860’s lived.

Make reservations for a real Confederate Ball and dance away the night like Scarlet O’Hara!

The Last Review

Of the

Confederacy

AND

Battle of

Hodge Oaks

Plantation

A Living History Weekend

Chatfield, Texas

April 30 – May 2, 2004

BATTLE REGISTRATION FORM

Name: ________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________

Email for Confirmation :___________________________________________

Total # in Party: ______Adults _______Children (for meal count purposes)

Impression: Please complete

#______ Soldier(s) -- Unit _________________________________________

#______ Civilian(s) Impression:___________________________________

______ Sutler (size of space needed)

__________________________(cut and return for battle_______________________________

BATTLE OF HODGE OAKS PLANTATION

The 7^th annual Battle of Hodge Oaks Plantation, sponsored by the William Henry Parsons Camp #415, SCV, will be held on May 1-2, 2004 (school day April 30) at Chatfield, TX, northeast of Corsicana, on original land of the Hodge Oaks Plantation, established in 1849.

Battle site is northeast of Corsicana off Interstate 45.

From Corsicana: 7 miles north on I-45, exit FM 1603 and follow signs 4 miles to site.

From Dallas: approx. 60 miles south on I-45, exit FM 1603, cross over interstate and follows signs.

Via Highway 31: approx. 70 from Tyler to Corsicana; 50 miles from Waco to Corsicana…following Corsicana directions above.

Battle Site location is immediately after the sharp 90 degree left curve just under the 1603 on the map. Directional signs will indicate reenactor registration tent, parking for reenactors, horse trailers, and spectator parking.

Mail Registration: Battle of Hodge Oaks Plantation

P.O. Box 26

Chatfield, TX 75105

Battle Amenities

firewood, water, hay, one meal on Friday night
powder ration (available on first come, first serve basis)
re-enactment of Gen. JO Shelby’s “Last Review of the Confederate Army”, which occurred at war’s end near battle site

Soldiers of Parsons 12^th, the 3^rd Texas Cavalry, the 1^st Texas, the 1^st Arkansas, Fighting Sixth, 5^th Texas, and all others who have joined us before, come relive the battlefield glories of last year! Re-enactors, who have not fought with us before, add this action to your battle honors! Your presence will make us a better event. We hope to see you in May.

The Shelby-Parsons Banquet and Ball will be held on the evening of Saturday, May 1st. The Banquet and Ball is a separate event from the battle. Those interested in attending should also complete the registration form on the reverse side of this Battle registration form.

BALL REGISTRATION FORM

Sons of Confederate Veterans

William H. Parsons Camp #415

Ennis, Texas

Annual

SHELBY - PARSONS CONFEDERATE BALL

SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2004

CHATFIELD-TUPELO COMMUNITY CENTER

CHATFIELD, TEXAS

SOCIAL TIME: 5:30 P.M.

CATERED DINNER : 6:30 P.M.

GRAND MARCH: 8:00 P.M.

PERIOD DRESS IS ENCOURAGED!!! (BUT IT IS NOT REQUIRED)

Due to Catering, Reservations MUST be pre-paid. NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE DOOR. DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: APRIL 25, 2004. PLEASE add $5.00 total amount if POSTMARKED after APRIL 25, 2004. AS THE SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN WE ARE, ALL RESERVATIONS ARE FINAL

A MAP ON THE REVERSE SIDE IS PROVIDED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. THE CHATFIELD-TUPELO COMMUNITY CENTER IS ½ MILE FURTHER NORTH OF “BATTLE OF HODGE OAKS PLANTATION” ON FM 1603. Follow directional signs.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: WILLIAM H. PARSONS CAMP #415, SCV

MAIL RESERVATIONS TO : Penny Jones

P. O. Box 26

Chatfield, Texas 75105

(903) 345-2223

PLEASE CUT AND RETURN

NAME:_______________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________

CITY, STATE, AND ZIP:__________________________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS FOR CONFIRMATION: ___________________________________________

ADULTS:_______________ @ $15.00 PER PERSON OR $25.00 PER COUPLE

CHILDREN:_____________ @ $5.00 PER CHILD UNDER 12