Division Cavalry Brigade, Inc.
The Cavalry Brigade for the 1st Federal Division

Sept, 2009

Gentlemen,

As most of you know, the health issues involving my son have kept me extremely busy and thus I haven’t been available to address the upcoming Camp of Instruction that the Division Artillery is hosting in June of 2010. My thanks to those that have sent notes and prayers.

Several weeks ago, I asked my staff to send a note out regarding the event. Allow me to expand on that information and to ask for your support.

The Camp of Instruction is basically that, a camp of instruction. My staff and I will be working with the Artillery to review our drill, reinforce our safety procedures, and generally bring the constituent units together for a time of fellowship. The Medical Department, which has graciously agreed to act as co-host, has an established School of the Surgeon that will instruct those interested in period medical activities as well as how best the MD can serve our troops in the field.

My hope is to also have Infantry units attend to refresh their drill and tactical knowledge and to work together with other units within the Division family. It would be absolutely great to field a 100 man Infantry company and have the troops experience maneuvers with a full strength unit. Staff has also recommended that infantry be given a new experience and given instruction on serving the big guns. The goal is to offer all some new experiences at this camp.

The Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is 800 acres of beautiful land, as Jim C. and Don G. can attest to, having attended previous events held there. There are permanent restrooms, not porta-johns, and fixed water points, a rare commodity for an original battlefield. We are not fighting battles against our friends in gray, just hoping to improve ourselves. Of course, our major goal is training, but, rekindling the camaraderie and good feelings between friends is also important. More information regarding the event can be found at http://1861coi.com.

Terry, I’d also like to take this opportunity to invite you and your chief of staff to attend as our guests. I also invite all of you to participate if you can. While I know there is great distance involved, I would still request you encourage your closer units to attend and help get word out about our little Camp. Such help is definitely appreciated. God Bless us all. I remain,

Yr. Servant,

Dr. Merle “Boo” Hodges

Col., Commanding