"Ambush at Osceola"   Due to the bug, I did not get to participate in the tactical battle on Saturday afternoon, but I did get to photograph it, although it about did me in.  It consisted of an ambush set up by the Federals, along a road, deep in the woods.  The Federal force was composed of dismounted cavalry, supported by a few mounted troopers, and 2 artillery pieces.  The Confederate forces consisted of some mounted cavalry, and a line of skirmishers.  The Southern cavalry scouted ahead and located the Federal ambush, and then menaced the flanks, while the skirmish line attacked the main Federal position along an old sunken road.  The 2 artillery pieces, combined with running low on ammo, caused the Southerners to have to withdraw.  The Federal dismounted cav then began pushing up the road, with the rear rank continually advancing to the front and firing, thus keeping fire and pressure on the retreating Southern forces.  Once forced out of the woods the Confederate troops mounted a desperate, last ditch effort charge against the Federal s dismounted troopers, but it was decimated by the Federals defensive fire, and so the North ruled the day. (Click on the image below to View the Photo  gallery- 25 photos)  That evening, we had a real wedding in the camp.  Maury Hanson and Nancy Hanks, both with Elliotts Scouts, tied the knot.  They even had one of the Hanks menfolk standing behind Maury during the ceremony, with a shotgun!  A hog roast followed the wedding, and Dave Para and Cathy Barton provided the entertainment.   (Mr. and Mrs. Hanson )   Osceola, Missouri Nov.1st & 2nd 2003 (Story and Photographs by Bob Green)  The weekend of Nov. 1-2 found some of us at Rick Reeds place, just southwest of  Osceola, Mo.   I believe this was one of nicest locations for an event as any I have attended.  It was several miles SW of Osceola on Mo. State rt. 82, and located atop the bluffs overlooking the Osage  River.  There were several old Civil War era gun emplacements still to be seen on the edge of the bluffs which guarded a couple of vital river fords of the time.  Rick gave us a guided tour of those on Sunday morning, after church.  Saturday morning was the dedication of a monument at a little roadside park just up the road from our camp.  A roadside park with a tremendous view of the Osage Valley, I might add.  Unfortunately, I was hit by some kind of flu bug, or something, and did not get to attend, and did not learn the details of the monument.  Unfortunately, we had few people left for a Sunday afternoon battle, but we had a little skirmish out in an open field for the viewing pleasure of our spectators.  I did participate in that one, only to face a Confederate charge, and see my whole section taken out in hand to hand by one brave Confederate soldier! All in all, it was a great weekend, and I hope we get to go there again.  There was plenty of room for more troops, and their camps, and I would certainly like to see this event continue, and grow.   Many thanks to Rick Reed for putting on the event and having us. Bob J. Green   (Bob is a member of "Elliot's Scouts")