Gettysburg Independent Blues, Sons of Veterans Reserve

11/02/2026

One of the biggest challenges of the Union Army was feeding the troops. The Subsistence Department (initially run by Zachary Taylor’s younger brother, Gen. Joseph P. Taylor) was charged with getting the daily rations to the soldiers. While on campaign, this generally consisted of the familiar ration of hardtack and salt pork. Salt Beef was considered vastly inferior to pork, and was derisively called “salt horse”. But when in winter camp, efforts were made to provide as much fresh meat as possible. Vast herds of cattle were brought to camp, slaughtered, and distributed to each company. In his Campfire Cookbook, Captain Sanderson recommends the following on Fresh Beef Day: “… if among the rations there are some choice bits--such as sirloin, tenderloin, or rump steaks--cut them into neat slices, and use for breakfast, broiling them if it can be done; if not, fry them. Save all the bones, if large cut them in pieces and distribute equally among the kettles.”
A full-sized regiment of 1,000 soldiers required 6 beeves per day …

10/31/2026

Amongst the sound advice in Captain Sanderson’s cookbook for Union soldiers, is the admonition to “eat your vegetables”. He has an entire section dedicated to the health benefits of utilizing the notorious desiccated vegetables, commonly referred to as “desecrated vegetables”. Soldiers either loved them or hated them, but Sanderson advises that they make a perfect stock for soups. This was their intended use, but like everything else done in campfire cooking, the proof is in the ex*****on. The processes for dehydrating vegetables was perfected in the 1850s, and their value as a food source that staved off scurvy was immediately recognized. Sanderson notes that the dehydrated mixed vegetables usually are issued in two types of tablets: French and American. The French tablets are twice as big as the American, but both will “swell up to sixteen times their bulk.” His recipe opts for using them in making soups, with either cuts of beef or pork. Health nuts will appreciate Sanderson’s recommendation that as much fat be skimmed from the soup as possible while it is being cooked.

10/29/2026

Here are three of the unsung heroes of the Civil War …
Captain James M. Sanderson, noting that soldier boys knew nothing about cooking, convinced the Federal government to address this issue. He recommended that every regiment have a “Cook Major” paid $50 a month (they established a Cook Captain instead). Furthermore, Sanderson penned a “Campfire Cookbook” that was distributed to the troops to instruct them on the rudiments of how to turn their rations into something both edible and healthy. You can access a facsimile of his pamphlet online.
Stephen Allen Benson (lower right) was a Maryland-born freedman who migrated to Liberia and recognized that the soil was perfect for growing coffee beans. He eventually became President of Liberia.
Edward Morris (lower left) was a Philadelphia merchant who, in 1862, traveled to Liberia; upon his return, he convinced the government that the extreme coffee shortage caused by the Blockade could be alleviated by importing Caffea liberica beans. Contracts were made, and Union soldiers became well-caffeinated! Coffee lovers will want to read the Smithsonian article here: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-coffee-helped-the-union-caffeinate-their-way-victory-civil-war-180984502/
Tying this all together: Sanderson’s cookbook even has a section on “how to make coffee”. He describes not only how to roast beans and steep a proper cup, but recommends that two kettles be used: one for the initial brew, and a second used serve the coffee after the unhealthy grains have settled to the bottom of the first kettle.
At Blues Camp we will be enjoying imported Caffea liberica using Sanderson’s recommendations! Reveille will never be the same!

10/21/2026

Hardtack 2.0 ... The iconic image of hardtack comes from John D. Billings' classic work, "Hardtack and Coffee" (1887). This is my second attempt to create exact replicas of his "full size" illustration on page 114 of the Times-Life publication. My first attempt used his stated measurements (2 7/8" x 3 1/8"), but I had not anticipated the shrinkage from baking the biscuit. This time I increased the measurements by another 1/8th of an inch. I used 8 cups of flour, which made for 26 biscuits at 3/8" thick. No salt was added, as this was rarely done with Federal issue Army Bread. Historically baked: 375 degrees for 30 minutes on each side, then 6 hours at 170 degrees. Rock hard and just the right size!

10/18/2026

Attention Blues! For those planning on attending the "Blues Camp" the first weekend in November, please make sure you contact the Commander ASAP. This is your Commissary Agent speaking: we need to procure the provisions soon, so numbers attending are important. Authentic camp meals are being planned by the Company Cook (Adjutant Law). You do not need to stay overnight (although many will be sleeping under canvas) and you do not need to attend all day. The Commander sent out a email with a survey on September 20th. Fill it out. If you did not get the survey, please contact him at Headquarters! FC&L

10/17/2026

Gettysburg honors Color-Sergeant, Daniel P. Reigle (1841-1917).
Gettysburg Camp 112 , the Gettysburg Independent Blues, and the Jennie Wade Auxiliary #27 organized a ceremony for the only Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient from Adams County, Daniel “Pete” Reigle. A Corporal at the time, Reigel pushed ahead of the lines of the 87th PA at the climax of the Battle of Cedar Creek (19 Oct 1864) and captured a Confederate Flag. His Medal of Honor was actually handed to him by President Lincoln himself. // Representatives from both the Department of Pennsylvania (SVC Ted Zeman and Council Member John McNulty) and the National Office (Asst Executive Director Doug McMillin) were there, as well as several of the Daughters from Salome Stewart Tent 55. // With Commander Trevor Taylor as the Master of Ceremonies, a biography of Sgt. Reigle and his heroic efforts was provided by Brother Stephen Law, and insights into the role (and risks) of being a Color-Bearer was given by Brother Ed Wittkofski. Sister Ann McMillin eloquently inspired the moment and remined us that “to always remember” was our spiritual duty. SVC Zeman also contributed a eulogy about how “ordinary people can do extraordinary things in extraordinary circumstances.” A r***e team of the Blues gave a three-volley salute with their vintage Springfield Trapdoor Ri**es (the historic guns utilized by the first generation of “Sons of Union Veterans”). Semper Memento.

10/11/2026

The Gettysburg Independent Blues conducted its very first training session at the Monterey Pass Battlefield Park. Expert instruction was provided by a certified graduate of “Artillery School”, Brother Tyler Tharp. Tyler has been doing artillery on the East Coast for 10 years, so he knows his discipline well. Lieutenant Trevor Taylor took command of the M1841 Mountain Howitzer, and put everyone through the four-man howitzer drill … over and over and over again. Safety is paramount, even when doing a powder-only firing. Ultimately, the artillery detail mastered its duties, and several rounds were fired before an audience of visitors to the park (who were kept at an appropriate distance). Many thanks to all the Brothers (and Sister Lisa) who participated in this truly educational event!

10/10/2026

10/05/2026

On Sunday, October 4th 2026, Brother Robert Dante Lusk was formally inducted into the ranks of Gettysburg Camp 112. Brother Bobby is no stranger to our Camp, as his grandfather was none other than Charlie Kuhn, a Commander of Camp 112, the Commander of the Department of Pennsylvania (2001-2003), and the Commander-in-Chief (2007-2008) of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Once upon a time, Bobby was a Junior Member of Camp 112, and now he is back. A special guest for the pinning ceremony was Joanne Kuhn, the surviving wife of Charlie Kuhn, and Bobby’s grandmother. Additionally, Brother Bobby has joined the Gettysburg Independent Blues, and has already done service as an official Guard at the recent National Encampment here in Gettysburg. Welcome back Brother!

09/22/2026

On Saturday, November 14, 2026, the Sons of Veterans Reserve will be hosting the original ball at the Eisenhower Hotel. Make sure to support this ball as the proceeds goes towards the restoration of monuments located at the .

The two other competing balls that night are for profit and not associated with the Remembrance Day parade.

Hope to see you there!