4th Battalion, PACS

06/15/2025

Today, we pay tribute to those Fathers and Sons of the South who answered their Nation’s call when duty beckoned.

Happy Father’s Day to all those of Fourth Battalion.

04/20/2025

Happy Easter, All. He is Risen!

Easter During the Civil War: Faith, Hope, and Resilience ✝️🐣🇺🇸

As soldiers and civilians alike faced the hardships of the Civil War, Easter remained a time of faith, hope, and reflection. For many, it was a reminder of renewal amid the devastation of war.

💒 For Soldiers:
Easter Sunday in army camps often meant chaplain-led services, hymns, and prayers for peace. Some troops, if circumstances allowed, received special rations or gathered for simple meals to commemorate the holiday. Letters home often spoke of longing for loved ones and the hope that the war’s suffering would soon end.

🏡 For Those at Home:
Families on the home front continued traditions of Easter Sunday church services, egg dyeing, and feasts—though often with meager wartime supplies. Many prayed for the safe return of sons, brothers, and fathers. In both the North and South, churches were filled with people seeking comfort and reassurance in their faith.

🕊️ A Message of Hope:
Even in the darkest days of the war, Easter symbolized new beginnings. For a divided nation, the story of resurrection and renewal carried deep significance, offering a reminder that no matter the trials, there was always the promise of brighter days ahead.

As we celebrate Easter today, let’s remember those who clung to faith in the hardest of times and honor the enduring spirit of hope that carried them through.

Happy Easter! 🌷🐰✝️

04/16/2025

Attention All!

Registration for the reenactment at Century Village in Burton, Ohio, is LIVE. Please go to the website, scroll down, download the registration, and submit!

Civil War Reenactment Burton, Ohio, has a rich history connected to the Civil War era, particularly due to its location in Geauga County, an area known for its strong abolitionist sentiment and active involvement in the Underground Railroad.Key Civil War Connections to Burton, Ohio:Abolitionist Acti...

04/16/2025

Attention all!

Registration for the reenactment at Century Village in Burton, Ohio, is finally LIVE. Please visit https://centuryvillagemuseum.org/civil-war-re-enactment/, scroll down and download the registration form, complete, and submit at your earliest convenience.

Image: General Grant grows impatient while awaiting his turn to register for the Burton Reenactment, while General Lee dutifully fills out his waiver of liability. Circa 2025 (probably)

04/10/2025

Headquarters, Army of Northern Virginia, 10th April 1865.
General Order No. 9

After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.

I need not tell the survivors of so many hard fought battles, who have remained steadfast to the last, that I have consented to the result from no distrust of them.

But feeling that valour and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest, I have determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen.

By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection.

With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your Country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you an affectionate farewell.

— R. E. Lee, General

03/29/2025

Allow us to give a rousing cheer to 4th Battalion, PACS’s commanding officer, Colonel Skip Wilson, on his birthday!

03/12/2025

ATTENTION TO ORDERS!

It has been a long and cold winter, but with the snows melting and the ground thawing, it will only be a matter of time before the roads harden again and we will be falling in under arms for another campaign season.

This year will commemorate the 160th Anniversary of the 1865 cycle, the year "this cruel war" finally was over. However, between January and April of that year, battles reached a level of ferocity, defiance, and determination that was unlike many had ever before witnessed.

In preparation for the season, General Order No. 1, detailing the adopted standard operating procedures of the Battalion going forward, effective immediately, has been distributed to the commands of the respective companies.

We are now just a little over two months out before our first sanctioned event at Century Village in Burton, Ohio. Let us look to our deportment! Further orders and information will be passed on from Staff in the weeks to come.

Until then, I remain, respectfully-

Your Obedient Servant,

Captain G.M. Whitla
Battalion Adjutant

01/12/2025

Attention Battalion!

It is the wishes of the Colonel commanding that the men of the 4th enjoyed a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year with their friends, family, and loved ones. While we are in the throes of a harsh winter, we look forward to the coming re-enacting season, which will commemorate the 160th anniversary of the 1865 cycle.

The Legion meeting held earlier this month was a resounding success, and there is an eagerness among all commands to work together to make this season a success, to forge new working relationships, and solidify our standing in the community. Our finalized schedule is being distributed among commands, and all efforts should be made to maximize attendance among their rank and file.

Event planning is already under way, and from the Colonel down to every Private, there is a buzz of excitement that will hopefully permeate the entire year. We will work to ensure each event is special and worthwhile for every one in attendance. More information will be forthcoming. Until then, look to your commands, service your arms and uniforms, and be ready to fall in on the colors when the order is given!

Your Obedient Servant,

Captain Gary M. Whitla
Adjutant, Fourth Battalion

10/09/2024

Jacob Kern, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene.

08/29/2024

Friends, Family and Prayer warriors. It was brought to my attention of a dear soul that needs our prayers. I am told that Debbie Jones is having health issues. Some of us know her as Colonel Debbie Jones artillery commander of PACS. Reenactors please pray for one of our own. Soli Deo Gloria.

08/17/2024

Attention Battalion. Recruits are wanted. Spread the word. The Sidney Ohio event looks to be a grand little event. Set in a wooded park. The event takes care of the reenactors, including rations(see event web page). Colonel Scott Sharp of the Army of the Ohio and myself are planning scenarios which will feature small unit tactics. Campaign and garrison camps. Web page for registration and info--http://sidneycivilwar.org/

Message me for other questions.

06/16/2024

Today, we pay tribute to those Fathers and Sons of the Old South who answered their Nation’s call when duty beckoned.

Happy Father’s Day to all those of Fourth Battalion.