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General's
Corner
A message from General Mark
Griffin:
Officers of the Mississippi Valley Brigade
In my bid for command of this brigade, I promised to bring a renewed spirit of excellence to our ranks. I believe that that may be accomplished in many ways, through improved communication, solid leadership, drill fineness and authenticity. This last item has been a point of unnecessary division and perhaps fears among many of our members. Essentially, authenticity is the application of known truths regarding the clothing, equipment and lifestyle of the common Confederate soldier. We are fortunate to have much greater knowledge of these truths than we had 10 years ago. Likewise we are additionally fortunate to have access to sutlers who can supply the types of materials we need. In many cases I believe that some units have been slow to progress in their impression for a lack of knowledge. Therefore, I have endeavored to write these guidelines to meet that need. The reader may be comforted to know that these guidelines are taken from the research of many reliable sources that include: The Shiloh National Park, Chickamauga National Park, Dallas County Heritage Society, Museum of the Confederacy, Vicksburg National Battlefield, Echoes of Glory and many other sources. Additionally, I had the final drafted reviewed by a personal consultant who holds two post graduate degrees in history relating to the period. Needless to say, the information in this document is well founded and certainly not the lone opinion of the General.
It is my deepest hope that each man in this Brigade will make an effort to conform his impression to these guidelines as it will greatly improve our efforts of accurate living history. As officers I call upon you to lead in this effort. Set the example in your impressions. Some may resist change; however, I believe that men naturally desire to be the best they can. All that is needed is a leader who is willing to take them to the next level of excellence. I believe that this can be done with a positive attitude and with an underlining sense of pride in being the best!
I sincerely believe that meeting these guidelines is not a difficult task. It simply means changing the ways we do things a bit. The effort will reap a tremendous reward. We will be the cream of the Division; a crack looking Brigade of Confederates who appear to have leaped from the pages of history! We can lead this Division to a new level of greatness all we must do is have the courage and openness to improve ourselves. If we do so, our Division comrades and spectators alike will take notices. We will be the premier Brigade!
So then, let us advance forward, dress the center, and become the elite Brigade of the 1st Confederate Division.
Forward, Forward!
Brig. Gen. Mark Griffin
Mississippi Valley Brigade, Cmdng
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