Confederate soldier David Rengers, Kenosha.
Re-enactor for 25 years.
Member of the 2nd Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Co. F, Winchester Rifles.
MONTICELLO - "The Confederacy never made tents," David Rengers laughed as he showed off his tent Saturday. "They used what they got from the federal army."
Rengers is a member of the 2nd Virginia Volunteer Infantry, also known as the "Stonewall Brigade" in honor of its commander, Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson.
"When the Confederates needed something they would hit a federal baggage train," Rengers said.
Rengers and his fellow soldiers often are called "Jackson Foot Cavalry" because they seemed to be everywhere in a battle.
Jackson's infantry soldiers could march 16 miles in one day, Rengers said with pride.
"The real reason we're known as 'foot cavalry' is because we seem to be everywhere. Really, we just come up where people don't expect us," he said.
Jackson's secret was a detailed map of the Shenendoah Valley and he was able to see where all of the federal troops were located.
"We just wait until they're spread out and then we hit them," Rengers said.
He had praise for his commander, who appeared a little "odd" to those who didn't know him.
"He's amazing to watch when we're under fire. He does his business as if nothing is going on," Rengers said.
Jackson was one of those who knew it would be a long war, Rengers said.
"He told people to unsheathe their swords and throw the scabbards away."
Jackson was among those soldiers who didn't survive the war.
Re-enactor for 25 years.
Member of the 2nd Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Co. F, Winchester Rifles.
MONTICELLO - "The Confederacy never made tents," David Rengers laughed as he showed off his tent Saturday. "They used what they got from the federal army."
Rengers is a member of the 2nd Virginia Volunteer Infantry, also known as the "Stonewall Brigade" in honor of its commander, Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson.
"When the Confederates needed something they would hit a federal baggage train," Rengers said.
Rengers and his fellow soldiers often are called "Jackson Foot Cavalry" because they seemed to be everywhere in a battle.
Jackson's infantry soldiers could march 16 miles in one day, Rengers said with pride.
"The real reason we're known as 'foot cavalry' is because we seem to be everywhere. Really, we just come up where people don't expect us," he said.
Jackson's secret was a detailed map of the Shenendoah Valley and he was able to see where all of the federal troops were located.
"We just wait until they're spread out and then we hit them," Rengers said.
He had praise for his commander, who appeared a little "odd" to those who didn't know him.
"He's amazing to watch when we're under fire. He does his business as if nothing is going on," Rengers said.
Jackson was one of those who knew it would be a long war, Rengers said.
"He told people to unsheathe their swords and throw the scabbards away."
Jackson was among those soldiers who didn't survive the war.