WRIGLEY’S ENGINEERS

CIVIL WAR

NESHAMINY STATE PARK, PENNSYLVANIA

May 1-2, 2010

AFTER ACTION REPORT

I arrived on the field Friday, April 30, 2010 and about 1:45 pm. Already at the site, and setting up camp were 1^st Sgt. Charlie Evans, Sgt. Tom Sharpe, Al Lingsch and Mike Wallover. Dave Hazen was in the process of setting up the cook camp.

Representing the unit at various times throughout the weekend were: Captain William T. Wentzien, First Lieutenant Alan Ruger, First Sergeant Charlie Evans, Sergeant Tom Sharpe, Sergeant Rick Gehlhaus, Private Mike Wallover, Private Al Lingsch, Private Dave Hazen, Private Kevin Kelly, Private Chris Glidden, Private Eric Hawkins, Private Pat Jordan and Private Wayne Schofield. The civilian component associated with Wrigley’s Engineers was Nancy Hazen. Additional civilians consisting of Kim Ruger, Barbara S. Wentzien, Joye Glidden, and Margie Gehlhaus, were giving aid and support to the W. S. Hancock society for the weekend.

Arose 6:45 am Saturday morning, May 1, 2010 to beautiful weather. Private David Hazen was already preparing coffee and an excellent breakfast. We were treated to sausage and French Toast.

At 8:30 am the temperature was 64°F, with 29.8" of mercury, sunny and pleasant. About this time Private Eric Hawkins and Private Chris Glidden arrived in camp.

At 9:30 am the temperature had already risen to 80° F, with 29.8" of mercury and a sunny sky. We set out the engineer’s equipment. We also set up the chavaux-de-friz which proved very interesting to the public. We interacted with the visitors throughout the morning.

In the latter part of the morning, we sent out a sketching expedition consisting of Capt. Wm T. Wentzien and Sgt. Rick Gehlhaus. We followed the interior trails down along Neshaminy Creek.

At 12:15 pm the temperature was 87° F, with 29.7" of mercury and sunny. Lunch was provided by Pvt. Dave Hazen consisting of ham, salami, and turkey meat. We also had macaroni salad with tuna, corn bread and plenty of water.

At 1:00 pm Saturday, Wrigley’s Engineers sent out an Engineering Group to provide observation activities during the afternoon military battle. This consisted of Captain Wm T. Wentzien, Sergeant Tom Sharpe, Sergeant Rick Gehlhaus, Private Kevin Kelly, Private Chris Gliddon, Private Mike Wallover, Private Pat Jordan and Private Wayne Schofield. We were pleased to have Private Pat Jordan join us for our battle observation. I would also note that this was the first time for Privates Chris Gliddon and Mike Wallover to join us in our military reconnaissance. All reported having a fulfilling experience.

As regards the battle, we formed up with the federal artillery at the northerly end of the field, facing the Delaware River. The Confederate forces came out from the easterly woods, and were soundly defeated by the Union forces from the north and east.

At 3:45 pm the temperature was 91° F, with 29.65" of mercury, being sunny and hot. At 4:00 pm Private Chris Gliddon departed camp.

At 5:00 pm the temperature was 80° F, with 29.7" of mercury and warm. At 6:00 pm we were treated to supper by Private Dave Hazen, assisted by Sgt. Tom Sharpe, consisting of vegetable beef stew, bread made by Nancy Hazen, and biscuits. This was followed by a birthday cake for Al Lingsch, and good fellowship under the fly.

At 10:00 pm the camp bedded down for the night, after a good full day.

Sunday morning, May 2, 2010, we arose at 6:00 am. There was the sound of a very light sprinkle on the tents that aroused us. Pvt. Dave Hazen and Sgt. Tom Sharpe had the coffee going for us by 6:30 am.

At 7:00 am the temperature was 65° F, with 29.7 " of mercury, and an overcast sky. Breakfast was served by Private Dave Hazen. Following breakfast, I went out on a sketching expedition to locate some of the back trails in the park, to supplement prior mapping information our group had obtained.

At noon, the temperature was 84° F, with 29.7" of mercury, being warm and humid. Lunch was served by Pvt. Dave Hazen, of a menu similar to yesterday.

The engineers interacted with the public throughout the day. Pvt. Dave Hazen conducted a full food and cooking interaction with the public throughout the entire weekend. Under the engineer’s fly the sun frame copy box was drawing a lot of interest from the public.

At 1:15 pm Wrigley’s Engineers sent out a battle observation group consisting of: Capt. Wm T. Wentzien, Sgt. Tom Sharpe, Sgt. Rick Gehlhaus, Pvt. Pat Jordan, Pvt. Wayne Schofield and Pvt. Mike Wallover. In our initial attempt to feel out the lay of the land, we noticed union artillery at the northerly end, facing the Delaware River. The artillery indicated that the Confederate Forces were expected to overtake them from the rear. So as to avoid potential capture, we first set up in the easterly woods facing the spectators.

As we observed the Confederate forces position, they started out from the southerly end at the Delaware River, and ended up moving into the easterly woods behind us. At that moment, we thought it best to relocate. Without many choices available, we moved to the northerly end near the Union artillery. We took some comfort as the Union infantry was nearby to our right rear.

The Confederate forces came onto the main open field through the easterly woods, directly were we were previously. (Good thing we relocated) To counter this move, the Union infantry forces came up from behind us, and passed through the Union artillery, moving towards the Delaware River, to the south. They were met by Confederate skirmishers in their front, and from the side easterly woods. As the Confederates moved in their main infantry line, the last of the Union reserves, consisting of the Mifflin Guard, came up, passing by us and the Union artillery.

At about that same time, hidden Confederate forces were seen moving through the woods from the north, coming up to the rear of the Union artillery and our position. Once again we thought it best to relocate, to avoid capture. We thus moved to our third (3^rd) location, on the spectator side, facing the side easterly woods. Good thing too, for just at that moment the additional Confederate forces overtook the Union artillery, and moved up behind the main Union forces.

An interesting turn of events, as the Union forces were now being attacked from three (3) sides, and were shortly forced to surrender. This was the most moving around on the field of battle that Wrigley’s Engineers has had to face, with never a dull moment. I believe it good experience for those of us there.

We returned to camp, broke down, and departed by 4:30 pm.

I thank all who were in attendance, to make the event the success it was. I would also note that it was a pleasure to have the company of Pvt. Pat Jordan with us for the weekend. Come out and join us anytime.

Respectfully submitted, and your obedient servant,

Captain Wm T. Wentzien, Wrigley’s Engineers