WRIGLEY’S ENGINEERS

CIVIL WAR

PENNYPACKER MILLS, PENNSYLVANIA

MAY 29-31, 2009

AFTER ACTION REPORT

Advanced guard of Wrigley’s Engineers arrived in camp on Thursday, May 28, 2009, consisting of 1^st Sergeant Charlie Evans, Sergeant Tom Sharpe, and Captain Al Lingsch. On Friday, May 29, 2009, the advanced guard provided education to the public, including school groups.

On Saturday morning, May 30, 2009, the rest of Wrigley’s Engineering unit arrived on the field. The full camp set-up included Engineering/Survey, Civilian-Women’s Central Association of Relief, and Cooking.

Representing the unit at various times throughout the weekend were: Captain William T. Wentzien, Captain Al Lingsch, First Lieutenant Alan Ruger, First Lieutenant Patrick Dunigan, First Sergeant Charlie Evans, Sergeant Tom Sharpe, Sergeant Rick Gehlhaus, Private Eric Hawkins, Private David Hazen, Private John Pearson, and Private Tim Krause. This was Pvt. John Pearson’s first time out with us. Civilians included: Kim Ruger, Barbara S. Wentzien, Nancy Hazen, Margie Gehlhaus, and Judy Cox.

The entire day was sunny and pleasant. The Engineers related and interacted with the public throughout the day. The public expressed interest in the use of the sun frame copy box. A tracing of the Pennypacker Mills grounds was utilized in the making of copy maps.

The civilians, through Kim Ruger, immediately went about interacting with the public on the Women’s Central Association of Relief. This included explaining the personal items, clothing and other items of relief for the civil war soldier. At times during the day, the civilian’s area was further enhanced by the presence of Joann Dunigan.

At 11:40 am it was 73° F, and 29.5˝ of mercury. Lunch was served by Pvt. David Hazen, consisting of various meats, pasta salad, corn bread, rolls, and coffee.

At 2:30 pm Wrigley’s sent out an Engineer’s Observation Contingent out to the battle, consisting of Capt. Wm T. Wentzien, 1^st Lt. Patrick Dunigan, Sgt. Tom Sharpe, Sgt. Rick Gehlhaus, Pvt. John Pearson, and Pvt. Tim Krause. The union artillery formed up on the high ground at the east end of the battlefield. Joining us was President Lincoln with his body guards. On the west end, the Rebel forces came out of the woods with skirmishers. This was followed up by the main Rebel line. The union line pressed forward, and split out in to 4 units. We pressed the Rebel line, enveloping them on both flanks, and won the day.

At 4:00 pm Pvt. Eric Hawkins arrived in camp. At 6:15 pm it was 82˚ F, with 29.45˝ of mercury.

At 6:30 pm Wrigley’s Engineers participated in the evening lantern tours. About 6 different guided groups came through, and Wrigley’s Engineers provided an education talk to each group.

Sunday morning, May 31, 2009 there was on-going interaction with the public. At 11:00 am Wrigley’s sent out a reconnaissance party of Capt. Wm T. Wentzien, Sgt. Tom Sharpe and Sgt. Rick Gehlhaus. The area investigated was at Haleman Road, near Rout 73. We recorded Perkioman Creek, and the remains of what appear to be the remains of the old mill race that served an earlier mill. We also observed a monument to Major Edward Sherburne, who was at the battle of Germantown (Revolutionary War). A second monument was noted indicating the area of Washington’s army camp in September of 1777.

At noon the temperature was 77˚ F, with 29.5˝ of mercury.

At 2:00 pm Wrigley’s sent out an observation group during the afternoon’s battle, consisting of Capt. Wm T. Wentzien, Sgt. Tom Sharpe, Sgt. Rick Gehlhaus and private John Pearson. We were stationed at the lower, west end of the battlefield with the union artillery. We were, once again, joined by President Lincoln and his body guards. The union main line advanced up the field towards the rebel line to the east. The rebel forces held their line, protecting their 3 artillery pieces. During the union advance, the colors went down twice, but were not captured. The union advanced however collapsed, and the rebel forces took the day.

At 4:00 pm the engineer’s camp was placed on the wagons, and we departed to engage in our next encounter.

I thank all who were in attendance, contributing to the success of the weekend.

Respectfully submitted, and your obedient servant,

Captain Wm T. Wentzien, Wrigley’s Engineers