June 3, 2012. A facebook note, posted by my friend Ben De Marco, invited the Red Bank Photography Club to check out this event, so I did. I met Ben at the village and really enjoyed the day.
As I approached the encampment, I met the doctor and several other re-enactors doing typical activities.
At one point on our tour, Ben offered a photo to Brig. General Charles Haight of one of his men taken at a previous visit. The general was pleased.
General Haight read words of praise to his men and his men followed with a hats-off cheer to the General.
The general gave his subordinates instructions on forming the men on the parade field for awards.
The awards were sincere and well received.
General Haight gave a solemn good-bye to his troops as they marched to the railroad station for the battlefield.
At the railroad station, no less than President Lincoln, met the troops for a sendoff. President Lincoln removed his hat and gave the troops words of encouragement.
General Haight told President Lincoln that his troops were well trained and ready for combat. The troops then boarded the train to the music from the military band.
The train left the station with sounds of military music, some cheers and many cries from family members.
The re-enactors from the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association (NJCWHA) provided a most interesting and informative history re-creation at Allaire Village today.
