Co. E, 42nd Regt. (The Bucktails) reorganized.

Adam Helmer · #1 05-17-2014, 02:13 PM

Last Thursday we had a meeting of Co. E members here in Tioga County. We elected Officers and I ended up as Secretary. Our past Commander has health problems and now we have a former Marine as our Commander. We do many local parades and Memorial Services. Our complement is about 15 members. Happily, a new recruit has three full-size Civil War cannons (he built himself) and he wants to bring them to re-enactment battles.

The original Bucktails were recruited here in Tioga and Potter County, PA in May 1861 in response to President Lincoln's call for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion. The First PA Rifles became the 42nd Regt for three years service. There were 10 companies in the 42nd. After the Civil War the Bucktails held annual reunions beginning in 1871 and the first was here in Tioga County at our county seat, Wellsboro. This August 1-3 there will again be a Bucktail Reunion and all companies will be represented. If you are in Wellsboro, PA on August 1, 2014, come to "The Green" and nearby Woodland Park where the entire regiment will be encamped.

Adam

Adam Helmer · #2 05-17-2014, 03:39 PM

Besides being Secretary of Co. E, 42nd Regt., I am also Quartermaster. This morning a fellow Bucktail dropped off two foot lockers of uniforms, belts, cap boxes, etc. and 7 muzzleloaders; some two-band and some three-band.

I have a man's work ahead of me: The uniforms need cleaning and airing on the clothes line, the leather needs saddle soap and a bit of polish. The brass needs a bit of Brasso and the guns need attention. I would say they are a bit better than "Condemmed Stores." I need to put linseed oil on the stocks and a bit of brushing to the .58 caliber bores to get them into condition followed by a bit of oiling of locks and bores.

I cast .58 caliber Minies and will test these Company rifles to see which shoot best. We mostly fire 75 grain 2F Goex blanks, but occasionally we do fire matches and I will be sure our Bucktails will only compete with the best arms on establishment.

Adam