Gentlemen

   We need to know if you will be taking part in the New Mexcio mess - Please let me know ASAP so I can give an estimate of the amount of fat pork and hard tack that they need to haul out to Picacho. If you already informed me you are NOT attending, you do not need to contact me. Please let me know if you want to share in the mess). This will be one of the better values you will have in life. All those who participate will have to partake in duties in support of the cook.

May God Bless the Union!

Also remember to visit our website being so ably managed by our valiant web master, Cpl. Bryan Bender, at www.arizonacivilwar.com

May God Bless the Union and President Abraham Lincoln!

I Remain,

Your Humble Servant,

1^st Sgt. Mike Cynecki

Please submit your thoughts to the email address below.

Gentlemen,

  Gentlemen - One more important dispatch from Major Garcia. Please follow up with me on the other questions I have sent out regarding attendance, gear needed and participation in the 1st NMVI Mess if you have not already done so. Only a few have responded. I Remain, YMOS, 1st Sgt. Mike Cynecki 1st NMVI, Co. B

Captain Andrew Garcia                                                                                                                                                1st NMVI Company “B”

Gentlemen

   I have the honor of being the 1st Sgt. for the combined company of 1st New Mexico (Company A and B) for the 2008 Picacho event. I need to compile a full roster for roll call purposes so I do not have to do so at the event. If you have received this and you are NOT planning to attend or serve in the 1st NMVI, please let me know and I will take your name off the event company roll. If you are bringing NEW people in the company, please give me their names, and I will add them to the roster. Captain Shoemaker, please give me the list of NCO's and privates who will be falling in the ranks with us for the weekend so I can have a complete roster (I would rather have the names if you THINK one of your soldiers may attend). I will not need the names of the musicians and those who are not falling in with our company. Colin Reynolds - Will you fall in as a musician with the 1st New Mexico Drum and Fifes?? Gentlemen - We will follow the instructions in calling roll (after falling in a single line by height) with the following commands: Attention COMPANY Shoulder ARMS In Two Ranks Form Company, Left Face MARCH (At this point corporals may have to be inserted in the proper locations and we may need to dress the company) Support ARMS *** Roll Call *** When your name is called, respond by saying "HERE", go to Shoulder Arms, and then immediately go to Order Arms. When we are completed the entire company should be at Order Arms. If not, I will know who's name was missing from the roll . . . or who was not paying attention (. . . and may have to do extra guard or other fatigue duty). The next time we fall in, we will fall in two ranks, but roll will be done in the same manner. Thank you for your kind attention. Please have your camp set up and your transport stowed away so that you are ready to fall in by no late than 9 a.m. Saturday morning. If you will only be able to attend one of the two days, please let me know.

May God Bless the Union! I Remain,

Your Most Obedient Servant,

1st Sgt. Mike Cynecki

1st NMVI, Co. B

Requests to talk to, Captain Garcia can be made by sending your email to the Above Link.

The following is a suggested method. I think it would look the best when done at Picacho.

427. At roll calls the first sergeant takes his place six or eight paces, according as the company is small or large, in front of the opposite the center of his company, facing towards it. If the company is forming without arms, the men fall in and take the position of parade rest, and the first sergeant takes the same position. (Reg. 335.)

428. They should fall in in two ranks, whether with or without arms. With arms they fall in at the shoulder arms instead of parade rest. The company is formed in the interval between the musicians' call and the last note of the assembly, when every man should be in ranks; and those who fall in afterwards should be punished for being late.

429. When the music has ceased, the first sergeant commands, "Attention!" whereupon the company, if at parade rest, take the position of the soldier, and if with arms, the sergeant adds, "Support arms." The roll is then called, commencing with sergeants, Adams, Smith, &c., in the order of rank, until all are called; Then "corporals," Brown, Jones, &c., to "farriers;" then "buglers or musicians;" and finally "privates," Ames, Brown, Cox, &c., in alphabetical order. As each name is called, they answer, "Here;" and if with arms at a support they come to a "shoulder" and finally to "order arms," immediately on answering to their names; if with sabres or pistols drawn, they return them to their scabbards.

430. After the roll has been called, the first sergeant turns to the officer superintending the roll call, and reports the absentees by name. If none are absent without authority, he reports, "All present or accounted for." If the officer should then take command of the company, the first sergeant takes his post on the right of the company, and acts as right guide.

(Kautz, CUSTOMS OF SERVICE FOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS, 1864)

Cpt.Andrew Garcia