What did a soldier eat? Did it differ from field to garrison? How did the men prepare it?

All of these questions will be addressed by Sam Lowe and Tom Steele. The field ration and the garrison ration will be examined.

In addition, all paticipants at the drill will have the chance to taste garrison rations. Drawing from a letter from a member of the 8th Michigan while camped at Fort Wayne, the men will be offered a chance to share a garrison supper of stew and softbread on Saturday night. We encourage all to participate and ask each man to bring $5.00 to defray the expenses. Not a bad price - you can hardly eat at Taco Bell on Fort Street for that price!

Tom Steele is a member of the Sally Port Mess. He has been re-enacting for over 10 years and believes re-enacting is a great way to learn more sacrifices made by the men who served in the Civil War.

Sam Lowe has been re-enacting since 1987. He's currently a member of the Sally Port Mess.