With their sergeant, at right, keeping a sharp eye on their alignment, soldiers move forward across Petrack Park during Saturday's activities. HORACE LANGFORD JR. / PVT Re-enactors line up for inspection at Petrack Park. HORACE LANGFORD JR. / PVT A full rack of rifled-muskets was available for those wishing to learn how to load and fire. Advertisement

With a range of period goods, from surgical instruments to a mass of Springfield Model 1861 .58-cal. rifled-muskets and the appropriate bayonet sheaths, cap and cartridge boxes, a group of state Civil War re-enactors attracted several dozen spectators to Petrack Park Saturday.

Across the way, chili cookers were busy under their awnings as the re-enactors explained the proper care and use of their weapons, the different colors for the different services, and even the proper placement of rank chevrons.

A blast of musketry fire was apparently enough to spook one of the horses at the equestrian event at nearby McCullough Arena, but the event otherwise passed without serious incident.

Several individuals volunteered to become impromptu riflemen and learn how to load and fire by the numbers. (In order to hold down the noise, the powder charges were not rammed down tight.)

Several of the re-enactors related stories from the war to illustrate its various and curious aspects, including the story of the Confederate Mosby's capture, from his warm bed, of a Union general.

"Have you heard of Mosby?" the Rebel asked after whacking the general awake.

"Yes, have you got him?" the general, mightily confused, asked.

"No," said Mosby, "he's got you."

President Lincoln appeared more concerned about the losses of horses to the Confederate raider than the general's being rousted and captured.