-Mark Hamilton, one of the directors of the Greenville Confederate Museum, spoke about a piano that was given to the museum. It is in great shape, but it needs to be tuned and other upkeep procedures, which will take thousands of dollars.  Mark also said that once renewed he’d like to plan a concert using the piano, for the Museum staff, Butler Guards, public, etc.  He asked the Butler Guards to donate to the restoration of the piano.  Many organizations, such as UDC groups, have already donated. The piano was made by Timothy Gilbert.  Gilbert began making these pianos in 1829.  Although he was from the northern states, his products were very popular in the south.  Although he was a strong abolitionist, he still sold to southerners because, according to him, “Business is business.”  The Butler Guards will decide later this month if they will and/or how much they will donate.  Any group that donates at least $100 will be named on a plaque to be set with the piano.

-Corporal Tim Couch of the SC State Guard was invited by Vice President Julia Barnes to speak on the history of the state guard, which descends from the early state militia.  He explained the state guard has a common interest with the Butler Guards: a passion for the history of our state.  The SC State Guard was formed in 1670 at Albemarle Point in Charleston.  The guard is actually older than the US army.  He spoke on the state guards’ involvements in SC history, including the heroism displayed by revolutionary state guard soldier Sgt. Jasper and his determination to keep the flag flying above Ft. Moultrie, as British shells were raining about his head.  Tim also mentioned one of his favorite SC history characters – the “Swamp Fox.”  Francis Marion was a state guardsman.

Old Business:

-Cheraw was re-discussed.  Many of the Butler Guards who attended said it was one of the best events they had ever been to: great time, a  great meal, and amazing battles.  It is definitely on the Butlers’ schedule for continuous years.

-The first Fairview workday is this Saturday, April 14th.  It begins at 8 am.  We will be preparing firewood, bush-hogging the field, and clearing out the wooded area, so it will be in good condition for campaigners.  In regards to Fairview, one sutler is planning to attend.  Also, the Jefferson Davis SCV camp will be coming and selling their products.  The event coordinator has asked that the Butler Guards keep the site clean throughout the event, and we’ll need the help of all reenactors to do so.  Chuck Yeager, Julia Barnes, Zach Morris, and other Butler Guards members are camping Thursday night, so all other reenactors are welcome to come early if work permits.

-Six members of the Butler Guards are planning to attend both the Sharpsburg event and the AP Hill March.  Chase Heatherly will be mailing the fees and waivers to Bruce Blackmon the beginning of next week.

-John Vaughn tried to get idea from the membership on how the tactical should be played out.  Many ideas were discussed, and the plan will be finalized this Saturday at the workday.  John stresses he wants the tactical to be as realistic as possible, while being very fun for the reenactors.  Artillery will be used in the tactical also.  It’s sure to be a great fight.

-The Battle of Central was discussed.  All day Saturday will be a running tactical, with cavalry probing all day.  The battle in the afternoon will take place as normal, and there will be a dusk-time tactical.  Many Butlers are worried this could be unsafe, and are hesitant about participating.

-The Battle of Allison’s Woods will be at the end of summer this year.  Mike Looper spoke on the event, and said he invites the Butler Guards to come gray to the entire event, as he has recently been named the overall Confederate commander.  The Butler Guards will discuss this event at future meetings.

New Business:

-We’ll have a new recruit, Troy Webb, coming to Fairview.  Troy works with Chuck Yeager at Lockheed Martin at the Donaldson Center.  The Butler Guards also plan to have other new recruits: Taylor East, Justin Presley, Rick Bell, a drummer, Garreth Bell, as well as others.  All Butler Guards are urged to bring as much Federal gear as possible.  We have many of recruits to outfit.

-Dues for the 2007-2008 are coming up.  An individual for the Butler Guards is $15, a family is $25.  Also, all Butlers are urged to join the Palmetto Battalion (individual - $20), as the only Butlers counted are those who are battalion members.  For example, if the Butler Guards have 17 rifles at a Battalion-Affiliated event, yet only 8 of those are Battalion members, the Butlers only get credit for 8 rifles.

-Chuck Yeager would like for all officers and sergeants to begin sending Newsletter Editor Julia Barnes an “after-action report” on each event the Butlers attend.

-The Butler Guards have formally been asked to attend the Battle of Anderson 2008.  However, it was stated when asked that this event would take place on the same week as Cheraw 2008, granted Cheraw is planned for the yearly weekend it has been in the past.  The Butler Guards said they would attend if the two didn’t interfere, but if it’s a choice between Cheraw and Anderson, Cheraw will be the event the Butlers choose.

-Closing prayer by Chase Heatherly

-Meeting adjourned: 8:50 pm.