Greg Sweatt is a cartoonist and Civil War reenactor who, since 2003, has been creating illustrations about the humorous side of the Civil War soldier: the mis-steps, absurdities, and impossibilities of their daily lives. Titled Co. A, the cartoons show the humor in the commons soldier, North and South alike. At times, Co. A also touches on the Civil War reenactor, pointing out, once again, the humor in the hobby. Below, author of Co. A Greg Sweatt shares the story of how he became interested in Civil War history, along with some of his thoughts and experiences from 36 years of reenacting. Finally, we’ve included 15 cartoons from Co. A, which is just a small sample of Greg’s work.

I had become interested in the Civil War after a vacation our family made to Mississippi in 1959 to visit my dad's family. This was at the start of the Civil War Centennial. After we made a side trip to Vicksburg I became hooked. There was enough publicity, toys, and Civil War related merchandise at this time to hold my interest for the rest of my life.

Fast forward to 1986. Living in California took me far enough away from most Civil War events, battlefields, and reenactments that I almost felt I was on an island. Lo and behold, while attending a local crafts show, I spotted a small Civil War encampment of reenactors. Really? Here on the West Coast? They were members of the National Civil War Association (NCWA), a Northern California Civil War club. After speaking with a Union cavalry sergeant, and finding out what units were established within the organization, I collected the information and decided to join his unit because it had a unique and historically correct California flavor to it. Slowly, over time, I collected and gathered together the uniform, accoutrements, and weapons to look the part.

 I became a member of the 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry, Co. A...the "California 100."  We portray a dismounted cavalry unit (historical note: cavalry fought dismounted more often than not during the war). In 1862 notices went out to any and all San Francisco locals to sign up for military service in answer to Lincoln's call for volunteers. The 100 men who put their names on paper became Company A (eventually followed by several more company formations). Why Massachusetts? The governor of that state, needing to fill his state's quota of men, agreed to allow the Californians to join up with other Bay Staters on the condition that the men pay for and provide their own transportation back East. Using their enlistment bounties, the Californians did just that. This gave them the opportunity to get in "the real fight," and not be relegated to garrison duty and fighting Indians out West.

I have now been reenacting the Civil War for 36 years, both at large and small events in Northern California, and even at Gettysburg (once for the 125th Anniversary of the battle, and once at the 150th Anniversary...the latter with the Fort Point Garrison Brass Band). Having been a reenactor with the "Cal 100" for so many years, I've gone through multiple company commanders, many turnovers in unit personnel, and a growth and loss of club reenactors in general. Civil War reenacting nationwide grew to it's zenith when the movie "Glory" and the Ken Burns'  documentary "The Civil War" were released. Since that time the hobby has gradually diminished. This is due to factors such as the average age of the reenactor slowly creeping upwards, young people not joining the hobby, and the Civil War in general hardly being taught in school anymore.

I have seen just about everything a Civil War reenactor could see at a given event. Even a rescue helicopter landing in the middle of a battle to haul off an injured horseman who's mount fell on him. There have been large reenactments where several clubs joined together to put on a very good show for the public, and small ones where the interaction with the public is one-on-one. But the one thing that has always been a draw for me has been the camaraderie with my fellow reenactors. Sure, the battles are exciting; the action great. But after the crowds have left, and the sun sets, it's the fellowship with my comrades-in-arms, sharing a meal, telling stories around the campfire...these are the little things that draw me to this hobby. 

And as a bonus, I now play with a period Civil War band. This combines my love of music with the Civil War. We perform on authentic Civil War horns (all over 100 years old) at reenactments, school programs, dances, and Grand Balls. The Fort Point Garrison Brass Band is now in its 16th year.

About the Author

Greg Sweatt is a graduate of the University of California, Davis, with a BA in studio art. He has written for Civil War Times Magazine, Camp Chase Gazette, Civil War Courier, and Sea Classics Magazine.