WALNUT HILL, RUDDLE, WV July 31st, a small contingent of Union soldiers under the command of Bob Williams, 7th West Virginia Infantry Camp #7, came upon a fine southern plantation where citizens and Confederate soldiers were enjoying a reunion. The reunion was under the protedtion of Confederate forces from Brig. General James Boggs' Camp #1706, and the McNeill's Rangers Camp from Moorefield, WV. The Union Commander demanded an unconditional surrender or they would attack. After the Confederates rejected the Union Commander's demand, an order to attack was given. Under a volly of musket fire from both sides, which clouded the air with smoke for several minutes, with only light casualities on both sides, the Confederates, outnumbering the Union force at least two to one, stormed up the hill forcing the Blue Bellies to retreat. Upon overtaking the Union soldiers, a small group of Union soldiers were taken captive. After making a public specticle of the prisoners, harrasing them with the threat of hanging, and no suitable hanging tree in the area, it was decided to put them before a firing squad. With seconds to spare, a courier by the name of Richard Ruddle, arrived with a reprieve from Confederate President Jefferson Davis, stating that these prisoners should be spared for they were incompentient of their actions. Thus this story ends, but the festivities continued. No, this is not 1863, but 1999. The first Civil War reenactment in Pendleton County, Walnut Hill, Ruddle, WV, where all had a fine time, Confederate and Yankees alike. There was period music, ladies in period dress, uniformed soldiers, and plenty of good food and entertainment. Make plans to come next year to the Annual Sons of Confederate Veterans' Reunion Picnic. Bill Vance, Camp Secretary Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War 7th West Virginia Infantry Camp # 7 304-358-3261 pendhist@access.mountain.net