Thinking about the most recent event, it was hard to get the soldiers into first person when they were just wandering around and happened upon my tent. I had the more success when I visited the Confederate prison. There, the men were already in character. So they were already in the frame of mine to role-play.

I have discussed this with my pards. We will try to make some changes. We will write more scenerios at our planning meetings. I will also remind people in our newsletter. I will try to get it mentioned in the info sent to participants. Someone suggested that I try to shame the soldiers into dictating letters with questions like; When are the last time your wrote to your dear parents, soldier? I might have to resort to asking the officers to order the privates to my tent.