Commander Daniel B. Conrad of Winchester, Virginia
May I call you Commander?
Yes that is the proper form of address.
What is your real name?
Larry Denny
What do you do in real life?
I'm a retired park ranger for Louisianna State Park though I still am part of properties management in Louisianna and Virginia. He is ex-navy and ex-airforce, policeman, fireman.
How long have you been reenacting?
I have been reenacting since 1959. I have worked with Gulf Coast Living History Association as fleet surgeon, CSS Tennesse, CSS Virginia at hamptom Roads.
What is the history behind your persona?
The Commander was a commando of sorts. He went to medical school at Winchester Medical School in Winchester, Virginia. He also attended the US Naval Academy. In 1861 he was on assignment to take Japaneese embassadors back to Japan after Admiral Perry broke the trade barrier. When the voyage was over the southern officers were interred as traitors.
Conrad manage to escape and get back to the south. He offered his services to the provisional navy of the Confederate States. He was assigned the rank of captain and later promoted to commander.
He was present at First Manassas as Medical Officer with 1st Virginia Regiment, even though he was a Naval Officer. His boyhood freind Hunter Holmes MaGuire was able to secure that position for him. MaGuire was General Jackson's Personal Surgeon.
He participated in the raid on USS Underwriter at New Bern, North Carolina in late 1864. He actually boarded an enemy ship under fire. He also served with Admiral Buccanan at the battle of Mobile Bay.
Why did you pick this persona to portray instead of a land locked one?
I read a book about him and was captivated by his history and career. He was a real hero! I got to hold the cutlass he held when he boarded the USS Underwriter. It had his name stamped on the crossguard. "Deovindice" the CSA motto is stamped on it as well.
Do you really go on board ships to do reenactments?
Oh, yes. I'm also the medical advisor for the USS constelation in Baltimore Harbor, a fully rigged sloop of war. Though I usually do that as a US navy officer since it is a Federal ship!
Do you get to help sail them or are they at anchor when you are on board?
The constellation is foating at anchor, though it does go on "turn around cruises" down the harbor and back twice a year. They did tour down to Annapolis this past spring but, that is unusual. I just finished helping them complete the surgery and sick bay. Mostly I gave advice and lending surgical kits.
Who owns the ships?
Non-profit organizations.
What is your favorite reenactment and why?
First Mannassas in 1961. It was not only the best but, also the first real reenactment ever. Prior to that there was just the North/South Skirmish Association doing live fireing. This was a living history and I was hooked for good.
What changes have you seen over the years?
I have seen a lot of changes over the years, mostly in equipment and uniforms. We had the best leather gear and weapons and they were original back in the first days. The uniforms were atrocious though. Now the uniforms are far superior and it is all good. We had only infantry, dismounted cavalry and mobile artillery then. Now we have so many different units (Marines, Sailors, Mounted artillery and cavalry) and a host of other impressions including civilian. It is wonderful!
Thank you for sharing with us.
It's great talking with you kel~
