leven years ago, Bill Minich of Quakertown became a new man.

Inspired by tales of the Civil War, he took on the persona of Lt. Gen. James Longstreet, presenting the historical figure to general audiences and history enthusiasts.Longstreet (Jan. 8, 1821-Jan. 2, 1904) was one of the foremost Confederate generals of the American Civil War and principal subordinate to Gen. Robert E. Lee, who called him "Old War Horse."Longstreet served under Lee as a corps commander for many of the famous battles fought by the Army of Northern Virginia in the Eastern Theater.While many re-enactors portray Lee, Minich is the primary one portraying Longstreet."I've always loved the Civil War and am very passionate about it," he said Sunday. Minich set up headquarters encampment of the First Corps, Army of Northern Virginia over two days in Carbon County. The event took place at the No. 9 Mine and Museum in Lansford, part of an annual miners picnic.Period correctnessMinich, 41, is a U.S. Army veteran who portrays Longstreet year-round, often at Gettysburg, joined by wife Sara and others of the corps."People like to talk to the soldiers," he says. As for Sara, she answers questions about the role of women during the war.Minich takes along a tent, guns, ammunition boxes, a supply tent and period-correct accoutrements, including some equipment that is original and authentic.For instance, he uses a collapsible field desk similar to the one Lee and Longstreet used to house books crucial to formulating battle strategy."The field desk folds up and locks. It's something that can be broken down and be in the back of a wagon in an hour," Minich said.At Lansford, Minich was accompanied by several soldiers who demonstrated early firearms techniques.Michael Scriver, 32, of Pottstown, portrayed Lt. Col. Moxley Sorrel, chief of staff, and demonstrated the manner in which soldiers loaded a .36-caliber, six-shot Griswold revolver."I've been re-enacting since 2008," said Scriver. "I started doing it when I was living on the West Coast."Another soldier at the encampment was Capt. T.J. Goree, who served as Longstreet's aide-de-camp. In the military, the term refers to a personal assistant or secretary to a person of high rank. The first aide-de-camp is typically the foremost personal aide.Portraying Goree was Matt Howe, 31, of Doylestown.Years ago, it took just one dose of history for Howe to acquire a passion for re-enacting and the love of traveling."My aunt took me to Gettysburg and I got hooked on it," he said. "I've been down south to Georgia and up north to Niagara, New York. I do Gettysburg about 10 or 15 times a year."Intense hobbyMembers discuss the various battle and corps flags, and the Bonnie Blue Flag, the unofficial banner of the Confederate States of America. It consists of a single five-pointed white star on a blue field."Longstreet adopted it to be his flag," Minich said.Minich also carried original field glasses from the Civil War."All general officers were to carry field glasses," he said.Minich says many people ask about the cause of the war."The Civil War was fought over states' rights," he said. "For instance, the South was allowed to grow crops but they weren't allowed to process them."As for slavery, "97 percent of the Confederate Army couldn't have afforded slaves," Minich said. "A slave cost $1,500 to $2,000 back then. It'd amount to $500,000 to $750,000 in today's money."Minich also noted that some 30,000 black men from the south also fought in battle.He said feelings in the South run deep because the South was also the battleground."They were fighting for their homes and their families. Their families saw the hardships. They felt stronger for it."Living historians like the members of the First Corps keep tradition alive by presenting the days of the war in as authentic a manner as possible.So how much does it cost for a person to become a re-enactor?Minich said $1,000 to $1,500 would set you up as a basic soldier, meaning covering the cost of uniform and equipment.If you're old enough to portray an officer, you'll spend $2,500 to $5,000 for upgraded uniforms and supplies.To shoulder the cost of encampment, you could spend $15,000 to $25,000 on equipment, supply tent and supplies, Minich said.For example, when Minich learned that Longstreet wore carpet slippers, he paid to have a pair designed for his bedside, an added expense.He also paid to have Mexican spurs manufactured for his period-correct boots, similar to what Longstreet wore.He also carries small crocks of pure rye whiskey or corn whiskey, same as Longstreet, and smokes the same cigars. For him, it's part of becoming a new man."It's all about your passion and what you feel inside."