NATCHEZ &8212; The sound of battle reverberated from the grounds of Historic Jefferson College this weekend as crowds gathered to watch the 10th annual re-enactment of a 1863 Natchez Civil War battle.

&8220;I live right near here. I heard it all and wanted to see what it was all about. It sounded like the real McCoy and it looks like it, too,&8221; said Natchez resident Charlie Brown.

Most of the kids who attended the event agreed that though the battle was noisy, it was interesting to see a chunk of history being recreated.

&8220;I like everything, except the canons are too loud,&8221; said Kimberly Partridge.

About 80 dedicated volunteers acted out the scene, many coming from as far away as Alabama and Texas.

Billie Doyle, of Monroe, portrayed the wife of a soldier. Dressed in a simple button-up top, skirt and floppy hat, she tended to the sick, cooked and washed dishes.

&8220;I love this lifestyle. I love dressing the part. At night, it&8217;s so romantic because we have candles lit everywhere. I just haven&8217;t gotten the words down yet, the (19th century) way of talking,&8221; she said.

A couple of concerts and a dance were also part of the weekend&8217;s activities.

Doyle said the weekend went off without a hitch, and she can&8217;t wait to come back next year.

&8220;The people here are wonderful. They&8217;ve supplied us with a couple of meals and fire wood. We&8217;ll definitely be coming back.&8221;