The Fusilier
23rd Regiment of Foot
The Royal Welch Fusiliers in America
Colonel of The American Battalion
Brigadier Anthony C. Vivian
Volume xxxIx No. 4 MARCH 22, 2010
St. David’s Day opens 2010 season
A great turnout happened despite the weather being raw. In addition to the Fusiliers in attendance, we were joined by Pennsylvania Loyalists and numerous other guests. Regimental communications were read including those from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 1st Battalion Royal Welch , and the customary toasts and the Leek Ceremony went off in very good order.
The Black Bass rose to the occasion with an incomparably good meal and were so impressed by the event that they have offered to hold the same price for next year with the addition of passed hors d’oevres during the cocktail hour. Our photos made the front page of the local weekly and we have had several contacts of interest as a result.
We were also able to collect a good quantity of non perishable goods, books, letters and RWFA memorabilia, which the Major has dispatched to 1st Battalion in Afghanistan.
In addition, the California regiment has had their dinner and the Light Company has just finished the first dinner of their own. I would be remiss for not acknowledging Mike Miller and Captain Dan Gates for the effort put forth in arranging the Light Company dinner and I regret that I was unable to attend.
REGIMENTAL INTEGRITY
I am putting ALL members on notice in respect to the following Regimental Order so that there are no misunderstandings during the coming year. We value each member’s participation with RWFA and hope that our efforts to maintain some of the highest standards of integrity in the reenacting field will be respected as well.
R.O. # 1-98-97 states that:
“No person will be accepted for service in this Regiment who already belongs to another re-created unit of the American Revolutionary War period and no member of this regiment may join another recreated unit of the American Revolutionary War period. Failure to follow either of the above provisions may result in permanent loss of membership in the recreated 23rd regiment of Foot. Before the 23rd Regiment will accept a man as a Recruit, should he be a member of another re-created regiment, he must send a letter of resignation to that regiment and submit a copy of his resignation when applying to become a recruit in this Regiment.
A member, strictly because of his employment requirements, may petition the Regimental Commander for dispensation to be allowed to be uniformed or dressed as a member of a Revolutionary War period unit other than that of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. (This is for job-related situations ONLY).”
Again, we have received no small numbers of complaints about members not only appearing at events in the Revolutionary War era uniforms of other regiments/units, in some cases with military rank s and honors to which they are not entitled to, but there has also been a great deal of complaint over members publishing such pictures on the internet. There has also been the mixing of early and late war uniforms by certain members after hours at events.
I know that Ken spoke with several members last year about this and some permissions were given after the fact, and one was granted prior to an event. There were some transgressions but all of that is in the past now and everyone has a “clean sheet.” We are on a new page.
This all boils down to ”regimental pride,” either we have it and follow the rules or we don’t and the rules get blurred or freely interpreted by individual members.
Let’s stand proud. Let me know if you have an event where you absolutely need to be in another Rev war era uniform. Don’t just assume that it will be ok. In this world of instant internet publication, you may find yourself posted on the internet by some one else and it will cause problems if I don’t know about it in advance.
MUSKETS
Dick Ford has passed along the following information for the membership.
Dixie Gun Works "Spring Spectacular" sale catalogue. They are selling Pedersoli Brown Bess Muskets for $995.00 (usually $1,100.00) this is a good price these days. They also have bayonets for $$185.00 and scabbards for $99.95 which sounds a bit steep.
EVENT SCHEDULE
April 17 – 19 Battle Road Lincoln, MA (Maps, schedules at end of this document)
Hosted by the 10th Foot, this is a “regional” one day event that we have had great fun at in the past and it’s a great event for Light Company and regional New England. Bring enough ammo for two battles. You will need only your cartridge box for the first one as they are supplying the ammo, but you will need your own for the second battle.
NB: All participants must familiarize themselves with the NPR black powder safety regulations which are attached at the end of this issue. I have attached the relevant information at the end of this issue.
Ken is working on having a dinner somewhere in the area for those participants interested and I will publish an “extra” so everyone knows the details.
***Please read the registration packet at the end of this issue!!! It contains very important information. ***
April 24 – 25 Siege of San Juan, PR
I have not heard from anyone wanting to attend this event so perhaps we will shelve it until 2011.
April 24 – 25 BAR School of the Soldier, Vails Gate, NY
May 8 – 9 Siege of Charleston, Fort Moultrie SC
*May 15 – 16 RWFA Garrison & Drill, Army Historic Education Center, Carlisle, PA
In conjunction with the AHEC living history event in May, Army Heritage Days has been expanded to two days (15-16 May) which last year attracted 11,000 visitors, we will looking at this as a good, low-key recruiting event for both the Colonel's and Grenadier Companies.
*June 5 -6 Gelston Castle, Warren, NY
We will be making this a “regional” event this year in support of a recruiting effort for the Light Company. Those of us who went last year were very impressed with the site and the support from the local community and brewery.
June 19 – 20 Battle of Monmouth, Freehold, NJ
Sponsored by 2nd New Jersey and 43rd Regt. Of Foot, there will not be an actual representation of the historic battle but a representative clash of arms this year.
July 10 – 11 Wyoming Valley Massacre, Scranton, PA
A wilderness type site with 600 acres of field and forest with easy access from I80 and I87. July is hot but there is much shade here. For more info: www.battleofwyoming.org
July 10 – 11 Battle of Hubbardton, VT
The Light Bobs have this as one of their company events. We will try to support with local members.
July 17 -18 BAR event, Stony Point, NY
We will need to pre register for this, so if there is any interest please let me know in a timely manner. Remember Ft. George in Canada is two weekends after, we need full regimental support for that one.
* July 31 – Aug 1 Fort George, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada
This will be one of two main regimental events for 2010. There will be a combined barrage and night assault on the fort with ground charges and hand grenades!
Fort George is an 1812 site with an outlying lunette which is accessible through an underground tunnel. I believe this is sponsored by Parks Canada. You will need passports to gain access to Canada and re entry into US, so get on it now because that can be a fairly lengthy process. It won’t hurt to have one as you will certainly need it if we make any future excursions to the UK. If you don’t have a passport, you can’t go!
September 10-12 Fort Ticonderoga
Light company event, we will support as light infantry with local members.
* Sept 25 – 26 “1777 Campaign,” Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington, DE BB/CL National Event
This will most probably be the second regimental event for 2010. It is getting the full support of the BB/CL and it is unfolding as a very large event with evening amenities being planned as well as full battles on both days.
Brigadier Vivian will be there to give encouragement to his lads in red.
Oct 2 Battle of Germantown, Germantown, PA
Fighting from within the Chew Mansion is always intense, this one day event features two battles at noon and 3:00pm.
Oct 16 – 17 Richardson’s Tavern, Millis, MA
This looks like a very nice, medium sized event run by the 10th Rgt and 2nd Mass. Ken, who is on the planning committee will be providing us with more details as they develop and has opened his house to up to 4 members as he is only a half hour away. Ken is
Oct 23 – 24 Mount Harmon Plantation, Earlville, MD
A lovely location just an hour south of Philadelphia on a peninsula surrounded by water, this site may be the site of larger events in the future.
Nov 6 – 7 Hope Lodge, Fort Washington, PA
Always a local favorite, the reenactment has been taken over by the Friends group which has stepped in to pick up the slack left by the collapse of the PHMC. Two battles one each day.
Dec 4-5 British Nightwatch, St. Augustine, FL
2011
June Gelston Castle (possibly BB/CL National event) Warren, NY
June 2011 Under the Redcoat, Williamsburg, VA
July Wyoming Valley Massacre, Scranton, PA
October Mount Harmon Plantation, Earlville, MD
2012
March St.Kitts in Caribbean
June Prescott, Ontario
August Oriskany, NY (235th)
Summer 2014: Color Presentation for The Royal Welsh
New Contact Information
Please note, I have a new phone number. 215 693-1318 My postal address and email are the same.
Regimental Headquarters
Major G.F. Morgan - PO Box 79,
Point Pleasant, PA 18950
215 693-1318
DUES! DUES! DUES!
Regimental dues are, as all know, $20 per member plus another $25 for those who wish to be in the BAR. With Ken as a board member, I hope to see more RWFA members take on the BAR membership so that we may support him! Regimental dues pay for is our insurance, acquiring equipment on hand, and subsidizing event expenses.
It’s really important that everyone pays their regimental dues on time, which means by or before January, so each company commander can send in his company’s portion quickly.
REGIMENTAL ORDERS (ROs)
We are in the process of reviewing these and will publish shortly in the Fusilier. It is expected that each member will read them and follow them.
ADDRESS CORRECTIONS, ADDITIONS ETC. (Officers and clerks please take the time to change/update these these!)
Jack Claudio 3404 Lyndenwald Ct. Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 jclaudio@mac.com 845-453-4477
Shane Reilly 17 East Eppley Drive Carlisle, PA 17015 all other info same
Kyle Parker 299 Colony Street, West Hempstead, NY 11552 sirrus308@yahoo.com (516) 538-8112
Justin Parker 299 Colony Street, West Hempstead, NY 11552 Achernar308@yahoo.com (516) 538-8112
Charles Young 320 Lewis Cole Road Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643-7424 chev6art@embarqmail.com 423 474-4330
POLITICS
We all have our opinions. They are NOT part of reenacting. Please do NOT implicate the RWFA in any mailings, e-mailings or other political communications you may make. Likewise when we are at events, most of us prefer to leave that stuff where it belongs, back home. I would not have mentioned this except that we have had several complaints both from inside and outside the RWFA about regimental mottos, crests etc. being attached to political statements. Use your head, we don’t want to have to write an RO on this, but if forced to we will.
Looking forward to the coming events,
Ich Dien,
Maj. GF Morgan
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
National Park Service
U. S. Department of the Interior
Minute Man National Historical Park
Concord, Massachusetts
Battle Road 2010
Registration Packet
April 17 - 18, 2010
North Bridge and Hartwell Tavern
Minute Man National Historical Park
Registration packet page 1
A note from Provincial Field Commander, Bill Rose, to all Battle Road participants
It’s that time again to make and mend and to prepare for the 2010 Military Campaign season. As seems fitting, the start of it is the 2010 Battle Road event on Saturday the 17th of April.
Once again this year, we will be commemorating the Fight at the Bridge early on the morning of the 17th April. We follow that with the Bloody Angle Tactical Demonstration around noon and then wrap up the activities of the 17th in Tower Park in Lexington for our afternoon reenactment.
This series of events has seen considerable evolution since the 2000 225th effort. The Bloody Angle event has become successful to such a degree that this year we are planning on some additional structure aimed at ensuring we maintain a few very important attributes. One is an unparalleled safety record. Another is a never ending journey to levels of authenticity in dress, drill and maneuver that require the support of all. And yet another is the desire to share this opportunity with units not in our immediate area in order to get the word out that 19 April 1775 is the date that closes a door on our colonial history and opens a door to our American history.
I suspect the first reaction to this note is “Why more structure? Don’t we have enough already?” “Where’s the reenactor friendly?” An answer can certainly be that it’s worked fine up to now so the prior structure is fine. Don’t fix it. It’s not broken. The problem is that in all previous years the size of the American forces has continually grown. It got to such a point last year that there were legitimate concerns that too many were on the field and an accident was statistically ready to happen. Moreover, when asked how the event went the response was uniform. The guys who were able to maneuver on the field had a great time. Those who got stuck unable to maneuver did not. So, an answer for this year is to limit the number of American forces in order to provide a safer and more fulfilling event. There will be only two American military units on the field; the Vanguard and the Rearguard. The Crown is in the middle. I believe this will improve our ability to demonstrate the military actions of the 19th.
The scope of interpretation over the last ten years of the events at and near the Bloody Angle has widened greatly. With a safe, accurate and highly motivated corps of participants there is no reason to believe this will change. As we demonstrate our ability to portray farmers, tradesmen, mechanics, light infantry, grenadiers, marines, officers, farmer’s wives, shopkeepers, etc, with dignity, care and attention to fact we can compel a greater sense of trust to our audience, ourselves and our host venues.
So, to these ends the following “structural” changes will be instituted for BR 2010.
1) Attendance will be by accepted invitation only.
2) All accepted units will be reviewed by a member of the BR Command Staff. Currently that staff is Bill Rose, Provincial Forces Commander, Myles McConnon, Commander of the Vanguard, Mark Nowacki, Commander of the Rearguard. Myles and Mark may appoint other officers as they see fit to aid in the review.
Crown Forces are expected to adhere to the same standards as administered by their respective regimental commanders. As these units are standing entities not subject to typical militia vagaries, Crown unit commanders are responsible for performance.
The review will be to audit a unit’s dress and drill and weapons maintenance. It is not arduous and any CL/BB/BAR unit should pass easily. Other units not having access to the NPS safety regulations for black powder, BR clothing guidelines or other 18th century militia/civilian material culture information should request assistance from the Command Staff.
3) Accepted units will be required to register in advance and provide a muster by name. Attending unit members will individually register by name on the day of the event at a designated registration tent.
4) Specific clothing standards for this year:
NO smocks
NO over or to the knee gaiters
NO striped stockings
Hats with pipes, money, feathers, mammal tails are highly discouraged; pins are forbidden. There is documentation of some units attempting to affix some distinctive item to the men for identification purposes. Show the documentation and you can reproduce that specific behavior.
5) An invitation has been extended to a very few BAR reenactors from beyond New England and even the Mid-Atlantic States in order to widen the geographical representation.
I make no assertion that I have found “The Answer” to having the ultimate experience for Battle Road. I take full responsibility for the changes this year and I suspect that there will be changes, deletions and modifications as the event evolves. I ask your support to pull this off and then you are welcome to critique the results. If I ask for the right to evaluate you then I expect you to assume the obligation to evaluate me.
Below you will find a more detailed description of what we intend to do from the Command Staff with references to the appropriate documents to ensure we all have the same information.
Thanks,
Bill Rose
A Note from the Battle Road Committee
Registration:
At most large-scale reenactment/living history events that we do throughout the campaign season, registration is a consistent and necessary element. This is what allows us to maintain the respectability of the hobby, and prevent walk-ons from attending, and potentially ruining, our event. For some reason, Battle Road has always been the exception – but not any longer. This year unit commanders will submit, along with other documentation (see page 2, “Registration process”), a roster of unit members, military, civilian and distaff, who plan to attend the event. When participants arrive at the event site, they will be directed to the appropriate registration area to check their name off the list. Once you’ve checked in, you will be given a commemorative tag, both for a keepsake, and proof of your registration. These will be checked during inspections. Those who did not register in advance on the unit invitation sent out by the NPS will not be allowed to participate.
Why is this necessary? In the interest of safety and authenticity, we need to know who’s coming to the event, and that they are aware of, and comply with, the event standards. They are in place for a reason. We know, and the park knows, that most of us are safe and professional in our conduct, drill and dress. Walk-ons, however, are an unknown commodity. Do they know the drill? Are they safe to be next to in the ranks? These questions are impossible to answer when somebody just shows up and finds a unit to fall in with. Sometimes they are detected during inspection. Sometimes they are not. Sometimes they are legitimate and safe. Sometimes they are not; that’s when things can turn dangerous for us all.
Invitation Only
Another change for this year is that unit participation will be by invitation only. Last year, we had so many troops on the field (Provincial side) that firing and maneuvering became difficult and potentially unsafe. Simply put, we need to limit the number of Provincial troops, and not every unit that attended last year will be able to this year. Units that are invited this year will be chosen based on their known standards of safety, drill and authenticity. Depending on how things go, we will hopefully implement a unit rotation from year to year to give everyone a chance. We are not trying to exclude, we are trying to find a way to include those who have had no chance to participate in our special bit of history ‘til now.
Battle Road Muster
Instead of having the park host a Battle Road Muster, this year the Battle Road Command Staff will be visiting the registered units, at a time agreeable to all parties, one unit at a time. We ask that when we visit your unit, your troops turn out in appropriate “kit” for Battle Road interpretation. As a part of this review, we would like to observe your musket drill to help us ascertain the similarities/differences from unit to unit so as to assure the NPS when we take the field that there will not be any confusion which might lead to unsafe firing, which would put us at risk of breaking our, to-date, 100% safety rating in the Park! This will also provide us an opportunity to clarify any questions regarding the clothing guidelines (see pages 3 – 5) which will be rigorously enforced by the NPS/BR Command Staff this year.
Registration packet page 2
Reenactor Friendly?
Some of you may be wondering how all of this makes the Battle Road event more “reenactor friendly,” as noted in the preamble from Bill. Many would argue that this event is fast becoming a signature event for New England Rev War reenacting. Our goal is to raise the profile of this event, based on impeccable safety and authenticity standards, professional organization, efficient execution and educational opportunity. The quality of this event reflects us all. This is our chance to show the NPS what we can do, and hopefully open doors in other parks. The new registration will be a big part of it, allowing us all to breathe a little easier on the big day, knowing that all who are there that day are those we know and trust. Improved authenticity standards, well enforced, will prevent those who have worked hard to build and improve their kit from having to participate along side of those who do not. Authenticity and safety often go hand-in-hand. In closing, we want to put our best foot forward, for our own reputation, the NPS, the visiting public, and most importantly, the heroes we portray.
Your most humble servants;
Battle Road Committee
Registration packet page 3
Bill Rose Provincial Field Commander brose@fabricometalfab.com
Paul O’Shaughnessy British Field Commander frommage@comcast.net
Jim Hollister Park Ranger jim_hollister@nps.gov (978) 318 – 7832 fax (978) 318 - 7800
Minute Man NHP 174 Liberty St. Concord MA. 01742
Contact Information
Myles McConnon Commander, Provincial Vanguard m.mcconnon@comcast.net
Mark Nowacki Commander, Provincial Rearguard Mark.A.Nowacki.88@Alum.Dartmouth.ORG
Event Schedule
Friday, April 16th
4:00 p.m. Event site and registration opens. Units and sutlers may set up camp.
Saturday, April 17th
7:00 a.m. Registration opens. Participants for The Commemoration of The North Bridge Fight load buses at Paul Revere parking area
8:00 a.m. Arrival at North Bridge, inspection and ammunition distribution
8:30 a.m. Units deploy for North Bridge scenario
9:15 a.m. Clear weapons and collect remaining ammunition
9:30 a.m. Board Buses and depart for Hartwell area
9:30 a.m. Hartwell Tavern and Smith House sites opens to public. All vehicles out of camp.
10:00 a.m. Registration Closes
10:30 a.m. Lexington Train Band arrives at Parker’s Revenge and fires volleys in remembrance.
10:30 a.m. British and Colonial small arms inspection
12:00 – 12:15 p.m. Bloody Angle Tactical Demonstration formation and ammunition distribution
12:30 p.m. Units deploy for Bloody Angle tactical demonstration.
1:00 p.m. Bloody Angle Tactical demonstration
1:45 p.m. Clear weapons and collect remaining ammunition
2:00 p.m. Event ends. Departure for Tower Park: Provincials board buses at Lincoln North, Crown at Hanscom Dr.
4:00 p.m. Tower Park Battle Re-enactment, Lexington MA.
Sunday, April 18th
9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Living History demonstrations at Hartwell Tavern. Any pack-out requiring vehicles in camp should be done before 9:30 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m.
Registration packet page 4
Registration Process
All unit commanders are asked to provide the following documents:
A Federal Volunteer Agreement Form (301A) included in this packet
Proof of insurance
A Minute Man NHP Firing Permit and participant roster*
*This is new for 2010. Pre-registration is required. Walk-ons are not allowed. Registered participants will check in at the appropriate registration table upon arrival at the event: Provincials at Hartwell barn, Crown Forces at Capt. Smith House. All registration documents must be submitted by April 3, 2010 at the very latest. Please send to:
Jim Hollister, Park Ranger
Minute Man National Historical Park
174 Liberty St. Concord MA. 01742
jim_hollister@nps.gov
fax: (978) 318 - 7800
Battle Road Authenticity Standards
The people we portray in living history deserve our best efforts. Remember, they can no longer speak for or represent themselves. When done well, living history can be a unique way to honor them and restore a touch of humanity to their memories.
The reputation of Minute Man National Historical Park, as well as every living history group participating in a park event, depends upon everyone striving for and maintaining the highest possible degree of historical authenticity. This includes authenticity in period dress and accoutrements, character role portrayals, and demonstrations.
The following guidelines were approved by The Battle Road Committee. The Battle Road Committee is a group of reenactors and park staff who research, plan, and put on events related to April 19, 1775 in the Lexington and Concord area. The Park works closely with this group when planning Patriot’s Day activities. More information is also available at 18th Century New England Life and thehiveoneline.org
General Protocol
During living history programs/encampments at Minute Man National Historical Park, historical authenticity standards will be observed and in effect during hours when visitors are on the grounds: generally 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
Participants are required to dress in as authentic and appropriate manner of clothing for the 1770’s period for Eastern Massachusetts as is proper and possible. Western frontier and native dress are not acceptable; this includes hunting shirts with fringe, beads, and a general “buckskin” or Native American appearance.
No anachronisms such as: cameras, cell phones, cigarettes, plastic items, wrist watches, modern jewelry, sleeping bags, coolers, non-period glasses or sunglasses, etc., will be used in sight of any visitor during hours of operation. (Because of the expense of period glasses, modern glasses will be accepted if not too obvious [wire frames only].)
For safety and authenticity purposes clothing must be of natural fiber such as wool, linen or cotton. Polyester, nylon, velcro, or other synthetic fabric presents a safety hazard and may not be worn.
Any modern accoutrements such as company pins, logos, nameplates or any other paraphernalia are not authentic to the period may not be worn.
Bales of straw (provided for bedding) will be opened and spread out. Full bales are out of period, especially when tied with brightly colored nylon cord.
Men’s Clothing
Frock coat or workman’s jacket is required for all military impressions: of wool, linen (flax or hemp), or cotton (or silk if appropriate to the overall impression). Soldiers may not turn out in their waistcoats and shirtsleeves. Likewise, farmers smocks will not be allowed this year. Militia/minute companies may not take the field in matching coats, or uniforms of any kind. Leather coats and frontier/rifle/hunting shirts (the garment with the cape and the fringe) are not acceptable.
Registrion packet page 5
Mens’ Clothing continued:
Shirt and neckwear: long, full sleeved, closed neck with stock, cravat, or neck cloth: Linen, cotton, wool in white, natural, or checked. Laced-trimmed jabots and ruffled stocks sold by several sutlers are not acceptable.
Waistcoat: wool, linen, cotton (or silk if...). Necessary with frock coat, optional with buttoned workman’s jacket.
Breeches: wool, linen, leather, or cotton (or silk if...). Trousers are acceptable as part of a lower class impression. Fringed suede frontier-style trousers are not acceptable.
Stockings: over the knee, wool, cotton or linen (or silk if...), white or colors, held up with leather or cloth tape garters. Athletic socks are not allowed, nor are horizontally striped stockings.
Shoes: period-style leather shoes with buckles or 2 hole lace up, black or brown (appropriate modern leather shoes may be worn if covered with gaiters)
Gaiters: Farmer’s half boots or half gaiters of dark brown or black wool, or linen canvas may be worn over period style shoes. Knee length F&I or Rev. War style gaiters are not appropriate for wear at Battle Road.
Hat: Must be worn out of doors. Cocked hat (civilian or military, depending upon your particular impression,) uncocked hat, knitted cap, workman’s cap.
Women’s Clothing
Sleeved outer garment: such as gown, jacket, caraco, bed gown, or riding habit of wool, linen, or cotton (or silk if appropriate to the overall impression). Because of the difficulty of obtaining period-appropriate prints, it is recommended that you avoid prints unless you have studied them in detail or can find exact replicas (such as Williamsburg replicas though not all their offerings are authentic); paisleys, cabbage roses, and 19th century calicoes are not correct. The sleeveless so-called “French bodice” and “English bodice” are not acceptable. A sleeved outer garment is required.
Petticoats: recommended 2.5-3 yards in circumference, longer than mid-calf; high-ankle/low-calf suggested. At least one petticoat with full-length gown; otherwise at least two. See above concerning prints. Print petticoats are only acceptable if worn with a gown or jacket of the same fabric.
Shift: low necked, sleeves reaching slightly below elbow. Linen, cotton, or wool in white or natural.
Stays or Jumps: highly recommended. If wearing a fitted garment like gown, caraco or jacket, stays or jumps are necessary.
Neck handkerchief: recommended. Triangle or folded square of linen, cotton, or wool (or silk...) in white, natural, solid color, or small checks, stripes or period block print.
Apron: Wool, linen, or cotton (or silk if...) in solid color or small checks or stripes. No eyelet or bibbed aprons.
Stockings: over the knee, linen, wool, silk, or cotton, white or colors, held up with leather or cloth tape garters. Athletic socks are not allowed. (As stockings do not show above low calf at most, plain modern knee socks are acceptable and garters are optional.)
Shoes: Period-style leather or cloth shoes with buckles or 1 hole lace up, black or brown (appropriate modern leather shoes may be worn if petticoats reach ankles or lower).
Registration packet page 6
Women’s Clothing Continued:
Cap: White linen or organdy. Acceptable cap styles are too numerous to list here, but “mobcaps” (a single circle of cloth gathered with a casing and/or elastic to form a ruffle) are not acceptable. Note that a plain cap with front band and gathered back is the simplest to make. A cap or hat is required except for fine ladies with dressed hair. No eyelet.
Hat: Low-crowned women’s style in straw, or felt, plain or covered; or bonnet. A cap or hat is required except for fine ladies. Hats typically were simply decorated; flowers, and feathers should be avoided, unless doing a gentry interpretation.
Hair: Either long, pulled back from the face, and put up, or hidden with a cap. Long or thick bangs should be pulled back off the face. Obviously-dyed hair (a color not naturally occurring in hair) should be well-covered by a cap.
Make-up: If worn at all, should not be noticeable.
Cold weather gear: Optional. Period-pattern cloaks, mantles, tippets, hoods, etc. Wool kerchiefs. Woven or knitted wool, linen, or cotton (or silk...) mitts, mittens, or gloves. Wool and/or fur muffs.
About lace: Eyelet and tatting are not authentic to the period. Crochet is not acceptable in any form (lace, shawls, etc.). Machine-made lace is acceptable if it is in imitation of period-style lace.
Children’s Clothing
Babes in arms: Shirt or shift, and cap, of linen, cotton, or wool, in white. A frock and petticoat are optional but preferred. Shoes and stockings optional. If plastic diapers are used, cover with a cloth.
Young children: (unbreeched boys from toddlers through age 3 to 7 and girls from toddlers through early puberty) shift of linen, cotton, or wool, in white or natural with a child’s frock (back closing for either gender / front closing for boys only) and petticoat. Cap and / or hat for girls (optional but preferred), workman’s cap or uncocked or single cocked hat for boys (optional). Stockings, as for women. Period-style shoes; due to the expense of children’s shoes, any black or brown leather lace-up modern shoes are also acceptable. Shoes and stockings are optional but strongly recommended.
Miscellaneous
Haversacks were military camp equipage for carrying rations. Thus, they are not appropriate for civilian and militia impressions. Knapsacks, snapsacks, and market wallets are recommended as are the use of your pockets
Women may carry baskets, market baskets and workbags. Baskets should be made of wood splint or willow,; metal parts are discouraged. Also use of pockets is strongly encouraged.
Registration packet page 7
Historic Weapons/Black Powder Safety Regulations
Acceptable Weapon Types: Only reproduction firearms may be used at this event. The use of original firearms is prohibited. Reproduction small arms that will be allowed for this event are:
Early to mid-18th century flintlock muskets, fusils, or fowling pieces.
British Long Land Pattern
British Short Land Pattern
French Charleville
Unacceptable Weapon Types Pistols
Blunderbusses
Rifles
Percussion-cap weapons
“Belgian Bombs”
Dog lock muskets
Prohibited weapons brought on site will be returned to the owner’s vehicle, or secured by the NPS and returned after the event.
Weapon Safety and the Public
Visitors are not allowed to handle or touch a loaded weapon.
DO NOT HAND YOUR WEAPON TO VISITORS.
No weapon is to be left unattended.
NEVER point your weapon (firearm or edged weapon) at anyone at anytime.
Participants under the age of 16 may not handle weapons (firearms or edged weapons) or powder.
Ammunition
Do not bring ammunition with you on site. All ammunition for the event will be provided by the NPS (except for Tower Park which is off-site).
Small Arms Inspections:
Morning inspection: 10:30 a.m. Provincials at Hartwell. Crown at Smith House.
Post demonstration inspection: 1:45 p.m.
All small arms used in firing demonstrations will be inspected by the NPS once in the morning to ensure serviceability, and then just prior to and immediately after every firing demonstration to ensure the weapon is clear. Weapons that pass the first morning inspection will be “tagged” by the NPS. Weapons that do not pass, may not be carried and must be returned to the owner’s vehicle. Weapons must meet the following standards to pass inspection:
weapon must be clean and free of fouling
no excessive rust or corrosion on the barrel, lock and touch hole
secured flashguard and hammer stall
no cracks or splits in the stock
furniture and barrel fit securely to stock
no missing stock pins or screws
lock is flush with the barrel with no charring around the mortise
half-cock position works properly
flint is secured by leather or lead
barrel free from visible dents or cracks
Registration packet page 8
Firing Procedures
All firing demonstrations taking place on park property may only be done under the direct supervision of the NPS.
Ramrods may not be drawn on the field during firing demonstrations.
No soldier may carry a loaded weapon when crossing over stone walls or passing through woods, as doing so may cause and accidental discharge of the weapon. Officers, when leading their troops over or through the aforementioned obstacles, will either order a volley to empty weapons or have their troops dump charges and priming.
Range safety standards will be observed at all times.
No opposed firing or casualty portrayals (elements of simulated combat) are permitted.
Firing will commence or cease at the discretion of the NPS.
If you even suspect that your weapon has missed fire, dump the charge and priming. “When in doubt, dump it out.”
Edged Weapons
Edged weapons may be drawn and brandished in a safe and prudent manner, when the bearer and the weapon are behind a barrier in a secure area out of the reach of visitors, i.e. officers carrying swords during the tactical demonstration, or infantrymen in a bayonet demonstration.
At no time may participants engage in simulated combat with edged weapons or simulated edged weapons.
When not behind a barrier, out amongst visitors, swords, knives, bayonets and the like may not be fully drawn. They may be partially drawn enough to expose some of the blade for visual inspection for interpretive purposes, but no visitor may touch the blade.
Soldiers on sentry duty may fix bayonets but must keep the musket in a vertical position and the bearer must maintain control of the weapon.
At no time may muskets be fired with the bayonet fixed.
Camping
Crown camps will be located at the Captain William Smith House. Provincial camps will be located at the
Hartwell Tavern area.
NPS will provide wood, straw, potable water, and bathroom facilities.
Camping areas will be laid out by NPS and Battle Road Committee prior to the event.
Camps must be period style. Please keep tentage to a respectable minimum.
Modern equipment (such as coolers) and containers must be kept out of the public eye.
Digging is prohibited (archeological sensitive site); therefore, fires will be set on metal plates.
A full bucket of water must be beside every fire.
Fires must be attended at all times.
Trash bags provided by NPS
Bagged trash will be deposited in the McHugh barn basement
Registration packet page 9
Parking
Reenactor Parking will be at Paul Revere Capture Site. A shuttle service will be provided for those participants unable to walk the distance to camp. Priority will be given to Provincial participants whose camping and parade area is much further away than the Crown.
Buses
Participants for North Bridge will board buses at Paul Revere Capture Site at 7:00 a.m. Drop-off after the scenario will be at Hartwell. These buses are generously provided by The Friends of Minute Man National Park
For Tower Park, Provincials will board buses at Lincoln North (see map) starting at 2:00 p.m. Crown Forces will board buses at Hanscom Drive. (see map).
Registration packet page 10
