Return to the Hook Part 1: Tales from “That Guy”

23 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by Twistification in The Battle of the Hook

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2nd North Carolina Regiment, Battle of the Hook, Return to the Hook

I wanted to first start off by stating my appreciation for the kindness and hospitality of the men and women of the 2nd North Carolina Regiment. These kind folks showed much patience for us newbies as we stumbled through our inevitable rookie mistakes as well as my own character flaws. Thanks especially to Patrick O’Kelly, who graciously invited us to the event and provided everything we needed. You sir are truly a Gentleman.

Now on to our first evening at the Hook…

2nd North Carolina Tents at Warner Hall

After 11 hours on the road, Wesley and I arrived at Warner Hall, home to Washington’s great great grandfather. We immediately reported to Patrick O’Kelly, the energetic the commander of the 2nd Carolina Regiment.

Patrick was busy this weekend. Not only was he outfitting both Wesley and I, he also managed to outfit around 12-15 ROTC students he brought by bus (aka ‘cabbage killer’).

With so many new people out for the event, we were immediately assigned the name of “That guy” (me) and “The other guy” (Wesley). These titles stuck, and we took this good piece of humor in stride as we did our best to stay out of the way.

Here we go.

Wesley and I were outfitted in the Continental blues. The jacket was a bit tight around the chest, but fortunately I did not need to button it. However the pants clung a bit too tight around the calves and I ended up creating a tiny rip above the knee as I adjusted things. The rip would grow as the weekend progressed, but no one seemed to mind as it seemed to give me more authentic ragged Continental look.

It was a clear evening at Warner Hall, and tired from the long drive, we retired to our tent after taking protective measures to stave off straw loving spiders. The sound of a flute lofted over the muffled conversations of those in the British camp across the road. The night almost had a medieval feel to it. The morning would soon arrive, and with it a quick training session before the Battle of the Hook.

Up next, Return to the Hook Part 2: Formations and Firelocks.

Taking the Plunge…

15 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by Twistification in 1777 Charleville, Banastre Tarleton, Cavalry, Infantry, Musket, Revolutionary War, The Battle of the Hook, Weapons of the Revolution

≈ 1 Comment

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Battle of the Hook, reenactment

As just about anyone who has checked out my blog would see coming from a mile away, I have finally taken the plunge and will participate in my first reenactment at the Battle of the Hook. I will be joining Patrick O’Kelley’s 2nd North Carolina Regiment this coming weekend. The regiment will be depicting “Mercer’s Select Grenadier Battalion” that saw most of the infantry action during the battle. If predictions hold out, this event may even see the largest contingent of cavalry for a Revolutionary War reenactment ever.

The American victory at ‘The Hook’ shut Cornwallis in Yorktown and threw away the key, effectively ending the British general’s hopes for escape or reinforcements (thanks should also be given to the French fleet). The dreaded Banastre Tarleton partook in the battle and was injured as Mercer’s Select rushed in to support French cavalry.

So there is much to the world of reenactment that I am learning. Random thoughts:

The 2nd North Carolina regiment will feed, cloth, arm and shelter both Wesley and I.
Patrick O’Kelly will train us upon arrival. With any luck, I’m hoping he won’t break into spats of cursing in German like Von Steuben did.
My musket will pass muster this time, although technically the 1777 Charleville was not issued to Continentals. If asked, I’ll stick with the story that I ‘borrowed it’ from the generous French contingent. Or maybe won it in a bet. Not sure yet.
The regiment will provide the cartridges. No bullets will be used of course. This statement was made particularly to ease my wife who is concerned about the next bullet point…
A period correct Tavern will be present at this event. I will be sure to practice period correct consumption, hopefully not leading to a case of period correct ‘the consumption’.
The reenactments will include redoubts and two buildings that will be burnt down during the battle. The 11 year old in me just jumped with joy upon discovering this.
Shaved the beard. Sad faces from my wife and 11 year old daughter upon discovering my cleanhsaveness this morning. But worth it to see the confused look on my one and two year old boy’s faces.
Must keep out of view my sleeping bag and anything that is not period correct. Once the public is gone however, I plan on taking plenty of pics. Vids too.
Gloucester Virginia. 9 hr drive. Ouch.

Sleeping accommodations free of charge thanks to the 2nd North Carolina Regiment: