Battle of the Bees…

11 Sunday Sep 2016

Posted by Twistification in reenactment, Uncategorized

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6th North Carolina, Battle of the Bees, Latta Plantation, reenactment

My second reenactment is in the books. I had a great time. Thanks to Louis and the 6th North Carolina for the outfitting, great food and fun battles. Now on to some observations:

First rule of battle, keep your lock maintained and be prepared to fix misfires. In other words, keep your flint sharp and keep extra ones handy. One participant tossed his rifle in frustration due to malfunction. You only have a few hours of fighting during the weekend, so make sure your firelock is ready to fire repeatedly, otherwise you turn into a period appropriate spectator.
Other things to remember: Utensils. Tarp for the bottom of the tent. Hat. Tylenol PM to sleep through crickets and snoring nearby tents.
The ladies of the 6th North Carolina prepared fantastic meals. I stayed well fed all weekend.
Skirmishing is fun, but open field unit battles are the bees knees (wow that was bad). Nothing beats firing and moving in unison, and having a good captain to maneuver the troops is essential to maximizing your enjoyment. Well done Louis!
Battle reenactments are the way to go. I think I would get a bit bored at living history events that consist of only camping and demonstrations.

Overall the weekend was a success. Next up is Camden (as a participant) and then Cowpens (as an observer). And now for a few photos. I still would love to find some action shots of the battles.

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

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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: