October Gazette

Fortifications at Millis

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Here's the October Gazette for your reading pleasure...

October Gazette, President's Report

Du BUREAU du PRÉSIDENT,
from the President’s Desk

Framingham on the Sudbury

Summer..errr…Fall Camp

Late September 2010

Hi Folks,

As the summer that never ends comes to a close, it is time to head into our fall events and the last formal events for the year.  We have only two final events for the year – both in October – that are local that we should really put as many folks in the field as we can.  We’ve done a lot of great work this year, we should show it off!  We also need to have two rolling parties to finish off the season – both this month.  More on the upcoming events and work parties later on.

During September we attended two of our traditional events – Marlboro’s Labor Day parade and the Sudbury Colonial Faire and Muster.  Thanks to everyone who showed up at the Marlboro Day parade.  We had quite the showing – so much so that I don’t have an accurate tally of who was there!  Plus, my mind was a little spinning from doing the parade twice, as is typical for me in Marlboro.  How I knew the Regiment was coming down the street was from the loud, tight, and crashing volleys from the Line and the fact that the Regiment took up most of the street!  If one has a chance to see the Regiment from the outside, it is really impressive – now I know why the Crown Forces always tries to face us at events.  Many thanks go to Bryon and Anita for hosting the Regimental Party this year!  Both Heather and I were not prepared for any guests this year due to our minor construction projects, so a special thanks from us for hosting the party!  Also, Teddy Humphreys got a new “present” for his birthday at the Regimental Party that he’ll be getting some help with building this coming year – a flintlock fowler kit.   

Nothing says “Welcome Fall” as well as the Sudbury Colonial Faire and Muster – what a gorgeous fall day as well.  Thanks again to everyone who came out as French – especially in the morning for the drill demo.  We were joined on the day by Abe, Adam A, Adam C, Beth and Brian Mixter, Teddy, Colleen, Dana, Dwight and Neil, Miko, Bryon, Jess Reardon, Ben R, Will Hutchinson, and Steven, Heather, and Anna T.  We were also joined by a new recruit (again, I like this trend!!!) Brandon – who is Jess’s boyfriend, and Rick and Sid Lincoln plus two others from the Regiment Bourbonnais. 

We started out the Sudbury event with a drill demonstration – the first event of the Faire.  After shaking off the early rust (in some cases – literally) we were back to our fighting trim.  It was a really good demo and our numbers were quite impressive – we were the largest reenactment group there!!  After the drill presentation, Adam C put on a great demo of tactics in front of the camp.  Every time that I came by, there was always at least one family that was in front of the “sand table” with kids moving the soldiers on the table.  It was also really impressive to see the Regiment drilling, which was also very well attended by the crowds – mostly from a distance – so most of you couldn’t have seen how many folks were actually watching.  Between our activities in the camps and on the drill field, a very impressive showing with great interactions with the crowd – let’s keep it up for next year! 

In October we have two events – both local – that we really need to get as many folks on the field as possible.  There will be details coming later in this post, but I’ll briefly highlight the events here.  In preparation for these events we have to roll A LOT of cartridges.  Since we have participated in so many events throughout the year with more folks in attendance we are now burning more powder.  So, we will need to also have some cartridge rolling parties as well – more on that later.

The weekend of 15-17 October is the “Battle of Richardson’s Farm” in Millis MA.  We will be joined by some of our friends from the Regiments Gatinois and Bourbonnais – which should be a very impressive showing.  Hannah Selig is also joining us – she is flying out from school in Michigan just to have one last BIG event with us for the year.  Since this is our biggest event of the year, I’m asking everyone to do what you can to make it to the event – even if only for one day.  For the French, this should be a pretty fun event with a “what if” scenario.  The “what if” part is that the event is based on the battle of Rhode Island with the French actually landing to secure a “beach head” for the rest of the troops that are on ships in the Narragansett Sound.   Everyone knows that at the actual battle the French couldn’t land for a variety of reasons – we’re trying to show what could of happened if the French DID land.  Should be fun!  Since we need as many folks there as we can get, attendance requests will be posted later this week – please, please, please let us know if you will be attending.  Finally, if you want to help out with fortifications, there is a work party gathering at the Millis site to build fortifications on Saturday 9 October – we’ll post more information on this later this week.

Our last “formal” event is on Saturday 30 October - the Battle at Red Horse Tavern in Sudbury.  For a first time ever event hosted by Sudbury, last year was a lot of fun.  It was a great time to do a final tactical with all of the local groups and to socialize after the event in the Tavern.  More details to follow, but it is another local one day event that we should do our best to attend.  This will be a Militia event, so if you don’t have a Militia kit available, please contact me.  It will be an early call with “frost on the pumpkin”, but I’ll bring the coffee and donuts!

During the weeks of 4 and 11 October, we will be hosting one cartridge rolling party each of those weeks.  I will be posting the exact dates over the weekend, so please do what you can to attend.  To help with the parties, if you have the time, come with some pre-rolled cartridge tubes.  At the past parties Abe, Adam A, Dana, and I have pre-rolled tubes ready to go, which saves a lot of time at the parties in which more people can fill, fold, and wrap cartridges. 

November at this point seems quiet.  The only scheduled event is the Northern Department Continental Line meeting on 7 November at a yet to be determined place.  To date, we have not received anything from the Plymouth Thanksgiving Day Parade for a parade or encampment.  Looking at the order of march on their website, there are only 4 colonial units (MCV is one of them) so an invitation at this point is highly unlikely.

Again, let’s do our best to attend these final events in October.  During the Millis event – like OSV – we will be drilling during the morning to get our drill, panache, and esprit-du-corps polished.  If your uniform is not quite up to snuff, please contact me ASAP and I will help you get ready before Millis.  I noticed a few small things I can do for folks that will really help them look spiffy.  I’ve already talked to those few that I’d like to see, but if I missed anything or anyone, let me know.

After Millis we will be scheduling work parties.  This is an agenda item for the BOD that is meeting next week.  The push over the fall and winter season is to build some new equipment and uniforms for folks who need the gear.  These events will either be at Bill’s house or mine – since we both have heavy-duty sewing machines.  I actually had to get a new machine, since I burnt my olde reliable machine out, but the new machine is pretty sweet.  So stay tuned.  In the meantime, clean and polish your gear and please plan on attending at least one of the upcoming rolling parties and events.

Pour le Roi et le Regiment!

and

Massachusetts and Congress!

Steven

October Gazette, Captain's Report

Le RAPPORT du CAPITAINE

Captain’s Report

I have just returned from Oak Groves Farm in Millis, the site of the Fight as Richardson’s Tavern.  The site looks very promising.  A team of reenactors was out in the fields creating fortifications for the battle.  The weekend is packed full of events for everyone in the family.  Also, it has recently come to my attention that Sam Adams will be making a donation to the event by providing 50 cases of beer for Saturday night.

The battles for Red Horse Tavern are shaping up quite well thanks to Chris Woolf, Kim Nuttal, John Neuhauser, Ron Lamphere and Brian Mixter.  The event will be similar to last year.  We have added additional space near the Grist Mill for us to play for the Saturday morning tatical.

We are still looking for a head count for the up coming events.  Please contact Steven, Ellie or myself with your plans.  We want to hear from everyone even if you are not planning to attend.  This is the best way for us to know how many tents, cartridges and how much food to buy.

Thank you to all who came to help roll cartridges, we should have plenty for the rest of the year.

See you soon

Pour le Roi et le Regiment!

Dana Rock

October Gazette, Upcoming Events

ÉVÉNEMENTS PROCHAINS 

Upcoming Events

RICHARDSON’S TAVERN, Mills MA, October 15-17. 

Arrival:  The Trailer will be on site at  ***PM on Friday.  Please make every effort to arrive then to assist with setup.  

Directions: As so many of us are coming from so many different directions, please use your favorite mapping program or GPS.  The location is Oak Grove Farm
410 Exchange St.
Millis, Ma. 02054 

Details:  Welcome to the Fight at Richardson's Tavern,

In preparation for your arrival, the American Staff have put together the attached information.  Please forward the attached Introduction to the American Camp to each of your members.  In addition, please ask each of your members to download and complete a participant pass http://millishistory.org/ParticpantPass.aspx) so that we may make the registration process a quick one for them. 

We are very excited about the event and look forward to seeing you in October.  Should you have any questions, please let us know.

Thank you. 

Lt. Eric Chetwynd, Quartermaster

http://millishistory.org

BATTLE AT RED HORSE TAVEN, Sudbury Ma, Saturday, October 30. 

Arrival:  The first scenario is a tactical event stating at 9:30am.  If you wish to participate please plan on arriving no later than 8:30am.  The second scenario starts at 11:15, please plan to be onsite no later than 10:30am.  

Directions:  The event will take place at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury.  Take Rt 20 to Sudbury.  Take Wayside Inn Road to the site.  

Details: Once again the sound of muskets will echo across the grounds of the historic Wayside Inn, home of Ezekial How, Lt. Colonel of the Sudbury Militia Companie on April 19, 1775.  Please join us for a day of 18th century military engagements and re-enactments as well as colonial fife and drum music.  We thank the Wayside Inn for their generous hospitality and the Sudbury Companies of Militia & Minute and King’s Own 4th Foot for all their efforts in making the Battle of the Red Horse Tavern possible.  Additional Information can be found later in this newsletter.

October Gazette, Millis Flyer

The Fight at Richardson’s Tavern,

Oak Grove Farm Millis, Massachusetts

October 16-17, 2010

Sponsored by the Millis Historical Commission and the Lexington Training Band

 Step back in time as the American Revolutionary War comes to life amidst the blasts of musketry, the roar of the cannons and the smell of campfires as soldiers recreate the bivouac and clash of the American and British Armies. 

The event has been sanctioned by the Northern Department of the Continental Line.  Co-Sponsors of this event are:
His Majesty’s 10^Th Regiment of Foot and  
The 2^nd Massachusetts Regiment

PLANNED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

(may be subject to change) 

Fri, Oct 15 

12:00 PM – 10:00 PM Start unit check-in and registration

Sat, Oct 16 

6:30 AM – 9:00 AM Unit check-in and registration farmhouse

7:00 AM Reveille gun & musick

9:00 AM All vehicles removed to parking areas

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Drilling and patrol opportunities away from carriage path

9:00 AM -11:00 AM Guards posted by american and crown forces

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Sewing circle demonstration farmhouse area 

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Officers meeting & walk-through crown headquarters camp

10:00 AM - 7:30 PM Spectators admitted

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM Nooning

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Ladies tea farmhouse 

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Battalion formation inspections, counts 

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM First day's battle large field

4:30 PM Ice truck

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Candlelight camp tour

7:30 PM - 8:00 PM American and Crown Officers soiree farmhouse

 8:00 PM Country/Scottish dance field tent at farmhouse

11:00 PM All quiet

Sun, Oct 17 

8:00 AM Reveille - musick only

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Church service farmhouse or field tent

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Camp opens to spectators

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Childrens games – drilling farmhouse or field tent

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Nooning

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Battalion formation inspection 

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Ladies fashion show

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Second day's battle large field

3:00 PM Camp closes

The organizers will be implementing a drive through registration for the event.  They have asked that everyone go to the web site and print out a participant pass.  .  http://millishistory.org/ParticpantPass.aspx  To ensure that registration goes smoothly please have the form filled out and ready to go when you arrive. 

October Gazette, Red Horse Tavern Flyer

Battle of the Red Horse Tavern,

Wayside Inn, Sudbury,

MA October 30th, 2010

SCENARIOS There will be three scenarios each about 45 minutes long. Below are general descriptions of each. Note: The scenarios were developed with much input from and approved by the overall commanders so if you don’t like the scenarios you can either vote for a new leader (Colonials) or shoot him (Crown)

Scenario #1 9:30am - 10:15am.  This scenario will involve each side trying to find and return items, ie supplies, that have been hidden in the woods. Once found, the supplies will need to be carried back to the start/finish line. Items may need one or two soldiers to carry around depending upon weight and bulk. For this scenario each item will have a “referee” assigned to it. The purpose of the ref is to ensure that when two sides meet the side with the fewer number of muskets ready to fire (not carrying anything) will give ground. We need 4-6 non-combatant volunteers to serve as refs for this battle. You will need to be able to walk across the field and woods. You will NOT be carrying the supplies back, the soldiers will need to do that, but it might be good if you can carry them out to your hiding spot. If you really need help carrying something we’ll be sure to find help for you. You will need to be EARLY (8:30am) and I would highly recommend bug spray!

Scenario #2 11:15am -12:00pm  The British having secured a bounty of supplies from the local countryside are returning to Boston. Will they make it or will they meet resistance along the way? (If they met no resistance it wouldn’t be much fun would it now?)

Scenario #3 Town meeting and Liberty Pole scenario 1:30pm - ~2:30pm This scenario involves non-combatant re-enactors participating in the action. The scenario opens with numerous citizens discussing the issues of the day, doing citizen-like things and the militia drilling. The British scouts see militia drilling and are none to-pleased. As with any good discussion where so much is on the line, and given what the citizens have just witnessed discussions get a little heated. A group will leave to attend a “town meeting” where it will be decided to raise a Liberty Pole. The Liberty Pole carried out and be raised much to the disgust of the British leaning sympathizers. And of course the British army will not allow the Pole to stay up. We are looking for non-combatants from all sides, loyal to the King, those seeking independence, and those in the middle, to take part in our town meeting/gossip session that leads into the afternoon altercation. We have parts for men, women and children and need as much help as we can get. All are welcome to join in the fun. Large, small and adlib speaking roles are up for grabs. For more information and to sign up contact Kim Nuttall, tigra1021@yahoo.com. Please ask members of your group and your friends if they want to join in the fun and have them contact Kim asap. Unfortunately, due to the scripted nature of the scene, walk-ons will not be allowed on the day of unless you have contacted Kim beforehand.

October Gazette, Schedule

Work Parties

Date Event

June 19th Taskovics House @ Noon

July 10th Taskovics House @ Noon

If you would like to take lead on a work party, please contact either Dana Rock: stonge85@comcast.net or Ellie Hutchinson: ehutchinson@webconverting.com

Exercises et RENDEVOUS,

Drill & Distaff Gathering

Date Unit  Event

June 19th  85eme  Drill and Muster, Wayside Inn Sudbury, MA (9:00AM)

July 10th 85eme Drill and Muster, Wayside Inn Sudbury, MA (9:00AM)

Aug 6-8 85eme This month’s drill will be at OSV.


Proposed 2010 Event Schedule

Recommend Events are indicated by bold text

Date	Unit	Event
March 14	85eme	Evacuation Day Parade, Boston, MA
April 17	4th	Battle Road/Tower Park, Lincoln, MA
April 19	4th	March to Concord, Sudbury, MA
April 23	4th	Grand Ball at Red Horse Tavern, Sudbury, MA
April 23-24	85eme	Siege of San Juan, San Juan
May 8-9	85eme	Artillery/Infantry School, Danvers, MA
May 15	85eme	Society of the Cincinnati, New Haven, CT
May 20	85eme	Lafayette Day, Boston, MA
May 22	4th	Action at Borderland, No. Easton, MA
May 30	85eme	Memorial Day Parade, Somerville, MA
May 31	85eme	Memorial Day Parade, Andover, MA
June 12-13	85eme	Minute Cubs, Newburyport, MA
June 14	85eme	Taste of Downtown Marlborough, Marlborough, MA
June 25-27	85eme	La Kermesse, Biddeford, ME
July 24	4th	Market Day & Militia Drill, Hartwell Tavern, Lincoln, MA
July 30-Aug 1	85eme	Fort George, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
Aug 6-8	85eme	Redcoats to Rebels, Sturbridge, MA
Aug 27-29	85eme	Grand Encampment (Fort Taber), New Bedford, MA
Sept. 6	85eme	Labor Day Parade, Marlborough, MA
Sept 11-12		Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga, NY
Sept 25-26		Philadelphia '77 Campaign, Wilmington, DE
Sept 25	85eme	Sudbury Faire, Sudbury, MA
Oct 2-3		Governor Trumbull 300th, Lebanon, CT
Oct 2		Battle of Germantown, Philadelphia, PA
Oct 8-10		Arnolds Expedition Bingham, ME
Oct 16-18	85eme	Richardsons Tavern, Millis, MA
Oct 17		Assault on Fort Mercer, Mount Holly, PA
Oct 22-24		Mount Harmon Plantation, Earleville, MD
Oct 30	4th	Battle of Red Horse Tavern, Sudbury, MA
Nov 6-7		Putnam's Encampment, Redding, CT
Nov 6-7		Storm the Redoubt, Washington, PA
Nov 20	85eme	Thanksgiving Parade, Plymouth, MA

October Gazette, Pictures

Drilling at Sudbury

Firing during Sudbury drill

Marching drill at Sudbury Faire