| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Seamus |
Posted - March 16 2004 : 4:53:30 PM
Across the Commonwealth, Sunday, March 14 is "Charter Day" when the sites administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission offer free admission to the public. The original 1681 Charter granted to William Penn by King Charles II, the "birth certificate" of Pennsylvania, is on display for several days in Harrisburg. This is the only time of the year that the Charter is removed from the vault in the State Archives for public exhibit in the State Museum and Archives Building.
At the Conrad Weiser Homestead in Womelsdorf,(http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/ppet/weiserhome/page8.asp?secid=31)the public is treated to tours of the buildings and grounds where displays and Living History programs tell the story of Conrad Weiser and his role in the French and Indian War.
Rather than take space here to tell all about this remarkable man, go here and read, follow the links to learn about him:
http://www.berksweb.com/conrad.html
I must, however, give a bit of background--
Conrad Weiser was a Lt. Col., in charge of the 1st Battalion of the Pennsylvania Regiment from 1756-1758, when he resigned his commission over interference from the Board of Commissioners. His Battalion was responsible for the defense of 10 forts, and some of his troops were shared with the 3rd Battalion, The Augusta Regiment, at Ft. Augusta, and vice versa. A military road was constructed to connect these two places, Ft. Augusta, at the forks of the Susquehanna, and the Tulpehocken, where Weiser's Battalion was headquartered, for the ease of movement of men and supplies.
On Charter Day annually, the re-created 1st Battalion, Weiser's Battalion and the re-created 3rd Battalion, The Augusta Regiment, Burd's Company....my unit (www.homestead.com/augustaregt)....muster at Conrad Weiser Homestead. This event also marks the official start of our Campaign Season.
We arrived at the site at about 10:30 AM and began to prepare for the public, scheduled to arrive around noon. Sjt. Toot, of Weiser's, had a nice fire going, and with the cold wind, the heat was quite welcome. The Returns indicated that Weiser's was to have 13 soldiers and we would have 21. This was to be the largest number of Greencoats on the grounds since the F&I War! In addition, there were several civilian interpreters: camp followers, civilian men, our tinsmith and his son.
At noon, my Augusta Regiment chaplain, Rev. Lt. Harris held Divine Service, a mandatory military rite ordained by King George II in the Articles of War. This is a tradition on Sundays when we are at an event, and we always invite anyone from the public who may wish to experience it. Lunch followed, provided by the Augusta Regiment. Next year Weiser's will provide the meal. A vegetable and beef stew, cold, sliced beef, cheese, bread, carrots, pies and crisps, lemonade and lots of hot coffee and tea made up the repast.
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(that's me to the Chaplain's right, with all the silver lace on my weskit!)
Drill in 18th Century Manner (Manual of Arms) followed, with special private instruction for four recruits who were attending their first formation. A very good discourse on the proper wearing of uniforms and equipment was given by Cpl. Dammer, of Burd's Co'y. The military area was open to anyone who wished to stop by and watch, ask questions and learn about 18th century military life. We had some equipment and various pieces of gear displayed to stimulate inquiry.
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(I am on the right, back to the camera, with the sash across my shoulder. The little guy is Capt. Ritchie's son, Patrick.)
Another drill session, this time musketry, brought many vis |
| 3 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| SgtMunro |
Posted - March 17 2004 : 11:22:17 PM
Ah Cousin Seamus, I see that the brave lads of the Pennsylvania Regiment have maintained their keen edge. No doubt the credit belongs to the dedication of their commander. Nice photos, and I look forward to soldiering with you this campaign season.
Your Most Humble Cousin,
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| Grenouille |
Posted - March 17 2004 : 10:59:30 PM
Thanks for the report and links, Mike. I like to read about what's happening in the reenactment world.
Regards,
Jim |
| Wilderness Woman |
Posted - March 16 2004 : 7:13:20 PM
Oh, Excellent!  Thank you, Seamus, for that report and for the photos. It's really nice to see that many soldiers of the King in uniform, and they look great. Your littlest recruit is adorable. He looks like he was really into the whole thing. |
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