Re: Report from Lake George

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: Sarah K.M.,
: Many questions.  I'll tell it in a format that starts at the start and I hope answers your questions.

: First, all reenactors always carry period-style weapons at all time.  In my case, that means a 1st model Brown Bess musket, and on my warbelt is the bayonette, tomahawk, shooting bag, and bellybox.  I will also carry with my a haversack containing a rag, food, oil cloths, and anything else I might need, plus my canteen, and my powderhorn.  I bring it all whether we are in front of the public or not.  That said, my frog for carrying the bayonette and 'hawk is being repaired so I left the bayonette beyind and put the 'hawk in a makeshift frog this past week.  In 1759, leaving my bayonette behind would probably cost me my life. 

: When I say we carry our weapons at all times on the Lake, I mean ALL TIMES.  We carry our muskets to find a private spot behind the trees, when we go to fetch something from the main camp, when we go to bed -- we are always armed.

: The "attacks" at the Lake George may be the results of an ambush, or simply bumping into the enemy while walking through the woods on patrol.  We had both scenarios and several of them.  The point is to either kill or be killed, so people do die but they are not 'disqualified' for it in the sense I think you mean.  The rules are that you fire your musket at someone to take your shot, and if you are within 30 yards and it's a good short (e.g., the enemy isn't running or hiding behind a tree), and your musket doen't misfire, you have them and they are "dead".  Likewise, if someone fires at you cleanly, you are "dead".  Being "dead" only counts for the current engagement, so that when your unit withdraws and it's "over", you can rise from the dead and live to fight another day. There are, of course, rules about firing straight up when you are too close, etc.  

: Sometimes people argue that they are 'not dead yet', but we prefer to die honorably and keep it fun rather than argue about it, get everyone mad and ruin the fun.  Especially since you can always try again next battle, which might be only 15 minutes later!!

: Hope that helps.

: YHOS,
: Pvt. Chauncey Goodrich
: PS - a recent post from the commander of the French Milice indicates they are, as one would expect, writing a different history of the week.

: : Pvt., 
: : I just tried to post something but I don't think it worked.  Anyway, I will try again.  I live in Royalton, VT, and would love to come to your reenactment if I am not working that day.  I can get to Charlestown in about an hour.  Sounds exciting!
: : Could you tell me a little about the "attacks" of which you had spoken in your post?  What exactly constitutes an attack and do you get disqualified for dying/getting wounded, etc., or do you just carry on with everyone else?  I don't know much about reenactments, as I have never seen one or participated, but really want to learn!  Do you carry actual period-style weapons with you, or just the bare essentials since you are not in front of the public?

: : Sarah K. M.

: : : 
: : : Dear Pvt. Chauncey,
: : : I really enjoyed your description of the St. George Tactical.  Having grown up in NJ and NYS, it brought back many great memories (although I was there slightly after the time period you describe).  
: : : This weekend you will be very close to my folks' home in Walpole, NH.  If I were there, I would come visit you for sure.  Enjoy your weekend.  The colors must be beautiful now.  We are having snow, but only a couple of inches here in town.
: : : Chris

: : 
: : Chris, 
: : Where do you live that it snowed?  I went hiking in some snow last weekend in VT, and it was great.

: : Sarah K. M.


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