Aside from the marvelous weather the things that stand out especially in memory were the very interesting cooking demonstration by Marcia and Carol. The visitors were enthralled by the methods used and obvious expertise of the lovely cooks. SdJ Justin Kennick ably lead the Men-at-Arms through their drill, loading and firing exercises, and gave an over view of our socio-political motivations for being Loyalists to an awestruck Publick.

Aside from the usual fine performances by our group I, for one was very much impressed by Justin's making fire without matches. It was one of those things that we should all really become expert in...but somehow never find the time to practice. Justin had for equipment a shallow canister of sheet iron with a tightly fitting lid. Inside he had charred linen and some old musket flints. From somewhere he produced some tow and a Fire Steel, which the Pennsylvania Dutch (Deutsch) call a Feuer Eisen (and which we see written as Frizzen).

He then took the tow, formed it into a little bird's nest, and set it close at hand. Then he took a flint and clamped it between his thumb and his crooked-up index finger of his left hand. On top of the flint he laid a scrap of charred linen about 1" x 1" square and held it there with his thumb. The front edge of the charred linen was aligned even with the leading edge of the flint. He then took the Fire Steel in his right hand and with a quick downward motion struck the forward edge of the flint with the business side of the Fire Steel. One spark leaped up from the flint and fell down upon the charred cloth where it fed on the char and stayed alive. Justin quickly transferred the glowing char into the pocket of the tow "bird's nest " and blew upon it until the tow caught fire. It seemed he watched his spark and blew no harder than was necessary to keep it glowing hot. Fine shavings were fed into the burning bird's nest and a bit of Paper Birch bark as well. Before long he had a dandy fire going which cooked both chicken and pie.

Justin explained how he had previously taken some scraps of linen and placed them in his air tight canister. A tiny hole was punched in the lid to let the combustion gasses out when the canister was placed in a fire. The result was a delicate fabric of charred linen produced by the same process, essentially, as is used in making charcoal out of wood.

The camp was fairly quiet that night. Marcia, Chris and I enjoyed some fine country dancing. Justin was recovering from a leg issue and was taking the night in easy stride. Tom found the rum ration of the 5th Connecticut. He claimed he was trying to persuade them to come over to the side of the King. As corporal, I could have flogged him. . .

Justin made fire so effortlessly that perhaps we should ask him to teach more of us to do it. This should really be part of a regular camp demonstration in the future. The Publick would certainly have heir eyes opened wide and would appreciate their own firemaking conveniences more.

Thanks Justin.

W W

On Saturday October 16, 1999, Marcia and I went for a drive to Rhinebeck, N.Y. to attend the " Sheep and Wool " event at the fairgrounds in that town. Let me just say that, if you EVER want to find out ANYTHING on sheep or wool, THIS is the place to go!!!

There were weavers, shearers, tools, clothes, pottery, blankets, foods, hats, contests, and, yes even SSHHEEEEPP !!! Of every conceivable type, and variety. I never knew so many types existed.

We got into the place and proceeded through several long barns of booths full of merchants selling their wares. And as I have already pointed out, there was a lot of everything. In particular, we found blankets that were well made ; and were suitable for 18th C. use.

Towards the end of our stay there, we went back to one booth and bought a blanket ; after much comparison and searching out in our minds, the BEST looking blanket would have looked like THIS !!!

It isn't the fullest, the prettiest, the largest blanket you ever saw; but it is , in my mind, what the average, run-of-the-mill blanket would have looked like. When Marcia and I were looking at t, we agreed that it bore a strong resemblance to Bruce Wallace's hand made blanket; just the thing we were looking for, without the hassle of building it ourselves!!!

The day was capped off with a drive back through the Berkshire hills; full of fall color. And taking some back roads that neither of us had seen before, just for the excitement of seeing the countryside and some old houses and farms !

Yah, you'll get to see the blanket; but I would strongly suggest going to the "Sheep and Wool" event next year. If for no other reason than to revisit what could have been the countryside our brother and sister Loyalists, lost in the WAR.

Your Servts.

Chris and Marcia Kennick

Peters' Corps, in another of its wonderful chameleonic roles, left behind their regimentals and field signs to represent American militia for the Veteran's Day Parade in Enfield, Connecticut on November 7, 1999. Members in attendance were Bill Wigham, Bruce Wallace, Cliff Nichols, Justin Kennick, Tom DeLucco, Brian Zawodniak, Carol and Mark Cafazzo, Nancy and Dan Moraski, and Marcia and Chris Kennick.

The brisk wind and chilly temperatures did not deter our spirits. All members were well-dressed and accoutered for the event. We did, in this humble private's opinion, look very authentic as militia and camp followers. Sergeant Chris Kennick and Corporal Moraski did an excellent job keeping our cadence in spite of the many musical distractions filling our ears. We were able to maneuver well and perform several moves from our manual of arms, to the delight of the crowd. One veteran commented on our impressive appearance as we were on the march.

Most impressive was our salute to our fellow marchers at the end of the parade route. It was an important and appropriate tribute to salute our country's flag as well as the men and women who fought to keep America's democracy in tact. Presenting our arms was appreciated by those individuals. We owe them so much.

I hope this parade becomes and annual event for Peters' Corps. Much thanks to Mark Cafazzo for arranging our participation. It was an honor to march with my friends as we paid tribute to our country's veterans.

Humbly yours,

Private Zawodniak (Linseed)

The late fall weather was quite cooperative as Tom DeLucco and Brian Zawodniak headed out to the Brigade's last event of the 1999 season at Fort Lee, New Jersey. Sergeant for the event was Brian and Tom became the corporal.

The morning was fairly leisurely. Tom and I picked up two "privates," doubling our company strength. Charles Warren and Klaus Angermueller fell in with us. Their dress represented militia, and Tom and I were dressed in our small clothes as well so it worked out just fine. After formation we marched to the Fort Lee monument for a very fitting tribute. We even fired a volley.

Lunch awaited us when we returned. The beehive oven bread was quite a treat as well as the other victuals served to the Brigade members. Following lunch was the people of the Brigade demonstration. Both Tom and I fell out for it. I think we made a good impression.

The afternoon tactical was brief but intense. Klaus' rifle gave us an edge, but despite our flanking movements and hot independent fire, we gave ground to the Doodles. "Tomorrow is another day," I muttered as we retreated.

Several BAR members (Tom and me as well) went out for dinner in Orangeburg, New York. It was a nice way to end the day's events. Phil Weaver invited us and was kind enough to chauffeur us to and fro.

Sunday was very, very leisurely. In fact, things did not kick off until after lunch! I let Tom participate in the soldiers of the universe/people of the Brigade demonstration while I tried, quite unsuccessfully, my hand at flint knapping. Some spectators approached me and asked me what I was doing. "I don't really know" was the retort.

The tactical followed and we were thrown into a mixed provincial unit with Todd Braisted and Jack Frost. I relinquished my sergeant ship to Jack and we marched off along with Klaus to confront the oodles once again. We all had some super volleys that sounded like one firelock going off (well, Klaus did have his rifle). We were ordered to push the Rebels out of the redoubt which we did with much success. The British and Loyalists won the day, and Jack was very complimentary to our company after the formation ended. He enjoyed working with men who knew what they were doing.

In a tribute to a fallen comrade from Pulaski's, the Brigade had a moment of silence followed by Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes. It was very moving indeed.

And that was that. It was a nice change not to have to break down camp!

Your most humble and linseeded,

Private Zawodniak

Nancy & I recently returned from Williamsburg Virginia where we visited the DeWitt-Wallace Museum. When we were last in Williamsburg about 8 years ago, I learned that a hat belonging to my ancestor, Josiah Bartlett was in the collection. Sadly at that time, it was not on display. This time, however, I made advance arrangements with Linda Baumgarten, the Curator of Textiles and Clothing at the museum, to have a private viewing. We got to examine the hat in a private room and took lots of pictures.

We also toured the rest of the museum and took advantage of the exhibition "Revealing Fashions" and took lots of photographs and picked up literature showing close-ups of the design and details of a variety of garments. Our sincere thanks to Linda Baumgarten and the staff of the DeWitt-Wallace Museum for their kindness and attention.

Dan and Nancy Moraski

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