We like to think of May as a fairly mild and sunny month. Flowers and tree buds in bloom and the bright green grass greet our senses and renew our spirits deadened by the cold of winter. But the weekend of May 20 and 21 was far from the usual carefree May weather we all crave. Rain, chilly temperatures and damp were our camp fellows for this event. Members who were soggy and chilly were Carol and Mark Cafazzo, Marcia and Chris Kennick, Nancy and Dan Moraski, Cliff and Aaron Nichols, Bruce Wallace, Tom DeLucco, Bill Wigham, Justin Kennick and Brian Zawodniak. Lynne Camenga once again charmed us with her marvelous fiddling.

We were encamped by the Wethersfield Cove along with the Fifth Connecticut. A boat and shuttle buses brought the audience to our camp along with their curiosity and questions. As always, our fire and cooking were big draws.

Our first morning march up to the Board Street Green started off well enough. But we soon entered what could only be dubbed the Surreal Zone as our drill was interrupted by an Italian songster that one may find in some forgotten night club. The Fifth Connecticut, sensing our obvious amusement and distraction from this entertainment, fired a fatal volley which dropped our unit like flies. Somewhat disheartened by the lack of an audience, we left and heading to our camp.

The afternoon saw a firefight at the cove between our unit and the Fifth. And then the rains came. . . A local resident, Mr. Pat Hayes, visited our camp and invited us over to his colonial home to warm our tired feet and bones by his warm fire. Lynne, Marcia, Chris and yours truly took advantage of this opportunity. We entertained his family with two fiddles and the bodhran. Many thanks to Mr. Hayes for his hospitality. Some unit members headed for drier quarters before dinner and some headed to them after dinner. Mark, Tom, Chris and Justin stayed behind to spend the evening at camp only to be interviewed a little too early by the local news on Sunday morning. Our common sense prevailed on Sunday and we took advantage of modern transport to take us up to the Broad Street Green for our scheduled drill. Our spirits were Festival Days rejuvenated by a larger and more curious crowd. We stayed at the Green for some time fielding questions after our ranger tactical demonstrations. By the time we returned to camp, it was time to break camp. The rain held off long enough and spared us another soggy day.

I think we impressed the Wethersfield Festival organizers by our reenacting skills and our indomitability in the face of inclement weather. You can always count on our unit no matter what the weather.

Your humble and dry servant,

Pvt. Linseed (Yes, I had my poncho and it was great!)

The weather was much warmer and the crowds much bigger as Peters' Corps displayed its militia and marching prowess for the second time in Enfield, Connecticut on May 29, 2000. Members marching were Carol and Mark Cafazzo, Nancy and Dan Moraski, Marcia and Chris Kennick, Bruce Wallace, Tom DeLucco, Justin Kennick, Bill Wigham and Brian Zawodniak. Lynne Camenga marched sans violin as well.

With the Enfield Combined Elementary School Band in front of us playing the United States Marine Corps theme and Anchors Away, we kept our sea legs as close to a cadence as possible. The route was exactly the same as our chilly Veteran's Day march back in November 1999. But this time the weather and the crowds were wonderful. We dazzled them with our inclines, column into line maneuvers, bayonet advances, priming and loading on the march and our musketry.

As always, it is a privilege to honor the men and women who fought for this country in our past conflicts.

I remain, As Always,

Humbly sore-footed Pvt. Linseed

The Regiment returned to Hartwell Tavern on the weekend of June 16-17, 2000. Members in attendance were Carol and Mark Cafazzo, Cliff Nichols, Nancy and Dan Moraski, Marcia and Chris Kennick, and Bill Wigham.

Saturday was very hot and humid. We showed the public 18^th C drill and maneuvers dressed in our small clothes. The ladies outdid us in this area as they wore all those petticoats and stays and also informed the public about the role and plight of Loyalist refugees. Chris entertained inside the Tavern with his wonderful fiddle playing. The ladies spun and carded. Messrs. Hair, Nichols, Cafazzo and Wigham "carded" in a different manner by gaming inside. At times Chris joined in also as the House was exceedingly kind to those playing.

An afternoon rain shower failed to dampen our spirits. Later that evening, we had an excellent dinner of cold meats and victuals ably prepared by Carol, Marcia & Nancy. We turned in early due to the fatigue of the heat of the day and slept soundly under the Sail.

Morning came early and breakfast was corn muffins, sweetened bread, coffee, and our hallmark "bacon on a shovel." Fortified, we went forth to entertain and inform the public. The crowd on Sunday was much larger than Saturday's. Dan was appointed Sergeant du Jour by the Commander and put the Regiment through its paces for an appreciative crowd. Thanks to Mark Cafazzo for giving the history of the unit while we were waiting for a walking tour to come up Battle Road to visit the site.

It was a great weekend at Hartwell Tavern and we'd like to extend a note of thanks to Jessica Liptak and the entire staff of Minuteman NPS for making us feel at home.

Lovely early June weather greeted Peters' Corps at the historical Fort Number Four in Charlestown, New Hampshire. Members in attendance were Tom DeLucco, Bruce Wallace, Bill Wigham, Cliff Nichols, Brian Zawodniak, Marcia and Chris Kennick and Nancy and Dan Moraski. Lynne Camenga was also in attendance with her violin.

The Fort Four event is, from previous experience, a leisurely event. Peters' Corps took this time to experiment with the fly. It was pitched in a lean-to style with good results. It did take some time getting used to the new space, but it did serve a useful purpose and sheltered us from the sun and the rain. The fly is an important piece of our equipment, and with the controversy surrounding their presence in the BAR, our representation was impressive.

The high grass did not stop our good movements in the two tacticals. Peters' Corps played an important role in flanking and screening our ministerial troops. Mr. Wallace even found some good ground for a rousing game of cricket on Saturday afternoon. Our friends from the 24th Regiment of Foot joined Bruce and Tom for this very English game.

As always, the food and company were wonderful. It would be this private's wish only to have more of the public come and visit our camp. Perhaps a change of camp location for the next Fort Four event would aid in this matter.

Most Humbly and Respectfully Yours,

Private Linseed

With the historical significance not lost on any of the members, Peters' Corps was most certainly at Hubbardton in more ways than one. Members in attendance were Carol and Mark Cafazzo, Nancy and Dan Moraski, Marcia and Chris Kennick, Justin Kennick, Tom DeLucco, Bill Wigham and Brian Zawodniak.

The most impressive site was indeed the Loyalist Forces! We even outnumbered the Crown Forces! If I remember correctly, ninety-six muskets, not including us, were present. That feat can be attributed to Captain Christian Cameron and his good publicity. Captain Cameron's enthusiasm, good temperament, humor and experience brought an esprit de corps that had not been present at the Hubbardton event for fifteen years. Even Colonel Gavin Watt and his Yorkers were there! Canada was well-represented indeed. It was truly wonderful. Of course, we were more than happy to work with our friends from the Indian Department. I know that our unit is respected and appreciated amongst our friends here.

Well, the tacticals were numerous and hard-hitting. Peters' Corps moved around the battlefield fluidly and, despite the warm temperatures, did well in fulfilling whatever role was thrust upon us. Chris, of course, was Johnny-on-the-spot with his years of experience as sergeant. We totally outnumbered the Continental Forces which was nice for once.

Other impressive sights were Private DeLucco's completely hand-sewn regimental! Tom did a great job with his coat, and everyone in the unit was impressed. I can only count my lucky .75 caliber musket balls that Tom is going to make mine! What a friend!

Tom was also voted in as a full member! Congratulations, Tom! Lynne Camenga was voted up to applicant status as well. Good for you, Lynne! You're on your way.

Other not-so-impressive sites included a pair of yellow trousers that somehow mysteriously made their way into Private Zawodniak's kit. After receiving more fire about them than the Doodles gave us in both days combined, the yellow trousers were removed and a more respectable gray linen pair appeared. Thank goodness!

Both days at Hubbardton were indeed action-packed for the men-at-arms. I sometimes wished that I could have been on the side lines just watching. I hope our ladies enjoyed seeing all those green and red jackets running the hapless Doodles ragged. I enjoyed doing it!

Your most Humbled and Color-Challenged Servant,

Private Gelb (yellow)

To view past editions of our unit newletter, The Loyal Gazette, click here.

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