Welcome to the Nichols' Family!!

Sunday, May 18^th was a memorable day for the Regiment for on that day, we met some old friends at the Brigade Encampment in Wethersfield, CT. I am pleased to announce that Cliff, Katherine, Aaron and Emily Nichols have officially joined the Regiment. On behalf of the entire membership, welcome!!

After Action Report: the Brigade Encampment in Wethersfield, CT, Sunday, May 18^th

What a wonderful day! Unit members in attendance that day were: William Wigham, Mark & Carol Cafazzo, Justin Kennick, Chris & Marcia Kennick, Cliff, Katherine, Aaron and Emily Nichols, Brian Zawodniak, and Dan Moraski. Early Sunday morning, our Regiment was asked by Col. Patterson if we would like to participate in a film production. We of course, were happy to come to the aid of the Brigade and readily volunteered. We joined Warren Stevens' unit, the Queen's Rangers, for some "fun in the woods." We were to be filmed advancing on some doodles who were going to ambush us. (Yes, Virginia, the film is a work of fiction). We had to take position on a trail and advance on the doodles who were poised to fire upon us. We were asked to take casualties, and once again we obliged. Brian Zawodniak and Dan Moraski volunteered to "take one for the King." We died gloriously. Hopefully, we won't end up on the cutting room floor like we did on the forest floor. The cinematographers were working on the project for Reader's Digest and the film is scheduled to be released, hopefully by this time next year.

Sunday's weather was near perfect and the public turned out in great numbers. As usual, "the Sail" was a focal point for most of the photographers in attendance. Members of the Regiment busied themselves with a variety of camp life activities and shared their knowledge of the hobby with the multitudes. Mark Cafazzo in particular was giving an almost continuous lecture and demonstration of the accouterments of our men-at-arms. Kudos to Mark!! The same salute goes out to the ladies of the Regiment who were similarly surrounded in the camp by the curious. Kudos to Carol, Marcia, and Katherine!!

The men-at-arms took part in an afternoon tactical weapons demonstration that really showed off the proficiency of the Loyalist units in the Brigade. We moved about the field as if of one mind, laying down perfect volleys. On more than one occasion, there was no "rattle" of musket fire, only one loud, single BANG!! This combination rattled the poor doodles, some of whom fled at our advance. The Crown Forces were resoundingly victorious. Accolades were given to the Loyalists by Crown Commander Mr. Lopez and to our unit in particular by the Loyalist Commander, Warren Stevens. Thanks to all the membership for making this a memorable weekend.

The 35^th Anniversary Grand Academy

Peters' Corps attended the B.A.R 35^th Anniversary Grand Academy at New Windsor Cantonment on the weekend of April 26-27. Unit members who made the trip were: William Wigham, Mark & Carol Cafazzo, Justin Kennick, Bruce Wallace, Brian Zawodniak, and Dan Moraski.

Saturday's events started with a session on all-important safety issues delivered by Norm Fuss. Later in the day George Newman delighted those in attendance with a talk on identifying Revolutionary long arms. The depths of his knowledge on the subject is just amazing. His delivery is spell-binding. As Col. Patterson was heard to say later in the day, George is the kind of history teacher we wish we all had. We highly concur. In the afternoon, Peters' Corp "hit the stage." Bill Wigham, Justin Kennick and I took the roles of "the three soldiers" in a short script for the Military Theatre of New York entitled "Ensign LeGrange." The role wasn't fortunately too taxing. Pvt. Zawodniak was asked afterwards to help "read" from another script with other actors from the assembled and was most impressive. Perhaps Celeste Sherry has found another actor for the American Company of Players. We await further developments. "And the Oscar for best supporting actor goes to…."

On Sunday we were treated to a presentation by Roy Najecki on "Artifacts from Noted Collections." Thanks to Roy, we're going to turn our bayonets around 180 in their scabbards. This will solve number of problems associated with body movements. Thanks, Roy!! Roy's presentation was followed by a presentation on the archeology of New Windsor Cantonment. After lunch we took to the field with the Brigade Music and practiced troop movements using the drum as a signaling device. This was no easy task and the Brigade Field Music rose admirably to the challenge. We were treated to excellent music all weekend long, with the inclusion of some never before heard (by us) pieces. Hats off to Gary Vorwald and his excellent musicians!! It was a great weekend with perfect weather, fine instruction, and camaraderie.

Credits and Thanks

Brian Zawodniak (a teacher in real life) demonstrated his good sportsmanship by sitting through the usual gut-wrenching experience known as the BAR Annual Meeting. Although the first such meetings were developed during the Inquisition to assure confessions, it finds utility today in providing a crash course on how the Brigade works. Brian is now up to speed.

Roy Najecki's talk at this year's Academy prompted us to make the recommended adjustments in the way we carry our bayonets. Several frogs have been remade or altered already and work great. Just what we were looking for but were loath to try to remedy the persistent problem without documentation. Thanks Roy!

Marcia Kennick and Carol Cafazzo had the best kitchen at Wethersfield, looked spectacular, had the best dispositions (even on Saturday) and provided the best meals. One can hardly praise there efforts more.

Juss Kennick pulled the long straw on Saturday and became Sergeant du Jour for Saturday and Sunday. Justin did an expert job on the field in every respect and we are all proud of him. It should be explained that those not asked to choose a straw were those who; had already declined, were fresh out of a long period of detached duty, are still in recruit status, or have just transferred in to the unit. This program for the maintenance and development of NCO skills will insure that our Private Sentinels will be ready for advancement when the time comes, it will make them appreciate the demands of the position, and will keep Peters' Corps an outstanding unit.

Dan Moraski has been working hard at doing the Newsletter, developing the Web site, reproducing the brochure, handling correspondence and being a dedicated and accomplished member of the unit. I have never seen an adjutant who has accomplished more and deserves our thanks more. Due to his efforts we are becoming known literally around the world.

Chris Kennick is one of the backbone people of our unit. An accomplished NCO and tailor he has had an important role in the production of the fine waterbottles many of us carry. A paradigm of military virtues, Chris is the man to look to for reliability and steadiness under pressure.

Mark Cafazzo was charming the public again at the Wethersfield event. His exceeding good nature and knowledge are paying off by helping to create an attractive aura around Peters' Corps. He exemplifies all that Peters' Corps is noted for and all we need are 25 more like him.

Bruce Wallace has returned from a dreadful period in hospital having successfully escaped the scalpel and saw. Bruce is perhaps our leading researcher and certainly a writer of high abilities who has contributed to the Loyal Gazette again and again. As a veteran man-at-arms we know his return to active duty is a solid asset for the unit.

Diana Wigham has been unable to follow as in the past due to having a full plate at work, home and school. We do appreciate her letting Our Sergeant go away on weekends and love the great loaves of homemade bread and supplies of ship's bread she supplies.

Cliff Nichols and Aaron Nichols have transferred in from another unit and are as welcome as the flowers in May. Both men are a distinct asset to the unit and Aaron comes to us as an accomplished runner...an ability showing he is in first class physical condition.

Cathy Nichols and Emily fit right in with the group and it is especially good to see old friends again. Thanks to Cathy the rations on Sunday at Wethersfield were increased with additional tempting culinary delights.

Lewis and Robie Kreger are now on the muster role and Lewis is looking at several options regarding involvement in the work of telling the loyalist story with us. Lewis has been researching primarily his own ancestor who served with Peters' Corps and who was at one time engaged in "King's Work"... an interesting new concept for our unit, especially when we are participating in smaller events where crafts are just the thing.

All the above are more than this poor writer's ability at description permits. My apologies if I have mislaid a contribution or forgotten some valued service. Advanced age doth take its toll and finally I thank you all for putting up with Our Sergeant.

W. Wigham

A Statement of Position

At the 17th & 18th of May at Wethersfield, a new unit, styling themselves as "Drummond's Coy" of Peters' Corps took the field and participated throughout the weekend. As a result some questions were asked and answered. However, it is always good policy to put things in writing lest one forgets the details over time.

I believe that I, as Sergeant of Sherwood's Coy, speak for the unit by saying that it is our understanding that the senior company of any given unit in the Brigade of the American Revolution may, for cause, deny membership to any junior company of the same regiment or corps. However, we feel it would be mean and totally unworthy of that tradition of comradeship, that has so graciously adorned the Brigade since its beginning, if we were to even consider preventing the new company's being welcomed into the organization.

Furthermore, speaking as the Assistant Inspector for Loyalist & German Troops, I have verbally begged permission from Colonel Patterson (Lt. Col. Schaaphok being indisposed) that I disqualify myself from the inspection process for that particular company because of the remote possibility that a conflict of interests might be somewhere imagined.

It has been suggested by Col. Patterson and Lt. Co. Ackermann that perhaps the new company might consider adopting the designation of Jessup's Corps (if that unit is inactive in Canada). Jessup's Corps had a very similar history, personnel make up, and clothing and so would present no hardship for the new company.

At any rate, Sherwood's Coy of Peters' Corps welcomes this new unit to the BAR and are glad to see the loyalist ranks increased thereby. We hasten to add that our unit stands ready to offer any possible assistance to the new group to help them in their growth toward full membership.

W. Wigham, Sgt.

SoLoyal Web Site

The School of the Loyalist now has a web site, courtesy of your humble adjutant. We invite all readers with web access to visit the site for detailed information regarding the July 12-13^th event in River Edge, NJ. Check back often, as this will be a "work in progress," complete with up-to-date information about this not-to-be missed event. Click here and go directly to the School of the Loyalist web site.

Loyalist Jackknife?

One of our very good friends showed us an archaeological find relating to the battle of Bennington. Actually it came from the Loyalist Redoubt on the south side of the Walloomsack river, an area that has only been used for agriculture since the battle. Our friend explained that a number of the same style knives were unearthed at the same location. The one he showed us was in very good condition considering it had been in the dirt for more than two centuries. Although well rusted the details and outline were in very good order. The style was immediately recognized as one being currently reproduced and for sale by Godwin at about $18.00.

Since the greatest concentration of activity for this redoubt site was in 1777, one could assume that the knives were lost by Loyalists. On the other hand one could argue with some conviction that the knives might have been rebel property. The rebels did break into the redoubt and were engaged there, but only briefly. The Loyalists who had built the fortification were on site for a much greater length of time by comparison. Moreover they had been engaged in strenuous activity during which, we know by experience, things can get mislaid. So chances are that the clasp knives, and other finds, were indeed the property of the Loyalists under Oberst Baum. A second consideration is that since the knives were all of the same pattern, one might assume they all came from the same source. That is to say, they might well have been sold by the same vendor or issued from one Q.M. depot. Either way we recognize that a consistency of supply is involved, something more in keeping with the British army than the forces of rebellion. This argument gains strength when one considers the type of rebel troops engaged at the Loyalist Redoubt. They were certainly not uniformly supplied nor representative of Washington's most favored troops.

Our usual tendency is to grasp at any source of information about our Loyalist forerunners because so little is known about them. We do however practice personal discipline and wait until we obtain as much corroboration as possible before claiming some new piece of the jigsaw puzzle as our own. In this case it seems reasonable that we could carry such pocket knives as were found at Bennington without raising a storm of controversy.

In the meantime it might be well to search out other knives of the same pattern to see where they were found. A pattern might thereby develop which would confirm or deny our assumptions in this case.

W. Wigham

Book Review

FLINTKNAPPING, Making and understanding stone tools. By John C. Whittaker, University of Texas Press, PO Box 7819, Austin TX 78713-7819. 1994 ISBN 0-292-79083 (paper)

Don't throw those used-up flints away! This book tells all you need to know about how to work flint, chert and related materials. Profusely illustrated, it takes all the mystery out of flintknapping. Using readily available modern plate glass scraps one can practice knapping without having to order a crate of flint nodules from England. The few simple tools needed can be scrounged up or made at home. With a little practice you can master man's second oldest profession. After reading the book I was able to knapp 15 old, worn-out flints in a half hour. Also, you will find it possible to reshape flints which are just a bit too big to fit the jaws of your cock. Yorkers living in chert country may never have to buy another flint.

W. Wigham

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

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