| Vol. 7 | No. 5 |
The Game of Cribbage
I believe it was at Wethersfield, during the discussion on knives – another story for another time – that the subject of cribbage surfaced.
I have always had an interest in the game; and until recently never really thought about its origin; and also if it had anything remotely to do with the 18th Century.
I searched around a little and this is what I found:
The game of cribbage had its origin in the 17th Century based on a card game called "Noddy," in which a counting board and five cards were used. The modern version uses six for two players.
The development of the game is accredited to a British poet of the period – a Sir John Suckling. He was described as a wit, a gambler, and a profligate ( a depraved person abandoned to vice) – yes, I had to look it up. Sir John inherited a large estate upon his father’s death; lost it all in an ill-fated attempt to free the Earl of Stratford from the Tower of London in the Scottish Rebellion; and died in poverty by his own hand in 1642. Anyway back to the game.
It is my hope that at our next meeting, I will try to teach cribbage to all those who are wits, gamblers, and profligates.
If anyone can add more to this, I would be thankful.
Respectfully submitted,
Cliff Nichols
After Action Report - The Strong House
The regiment was strongly represented at the Strong House on September 6. Unit members
in attendance were: Bill Wigham, Mark & Carol Cafazzo, Justin Kennick, Chris &
Marcia Kennick, Cliff Nichols, Brian Zawodniak, and Dan & Nancy Moraski. This was
Nancy’s first event, but you’d never know it from the ease of her impression.
Excellent job Nancy!! 
Our host Melinda LeLacheur was quite pleased with the turnout, both of the living
history groups who were invited and the general public. This year’s event was bigger
and stronger than the last time we were there. Bill Wigham demonstrated hat making, and
our ladies made superb pies in our Dutch Oven in the fire pit. Much thanks goes out to
those members the regiment who were able be in attendance.
Ashley House Schedule
Your adjutant has received a mailing from our friend Dave Bernier regarding the Ashley House for the weekend October 4-5.
I’ve used our new technology to insert his invitation. It goes as follows:
"Allow me to thank you for accepting our invitation to the Colonel Ashley House event in Ashley Falls, Massachusetts on October 4th and 5th. The Revolutionary War Department and the Ashley House committee feel that we have developed a comprehensive program for the weekend with excitement for all. Those who have attended Ashley House events before will attest to the unspoiled beauty of the site which should be even more spectacular as the foliage season in the Berkshire’s begins.
Tours of the house are offered for the reenactors (free, of course) and are highly recommended. Pay particular attention to the woodwork in Colonel Ashley’s study on the second floor. Also the fine collection of redware in the keeping room off the spacious kitchen. For those interested, the site surrounding the camps abounds with hiking trails and borders on Bartholemew’s Cobble on the Hoosac River. The Cobble is well known for its irregular rock formations and some rare wildflowers. Also, there is a small but interesting natural history museum adjacent to the Cobble parking lot.
As with all Department events we will be emphasizing education. All who practice crafts or artificers are encouraged to ply their respective trades during the weekend. Should you require an area for this or need assistance, please let the members of the Department or myself know and we will be happy to help you.
The site is off Route 7A in Ashley Falls, Mass. which is south of Great
Barrington. From the Mass Pike East or West take Exit 2. Follow Route 102 to Great
Barrington and take 7 South through Sheffield. Follow the signs for the Ashley House and
Bartholemew’s Cobble. Entrance to the field is across from the Cobble parking lot.
From Connecticut, follow Route 7 North through Canaan to where 7A exits to Ashley Falls.
The Cobble will be on the left after the bridge."
-- Dave Bernier
The Schedule
Friday, October 3, 1997
| 12:00 noon until 10:30 p.m. | Arrivals and set up. Please register on arrival for insurance purposes. |
Saturday, October 4, 1997
| 7:30 a.m. | Morning gun - Reveille - Breakfast - Registration opens from 8:00 am to 10:00 a.m. |
| 9:00 a.m. | Commanders meet on the Ashley House lawn |
| 10:30 a.m. | Camp open. All 20th century out of sight. Officers call |
| 11:00 a.m. | Artillery demonstration outside of colonial camp. Guards posted - patrols sent out - House tours recommended |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch - Patrols returned to camp |
| 2:00 p.m. | Uniforms, weapons. etc. demonstration on the lawn of the Ashley House |
| 3:00 p.m. | Safety inspections - Troops move out. |
| 3:30 p.m. | Tactical battle presentation |
| 4:30 p.m. | Camps closed - supper hour |
| 7:00 p.m. | Illumination (night firing exercise) |
| 10:30 p.m. | All quiet |
Sunday, October 5, 1997
| 8:00 a.m. | Reveille - Breakfast |
| 10:00 a.m. | Camps open - Guards posted |
| 11:00 a.m. | Artillery talk and demonstration outside Colonial camp |
| 11:30 - noon | Lunch - Guards relieved |
| 12:30 p.m. | Safety inspection |
| 1:00 p.m. | Battle |
| 2:30 p.m. | Break Camp - safe home |
School of the Loyalist
We are pleased to reproduce for our readers an excellent after-action report from our friend Ware Martin of Colonel David Fanning’s NC Loyal Militia. We were pleased to spend that wonderful weekend with Ware, Donna Kelly, and Cheryle Smith. Ware’s Report originally appeared in the September 1997 edition of "The Nooseletter," their unit newsletter:
My Very Dear Sir
I have the honour to report that our expedition to the colony of New Jersey was successful and that contact has been established with Loyal forces of the North and Far North. The venue was the first ever School of the Loyalist, held at New Bridge Landing, a historical site comprised of the Zabriskie-Steuben House and other ancient structures. Jan Zabriskie was a Loyalist guide whose property was confiscated by the whigs and given to a Mr. Steuben in appreciation for his having taught them a simplified Prussian mode of drill (it comes as no surprise that "whig" and "simple" go so often together). The site is a lovely one, quite rustic in aspect, alongside a willow-lined tidal river. Across the "New Bridge" lies Britt's Park, formerly the property of Lt Col. Alex Van Buskirk of the 4th Btn. NJ Volunteers. It was on his lands that we performed our evolutions and firing exercises.
Our detachment, consisting of your servant along with the Lovely Ladies of the Regiment Donna Kelly and Cheryle Smith, arrived at New Bridge Landing about one o'clock the afternoon of Friday, July 11. As it happened we were among the first to arrive, having been shaded by Dr. Williams and his detached field hospital. Almost immediately afterward others began arriving from Nova Scotia, leaving me to ponder that those who have the farthest to travel usually arrive the earliest. We were a convivial lot, composed entirely of brave men and handsome women. I was intrigued to learn that Nova Scotians know how to and in fact do say "y'all" properly! Among the units represented were the 4th Btn. NJ Volunteers (cohosts), Queen's Rangers, Butler's Rangers (3 companies), DeLancey's 1st and 2nd Btns., King's Orange Rangers, Nova Scotia Volunteers, Sherwood's Company of the Queen's Loyal Rangers (Peters' Corps and co-hosts), and our own Hon. Col. D. Fanning's NCLM. The Detached Field Hospital was also present to minister to our fizique.
School proper began the following morning with a lecture on Butler's Rangers by Lt. Col. William Smy, late of the Canadian army. The lectures were, with one exception, held in an old barn and we were called by the ringing of two 18th cent. bells. Such a classroom provided both shade and ventilation and was a pleasant place to get an education. Following this the Brigade formed up and marched over the New Bridge to be qualified; that is, to hear the Articles of War pertaining to punishments for such offenses as mutiny, disobedience, etc. As no one could be punished without first having been qualified, we all took pains to attend this one. After qualification we marched back to camp. At the suggestion of Mr. Braisted I asked the gentlemen of the Queen's Loyal Rangers whether they might have the kindness to take in some stray banditti for the weekend. They readily obliged, and we became temporary members of that illustrious corps.
Next came a talk on the Theatre of New York during the period and its Loyalist participants, delivered by Susan N. Jenkins. Following lunch the battalion formed up and marched again over the bridge for a firing demonstration. Firing was done in two ranks; battalion volleys were followed by platoon volleys and more battalion volleys and finally a mock bayonet attack. After marching back to camp we attended the third and final class of the day, a talk on the David Library of the American Revolution in Pennsylvania. This sounds like a wonderful place to do Loyalist studies. Afterward we formed up, for the last time that day, to receive our bounties less stoppages for uniforms and equipment. Those of us in Peters' Corps, still in our civilian weeds, enquired as to the whereabouts of our uniforms but were told to sign the paper, take what they gave us, and be damned thankful to get it.
Twenty shillings were more than any of us had seen in quite some time, so we signed and did so right gladly.As the only one armed of our number, I assumed command of our detachment as Lieutenant and was therefore invited to mess with the officers. It was a very tasty repast of numerous courses, prepared in a reconstructed 18th century Dutch kitchen. The evening's entertainment was further enhanced by the gift from DeLancey's 2nd Btn. of twin kegs of Guinness Stout and Bass Ale. I slept the sleep of the just that evening.
Sunday Morning reveille was sounded by the Loyalist Alarm Clock, Sgt. Bill Wigham of Peters' Corps. His Wake 'e, Wake 'e!" was cheerfully answered by calls of "Prime and Load!" (For any curious to hear the call, check out the School of the Loyalist website. I'll not give an URL as a phrase search will do.) I accompanied the lads on a foraging expedition down the lane and across a motorway to the Carriage Inn where we breakfasted. Of the members of Peters' Corps who were present, 80% seemed to be in excess of
6'5" tall, which gave them a tremendous edge in skittering across the six lanes of traffic plus walled median. This was even more an advantage on our return, when traffic was heavier and so were we. Still, short legs or no, I was mindful of the reputation of Fanning's regiment and ran with the fleetest of them.Dr. M. Williams of the Detached Hospital conducted Sunday's first class, which was held al fresco behind the Zabriskie house. Dr. Williams spoke learnedly of eighteenth century medicine. He gave us enough gore to make the long trip worthwhile, but not so much that we didn't feel respectable for having listened intently (as we all did) to what he had to say. I might add that, given the proper equipment and an assistant, we are each of us now able to amputate any limb you might wish in as little as five minutes. Less time and we'll throw in some extra appendages for free. Well, actually, you will . ..or maybe the assistant.
The morning's formation was highlighted by a mutinous display by some of the men who were upset at the paucity of their pay the day before, especially since Major Braisted was said to have pocketed £64, a rumour about which Capt. Warren Stevens of the Queen's Rangers wondered often and loudly "How did that story ever get out?" I’m proud to say that we the lusty lads of Peters' Corps rallied to Mr. Braisted's side, armed with picks, shovels, and other tools of destruction. Mr. Braisted is a fine figure of a man, and lives well. Such a man keeps us in mind of what we are fighting for, namely our betters and we won't stand for any egalitarian whiggamore nonsense as unfortunately was displayed that day. Two ringleaders were picked out and disarmed. As the gun laws of New Jersey prevented anyone from carrying live ball, they could not be shot; and as no one had thought to bring a rope, they could not be hanged. At the urging of their commanding officers, they promised to sin no more and so were shown the forgiving side of Mr. Braisted's nature. Captain Stevens continues to swear that he will not rest until he discovers the identity of the scoundrel who fomented such mutiny. We are all confident that he will succeed.
Following this unhappy occurrence we marched over and were shown the proper way to lay out a redoubt for 30 men by John Muller and Ed Moderacki of the Royal Engineers. It was an education, and made us think about the possibility of actually constructing one at some other site. The second class was conducted in the barn by Tom Hay of Colonial Williamsburg, who spoke on the motivations which spurred loyalists of different regions, economic strata, etc. to act as they, did. Following this, we did another firing demonstration across the river. The volleys were uniformly crisp; there was NO rattle of musketry.
The final class of the day and the school began with the return of Captain Spawlding, the well known schnorer of the King's Orange Rangers, recently exchanged after being held a prisoner by the rebels for the past year at Fort Tappan. His recollections of internment heightened the resolve of us all to resist the hypocritical dissemblers and minions of ambition that we call whigs and other things. He reappeared in the 20th cent guise of Wayne Daniels and gave some very useful instruction on doing first-person impressions. Having a well thought out persona gives dimension to our characterization; whether or not we do actual first-person impressions to the public, we will be much more believable for having thought it through. This talk was extremely enjoyable and instructive. As a result, I will always remember the humanity of my character.
All the while there were whig prisoners to look after. Visitors to the site affirmed their loyalty to claim the protection of the Crown. There were distaff activities as well, reports of which will follow under separate cover from Mrs. Kelly, and Mrs. Smith but upon which I cannot speculate with any authority.
The first ever School of the Loyalist (SoLoyal) closed with a final formation at half past four o'clock Sunday afternoon. All present were elated to have been a part of it, and looked forward to its becoming a regular event We all owe Todd Braisted a great deal for this, along with the 4th Btn. NJ Volunteers and the Queen's Loyal Rangers. Although its being so far North makes it a bit of a stretch for us in the Deep South, it was just as far for our cousins from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick who managed to come in much greater numbers than we did. This being the case, we cannot reasonably, expect it to move much farther South any time soon. It may be, however, that different sites as well as dates will be used in the future. The 225th Anniversary, looms ever closer, and it behooves all of us to get to know one another, swap ideas, experiences and knowledge so that we can all help each other and Loyalist portrayals become the best that can possibly be done. This was a giant step in that direction, but only a single one. Whatever the case, anyone who takes their Loyalist impression seriously owes it to their regiment, their self, and to the Avocation, not only here in the South but nationally, to attend future offerings of SoIoyal whenever and wherever the opportunity presents itself.
I have the honour to remain, Sir, as ever I have been, your most trustworthy, loyal, helpful etc. servant,
Ware Martin
Lieutenant
D. Fanning's NCLM
To view past editions of our unit newletter, The Loyal Gazette, click here.
Back to Peters' Corps Home Page