| Vol. 7 | No. 6 |
After Action Report - The Ashley House
The regiment recently participated at an encampment at the Ashley House in Ashley Falls, MA on October 4. It turned into a beautiful day, with the leaves just beginning to turn. Unit members in attendance were: Mark & Carol Cafazzo, Justin Kennick, Chris & Marcia Kennick and Dan & Nancy Moraski. We had many visitors to our camp and were able to impart "the other side of the story" regarding the lives of Loyalists during the Revolution to the public. We heard the comments: "I never knew…" and "They don't teach THAT in American History class…." We were offered a tour of the house and were very impressed with the woodwork in Colonel Ashley's study on the second floor. Mark (who was Sergeant that day) remarked that the joints were tighter after more than two centuries than new contemporary woodwork.
While we were explaining our encampment and the Loyalist view of the Revolution, we noticed that the doodles were attempting to drill. Chris Kennick, in a move both decisive and beneficent, strolled over to the enemy camp - unchallenged - and before our amazed eyes, took over the role of company sergeant for the doodles and instructed them in the manual of arms. I know this sounds amazing, but we were able to get a picture of this event!!
Sergeant au doodles - Chris Kennick
That afternoon we convened in front of the House for a uniform and weapons demonstration for the public. Afterwards we participated in a tactical weapons demonstration. One of the highlights of the day occurred back in camp where Carol Cafazzo got to fire her new carbine for the first time. Pay Attention - Loyalist Ladies are Now Armed!! Judging from the proficiency of Carol, then Marcia, then Nancy, I don't think we have to concern ourselves with leaving the Ladies in camp "defenseless." They are now far from "defenseless."
Much thanks goes out to those members the regiment who were able be in attendance and to Mark Cafazzo who so ably took over the role of Sergeant.
Peters' Corps Aids the Far East
We recently received some e-mail directed to our web site from a young man who is a high school student in Taiwan. He was looking for some assistance regarding the Loyalist experience during the American Revolution. He was assisted in his efforts by our Commander and his lovely wife. Kudos to Bill and Diana Wigham for coming to the young man's aid.
After Action Report - Constitution Island
Peters' Corps descended on lovely Constitution Island for the 220th Anniversary of the Attack on the Highlands at West Point, NY on the weekend of October 11th -12th. It was a beautiful Fall day, with the leaves beginning to turn and crisp Fall air.
Unit members in attendance were: Mark & Carol Cafazzo, Cliff & Aaron Nichols, Brian Zawodniak, and Dan & Nancy Moraski. Your humble adjutant was nominated sergeant for the weekend when he stepped away from the fly for a moment. Constitution Island, for those who've not been there, has some incredibly well preserved Revolutionary War fortifications. Redoubt #7 is spectacular. Until four years ago, the stone archway to the Redoubt was still intact.It has since fallen, but what remains is quite impressive. Closer to camp, Roman's Battery and the foundation of the Blockhouse that stood there can still be made out.
We had the assistance of John Muller in finding the foundation. It was 33 feet across and 16 feet on each of it's eight sides. John also showed me the site of "the Captain's evening walk incident" from Joseph Plumb Martin book Pvt. Yankee Doodle. It's eerie to be able to still see where events actually occurred that I've previously only read about. John's Royal Engineers were situated nearby on the spot where the Marine Battery overlooked the Hudson. Saturday night's retreat with a cannon salute over the Hudson from that site was inspiring.
On both days there was music practice, offerings from the Company of Players, and a presentation of the People of the Brigade for the public who came in large numbers. Mark Cafazzo represented the unit on Saturday and Brian Zawodniak represented the unit on Sunday. On both days we had tactical weapons demonstrations.
On Sunday morning Nancy & I took the shuttle boat to the West Point Museum along with the majority of those on the Island at 9am. The museum is a must see. We had our own extended People of the Brigade for West Point visitors as we walked from the dock to the museum and back. Many tourista's cameras were clicking at the site!!
Thanks to all the unit members who were able to attend this event and make it so memorable. A special thank you to John Muller for putting up Nancy & myself in his home on Saturday night. Thanks again, John.
Annual Meeting
It's been an incredibly busy year for the unit and time has indeed just flown by. We are once again at that time of the year when we hold our annual meeting. The men of the unit would also like to show their great appreciation for all the efforts shown by our talented ladies of the regiment during the past year. Following the annual meeting, it has been suggested that we go out to dinner at one of the area's fine dining establishments. All members in good standing are asked to contact your Adjutant regarding the date for said meeting & evening of appreciation. Please contact me as soon as possible regarding good/ bad days from your individual schedules.
To view past editions of our unit newletter, The Loyal Gazette, click here.
Back to Peters' Corps Home Page