US Marines in the American Revolution — Assault on Penobscot

28 July 1779 In spring of 1779 the British commander-in-chief in North America, General Sir Henry Clinton, directed that a strong outpost be established on the tip of the Bagaduce Peninsula in Penobscot Bay, Maine. Brigadier General Francis McLean, military commander of Nova Scotia, led 700 troops of the 74th Foot (Argyle Highlanders) and 82d …

Historical Tidbits — Americans defeated at Penobscot

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. July 28, 1779                       Americans defeated at Penobscot The British sent about 700 men aboard three small warships to land in Penobscot Bay. They intended to establish the province of …

Historical Tidbits

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. July 28, 1779                       Americans defeated at Penobscot The British sent about 700 men aboard three small warships to land in Penobscot Bay. They intended to establish the province of …

Congress establishes the State Department, July 27, 1789

The Constitution of the United States, drafted in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 and ratified by the states the following year, gave the President responsibility for the conduct of the nation’s foreign relations. It soon became clear, however, that additional resources and formal structures were necessary to support President Washington in the conduct of …

Birth of the US Post Office

On July 26, 1775, the Second Continental Congress declared “…that a Postmaster General be appointed for the United States, who shall hold his office at Philadelphia, and shall be allowed a salary of 1,000 dollars per annum…”  Benjamin Franklin was not, however, the first Postmaster in America nor was this the first time he would …

Historical Tidbits — Jacques Cartier Establishes Canada as a French Colony

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. Jacques Cartier Establishes Canada as a French Colony July 24, 1534 Okay, if you have attended one of my spruce beer brewing demos, you undoubtedly have heard the name …

“Up Spirits!” – The Regimental Brewmeister has copper flasks for sale!

Offering fringe benefits during the hiring process to entice workers has been a common practice for centuries. For the Royal Navy, one important benefit every sailor came to expect was the “Rum Ration” or “Daily Tot”.   but as you know, some commanders will try to “stretch” benefits further than others. Some commanders offer great …

“Up Spirits!” – The Regimental Brewmeister has copper flasks for sale!

Offering fringe benefits during the hiring process to entice workers has been a common practice for centuries. The English Navy is no exception. One of the more popular “fringe benefits” of joining the Royal Navy became known as the “Rum Ration” or “Daily Tot”.   Although we commonly associate this “daily tot” with rum, the …