In order to facilitate rapid loading during battle, 18th Century musket cartridges were made from rolled brownish-white paper. This paper tube held both the powder and the ball was its own self contained wadding. For training, reviews and firing a “feu de joie” or celebratory musket salute, however, blank rounds were needed. Numerous accidents were reported …
Continue reading “How Cartridge Paper almost killed King George”
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. December 18, 1801 XYZ Affair The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident between French and United States diplomats that resulted in a limited, undeclared war known as the Quasi-War. …
CANCELLED due to COVID-19 For over 60 years, Washington Crossing Historic Park has recreated the daring Christmas night river crossing of 1776, leading to the victories of the 10 Crucial Days. Several hundred reenactors in Continental military dress listen to an inspiring speech by General Washington and cross the river in replica Durham boats. Sadly, …
Continue reading “Washington’s Crossing Annual Crossing Reenactment Friday, December 25, 2020”
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. December 17, 1777 — ENCAMPMENT AT VALLEY FORGE: The third of eight military encampments for the Continental Army. Following defeats at Brandywine and Germantown and with the British Occupation …
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. December 15, 1799 – The Bill of Rights, ten amendments to the US Constitution were formally ratified. These amendments are: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of …
In 1740, the “French salute”, or greeting another by kissing them on the cheek, started to become fashionable in London. With the Seven Years War (AKA French and Indian War), the “French salute” quickly became controversial, being called unEnglish. Encouraged instead was the “old English” way of “pulling off a Hat. For the British, removing your …
If you make your tent out of ordinary “canvas” you are going to get wet in the rain. Canvas is a stout cloth, probably named after cannabis (Latin: “hemp”), made by tightly weaving material, mostly cotton, wool, and linen. This definition has not been that precise forever since the word canvas has come to signify …
Continue reading “Every Wonder Why We Call it a “Duffle” Bag?”
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. December 7, 1787 – Delaware became the first state to ratify the US Constitution. The Constitution was not ratified by all states until May 29, 1790, when Rhode Island …
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. December 7, 1787 – George Washington dies at his estate at Mount Vernon.
Before the latest wave of COVID shut it down, the Regimental Brewmeister was planning to operate a tavern as part of the “Frost Faire” at Pottsgrove Manor. Since running taverns at reenactments is our ultimate goal, I feel the time spent planning that event was well spent even though we were ultimately forced to cancel. …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 