Historical Tidbits — BATTLE OF KINGS MOUNTAIN

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. October 7, 1780 – BATTLE OF KINGS MOUNTAIN:  Patriot militia defeated the Loyalist militia commanded by British Major Patrick Ferguson of the 71st Foot.  Coming after a series of …

Historical Tidbits — Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton taken

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. October 6, 1777                Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton taken On October 6, 1777, the British Army, led by Henry Clinton, attacked Forts Montgomery and Clinton, supported by cannon fire …

Colonial Spymaster (#13) — Dead Drops

A common procedure used by spies to pass information to their contacts is through the use of a “dead drop.” The spy places the message in a prearranged unattended location, often hidden, and leaves it. Later, his or her compatriot will come and collect the message. Using a “dead drop” means that the spy and …

Historical Tidbits — Battle of Germantown

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. October 4, 1777                Battle of Germantown After taking the American capital, British General Sir William Howe positioned two brigades and a contingent of Hessians troops in Germantown.   Much like …

Colonial Spymaster (#12) — Disguises

If you are routinely going places where the enemy discusses, either intentionally or unintendedly, matters of military or political significance, you may wish to remain anonymous.  To do this, spies employ disguises.  The most common disguise is to simply change your clothes.  Sometimes soldiers sent on reconnaissance missions would wear civilian clothes such as when …

US Marines in the American Revolution –The Evacuation of Fort Billingsport

2 October 1777 Defenses along the Delaware River were planned to protect Philadelphia, the capital of the new republic, against a possible invading naval force. Aware of these defenses, the British entered the Chesapeake and took the capital by the land route. By late September 1777, the enemy was in the rear of these defenses …

Colonial Spymaster (#11) — Letter-locking

Long before email, text, and instant message, important words were passed discreetly from closed palm to palm. To keep the messages private, these hand-written notes were often elaborately folded, sealed with wax, and rigged with anti-tamper devices.  The technique of “locking” letters involves folding the parchment, papyrus, or paper securely so that the letter functions …

Colonial Spymaster (#10) — Invisible Inks

One form of secret writing used by both the British and American armies was invisible ink. The secret writing was placed between the lines of an innocent letter and could be discerned by treating the letter with heat or a chemical substance. The recipient placed the paper over the flame of a candle or treated …

All Political Posturing Aside, Adminstratium is Real

Okay, we have reached the point in the political cycle where all we have is name calling and insults. So, it’s time for a little comic relief. NEW ELEMENT DISCOVERED BY DARPA. Investigators at a major research institution funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have recently discovered the heaviest element known to science. …

Hire the Regimental Brewmeister for your Event or Site

Well, it’s finally winter and I have begun planning for 2025. If your organization wants tp book the Regimental Brewmeister in 2025, please contact me soon so we can block the calendar.   I already have dates reserved for certain sites and my schedule fills quickly.  If there is a date that you want to secure …