Each morning we, the consolidated field music, which included us three and five others, played reveille at 6:30 (in the dark). The first morning we marched a mile and a half to camp and played opening colors. Throughout the day we interacted with visitors, visited the rest of camp and the museum, and drilled. We then also played for closing colors both nights (the second night there was only one other musician left to play with us, but by then we had gotten the hang of things). We were treated to a wonderful meal Saturday night by the locals.
One thing that added to the realistic atmosphere of the encampment was the threat of an Indian attack. You see, some radical Indian groups and collage liberals from Lafayette had threatened to disrupt and cause damage to the reenactment because they deemed it too favorable to the Americans. Though nothing came of it, we did have to post guards all night to protect camp, with passwords and everything. I got the 4:20 to 6:30 shift (that way I was up for reveille already). It was especially and neat experience as the Indians had attack from about 4:20 to 6:30 and the first shots were fired in the area I patrolled.
So in summery, we got to use the duty music we had been learning, we got to experience the well done recreation and commemoration of the battle of Tippecanoe, we had a great Captain, Major, and Colonel, got to see many friends at the event (and on the way), got several books from the museum store, and learned to appreciate the men that went before us the formation of our country.
Consolidated Fifes and Drums
After playing reveille, around the warm fire
(We have missed open outside fires, can't do many out in Colorado because of fire hazard)
The Illinois Territorial Rangers
The WPFDC (with our new hats)
In front of the monument
-Peter BringeMemor!
Peter,
ReplyDeleteI believe future generations will be displeased that the park did not allow for an honorary battle. That said, the Indian threat made up for that, I'm sure! Are the fifers and drummers in reverse red-and-blue colors part of Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum, or are they difference? No distinctive bear fur (which was always the subject of whispered marvel from fellow corps members of Tittabawassee Valley). Haha!!
Wesley
landmarksofliberty.blogspot.com
The fifer and drummers in red jackets and shakos are Lewis and Clark veterans that have graduated and are now playing with the 7th Infantry, and are starting a new 1812 F&D corps in St. Charles for youth corps veterans. Its pretty neat that six of the eight musicians that showed up were from Lewis and Clark F&DC. The fifers in the green frock and shako is a former Voyagers F&DC drum major. In fact a few from the Voyagers F&DC came to Tippecanoe (basically their backyard) and we played a performance with them.
ReplyDeleteThe early 1800s had quite a selection of hats! Shakos, top hats (sometimes crested with bear or even wolf fur), big bi-corns, wool forage caps, etc...
-Peter Bringe
Memor!
Ah yes, the 7th Infantry! We used to affectionately call the drum major of that unit Gen. Burnside, because of his militaristic disposition. I can still remember him insisting on steel heals. And I do believe I remember the old drum major from Voyagers, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm convinced the 19th century was the century for hats. I'm a tour guide for the Victorian Bradley Home here in Midland (http://www.midlandonline.com/moladmin/articles/articledisplay.cfm?art_id=758), and I've just got costumed for the 1870s. The "topper" is certainly very distinguished.
Hey Peter,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the pictures and sharing your experiance. I just made a period camp out with a friend and there's nothing like being able to lose yourself in time and get an ever so slight feel of the past.
I like ya'lls new hats.
Matt Vawser