Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, we entered 40 hours of non-stop 18th-century British military existence. The scenario was that of a forage war that happened between the British and Continental Armies during the late fall of 1778. We were up against a larger force of Continental forces that held higher ground with a constant view of our position, not to mention the cold and sleep deprivation that comes with never truly being off duty.
For the next 40-ish hours, we would contend with the rebels harassing our lines, civilians of questionable allegiance, while we sent patrols to scout for supplies and strike the enemy, all over 1600 acres of 18th-century playground. It was awesome.
The build-up for this event was just as intense as the event itself. To get ready, I sewed three leggings kits for unit member, altered trowzers, drafted a pair of breeches for another member, made a pair of breeches for myself (and some mitts from the scrap fabric), and a new shirt.
The goings on of the event itself are a bit of an adrenaline-filled blur. I was constantly on the move and at the ready for the next thing. You never really knew what was going to happen next and what was over the next ridge. You could be laying down for a nap, just coming off patrol, or using the necessities, then... boom! You're back on duty with the fire of a musket to go investigate what is going on.
One of the truly immersive moments for me came when our patrol picked up two guys from different units because one guy was stranded and the other was the only man left from an ambush by the enemy. As we were watching his comrades about to get attacked, I said "well, you're guys are dead. I guess you're coming with us now." And away he went.
It was honestly one of the coolest events I've ever done. Nothing like the powder burn festivals that are put on for spectators. This was an event to see if you could truly hack it as an 18th century soldier for a few days. And I did it.
I can't wait for the next one.
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