Veteran's Day 2012

Gentlemen,

Let me thank all of my fellow compatriots who have served our great Nation and especially our ancestors who helped create this C

ountry. What better picture to represent our support to fostering this memory than our Chapter being represented in the Veteran's Day Parade.

Thomas Holland Grave Marking

Once again the Anthony Bledsoe Chapter has been represented at the grave marking of an American Patriot. This marking took place in Ardmore, TN on 28 October. This continued support to activities around the state and country shows the rest of the SAR our dedication to commemorating our ancestors as well as the history of the struggle for Independence. I encourage all members to take time and consider joining the Color Guard and supporting this type of event.

Update

I apologize for taking so long to update this blog. For those who do not know, I am now working in Washington, DC at the Defense Intelligence Agency. David Vaughn and Frank Schafer will share duties of kepping the CG going and attending events. I will attempt to do a better job at maintainingnthis blog in order to keep a little bit of pressure off of them. I have attached pictures from the Daniel Smith Days / Chapter Meeting in September, the Paris Treaty Commemoration, Bell Ringing at the Capitol, Batt

le of Buchanan's Station, and the Sneed Cemetery 200th Celebration.

CG Practice and Planning

For those who will be part of the CG for Daniel Smith Days, we came up with a plan and simplified commands yesterday. In the pictures you will see two of the area where the Chapter booth will be set-up and the area we will conduct the meeting in. Yes I know that the TN flag should be in the middle but at the time I took the picture we were just moving stuff around and not paying attention to protocol.

We will begin at the end of the main parking lot towards the House and march through the parking lot to where we can execute a 90 degree turn and march straight up to the pavillion. This will save us making a lot of turns and fighting branches on the sidewalk.

We will need the color guard to meet up at the Chapter booth at 10:30 am in order to review equipment, flag assignments, etc.

Flintlock Safety

For you guys who have flintlocks, whether musket or rifle, I thought I would post this information. The info came from coon-n-crockett.org. Some things may sound obvious but were listed because someone had done them and got hurt.

The flintlock firearm utilizes the same ancient principle of flint and steel fire making. When a gun is fired, the cock, holding a flint in its jaws, swings through an arc, scraping the flint down the hardened steel face of the frizzen to produce a shower of sparks. The frizzen "kicks" forward, uncovering a small indentation, known as the flash pan, which contains priming powder. The shower of sparks then ignites the priming powder. The "flash" of the ignited priming powder is carried through the touch hole, a small hole which connects the flash pan with the main powder charge in the barrel. This sequence takes place in a fraction of a second, when the gun has been properly loaded, primed and carries a sharp flint and a hardened frizzen. NOTE: The spark from a flintlock falling into an unprimed pan can, at times, fire a loaded weapon. Always treat a flintlock -- primed or unprimed -- as a loaded weapon.

Maintain your sight picture until the main charge fires. Many people make the mistake of moving the barrel as soon as the priming powder sparks.

Any muzzleloader should have the critical half-cock and full-cock functions checked prior to use. The lock should have a secure and solid half-cock (the first click position) to prevent the gun from accidental firing. If for some reason the half-cock does not fully engage its notch and allows the hammer to fall, the gun should NOT be used until the problem has been completely resolved by a competent gunsmith. Always check the half-cock position before relying on it.

Treat a misfire or failure to fire as though the gun can fire at any second. Wait at least a minute with gun pointed at the target.

Never use FFFFg black powder for a charge in any muzzleloader at any time. The only safe use for fine priming powder is for the priming of a pan on a flintlock. Fine powders will cause excessive pressures and could very well burst your barrel.

Never lean over (or stand in front of) the muzzle at any time.

Do not pour a powder charge directly from a horn or flask. If a smoldering ember is present, it could ignite the powder in the larger container, as well as the powder charge, as it is poured into the barrel. This excessive amount of black powder could cause a dangerous explosion possibly causing a serious injury to yourself and bystanders. Therefore, be safety minded; use a graduated powder measure or other small measuring device.

Never stand near an open flame with your powder horn or loaded weapon.

Recap powder / priming horn prior to firing. You’ll have a very bad ending to a good day if a spark gets into a ¼ lb. of powder.

During the long hunter era, members of a camp would place a feather into the touch hole to signify their gun was loaded but had no powder in the pan. At NO time will you maintain powder in your gun while in camp. Nor will you place a feather into the touch hole, even if the gun is unloaded, as this could cause undesired attention by a safety officer.

When firing, cock your gun at an angle so that the sparks from the pan do not in turn burn the person beside you.

Color Guard Practice

Ok guys we need to get together and practice. We have the Chapter Meeting at Daniel Smith Days and another event we've been invited too, Signing of the Paris Treaty Event, next month. So, this coming Saturday the 18th at 9am. I would like to practice at Rock Castle if at all possible due to weapon restrictions at Moss Wright. Plus Chapter meeting will be at Rock Castle.

David, I'll need you to bring the flags back that you tokk from last "practice." Everyone PLEASE email me to let me know if you'll make it. I will send out email probably on Tuesday for those who don't read the blog.

Period Tune

http://americanstrings.blogspot.com/2011/07/johnny-has-gone-for-soldier.html


Let's give a big Huzzah for our Scotch-Irish ancestors providing us good music

Stockings

http://www.taylor-rosehistorical.com/

I prefer this material stockings.

4 July in East Tennessee

David Vaughn attended a 4th of July Reading of the Declaration event at James White Fort.

Continentals executing commands

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGfVEqCEHVo&feature=related

Period commands in use in the context of the Continentals. You hear the commands and then have various views when they are excuted at the beginning. Remember this is a mini movie not a training film.

Period Commands YouTube Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GERVeZ4egRQ

These guys are Redcoats, but at least it gives you a good visual of what it looks like when executing the period commands

Next Practice

The next CG practice will take place on Thursday 19 July 2012 next to the Bowen House at Moss Wright Park in Goodlettsville. You do not need to dress out for the practice. If you have a period weapon (Musket or Rifle) please bring it. I will bring the flags with me.

I would like to practice a minimum of once a month, twice being preferred. We will practice on different days and times to see what fits the majority's schedule. This week I would like to meet at 5pm. If I hear back from a few people that the time should be adjusted a little later we can do that.

We will begin to practice with period commands to get us all use to hearing and reacting to them. This will help when we fall in with other CG units that use them.

Summer Suit

http://www.facebook.com/pages/N-Hurst-Tailor/169541856440401

Another possible place to order your clothing from. A summer suit would not be a bad idea for events here in the South and I noticed "Regimentals" in his advertisement.

Below are period commands which we all need to get familiar with. That being said, and to test who actually reads this blog, please email or call me with the day(s) of the week and the time(s) which best suit you for color guard practice. I think we should strive to meet at least twice a month for about an hour to practice drill.

I have contacted the State Color Guard Commander for instructions on the Board of Governors Meeting which will be on 21 July in Cool Springs.


PERIOD COMMANDS

atten-tion {the unit is made ready for commands}
shoulder, firelock {firelock is a flint-lock musket}
to the right, face {equivalent to right, face}
to the front, march {equivalent to forward, march}
by files; to the left, march {turns the column into an advancing line}
by ranks; to the right, march {turns the line back into a column}
flag section; to the right, march {splits off the flag detail}
mark time, march; halt {allows stragglers to catch up}
to the front, face {each line turns left or right to face the enemy}
present, firelock {a form of salute; secondary flags dip}
order, firelock {recover from present position}

flag section; prepare your colors {flag detail approaches stanchions}
ready; post {flags are posted}
[huzzah!] {war cry}
company: recover your position {return to order position}

shoulder, firelock {ready to move out}
company; to the right, face {command for both lines}
guard section; to the left, march {guards only march to line up with flag detail}
flag section; recover the column {reassembles flag detail with guards as a column}
mark time, march; halt {puts the company in position for dismissal}
to the right, face {company faces the commander}
company; to the about, face {company is turned away from commander}
dis-missed
[huzzah!]

Reconfigured Tricorn

As I said in the post yesterday I was militarizing my Tricorn (see my blog picture for old look). I think I spent about 4 hours to modify it to the pictures below.

Flag Day 2012

Frank and David represented well at the 2012 Flag Day Ceremony at the City Cemetery.

Tricorn

I would venture to say most, if not all, of us are on a tight budget nowadays. That said if you want an alternative to paying $60 and up for a tricorn or finished round hat, here's what you can do.

In either case find a hat blank, normally around $20-$30. Then add your own tape and ties. The example I'll use is what I am currently working on. I took my current tricorn (originally a hat blank) and removed the ties. I then cleaned it off. I wanted to get a military looking tricorn so I had some "Double Fold Bias Tape Quilt Binding 7/8" wide." That is what I am putting around my edge as tape. I will also cut this down to remake the ties I cut off. As I am hand sewing (you could machine sew) I put in a couple of sewing pins to hold the tape in place for a couple of inches at a time in front of where I'm sewing.

I will finish it off with a cotton liner and resew the button and some bias tape to hold the cockade.

Before I had neither tape nor a liner. The liner will just make it a little nicer and personal. I would have used black tape had I had it for the "officer" appearance, but you work with what you have (and I didn't feel like driving to the fabric store). I will update with more pictures as I progress.

Uniform Primer

COCKADES
Cockades were originally prescribed only to be worn by officers. I have asked the Chapter to purchase “Alliance” cockades for each of us to wear on our headgear to give us one piece of matching uniform item. These will be the black and white cockades signifying the American/French Alliance and came into use in 1780. These will be issued to each member.

EPAULETTES
Corporal: 1 Green on right shoulder
Sergeant: 1 Red on right shoulder
Ensign/Lieutenant: 1 silver on left shoulder
Captain: 1 silver on right shoulder
Majors –Colonels: silver on each shoulder
If ancestor was in artillery then the epaulet(tes) should be gold in color.

REGIMENTAL COATS
All Regimental Coats should be blue unless unit was shown to wear brown coat during the war. Blue was specified by Washington during the war as the proper color but brown was originally authorized and continued to be worn by some units an example being the 6th PA Battalion of the Continental Line. Blue and Brown were the main colors supplied by the French also.
As for the facing colors we will follow the regulation General Washington prescribed to represent various states. Unless your ancestor was a general officer, you should follow these color patterns. Add the proper epaulet(tes) to denote your ancestor’s rank.
If your ancestor was Artillery then your coat should be blue faced and lined in scarlet with plain brass/gold buttons.
Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and Rhode Island: White facings and lining
New Jersey and New York: Buff facings and white lining
Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia: Scarlet (Red) facing and white lining
Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina: Blue facing with buttonholes lined in white and white lining
After 1779 the “USA” buttons were prescribed to be worn on the coats but if you would prefer to have a unit specific button which is historically documented such as the New Jersey or Rhode Island Regiment buttons that is perfectly fine. Also if your ancestor was Artillery and you wish to use the Artillery button you may also do that.
The Hunting Frock was authorized by General Washington as a supplemental issue and worn as standard uniform item in many regiments. Just do a thorough research on your ancestor’s unit. I have plenty of books relating to uniforms and I know some other members do. Don’t be shy about asking to borrow them. Or if you would rather me research it for you and tell you what I think would be right I can do that also…key to that is “what I think.”
Bottom line is we want to accurately portray our ancestors and by so doing properly honor the sacrifices they made to win our independence. That said I want each of you looking to buy a regimental coat (me included), to purchase a re-enactor quality uniform. You can still march with a flag if you purchase one of the poly uniforms, but if there will be any firing of weapons I will not even allow you to do that for safety reasons. I will find another job for you supporting the event but I won’t take the chance on any of you being injured by a spark igniting your poly coat or other clothing item.

SMALL CLOTHES
Small clothes are your shirt and neck stock, breeches, weskit (vest), and stockings. This is where you get to individualize (unless you are wearing a regimental uniform).
Shirt: Honestly, even with a regimental, if you want to wear a checked or colored shirt go ahead. I doubt each soldier was able to provide a white or off-white shirt constantly through campaigning or even general wear on the frontier. I wear a blue checked from Fort Downing and will be purchasing a green check from them at Rock Castle.
Neck Stock or scarf: I know you don’t like these things but it is proper to wear a neck stock or piece of cloth tied around your neck. I prefer the cotton/linen neck stock myself but this is your decision.
Weskit: For regimentals do your best to go with a white or off-white colored 1770’s pattern vest. For the Militia, just don’t get too crazy. For regimentals I would say that a color matching the facing of your coat would be ok also.
Breeches: once again for regimentals go with white or off-white. These can be French-fly or drop down and if you prefer to wear the coverall style that is fine too but you’ll need gaiters then. Militia, like the vest, it’s up to you.
Stocking: I would prefer that everyone use white or off-white. This will help with the uniform appearance a little. But, at least use a solid color…no stripe stockings. If you can get ones made out of Linsey Woolsey they seem to stay up better and provide a little more cushion.

FOOTWEAR
The standard men’s shoe with brass buckles is the preferred footwear. If you want to pay for the period correct riding style boot then by all means go ahead. Brogans are acceptable for Militia uniforms. The only authorized moccasins would be the center seam style and they would need to be worn with proper period correct leggings.

HEADGEAR
The preferred headgear is the black tri-corn. If you ancestor was an officer get one with black, silver, or gold (General Officer or Artillery) trim. Soldier ancestors you can get one with white tape if you would like. If you are purchasing a uniform for a rifleman the round hat is perfectly fine. There were numerous units with different headgear so once again just ask.
As mentioned, the Alliance cockade will be worn on headgear.

FOR THE PARSONS
http://18thcenturybibles.org/Parsons_Persona.html

THE KEY
The key to all this is to decide on which ancestor(s) you would like to represent and thoroughly research through period descriptions, general orders, regulations, paintings, etc. what they would have worn. Then take these guidelines and begin putting your attire together. Until you have a complete outfit, see if you can borrow clothing items in order to participate. I have spent the past six years trying to put together a militia outfit I am happy with and I’m still working on it so don’t think this is an overnight work.

Chaplain Frank

Congrats to our very own Frank Schafer in his election as our Chapter's Chaplain. Nothing like having a Chaplain that knows how sailors cuss. We will of course have to apply a nickname to hime such as "Chappy" or "Padre."

John Todd Grave Marking

Once again our go to guy, David Vaughn, represented the Chapter at the John Todd Grave Marking.

Riding Boots

http://www.robertlandhistoricshoes.com/servlet/Detail?no=68

If any of you are looking for the cuffed riding boots of the period such as worn in the movie "The Patriot" for your uniform here is a site.

Website of Various Uniforms

http://www.srcalifornia.com/uniforms/uindex.htm

Here is a website that has old prints of various units during the American Revolution.

Representation at Martin's Station

Our Chapter and Color Guard was represented by David Vaughn at this year's "Raid on Martin's Station." David was able to take part in both the State and National SAR events while there.

William Martin Grave Marking

Four members of the Color Guard were able to attend the TNSSAR grave marking for Patriot William Martin. We combined with other Tennessee State Color Guard members for the event.

Bledsoe Colonial Fair

Glen and David did a great job representing the Chapter, TNSSAR, and NSSAR at Bledsoe's Colonial Fair this past weekend. We were going to do some drill but I don't think the environment was conducive. We have done a preliminary determination of the May 15th event which will include 4 flags and 2 rifles. David and I will carry flags and Glen will be a riflemen.

We will have a general practice on Wednesday 9 May at Moss Wright Park next to the Bowen House at 5pm. We'll probably spend the first half hour learning our feet and basic marching. The second half hour will be lined up as if we had flags and muskets and working on movement.

15 May

For the 15 May event it looks like it will be Glen, David and myself.

Don't forget Sunday afternoon at 3pm out at Bledsoe's for an initial introduction to drill and ceremony...mainly learning your left from your right and how to keep in step together. You can be in period attire or beach attire it doesn't matter.

I have added another sutler to the list that Glen met and spoke with up in Maryland last week. He impressed Glen and Bettye so if you're needing something check him out and compare.

William Martin Grave Marking

The marking of Patriot William Martin's grave by the TNSSAR and DAR will take place on 15 May at 2pm. The cemetery is in Cato, TN. Currently I know of two of us who will be attending. This makes it doubly important to attend the training on the afternoon of 6 May if you plan to attend.

On the 6th we will practice commands and basic marching. I will contact the State and Local Color Guards to find out if they would want us to bring weapons or just attend in uniform. Those carrying weapons would need additional practice.

If one of the guys who is working on getting his uniform would like to attend and take some pictures it would be greatly appreciated.

Meeting of the Minds

The first meeting of those individuals interested in forming a Color Guard for the Anthony Bledsoe Chapter, TNSSAR took place on 21 April 2012 at the home of Glen and Bettye Freudenthal. I think all there would agree Bettye's green beans deserve special mention.

First and foremost it was decided we wanted to honor our ancestors and represent the SAR by looking as authentic as possible. The majority of us already have reenactor quality militia outfits and will be wearing those. Some members will wear the Continental uniform and for that it was decided the coats would be blue with buff facing if your ancestor was an officer and blue with red facing if your ancestor was enlisted. Whether attired as Militia or Continental, it was decided to wear the "knee" breeches with stockings and buckled shoes. In future posts I will get into detail on the clothing and personal equipment.

I have begun to post some vendor sites and you may want to look on eBay as from time to time they will have an item, to included regimental coats, at a good deal...I bought my Fugawee buckled shoes from there. I have also posted a few sites referencing the SAR Color Guards as a whole. The NSSAR site has links to the National Color Guard Handbook as well as past issues of the National Color Guard newsletter. The TNSSAR is a link for the state's Color Guard Handbook.

In future posts I will put in a link or two concerning what we will be covering at our next practice or something of historical relevance and instructions for an upcoming event in which we plan to participate.

All events we attend must have approval of our Chapter President and I, or a designee, will need to contact the local Chapter representative and or State Color Guard Commander. If possible, from this moment on Color Guard members are asked to "dress out" for Chapter meetings. This is a duty of each Color Guard as well as it will give us another chance to correct or make suggestions on attire and equipment to one another helping us to ever improve ourselves. For each meeting we will select a few members to post the colors as well a one to give the verbal commands. This will help us cross train in one another's duties. I will maintain a Color Guard Reporting Form for each member to maintain a record for points which will eventually lead to the Color Guard Medal. Remember these points don't have to cover consecutive years and please make sure I have a record of each event you participate in (I'll try and do a quarterly scrub with the unit as a whole).

Thank you for your dedication in this endeavor. I look forward to working with each and everyone of you.