Volume
14, No. 2, April 2002
Bon
jour mon amis -
I
am getting a head start on my letter so it will be ready for the
newsletter.
The
ane congele was a success. Just
under 20 members attended. And the
snow was great! Thick and white.
It made for some interesting pictures.
The
February Woods walk was sparsely attended.
Only 6 teams competed. The
Milice fielded two teams. The team
of Russ W., Tom C., Lyle C., Ned B., and Marshall M. finished 3rd.
The team of your Captain, Dennis L., Ken B., Albert P.,
and Richard K. finished 5th. The
6th place team had only 2 members and was only 4 points behind us.
If they had had a full team we all would have been in trouble.
A
good time was had at the Fete du Bon Vieux Temps.
It marked the debut of the Milice Country Dancers under the direction of
Carol Luer. We danced between
performances of the Land Grant play. We
practice on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at the Methodist
Church in O’Fallon, Illinois. For
more detail, contact me or Carol Luer.
Jim
Chestney has volunteered to make a flag pole for our battle flag.
Thanks
Jim.
I
am very excited about Frog Talk this year.
It will be good the see Rene Chartrand again. Don’t forget to contact Lyle with your dinner
reservations.
And don’t forget to bring an item for the auction.
I have a really unusual item that I’m sure will be a big hit.
Things
are moving well for the Grand Encampment at Birdsboro, PA.
If you have not signed up to go, there is still time and plenty of room.
Ken Brigman and Brian Smith are going as engineers. They will arrive early and survey the battlefield.
We are looking for items to be gifts for the Natives.
If you have anything appropriate let me know.
these items will be gifts, so don’t expect them back.
I am making a wampum belt for the occasion.
Thanks
to everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers. I was talking with Ted Mueller at the Kaskaskia event.
I knew we were getting old when we started comparing medications.
Speaking
of the Kaskaskia Rev War event, Ken Brigman and Bowman’s Co. put on a fine
event. Next year it will move to
the last weekend in June. I hope we
can get a large French presence there. This
will commemorate the 225th anniversary of Clark's capture of
Kaskaskia with festivities on the 4th of July.
I
have noticed several people have been signing their e-mail with personae names.
This is a great way to add some historic flavor to events, rather than
using English names. Would you please get these names to Lynn Cornelius.
Maybe she could include them in the next roster.
I
remain
Your
most humble and obedient servant
Jean
Baptiste Tavernier
Fort
de Chartres and the Milice de Ste. Famille
Presents
the
15th
Annual School of the Soldier
April
20 & 21, 2002
Saturday April
20th
0900
Opening Colors
0915 - 1015
Fly-Bird Shooting & Doll Making
1030 - 1130
Wool
Dying & Lock Tuning
1130 - 1230
Lunch on your own
1300 - 1630
Auction with Dewey, Cheatum & Howe
1700
Dinner in town @ the American Legion
1800
Rene
Chartrand
2000
18th
Century Music with Duffy & Friends,
Sunday
April 21st
0900
Opening
Colors
0915 - 1030
Round table with Rene Chartrand
1045 - 1200
Cooking in French Illinois, Canada & Louisiana
1200 - 1300
Lunch on your own
1300 - 1500
Round
table with Rene Chartrand
Please
Distribute to your Unit members
Subject:
Troupes de terre battalion as a Family
Re:
The Vision of GE #1, the topic you raise and Family
------------
Bonjour
Messieurs,
The
topic you raise is a very good one. Cooperations between units such as Fort
Toulouse, de Chartres, Ft. Massiac, Guyenne and other regional ones including
units a little to the north such as my own are greatly needed within our hobby.
We are trying to build a family.
-------------
1.
John and I want to build a strong sense of family among all French units from
Fort Toulouse to Fort de Chartres and north through Illinois into Indiana and
Wisconsin. We think of ourselves as western units.
~~
2.
This sense of family is needed within the hobby to build friendship,
cooperation
and to help each other at our particular events. Often our
respective
units are in attendance in part or en-masse at several regional events annually.
~~
3.
My own unit, Les Troupes de Levis a Sainte Foy has 67 members in KS, IL, WI, IN
and MI. Members portray Royal Roussillon (blue cuffs), Cfdl Marines (blue
cuffs), La Reine (red cuffs) and Militia. Many of my people are very familiar
and friends with numerous reenactors within the region of item #1 above.
~~
4.
The French Army for GE#1 has three very large components and three
smaller
ones as designed by our Commander in Chief. They are:
(a)
Troupes de terre battalion consisting of converged units in these
compagnies;
grenadiers, blue cuffs, red cuffs, militia, mobile artillery and flags/music.
(b)
Marine Battalion consisting of grenadiers, and several compagnies of marines
from the eastern USA and Canada.
(c)
Two small Brigades de la colonies. #1
consists of Woodland Indians, militia and marines from OH, MI and WV. #2 is
almost totally militia from the eastern USA.
(d)
Artillery Park (6 cannons)
(e)
Indian Affairs Department
(f)
French Grand Hospital
One
of the principles above is to place units from the same regions together because
this will build friendship and enhance cohesion.
~~
5.
TROUPES DE TERRE BATTTALION:
(a)
The milice compagnie of the troupes de terre battalion is totally made up of
western militia from the region of item #1 on purpose to work toward a greater
sense of family and cohesion.
(b)
The blue cuff compagnie of the troupes de terre battalion is made up of French
metropolitan units such as Royal Roussilon (all people from my unit) and some
eastern metropolitan units too. However, my unit has marines too and they will
be in the blue cuff compagnie.
To
help build regional friendships, cohesion and cooperation John and I thought it
a good idea to ask all marines from the region of item #1 to serve together in
the blue cuff compagnie as family.
(c)
There are historical precedents for this type of structure; Dieskau in 1755 in
his southerly advance and de Lery's Force in 1756 - Raid on Fort Bull in the
Mohawk Valley.
(d)
Many of the Louisiana marines, French regulars and militia are already in
positions of command within the battalion as officers, sergeants, corporals and
musicians. Also my friend John Francis is second in command of the troupes de
terre battalion. If something happens to me, he succeeds to command. Louisiana
is broadly represented within the troupes de terre battalion on purpose. Why?
Good people, to build friendship, to enhance cohesion and to smack the Brits.
Darn hard. John is responsible for
recommending all these good people for these positions of authority.
(e)
And Bob Gill is overall commander of all of the French Artillery.
~~
6.
What I have failed to explain is:
(a)
that the blue cuff compagnie will consist of several platoons
(peletons).
One will be the marines; all the marines within the region of item #1 above.
Thus the family of marine units you all are building would be the ones manning
this along with my own marines too. We have invited de Chartres to form with the
grenadier company which is a pretty neat thing. We could call this peleton, The
Louisana Peleton.
(b)
Also I have not said lately that if groups within the troupes de terre battalion
want opportunities to showcase their individual talents and skills, John and I
just need to be told what this might be. So if the Louisana Marine peleton wants
to do X, we will do our best to make it happen.
~~
7.
The British have built three brigades of approximately 100+ reenactors each that
will be serving together in very large groups. They also have cavalry, Woodland
Indians and artillery. All told they number over 400 military reenactors. We
expect this to rise to more than 500.
~~
8.
We need large formations to counter the British.
~~
If
numbers hold for the troupes de terre battalion we will easily match and exceed
any one of the British brigades. So if one shows up to our front, we will be in
good shape. Currently we number about 130 soldiers. We'd like to hold that
number steady for reasons just specified.
~~
9.
At the moment there are 33 French reenactor units and 52 British units
registered for GE#1. Total units = 85. Given the size of this event, it would be
impossible to issue 85 sets of orders to 85 units. Also the number will rise to
100+ units. (I haven't added the numerous Woodland Indian entities in these
totals.)
~~
10.
100 individual units might pose a safety issue too. If these are
converged
as in item # 4 there is a huge reduction in safety issues.
Plus
we will stay better organized in terms of tactics.
~~
11.
GE#1 is designed to provide all of us with opportunities we can't have
elsewhere. One is to form historically sized units. No way to do this except at
a Grand Encampment.
~~
12.
A Grand Encampment of the type we are all building together is designed to
happen once every 2-3 years. Thus the large formations will happen once every
2-3 years. In between we will all have many many opportunities to do whatever we
want on the smaller scales we all love at Fort Toulouse, Fort Massiac, Fort de
Chartres, Rendezvous of the Teatiki (Bourbonnais, IL), The Feast of the Hunter's
Moon, Fort Meigs and the new event at Koh-Koh-Mah, IN. Any now we all have a
wonderful opportunity at the Grand Encampment to experience something we can't
do any place else. And as Director I have to realistically ask myself, will
there be a 2nd. Grand Encampment? Maybe there won't be. It all depends on
unknown variables. So maybe this will be our one and only chance to form large
historically sized units.
~~
I
apologize for this lengthy answer. I am very glad to compose it for you and
others who may inquire similarly.
---------
Pax
Vobiscum (Go in peace)
Votre
humble serviteur et nouvelle ami,
Bill
----------
PS
Registrations for British and French just went over 1,200 reenactors.
Thank
you for your trust, confidence and support for the cause!
You
might be a reenactor if:
a..
Your $20,000 car sits out in the weather so your $200 tent can stay
in
the garage.
b..
You drive by some open land and think, "What a great place for a
battle!"
c..
Most of the clothes you own went out of style over 135 years ago...
d..
If you've ever uttered the phrase, "Only 68 more days til our next
event."
e..
Sleeping in a leaky tent in the rain and mud is your idea of a fun
Saturday
night.
f..
You've ever worn wool when the temperature tops 100 repeatedly.
g..
There are half-completed sewing projects decorating your furniture.
h..
You've ever made a career decision based on its impact on your
reenacting
weekends.
i..
Your friends refuse to attend any historic movie dramas with you.
j..
You can spot 100% wool at 30 yards
k..
Your kids can correct their history teachers...
l..
Your mailman is confused as to what rank you hold in the reserves.
m..
You have been asked at a gas station if you're Amish.
n..
Your birthday and Christmas list reads like a quartermaster's
request
for supplies.
o..
You believe that your brogans are the most comfortable shoes that
you
own.
p..
You hang your event clothes in the living room just for the
fireplace
smell.
q..
High waisted knee britches are something you wish you could wear to the
office every day.
Upcoming Events 2002 (dates with * are recent additions)
Apr 13-14 – Cannon School – Fort de Chartres
Apr 20 – Colonial Kids Day, Cahokia Courthouse 10am – 2pm
Apr 28 & 29 – Colonial Trade Fair and Musket Frolic – Fort de Chartre
May 4-5 – Manskers Station – Goodletsville TN
May 11 – Les Journees pour les Jeunes Gens – Kid’s Day – Fort de Chartres
*May 18-19 – Lewis and Clark Heritage Days Rendezvous, contact Bill Brecht, 636-723-7915, wbrecht@yahoo.com
May 18-19 – St. Charles Rendezvous
May 18-19 – Old Mines
May 25-26 – Spring Vous, Dupo IL
May 25-26 – F&I, Fort Massc
May 25-26 – French Day, Ste. Genevieve MO
June 1-2 – Rendezvous – Fort de Chartres
June 1, Meeting – Fort de Chartres – after closing colors, approx 5 pm., Captain’s tent
June 7-9 – A Call to Liberty – Liberty OHIO
June 15 – Colonial Tool Time – Martin-Boismenue House 10am – 2 pm
June 22-23 – Fort Ticonderoga ( See Bob Gill for details)
July 6-7 – Fort Niagara
July 13-14 – Theatiki
July 26-28 – Grand Encampment, Birdsboro PA, see Capt. for details
July 28 – Old Time Music Fete, Cahokia Courthouse 12 – 5 pm
Aug 24 - Native American Artifact Day , Martin-Boisemnue House 10am – 2 pm
Sept 6-8 – Hodge Part Fete, Kansas City, MO
Sept 8-10 – Old Fort Madison Trade Fair, 391-372-7700
Sept 7-8 – Portage des Sioux Powwow, Portage des Souix, MO, 314-899-0315
Sept 14 – Jarrot Mansion Autumn Open House, Jarrot Mansion 10am – 4pm
Sept 14 & 15 – French Colonial Crafts and Trade – Fort de Chartres
Sept 19-30 – Heritage Rendezvous du Rocher – 1st Annual Rendezvous at Starved Rock, Pekin IL 708-346-9126
Sept 21-22 – Fort Belle Fontaine
Sept 28-29 – Heritage Days on the Goshen Trail, Godfrey IL
Oct
4-7 – French and Indian War Assemblage – Fort de Chartres
Oct
12-13 – Old Settlers Days, Kampsville IL
Oct
19-& 20 – Grand Encampment – Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis IL
Oct
19-20 – Gathering of the Waters, Grafton, IL
Nov
2-3 – WoodsWalk – Fort de Chartres
Nov
9-10 – Colonial Veterans – Martin –Boismenue House
Dec 7 – Caroling at Kimmswick
Dec 7 – St. Nicholas Tradition – Martin-Boismenue House 6pm – 8 pm
Dec 7-8 – Christmas at the Barracks – Jefferson Barracks
Changes to the roster
Bill Sherer – 2022 Dial Ct., Springfield IL 62704, 217-698-2044
John Murphy – new email Lancet01@charter.net
Anne Wall – new email geminibe@hotmail.com
Articles, recipes, patterns, events, changes in address,
phone or email. This
newsletter is only as interesting and informative as
YOU make it.
Please send any items that you would like to share to Lynn Cornelius 1015 Genevieve Pl. Cahokia IL
62206-1403
Needed –
Site
to try –
Hello
– My name is Bob Auth and Bill Protz gave me your email address.
This is our first shot for a web page and he suggested I sent this to
you. If you or your unit would be
interested in participating next year, please write me.
We have a nice battle area and last year was a success.
This is a juried encampment. Our
intention is to maintain period correct encampment.
Sincerely, Bob auth, encampment coordinator
http://hometown.aol.com/fostertradinpost/myhomepage/index.html
Hannah Davis Baked Apple Crunch
Filling:
A Simple Crunch:
2
lbs. Of Granny Smith Apples
½ c. Flour
½
c. Sugar
4 Tblsp. Sugar
1
tsp. Cinnamon
3 Tblsp. Butter (or Margarine)
1
tsp. Nutmeg
1 tsp. Vanilla
1
tsp. Ground Cloves
Preparations:
1. Peel and core apples, slicing them into small half moon sections.
2.
Place the
apple sections into a large mixing bowl and slowly add the sugar,
Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves
3. Making sure the
apples are fully coated with the sugar spice mixture, pour
them into an 8or 9 inch pie dish or baking pan.
4.
Next
prepare the crunch by working the
crunch mixture between the fingers
And drizzle the crumbs on top of apple filling.
5.
Now bake
for one hour on middle oven shelf at 350 degrees
6.
Garnish
with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and serve warm.
Why are pirates called buccaneers?
If
you think there’s some sort of romantic origin to this word, think again.
What follows has nothing to do with swash or buckle.
The
word buccaneer comes from the Caribbean, known as the “Spanish Main” in days
of yore. It arose in the 17th
century and was derived from the French verb, bucaner, to cure meat, as in
putting the flesh out on a wooden rack to dry.
Pirates preserved meat in this manner so that they could store it on long
voyages.
It
is thus not swordplay that figures in the origins of “buccaneer”, but knife
and fork play. It was not about
satisfying the pirate’s appetite for booty, just his appetite.
(Source:
THE OXFORD DICTIONARY OF ENGLISH ETYMOLOGY)
Milice
de Ste. Famille
1015
Genevieve Pl.
Cahokia
IL 62206