Coassement de la
Grenouille
Journal of the Milice de Ste. Famille
Volume
14, No. 4, August 2002
Bon jour mon amis,
I hope the summer has been good for you, and
the heat has not been too oppressive.
Had a wonderful trip to Birdsboro. Thanks to all who went. It was a great weekend. Some of the most impressive battle tacticals
I have ever been involved in. We
actually had terrain to work with, hills, valleys, trees, hedgerows, and
buildings. There were 5 battles in
three days. It was a workout.
We went to Forts Liginoir and Necessity, also
saw Jumonville Glen where it all started.
As soon as I can I will post pictures on the web site.
Hopefully things will cool off for
September. Lots of things happening in
the Fall.
Sept 1,2 – Fair at New Boston
Sept 6,7,8 – Hodge Park Fete, KC, MO
Sept 7 – Milice Meeting 10 am Courthouse
Sept 15,16 – Colonial crafts at Fort de
Chartres
Sept 21,22 – Fort Belle Fontaine
Spet 28,29 – Heritage Days – Godfrey
Oct 5,6 – F&I, Ft d C
Oct 5 – Milice meeting – Capt. Tent
Oct 12,13 – Kampsville
Oct 19,20 – Bullseye
Oct 19,20 – Grafton
Oct 19,20 – Massac
I will be in Hodge Park on Sept 7, so Marshall
will be running the September meeting.
One Sad Note. Harry Voss passed away on Sunday
July 22. I don’t have any details. He seemed fine at June Fort. Harry was an early member on the Milice and
was part of our first dance troupe. He
drifted away into Buckskinner land and was a regular trader at the June
Rendezvous. Besides being a great guy,
he made some really unique wine. There
will be an empty space at the fort without him.
That’s all I have for now.
Votre Serviteur
Jean Baptiste Tavernier
p.s. – There are some pictures form the Grand
Encampment posted at:\
http://www.living-history.net/gallery.html
Upcoming
Events 2002 (dates with * are recent
additions)
Aug
24 - Native American Artifact Day , Martin-Boisemnue House 10am – 2 pm
Sept 1-2 – Fair at
New Boston
Sept 7 –
Meeting – Old Courthouse, Cahokia 10 am
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 5&6 –
Trappers of Starved Rock, Sioux Passage Park, St. Louis County, MO,
636-723-1798
Oct 5 – Meeting
– Fort de Chartres, Captain’s tent, 4 pm
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 – Fort de
Chartres meeting, Captain’s tent, 4 pm
Nov
2-3 – WoodsWalk – Fort de Chartres
Nov
9-10 – Colonial Veterans – Martin –Boismenue House
Dec 1 – Milice
Christmas Party - Meeting TBA
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
2003
*June
14-15 – Muster ON the Maumee (timeline event) Fort Meigs
*Aug
16-17 – Siege 1759 (F&I event) Fort Meigs
To:
French Senior Officer Discussion Group
Fr:
Bill Protz (Troupes de terre battalion commander)
Re:
Observations and Learning Points From My View
---------------------------------------------------------------------
General
Gousse,
I have
the honor to provide particulars concerning the performance of the troupes de
terre battalion while on campaign in Pennsylvania for your review and
consideration. I apologize for the length. I got carried away with a thousand
matters. I assure you I remain,
Votre
serviteur,
Bill
Protz (Lt. Col. Royal Roussillon et Piquet batallion)
----------------------------------------
BATTALION
RECRUITMENT
1.
Nearly 140 people initially joined the battalion.
2.
Approximately 50% came to the GE.
3. The
decrease seemed to be about 50% for all units that joined us.
4. Most
officers with duties came to the GE.
5.
Periodic bulletins explained many things for the people.
6. I
think some unit commanders did not send bulletins to their people.
7. The
militia comp. came with 25% of those initially registered.
8. All
militia was from the far west and south: IL, IN, KY, LA, MO, Al.
9.
Sense of family was especially fostered for western/southern units.
10. How
can we increase troupes de terre attendance?
------------------------------------------------------------------
PERSONAL
SKILLS IN THE TROUPES DE TERRE BATTALION
1. A
little instruction about Army organization was needed. Some thought the
battalion was the entire French Army for GE#1. Most events don't have as many
French as the battalion was supposed to have.
2.
Militia was very skillful in le petite guerre.
3.
Grenadier demi-compagnie was very skillful and energetic.
4. The
battalion was drilled in left, right, right about face, wheeling by compagnies,
wheeling by battalion, loading, firing in three ranks,
marching
and Dieskau's bayonet drill.
5.
Cohesiveness of #4 on Friday was erratic. More drill was needed and
ordered.
Cohesiveness improved a lot by Saturday afternoon.
6. It
took longer to train the battalion than it did to train the combined French
forces the past two years I was French Commander
at Fort Niagara.
This is
because several units were very green or unaccustomed to drill in
large
bodies. Niagara French for the most part have a much higher percentage
of
veterans and I suppose some little familiarity with my desires and drill.
7. One
militiaman asked that we role play the differences between officers
and
soldiers more within the compagnies. Reduce familiarities.
8.
Drill explanations at times were too lengthy. Better to explain more
quickly
and then let muscle memory take over.
9. I
consider every soldier to be a veteran now and am very proud of them
all.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
SOLDIERS
1. Did
all that they were asked to do.
2. Were
eager to contribute, perform and get at the enemy.
3.
Grumbling when too many officers gave orders at the same time.
4. Some
slow at loading. Few were fast at loading except grenadiers.
5.
Moved rapidly when asked to.
6.
Morale was high in spite of heat and #3.
7.
Asked to vary
carrying
positions of muskets on the march. Did so.
8. Were
very happy when given orders to fire independently once.
9. Slow
to assemble at appointed times. (The entire Army too.)
10.
Happy with tacticals and beating up the Brits so many times.
11. The
La Sarre young man who suffered an asthma attack and/or
hyperventilation
on Sunday morning was given immediate medical attention
by
reenactors and then professional medical people. Though he recovered
enough
to stand, he wobbled a bit and was immediately taken to the hospital
for
observation. He later returned to camp. I was totally satisfied with his
recovery
when I met all the LaSarres including the young man at dinner Sunday night
after GE#1 was over.
12.
They were capable of obeying orders rapidly acting on some occasions
as fast
as Prussians. I hoped this would occur in a safe way because I
anticipated
the British would be encumbered and therefore slower by their
many
units and officers. I hoped we would be more flexible and maneuverable.
Prisoners
of war revealed that the British were indeed slower and that the
French
maneuvered more rapidly and with more frequent musket discharges.
----------------------------------------------
OFFICERS
1. Did
all that they were asked to do.
2. Were
eager to contribute, perform and get at the enemy.
3. In
several chaotic tactical situations several senior officers gave
different
orders which confused the soldiers. They and I were trying to
alleviate
perilous situations and did not follow the chain of command.
I take
the blame for this.
4.
Capitaine Rich Black of Royal Roussillon (blue cuff compagnie commander)
observes
that he wanted just a little more information about our battalion
role at
one place or another. He does not mean scenario details. Rather, are
we to
hold the fence line, the tree line, gradually give ground or the like.
He was
called upon several times to drill the battalion given his high
knowledge
of the 1755 drill manual. Lt. Black may be counted upon for any
service
the King requires and is well-known to me for competency and
loyalty.
5. Lt.
John Ward (marine) seconded Cpt. Black in the blue cuffs at all times
and was
given several independent assignments which he performed very well.
I
recommend him highly. He has high desire, energy, bearing and competency.
He was
highly recommended to me by Major Francis. I was not disappointed.
6.
Capitaine Lance Wilson (grenadier demi-compagnie) was always on the enemy
first
and his people demonstrated the greatest elan and skill among regular
soldiers
in the battalion. I never feared for any position Capitaine Wilson
occupied.
Indeed he was the main reason we advanced to the sawmill on
Saturday
and almost took that position had it not been for the British
Commander
in Chief calling us off moments after I arrived on the scene and
had
ordered a bayonet charge (sans bayonets). There was after all hardly any
opposition
before us and I later imagined we could have turned the
flank
of the British Army by turning left and surprised the rear of the redcoats
opposed to the marine battalion. But I peacefully ordered a withdrawal based on
Gen. Kemmers discussion with me and orders that arrived from our HQ shortly
thereafter by runner.
7.
Capitaine John Mefford (milice demi-compagnie commander) was new to me. I
can say
that he came justifiably highly recommended by Major Francis. I was not
disappointed in his willingness to support the battalion on our flanks or ahead
in the line of march. His militia body was very skillful and the combination of
his Louisana milice and those of Lt. Mike Tharp's Indiana Ouiatenons was a
combination that was a terrible threat to our opponents.
8. The
officers of the red cuff compagnie were prevented from attending
GE#1 by
circumstances. Command therefore fell to Sgt Jim Rowe on Friday and
Saturday
and Corporal Rich Cook on Sunday; both of La Reine. Both men
attended
to their duties very well and I am satisfied their Capitaine will
reward
them profusely. They did a great job and stepped up nicely. They are
very
good soldiers as I have observed many times at Fort Niagara and at
GE#1.
9.
Major John Francis seconded me ably in the battalion providing
necessary
information about our people, the enemy, our position and other
matters
with regularity and at the right times. He was particularly
instrumental
in raising considerable bodies of soldiers from the Louisiana
territories
which was a great pleasure to me. Moreover, I was able to count
on him
to command the battalion at any moment when I was called elsewhere
which
happened often in the broken ground the battalion occupied, to HQ or
to
attend to one of my sons on Sunday morning who was momentarily down with
exhaustion
and heat. I also gave him command of the body of our soldiers that went on the
Friday scout. He was everywhere with the people. I acted as supernumerary for
the most part and tried to interfere as little as possible on Friday. I
recommend Major Francis for any service because his loyalty, advice, experience
and skill is without question. John was also the innovator who suggested that
we do battalion bulletins for our people as well as for the Army.
~~
Notes
From Major John Francis (Guyenne), "Most suggestions I could make
would
only mirror your report. The only additions would be Executive
Officers
need only issue commands in Battalion Officers absence or when the
Battalion
was divided,. I issued commands in battle per your order, but the
situation
changed and new orders were issued while the troops were in
movement.
I made a concerted effort to be present, but clear of command so
as not
to confuse the troops as to who commanded, but close enough to assist
if
ordered. I acted as your extra eyes and ears asking our natives to check flanks for reported movements of
the enemy this information I passed if relevant to you, Also of good note our
detailing of troops to assist our endangered flank (Natives) very much pleased
them.
Several
of them known to me approached and
thanked us for our support. I
was
told by Captain Keeny they asked who I was and promised to fight with us
because
of our aid. Don't rule out your quite able leadership and experience
in this
new style of warfare. I too learned new tricks and would gladly
serve
in your command again in whatever capacity you required."
10.
Capitaine Jean-Yves Bronze (Guyenne) was our battalion ADC and as such
had
duties to record the events of our actions which he did. I hope to share
his
photographs as time permits. He did not serve in the capacity of
radioman
between Army HQ and the battalion because we did not think to
remind
ourselves to get a radio. I had asked Monsieur Bronze to speak
directly
with Brigadier Gousse by radio in French prior to arriving in PA,
but
this plan eluded me when we were underway. I forgot.
11. I
insisted that everyone carry food and water at all formations and
tacticals.
At first formation on Friday not everyone realized this order
and so
people were sent back to camp for same. We reformed and drilled
afterwards.
We also ordered drinking of water nearly every 20 minutes to
maintain
our health when on duty.
-----------------------------
COMBAT
1.
Occasionally orders arrived at ten minute intervals (approx.) which I
was
pleased to obey with too much immediacy at first. This accounted for
some
loss of cohesion especially if the soldiers were preoccupied with other
duties;
loading, watering, closing up, etc. When I realized this, I slowed
implementation
of orders so as to not discombobulate the people. This proved
to
satisfy the need for cohesion and also greatly reduced item #3 under
Soldiers
above. There were also occasions when new orders were delayed for a
few
moments longer when the enemy graciously presented his flank to us so
that we
could maneuver and fire down his ranks to great effect. One such
occasion
occurred on Sunday. The marine battalion faced the British line
front
to front while we crossed the T as it were of the entire British line
and
fired a very good volley which would have ended the affair had it not
been a
reenactment. Another occasion was on the road to the sawmill on
Saturday.
The British were jumbled together like so many bullocks in a
herd
betwixt a fence and trees. We could not bear to leave them alone. Our
people
appreciated these moments.
2. I do
not quarrel with changes of orders at ten minute intervals at all.
At
Niagara I learned that a change is needed every 8-10 minutes to satisfy
the
needs of the site and public gallery. With watch in hand I have acted
upon
this item thusly over the years.
3.
However, given the nature of the ground the battalion had to cover,
please
consider that we were always at the outside of an arc of the Army
as if
the entire Army was wheeling forwards or backwards. We had greater
distances
to cover than anyone and were frequently beset albeit
imperfectly
by enemy light troops which slowed our withdrawals. Then again
when
the enemy presented conspicuous targets as just alluded to we took
advantage
of same almost on every occasion. I do not complain at all about
the
distances we had to cover or the nature of the ground we were in. It
perfectly
suited us. More was better! I would do it again without a thought
to the
contrary.
4.
Firing consisted of battalion volleys in several ranks, fire by
compagnie
or demi-compagnie and once a fire at will was ordered. For the
latter
we were posted at the fence line separating several Boone buildings
on
Sunday with a pasture to our front. In same was a body of enemy rangers
or the
like who had gone to ground looking for opportunities to advance and
produce
mischief. I realized that battalion vollies and even compagnie
vollies
afforded them opportunities to scamper about and cause mischief
during
pauses in our fire. After this realization I gave the order for
individual
fire which resulted in two happy occurrences. First, the enemy
stayed
to ground because our fire never ceased. Second our soldiers were the
happiest
I had seen them all weekend popping away at their own speed taking aim at the
separated enemy soldiers. Two good things!
5. The
marine artillery assigned to us served elsewhere. However, Lt. Bob
Letts
and his marine cannon frequently were adjacent to us. He
complimented
our affairs nicely and was very cheerful and cooperative to do
so
moving his cannon here and there.
-------------------------------
WOODLAND
INDIANS
1. I
ordered that all soldiers treat the WIs (not fighting us) with the
greatest
respect at all times.
2. At
the Friday parlay Capitaine Wilson expressed polite misgivings when I
ordered
the grounding of all muskets. His natural inclination was to
maintain
order to protect us which is proper. In the end I learned that the
WIs
were very pleased with this demonstration of friendship with them when
we all
grounded muskets.
3. On
Saturday night when a WI delegation came to the French senior
officer
party in the French Camp we were suitably impressed and gratified by
their
purposes, the calumete ceremony (a first per Mr. Soule) and to join
them in
The Great Council Fire celebration a little while later.
4. One
of my militia officers informs me that the WIs wished that we had
offered
them refreshment at some point during their calumet ceremony with
us. I
am sure our astonishment, surprise and gratitude caused us to miss
this
point of etiquette.
5. My
back was hurting at the Friday parlay. I wanted to sit down. I
wonder
if we can all sit down next time especially if the ceremony goes on
for
more than 15-30 minutes. I wonder if any one else needed to sit.
6. The
parlay and the Great Council Fire were impressive and considered to
be
great occasions in the history of F&I reenacting. I'm glad we were part
of
same.
-------------------------------------------------
CHAIN
OF COMMAND
1. As
the weekend progressed all of us learned the importance of
using
the chain of command. Of course we all know its importance, but the
application
of same had to be relearned or especially on the scale, terrain
and
circumstances we operated in. My duties often required me to observe
situations
in all directions quietly by myself and to let my officers do
their
duty while I calculated next things. That was a great satisfaction to
me as
it sunk in deeper and deeper and I did it more and more. I had to back
off
because of enemy numbers and the broken terrain we were in and because
we
moved from one interesting and different position to another in each
tactical.
2. Also
the officers want to attend to duties of their station.
3. I do
not think we were over-officered. Rather, we simply needed to
experience
this new level of reenacting officership and figure out what to
do with
it. We needed the number of officers we had as it was. This would
have
been even more apparent had the numbers we hoped for of over 100
soldiers
in the battalion materialized.
4. Our
Army successes and learning points will make the next event better
for all
of us whether at the tiniest event, another GE or anything sized in
between.
-------------------------------------
THANK
YOU
Thank
you sincerely for the opportunity and chance of a reenacting
lifetime.
There never was an opportunity like this before and I am very
grateful
for it. The officers and soldiers with whom I served on all levels
(battalion,
brigade and HQ) were a tremendously rewarding experience for me.
All
were terrific and I look forward to serving with any of them, any where,
any
time in the future. I think we learned a lot from each other and from
the fun
that was GE#1!
---------------------
Presented
to Brigadier General André Gousse August 9, 2002.
Votre
serviteur,
Bill
Protz
Troupes
de terre battalion commander
Monsieurs:
The experience of the Marine Battalion
under my command at the Grand Encampment was uniformly positive. Our personnel
enjoyed the varied and active tacticals. Some suggestions follow.
1. A battalion must have an officer to command
it overall, and a second officer to command it tactically while the commander
watches the overall situation.
2. Detachments detract from the strength of the
battalion. Several times platoons
had to be detached to cover the flanks, reducing our firepower at critical
moments. Each battalion should have attached militia/light troops/grenadiers
sufficient for these purposes, and a field gun, all under the command of the
battalion commander. If this appears to be a miniature version of M. de
Broglie's divisions, why should we be surprised?
3. I was unable to observe much of the militia
and native combat, but as we were little troubled by British light troops, they
seem successful from my viewpoint.
4. We were well supported by our artillery, who
were remarkably mobile and enthusiastic.
5. I desired to have more time to practice with
the battalion, but the heat and the active schedule prevented it. Perhaps a
single battle demonstration a day would be sufficient. We all wanted more time
to shop and visit.
6. The Marine Battalion fielded about 40 under
arms, the minimum number needed to carry out our tasks in opposing large
British units. This is less than half of what was expected, and achieved only
when the Detroit Marines joined us from the Militia on site. It may be necessary in future to combine
Army and Marine units if more than a single tactical battalion of regulars is
needed, so the battalions can be similar in size.
I cannot pay enough compliments to the
officers and men, who all
willingly
and enthusiastically worked together. Most of the officers
and men
had some experience in working together in larger units. M.
LaPointe
was able to step in and lead the battalion when I injured
myself
(The Prussians are right, you DO need a table of logarithms to
lead
six men across a ditch!). It was fun and rewarding to work with
real
Canadiens, who now have an endless source of amusement from our
massacre
of the French language.
I have been a re-enactor since 1969. I
have organized and
participated
in large events, and been an officer of The Brigade of the
American
Revolution. This event was not just a success, but a TRIUMPH!
There
should be knighthoods and titles dispensed by the bushel. There
is not
enough room to compliment everyone. My personal thanks to one
and
all.
Votre Obeissant Serviteur:
Bruce Egli
While doing some casual reading about early rifles &
gunsmiths, I came upon the following interesting, and amusing piece.
Jacob Ferree, Gunsmith, Erected a Powder Mill and Gunsmith Shop in
the year 1784, four miles up the Monongahela River from Pittsburgh. “The wife of Jacob Ferree, nee Alice Powell
(his 2nd), was a fine shot, and at that early date, had NO rival in
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It was she
who tested the guns and powder which the skill of her produced.”
So it looks like the ladies could teach us some lessons, even in
1784, guys.
Bill
Sorgman
P S – How does the editor know who were steaming up vehicles at
the June Fort? And how could you say
how many? (Editor’s note – Sorry,
Bill. I MUST protect my sources – Lynn)
The candlewicking pattern to the left was submitted by
Iris Francis, and may be enlarged to suit your purposes, or used for other
types of needlework. Potato
Doughnuts 1
cup mashed potatoes 1
½ tsp. Melted shortening 2
eggs ½
cup milk ¼
cup sugar ½
tsp. Salt 1/8
tsp nutmeg 1
Tbsp. Baking powder 2
½ cups flour. 1. Combine mashed potatoes
and shortening. Add eggs and milk
and beat well. 2. Gradually add dry
ingredients and spices, mixing well. 3. Roll dough ¼ - ½ inch
thick. Cut with doughnut cutter and
fry in hot fat until nicely browned. Makes
2 ½ dozen. Frances Sorgman
The Christmas Party for the Milice is set for Sunday, Dec 1,
at Eckert’s in Bellville from 1-4 pm.
The food will be “off the menu” and cost per person will depend on
what you order. I will need a count
by the 15th of November. Dennis
Lybarger – lybarger@accessus.net 618-345-5057
Illinois
public act #92-0694 was recently enacted.
It probides for the issue of a Lewis and Clark bicentennial license
plate. Submitted by Cecil Comte
Gentlemen:
Signature Communications (SC), a film making company, is under contract with the National Parks Service to make a movie on the Arkansas Post. Some of the shooting will be done at Toulouse. I am trying to have you participate. The date that is the most appropriate to do the shooting turns out to be Sunday 25th August, starting early in the morning. Some shooting might take place the day before in the evening. The participants are requested to come on Saturday or earlier if they so desire.
Please let me know ASAP who would participate and in what quantity:
1. Military
2. Civilians & traders
3. Natives.
A special mention for the natives: they must portray Quapaw (Caddo) Indians, since the shooting is about the Arkansas post.
Francois – Fjnaussac@aol.com
The address following is for the drill manual used at Fort Toulouse. It is quite long and covers a lot more than a militia needs, but it makes good reading – http://www.living-history.net/Fort/FTDRILL.HTM
This is the address for their guide book – http://www.living-history.net/Fort/FTGUIDEBOOK.HTM#details
Hi John
I just wanted to invite the
Milice de Sainte Famille to our 3rd annual Fort Belle Fontaine
Historic Encampment
and Blackpowder shoot this Sept. 21&22.
We have a couple of military units that show, 1st U.S.
Infantry, 1st U.S Riflemen, Milice de San Carlos, Royal Regt. Of
Artillery (Peachey), and the Corps of Discovery. We’d like to include you guys in as guests of the County Parks
dept. We are a Lewis and Clark
site. With all the publicity lately,
we’ve almost doubled in size every year.
If you’d like to come out and see the site, call me and I’ll show you
around.
If
you have any questions, you can call me at :
Jefferson Barracks – (314) 544-5714 or e-mail me at: mike_kladky@stlouisco.com
Hope
to hear from you
Thanks,
Michael
Kladky
Museum
Exhibit Technician
St.
Louis County Parks and Recreation
533
Grant Road
St.
Louis MO 63125
(314)
544-5714
(314)
638-5009 Fax
NOTICE
To the GENERAL PUBLICKof the
FORTHCOMING
GRAND FESTIVAL
Of
CHEZ LES CANSES III.
TO
ALL of the inhabitants of this Region, be they loyal to the King of
England, the King of France, the King of Spain, or to the
newly established United States, formerly known as the Colonial
Possesions of George II and, Kings of George III England,
Be
it hereby know, that this ANNOUNCEMENT, is as INVITATION, extended to the
GENERAL PUBLICK, to ATTEND a gathering of those individuals who will RECREATE
the Lives, and Customs, of the French Habitants, Coureur des Bois, French
Marines, Nation American, English Longhunters, Rogers’ Rangers, Scottish
Highlanders, the Spanish, and some of the various Traders and Craftsmen who
once inhabited this area and the Eastern half of North America from the years 1720
through 1765. There will also be
DEMONSTRATIONS of some of the Skills common to the peoples who lived during
that Period of Time. This is to be a
CELEBRATION of our Nation’s EARLY HISTORY, and, in particular, the HISTORY OF
THIS AREA, once known to the early French who lived here as CHEZ LES CANSES,
but now called KANSAS CITY.
Come! Join us on
SEPTEMBER 7TH and 8TH, the Year of
our Lord, 2002, in HODGE PARK, at SHOAL CREEK, off MO-152, between LIBERTY
and GLADSTONE, as we recreate the Lives of the Men, Women, and Children
who PRECEEDED Lewis and Clark, Wesport and the Civil War.
La
Grande Fete du Chez Les Canses III is Sponsor’d by the SHOAL CREEK
ASSOCIATION and KANSAS CITY PARKS & RECREATION. SHOAL CREEK LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM is owned
and operated by Kansas City Parks, Recreation and Boulevards.
For
more information contact Mike Keeny – Mkeeny@msn.com
Following
are a few examples of the measurements used during the fur trade.
Bag
– shot
Barrel
– salt
Bunch
– twine, wattap
Bushel
– corn, oats
Cask
– sugar, molasses, prunes, coffee, and cheese
Cluster
– trade silver ornaments, earrings, porcelain trinkets
Coil
– rope or iron wire
Fan
(sack) – wild rice
Fathom
– calico, tobacco, or stroud
Firkins
– soap and butter
Flitch
– bacon
Gallon
– brandy, vinegar, Genoa oil
Gross
– buttons, rings, hawks, bells, thimbles, gunworms
Horm
– powder
Keg
– wine, grease, powder, alcohol
Masses
– beads, chisels
Paper
– ink powder
Piece
– one warping of the loom, as in 27 Point blankets (more or less)
Piece
– ferreting, ribbon, gartering
Quire
– foolscap
Roll
– lace, tobacco
Skein
– twin, worsted
Spool
– thread
Stick
– sulphur
Common
abbreviations:
Do
– stands for “ditto” or “the same as above”
Pc
– is a “piece”
Ps
– is a “piece”
Mill’d
– is milled
Fms
– is a fathom
Bott
– is a bottle, usually of peppermint of
some other disgusting medication
Blkt
– is a blanket
Thd
– is thread
By
– Barry McPherson
F&I War Woods Tactical –
Bellville OH
All
Forces, Associators, SYW British Brigade and Alliance de la Nouvelle-France
Units Welcome. All others by invitation
only. October 25 thru 27, 2002,
Bellville Ohio.
Woods
tacticals Sat. & Sun. Fort tavern
will be serving meals and beverages for generous donations starting with Fri.
supper. Donations of food stuff,
hors d’oevres & beverages to the tavern are also appreciated. All are welcome to participate at the
tavern.
Dress,
equipment, food, etc. to be c.1754-60.
Bring tents or limited French Forces barracks in fort (call for
reservations and please bring candles). Indian
Village. British camp. Straw for ten bedding is available for
donation to cover cost. Limited water –
bring drinking water, privy toilets – please bring T-paper. Park over the hill to West after
unloading. Firewood provided. Friday setup. Please take your trash home for disposal.
Location:
“Fort la Buse” 3.5 mi. south of Bellville on State Route 13, 1/5 mi. west on
Bangorville Rd., 0.25 mi. south on Shaffer Rd. to end, east to site. Midway between Columbus & Cleveland.
‘Forces’
Safety rules apply. Sponsors &
landowners are not responsible or liable for accident, injury or loos. Ohio revised code 1533.181 protecting owners
from personal injury claims of persons who come on their land for recreational
purposes applies to all present.
Clip
form and return by Oct 20 to: ‘Doc’ Shaffer, 7243 Shaffer Rd., Bellville
OH 44813-9085, Phone 419-886-2097,
evenings 6-9 pm, east/DST or e-mail: Belleville@worldnet.att.net
Name:________________________________Address:
____________________________________________
Phone:
___________________ Unit: _______________________ E-mail
_____________________________
Commander:
_________________ No. attending: ___ No. tents: _____ No. bales straw:
_________________
No.
in French barracks: ____________________________________
Milice de
Ste. Famille
1015 Genevieve Pl
Cahokia IL 62206-1403