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vol9-10

The Emmitsburg Bazaar

Period photographs are courtesy of RJ Szabo,Photographer

Your Attention Please.
The date for Remembrance Day in Gettysburg is November 21st.
The date in the printed Regular is the 14th. Please make note of the change. That is all.


> Mail the Editor with Submissions for the Regular or if you have a good picture you'd like to see on this site.




From the Field Commander



Normally, I briefly discuss the Brigade events that have recently transpired, or the events that we are about to attend. This month, I will leave this to our editor. Instead, I want to deviate from this script and give notice of some Regulars who gave their lives for a cause in which many of them believed, and for a price for which many paid with their lives.
National Public Television just concluded a short series on the U.S. - Mexican War; a period in our nation’s history which we, as living historians, should be familiar with. In addition, those of us fortunate enough to pick up Maryland Public Television had the chance to view the one-hour story of the Saint Patrick Battalion, Los San Patricios. To many of the time, and today, the story is one of treason. The account of this unit of the Mexican army is also a tragic one.
To this day, Mexicans revere John O’Reilly, Sean O’Raghailligh in Gaelic. He was the leader of the San Patricios and a tall blue-eyed Irishman who had at one time been in the British army, and who had fought with Mexico against the United States in the war of 1846-48. O’Reilly enlisted in the Regulars at Fort Mackinac, Michigan and went with the 5th Infantry to Corpus Christi two days after his enlistment. As part of Zachary Taylor’s Army of Occupation, O’Reilly and 4000 other infantrymen marched to the Rio Grande, where they established camp opposite to the Mexican town of Matamoros. Just prior to the outbreak of war, O’Reilly went to hear mass in Matamoros, and never returned.
Desertions from Taylor’s force increased during this period. Because the Rio Grande was only two hundred yards wide at this point, the men could easily see and hear the religious ceremonies, and the frequent ringing of the church bells. Moreover, they could see the delightful Mexican ladies, and hear of the handsome treatment extended to deserters by the Mexican Government. The deserters who crossed the river were the nucleus of the unique San Patricios. It would seem that these unfortunates deserted for a number of reasons. Brutal military discipline, which seemed unjust to some; sickness and disease, which may have disorientated some; harassment or discrimination against foreign-born soldiers by their native-born officers; religious sentiments and ideological beliefs; the lure of women; drunkenness, which sometime led to their capture by the Mexicans; and enticements such as cash, rank, and land grants offered by the Mexicans.
During the two years of the war, the Mexicans called this unique unit by various names; some designations were official, while others were created by the people. Unofficially, they were the Irish Volunteers, or Los Colorados (the Red Guards, because many men had red hair and ruddy complexions), or the San Patricios Guards. Officially, there were known as the San Patricios Company, an artillery unit. In mid-1847, the Mexican department of war reassigned the men as infantrymen and merged the San Patricios companies into the Foreign Legion (Legion Extranjera) which was referred to by some as the Legion of Strangers. In 1848, the unit was expanded and formed the St. Patrick’s Battalion. Distinguishing themselves in the battles of Monterrey, Cerro Gordo, Buena Vista, and Churubusco, the remaining San Patricios were finally captured on 20 August, 1847. Now down to seventy men, the prisoners were placed on trial. Quickly convicted of desertion, they were condemned to death. General Winfield Scott confirmed capital punishment for fifty San Patricios, but he pardoned five and reduced the sentences of fifteen others. O’Reilly’s death sentence was set aside by Scott because O’Reilly had deserted prior to the outbreak of war. Instead of being executed, O’Reilly and fourteen other San Patricios were given fifty lashes and hot-iron branded with a two-inch letter, “D”.
Those condemned to death were hanged. After the flogging and branding of the fifteen, the American Army erected a scaffold. Under it were placed eight mule-drawn wagons, with two prisoners standing at the end of each wagon. Still dressed in their Mexican uniforms, the sixteen died and were buried nearby. Two days later, Colonel William Harney executed with unwarranted cruelty the remaining thirty four convicted San Patricios. Harney decided to coordinate the execution with the American assault on Chapultepec Castle. The battle for this Mexican fortress atop a hill clearly visible two miles away, had already begun. Placing the hapless San Patricios under the gallows and with nooses around their necks, Harney announced that they would remain in that position until the American flag was raised over Chapultepec, at which time the traps were sprung.
It is interesting to note that of the known San Patricios, a number were from the Second and Fourth Infantries. Regardless of our thoughts concerning treason versus ideology, let us remember all of those men who, for whatever reason, committed the act for which gained them eternal disfavor in this country, and, for many, death. Let us especially remember John Cuttle, Patrick Dalton, William Outhouse, and John Price, of the Second Infantry, and Patrick Antison, Patrick Casey, Kerr Delaney, Roger Hogan, Harrison Kenney, and Peter Neil of the Fourth Infantry. Patrick Dalton was one of those hanged. Each September, in Mexico and in Ireland, the men of the San Patricios are remembered.

Don Rivera


Field Commander, Sykes’ Regulars

Remember...The election of the 1999 Board of Directors of Sykes’ Regulars will soon be upon us. Nominate the members who you feel will do the job that is needed. Get involved.


Brigade Schedule October - November, 1998

Date: 2 - 4 October, 1998
Place:Brandy Station, near Culpeper, Virginia
Event: Brandy Station
Info: A living History weekend, with a Sunday morning tactical. This is an NR event. We will camp on the battlefield. There is no registration fee involved, but it is asked that each participant donate $5.00 to the APCWS. The NR will be the only Federal unit there, so this is a maximum participation event.
Uniforms: Late war, with clean weapons. You will tent on the battlefield.
Directions: The event location is in Culpeper County just north of Culpeper, Virginia. Take US 15/29 to VA Rte 685 west to Beverly Ford , follow VA Rte 676 north and the site will be on your left.

Date: 10 October, 1998
Place:National Historical Park, Harper's Ferry, WV
Event: Election of 1860
 Info: This one-day event is by NPS invitation, and you must register yourself and your weapon upon arrival.
Uniform: Pre-war uniforms are preferred. Hardee hats, nine-button frock coats, dark blue trousers, scales, white gloves, leathers, and weapons. Directions: U.S. 340 to Harpers Ferry, WV. Park on the Visitors’ lot and bus into the town.

Date: 16 – 18 October, 1998
Place: Cedar Creek, Middletown, VA.
Event: Cedar Creek /
Belle Grove Mansion
Info: The duty will be as camp guards. However, if anyone is interested in burning powder, they may attach to a Federal unit for the battles. Otherwise, it will be a living history weekend near the Belle Grove Mansion. It can be a very laid-back weekend. Web site http://www.winchesterva.com/cedarcreek
Uniforms:Late-war, with clean weapons. You will tent near the mansion.
Directions: The event will be held at the Belle Grove Plantation south of Middletown, VA. Take I-81 to Middletown, exit and drive south on U.S. 11 to the event. The site is approximately two miles south of town.

Date: 23 - 25 October, 1998
Place: Shartlesville, PA Shartlesville Gun Club
Event:Live Shoot
Info: The Regulars will hold their annual competition and the prize for sharpshooter of the year is up for grabs. Corky Wenrich is the reigning champion and is challenging anyone with enough guts to push him off the throne. Bring shelter halves and appropriate gear for camping because if the weather is amenable we will camp on the range. Otherwise we will camp in the Wenrich’s living room. Don’t light the carpet on fire. Ammunition will be available for the very reasonable price of $6.00 per 25 rounds. So come out and test your mettle you namby pambies. This challenge includes the girls too. Inform Jim Wassel or Tank Nickle if you are coming.
Fatigue Uniform, Rifle with cartridges or powder. 60 grain loads and all gun cleaning gear.
Directions: From South take rt. 15N to 83 to route 81 to 78 E to exit 8 Shartlesville and follow signs to range. Once off of exit head toward mountains and on the sharp turn keep heading toward the mt. the range is on the right.


Date: 7 November, 1998
Place: Brunswick, Maryland
Event: Annual Veterans Day Parade
Info: Last year, we won first prize in the Color Guard category. We are slowly gaining momentum and expect to barely have sufficient attendance in order to carry both colors. Be there by 1100 hours on Saturday. We should be free by 12:30 hours. If you haven’t committed, and can make it, let us know.
Uniform: Nine-button frock, dark blue trousers polished scales and brass, clean weapon, white gloves, leathers, clean weapon, and Hardee hat.
Directions: U.S. 340 between Frederick and Harpers Ferry. Take MD Rte 17, Exit 2, to Brunswick and park in town.

Date: 21 November, 1998
Place: Gettysburg, PA
Event: Remembrance Day
Info: Annual Remembrance Day Parade
Uniform: Nine-button frock coat, dark blue trousers, polished scales and brass, white gloves, Hardee hat, leathers and clean weapon. If you do not have the pre-war uniform, late-war will suffice. All brass will be polished regardless of the uniform..
Directions: U.S. 15 to Gettysburg, park off of Steinwehr Avenue near Shoney’s. We will meet behind Shoney’s Restaurant at noon and march to the parade starting point.

Reports from the Field
Manassas Museum,
Manassas VA
The Regulars were on the job again at the of August to spread history far and wide. Unfortunately we had to do it in the oven of late summer when our enthusiasm is tempered by temperatures in the 90’s and an merciless sun. With the help of Tank’s uncharacteristic positive thinking we tricked our minds into thinking it was a beautiful weekend in the spring. That lasted for all of two minutes.
None the less we drilled and gave the crowd a demonstration of bayonet drill led by the indomitable Sgt. Mastapeter for the two days of the event. This was largely the extent of our exertion. The rest of the time we laid about like wooly caterpillars baking in the sun playing wist. Of course we did find some shade in the rear of the museum next to the swing set where we carried on conversation of the highest pseudo intellectual order. This is always a noble pursuit. The other highlight of the weekend was eating in a fine restaurant down the street. The food and drink were exceptional and they let us watch our favorite cartoon on the bar television. But once a certain time was reached in the evening they cowed us out of our tables because they wanted to make a dance floor. We as Regulars could not stand for this so we........left.
The only other story of merit other than the fact that it was a paid event was the tale of Mr. Ford and Mr. Thompson which can be found outlined under the infamous Jonah of the Month Award. That is all.

Written by the Editor



Emmitsburg Bazaar
The small Maryland town of Emmitsburg was host to a civilian soldiers’ support bazaar that mirrored an actual bazaar held during the Civil War. This event was courtesy of the hard research and work of Stephanie and Teddy Brennan. Their fine work was evident throughout the weekend and we hope to see more of this type event that explores yet another facet of the Civil War. The story of the Civil War is focused mainly on the military aspects but were it not for the support of the families at the homefront no war could be sustained.
The bazaar was made up of a series of booths representing different commissions and merchants of America. Each there to sell their wares for the support of the soldiers at the front. Many of these fairs were produced with great success and their financial and material provision enabled the North to carry on the war effort to it’s successful conclusion. The main benefactors though were the state volunteer forces with provision from their respective state fairs. The Regulars forces were not as fortunate for they served the entire nation.
Patriotic songs were sung by children, speeches by politicians mesmerized the throngs and foreign observers saw what they could see. One booth sold turkish wares and exotic smoking caps soon dotted the landscape. The Christian Commission was well represented by the Family McGrane. The Sanitary Commission was well represented by Mary Mastapeter and Peggy Rivera. Rosemary Hutchison and Gail Kohls ran ‘Jacob’s Well’ to sooth the thirst of many a thirsty patron.
Janice Applegate and Tammy Wenrich with the capable assistance of Paul Stier and Kristen Swensson provided a culinary sampling of foods of the Civil War era. Served on fine china al fresco the fare was a delightful repast.
The evening of Saturday night was witness to a somewhat improvisational program of song and comedy produced by a few thespian Regulars. Some Irish songs were enacted and some Shakespeare was mercilessly butchered to the obvious disdain of our British visitors in the guise of Will Hutchison, Don Rivera and Frank Hall. Frank Hall made a dramatic reading of the ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’. The rapturous applause for the spontaneous show was graciously accepted by the Mayor of Casheill played by none other than the infamous producer Spud. (for those of you unfamiliar with Spud he is Janice’s rather rotund canine).
The masses were later to be found dancing in one of two locales, one being the period dance down the street or at the local American Legion Hall. Sunday was another fine day and the Emmitsburg Bazaar came to a successful conclusion. In the end a fine time was had by all and our history effectively spread far and wide.

Written by the Editor.



Antietam
Military Demonstration and Torchlight Tour.
The weekend of the 18th September found the Regulars acting as colorguard for the National Regiment as it demonstrated military drills for the public. The Regiment was ably handled by Major Will Hutchison as it demonstrated regimental maneuver, bayonet drill, skirmish drill and guard mount. Demonstrating these drills is very educational to the public as it shows the fundamentals of a type of warfare that was used at this turning point in history. The advent of technology rendered this Napoleonic warfare obsolete and the Civil War became the first modern war. Most CW enthusiasts are only able to envision how brigades and regiments look and move. We brought the army into reality.
The regiment bivouacked around the Mumma farm which always makes an impression upon those sensitive to place where momentous events occur. The company mess was soon in order and our home was built to comfort to support a weekend of constant living history. This weekend is habitually one of the hardest weekends of our calendar as the day time activities are followed by the Torchlight Tour at night. The Regulars were given the honor of carrying the colors for the regiment with the 4th’s National flying proudly in the capable hands of Sgt. Nickle. The rest of the stalwart color guard and company stood fast well as it is always good to have everyone dress to where you are. During the two demonstrations, one each day, the regiment operated with cool professionalism and fired crisp volleys. They were representing the Regular Division.
The company mess was pressed for time and performed admirably except for eating everything at Sat. lunch to the exclusion of our beloved Major and Sgt. Major. Our deepest apologies again gentlemen. We welcomed new member Walt Dewey to our campfire circle where his musical talent was a welcome addition. The lads also celebrated the 18th birthday of Allen Thompson with a memorable time of comradery. We also celebrated the appointment of Pvt. Steven Brizek to the position of Judge in the state of NJ.
Torchlight Tour.
After full days on the drill field, the Regulars once again were asked to perform in Antietam’s annual Torchlight Tour put on by Pat James and the Frederick Ladies. The tour was a great success this year as the NR was drafted into service to add bodies and talent to the series of scenarios depicting scenes of the Antietam battle. This program is one of the best and most successful Nat’l Park programs and draws many visitors each year. The tour is joined only by reservation and groups as large as 75 people were being herded through history. (Quite a chore for the tour guides)
Regulars were seen in several scenes one of which was the scenario of the lost order 191. Will Hutchison and Don Rivera played commanders directly involved with the order coming into the hands of General McClellan. First Sgt. Hanson and Cpl. McConnell were there as the men directly responsible for finding the order and Jim Wassel was there as the nosy reporter looking to make a name for himself. The reporter asked the questions, the General naively answered them and the public found out about the order that might have possibly won the war if it had been acted upon with any celerity. Tank, Pete B, Joe V, Allen T, Craig M. also added greatly to the scene. (We also had other guest bodies to fill the scene and Tommy Williams was also helpful by running down the reporter with his horse Packey)
Mongo Kohls ran the farmer compensation scene and Frank Hall was again seen as the mad butcher surgeon of Sharpsburg. ( I assume. If this is in error I will make a correction next month) As we are part of the tour we rarely get to see the tour and we make assumptions as to what everyone is doing.
Many of the ladies associated with our group (Gail, Rosemary, Peggy, and Mary) also did fine work in their various roles in the tour.
As every year, group after group parade by and by the end we lose count. It’s usually around 10 or 11 o’clock before the last tour goes by and the Regulars once again fulfill their passion for spreading history. Well done one and all.

Written by the Editor

Bugle Call



Address Change:
The Editor has Moved!
Jim Wassel has moved. His new address is 123 W. Burke Street / Easton, PA 18042-1651. New telephone number is 610-515-0962. Email remains the same. The Regular has moved with him.

Jonah of the Month

This month’s Jonah of the month is a convaluted issue. The Manassas Living History location somehow illuded the grasp of a Mr. Bill Ford and his illustrious passenger Allen Thompson. Having not remembered to bring along their REGULAR, these two young soldiers were deposited by Mr. Ford’s parents at the Manassas Battlefield as opposed to the Manassas Museum. Seeing no one familiar about they asked a park ranger who directed them to another part of the battlefield where another unit was performing a living history. The two yeomen arrive to find still no one that they recognized. They asked the reenactors if they knew of another event and of course they were of no help. What to do?
Now this is where the issue gets somewhat complicated. Bill Ford will assume the coveted award regardless for not knowing where the event was and forgetting his Regular but then we have the case of Mr. Thompson.
Allen being a man of action decides he must do something. What he decides is to start walking and he walks and he walks and then he walks some more. He walks from the Manassas Battlefield all the way to the town of Manassas which is a distance of 9 miles and all in the dark of night. He arrived to awaken a startled Capt. Rivera who marveled at his feet (feat) that had two blisters the size of 50 cent pieces. Now is this a demonstration of a determined soldier trying to desperately to make it back to his unit or was it better to make contact via modern convenience and wait for transportation.
Given that this action didn’t adversely affect anyone but himself it doesn’t technically qualify as a Jonah. But the question remains, was it a valorous act or was it an unnecessary one. Mr. Thompson thinks it was not. What does the readership think? Contact the Editor and a consensus will be published in next month’s Regular.

The Jonah Grand Jury



Remembrance Day Dance

Sykes’ Civilians will be staging a dance this year for the Remembrance Day weekend in Gettysburg. The dance will be held at the National Guard Armory. Gilmore’s Light Ensemble and Victorian Dance Ensemble will be providing the period music and dance calling for the affair. (Those of you who attended the Emmitsburg Dance can attest to their prowess) They promise a night to remember.
Admission for the dance is $5.00 at the door or in advance. (Send checks to Sykes’ Civilians c/o Tammy Wenrich/ 366 Rake Road/ Mohrsville, PA 19541) Dinner will also be provided but reservations MUST be made in ADVANCE. Send to Tammy W. at the above address. Come out one and all and enjoy a marvelous night of dance and conviviality.

Sykes’ Civilians



HEY!!!!!!!!!! Don’t Forget!!!


Remembrance Day Reservations
Time to make your reservations at Day’s Inn for Remembrance Day. Sykes’ has an entire smoking floor at our disposal. Rooms are $52.00. If you want non-smoking you won’t be on the same floor with the rest of us. When you call make sure you request the Sykes’ Block of rooms. We will have our living room set up in the hall like last year so don’t forget your pajamas. Day’s Inn 717-334-0030.


President's Message
It's hard to believe that it's the end of September. Maybe it's just me, but the year seems to have gone by really fast.
I'd like to say right off that the year has been a very successful year from my perspective. Attendance has been up, in fact, we had 50% more men than necessary at the paid Manassas event the last week of August 1998! Our appearance and performance have been much improved and more "Regular" in appearance and our recruiting effort has greatly improved over previous years, congratulations to our new members in joining and becoming a Regular!
Thanks to the contributions of the membership, and the efforts of the editor of the REGULAR, the level and detail of our communications, vertically and laterally, have great improved. All of these indicators auger well for the remaining third of the year and the coming year. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support, your attendance, your professionalism, and most importantly, your friendship and off-the-field contributions to this organization. Let's keep up the good work.
Please check your calendars to see if you will be attending the October 17-18, 1998 Cedar Creek event, living history at the Belle Grove Mansion. Although I may have spoken to you about this event, most recently at Antietam, or sent you an E-mail on it, please notify me of your attendance/non-attendance, if you haven't already, as soon as possible.
Registration and parking will be free courtesy of the Frederick Ladies' Relief Society (FLRS). We need about 12-14 men to make the event click. If you plan to participate in the battles Saturday and/or Sunday, please get with Tank and get him $$$ to make a corporate registration; insurance et al. If you're not going to participate in the battles, the event is free.
We will be doing a generic infantry impression (late 1864) with the Army of the Potomac at the Belle Grove Mansion at Cedar Creek. The FLRS will feed us twice Saturday and once Sunday ($10.00) and if inclement weather hits, we'll be set up and billeted in the house. I have informed Pat James that we can bring about 12 men to the event and that we will set up a regulation street. Please make sure that you bring some food for Saturday breakfast and the ever-popular haversack helpers and/or cash if you plan to eat on the local economy. If you want to reserve a motel room, do so ASAP as Pat mentioned, and I confirmed, they are filling up fast. The uniform is late war, sacks and kerseys, slouch hats are appropriate. Being super clean is not extremely important, but everything should be useable and operational...clean serviceable rifles, no green brass, and no all brown leathers!!!! No corps badges --- generic. We will be providing first person and third person living interpretations up to October 1864. This looks like it could be a super event. Please try to attend.
In addition to the Cedar Creek event, let's see if we can keep up the turnout for the October 10, 1998 Harpers' Ferry event (Election Day scenario...), the Oct. 24,25 "Live Shoot" in Shartlesville, PA (Corky Wenrich is the defending sharpshooter...), the November 7, 1998 Veterans' Day Parade in Brunswick, MD (we're the defending winners....), the November 14, 1998 Remembrance Day parade with the NR in Gettysburg, PA, and the Christmas in Harpers' Ferry event in December 1998. And, as always, start thinking about the 1999 Annual Meeting in Gettysburg. In closing, stay safe and stay in touch.
As always, I remain, with best wishes and warmest regards, your most humble and obedient servant,

Craig W. Mastapeter, President




Observation Column
"Saving Private Ryan" is a motion picture that we should all see and contemplate in order to more fully prepare ourselves for duty as re-enactors.
The satisfaction we stand to derive from, and the value that visitors to our events should hope to recognize in, what we do must necessarily grow from the depth of our commitment - a commitment not only to look, act and sound as did the Civil War soldier, but to understand, appreciate and contemplate what he learned of war and of life itself from his battlefield experiences. The soldier knows, and we must know too, those things which make war unique among all human activity.“Saving Private Ryan" should be seen because it focuses upon some of those things.
Among those things is the impact of battle upon the process of deciding what is best, what is honorable, what is wise, what is good.
The story begins with an unidentified World War II veteran finding a certain grave at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach and contemplating the memories conjured up by the thoughts inspired by the soldier whose remains lay at his feet. We next find ourselves witnessing the experiences of a squad of soldiers as they grapple with the challenges of storming ashore at Normandy, as they grind their way off of the beach and as they participate in securing their portion of the foothold that was generally achieved by the close of June 6, 1944. The story continues to follow the progress of the men of that squad for the next seven days, during which they find themselves on a special mission to locate and bring back to safety one Private James F. Ryan, the only one of four brothers in the War to have thus far, it is hoped, escaped death. They find him, he is saved and it is he who, at the close of the story is seen, still at that grave, questioning whether he deserved the sacrifices his salvation cost the men of that squad, in general, and the Captain of that squad laying at his feet, in particular.
The question Private Ryan contemplates cannot be answered with certainty. Was it worth the death of more than one man to save just one man?
But there are other questions that are raised. When the squad stumbles upon a machine gun nest that can easily be bypassed as the squad goes in search of Private Ryan: Is it best, honorable, wise or good to avoid battle to save the squad, or to risk the squad to save others who might be picked off by the unmolested enemy soldier left behind?
When an enemy soldier who cannot be taken along is captured after causing the death of one of the members of the squad: is it best, honorable, wise or good to allow him to go free in the hope that he is taken into custody by comrades in the area, risking the possibility that he may link up with an enemy unit and be put back in circulation, or to allow him to be permanently put out of action, there and then?
When a soldier concludes a vicious hand to hand battle with his adversary by stabbing him to death: is it best, honorable, wise or good to spare a colleague of that adversary who appears paralyzed by fear, but who might recover his will to fight and to kill, or to put him permanently out of action, there and then?
Faced with these and other choices, the men who battle each other in the effort to save Private Ryan decide in the context of war what is best, honorable, wise or good. The potential and realized consequences of those decisions focus our attention on the fact that in the context of war the soldier has not the luxury to make decisions which in time of peace would be certain of objective evaluation. We see the the futility of second guessing decisions made in the crucible of battle by ordinary men trying to do their duty as they understand it. We are not concerned here with evil, venal, foolish men and behavior. We are, on the contrary, shown that in time of war one good and well intentioned man's choice as to what he should do may very well prove as reasonable or unreasonable, rational or irrational, practical or unrealistic, wise or foolish, honorable or dishonorable, and as good or bad as any of the alternative choices another good and well intentioned man similarly situated might make.
But a choice must be made, and there may be precious little time for reflection. When the battle, when the war itself is over, it may, upon sober reflection appear that a better choice could have been made, that more lives could have been saved, that the objective could have been more effectively achieved if only the soldier on the spot had seen it. We stand to learn from this production that unless one strives to put one's self in the place, time and circumstance of the soldier in battle, a definitive evaluation of the decisions he has been called upon to make must be recognized as an impossibility. We also stand to learn that, despite that impossibility, evaluation and analysis of and debate over such decisions is to be encouraged when the fighting stops. For, it is when we strive to understand the decisions and the decision making process that drives it do we set off on a course which may lead to a fuller understanding of war and, thereby, to a more informed opportunity to prevent it, or at least to ameliorate its effects.
I recommend "Saving Private Ryan" as a significant contribution to that quest for understanding. The power of this production, and its significance for us as re-enactors, does not lie in the portrayal of the individual decisions made by the men fighting on both sides during those seven days in June of 1944, but in the realization that in war, decisions simply cannot be made or evaluated on the same terms and conditions applicable in any other context.

Pvt. Steven Brizek

Election
Nominate Early and Nominate Often.
It’s that time of year folks. Vice President Brooks has officially opened nominations for positions on the Board of Directors of Sykes’ Regulars. Nominations will be accepted until October 18th at Cedar Creek where they will be closed unceremoniously. If anyone has a nomination please make it known to Vice President Brooks by calling him at 610-709-0211 or you may tell him at an event. Thus far the NOMINEES are......

For the position of President...
Craig Mastapeter, Frank Hall, Jim Wassel
For the position of Vice President....
Steve Hanson, Jason McConnell, Eric Schlegel
For the position of Secretary...
Running unopposed for his 4th straight year the lovely Will Hutchison.
For the position of Treasurer...
Jim (‘I’ve finally got a system’) Nickle.
For the position of Field Commander
The Indomitable Don Rivera.

So far it looks like we are going to have an interesting race. This is your unit folks take part in the process. It’s very American.


Looking Through the Half Moon in the Door
Sir Jason's Dunny Review
As we have all experienced the joy and misery of the Portable Restroom, the Regular is proud to announce a new column, Jason McConnell’s Dunny Review. Facilities will be rated on a 4 Dunny (port-a-john) scale. Four being the highest and 1 of course being the lowest. You may also figure it out from the photo provided. In the future an event will be listed and the accompanying rating will follow. Embellishment will not be necessary except in extreme cases.


Manassas Living History
I have to say that the lavatory situation at the Manassas Museum were unusual. While at night, we had the Don John's, during the day we had access to the porcelain throne. I cannot say that I was impressed with the Don John's. They were not serviced all weekend and they were not on level ground, and we all know that is never good. However, the fact that their flushees there made up for it. They could have been a little cleaner, but they were still very nice. The best part was being able to wash your hands afterwards. Since there were both types of dunnies, I had to come up with an average score. I give the outhouses a disappointing thumbs down, with a 1 dunny rating, and the inhouses a thumbs up with a four dunny rating. The combined score is one thumb up, one thumb down, with a four dunny rating. (I know my math is wrong, but this all a joke anyway)
Emmitsburg Bazaar
3 Dunny Rating.
In Abstentia. (Owing to the fact he wasn’t at the event Jason’s review was reported upon by the Editor. ‘My judgement is as sound as any.’TE)
Antietam Military Demonstration
4 Dunny Rating.
I used the restroom in the Visitor’s Center.


From the Desk of the 1st Sergent
Let's all try to revamp our kits a bit over this winter for next year. The first step is to let go some of the 20th Century we've been lugging around. We won't miss it for a few weekends a year, and it will make our experience that much more enjoyable. It involves something very simple: Put together a "cleaning kit" and a "toiletries kit" to replace our 20th Century stuff. Each contains just 7 items, but they include everything you need for keeping your weapon, leathers, clothing, and body clean and in good repair for a weekend. Both together can be contained in a common lunch bag (although they should be kept separate for health reasons.
1. You don't need a huge orange modern gun cleaning kit. Your rammer, musket tool, and a worm, (all things that would have been issued with your musket for its care and maintenance), plus a cotton rag that can be cut into patches and a little period bottle with a cork for oil is all you need. The rammer is stored in your musket, the musket tool and worm go in the front pocket of your cartridge box (in a small bag to keep them from falling out and getting lost), and the bottle can be wrapped in the cotton cloth to put in your cleaning kit. A small patch of emery cloth can also be put in your cartridge box for the immediate care of the occasional rust spot that appears out of nowhere.
2. A tin of shoe polish can be slowly melted (be careful not to let it boil) and poured into a candy or cap tin (about the same size) and a reproduction period label can be glued to it. One of the most difficult things to find today is a real-bristle brush with a wooden handle. If any of you discovers a cache of them anywhere, scarf them up - almost everyone in Sykes needs one. You will recover your investment (and maybe a little profit) at the very next event. The tin and one or two shoe brushes go in your cleaning kit. This is all you need to care for all your leathers.
3. You don't need a can of Brasso or a tube of some sort of WonderShine. Another candy or cap tin will contain a considerable lump of NeverDull. It is not a liquid that is heavy and can be spilled, not a paste that can melt in heat and leach out of whatever it is in, and is not in a tube that may explode if crushed. It can't ruin anything else you have no matter how much you abuse it. A piece of soft cloth (either heavy cotton or flannel) for a cleaning rag, and you have everything you need for taking care of all your brass and even the metal of your musket. A button stick is handy to prevent the polish from getting on the clothing or leather on which the brass is mounted. These two items go in your cleaning kit.
4. A clothing brush (an extra shoe brush) will clean your wool. Dip the tips of the bristles in water and it will remove dust and even dried, caked-on mud from your uniform. Again, this is a difficult item to find, but it is the way wool was cleaned before dry-cleaning was invented.
5. A housewife can be included in this cleaning kit also to take care of minor tears, unraveled stitches, and popped buttons. It should include just a bit more than those ready-made ones at the sutlers. At the very least, you need one extra button for your 4-button, one for your vest (and kepi), and one for your suspenders (or your shelter half). An extra pair of shoe laces will come in handy one day. Beyond that, a patch of dark blue wool and a patch of light blue kersey will let you repair holes that suddenly appear in your uniform at odd moments.
6. These seven items (bottle of oil, tin of bootblack, shoe brush, tin of metal polish, button stick, clothing brush, and housewife), plus an oil rag and a polish rag, replace all sorts of modern things you've been lugging around for years. And they all fit in a draw-string bag half the size of a common sandwich bag that will fit in one corner of your knapsack.
7. A "toiletries kit" composed of a toothbrush, a tiny bottle of tooth powder, a comb, and a cake of soap wrapped in a huckaback cloth about the size of a washcloth or a small hand towel will take care of your body for a weekend. Those of you who are clean-shaven or sport any sort of trim to the natural growth of facial hair also need at least a straight razor and possibly a shaving brush for the tourists to see. Those who give free reign to facial hair don't really need these items but should have them in the event of lice. All this fits into a bag half the size of your cleaning kit. For those who need contact lens implements, disguise them by putting the modern containers inside period containers. They won't get contaminated, they won't be left out to be seen, and you don't have to "go to your car" just as a formation or some work detail looms its ugly head over the company.
That's it. Now you don't have to hide in your tent or get caught with something modern laying about while doing common things that soldiers would be doing all the time. Everything you have can be cleaned and maintained with these few items. They are not just extraneous "period" decorations to display in your tent; they can be used to replace the 20th Century and lighten the load of stuff you need to lug around for every event. Between events, they are stored in your knapsack, are out of the way, and won't be forgotten for the next event. The only maintenance required is to be sure you refill anything you use.
Next issue: Packing your knapsack.

First Sgt. Stephen Hanson
2nd US Infantry
Sykes’ Regulars



Book Review
by Frank ‘Books’ Hall




The Galvanized Yankees

Dee Brown


Here is the little known story of the "Galvanized Yankees", Confederate prisoners recruited out of Union prison camps to serve in the West. On the condition they would not be sent south to fight their former comrades, they agreed to exchange Confederate gray for Union blue.
From 1864 to 1866, these six regiments of infantry fought Indians, escorted supply trains along the Oregon and Santa Fe trails, accompanied expeditions, guarded survey parties for the Union Pacific Railroad and manned outposts across the frontier. This is an interesting account to a forgotten part of the war.