On the weekend of November 14-16th, 2003, a stalwart band of souls gathered at the remote Principio Forge in Northern Maryland for a 24 hour, full immersion tactical. The scenario was that of two opposing picket posts from the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign and the action lasted from 11 AM on Saturday until 11 AM Sunday. The British troops present, including the 17th Infantry, 17th Light Dragoons, 74th Regiment LI, Company of Select Marksmen, Claus's Rangers, and Captain Pipe's War Party, were under the command of Captain Christopher Cameron and carried out patrols, fatigue parties, and raids throughout the scenario, including multiple night attacks on the rebel camp. The emphasis throughout the event was on authenticity and, while a few anachronisms crept it, we were generally successful. Kudos to Crown Coordinator Ridgely Davis, Crown Commander Christopher Cameron, and all the men and women in attendance, who made this a fantastic event.
The dragoons' camp, which became the Crown Upper Camp with the arrival of the 17th and 74th detachments.
Brush hut of the 17th and 74th detachment. Occupancy was three men, but we could have fit more.
Ridgely Davis of the 17th Light Dragoons
Chris of the 17th Light Dragoons
Stuart Lilie of the 74th Regiment of Foot, Light Company
Will Tatum of the 17th Infantry, Clayton's Company, following a change of clothes as a result of a mishap while crossing the river....
Michael Rottler-Gurly of the 74th Regiment of Foot, Light Company, with Ridgely Davis of the 17th LD in the background.
Michael cooking, while Mike of the 17th LD looks on and Chris of the 17th LD approaches. Notice the tin cup boiling in the fire.
Mike, Chris, and Michael discuss the relative merits of ash in the oatmeal.
Stuart Lilie on guard at the brush hut on Sunday morning.
Mike and Ridgely breaking camp on Sunday morning.
Copyright W. P. Tatum III, 2003.