Communique’ of the “Old” 11th Pennsylvania Regiment
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Submissions: Kristy or James Bell 723-0462 e-mail [email protected]
Huzzah, Baby
Donah Crawford - P r e s i d e n t , 1 1 t h PA
I bid a hearty, “Welcome!” to those who have contacted
us recently regarding membership in the 11th Pennsylvania
Regiment. We are always interested in giving a home to those
of a mind to rebel against the tyrant King. Several of those
who contacted us have ancestors who served in The
Continental Army – one who was a member of the 11th
Pennsylvania Regiment!
I have received additional intelligence regarding an
original member of the Regiment. My friend, Jeff Briggs,
member of the 4th Coy Guards, who has been plagued with the
discovery of rebels in his family tree, has uncovered a distant
ancestor, William Huston, 2nd Lt and Adjutant, June 1778 of the
11th Pennsylvania Regiment. To Jeff, I offer an Honorary
Membership, and opportunity to honor his ancestor in our
ranks. If he truly cannot imagine himself in other than a red
coat, Gordon will be happy to provide drum lessons, and loan
of a musicians coat.
To all new members, you will find us disciplined on the
field, and lighthearted in camp.
At a recent event, a perspective member asked if we
consider ourselves a “family unit”. The reply from Corporal
Baker was that “We are better than a family…we all like each
other”. I feel that it is more than a matter of “liking”. We love
each other. Our fine Commander, Sergeant Bill Treusch, sets
this tone by respecting his men, and leading them into The
Line where we are the most needed. This attitude has earned
him the admiration of both his troops, and the other
Commanders. I have oft times heard the 11th PA cited as an
example of a Regiment that plays well with others.
This respect carries into camp, where all rank is checked
at the dining fly. We all work together to keep our 21st
century selves healthy and happy while pretending to be part
of the 18th century.
Sometimes the very real challenges of the event (read:
extreme heat at Fort Mifflin) do not allow us to do the public
programming we so enjoy, beyond that required of the
assemblies and battle demonstrations. I hope that we can
muster our resources for Old Mill Village, and determine to
engage the public at every opportunity. Please come prepared
with something to do or share at camp – it can be as simple as
a display and willingness to talk about what is in your
haversack, a display of “The Patriot” props, or a presentation
of your current craft If you are working on something, bring
it along and show us all. Even rolling cartridge papers can be
interesting.
If we all bring a little something, no one will miss out on
visiting with other Regiment or sutlers. I well remember the
Regiment Motto, “I came, I camped, I bought something”.
The Field
Commander’<
Haversack
French Alliance
Valley Forge, PA
I could say that it was
cold encamping at Valley
Forge, but the truth of the
matter was that it was not. In fact it was HOT. Well, maybe not
as hot as Monmouth or Fort Mifflin in July, but having
experienced cold to cool days before and being accustomed to
that, it was HOT.
As it turned out, I alone represented the 11th PA at this
event. The members with sense stayed at home under Air
Conditioning or went to the shore. But no! I had to experience
camping at Valley Forge. Well, I never claimed to be smart. Still,
I was living a dream of mine and had a pleasurable experience,
thanks to the good people of the New Jersey and Connecticut
regiments who fed me and welcomed me in. In fact, it was kind
of neat to drift from camp to camp.
We all fell out to honor the day and the tourists with a feu
de joie (fire of joy), and some demonstrations of Light Infantry,
Artillery, and Line tactics. We then returned to water down and
relax. The smell of food soon gave out to the glow of campfires
and song in the darkness. The temperature cooled enough to
make sleep a joy.
The next morning was tranquil and easy. After breakfast it
was decided to do one more feu de joie, but first a little
shenanigans: Joining with the Connecticut lads, we gave a
demonstration of how well the Militia guards the commander.
After a few passes around the tent, we settled down in front to a
game of cards then fell asleep.
The feu de joie on the second day went well. After
mingling with the tourists for a while, we broke camp and
returned to the year 2000.
Field Commander, 11th PA
Sgt. William Treusch
Battle of Paoli – Revisited
The Patriot – ˜ ˜ ˜
For better or worse, the long awaited Mel Gibson movie
The Patriot has finally hit the theaters. If you haven’t already done
so, go see it. It is a good and quite enjoyable, if not particularly
accurate. I’m sure I will get some flack about this from a few of our
own members who are rather vociferous as to their participation, but I
give it 3 out of 5 stars. Worth seeing, but don’t expect to learn any
history.
(There, I have now done my one and only movie review.
Please don’t shoot t he critic! Opinions may vary …)
Welcome Back –
The unit is delighted to welcome back the Carnahan family.
(Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!) They are planning to join us at Old
Mill Village. When you see them, check out those tent poles …
pretty snazzy!
Members of the “old” 11th PA pay their respects at the Paoli
Memorial site where 53 Continental Soldiers are buried
Marching down the main street of Malvern toward the
Paoli Memorial brought only one phrase to mind: Dead men
walking. Keep in mind that Paoli is where many of the
original 11th PA lost their lives, then imagine the current 11th
PA marching along with muskets at the ready as civilian
spectators clap and cheer their participation in the event. It
felt as if these 21st century counterparts of those long dead
patriots were also marching to their deaths. Eerie.
However long the wait for the parade to begin, and
despite blossoming blisters from the walk (almost 3 miles
round trip, just for the parade route and not counting the
battle), the fellowship was, as always great. The crowd was
appreciative and excited with the battle action and the
memorial service at the site where 53 Continental soldiers are
interred in a common grave was stirring.
Sgt. Treusch gets touchy-feelie at Paoli
Unit Announcements
Smidt Wedding-
Well, they went and done it, folks. Randy and Josephine
tied the knot, May 20, 2000. Congratulations to the happy couple.
We wish them the best in their life together. Huzzah!
Deck of Cards
Contributed by James Bell
Based on the song “Deck of Cards”
While visiting Washington’s Crossing I picked up a deck of
18th Century playing cards. They proudly reside in my haversack and
remind me that, even though a soldier always has to keep focused on
that next battle with his Kings forces, there is a need to relax and
enjoy some of the more simple pleasures of life. I recently came
across a writing I remembered from childhood that, although modern,
can easily connect back to the 18 th Century. Religion was a major
part of everyday life during the Revolutionary War, and was the main
reason many set upon their journey to the America’s. Although I do
not have a Bible to grace my haversack, I can proudly return to my
deck of cards to offer guidance –
When I look at the Ace it reminds me that there is but one God
And the deuce reminds me there are two parts to the Bible, the
old and new testament
When I look at the trey I think of the Father, the Son and the
Holy Ghost
When I look at the four I remember the four evangelists who
preached the gospel; there was Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
When I see the five I think of the five wise virgins who
trimmed their lamps. There were 10: 5 were wise and were saved, 5
were foolish and were shut out
When I look at the six it reminds me that in six days God
created the Heaven and the Earth
And the seven reminds me that on the 7th day God rested from
His great work
When I look at the eight I think of the eight righteous persons
God saved when He destroyed this Earth. There was Noah, his wife,
their three sons and their wives
When I look at the nine I think of the lepers our Savior
cleansed, and nine out of the ten didn't even thank Him
When I look at the ten I think of the ten commandments that
God handed to Moses on a table of stone
When I look at the King it reminds me that there is but one
King of Heaven, God Almighty
When I look at the Queen I think of the blessed Virgin Mary,
Queen of Heaven
And the Jack, or knave, is the Devil
When I count the number of spots on a deck of cards I find 365,
the number of days in a year
There are 52 cards, the number of weeks in a year
There are 4 suits, the number of weeks in month
There are 12 picture cards, the number of months in a year
There are 13 tricks, the numb er of weeks in a quarter
Who would have thought that a simple deck of cards could be a
Bible, Almanac and a prayer book? The next time you play solitaire,
even if it’s just you and the cards, remember that you aren’t alone, for
in your hands is a reminder of the Greatness that is out there,
watching over you.
Upcoming Events:
Old Mill Village Aug 12 - 13
Come out, come out, wherever you are, and join us at Old Mill
Village.
Directions to the event:
Old Mill Village is located one mile south of New Milford,
PA on Route 848
Exit 67 off Route 81
If you are coming north on Rt 81 exit 67 , turn left at end of
exit ramp at stop sign;
If you are coming south on Rt 81 exit 67, turn left at the end of
the exit ramp;
Then go to next stop sign, turn left; go approx 30 ft and turn
left onto Rt 848 ; go approx 1 mile - Museum is on left.
Old Mill Village is approximately 30 minutes north of
Scranton, PA and about 20 minutes South of Binghamton, NY
Please note construction on Rt 81 near Scranton has been
completed and traffic tie ups are a thing of the past.
Also upcoming:
Good ‘Ol Days 2000 (Manahawkin, NJ) – Sept. 4
Rittenhouse Town (Philadelphia, PA) – Sept. 9
Battle of Brandywine – Sept. 24
And Because There is Room…
Every summer I hear about people who have suffered loss
or injury due to drunk driving or speeding. This was sent to me
via the internet. You do not have to read the whole story if you
do not wish to, it does have a Christian slant. But I ask all of you
to please, PLEASE be careful on the roads. We all want to enjoy
your company at the events.
- Your Humble Scribe
The Ticket
Jack took a long look at his speedometer before slowing
down: 73 in a 55 zone. Fourth time getting stopped in 4 months.
How many times can a guy get caught? Let the cop worry about
the potential traffic hazard. Maybe some other car will tweak his
backside with a mirror. The cop was stepping out of his car, the
big pad in hand. Was that Bob? Bob from church? Jack sunk
farther into his trench coat. This was worse than the coming
ticket. A Christian cop catching a guy from his own church. A
guy who happened to be a little eager to get home after a long day
at the office. A guy he was about to play golf with tomorrow.
Jumping out of the car, he approached a man he saw every
Sunday, a man he’d never seen in uniform.
“Hi, Bob. Fancy meeting you like this.”
“Hello, Jack.” No smile.
“Guess you caught me red-handed in a rush to see my wife
and kids.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
Bob seemed uncertain. Good. “I’ve seen some long days at
the office lately. I’m afraid I bent the rules a bit – just this once.”
Jack toed at a pebble on the pavement. “Diane said something
about roast beef and potatoes tonight. Know what I mean?”
“I know what you mean. I also know that you have a
reputation in our precinct.” Ouch. This was not going in the right
direction. Time to change tactics.
“What’d you clock me at?”
“Seventy-one. Would you sit back in your car, please?”
“Now, wait a minute there, Bob. I checked as soon as I saw
you. I was barely nudging 65.” The lie seemed to come easier
with every ticket.
“Please, Jack, in the car.”
Flustered, Jack hunched himself through the still-open door.
Slamming it shut, he stared at the dashboard. He was in no rush
to open the window. The minutes ticked by. Bob scribbled away
on the pad. Why hadn’t he asked for a driver’s license?
Whatever the reason, it would be a month of Sundays before Jack
ever sat near this cop again.
A tap on the door jerked his head to the left. There was
Bob, a folded paper in hand. Jack rolled down the window a
mere two inches, just enough room for Bob to pass him the slip.
“Thanks.” Jack could not quite keep the sneer out of his
voice. Bob returned to his car without a word.
Jack watched his retreat in the mirror. Jack unfolded the
sheet of paper. How much was this one going to cost? What a
minute. What was this? Some kind of joke? Certainly not a
ticket. Jack began to read:
Dear Jack;
Once upon a time I had a daughter. She was six when she
was killed by a car. You guessed it. A speeding driver. A fine
and three months in jail, and the man was free. Free to hug his
daughters. All three of them. I only had one, and I’m going to
have to wait until heaven before I can ever hug her again. A
thousand times I’ve tried to forgive that man. A thousand times I
thought I had. Maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now.
Pray for me and be careful. My son is all I have left.
Bob
Jack twisted around in time to see Bob’s car pull away and
head down the road. Jack watched until it disappeared. A full 15
minutes later, he, too, pulled away and drove slowly home,
praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids
when he arrived.
Life is precious. Handle with care. Drive safely and
carefully.
Just for Fun
Also from the internet, comes something I may have included
last year. So why is it in this newsletter? Simply because I
hate ending up with a blank page! Enjoy! - YHS
Recently I was honored to be selected as an Outstanding
Famous Celebrity in Texas, to be a judge at a chili cook-off
because no one else wanted to do it. Also the original person
called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing
there at the judge’s table asking directions to the beer wagon
when the call came. I was assured by the other two judges
that the chili wouldn’t be all that spicy, and besides, they told
me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted this
as being one of those burdens you endure when you’re an
internet writer and therefore known and adored by all.
Here are the scorecards from the event:
Chili #1: Mike’s Maniac Mobster Monster Chili
JUDGE ONE: A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick.
JUDGE TWO: Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
FRANK: Holy smokes, what is this stuff? You could remove
dried paint from your driveway with it. Took me two beers to
put the flames out. Hope that’s the worst one. These people
are crazy.
Chili #2: Arthur’s Afterburner Chili
JUDGE ONE: Smoky (barbecue?) with a hint of pork. Slight
Jalapeno tang.
JUDGE TWO: Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to
be taken seriously.
FRANK: Keep this out of reach of children! I’m not sure
what I am supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off
two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver.
Shoved my way to the front of the beer line.
Chili #3: Fred’s Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili
JUDGE ONE: Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs
more beans.
JUDGE TWO: A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of red
peppers.
FRANK: This has got to be a joke. Call the EPA, I’ve
located a !?##?!%?@! uranium spill! My nose feels like I
have been sneezing Drano. Everyone knows the routine by
now and got out of my way so I could make it to the beer
wagon. Bar maid pounded me on the back; now my backbone
is in the front part of my chest.
JUDGE TWO: Chili using shredded beef; could use more
tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong
statement.
FRANK: My ears are ringing and I can no longer focus my
eyes. I belched and four people in front of me needed
paramedics. The contestant seemed hurt when I told her that
her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue
by pouring beer directly on it from a pitcher. Sort of irritates
me that one of the other judges asked me to stop screaming.
Chili #6: Vera’s Very Vegetarian Variety
JUDGE ONE: Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good
balance of spice and peppers.
JUDGE TWO: The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers,
onions and garlic. Superb!
FRANK: My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with
gaseous flames. No one seems inclined to stand behind me
except Sally.
Chili #7: Susan’s Screaming Sensation Chili
JUDGE ONE: A mediocre chili with too much reliance on
canned peppers.
JUDGE TWO: Ho Hum, tastes as if the chef threw in canned
chili peppers at the last moment. I should note that I am
worried about Judge Number 3, he appears to be in a bit of
distress.
FRANK: You could put a hand grenade in my mouth and pull
the pin and I wouldn’t feel it. I’ve lost the sight in one eye and
the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My clothes
are covered with chili which slid unnoticed out of my mouth at
some point. Good, at autopsy they’ll know what killed me.
I’ve decided to stop breathing, it’s too painful and I’m not
getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air I’ll just let it in
through the hole in my stomach.
Chili #8: Helen’s Mount Saint Chili
JUDGE ONE: This final entry is a good, balanced chili,
neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost
when Judge Number 3 fell and pulled the chili pot on top of
himself.
JUDGE TWO: A perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili,
safe for all, not too bold but spicy enough to declare its
existence.
FRANK: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chili #4: Bubba’s Black Magic
JUDGE ONE:
Black bean chili with almost no spice.
Disappointing.
JUDGE TWO: Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side
dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
FRANK: I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was
unable to taste it. Sally, the bar maid, was standing behind me
with fresh refills so I wouldn’t have to dash over to see her.
Chili #5: Linda’s Legal Lip Remover
JUDGE ONE: Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly
ground adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
- See everyone at Old Mill Village!