My kids and I are home again from the yearly reenactment of the week General Cornwallis occupied Williamsburg in 1781.
Highly anticipating our opportunities to play spy for the Continental Army and evade capture by the British, we have a lot of fun playing the part of Williamsburg citizens in 1781.
As much as we have read about occupations during wartime in books, my kids and I have experienced firsthand the feelings that succumb our spirits when faced with martial law.
The reenactment began Friday afternoon when the time machine of Colonial Williamsburg set the date to June 1781.
The citizens of Williamsburg scurried to the Capitol to see the arrival of the Redcoats, along with the infamous Colonel Banastre Tarleton, in the coat of green.
BRICK BURN
That weekend the brickyard was open through the night throughout the weekend to burn bricks to restore the Memorial Chapel in Jamestowne, so the kids and I visited each evening to learn about the process.
SATURDAY UNDER THE REDCOATS
Arriving Saturday morning, we found ourselves surrounded by Redcoats.
After a morning of watching drills and sneaking past Redcoats, who oddly didn’t seem interested in checking our passes, we went to the Hennage for an opportunity to meet Col. Banastre Tarleton.
Infamous for his raids in the south, we learned that much of what we hear are extremes that are not true about him.
He talked about raids that even the Americans conducted, and insisted that atrocities like burning women and children were not done.
Then we went to the Courthouse to present our concerns and queries to the officers.
When my son had a question, General O’Hara insisted that he first stand and take off his hat before addressing General Cornwallis.
My son asked if Cornwallis could truly trust General Benedict Arnold, who had turned coat once before.
The replies and interactions were marvelous!
DANCING WITH THE HESSIANS
After a hot and humid day, the kids and I went to the hotel to change our clothes and relax in air conditioning during dinner on Saturday night.
Then we returned to the historic area to see more of the brick burn (post forthcoming).
While there, my son suggested we visit the Redcoat encampment, where we found the Hessians in merry song!
There were several of them gathered around sheet music, heartily singing various tunes to the accompaniment of musicians.
After a few songs, one of the Hessians came over to ask the fraulein, my daughter, to dance!
She excitedly said yes!
Then my son was recruited and matched with one of the guests from another of Britain’s former colonies.
They danced the Virginia Reel with great merriment.
Before and after the dancing we visited the brick burn to check the progress.
Although the huge kiln glows in the dark, I wasn’t able to get a good picture of that.
COSTUME VIGNETTES
Since the next morning was quiet, we took some pictures in the Governor’s Palace gardens.
FIRST OVAL OFFICE
At the time of this visit in June, we were told that they were awaiting more authentic reproduction fabric from the same place that had made the original. The giant leather bag (valise) below is a reproduction of one (I think) that had been owned by General Washington. It was made by one of CW’s tradesmen. In the picture the valise is holding the parts of the inner chamber of the tent that the tailors had completed.
Since the tailors are waiting for more fabric to complete the marquee, they’ve been working on other projects. Several knapsacks were on display that they had sewn. Here they are working on a smaller tent for the soldiers.
We were shown a reproduction hook and eye, which predates the 18th century. It certainly must be an ingenious design, considering I have modern ones that look identical sewn into the gown my daughter was wearing that day. We compared the sizes and discussed how size was the only difference, based on the need for utility.
WIGMAKER
I practically had to drag the kids into the wigmaker, because she is notorious for scheming to make us bald!
She insists that bald heads were all the rage so we could more comfortably wear wigs!
One of the guests conceded to let the wigmaker shave his wife’s head and even arranged for a time for him to bring her back!
At about that time my children were ready to split! lol I can never keep them in there for long!
PRINTER
BINDER
On this day the binder showed us how he evenly cut them down to size, by shaving off the excess paper.
WEAVERS
GENERALS AT THE COURTHOUSE
Later we snuck into the Courthouse where the generals “secretly” laid their trap for General Lafayette. This trap resulted in the Battle of Greenspring, which is near Jamestown. I am glad to report that Lafayette and his troops were not captured in that battle, despite the scheming we saw in this room.
MARCHING OUT OF TOWN
SINGING HESSIANS END UTR
After UTR regiments were dismissed, we happened to be walking behind the Hessians who broke out into merry song.
I was in amazement.
It was hot and humid that weekend and throughout that time they had been wearing 100% wool.
Through it all the Hessians gave us the best show and experiences of any time we’ve ever had!
Many thanks to all the reenactors who came from all over the country at their own expense and who wore wool through three hot and humid days to bring history to life!
Many thanks too to the interpreters of CW who joined forces with the reenactors for a well-rounded story telling.
And many thanks to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for allowing this event to return this year.
We are hoping for another UTR next year!
PS…It’s okay to *try* to arrest us. 😉
COMMENTS FROM MY OLD BLOG
Anonymous: July 2, 2013 at 9:36 PM – On behalf of the Hessian Regiment von Huyn and our friends the von Bose Regiment we thank you for your kind comments and for joining in our 18th century camp life at Under the Redcoat! Hope you can join us again next year.
Sincerely,
Ben Williams, Kapt’n
regiment von Huyn
See our Facebook also or email us at: regtvonhuyn@yahoo.com
Kirk D. Lyons: July 2, 2013 at 9:38 PM – What a wonderful complement – Thank you on behalf of the men and women of Regt von Huyn and Regiment von Bose. Hopefully see you next year.
Kirk D. Lyons
Regt von Bose
Tanzmeister
MrsSM: July 2, 2013 at 10:59 PM – The Virginia Reel is so much fun–what a great place to do it.:)
ZipZip: July 11, 2013 at 1:13 PM – How neat: the pictures clearly show how much everyone enjoyed the dancing under the skies. Perfect.
Very best,
Natalie
