Camp of Instruction 2010

The Citizen Soldier
CVG Camp of Instruction
March 5-7, 2010
Harpers Ferry NPS, WV

You are invited to participate with the Chesapeake Volunteer Guard this coming March and give honor to the American Citizen Solider who has defended his country for hundreds of years.

The Citizen Soldier is set in Harpers Ferry NPS with the guiding impression as 1860 Virginia Militia.  The impression is a very easy and fun one, and most of you already have everything you need to pull it off.

All the participants will be housed in heated quarters and “hired” civilians will help with the logistics for the Weekend, as well as various civilian activities over the course of the weekend as well.

The manual of instruction for the event is Gilham’s. 

We will also be helping interpret this period of our History as part of the Park’s programming that weekend.

The Militia Act of 1792, Passed May 8, 1792
I. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That each and every free able-bodied white male citizen of the respective States, resident therein, who is or shall be of age of eighteen years, and under the age of forty-five years (except as is herein after excepted) shall severally and respectively be enrolled in the militia, by the Captain or Commanding Officer of the company, within whose bounds such citizen shall reside, and that within twelve months after the passing of this Act. And it shall at all time hereafter be the duty of every such Captain or Commanding Officer of a company, to enroll every such citizen as aforesaid, and also those who shall, from time to time, arrive at the age of 18 years, or being at the age of 18 years, and under the age of 45 years (except as before excepted) shall come to reside within his bounds; and shall without delay notify such citizen of the said enrollment, by the proper non-commissioned Officer of the company, by whom such notice may be proved. That every citizen, so enrolled and notified, shall, within six months thereafter, provide himself with a good musket or firelock, a sufficient bayonet and belt, two spare flints, and a knapsack, a pouch, with a box therein, to contain not less than twenty four cartridges, suited to the bore of his musket or firelock, each cartridge to contain a proper quantity of power and ball; or with a good rifle, knapsack, shot-pouch, and power-horn, twenty balls suited to the bore of his rifle, and a quarter of a power of power; and shall appear so armed, accoutred and provided, when called out to exercise or into service, except, that when called out on company days to exercise only, he may appear without a knapsack. That the commissioned Officers shall severally be armed with a sword or hanger, and espontoon; and that from and after five years from the passing of this Act, all muskets from arming the militia as is herein required, shall be of bores sufficient for balls of the eighteenth part of a pound; and every citizen so enrolled, and providing himself with the arms, ammunition and accoutrements, required as aforesaid, shall hold the same exempted from all suits, distresses, executions or sales, for debt or for the payment of taxes.

Location

Coming Soon

Accommodations

Coming Soon

Training

We will have 4 basic drill stations for the enlisted men, and an Officer School for the Attending Officers.  The enlisted men will be instructed in Bayonet Drill, School of the Soldier, School of the Company and Skirmish Drill while the officers work on parade, inspection and battalion evolutions with all the participants working together on Battalion Drill and the proper way to run a Post including proper guard mount and retreat ceremony.

All of our instructors will be portraying US Regulars and Cadets, sent to help train the militia following the disturbing uprising in Harpers Ferry Virginia.

Uniforms

Do not be faint of heart, this impression is easier done than said, and one that you can have a lot of fun with.  There are also many pictures of militia on this web site for you to look over.

That being said, here are some encouraged and discouraged items-

Not Allowed

Any post 1860 weapons
Bullseye canteens
Any insignia not of the 1859 timeframe is not permitted
Federal Tarred Haversacks
ENGLISH GEAR: FORBIDDEN
Mid War blankets

Encouraged

Pre War Weapons such as flintlocks, pikes and civilian arms
Shakos, Cocked Hats, Wheel Caps, Havelocks
Boots
White Buff or Webbing belts and slings
Gourd, wooden, leather or tin drum/barrel canteens
Civilian Clothing
Cots, Chests, bottles, casks, boxes and in general lots of stuff soldiers did not need.
Coverlets and civilian blankets

Many of the Companies coming have selected a specific impression, but variety is encouraged, and for those coming independently or just needing a good start point, here are some impressions for you to select.

US Regulars-  This will be the impression of our instructors and some of the Officer Corps.  The impression requires a Full Dress hat, Frock Coat and Dark Blue trousers with Full Federal Accoutrements.  There should be no insignia on the Hat except the Infantry Bulge and “Jeff Davis” pin as well as Infantry Hat cord and plume.  This impression also works for Virginia Militia, with the exception that you should have the letters V A on the front of your Dress Hat.

The Natty Volunteer- This is an easy impression for those of you with gray or blue frock coats or short jackets out of jean or satinette, and perhaps some broadcloth.  That frock, paired with gray, blue or white trousers and a Kepi, shako or Wheel Cap is a solid impression.  White cross belts and haversack also add to this impression.

Rough and Ready- The common man- jean cloth trousers, with civilian shirt and shoes, white haversack (if you have one) and tin drum canteen.  A plain civilian hat can be turned up like a tri- corn if you wish, and basic US issue leathers as supplied to you when you mustered in for the weekend.  You can also add an overshirt or civilian sack coat or frock to the mix as well.

The Merchant- Civilian frock and hat, with trousers, the business look -complete with cravat.  US issue leathers and musket.

These are just a few to start, let history be your guide.  Just be sure no gear or uniforms post 1860! 

Please let me know if you have any questions by emailing me at ltcolcsa@hotmail.com

Rules and Regulations

1.All troops will conduct themselves in a military manner upon arrival until departure.
2. Military protocol will be observed at all times.
3. NO CAPS OR ROUNDS AT ALL, IN THE BOX, IN THE HAVERSACK OR IN THE CAR.
4. No illegal drug use or alcoholic beverages are allowed at any time! This is a zero tolerance policy.
5. All troops must pre-register for the event, there are no walk-ons allowed.
6. All participating troops are highly encouraged to study both Mahan’s Outpost, and Casey’s Manual.
7. All Participants are to bring PERIOD pencil/pen and paper.
8. Impression guidelines are as listed above
9. All Enlisted men will bring full accouterments, including a bayonet.
10. Be sure to bring the necessary clothing/blankets/overcoats, as well as bedding.
11. No participant is allowed to leave the camp without a pass from the Battalion Adjutant.
12. Beeswax candles and strike anywhere matches are a must for this event. Be sure to keep you matches in a match safe to prevent them from lighting in your haversack.
13. No modern items are to seen at any time.
14 No participants under the age of 16 will be allowed to carry weapons, and must be a functional musician. No musicians under the age of 12.
15. No one is to show up with any rank above a sergeant without the permission of the battalion commander.

Download Registration Form Here