In the late 70's when I was doing so much volunteer and "play" time at Historic Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana - a few of us decided to portray Brush's Independent Company of Ohio Infantry for the War of 1812 event as the uniforms were CHEAP (VERY simple linen Hunting Shirts and Trousers and even then an inexpensive/correct black wool hat was available). I copied an original correct period Militia Cartridge Box they had in the Museum Collection (not on display) and made copies of it for each of us and the bayonet hangers and scabbards and waistbelts and other leather goods.
Since we had a direct "in" at Navy Arms, we all got "Charleville" kits with lock plates that were not engraved. We talked about getting them properly engraved as Springfield Muskets, but never got around to it. A couple other members of our group assembled the kits for us and fit the bayonets. They were VERY good muskets, indeed.
One of the very first items of the event was an Inspection of all the Regular and Militia Troops by Major Wheeler (portrayed by a retired Marine Corps Reserve Lt. Colonel and local Judge) AND Brian Dunnigan (Director of Historic Fort Wayne and later to go on to be Director Fort Ticonderoga) portrayed the Major’s XO as a Captain, though I don’t remember his correct historic name.
Our Sergeant was my best friend in life, a Marine Reserve SSgt. I was an Active Duty Marine SSgt with the exact same date of rank, but I was the “Senior Private.” We also had a Prior Service Soldier and a Navy Gunner’s Mate as well as my friend’s young son. We really got the guns and gear in excellent condition to stand a “proper” military inspection.
When Major Wheeler inspected me, he turned to “Captain” Brian Dunnigan and suggested that “their Regulars” could learn a few things about Military Bearing, the Manual Arms and MOST certainly how to properly maintain a Military Firelock from us. “Captain” Brian replied we probably had just been issued brand new muskets and that’s why ours looked so good. Of course, I could not let that pass. I replied, “SIR, Begging the Major’s Pardon and with sincere respect to the Captain; I beg to differ. The muskets were rusty and the brass corroded when we received them. However, as a Sergeant in the Marine Corps before the end of my enlistment and coming west, I LEARNED how to properly take care of my Firelock and equipment!! Should the Major be so inclined and the Captain so disposed, I would consider it an honor to teach your Sergeants and Corporals how to get your men to do it.” Major Wheeler had a wry grin on his face and poor Brian did not know what to say while he blushed red. When Captain Brian finished inspecting me and in a low voice said, “Gus, I just might take you up on that offer.”
Gus
