New de Kalb Biography

The last real biography about Baron de Kalb was back in the 60s by A.E. Zucker. The best biography was by Frederich Kapp and that was publish in the 1880s. So, it's been a good number of years since there has been a good de Kalb biography put out. I had a thought that there certainly needed to be a new book about de Kalb, but only if there's been a lot of new information about him or his family not pointed out in either Kapp's or Zucker's books. For example, more info on Johann's wife and the family, or even more information on his service in the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years War via documents he wrote or acitivites, perhaps even when he was younger, or better yet, those missing years between age 16 and 20.

A new biography has been published by John H. Beakes, jr titled De Kalb: One of the Revolutionary War's Bravest Generals. I received the book back in September 2019 and began reading it immediately, often reading various pages over and over again, generally to study the book. The general focus upon the Major General is upon his service during the American Revolution, but there are highlights about his activity before the American Revolution, such as his early life before becoming a soldier in the French Army, as well as the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years War, and we cannot forget about his information gathering tour of the Colonies post the Seven Years War, as well as his family life. Mr Beakes does so well to highlight this amazing Franco-Prussian who has captured my attention, and heart, since April 2002.

I found very few errors - only two thus far, and they are minor since elsewhere in the book he pointed out in greater detail the truth of the matter which nullified the errors.

So, where can you obtain your copy of this new de Kalb biography? Here's how:
You can purchase the new biography at Heritage Books, De Kalb: One of the Revolutionary War's Bravest Generals   

Or order it online or any bookstore via ISBN: 978-0-78845900-0

Definitely worth the read!

In The Beginning... : the perils of a newcomer to the hobby

It doesn't take much to catch that living history bug, but getting started in the hobby can be incredibly overwhelming for anyone. Every enthusiast has been a newbie to the hobby. We know how daunting it is to know what to look for, what is needed for your impression, what information you need to know, how things function, and the process of research and documentation. It's enough for any beginner to back out of this important hobby.

At Silver Lake, June 2002, my second event. My sad attempt
at throwing a tomahawk, and even sadder variation of
period clothes.

I started reenacting a couple decades ago because I was inspired by a film and another reenactor to live a dream, so to speak. I have always had an interest in the 18th century with pirates and the American Revolution, but never really knew there was anything like that despite the Old West town at Midwest Old Threshers I often visited in my youth. When I was introduced to the hobby, I was completely and utterly oblivious to what I was getting myself into. I can't say it was a mistake, because we've all done that, correct? We've gotten involved in living history and jumped in not sure of what to do or where to go. I felt bad for those like myself who were new and were left to glean what we could find without real guidance. Of course, I practically bought nearly every book out there on the subject matter and joined a rare few Forums in an effort to know what to look for in fabrics and materials, how to make the clothes and items, what was appropriate to the era and what was not period appropriate. Actually, that's easier said than done because despite the internet, it's still difficult to find the info unless you had special access to places. As I said, it was an incredibly daunting task; practically never ending! I was up day and night, taking any free time I had to research. Even then, I saw something I liked and... Ooops! I made a mistake! I admit, I made THOUSANDS of mistakes. I don't know any living historian who hasn't made mistakes in their clothes, their impressions, their camp kit, and more.

Don't hesitate to seek out a mentor or two. I should have done that and learned too late the value of a mentor when starting out in the hobby. A mentor, or mentors, can help you in many ways - maybe a book to borrow, get together to do a workshop weekend or weeknight to learn sewing stitches or dance techniques or even drill, or point you in the right direction of where to find the information you need. Maybe you and your mentor could study aspects of the time period and place or regiment you are portraying. Veteran enthusiasts can help you get on the right foot long term activity in living history.
Connect with other enthusiasts as they are a great help, too. Other enthusiasts who are either involved for decades or just started out can help provide answers based off their research, too. It's ALWAYS a great idea to share information. Some other newcomers can have questions you never thought about yet and the answers will be of great value to you. You most certainly are NOT alone when starting out and to connect with other enthusiasts, online and offline, will benefit everyone.
Be liberal in getting advice from well rounded veteran Living Historians who are adamant about research and eager to share the information. There really is no harm in asking.
When you join a reenactment organization or a historic site, be vigilant in reading every word of information, guidelines, forms, etc they have. In the long run, this will help you. As I said, many have been where you are at and no doubt they have something to help you as you progress in the hobby. If these places have a packet to give newcomers, then you are supremely lucky! Really, it's like hitting the jackpot because some groups have newcomer packets and some don't. Some places have vast amounts of information and, sometimes, it's difficult to sort through all that to figure out what you need to know first. Again, that's where a mentor or two - a veteran Living Historian - who is available to assist you with everything for the first few years at least. Yes, a few years. Not a year or two, but a few. Why so long? Because you will make a thousand of mistakes and building up your living history 'kit', as some call it, will take a few years. You need someone to guide you, encourage you, and all around help you with every aspect of Living History. Sometimes, even provide you with what you need on a temporary borrow basis. Of course you can ask other people about various topics and subjects, but the mentor should be your main 'go-to' person. Even Lafayette had a mentor! So don't hesitate to gain the helpful wisdom and guidance of a reenactor who's been doing the hobby for several years or a couple decades or more.

Not everything you find that you think is 18th c is actually
appropriate for your impression & time period

When you begin the hobby, try not to buy anything before your first event. If you need to get clothes because your host does not have clothes for you, please ask them where to go to get some appropriate first year attire. Be VERY hesitant and shrewd about just going online and just buying some outfit off eBay or Etsy just because you like the look of it. 95% of the time, it's completely inaccurate. I had to get clothes for my first reenactment, and really didn't look appropriate at all despite I asked and inquired, but I was better than most because I asked for assistance. Most hosts will have something for you, whether it's in their spare box of clothes or borrowed from other groups and people.

Have someone help you find
 period appropriate fabric

At my first reenactment, it was rather odd because it was the weekend following 9-11. It was somber and many in the encampment were a bit more quite than normal. At that event, I felt very welcome and had a lot of fun, but I also felt a little out of place as to what I should be doing. I had absolutely NO clue and felt a little off balance, but I did have some fun moments in a battle as a "molly", a term for the women in the battles with the water canteens that came up to the men who fell so that they can check the muskets, and check the guys, then be on their way. A good safety thing. I really didn't know what to do other than follow one of the girls. It was fun, but I felt a little out of step and uninformed. To be honest, this is normal. You are there to figure out if you like history and he guns and camping. As you grow in the hobby, you will develop the person you will portray and what activities during events you will participate in. So, don't feel bad to feel out of place during your first and second event. Often you will have to be outgoing and ask A LOT of questions. If the host is good with newcomers, they will assign someone to you to show you around and answer your questions, even help you get connected with people for what to do and what not to do. the goal is to put you on the right path.

As I said, getting started in living history is daunting but if you connect with a mentor and other enthusiasts, your progress will be easier.

My final tip is... get involved! Enjoy the hobby. Enjoy the people you are around. Go make those memories!

Viewpoint of a Reenactor

I love watching the Townsends Channel and gaining more knowledge from their recipes, as well as enjoy their live streams and the information shared. It's easy to see how they reached over one million views over the years.

Someone introduced me to another YouTube channel, of a young man who's an American Revolution reenactor. I began to watch his videos and immediately was hooked, too! He had some amusing videos in relation to events and viewpoints, too.
His channel led to another young man's YouTube channel who covered me in-depth with reenactors and the point of view of a reenactor. I was hooked with his channel, too! I more than enjoyed the channels of both young men as they provided an avenue to reminisce in the days I participated in reenactments. The sounds and sights both delighted me and also made me incredibly forlorn.

Both Brandon F and Chris P are with the 54th Regiment of Foot, a British Rev War group around the New England area. As I mentioned, Brandon and Chris have some videos of life as a reenactor, the viewpoints from a reenactor at events, and even on the battlefield, plus a couple educational videos that I think every Rev War unit can benefit from. They had a few great videos on how each member got involved in reenacting and the Living History hobby. These videos are GREAT for anyone who's debating on joining the hobby.

Some videos that Brandon does, only a reenactor would bust up laughing about, and that's the Farby stuff. Every reeanctor understands the depth of how farby is as bad as anachronism. It's utterly amusing what he points out and to many reenactors, is a glaring eye sore to see the inaccuracies. If someone's investing money into something - video game, movie, anything, someone better get their history correct and on the spot! Thnks, Brandon, for the entertainment! Lord knows I've busted up laughing SOOOO many times when I see the glaring inaccuracies, too.

I highly recommend checking out their YouTube channels, and even sharing them, too.
Brandon F's Channel
Chris P's Channel

Also...
Here is another great YouTube Channel: American Revolution Reenactors 
You will be delighted by the MANY videos of reenactors points of views, the behind the scenes of a reenactors life going to events, and more. Worth viewing, too, if you are interested in joining the hobby.


HUZZA!!!

the Wax Seal Society

Oh, wouldn't it be a delight to write to people just as they did in the 18th century?

I recently discovered a group on Facebook called The Wax Seal Society. It focuses upon being a Pen Pal network for historical enthusiasts to write to one another using 18th century writing items - laid paper or parchment, quill pens or other period writing utensils, and ink, with perhaps the personal touch of a seal in hardened wax.

The group also has conversations about penmanship of period style writing or calligraphy, as well as suggested or recommended places to buy period-style writing items, even showing off exchanged letters, and just some general fun related to period writing! This really is a great way for 18th century enthusiasts to converse with other like-minded people and produce their handiwork for public display at historical events or simply private enjoyment in a person's home upon receiving the letter. This sort of pen pal service is great for people to read or write at living history events and reenactments, and perhaps add one more item to their list of 'to do' while at an event, when one finds the time between drills, battles, and shopping. What better to engage the spectator than for them to see you reading and writing to someone who shares the same interests and activities.

This Facebook group began in March of 2019 and has been steadily growing with new enthusiasts joining the group to connect with some pen pals.
Even though the focus of the pen pal group is 18th century, it also branches out into much of the 17th century as well as the early 19th century.

I have received a fantastic letter already even though I just joined and have written letters to a few people, too. Truly, this is a great way to put your self in as your persona and to fine tune your penmanship, too.

The addition to this unique pen pal service is some have asked for letters to be written with something specific in mind, such as to be a personal letter or business letter written to those serving aboard a ship, or of military correspondence for a particular reenactment event. This also fine tunes the abilities of everyone involved and makes the reenactment experience more realistic and personal and detailed rather than general with a lot not being filled in.

If you are on Facebook, love the 18th century, and would love to write to other people using a quill pen, ink, and laid paper, then join here: The Wax Seal Society

There will be questions to answer as you join, simply for the Admins to make certain that you are indeed human and your intent is for 18th c pen pal communication and nothing else.

I do hope to see you on the roster of The Wax Seal Society.

Hooked! Binge watching the Townsends YouTube Channel

Ever since I became a reenactor, I have always liked the business that sells 18th and early 19th century goods, called Jas. Townsends & Son, and I've ordered numerous products from them; anything from linen thread to a bell back tent. Of course I knew about the Townsends YouTube Channel for a few years, but only recently had I decided to take the time to watch a video. Mind you, I wanted to watch just one video. Well, one video turned into a dozen videos, and soon... I was binge watching nearly every episode on the Townsends YouTube Channel!

Every new video that comes out I immediately rush to go watch it! Alas, I haven't been able to enjoy a live webcast and toss out some questions, but I've joined a couple of Facebook groups that are devoted to Townsends and being a fan of Townsends YouTube Channel, as well as their blogs, and still visit the store's website. I've not yet had the delightful opportunity to visit the store in Indiana. Frankly, I fear that if I do go to the 'brick and mortar' store in Indiana, I will want to buy nearly everything and spend money I don't even have! It's as dangerous as going to Colonial Williamsburg!

So which videos have captured my interest the most? Oh, goodness! Heavens, dear reader! There's are SO many to choose from! Truly, there are some incredibly informative videos from recipes to starting out in Living History. I can't really pick one particular favorite! I really can't because there is a good number of the the videos I really like - the Historic Locust Grove videos with writing and some recipes, the Mount Vernon videos and recipes, the ones on how to get involved in Living History, even the conversations with Living Historians and their personas or impressions, and so much more, not to mention the recipes! Really, every video is a gem of information. What I have enjoyed about the Townsend videos is each video focuses primarily upon history. No matter the variation of accurate to less accurate, the historical aspect has been most enlightening and pure joy to watch.

Have I tried any of the recipes? Alas, no, I have not. Not yet, at least. Do I want to? Most certainly, yes! I think a part of me would love to use these recipes at living history events, whether at Pirate Fests or Revolutionary War reenactments. Or, maybe, just maybe, at some 18th century style Ball or Party where the recipes are showcased, products are used, and perhaps music played as guests/participants dance to merry 18th century measures. 

So where can you view all these videos I - and many others - are so excited about? Well, right here: Townsends YouTube Channel

Enjoy their videos and don't forget to subscribe to them, too. Then prepare to savor the sounds and tastes of history.

Don't forget to join the Facebook groups for fans of Townsends:
Townsends Tavern Talk  and  The Nutmeg Gallery - Fans of Townsends 

Hook, Line, and Sinker! How I got into the living history hobby

After all this time (several years, in fact), I am reviving this blog!

My blog revival entry is about how I got into the reenacting and living history hobby. It's no surprise that I watched a movie and that rekindled my adoration of the time period. I say rekindled because I have always fancied the American Revolution. What followed was nothing short of a stroke of luck! I found a small online group of people who fancied "The Patriot" (yes, THAT movie all reenactors hate) and soon enough, found one person who informed me about Revolutionary War reenacting. Reenacting? What is that, I asked. As he proceeded to tell me about reenacting - and it didn't take long to convince me that I wanted to participate in this hobby - , I was encouraged to find a group near me. Well, there was nothing near me but I found a Midwestern Revolutionary War organization called the Northwest Territory Alliance and thus began the best years of my life!

I found a forum or chat list for the NWTA that branched off of their site and then I inquired about joining the organization and hobby. Soon thereafter I was paired with a regiment to guest with them for a weekend. That regiment was the 42nd Highlanders, aka the Black Watch, and what a splendid host unit they were, too!

While I sought a Host unit to guest with that weekend, I had gone and procured a basic outfit for myself that MIGHT pass for something worn during the time period. As I look back at the photos of that event, I cringe quite visibly and ask myself "what a hideous outfit! What the hell was I thinking?". In all reality, and I eventually learned this: DO NOT buy anything before you go to your first reenactment because 9 times out of 10, what you get before the event is wrong! Granted, nowadays, there's better information and goods on what's acceptable at living history events, but I daresay that newcomers are as oblivious to a specific time period no matter if a person has been involved in other eras or are completely new to the hobby. Plus, you will improve in your impression appearance over time. Every reenactor starts out utterly incorrect, but we do progress towards a more period correct look as we research and make adjustments to be better presenters of history. 

All it took was simply a fancy of the time period and finding a group who was doing the era I was interested in. I had absolutely no clue what I was doing and the distance to events did not bother me in the slightest. However those were different times and little did I know how much everything would change!

My first reenactment was unforgettable and quite somber, because that was the weekend after 9/11. Every person was still in shock about what happened just days before, but the event was not cancelled. It was obvious we all needed that event to heal. For the most part, we all needed that event to heal each other. However, that weekend healed me in unique ways as I fell in love with the hobby, connected with people, learned about myself, and the importance of history that weekend. As I gazed up, whether it was day or night, and saw absolutely no plane or helicopter in the sky! Not a single one. The sky was unadulterated and I began to feel like I was truly back in time during the American Revolution witnessing the great rebellious change that created a new nation.

For the greater part, it was easy to get involved in living history and reenacting. It took nothing more than someone else who does reenacting to tell me about it and encourage me on my search for some group to join. Yup! It's truly as simple as that. All that happened in a matter of a weeks, too!! Sure, reenacting is expensive in the long run, but the greatest thing about living history and attending the events is the memorable fun you will have that lasts for the rest of your life!

Encounters with de Kalb: prelude and the first encounter

For some who know me, you already know that I have a deep interest in Johann de Kalb, Major-General of the Continental Army who died from his wounds at Camden, South Carolina in 1780. For nigh a decade I have been encountering some rather interesting and mysterious moments. Some of them were profound enough to strike me so deep to the soul yet left me utterly baffled. I wondered endlessly what it all meant, and why I was feeling intense moments and emotions in regards to de Kalb.

The more I dove into this nearly forgotten hero of the American Revolution, the more he intrigued me to no end. And... the more I felt a deeper, mysterious bond with this long dead man.

I shall indeed be discussing more about how I became interested in the good Baron. For it was he who captured my interest first and has held me enthralled since I learned of him. I knew nothing about Johann de Kalb before my second venture to South Carolina. But most assuredly, after the first encounters with de Kalb, I soon learned about him and instantly became mesmerized by this fascinating foreigner.

To this day I still have encounters and sensations related to him. I dare say, I now definitely believe in Past Lives. I never did before and thought reincarnation to be pure rubbish. But now, there is no doubt at all that I have lived before and the good General was most likely at the center of my past life.

The painting here is one of the two paintings he had commissioned by Charles Wilson Peale just before he was sent to the south by General Washington. This painting was sent back to France as a gift to his family. To my understanding (as of November 2011), the painting currently resides at the the van Robais estate, Chateau de Bagatelle near Abbeville in France.

For now, let's start with how the good General de Kalb captured my interest.

In April 2002, I attended a symposium in Camden, South Carolina about Banastre Tarleton, commanding Officer of the infamous British Legion. I was incredibly excited to return to South Carolina as well as meet people whom I had only conversed with online via a couple chat lists about Tarleton. I knew this symposium would be exciting but little did I know that something amazing, and profound, was about to happen.

The day before the symposium, I arrived in Camden a little after noon and checked into a hotel. After a short nap, I explored Camden and also explored north of town. I arrived at the battlefield location which, at that time, was no more than a very small roadside spot less than an acre. Curious about this little location, and knew absolutely nothing about it, I walked about in absolute wonder and completely oblivious about what had taken place there. That is... until I stepped into a spot just a few paces to the south of the great granite marker that stated the location where de Kalb was mortally wounded. I froze in that spot completely in a trance as everything seemed to fog up around my sight as if not seeing a thing. However, I certainly felt something! The sensations of breathlessness as my legs were so weak. I felt as if I was going to collapse and faint. I felt pinches and dull aches throughout my body at the same time with a mixture of liquid heat, yet the threat of chills setting in. Add to that head pressure, trembling and shaking. Yet the one sensation I did NOT feel, as if I was not allowed to feel or spared from... was the pain. I never felt any pain.

I don't know how long I was locked in that trance, but it certainly felt as if hours had passed yet only seconds; either way, it seemed timeless. Eventually I stumbled out of the trance quite dazed for a while. It took me a moment to gather my bearings and realize that I had experienced something profoundly unusual. Never had I felt something like that ever in my life but it was indeed mighty powerful. It was then that I truly took notice of the name on the granite marker:  DE KALB.