The Necessary Evil of Sutlery

“ASutler or Suttler” in an 18^th century military context has become amore common impression for many reenactors as of late.  I surmise, which is true in my case, thedecision to start representing a Sutler has grown out of the realization that Ican no longer do a proper military impression be it my age or otherinfirmities.  However, this does not meanwe want to move away from the “progressive” movement or would in any way, Nothold our new impression up to the rigorous standards set forth by numerousorganizations. So, what is one to do? Well if you are fortunate like I am and the military unit you belong to hasa civilian or “camp follower” branch you are in luck.  The only thing now is how to justify yourpresence either in or very near a military camp.  This has a bit of a gender componentinvolved.  If you portray a woman incontext you can more easily attach yourself in a variety of roles, but as amale the opportunities are a bit narrower. That’s where the Sutler can fill the void.  Let me say women were often Sutlers and its nota male only impression, just that it is an area I take keen interest in.  Whether it be a “petit sutler” or a “Grandsutler” the ability to portray a civilian who has reason and purpose to beinside or near a military camp has sparked new interest in the topic ofSutlers’ and Suttling.

In this piece I will give my personal opinions and assumptions based on the research, share what I have found in my research, and include some research by others on the topic. This is in NO WAY an all-inclusive guide or definitive work on the subject. However, it is a start to guide others or just make them better informed so in turn they can better inform the public we interact with.

Theterm “Sutler” finds its origin in the late 16^th century Dutchlanguage Soetelen – Soeteler meaning “one who does dirty work, a drudge, lowwork”.  As an English noun the worddescribes a civilian provisioner to an army or post often with a shop on thepost.

 Johnson, Samuel “A Dictionary of the English Language” London, 1755

            SUTLER: N,f. (soetler, Dutch; sudler, German): A man that sells provisions and liquor in Camp. PUBLICAN: A man that keeps a House of General Entertainment.

Oneof the first popular uses may have been in 1599, in Shakespeare's HenryV. 

“For I shall sutler be / Unto the camp, and profits will accrue”   - Pistol

Sutlers were a “necessaryevil” to the armies of the 18^th centuries, many if not all personswho chose this profession were looking to make a profit.  The age-old idea of supply and demand playedwell in the military campaigns of the century. Although the military and/or government would supply the men with thenecessities of life they were far from all that was needed to sustain life oncampaign, or in garrison.  So enters thesutler and with them enter the rules to govern these convenient stores of the18^th century military. 

Consultation of An Essay on Castrametationby Lewis Lochee and A System of Camp-Discipline, Military Honours,Garrison-Duty, and other Regulations for the Land Forces. Collected by aGentleman of the Army, gave some very specific rules and regulations regardingthe practice.  Instruction for Sutlersand location of Sutlers’ tents within an encampment are the primary focus ofmuch of the text and illustrations. An additional source for the regulation ofSutlers’ and Petit Sutlers’ for the period comes from Bland’s Treatise onMilitary Discipline.  Whereinstructions are given for the layout of a proper camp including a location forthe “Grand Sutler” tent, just beyond the tents of the Batman and lying beforethe camp kitchens, and beyond the kitchens the area designated for the PetitSutlers. 

     From: An Essay on Castrametation by Lewis Lochee

Because I began my reenacting journey in the period of the French andIndian War, I have a strong interest in that period so naturally I began myresearch there.  For a deeper look togain some context as to what the Sutler did, I chose my starting point to bethe earliest primary resource in my personal library, The Papers of HenryBouquet, Vol. II, The Forbes Expedition. Herein is just a small part of what I found. 

Ina letter written from Bouquet to Forbes from Carlisle 7^th June 1758describing the preparations for the upcoming campaign Bouquet writes

            “The number of merchants asking to follow the army makes me think that if you offer some encouragement, you could engage workmen of useful trades, such as tailors, saddlers, gunsmiths, wheelwrights, blacksmiths, etc., to come with the army without wages and of their own accord.  This would be very helpful in the woods and would save paying those people.”

Althoughthe specific term “Sutler” is not used in this example, I make the inferencethat “merchants” would include those who wish to ply the trade of Sutler to thearmy as the source of the primary requests. So much so that Bouquet thinks that offering up the opportunity to makea profit will entice others “of useful trades” to come along and save thegovernment the expense of paying for such services.

Thenext mention of Sutlers is in a letter from Bouquet to Forbes again, this timefrom Reas Town Camp, 8^th August 1758.  While giving his report to Forbes, Bouquetwrites:

“Yesterday I had word that three sutlers’ wagons which were going from Juniata to Fort Littleton without escort, were attacked beyond Sideling Hill by nine Indians who scalped  two wagoners and took two prisoners… On hearing of the first, I sent out a party of  thirteen Indians and seven volunteers to cut them off by an ambush on the Frankstown road.”

There is a lot that can belearned in this entry, first the wagons are describes as “sutlers’ wagons”which makes them civilian and not military property.  Also, he notes that they were “withoutescort” making it seem a private venture, perhaps an escort would have cost thesutler and they decided it was an un-necessary expense.  Something they will think of next time,provided the sutler themselves were not among the scalped or captured?  We can also assume that the two posts“Juniata” and “Fort Littleton” had sutlers selling necessities to the army evenif only in passing through.  Lastly, thefact Bouquet sends out a party to ambush the raiders leads me to believe thatthe sutlers were important enough to risk military forces, of course it wouldhave not been unusual for a response party to be sent out on the information araid had occurred if only to reconnoiter.

Forthe largest and most extensive piece of primary documentation I have found thusfar is the entry on 10^th August, 1758 titled “RATES AND PRICES ATRAYSTOWN”.

Thecorresponding orders to produce the list I believe are found in this entry intothe Orderly Book:

                                                 8th of August, 1758:

            “As it is necessary to settle the Prices of the Sutlers Goods the Commanding Officer of each Battalion or Brigade Major Shippen & Cap^t Young, are desired to meet at Co^l Burd’s Tent at 1o’Clock, who are to allow them a reasonable profit according to the   different Distances for Rays Town, over the Hills & upon the Ohio – and to make their Report to the Commanding Officer.”

Tothis date using the list described as a guide, I have been able to acquireactual or a “representation” of almost all the goods listed.  When I refer to a representation, I may nothave the actual quantity given in the list so I have settled for an examplei.e. “Madeira Wine” using a period wine bottle even though the quantities arelisted in gallon measurements leading me to believe they were probablydelivered in casks. I have also found some interesting items on this list thattook a little research to determine what they are.  A “Vidonia” is a Dry White Wine, from theCanary Islands.  Its placement on thelist gives it away as some type of wine. “Mim” I am not 1oo percent on this one, it could be a type of mixeddrink?  “Tamarinds”  from the tamarind tree are  a pod-like fruit thatis used in cuisines around the world.  Ifyou like WorcestershireSauce and HP Sauce, this fruit is found ineach. And lastly, “Gammons” are a side of bacon or the lower end of a side ofbacon.

Whilethis list is a great resource and gives idea as to what was available in 1758on the Pennsylvania/Ohio Frontier, a real gem of information is to be found inthe margin of page two. The following instructions are given:

            “All Sutlers to provide Dinner & Suppers for the Officers of the Corps to which they belong, they giving in their Rations & paying 6^d p^r day for Cooking also Paying for what Liquors they drink.”

Thisis one of the first primary source documents to my knowledge that mentions whata sutler was doing other than the obvious selling of wares.  Armed with this piece of information those ofus who search for more and more relevance for being with an army can state that(at least in 1758) sutlers were also responsible for cooking the rations of theOfficers at a rate of 6 pence per day and the said Officers were instructed topay for what they drank.  This in turncan lead to many interpretive opportunities for the public; cooking,interacting with officers, serving, both food and beverages.  From a vignette standpoint there can becomplaints about unpaid bills, the exchange about the quality of the food, theinteractions between officer class and either enlisted or other civilians etc.

Anotherinstance the next year in May 1759, Bouquet writes to George Stevenson, theprothonotary of York County that as it might be worthwhile to advertise

            “to encourage People to carry at their own Venture several necessarys to the Army, I beg you would let me Know what Prices you think should be offered at Bedford, Ligonier, and Pittsburgh” for flour, oats, Indian corn, rye, whiskey, pork, cattle, sheep, and hogs.”

He continued that sales in camp of small items such as;

            “Butter, cheese, Fowls, Fruit Vinegar Wine &c” were welcome, “but no Spirit except for the King’s Stores.”

Thenext text consulted is the Colonel Henry Bouquet Orderly Book, 17 June –15 September, 1758.  The first entrydeals with military rules and regulations. On 22^nd June 1758, Camp at Juniata:

            “If any Suttlers, Agents of Provisions, or others have Persons to send to the Settlement,   They must not leave the Camp without a Pass from the Commanding Officer-"

Onthe 24 of June orders issued from the Camp at Reas Town the Standing Ordersduring the Campaign-

            “1^st All Horses belonging to the Officers, Waggoners, the Train of Artillery, Sutlers, or any other Person whatsoever to be sent with the Cattle to the Pasture every morning at Revallee Beating…”

Onthe 3^rd of July, from the Camp at Reas Town the order was issuedthat:

            “All the Dearskins that are Actually or shall be brought into Camp are to be Delivered to the   Artillery Store as soon as they are dried & stretch’d, as they are wanted to make Mockessons for the Men that go on Party’s…no Sutler or any Person whatsoever is permitted to buy any –"

Thetopic of alcohol has only been mentioned briefly up to now in this primarysource.  Alcohol is a primary commoditythat Sutlers are selling and we will look specifically at that subject at thispoint.  Interestingly on the 18^thJuly, and again from Raes Town the order of the day begins with an order aboutthe purchase of Rum.

            “No Soldier shall buy any Rum from the Suttlers without an Order in Writing from the Officer Commanding the Company, and Quantity never to exceed more than a Jill P^r Day for one Man.”

OnAugust 10^th we find a Sutler being charged and brought to Courtmartial:

            “A Court martial of the Line tomorrow Morning at 9 oClock to try a Suttler for selling Liquors without proper orders. – Ens. Gradon to Prosecute him.”

            “26^th August 1758 Camp at Rays Town

            The Liquors and Goods bought from the Suttlers are to be paid at the rates fixed by the Committee of which each Corps is to take a Copy from the Brigade Major.”

Herewe have suspect evidence of some unscrupulous behaviors of the Sutlers, perhapscharging more for goods than what has been set. This example is a good one to discuss with the public about theregulation of free trade, and could be some of the seeds of rebellion?  The Sutlers are looking for profit and perhapsnone were members of the “committee” that fixed the prices?  They are under military regulation in orderto have access to the army, but this oversight may at times seem restrictive totheir business.  The Suters are also anecessary component to having an army in the field, they supply many of theitems the army could not provide, and some items they (the army) wished theydid not. Again, on the 29^th of August things have become worse andnow there is an issue with giving Liquor to the Indians, as noted with theextensive entry into the Orderly Book:

            “Notwithstanding the several Orders against giving Spirituous Liquors to the Indians, many of them were drunk yesterday; The Commanding officer thinks it proper to repeat General Forbes Orders respecting it viz^t .”

Oneparticular Sutler worth mentioning is Samuel Blodget, of note not so much forhis “suttling” skills but where he was and was able to do because he was aSutler serving  for General Johnson’sforce on the Lake George.  His famearises due to the fact he viewed the Battle of Lake George personally then drewand published The First American Battle Plan A map of the 1755 Battle ofLake George in New York, fought between the French and Native American(Iroquois) forces under the command of General Ludwig August von Dieskau, andthe British and provincial troops under Sir William Johnson. The highlydetailed pictorial view and map, depicting the “First Engagement” and the“Second Engagement”, was published barely three months after the battle, andlater re-engraved and published by Thomas Jefferys in 1756 in London.   Samuel was in the Louisburg campaign of1745; was Sutler in Crown Point expedition in 1775; in 2nd expedition to CrownPoint 1757; Sutler at Ft. William Henry when Gen. Webb withdrew his troops. In1758 he rejoined the army; there as quartermaster as late as Oct. 1758.

Name: Blodgett, Samuel (1724-1807)

Title: Sutler, Crown Point Expedition
Sutler, Fort William Henry
Quartermaster, British Army
Collector of Excise, New Hampshire, 1770
Judge, Inferior Court of Common Pleas
Surveyor, Colony of New Hampshire, 1772
Member, New Hampshire Legislature, 1778
Selectman, Town of Goffstown, 1781

Presentedhere is just a small sampling of what is available for the period of the 7Years War or French and Indian War and there is much more to be discovered.  The next instalment of this post will includesome observations and research pertaining to Sutlers in the period of theAmerican War for Independence. 

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BRANDYN CHARLTON
Brandyn is a father of three Cora, Clare and Liam, he and his wife Danielle reside in Northumberland Pennsylvania on the Susquehanna River. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and a Master’s degree from Edinboro University of PA. He has been a Certified Athletic Trainer for the past 23 years. He currently works in the occupational/industrial setting providing ergonomic services to clients in the Harrisburg area.  Beginning in 2020 he will bring his sutler impression to the 17^th Regiment of Infantry in America as a member and follower of the Regiment.

Arms and Equipment: Cleaning the Firelock, part 2.

This installment of Arms and Equipment will be focused on surface treatments forIron, Steel and Brass.

Two Reproduction Bayonets likely made in the same factory overseas. Typically, many reproduction arms are mirror polished, inconsistent with known artifacts, and tools used by soldiers of the American Revolution. Cleaning arms correctly can be a very cheap way to begin “de-farbing” your firelock.

In 1786, Oxford Militia Serjeant Major Henry Trenchard published a pamphlet entitled “The Private Soldier and Militia Man’s Friend”. The Volume is an interesting look into the ordinary, day-to-day maintenance necessary for service in the militia or the regular Army. Just over 30 pages, Trenchard devotes half of the work to maintaining cleanliness of arms, accouterments and uniforms and contains valuable recipes and techniques used by the ordinary enlisted soldier:

“First you must provide yourself with a hand-vice, screwdrivers, rubbing sticks, and leather free from grease, oil, emery, crocus martis, &c. The rubbing sticks for the arms should be made of deal wood of different sizes,, with leather glued on in the following manner: Make the rubbing sticks very smooth, and on one side of it lay down the hot glue, and on this lay your leather and press it down; then lay some glue on the leather, and on that lay some emery, and press it a little into the glue, them be well dried; with this use oil and emery, brick dust &c; if you apply them properly by rubbing the arms well, they will give your arms a smooth surface you are next to proceed to polish them; take crocus martis, and clean dry leather, rub the part which you want to polish until it is warm, when it will acquire a very fine darkgloss”

Trenchard’s above description of the rubbing sticks, serve as polishing strops, used in sharpening and polishing metal. A hint of what these may have looked like is from the Diderot’s Encylclopédie depicting tools from the cutler or Coutelier. One of those tools, described as a cuir à repasser, which was a “leather board” for polishing.

Another example of such a tool is in the French manufactured traveling case of Frederic Franck de la Roche, who served as an aide-de-camp to Marquis de Lafayette, in the collection of the Maryland Historical Society. From the original pasteboard case, it is clear that the strop was to be used with polishing razors for shaving.

A few years ago I made this little strop, with a piece of scrap wood. Contact cement is a good adhesive if you’ve never used hide glue before. I used a piece of buff leather. I made it small to easily fit in any type of cartridge pouch, or pocket.

Such polishing boards/strops can be extremely useful in getting metal mirror bright. However, such a finish is unnecessary to strive for during ordinary cleaning “in the field.” All that is needed is oil, leather scraps, linen scraps or tow, and brick dust.

First, take two small pieces of brick and rub them together, collecting the dust in a small container. Take your Leather and/or strop and apply a little oil. Apply brick dust into leather by dipping or sprinkling; rub in a circular motion throughout the entire surface you wish to polish.

The Strop is very useful for flat surfaces, and areas of heavier rust. The leather scrap is very useful in curved and hard to reach areas. Experiment with your own techniques. For bigger polishing jobs a “paste” made from oil and brick dust can be very convenient. The more you polish the better it looks!

Sword before polishing:

Typical light rust from carrying in the field.

Sword after polishing:

Once complete, wipe down with a piece of tow, or scrap linen, cleaning out tight spots of brick dust.

Repeat as necessary. A final polishing option is to use rotten stone (a Google search revealed many places to purchase) in a similar manner on a separate clean piece of leather for a final polish, or as Serjeant Major Trenchard put it “a very fine gloss”.

After handling, a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled rag will help keep rust fromdeveloping.

Thanks to Google Books, Trenchard’s book is available for free online:Google Books

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ANDREW KIRKhas been involved with American Revolutionary War living history since the age of 13. Taking an interest in material culture of the British Army has led to creating reproductions of artifacts for TV, Film and Museum Projects. Trained as a fine artist and educator at Maryland Institute College of Art and has been a secondary art teacher in Maryland for 7 years.

The Things We Carry: On the Strength of the Army

A couple weeks ago we had a member of the 17th Regiment of Infantry, Damian Niescior, write about all the things he carried during a weekend in the 18th century as a soldier in the British Army... this week we have a follow up post brought to you by Carrie Fellows, who has been working and recreating 18^th century domestic arts for more than 25 years. A year or so ago Carrie did a symposium with Kimberly Boice's: Historie Academie, which I happened to attend where she did a talk and workshop on how to pack for an event. So upon request it reminded me that she'd be the perfect fit to talk about what a follower of the army would bring with them.

Read Damian's blog post here.

- Mary S. an attached follower of the 17th Regiment of Infantry

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It can be difficult to explain to people what I do for fun. I combine my passion for history and the outdoors by interpreting the lives of women who, out of necessity, followed the Continental Army (and occasionally, the British army) during the American War for Independence.  I have portrayed a laundress, an officer’s servant, a refugee, and a soldier’s wife, but regardless of whom I portray, the things I carry with me may vary slightly according to season, but remain essentially the same. Over the years, I have refined and limited the number of objects I carry, lightening my load for travel on foot over long distances, rough terrain, and the occasional river ford.

Records of what women carried are practically nonexistent, but one can find clues in runaway ads, military records, and the occasional primary source. Women attached to the army had only what they brought away with them, or acquired on the road.  Women “on the strength” of the army were entitled to a half-ration of food (children received a one-quarter ration.) I am always hungry, and as rations aren’t always available, carry enough food to get by.

Tied about my middle, under my gown, a pair of pockets (1) is suspended. These contain both modern items (pocket on right) and period ones (pocket on left). I often leave my phone in the car unless I need to take photos for a talk or article, or will be in the deep backcountry.*  My car keys (40) are pinned firmly to the inside bottom corner of my left pocket.  In my right pocket: a sewing kit (2) or “housewife” – a roll of cloth with pockets to hold sewing supplies and tiny items like sleeve buttons, also a linen handkerchief (3), pocket knife (4), linen or woolen mitts (5), period scrip and real cash in a reproduction pocketbook (6), lip balm in a tin container (7).

I carry most of my gear in a wallet (8) – a rectangular cloth bag with a slit opening in the center. One places items in each end, then twists the entire thing at the center, closing the slit and forming a kind of narrow strap, then slung over the shoulder. I try to segregate the two ends into food/related items and clothing/personal items.  The food side holds a small bag of cornmeal or rice (9), cheese wrapped in 2 layers of linen (10 - the inner one dampened with vinegar); a cured sausage wrapped in brown paper (11), a small bag of walnuts (12), bread (13), tea (14), salt (15), seasonal vegetables (16), a spice bag, grater, candle ends and extra corks (17), paper packets of flour and pepper (18), and sometimes I even remember my fire kit: flint, steel, charcloth and tow in a tin box (42). Food-related items include a turned wooden bowl (19), which can serve as both drinking and eating vessel, an eating spoon (20), and a linen towel (21).

In the other end, I carry extra clothing items tied up together in a large kerchief (22): moccasins (23) and a man’s wool cap (24) for sleeping in, stockings (25), neck handkerchief (26), and a small paper notebook (27).  Some also carry a clean shift, but I do not, as I am rarely in a situation where there is privacy sufficient change it. Also: a tiny modern first aid kit in a red linen bag (28), personal toiletry items in another small drawstring bag: a tin box with soap and mirror (29), horn comb and bone toothbrush (30), handwoven wash towel (31), spectacles (32), allergy meds &, contact lens case (not pictured). Reenactor etiquette requires one to manage any non-historic personal care out of view as much as possible. Optional items, depending on the planned activity: a small bundle of mending patches and yarn (33), and a darning egg (34) to occupy time and to trade (mending skills have value), a large wooden cooking spoon (35), and a small axe (36). If there’s room, “luxury” items include a ceramic cup (37) and a big linen wallet that doubles as a straw tick (38).

I usually carry just one blanket (with a wool petticoat and cloak inside) rolled up, tied together at the ends to form a “U”, and carried across my body. I put on the wallet first, then the canteen (39) - the wallet cushions the strap - then the rolled blanket over that. The blanket helps keep both wallet and canteen secure, close to my body, and quiet as I walk – or run.

The last thing I pick up is my small iron pot (41), with its sheet iron lid tied on so it doesn’t rattle or become lost. If I have eggs or fruit, I pack it in the pot. It goes to every event with me. I hadn’t thought about it before, but that little pot – representing security, hot food, comfort (and home?) connects me to the women I portray who carried what they most valued when they followed the army.

*Nothing ruins an accurate setting faster than when the smartphones come out and glow blue at night.

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CARRIE FELLOWShas been interpreting 18^th century domestic arts for more than 25 years and is the Sergeant of Women for the progressive living history group, Augusta County Militia. She has held positions in history nonprofits and museums as a curator, educator, director, and board member, and is currently the Executive Director of the Hunterdon County (NJ) Cultural & Heritage Commission. She and her husband Mark are addicted to old houses.

The Malicious, Morose Malady and the Vindictive, Vagrant Vixen: A 17th Regiment Story, Part 2

In this week's blog entry, we return to finish the tale of Private Thomas Mallady's post-war adventures, initially chronicled this past May by guest author Don Hagist. While the documentary trail might not give us all the information we could hope for, there are some clear messages about the nature of marital disharmony in post-war New England that should give any would-be deserter food for thought. For more soldiers' stories, check out Don's blog: British Soldiers, American Revolution.

Click here for Part I

-- Will Tatum

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Part II

The next week's issue of the Western Star, on 18 September, carried Thomas Mellalew's response, this time datelined from Pittsfield:

"To the Publick.Whenever the character of an individual is notoriously attacked, it is incumbent on him, if he has any regard for his reputation, or respect for the opinion of the world, to come forward in his own defence. The writer is sensible that a private controversy between a man and woman, is not a very pleasing subject for the attention of the community: His only excuse is, that he write in his own defence.

"In the Star of last week, was published a piece under the signature of Hannah Mellalew - a performance in which my character is represented as black as the pen wielded by the hand of falhood [sic] could possibly describe. A publication, signed by a woman, the blackness of whose character my modesty will not permit me to lay naked to the view of the world - a woman with whom had it have been possible for any man to have lived, would not have been under the necessity of strolling about after a second gulled companion, while the first was still living. Let any ingenuous mind read the performance to which I allude, and then say, if any but an abandoned prostitute could ever have come forward with such a publication in the face of the world. No, not a woman on earth, who is not totally devoid of every species of virtue, could have assumed the impudence to publish such brothel ideas of a man, whom she claims as her companion.

"The charges alledged against me in that piece, it is in my power, at any time to confute. But I do not conceive that a Newspaper is a proper place to produce affidavits to establish the character of any man.”

"Neither do I believe that the publick are so strongly inclined to believe any man a villain, as, without proof, without witnesses, or even the appearance of truth, to give credit to the aspersions of a malicious, vindictive, vagrant vixen. Thomas Mallady.Pittsfield, Sept. 1792."

It didn't end there. The next week's issue of the Wester Star, dated 25 September, contained Hannah's next volley, this one a barrage including statements from other individuals:

"To the Publick.Thomas Mallady (or Mellalew) having asserted in the paper of last week, that the charges I have exhibited against him are not true, the following are submitted to the inspection of the publick. Hannah Mellalew.

"Middletown, February 18, 1778."These may certify that Thomas Mellalew and Hannah Andrews were married on the day of the date above, according to the form in the office for the solemnization of marriage, in the book of common prayer, by me, Abraham Jarvis, Minister of the Church of England.

"These may certify whom it may concern, that Thomas Mellalew (or Mallady, as many persons called him) some years since lived in this town with his wife; and, while he lived in this town, he advertised his wife in the Springfield Newspaper, lest she should run him in debt when he was absent; and afterwards put in another advertisement, wherein he manifested his sorrow for the first, and said he had no foundation or just cause for publishing the first.

 

Furthermore, while he lived in this town, he made an appointment to meet a Negro's wife, at a certain place in the night time, in a certain barn; and the Negro's wife informed Mrs. Mellalew of the appointment, who procured sundry persons, one of whom was dressed in a woman's clothes, to meet at the time and place appointed, when and where Mellalew attended in the dark, and his conduct was such, as caused them to lead him home to his wife; and he did not deny his intent in going to the barn, and in the barn called the Negro's wife by name several times, before the persons lying in wait discovered themselves. The substance of the above was sworn to before me, as nearly as I can recollect, by two of the persons who were in the barn, and one of them who was dressed in women's apparel.

P. S. Mrs. Mellalew's character in this town is good, for any thing that I know.

Samuel Mather, Justice of the Peace.Westfield, August 17, 1792."

The story certainly didn't end there, but unfortunately our documentary trail does. Further research might reveal what became of this former soldier of the 17th and his estranged wife, and help us decide whether he was "malicious and morose," or she was a "vindictive, vagrant vixen."

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DON HAGISTis a life-long British Army researcher and founding member of the 22nd Regiment of Foot (recreated). His scholarly career includes preparing and publishing numerous editions of period primary sources and analytical articles for the living history community. Most recently, Hagist has written two major books.

The first, British Soldiers, American War examines the Revolutionary conflict through the eyes of British soldiers’ narratives. The second and more recent is The Revolution’s Last Men, an exploration of the last veterans of the War for Independence who were captured through early photography. Hagist runs his own blog and is a regular contributor at the Journal of the American Revolution

A Layman’s Guide to Historic Research

This week after a few weeks of rather heavy research and unit development blogs, writer Kyle Timmons joins us again to welcome back the website with a light hearted research blog. If you've missed the blog, it is back! Thanks for standing by us.

Mary Sherlock - An attached follower of the 17th Regiment of Infantry.

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Just a disclaimer to start off with: I AM NOT A HISTORIAN, HISTORY TEACHER, RESEARCHER, ARCHAEOLOGIST, OR ANYTHING LIKE IT. I am a simple person who enjoys history immensely and I’ve read and studied history much of my life. HOWEVER, I have the honor and privilege of being friend and acquaintance to many truly gifted and highly regarded Professional Historians. They’ve taught me so much about the 18^th Century, the Revolution, and the British Army. But most importantly, they’ve given me the tools research on my own and to hunt down information that is of interest to me, and hopefully I can turn that information around and further benefit the hobby, the community, and our understanding of the 18^th century. I’m going to take some time and share some of those tools with you.

1. BE SUSPICIOUS. The moment that you read that previous statement is gone, and is never coming back. You can’t change it. But in an hour when you’re eating delicious food and playing on your phone you’ll likely forget about it. Maybe tomorrow you’ll share your memory of this blog with a friend, but you’ll share the points in your own words. You might get things wrong. 60 years from now when you’re telling your grandchildren how you first got into reenacting you’re memory of the antiquated computer or smart phone you used back then will be colored by nostalgia of the past.

That’s how history is written. It’s mis-remembered, its colored by the writer’s opinion, maybe inflated by his need to tell a good story, or he’s recording it through hazy lens of old age. Whenever you read a historic source, always keep in mind who is writing it, his goal when writing, and his frame of mind, and when he’s writing. A journal entry or letter written the same day is a great source but even then things can get jumbled, misrepresented, summarized, etc. Your solution to this problem? Find more sources. 1 guy saying the British marched at the open order in battle in 1777 is an anomaly. 2 sources is a little better. 3 is better. Finding details that agree from opposing sides is even better. General Orders recorded in an orderly book detailing how the army is to be deployed just adds more ammunition to your theory.

2. YOU MAY BE WRONG BUT YOU MAY BE RIGHT. The modern age we live in is actually an exciting time for someone with a history interest. That’s because high definition imagery and the internet are making it easy for someone in the United States to view an artifact or painting housed in England, or Germany, or anywhere else in the world in detail from the comfort of their home. Books, journals, etc. that are no longer in print or are one of a kind have likewise been digitized and can be accessed around the world either as open domain files or through special archives. This means information that has either laid unseen in a private collector’s library, or has only been accessible to a select few can now be accessed by the entire world. This tidal wave of new information is changing how we see the 18^th century in numerous ways. A good example of this is the silk bonnet. Earlier it was commonly believed by reenactors that a silk bonnet was something that would have been out of reach to the “lower sort” of women in the 18^th Now however, after searching through runaway ads here in America, looking at artwork from England, it’s clear that these beautiful articles of clothing were available to a much wider range of women than was originally supposed. Our knowledge of the 18^th century is largely a collection of theories; strong theories mind you, and ones back up with multiple bits of data to support them. But as the data changes, our conclusions must change as well.
3. IMAGINATION IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR KNOWLEDGE. Even without photographs, film, or with the amount of material culture items industrial-age historians are accustomed to there is a very large amount of source material and artifacts from the 18^th There is no excuse for not making use of this material. When you choose an impression, be specific about what it is you’re trying to do. Are you doing a civilian or military? What nationality? What year and where are they? What is their social class? All of this is important. Military clothing, though it follows the fashions of the time, is distinct in many ways from its civilian counterparts. You won’t find examples of civilians in 1777 Philadelphia wearing gaitered trousers. The nation is important because every nation has their own idiosyncrasies. Time and place also play a factor. Fashions, like today, change with time.

Most military units have to get new clothing from year to year because their clothing wears out, just like yours does (though I doubt you’re marching for miles every day or sleeping outside in the rain!). That means they’re style of clothing is likely to change, either from fashion or from lessons learned on the battlefield. If the unit you’re recreating DIDN’T get their clothing issue than that in itself will change how you represent that unit.

Social class is also of major importance. Some clothing item are compatible to some extent across the classes. For instance, men’s shirts of the day are universally of a good quality in terms of stitch work (though they are often made of different grades of material). In other ways they’re very different. A laborer isn’t likely to be wearing a silk coat and breeches. Likewise, a gentleman isn’t likely to have an osnabrig (a kind of course natural linen) shirt and the same clothing items as a private soldier in the army (any army). Doing any impression costs money. To do a higher class impression well costs more money, just like how it’s easier to get a suit from Boscov’s (like me!) than to have one tailored to your desires in London or L.A.

4. QUALITY IS A QUANTITY ALL ITS OWN. This is the last point I want to make. I’m immensely proud of my impressions, of which I have two…and a half. I have a 17^th Regiment soldier’s kit, a kit for the Philadelphia Associators, and a mostly finished civilian impression. I say “mostly finished” because my coat is sitting sleeveless and partially un-lined on a chair. The reason I’m immensely proud of my kit is that I’ve made much of the clothing items I possess. My 17^th Regimental and its waistcoat were the first 2 sewing projects I’d ever done. The things that I didn’t make were made by friends of mine who are very skilled at their trades. That’s what makes a good 18^th century impression. Clothing of the time was done by hand, not machine, and most men’s clothing is fitted. You can see this in the paintings and sketches of the time. Clothing was expensive for these people, and they took care of what they had. They also dressed as well as they could. You should, too. If you’re new to this period, or reenacting in general, my advice for you is this. If you’re thinking of buy “off the rack” clothing, don’t. Save your money. Reenacting isn’t going anywhere. There are people out there who will take your measurements and whip you up a set of period clothing. Many of them are really good, and naturally they charge for that service. It might take you time to get that money together but the quality will be worth it and you won’t have to go and buy a better piece of clothing down the road.

If you have an aptitude for sewing however, or you can get with a group of people who know how to sew and can teach you, then you’re life probably just got a lot easier. With the right patterns for your clothing, patience, and help, you can make your own clothing for a much more agreeable sum of money. On top of that, you learn a valuable skill. And once you can sew, you can make yourself into anyone!

The study of history and the recreation of it is a noble hobby. But to do it right takes work, research, money and commitment. But most importantly, it takes networking with good people. That’s how I have learned so much, and really it’s the people we hang out and work with that make this hobby so great.

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KYLE TIMMONSis a long time reenactor, a Combat Medic in the PA National Guard, and currently an employee of the National Park Service. His wife and cat think he's pretty alright.