242nd Battle of Hubbardton

This past weekend was the 242^nd anniversary of the Battle of Hubbardton in Hubbardton, Vermont. The battle is usually described as being the only battle fought in the now state of Vermont, though there were other skirmish level actions in several areas.

Warner's Regiment forming up.

I didn't get many photos, as my family schedule sort of jumbled my weekend, and when I was on the battlefield, I was either drilling or keeping track of my children. My daughter did manage to get a few photos though.

Since we live close by, we swung by the event on Friday night to set up our tent and chat quickly with everyone. On Saturday morning, Gabriella and I returned, this time with one of her chickens in tow. Earlier this year, she had asked if she could raise chickens. One of the breeds that we chose, the Dominique, is actually a heritage breed, appropriate to our time period. She's been dying to take one of her babies to an event, and since we were close by, we figured this would be a good one, as we could quickly return home if there was any trouble.

Chicken Rose, hanging out with the distaff.

Saturday morning the unit spent time drilling, working both on the Manual of Arms, and our movements across the field, while a few other units played out a small skirmish on the hill. There was also a bit of time for shopping, though sutler turnout was low this year, with about half the number of vendors as what I'm used to seeing there.

In the afternoon, the main battle for the day was scheduled. We were issued powder, and had started to gear up when the order was given to put everything under cover. To the north, the sky had turned very dark, and a low rumble of thunder could be heard. Soon the wind picked up, the rain started falling, and the lightening started to flash. Many of us huddled under the dining fly, watching the storm, and, ironically, enjoying the wind as it had been incredibly humid all day.

Unfortunately, the weather caused the battle to be cancelled.

Moving into formation.

One of the things that the public does not see in this hobby is what happens after hours. Once the sky cleared, and a few small units had gone out to skirmish for fun, a memorial service was held at the top of the hill. Our Chaplain, once again, read a great sermon, remembered not only the Americans who had fallen at Hubbardton, but also the British and German soldiers who had fought and died far from their homes. One of the most emotional points of the service was when the names of those in the hobby that we had lost in the past year were called out. Moments like these, out of public view, really show what a small community reenactors have.

Rose, entertaining the gathering.

After the main memorial service, Warner's Regiment held our own Toast to the Fallen. Each year, at events where we are reenacting on the same ground as those we portray, we hold an issuing of rum, and a toast to those men who had been killed, wounded, and captured in service to the country. Hubbardton was a bloody action, and several of the original Warner's men had fallen there. These toasts are solem occasions, but I'm glad that I get to be a part of them.

Off to do some drilling.

Sunday, for me, was a quick day. Due to a last mintue family scheduling change, I had to miss the morning battle, which was the actual reenactment of the Battle of Hubbardton, fought exactly 242 years after the real battle. The kids and I were able to make it over to the battlefield by around 10:30, but the kids were too demanding of my time for me to take the field. We did have a good visit, though, and Gabbi's birds provided entertainment for both the unit and the visitors.

Rose takes me for a walk.