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Date Posted: 09:05:30 05/20/02 Mon
Author: Jeremy Mazur
Subject: May Mansfield LH AAR

The May TMLHA living history at Mansfield was, like the previous two association events, a success. Some of the hallnmarks of this past weekend's event include improved impressions, new patricipants, better weather, and a preservation activity. Here's some of the details.

AUTHENTICITY INSPECTION
Per the TMLHA guidelines, an authenticity inspection was held Sayturday morning for all participants. The inspection covered clothing, weaponry, accoutrements, and personal items. The inspection report for the 77th Illinois is as follows:

* 3 de-blued and de-farbed Enfield muskets, 1 de-farbed Springfield musket,
* 3 sack coats with hand-sewn buttonholes, 1 Schuylkil Arsenal jacket with hand-sewn buttonholes,
* 3 sets of correct leathers (one Enfield scabbard in use while Gaylord pattern is on order),
* 3 correct foarge caps, 1 correct sluch hat,
* 4 pair of Federal issue trowsers, buttonholes hand-sewn,
* 4 pair correct socks and brogans,
* 4 period-correct shirts,
* 1 correct linen knapsack, 3 (plausibly) incorrect canvas knapsacks,
* 4 correct blankets.

THE SCENARIO
The scenario involved forward picket posts (again). Although we were not able to obtain certification from the park for firing (the rangers were very buisy on Saturday), the scenario worked very well. In fact, the day was so perfect with a high in the upper 70's and nary a cloud, that both sides felt little inclination to fight each other.

The first person went well throughout the weekend. The exchanges between the lines were period correct and interesting in their own right. I recollect having an interesting discussion with some Rebs about the "dutch" and their fighting qualities and another discussion about how to plunder from and burn down a plantation. Danny, the Confederate commander for the weekend, told me that first person on their side was spot-on for the majority of the weekend. But for some occasional lapses on the Federal side, first person was maintained throughout the event.

This event included a number of "mundane" camplife activities. On the Federal side, we were able to mend gear, polish brass with spit and ashed, and sew some poke sacks together. We did all of this AND cook a real chicken over the fire. On Sunday I enjoyed learning and playing a game of dominoes with Adam and Danny in the middle of no-man's-land. Adam won, I came in second, and Danny lost flat-out. These activities were good in that the enhanced the immersive experience and provided a richer backdrop for the public to observe when they came walking through... if they ever did.

THE PUBLIC
Despite the spectacular weather, the public did not come out in force for the weekend. In fact, we had more public visitors at our January and March events than we did this past weekend. While the numbers were slightly disappointing, those that did come through were obviously fascinated by what we had to show. In fact, not one left our camps without giving us a sincere thanks.

PRESERVATION
True to the TMLHA's mission statement, this weekend's event included a preservation component. At noon on Sunday we walked through the Alfred Mouton Memorial Trail and picked up trash. We continued our sweep through the picknick area and up to the visitor center. The bad news of this pick-up was that we found some trash. The good news was that it wasn't alot. Still, it was good knowing that by removing such rubbish we were contributing to the preservation of the park's aesthetics. (Note: We would have filled the trash bag up completely if Corn followed our advice and jumped on into the bag.) This preservation activity, or others like it, will take place at future TMLHA events.

IN CONCLUSION
Overall, it was a good event. Our next one will be during the third weekend in July. To those who contributed to the success of this event, I give y'all a sincere thank you. Y'all did a bully job.

-jeremy "brother maynard" mazur
TMLHA Federal Coordinator

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