2008 Williamsburg

One of the highlights of the reenactment schedule is the annual Under the Redcoat event in Colonial Williamsburg. As always, members of 4th Coy met at the Williamsburg Fife and Drum building late Friday morning to participate in the initial walk-in and taking of the Capitol. Uniforms unwashed, faces unkempt, but muskets refulgent, guardsmen escorted the cavalry into the city and provided security while the Capitol Building was secured and the Crown's colors were raised. Ironically, it was decided it was too hot for the horses and ox to pull the carts bearing the tents, so it was up to a couple of brawny lads of the 4th Coy to man the handcarts to bring in the tents. At the conclusion of the day, the company retired for a little jollification and cleaning of equipment.

Reinforcements arrived Saturday morning, bringing 4th Coy's numbers up in time for some morning drill and preparation for the second guard mount. Guard mount was a feat of endurance, with the Colonial Williamsburg staff announcing that the temperature hit 104 degrees, an unofficial record for Under The Redcoat. The afternoon plan was to kit out for some additional drilling in preparation for the scheduled appearance in the Sunday firing competition. However, as Saturday's firing competition unfolded, it quickly became apparent that the Town Major needed another group to step up. Accepting the challenge, 4th Coy offered to take the field despite having multiple men in the ranks that absolutely no experience firing a musket. The performance was rough by 4th Coy's standards, but it was enough to squeek out a win. After the competition, 4th Coy retired to their evening plans, which included a fine dinner or participation in the traditional Williamsburg tap-too.

4th Coy drew the first guard mount Sunday morning, leaving the rest of the day for company drill and improving our time from the previous day. The firing competition Sunday afternoon found 4th Coy facing off against the Royal Yorkers and the 64th. While the judges announced a dead heat between 4th Coy and the 64th, 4th Coy conceded the field to the 64th. The competition was about firing five rounds as quickly as possible, and while 4th Coy improved their time dramatically over the previous day, the 64th got their first round off a second or two before 4th Coy and maintained that lead to the very end. The ruling of a tie was on a technicality...both groups got back to the shoulder at the same time. Congratulations to the 64th!