Castillo de San Marcos

 

   On our way down to Florida we stopped in St. Augustine to break up the ride.  The old town was over run with tourists  looking for something to do before New Years eve.  Too crowded for our taste.  So we wondered over to the fort, which us magnificent.  We did not go in but walked the grounds.  I have been to the Fort a number of times during my service with the NPS.   Black Powder training was held at a National Guard post just west of here.  So every two years I was sent to teach at the two week course.

 From the city website here is a quick history:  "The oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, the  Castillo de San Marcos is a large Spanish stone fortress built to protect and defend Spain's claims in the New World. It's a National Monument and, at over 315 years old, it's the oldest structure in St. Augustine. It's also one of the main attractions visitors to St. Augustine come to see.

 

  Construction began on the Castillo de San Marcos in 1672 and lasted 23 years until 1695. Many Spanish forts preceded the Castillo. However, this one made of coquina was impenetrable to enemy attack and was fire resistant.

  The fort came under fire for the first time in 1702. British forces, led by General Moore, burned the city but could not penetrate the Castillo's walls. Subsequent attacks in 1728 and 1740 yielded similar results, and the British were never able to take St. Augustine by force.

  In 1763 however, Florida became a British colony by signing the Treaty of Paris, thus beginning a 20-year period of English rule. The Castillo was used as a military prison during the Revolutionary War, and at one time it held three signers of the Declaration of Independence within its walls.

  At the end of the Revolutionary War, Florida was returned to Spain in 1784 until Florida became a United States Territory in 1821. The Americans called the Castillo Fort Marion, honoring the revolutionary patriot from the Carolinas, General Frances Marion. The U.S. Government used Fort Marion as a prison for Native Americans in the late 1800s. Natives from both Florida and the Great Plains were held at the fort during this time.

  The fort was officially taken off the active list of fortifications in 1900 and it was preserved and recognized as a National Monument in 1924. Congress renamed the fort in 1942, reverting to the Spanish name, the Castillo de San Marcos. At over 315 years old, the fort is a lasting landmark of seventeenth-century St. Augustine."

Williamsburg At Night

 

  On the way down to Florida, to escape the cold and winter of the North East.  At least for a short while.   Janine is driving and I am navigating.  We are not stopping for too much sight seeing along the way as we just want to get there.

  But we did a quick nights stop at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia.  It was night time but that made it a unique and enjoyable time to wander up and down the main street.  

 Some of the houses and buildings were lighted up. We also caught part of some evening programs. It was great fun.

US Army Uniforms 1813

 

  American Army uniforms of the War of 1812 is a very complex subject.   Uniforms changed considerably throughout the war.  The uniforms worn early in the war were very different then those worn at the end of the war.  More importantly units didn't always receive new items immediately when they became available. Mid War uniforms are a case in point.

 Throughout the 1813 campaign season the American regular infantry wore a hybrid uniform. On paper, the US Army had an entirely new uniform in 1813. This was a plain coatee without the lace adorning earlier versions of the garment, and a ,new leather shako. But as any student of military history can tell you, the dictates from on high do not always translate into changes in the field; at least not right away;  sometimes if ever.  The American army throughout the 1813 campaign season (a third of the war), wore a hybrid of the 1812 and 1814 uniform.

  On paper the United States Army  had an entirely new uniform.  This was to be a plain coatee without the lace the earlier coatee had  plus a new leather shako.

  The leather shako was delivered very quickly to the front lines, and most units had them in hand for the 1813 campaign season.

  The regimental coats were another story. The old laced 1812 coatee continued to be worn by a substantial number of units, and because of shortages of blue dye, it was delivered to units in various shades of grey, "drab", brown, and black. According to Rene Chartrand, the Army specified that, "the mixed color coatees and garments were to be cut as prescribed in the February 1812 regulations, with red collars and cuffs, and white lace binding."

  The units wearing this old coat/new cap configuration, were as follows (coat color follows listing):

12th US: Drab, red facings

14th: Brown for some, Drab faced with Red for others.

21st: Blue, red facings

16th: Black, red  facings

  And here is yet another exception to the rule. The War of 1812 is filled with them.   The 25th US Infantry had the old felt shako and a blue coat faced with red (and with minimal lace). 

  So, if you are interested in adding something different or unusual to your collection looking into these different coatee colors.

For more information:

Chartrand, Rene. A Most Warlike Appearance: Uniforms, Flags and Equipment of the United States in the War of 1812. Ottawa: Service Publications, 2010

Battle of Princeton 3 January 1777

 

For my re fight of this battle please see:

https://bravefusiliers.blogspot.com/2021/01/it-is-fine-fox-chase-my-boys.html

Happy New Year 2023

 

  Wishing you all a most happy and healthy 2023.  Here is to hoping this is a better year then the last.  

Battle of Quebec 1775

 

  Tonight marks the incredibly brave but foolish assault to capture Quebec by the American forces under Montgomery and Arnold.   Going into the attack under cover of a heavy snow storm.  

  At one point American rifle men under Daniel Morgan were using ladder to climb down from buildings to get into the city.  An amazing story.  I have always felt bad that the troops from New England had their terms of enlistment expire the next day, but still went in.  As I said an amazing story!

Medical Update

  After my accident in March I have been dealing with the after effects of my skull fracture and concussion.  The fracture is healing very slowly but it is healing.  The effects of the concussion are still with me but I am making some improvements.  I can paint again and my memory has greatly improved. Driving is still a no go.  I tend to be a couple steps behind on conversations or such. Janine is very patient with me, even when I ask the same question three times in a day.  I still get confused and fuzzy and dizzy in large groups of people and loud noises hurt.  Oh!  I have had a number of CT and MRI.

  One "benefit" of having CT scans and MRI's are you get what the doctors call "incidental findings."  I unfortunately got one of those in June.  They discovered a  tumor in my skull in the clival area.  This impacts my vision and  hearing.  Headaches are one of its trade marks and a daily reminder of my "incidental finding."   The tumor itself is wrapped three quarters around the main artery that  brings blood to the brain. So it has effected my energy levels and stamina.  It looks like it has been there for a very long time based on bone decay and its been growing slowly over the years.  How long they are not sure.

   I am told these are very rare, a million to one odds of getting them.  So the  doctors are most interested in me right now; possibly as a future journal of medicine article. I have jokingly told them if they do a article I would like a copy.  Until we get into my head they are not sure if its a Chondrosarcomas or a Chordomas.  The last is usually on the spine but this one is off center.  The first is the more likely.  Booth as I have been told are rare.   I wish I had the sane luck when buying lottery tickets.

 Surgery is going to be very tricky.  They need both a Ear, Nose and Throat specialist and a Neurosurgeon so its difficult scheduling wise. There is a boat load of risks involved because of its location and possible damage to important areas.  In addition they are honest in saying there is no way they can get all of it out because of its impact on my systems and location.  And there will be risks and possible damage as a result.    After surgery I will be getting radiation for five days a week for seven weeks.    Then we wait an see.  The possibility of it returning is great.  The possibility of some damage during  the operation is also not in my favor.  One good thing is we can measure it from March through October and it has not grown during that period.  Hence why the doctors agreed, but were not happy with it to reschedule for April 2023.

  I was scheduled for surgery in mid November but have asked the doctors to please put it off  till in 2023.  Because of covid and then work and finally my accident I have not been out much.  I really want to get out and do things with Janine.  Create some positive memories and have a few small but fun adventures.  And play a few more games!  In April we will revisit it and schedule the operation.  

  One of the few bright spots during this time has been my hobby of miniature wargames, the Fife and Drum miniature forum and the blog world.  John from the club had constantly set up Monday gamesand encouraged me to attend.   These have been great fun.  Warren has been outstanding in driving me them.  Playing in Adam's naval game I reported on here is one of my highlights of the year.   Table top battles, or just enjoying the sight of a well set up table never fails to put a smile on my face and whisks away the blues.  The blogging world, or at least may small part of it has always been encouraging and positive.  Its strange that I enjoy so much hearing from and corresponding with individuals who I fear I might never meet.  But please know that all of you have helped me through this difficult time and truly brightened my days.  Thank you all very much.