Sailing in the USS Constitution July 4, 2018

  A once in a life time experience.  And something to cross off my bucket list.

 

   During my time with the National Park Service in the 1980's I was stationed at the Charlestown district of Boston National Historical Park.  Each day arriving to work and later leaving work I passed by the USS Constitution.  Still a commissioned ship of the United States Navy,  "Old Ironsides is crewed by serving members of the navy.  It is a living  history of the traditions of the navy from the War of 1812. a must see for anyone visiting Boston. 

  Once a year on July 4 the ship is towed out from its pier and brought to the outer harbour and back again.  In addition to invited dignitaries and  guests a small number of people are chosen by lottery to sail on the Constitution.  My wife Janine (who I met while working at the navy yard) and I have always wanted to do this.  Well, this year we were picked to sail on the Constitution! We set sail at 10:00 a.m. on July 4th for a four hour cruise.

Crowds on the main deck

Singing sea shanties

   We arrived early at 8:30 am at the Navy Yard.  We had to go through security before entering the ship.  Similar to going through TSA at the aurport.   It was very hot (about 99 degrees) and we brought lunch and plenty of water and Gatorade with us on board.  Everyone was excited and happy and in a good mood.  Janine and I explored the main deck and gun deck.  The ship's crew members entertained us with stories about the ship and also ran children (and some adults) through simulated cannon gun drill.  A group who sang sea shanties entertained us with their music throughout the cruise.   Once the lines were established the tugs started us off the dock and off we went.  The Constitution does not have enough sails to be under her own power so tugs push us along at a leisurely pace.  Plenty of smaller boats and tour  ships follow along side. 

   On board the ship was a volunteer group who represents the ships Marine detachment.  They had excellent kits and have a very good musket drill and firing demonstration.

  If you were interested you could also get a flag that was flown on the Constitution.  You got a certificate signed by the captain.  A crew member helped you raise the flag and then lowered it.   Another crew member then helped you fold it in a military fashion.  Janine and I just had to do it. 

  A pleasant time and a very memorable experience.  One that we will not forget.  After all how many people can say they sailed on the USS Constitution!

3rd Continental Regiment 1776

  The 3rd Continental Regiment was raised  in January 1776 by consolidating Colonel Learned's, Danielson's and Wood's  1775 regiments .  It was enlisted until January 1777 and  served during the seige of Boston and later in the campaigns around New York city.  It was Commanded by Colonel Ebenezer Learned until his retirement in May 1776 due to illness.  Learned later returned to military service and commanded a brigade during the Saratoga campaign.

  During the siege of Boston Colonel Learned and the 3rd Continental regiment manned the important Dorchester heights position which forced the British evacuation of Boston.  When the Americans marched into Boston the 3rd led the march into the city and was assigned the duty of removing obstacles like abatis and caltrops.  Afterwards they marched south to New York city.  Although they did not participate in the fight on Long Island they did see service later in the campaign.  They were assigned to the Brigade commanded by General John Glover with the 13th, 14th and 26th Continental regiments.  At Kip's Bay September 5 they formed the defensive line at Kingsbridge  that Washington's forces retreated past.  At Pell's Point  on October 14 they fought a delaying action against advancing British light forces.  Remnants of the Regiment fought at Trenton before being disbanded with the expiration of enlistments.  Many of the men later enlisted into the 4th Massachusetts regiment of 1777.

  Little is known of the uniform of the 3rd Continental Regiment.  Massachusetts had large supplies of brown wool.  These included captured and re dyed British coats.  Usually coats were supplied with red linings and a waistcoat or vest matching the coat color.  There were a variety of wool for facing colors avalible.  Since none are listed for the 3rd I have assigned them white.

  The figures are from The RSM line of miniatures.  Most know about their Seven Years War line, but few know they have a small but very nice line of American Rev War figures.  A bulk pack of 36 figures cost $30.   Very reasonably priced.  The regimental colors are from The Flag Dude and is typical of existing colors of the time period.  I will be adding a Bunker Hill or Grand Union color if he comes through with his order.

Painting Totals 2018

  I have been painting a lot this year.  Some of my figures have come out very good, others just ok.  Since we are at the half way mark through the year I thought I would add up my total figures painted. Civilian figures and farm animals are not included. 
 
 I was a bit surprised at what I have done so far.

American Rev War:
12 Militia Horse
24 Rifle men rev war
30  Smallwood's Maryland
30 Continental line infantry (1st NY)
30 Continental line infantry (3rdNy)
30 Continental line infantry (13th Continental regiment)
30 Continental line infantry (19h Continental regiment)
1  Brigadier

War of 1812:
6 New York militia hussars
24 Militia war of 1812
24 US regulars war of 1812

WAS/SYW:
2 French cannon
8 French gunners
12 French fusiliers
12 French Cavalry

Totals:
242 x  Infantry
31 x Cavalry
2 x Cannon

My plans for the remainder of the year?

  In Rev War I will be adding five more continental line regiments and a militia regiment.   I will be  doing a two gun battery  representing Hamilton's New York  Artillery regiment.   Then I am pretty much done with my American 1776 army.    I would like to add Colonel Rall's brigade of the Rall, Lossberg and Knypausen Hessian regiments if I can afford the miniatures.  For July 4th I am planning a parade of my American Rev War collection. 

In War of 1812 the 41st Regiment of foot and some British flank companies need to be primed and placed in the painting line.  I also have a headquarters group of American officers to do.  It would make a very nice display item. 

I have another French Cavalry Regiment to complete in my mid eighteenth century French army that is half way done;  but for  some reason I just cannot get them done.  After that I am not sure where that project will be going.  I love the figures and they are my most colorful army.  But I just cannot muster the enthusiasm to paint a another army to fight them.  It is possible I may sell or trade them but I can not make up my mind.  We will see.

In Full Glory Reflected: Book review

In Full Glory Reflected:  Discovering the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake
By Ralph E. Edelman and Burton K. Kummerow

My son got me a copy of this book for father's day.   It is a great read about the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake bay area.  Lots of ideas about raids and local militia opposing naval landing parties. The battles of Bladensburg and North Point are covered in detail. 

The strength of the book are the wonderful illustrations by the famous artist Gerry Embelton.  These alone are worth the price of the book.  In addition there are two outstanding birds eye maps of the battles at Bladensburg and North Point.  Great eye candy and great for creating your miniature battlefields.

Finally there is a guide to sites featured in the book and yours of sites.  Again indispensable for planning future adventures your War of 1812 sites in the Chesapeake area.

Highly recommended!

General Alexander McDougall

   Alexander McDougall was one of those renaissance men who took part in the American Revolution.  They are a part of the fascination I have for this event.

  Born on the Isle of Islay in Scotland in 1732 his family emigrated to New York in 1738. During his life McDougall served as a seaman, a merchant and a privateer.  As a leader of the political Sons of liberty in New York city he was prominent in the events  leading towards independence.  During the War he raised The 1st New York Regiment and served as Major General.  He commanded his brigade and fought at the Battle of White Plains in October 1776.  For much of the war he commanded in the Hudson highlands and later at West Point.

  After the war he served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, President of the Bank of New York and served a term in the New York State Senate.

  The miniature is from Fife and Drum.  I have painted him as he might have looked commanding his brigade at White Plains in 1776.  He wears his old regimental uniform, but with the pink or red ribbon and cockade  of a brigadier general.  His faithful hound (from Warbases) adds a nice touch to the command stand.

1st New York Regiment 1776

   The New York Provincial Congress authorized the raising of four infantry regiment in June 1775.   Alexander McDougall is  commissioned Colonel of the 1st New York.

  In the fall of 1775 the 1st New York participates in the invasion of Canada under General Montgomery and takes part in the fighting at Saint John's and later at the failed assault at  Quebec.  Enlistments expire in January 1776.  The regiment is reestablished with Alexander McDougall once again  as Colonel.

   In the spring of  1776 the 1st New York matches south to the New York city area.  Once there they serve as  garrison and work on the fortifications in the City.  On July 4, 1776 they are assembled and the new Declaration of Independence read to the Regiment and the city.

   During the Battle of Long Island they are  In the  reserve camp on Bayard's Hill.  They are part of General Alexander McDougall brigade which includes the 1st and 3rd New York, 19th Continental and Colonel Brewer's Artificers.   Later Smallwood's Maryland Regiment is added to the brigade.  On October 28 the entire brigade takes part in the Battle of White Plains.  After the 1st New York matches to North Castle New York.   A contingent of the 1st New York joins Gen. George Washington in New Jersey and  participates in the Battle of Trenton.  The regiments disbanded in January 1777 and once again are restablished as the new 1st New York Regiment through 1783.

  Miniatures used for the 1st New York are from  Fife and Drum.   Painting the Regiment posed a problem as I could not find any returns for the Regiment in 1776.  Since deserter reports of 1775 and  1777 suggested blue coats faced red I went with that.  The coats lined in facing material and vests in the coat color were very typical of 1776 uniforms and add a interesting touch.  The regimental colors are from GMB and are very beautiful.  One is the traditional New York color associated with the New York line during the Rev War.  The other a simple liberty flag which was common to the period.

Fun with 1812

I had a quiet morning before work.  So I set up a table and put out some of my recent War of 1812 figures.  The infantry are from Brigade games ministures.  Fancy New York cavalry from Old Glory.  Hunting shirt and top hat cavalry I picked up at Cold Wars and are The only figures in my collection I did not paint. Flags for the regulars are from War Flag Flags.