If you have a friend that would like to reenact Civil War drill and
battle, contact me and I'll do our best to accommodate him. Note that I said
"him." Due to historical inaccuracy, women are not permitted to dress as male soldiers and fall in with us on the field of battle or even in camp in male garb.
You will occasionally see them in other (usually non-Southern) companies,
but not in ours.
As part of our "try before you buy" program, we have three
Springfield or Enfield loaner muskets, as well as uniforms, leathers and
ammunition--whatever is needed. I often loan my enlisted uniforms,
musket and extra gear to supplement that which is available from the
quartermaster trailer. No one should cancel an opportunity to reenact
because of a lack of a uniform, musket or accouterments. If you don't
have it--we provide it! Capt. Riggs also sells ff and fff Goex black powder
at $10 per 1 lb can, Paper Lady cartridge tubes at $12 per box of 250
and German musket caps at $6 per tin of 200. State law prevents sutlers
from selling black powder at events, but we can do it. Note that you'll
pay a lot more for cartridge tubes and caps from the sutlers. Our
profit from these sales is nearly zero. The captain is selling 'em as a
convenient service to make reenacting that much easier.
Your attention is directed to our tax information link. The 7th
AR/79th NY is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Nearly everything you
buy (except food) to participate in our hobby is tax deductible. Even
mileage at $.14 cents per mile. Be sure to record your CW or SCV round
trip mileage after every event you attend. Annual dues (tax deductible)
are still only $15 per year.
Entire families are most welcome to join the 7th AR/79th NY. A
civilian tent camp is often established next to our military camp at
non-battalion events. Battalion and national events have separate
civilian camps. In short, we do it the way they did it back then (or as
close to it as possible). We offer a wholesome family
pastime.....camping in period clothing with something interesting to do
(actually fighting Civil War battles!). After 21 years I still learn
something every time I take the field. If you have a question, feel
free to e-mail or call me.
Pvt John Malloy