On November 22nd, Peters' Corps held its annual meeting for 1998. Peters' Corps members in attendance were: Bill, Diana, and Zachary Wigham; Bruce Wallace; Cliff Nichols; Justin Kennick; Marcia and Chris Kennick; Mark and Carol Cafazzo; Brian Zawodniak; Alan and Nathan Whitney; Matt, Michelle, Angus, and Cameron Ryan; Dan and Nancy Moraski, and applicant Tom DeLucco.

Subjects discussed during the meeting included an election of officers, member advancement, new members, the schedule for 1999, the new Massachusetts Gun Law, unit research, and Peters' Corps and the Internet.

Members advanced to Regimental/Civillian status under the provisions of the unit constitution were: Brian Zawodniak; Nancy Moraski; Cliff and Aaron Nichols; and Matt, Michelle, Angus and Cameron Ryan.

Members admitted to ranks of the Regiment as applicants under the provisions of the unit constitution were: Mike Williams; Tom DeLucco; and Peter and Matt Schaaphok.

Nominations were made and elections were held with the following results:

• President/Commander - Bill Wigham
• Secretary/Adjutant - Dan Moraski
• Treasurer/Paymaster - Marcia Kennick

Marcia and Chris Kennick had a great idea for the newsletter. Each event has a memorable moment, maybe more than one. For the end of the event season, they've prepared a "QUIZ." The "QUIZ" appears on the last page of this newsletter. Check it out!!

The Regiment was invited by the British Brigade to attend the "Burning of Kingston II."

We set out on Saturday 10/3 and arrived at Kingston around the time when troops were forming up to be transported to the first tactical. We quickly found our site for tentage - with the Indian Department - and Justin, Chris, Brian & I got quickly accoutered and proceeded to join the rest of the Crown Forces. Mark & Carol Cafazzo and Marcia Kennick remained at the campsite and put up "The Sail" and a wedge tent - no easy task on the flinty soil.

The aforementioned men-at-arms waited for the transportation to Kingston Point Park. This is where it gets interesting. We were picked up by a 2 ½ ton military vehicle (deuce and a half) and were transported to a parking lot where we then boarded a trolley car. Our Indian Brothers commandeered the control room and looked mighty impressive. The rest of us found seats and were treated to an excursion by rail along the banks of the Hudson to Kingston Point Park where we disembarked. We saw several bateaux full of Crown Troops plying up the river to an eventual landing. We maintained dry feet and crossed a small bridge over an adjoining stream. We were assigned to the Indian Department and worked with our Indian Brothers to press the rebels from the field. We flanked the rebel forces on their right, traveled through the woods, crossed an empty field to their rear, and went back into the woods where we waited to ambush a rebel relief column. At this point we were joined by Matt Ryan who showed his considerable ranger skills by locating the action, then our Regiment. We of course surprised and harassed the enemy, then fell back to re-join the Crown Forces for the eventual annihilation of the enemy. After the morning action, we were transported back to our camp via another deuce and a half. We saw that Mark, Carol and Marcia had done an exceptional job at establishing our camp. Much thanks to them for all their efforts. We paused for refreshment.

In the late afternoon, we participated in the British occupation of the Kingston Stockade District. Matt Ryan had to leave, but was replaced by Mark who was nominated "Sergeant de Jour." The Stockade District was a section of the old town designated by the Mayor to provide a suitable backdrop for our weekend's activities. We marched up the streets and found large numbers of the public gathered on both sides as if to view a parade. Some cheered, others were obviously deluded by the musings of the rebel congress. We saw an advance party of rebels approaching in our direction and walked up the street to gain a better view, when they opened fire. We returned fire and slowed their progress, so much so that their commander asked for a parley and asked that we allow them to meet up with the main body of the Crown which we knew by now, were waiting just around the corner. We obliged the rebel commander. We went to the rear and the Crown Forces proceeded to give them more than what they had asked for. We saw a large and very impressive contingent of German troops from our new vantage point. What an impressive sight!! We spent the remaining time chasing, harassing, and flanking the retreating rebel hoard until they gave up and ran away. Justin, Brian and I were asked by Indian Department Commander Christian Cameron, to advance to Hoffman House Tavern, where some rebels were holed up. We approached the treasonous bunch who told us that the would take us prisoners!! We quickly pointed out the sea of Red and Green that was now encircling the Hoffman House and they all proclaimed allegiance to the King and declared themselves now "Loyalist Militia." We were not fooled - amused, but not fooled. As they left the establishment, they were taken into custody "for questioning." Justin, Brian and I remained on the site to "gather intelligence and show the Crown presence." Good thing too as we spied an individual whom we had previously seen on the Plains of Abraham leading a group of doodles. This individual seemed to be the same as the Rebel Leader who tried repeatedly to force us off the "grassy knoll" in Quebec. He of, course insisted that he was only at the tavern to "collect tips for the wait-staff." Right!!

We eventually returned to camp where we got ready for the evening. Our Indian Brothers shared some delicious venison stew with us. Thanks to Tadeo, Mary, Little Cat and all the rest of our Brothers for their generosity. Justin had heard that there was to be music and dancing somewhere in the Camp that evening. I was not interested in inflicting permanent damage with my clumsy hobnailed feet on anyone, but was interested in musical entertainment so he & I set out to find it. We were unsuccessful in finding the dancing and entertainment, but were successful in finding Mr. Inglis' establishment where we made our own entertainment. Justin became rather good at a certain card game that evening.

We weathered the chilly evening in good form and partook of a good breakfast at a local inn. We were preparing for the day's tactical battle demonstration when we were joined by Ingrid & Peter Schaaphok. Peter fell-in with us for the ensuing battle. He was questioned at times by various members of the Crown who felt that they recognized from somewhere. Both he and us assured all that he could not possibly be the individual in question and Peter's actions, bravery, and love for The King showed through all day. Peter fits right in and is able to keep up with our fleeted-footed men-at-arms who earlier that weekend greatly impressed our Indian Brothers at the speed and ease we showed in flying through the woods "like chipmunks." Peter is most welcome. We can't wait to see what his son can do as well!!

It was a beautiful Fall weekend and a great end to our season.

The cry "Huzzah", according to the OED, originated as a sailor's exclamation which was taken over by low-class landsmen and soldiers. The peculiar thing about the cheer was that it was designed to be shouted in unison by groups of people. The first part of the word was there simply to alert the mob, crew, company or what had you, and put them in readiness to all shout the "-ZAH" part of the word together. It resembles a military voiced command which contains a command of preparation and a command of execution. The cheer however, is more focused on getting the timing right. In other words a cheerleader could start the cheer by merely shouting "Hoo!" and everyone would, in perfect unison, follow up with a lusty "ZAH!"

The OED is not too clear on the origin of the word but seems to allude to its having originally been used as a signal for work teams to haul away at lines and sheets all together.

For those interested in alternatives we are given the word "Huzzay" which means the same thing as the more familiar Huzzah and is used in the same way.

Note that when charging bayonets there is really only time to pronounce a communal "-ZAH!" as the musket is snapped to the charge position. Could it be that the preparative "Charge your - bayon-ETTS!" served the same purpose as the "HOO!"?

At any rate, what ever the cry on the field of battle it was all part of that subtle and artfully contrived web of psychological warfare that was supposed to make the enemy remember that they had previous appointments to honor at locations far removed. It was, after all, cheaper to intimidate the enemy than to have to kill or maim him.

W.W.

A Roll of the Drum for Pvt. Brian Zawodniak for his progress in the manly art of stitchery (N.B: all tailors are men). We are informed that he has mastered the art of stitching buttonholes, which is no mean accomplishment. Keep up the good work and congratulations on having been inspected and passed by our Brigade Inspector, LTC Peter Schaaphok.

Since the first Cain took up a weapon against the first Abel the question has been how to approach the enemy. There are four basic approaches:

1. the frontal assault,
2. an attack against the enemy's right flank,or
3. against his left flank, or
4. finally against his rear.

It is easy and quite correct to rate these approaches according to the anatomy of the individual soldier. The Frontal Assault is to be avoided at all costs because a man is designed to fight best against dangers directly to his front. His eyes are in front, his ears are inclined in that direction, his arms and feet are more dangerous when activated to his front.

Most people are right handed and so while it is more advantageous to attack him on the right, as compared with a frontal assault, the attacker must contend with the enemy's stronger arm.

Better than the two approaches mentioned above is the assault on the enemy's left flank where one contends with his weaker left arm.

Finally the best side for an attack is, naturally, from the rear where the enemy is blind and nearly defenseless.

All infantry tactics are based on these anatomical considerations.

A report by Perdue University tells us that wood, by its very nature will not support bacterial life and is indeed quite unfriendly to germs. Therefore it is our belief that eating out of wooden bowls and drinking from noggin style vessels will in no way challenge your immune system. So do not throw away your wooden cutting boards or butcher blocks in favor of those new fangled plastic imitations. The plastic replacements were found in the Perdue study to actually harbor germs in the cuts that normally occur in their surfaces.

Cordially,

Bill Wigham, Sjt.

I'd like to update the beef jerky recipe. I've found out through personal experience, and info from folks that have tried the first recipe, that it needs some updating; a CHANGE.

First , let me say that I never measure anything , I do this all by "eyeballing." The beef slicing hasn't changed, the thickness is up to you.. I like it about 3/8" to a 1/2" thick. But the ingredients have changed in the proportions. I've found that 1/3 water, 1/3 soy sauce, and 1/3 Worcestershire sauce, is best for the wet parts of the marinade. What I do is to put these wet parts in the container first, guessing that the meat will be covered by it, then after adding the meat, if it does NOT cover the meat , I just add a little of each wet thing until the beef is covered up. The dry stuff you put in is up to you, but I like a teaspoon full of chopped garlic, some salt, and pepper.

As per the last recipe, I leave the meat "soaking" for about 12 hours, more or less. Then, into the dehydrator until it is "dry." This time will vary, but the test is to take a piece of jerky out of the dehydrator to cool for a few minutes; then, by bending it between your fingers to see if it "bends" or "breaks."

If it "breaks" it's done.

Chris Kennick

Marcia and Chris Kennick had this idea for the newsletter. Each event has a memorable moment, maybe more than one. For the end of the event season, they've prepared a "QUIZ. " Match up the event place with the memorable moment phrase. If you were a participant to the event, it should be easy for you to remember the memorable moment phrase.

Marcia and Chris have the answers (no kidding?) Oh, and they say there's a prize for the person getting the most correct answers. It might be a SMALL prize, but it will be a QUALITY one.

Persons outside of Peters' Corps may play, and will stand just as much chance of getting the prize as anyone else. Here goes and GOOD LUCK !!!

The answers may be mailed to Marcia or Chris; or e-mailed to them. Or you could just corner them sometime and TELL them your answers. But either way, we should have the results of the QUIZ by... oh...lets say March 1, 1999.

Chris and Marcia Kennick
48 Lexington Ave.
Northampton, MA. 01062

missmar@juno.com

or

CKlogging@juno.com

To view past editions of our unit newletter, The Loyal Gazette, click here.

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