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Camp Life During The American Civil War
The 9th New York Cavalry not only re-enact the battles of the American Civil War, we also strive to provide the public with an authentic portrayal of the horse soldier’s life during the war.
We and other regiments set up an authentic encampment at all our events and the re-enactors use this to provide the public with the chance to experience living history displays.
When manning the authentic, encampment keep all non authentic items out of sight. Either cover them with blankets, place them in wooden boxes or place them in your tent and close the tent flaps.
Discipline
Soldiers of the 1860s were subject to strict military law. Any soldier bought before his commanding officer was liable to be punished. This could range from, punishment duties like digging latrines, digging graves, or being made to wear a sign bearing his crime around his neck ( i.e. drunk, thief, gambler ) for minor infringements. For crimes of a more serious nature, a court martial would be held. The resulting sentence could be a public flogging, execution by firing squad, branding with a hot iron or dishonourable discharge.
Camp Routine
At any time during the day soldiers could be found engaged in the following tasks:- standing guard, grooming horses, drilling, issuing stores, cleaning equipment or preparing meals.
Leisure Time
In their leisure time, soldiers could be found engaged in many leisure activities including sports, ( baseball, boxing, and wrestling being the most popular ) playing musical instruments and singing popular songs, playing board games, writing letters and reading newspapers. Although gambling was a crime, few soldiers were without a deck of playing cards.
Visitors
There are many visitors to camps these include civilians from various organisations, correspondents and sutlers as well as military personnel such as the paymaster and postmaster.
Note in addition to the authentic camp their will be a modern family camp site where tents, caravans and camper vans can be sited. When using the family camp, please consider others, especially those with children. Please keep the noise level down after 11 p.m.
© 2006-7