War of 1812 Discovery Series (#2)

by Judi McWilliams

Over the past few years the Festival Nomad and I have had wonderful experiences visiting War of 1812 Re-enactments around Ontario. We find these re-enactments amazing and extremely interesting! In this NEW War of 1812 Discovery Series, I want to share with you some of our experiences, while attempting to shed some light into the actual historic.

Encampments (Part Two)
To begin, the basic “rule of thumb” at the Encampment was that "seniority" set the Regiment arrangements. Positioning was from right to left. Artillery and dragoons were set up in separate areas, this to accommodate their horses and equipment. My sisters and my “arrangements at our camp” were that our parents got the largest tent with the best view! We children were squished in atiny tent! In the War of 1812, the Company sergeants had their tents at the extreme right. The Common tents housed one corporal and 4 privates (where I suppose they hoped for a good cook and bottle washer). Each mess was responsible for their own rations (see article “Our Daily Rations” to come), cooking of meals and clean-up. While the Common tent of 1812 only slept 3 or 4 men, this was no problem, because others assigned to the tent were either out "on duty" or in “sick bay”. The Company Common tents were set-up closely with only 2 feet between each and 6 paces between the lines.

Behind the Company Common Tents were the Company Officer tents. Captains had their own tents in the right flank. They were assisted by two soldiers, who would “cater” to their needs (although these soldiers got paid extra to do so). Lieutenants were on the left flank and only had one “waiter”. Behind the line of Company Officers, the Major, Quarter Master, Linemen Colonel and Colonel had their tents. It makes sense, then, that the final positions (kitchen, camp fire and ammunition) at camp were set in the rear, away from the main Company area. There are many other interesting facts and “rhymes and reasons” that regulated the encampments and their occupants. It makes our worries about whether or not "DVD players" will keep the kids occupied or “coolers” will keep our massive food bounty fresh, seem far from the important in relationship to the methods of survival in the War of 1812.