Characters of the War of 1812

by Judi McWilliams

Relationships... (Part Two )

It is understood that the soldiers would actually desert their own unit to obtain an increased bonus for enlistment with a new unit, taking both enlistment bonuses (their old bonus being about $16 and in 1814 it went up to $124 approximately). It reminds me of my teenage days. Although my motives were often different, I did leave but then eventually returned. My parents often referred to my leave of absence as AWOL. “AWOL” stands for Absence Without Leave. Looking at the soldier's other options, the option of paying a hefty bail of twenty pounds was not always available to a soldier, so he did indeed go to the county prison to spend two days of confinement in a cold damp cell! The information further states the soldier was not permitted any visitors or provisions. Not only would the soldier become ill from the damp environment, not to mention the stress of it all, but he might never recover to his former health! To top off all of this, the soldier would be discharged from the army. The final option was marriage. Some soldiers, it is reported, took on several wives, with children by each. He would then move from place to place, although this became a burden to the parish and expensive to everyone in the communities. It seems that there was a low opinion of the women (although many of the women were modest and educated), who ended up in the barracks. In the barracks, they would become frightened, disgusted, and would resort to drinking to get through the ordeal, often leading to becoming pregnant. I feel unable to tell you more about what really happened in the barracks of these soldiers and to the women, as there are so many interpretations. In my next article, I will talk further about the Characters of the War of 1812, from the wives, to the soldiers to their families. I’m excited to share with you my research and particularly as I have recently discovered why history plays such an integral part of our lives today!

Characters of the War of 1812

by Judi McWilliams

Relationships... (Part One)

History has its own way of being interpreted. There were apparently very few written journals, notes, and letters during the War of 1812. The knowledge that we do have, reminds me of the childhood game we played called “password”. The game starts with someone whispering a word or phrase into the ear of the next person, the word/phrase is then whispered around the table. By the time the word/phrase gets to the final person, it is stated out loud and is usually misinterpreted. Again, the evidence of the experiences of a soldier’s family and relationships, as I understand it, come to us by conclusions of evidence of archaeological specimens, pictures that survived, witness and generations of “gossip”. With the soldiers being in battle and away in encampments, I wondered how and when a relationship would/could develop during the War of 1812. It is said that there is some information that has survived as to the reasons why a soldier married. The information says that women of lower orders of society sometimes proclaimed that the soldiers were the fathers of their child, even though this was often not the case! A soldier was actually put in jail and imprisoned as a means for the parish to garnish the soldiers pay to cover any expenses the parish might incur for taking care of the woman and child. The common word entrapment comes to my mind and actually, as I see it, seems to be the basis of many modern television soap opera shows today. (I wonder if these actions were that of the women or the Parish!) Apparently, a wrongfully accused soldier had three options once accused of “bastardy”. He could go to prison, marry the woman, or the course of desertion. Desertion, during the War of 1812, was with reference to leave without permission without any intention of returning, often leading to extreme penalties being incarceration or even execution! Desertion for American soldiers, I discovered, was just under 13 percent.
(To be continued)

Characters of the War of 1812

by Judi McWilliams

The Value of Our Past...
The War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebrations are coming fast and we are becoming more aware of the wonderful events and festivals that Ontario communities are hosting now and leading up to this special historical occasion. I have been wondering, lately, why it is important to recognize, reflect and remember the past! By doing just a tiny bit of research, I have found some interesting facts (perhaps fiction) that have helped me understand and appreciate this history. What amazes me are the efforts put forth by re-enactors at re-enactment battles and encampments in accurately portraying our important and amazing history! I had the opportunity, recently, to interview Laurie Siblock, Special Event & Community Liaison at Lang Pioneer Village Museum. Although the periods of time are different, Laurie helped me understand the value of “living history” and this understanding has helped me realize the importance of reenactments. Laurie states “Living history helps preserve both tangible and intangible heritage for future generations”. I asked Laurie why this was important. I really wanted to understand! Laurie seemed to be very reflective when she replied. She said “part of understanding history is to help us not repeat the mistakes of the past. It helps us gain appreciation for what we have today”. Laurie continued “it is important to get into the mindset and understand the personalities of the people before us”. Our ancestors paved the way for us and she appreciates what we have. Laurie mentioned the fact that it would have taken three days to journey from Cobourg to Peterborough! Our ancestors literally helped pave the roadways and the paths of our future. Laurie also said “the richness in the past can inform you and help you understand the present”. With Valentine’s Day just this past month, I wondered what kind of “relationships” occurred during the War of 1812!
(To be continued)

War of 1812 - Interview Series

by Judi McWilliams

Interview with Zackery Caron (Part Three)
I asked Zack how does he knows what actions to take during the “battles”? His troop was completely down and he was the last man standing. And then a cannon went off and we saw him “fall”. I asked him what were his thoughts and could he tell me his decisions and actions at that time. He replied "Well to start, during the battles we are told what to do by the commanding officer, just with fancier terms. When I was the last man standing I was told that I was to be shot by the cannon, and so I played it up a little. I took a dive, sprang backwards and then went as limp as I could." I couldn’t let this opportunity of speaking with my nephew pass without asking him if he could tell us any interesting or humorous antidotes in his time of re-enacting. He seems to really enjoy the re-enacting and this was his reply, “Well, the funniest thing that has happened to me was at the beach reenactment. We were outnumbered by about 3 to 1. My part was to yell and scream and make a big seen and then run away! The plan was that when I was run backwards, the officer would tell one person to shoot me for running away! When the time came I ran, the officer called out, and everyone with a working musket turned and fired all at once! I fell! I couldn’t stop laughing so hard afterwards.” In other words, he had “FUN”! If my nephew, Zack, is an indication of the interaction of today’s “youth” with these important roles, it bodes well for keeping “living history” alive and well in our communities!

War of 1812 - Interview Series

by Judi McWilliams

Interview with Zackery Caron (Part Two)
Re-enacting can be an expensive “hobby” as David Brunelle has mentioned. Fortunately for Zack, his teacher, Mr. Chris Robins has an ample supply of "re-enactment gear" to help the students participate fully! David Brunelle has told us, in the past, how much fun re-enacting can be for the youth of today, but I wondered if Zack actually enjoyed “the history” or “just the fun of it all”? Zack told me that he does enjoy history, but really enjoys ancient history, that being before the year 1600. We have watched Zack in full costume take the role of the “drummer” and he is good at it, (he also plays the drum set at a high skill level). “Drumming” in re-enacting for the War of 1812 is difficult. Zack tells me that the costume is hot and he can become tired by the end of the day! That doesn’t seem to discourage him from posing for the pictures that many onlookers take during these re-enactments! He would like to take the necessary courses to be able to take on other roles or re-enacting, particularly the use of the “musket”. It takes a lot of education, courses, dedication, practice and skill to be “allowed” to partake in this portion of re-enacting. He does put about one or two lunch periods per week into practicing at school during the re-enacting periods. Zack is interested but it may take some mentoring and continued effort to reach that next level. At this point, I should tell you that we have had the privilege of watching Zack “in action” on the field at a re-enactments for younger students and on a crowded beach in front of hundreds of people. We were amazed at how professional he was and how “true to character” he was. So, I asked Zack about the youth of today and him in particular. How did he do this? What mind-set was he in? Did he notice the crowds? His reply again was simple… "I don’t really try to be 'in character', it just kind of happens. When you dress up and stand and walk as a unit, it just kind of happens! And yes I did notice the crowds and at the beach re-enactment, (myself and another who were injured) were encouraged to interact with the crowd."
(To be continued)

War of 1812 - Interview Series

by Judi McWilliams

Interview with Zackery Caron (Part One)

I wondered what the life of a “teenager” would have been like during the War of 1812? We have had many opportunities over the last few years to travel across Ontario to visit different Re-enactments of the War of 1812. It shed some light into many aspects of life during that period of time. Re-enactments and re-enactors play an important part in Canadian society. I have had the opportunity to talk with Mr. David Brunelle, Project Director of the Southern Georgian Bay War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee which helped me gain some understanding about being a re-enactor of the War of 1812. Even if you are not a history buff, re-enactments are exciting and entertaining! In previous articles, we have written about our nephew, Zackery Caron (who is now 16 years old). We have watched him on several occasions as he took part in re-enacting. As I was wondering about the life of a young “teenager” during the War, I thought it would be a great opportunity to go directly to the youth of today and ask some questions. Getting time to talk with my nephew is like pulling teeth. He has a full schedule, with high school, two part-time jobs (that consume most evenings and weekends), a co-op placement in the community, and “life” in general as a teen of today! I e-mailed him with my questions. His answers were short, but, without his input I would not be able to share these insights with you. Lucky for the internet! Fortunately for Zack, he has an amazing history teacher, Mr. Chris Robins, who is an avid re-enactor! We have written about Mr. Robins in the past which you can visit at West History. That being said, I asked Zack how he became interested in re-enacting? He said simply, his history teacher (Mr. Robins) asked if he wanted to join! Mr. Robins saw that our nephew was interested in history and realized the opportunity by asking him to take part. Being only 16 years old, it is hard to believe that Zack has been re-enacting for three full years and is about to embark on his fourth year! I asked Zack if it was difficult to get other students involved? He tells me, ”That depends really, if the student is already interested in history it’s not, although not really. If the student isn’t, then yes it is difficult”.
(To be continued)

Getting News

by Judi McWilliams

“Calling all Regiments and Re-enactors to order” ….Ontario Festivals Visited is a website dedicated to discovering, visiting and promoting Ontario’s great festivals and events. With the War of 1812 Bicentennial coming soon, we have expanded our site to include the War of 1812 Celebrations website . In this new website we explain, promote and honour the Ontario War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebration and the re-enactors who participate in them. Even though the official celebrations don't begin until 2012, we have started promoting and now with the hope that we can build interest in all that is being planned! The timeframe of the celebration events (2012 to 2014) parallel the events that occurred almost 200 years ago. I have already had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. David Brunelle, Project Director for the Southern Georgian Bay War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee. Check out my interview with Dave at http://warof1812celebrationnotes.blogspot.com/. Now, here is the point of this Blog! We are looking for interesting and informative information about you the re-enactor, the organizer, about your regiment, about your plans for the Bicentennial Celebrations and your plans for this year. Although there are other websites out there, it is our hope that we can provide an easy, fun and informative website for all to enjoy with ease. “A one stop shopping experience” so to speak! If you, or anyone you know, is interested in submitting information to our War of 1812 Headline News page or to our Event Calendar, just send us an "information" e-mail. Here is the e-mail address gary@ontariofestivalsvisited.ca . We are also looking for people to interview for our War of 1812 Articles section. We want to tell your story! All you need to do is to contact us by telephone at 1-888-818-0255 or by e-mail at judi@ontariofestivalsvisited.ca . We will make the necessary arrangements to get “your word out”! So, join in on the Celebrations!

War of 1812 Headline News - This page is updated regularly to provide you with current and topical War of 1812 Celebrations news and information.

War of 1812 Articles - The War of 1812 Celebration Articles contains a series of articles specifically written to tell you about the War of 1812 celebrations, its participants (re-enactors) and the people who organize and manage these events. It will also give you a glimpse of the past, help you understand the present and perhaps, show the direction of the future for our two great countries. Throughout the life of the War of 1812 Celebrations (plus before and beyond), articles will be added regularly.

War of 1812 Newsletter - This is a quarterly publication dedicated to promoting the various War of 1812 Celebrations and Re-enactments that are taking place over the next several years. Each issue contains articles and photos specific to the War of 1812 Celebrations and the events surrounding them.

War of 1812 Events Calendar - This section contains monthly calendars showing upcoming War of 1812 Celebration events. Each event is listed on the dates it is being held and, where possible, there a link back to the event's website.