Gualala-2007
After Action Report
July 7th and 8th saw the West coast town of Gualala, California taken once again by Crown forces.
Most of the contingent was flown in to San Francisco airport, and then drove the coast road to Gualala, 115 miles north....about a 3 hour-plus drive. Captain Mack, Pvt.Steve Keller (Loyalist) Pvt.Sean Weller, and Pvt.Fleischer (Artillery) were already encamped by the time Pvts. Atkinson,Steve Weller,Boyce, and drummer Atkinson arrived late Friday night. The guest of honor, Major Ken Segal had arrived earlier as well. As before, the town tavern had a full head of steam lasting well into the night. There were many local ne'er do wells, footpads and trollops casting themselves about in all directions for many hours. AC/DC, The Eagles and numerous other 70's bands music was well received......through the floorboards, as we had no beds, only a patch of carpet to roll out the fart-sacks to sleep in. A soldier's mess, you see.
Saturday had two of the Delaware's wearing the redcoat out of necessity. Nonetheless, we did our job as requested, distasteful as it was, donning the uniform of Tyranny's master.
This year the event did not seem as well attended as before. Townsfolk were unclear as to what we were doing or where we were doing it. This was odd, since the schedule of events was published in the town paper. Nonetheless, we arrested numerous "rebels"(trumped-up, baseless charges of course), conducted field artillery demonstrations, musket drill and firing vignettes, and visited with the public in general.
The town goale was filled with various offenders to the King most of the day, with bail being raised by others to win their freedom. By late morning, the Crown colors flew at a fresh gale over the town magistrates office. Saturday night was the town dinner, with Pvt. Atkinson, Capt. Mack, Major Segal, and pvt.Keller in attendance. Being considered neutral territory, I was precluded from seizing the three lobsterbacks at bayonet point. Out of either pure misfortune or Faustian providence, I was seated with the most detestable of men, Capt. Mack. It was all I could do to keep my victuals down as this man waxed poetic regarding the virtues of enslavement. Yet, after a time, I felt as though reason and clarity had found refuge within the more enlightened members of our public table. Right-thinking Colonists know a fraud foisted upon them when they see one, and no trappings of position or title, nor gilded baubles swishing about the Captain's neck and shoulders could blind our people into any tepid endorsement of this enemy's sinister intent. It was clear that I had won them over to the Glorious Cause.
Back to reality for a moment......
Major Segal did a truly magnificent first-person dissertation of the history of the 23rd RWF, it's struggles in America, and how the unit related directly to the history of our country. The speech was about 20 minutes long. It was polished, seamless, informative, well-paced and well -received by the audience. I would say that all of us could learn from him. I know I will be using his model from which to improve my first-person impression. Outstanding, Major!
Sunday was begun with an 18th Century Anglican prayer service. The rest of the program on sunday was completed without my presence, so I will post more later upon receiving updates.
Your most obedient servant,
Pvt. Atkinson
Most of the contingent was flown in to San Francisco airport, and then drove the coast road to Gualala, 115 miles north....about a 3 hour-plus drive. Captain Mack, Pvt.Steve Keller (Loyalist) Pvt.Sean Weller, and Pvt.Fleischer (Artillery) were already encamped by the time Pvts. Atkinson,Steve Weller,Boyce, and drummer Atkinson arrived late Friday night. The guest of honor, Major Ken Segal had arrived earlier as well. As before, the town tavern had a full head of steam lasting well into the night. There were many local ne'er do wells, footpads and trollops casting themselves about in all directions for many hours. AC/DC, The Eagles and numerous other 70's bands music was well received......through the floorboards, as we had no beds, only a patch of carpet to roll out the fart-sacks to sleep in. A soldier's mess, you see.
Saturday had two of the Delaware's wearing the redcoat out of necessity. Nonetheless, we did our job as requested, distasteful as it was, donning the uniform of Tyranny's master.
This year the event did not seem as well attended as before. Townsfolk were unclear as to what we were doing or where we were doing it. This was odd, since the schedule of events was published in the town paper. Nonetheless, we arrested numerous "rebels"(trumped-up, baseless charges of course), conducted field artillery demonstrations, musket drill and firing vignettes, and visited with the public in general.
The town goale was filled with various offenders to the King most of the day, with bail being raised by others to win their freedom. By late morning, the Crown colors flew at a fresh gale over the town magistrates office. Saturday night was the town dinner, with Pvt. Atkinson, Capt. Mack, Major Segal, and pvt.Keller in attendance. Being considered neutral territory, I was precluded from seizing the three lobsterbacks at bayonet point. Out of either pure misfortune or Faustian providence, I was seated with the most detestable of men, Capt. Mack. It was all I could do to keep my victuals down as this man waxed poetic regarding the virtues of enslavement. Yet, after a time, I felt as though reason and clarity had found refuge within the more enlightened members of our public table. Right-thinking Colonists know a fraud foisted upon them when they see one, and no trappings of position or title, nor gilded baubles swishing about the Captain's neck and shoulders could blind our people into any tepid endorsement of this enemy's sinister intent. It was clear that I had won them over to the Glorious Cause.
Back to reality for a moment......
Major Segal did a truly magnificent first-person dissertation of the history of the 23rd RWF, it's struggles in America, and how the unit related directly to the history of our country. The speech was about 20 minutes long. It was polished, seamless, informative, well-paced and well -received by the audience. I would say that all of us could learn from him. I know I will be using his model from which to improve my first-person impression. Outstanding, Major!
Sunday was begun with an 18th Century Anglican prayer service. The rest of the program on sunday was completed without my presence, so I will post more later upon receiving updates.
Your most obedient servant,
Pvt. Atkinson
posted by Marc @ 6:36 PM
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