In a slight departure from our normal events, we put our heads together to create something different - a hypothetical battle scenario. In a technical sense, then, nothing was "reenacted" but rather just "enacted." The Hempstead Light Guard, based in Old Bethpage Village, is seeing a resurgence. Created in the 1970s and 80s, this 1830s/1840s militia group apparently faded out by the turn of the 21st Century. One of the objectives our early Victorian 35th Regiment has had in mind for a while is to bring about skirmish events and with the resurrected Hempstead Light Guard, we had a great opportunity.
Somewhat in the spirit of our Grand VIctorian Tactical, created in 2006, the 1839 Raid on Bethpage posits a "what if" situation, where the crises surrounding the Aroostook War of 1838 had not actually been diplomatically resolved. It is likely that Britain would have attacked the US in a manner similar to the War of 1812, descending on coastal targets and trying to disrupt the American economy. To that end, Old Bethpage Village was a perfect place to host such a scenario. The 35th Regiment would assume the role of raider, attacking the HLG which would defend the village.
The scenario itself played out that our force was detected by a local woman, reporting our presence back to the town. A militia scout was sent ahead to confirm and the HLG marched to meet our advance. A brisk exchange of musketry took place, with the Guard falling back in a confused, fighting retreat back to the town. After clearing the town of the enemy, the American flag was taken down and the Union Flag was hoisted in its place. A proclamation was read out, informing the locals that martial law was now in place, but that they would be well-treated so long as they did not interfere or attempt to disrupt the army.
Various smaller scenarios were played out over the course of the afternoon with both the public and our fellow reenactors. A patrol which strayed too far caught the attention of the enemy, resulting in a short exchange of musket fire before the situation resolved. Two townspeople were detained on suspicion of stealing (recovered) military equipment. At about 2:00, the Guard was reinforced and our ammunition supply was sabotaged. As the Guard marched toward the town, we attempted to ambush their force along the treeline, delaying and confusing their movements to allow time to regroup and commence an orderly withdraw out of the town and back to our anchored ships in Oyster Bay.
We want to thank the staff at Old Bethpage Village, our wonderful 35th ladies and new friends, our partners and comrades in the Hempstead Light Guard, and all of our excellent 35th Royal Sussex soldiers.
Many thanks to those who contributed photos, including Chris Lauterbach, Rebecca Cataldi, and Vivian Davis.
Somewhat in the spirit of our Grand VIctorian Tactical, created in 2006, the 1839 Raid on Bethpage posits a "what if" situation, where the crises surrounding the Aroostook War of 1838 had not actually been diplomatically resolved. It is likely that Britain would have attacked the US in a manner similar to the War of 1812, descending on coastal targets and trying to disrupt the American economy. To that end, Old Bethpage Village was a perfect place to host such a scenario. The 35th Regiment would assume the role of raider, attacking the HLG which would defend the village.
The scenario itself played out that our force was detected by a local woman, reporting our presence back to the town. A militia scout was sent ahead to confirm and the HLG marched to meet our advance. A brisk exchange of musketry took place, with the Guard falling back in a confused, fighting retreat back to the town. After clearing the town of the enemy, the American flag was taken down and the Union Flag was hoisted in its place. A proclamation was read out, informing the locals that martial law was now in place, but that they would be well-treated so long as they did not interfere or attempt to disrupt the army.
Various smaller scenarios were played out over the course of the afternoon with both the public and our fellow reenactors. A patrol which strayed too far caught the attention of the enemy, resulting in a short exchange of musket fire before the situation resolved. Two townspeople were detained on suspicion of stealing (recovered) military equipment. At about 2:00, the Guard was reinforced and our ammunition supply was sabotaged. As the Guard marched toward the town, we attempted to ambush their force along the treeline, delaying and confusing their movements to allow time to regroup and commence an orderly withdraw out of the town and back to our anchored ships in Oyster Bay.
We want to thank the staff at Old Bethpage Village, our wonderful 35th ladies and new friends, our partners and comrades in the Hempstead Light Guard, and all of our excellent 35th Royal Sussex soldiers.
Many thanks to those who contributed photos, including Chris Lauterbach, Rebecca Cataldi, and Vivian Davis.
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