Invitation to participate for Colonial units, forwarded to the Brigade of the American Revolution, the Continental Line, and the North West Treaty Alliance on 24 September 1999.
Battle Road
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It was a curious field of battle for the opening of the revolution: 20 miles of winding hilly road connecting a port city and several country towns. But word of the fighting on Lexington Green, at the North Bridge, and on the road to Boston raced throughout the American colonies to unite men and women behind the patriot cause. What had begun as a struggle between British authorities, determined to enforce the will of Parliament, and the people of Massachusetts, just as determined to retain their rights as English citizens, soon escalated into a War of Independence which lasted more than eight years. Today, much of that country road is now an urban highway, but the Battle Road 2000 event still follows generally the same route, passing the sites of the most bitter fighting and the buildings that stood nearby. It all began on the Battle Road. The Battle Road 2000 event recreates the confrontations that took place 225 years ago, the first day of the War of American Independence, through marches, tactical battlefield demonstrations, and commemorative observances. This series of events, to be held April 14-17, 2000, is designed to transport the observer to another time and place, to better understand how these common men played an important role in this crucial day in history. It will be a weekend of energetic, colorful activity. We aim to attract 1200 living history demonstrators who will portray 17709s period militia for Eastern Massachusetts and British Regulars. The weekend will include demonstrations of colonial life, military drills, marches, battle tacticals, music and other entertainment in keeping with the event. An application form is attached to this memo and should be returned to the Committee no later than October 15, 1999. Please note the following in filling out your form.
There is very limited opportunity for Artillery demonstrations at Battle Road (in Sunday's tactical and during specially scheduled demonstrations). We suggest that artillerists field with muskets. Horses will also be limited to certain venues due to site restrictions. These specialty units are welcome to attend but be aware that there are some restrictions. Remember that this event is unique and we are trying to recreate a single day in history. These restrictions will be clearly outlined in the invitation. Please note that this event is by invitation only. This letter/form is an application for invitation.
Clothing RequirementsParticipants are required to dress in authentic/appropriate clothing for the 1770's period for Eastern Massachusetts. More detailed information will be included in the invitation to participate. In general, we are asking people not to wear western frontier and native dress. This includes hunting shirts with fringe, beads, and a general "buckskin" appearance. The mailing will describe appropriate sleeved outer garments (such as a long coat, short workman's coat, sleeved waistcoat, or smock/wagoner's shirt, which is a large over-shirt, similar to a hunting shirt but without the fringe and cape), hats, gaiters, etc. A detailed list of resources has been organized/created by Xxx Xxxx (4th Middlesex Regiment) and can be found at http://www.18cnewenglandlife.org/ If your unit is interested in attending Battle Road 2000 please fill out the enclosed form and mail it by October 15, 1999, to Xxx Xxxxx, Battle Road Committee, xx Xxxx Xx, Xxxx, XX xxxxx, or e-mail a request for application in an electronic form to xxxxx@xxx.xxx. If you have any questions call (xxx) xxx-xxxx. Thank you for your interest and I hope that you will join in celebrating our time-honored legacy in the new millennium.
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