Raid Upon the Potomac 1781 - Gunston Hall Plantation

Camp

The Battle on Saturday

     This past weekend the 17th Light Dragoons participated in the "Raids Along the Potomac" event at Gunston Hall Plantation the home of George Mason.  The event was hosted by the 7th Virginia of the Continental Line, the Cold Stream Guards, and our unit of the British Brigade.

     The setting was Virginia 1781 as Lord Cornwallis marched his Army into Virginia that spring with Gunston Hall Plantation serving as the backdrop.  The event offered two excellent battles, a tactical, plundering of the out buildings and cellar by the dragoons, and campfollowers marching out with the army and getting ambushed by the rebels!

A woman on the ration is shot and the ladies work together
to take her with them to get away from the rebels.

     The women were following the Army out and as we were leaving found ourselves in the middle of the rebels and the men trying to protect us.  We had to fall on the ground, get up and run, then fall again.  We were herded into the woods but just before one of the women went down.  One of us would not leave her lying there, so we so we dragged her off.  Her shoes fell off so we grabbed those too and all that she was carrying.  Once in the woods we were told to run through the gully - most of the women couldn't maneuver it and we had to go on the road.  We were open to anything at that point, almost running behind the rebels main line.  Another woman went down and we didn't have time to drag her so we grabbed her basket, took off down the road, and into the woods finally safe.  

In Battle

Woman on the Ration with Taz - Photo by Kelsey Freeman of Drifting Focus Photography

Sergeant Fisher testifies on behalf of a soldier's conduct on the field.

  

Presidents Day Weekend Annual Battle Re-enactment at Ft. Ward Park

Private Clive, Lady Walters, and Private Farrell

His Majesties 17th Light Dragoons attended the Presidents Day Weekend Annual Battle Re-enactment at Ft. Ward in Alexandria, VA hosted by the First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line. The day was blustery and cold with an occasional snow flurry, and forded an opportunity to go out and burn some powder and educate the public.

His Majesties 17th Light Dragoon dismounts help form a skirmish line with the 84^th Regiment Foot of the Second Battalion, Royal Highland Emigrants (Light), and His Majesty's Marines

 

2013 Schedule of Events

The 2013 Schedule of Events has been posted!  Our first event will take place during the George Washington Birthday Celebration at the Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site in Alexandria, Virginia on Sunday, 17 February.  Come see us during the Revolutionary War Encampment & Skirmish starting at 10 am. 

Burwood-Morgan Mill

This past weekend, His Majesties 17^th Light Dragoons participated in the Clark County Heritage Day.  It took place at the site of the Burwell-Morgan Mill in Millwood, VA, located in the heart of Virginia hunt country!

The Mill

The Mill sits in the middle of the little village of Millwood.  Built by Hessians Prisoners captured at Saratoga and held captive in nearby Winchester, VA, Colonel Daniel Morgan had the prisoners construct the Mill as well as his home.  He named his home after the battle of Saratoga which still stands today and is a private residence. 

Sergeant Fisher

The regimental recruiting Sergeant was hoping to recruit more riders and horse for His Majesty service, but only managed to recruit and befriend a Fox Hound.  The hound got separated from his pack earlier that morning; perhaps the smell of the grill was much more enticing than the scent of a fox.  After seeing the Recoat and riding boots, the hound decided to take up with the Sergeant and stayed by his side (and on his blanket) most of the day.   Eventually the poor creature, charged with the crime of stealing hot dogs and hamburgers from small children, was placed in confinement by the organizers for his own good until his owners, The Blue Ridge Hunt Club, came later in the day to re- claim him.  All in all it was a great day with wonderful weather and fresh pressed warm apple cider.

Apples for Hot Fresh Pressed Cider (or Horse Treats)

 

The Mill's Hearth on the Third Floor

 

 

Raid on the Chesapeake

On October 27th, the 17th conducted reconnoitering operations along the Sassafras River within the vicinity of Mt. Harmon Plantation. The mission was to seek out rebel foraging parties, collect intelligence from locals, and question potential spies.   In return, the Dragoons located several rebel’s patrols and the calvary and found themselves in numerous skirmishes and engagements throughout the course of the day.

Foraging took a turn for the better by sundown.  The Regiment and Maryland Loyalists commandeered the Kitchen House and was treated to a Feast along with drink, that was fit for His Majesty himself, prepared by the Distaff of both units!   Later, the Kitchen provided warm shelter for the night. 

Wellbourne Plantation Immersion Event

The 17th participated in the Wellbourne Plantation Immersion event in Middleburg, Virginia this past weekend, 6-7 October.

The 40th Regiment of Foot on Point

Captain Phillips and Sergeant Fisher enjoying some "Common Pot" after a patrol

Captain Phillips riding out in front of the foraging party

Sarge taking a breather inbetween patrol

The British foraging party in front of the plantation