This year's Winter muster came to pass at Mark and Caroline Roger's house on December 20th. The following is a quick summary of what occurred: The unit determined that Chris Hess would host the Spring Muster either April 19th or April 26th. Some talk erupted over Pete and Lauri's potential new place, but the unit decided not to pillage the new property until they were fully moved in.
(Since then Pete and Chris have talked about the possibility of having it at the Phillips' house. We will keep you posted.)

Next Chris Hess brought up the 'farb zone' as Quarter Master General. Earlier in the year, NWTA board members had decided to improve authenticity around the camps. To this end, our unit will cleanup areas around the tents and avoid wearing unperiod clothing like tennis shoes or modern-day glasses. False queues or wigs must also be worn at all times during the day. We also discussed shifting our impression period so as to legally allow more furniture around the camp. Despite this, unit members are encouraged to research their furniture more thoroughly. These issues naturally gave way to our up-coming inspection due in 1998.

At least five members of the unit must be authenticated by the Inspector General and his staff. This requires a complete basic kit as stipulated in our IG reports. Future issues of the newsletter will outline the required items. We are hoping to be inspected at Vincennes. To this end, the unit authorized the purchase of micofiche records on the Brunswick Army discovered in the Library of Congress. The material will cost us $35.

The unit also agreed to send a delegation to an event in Quebec. Whether we actually caravan by car or rent a bus remains undetermined The event is scheduled for August 22-23. Also during the 1998 season the unit will make main efforts at Vincennes, Cantigny, and Vernon Hills. We also decided to send members on June 27-28 to both South Milwaukee and Detroit.

However, issues involving unit meals remain pending. Because more unit members attend the Spring Muster. it was decided to defer resolution until then. Nevertheless, unit members did agree to make bigger fire-pits and to purchase a large cauldron. Lauri Phillips and Shirley Klessig will manage this task. Also, all soldiers must purchase their own period musket cleaning kits. This includes authentic toots, a worm, cotton or linen rags, and oil. Future articles will focus on these acquisitions.

By Mark Krug