FIRST PERSON IMPRESSION

 

As a re-enactor for almost 25 years, I’ve worked on trying to have good “first person impression” When doing your “first person” there are some things that you might want to consider.

Why did you enlist?  This is very important.  Did you enlist for patriotic reasons?  In 1861 most soldiers thought that the war would be over in a few months time and they would return as heroes. What they found was death, disease, and that the war would not be over in a few months time.    Did you enlist to be with your friends? It was very common for whole Companies to be recruited from just one county, or regiments made up of soldiers from a certain profession. For example the 72ndPennsylvania was made up of firemen.  Did you enlist for the money? Remember a Private made $13.00 a month which was considered good money.

What was your Civilian Occupation?  Think about what you might have done for a living back then.  As an electrician I can’t use that as my occupation as that trade did not exist back then.  One trade I use is that I worked in a saw mill. Think about what you do now and did it exist back then.

What have you experienced? Think about what you may have experienced back in 1861 as you enlisted. You might have a chance to ride a train, or travel on a ship. You might have then chance to see Washington, D.C. Some of these experiences were new for the soldiers, as many of them spent their whole lives living the same community.  

A soldier’s life. What was the average soldier’s routine like? For the most it was drill, drill, drill, and drill, but one past time the soldiers had was writing letters home. Who would you write to? Think about what your current status is.  There are many letters in existence today from soldiers writing about camp life, drill, battles etc. Many letters are written in pencil so you don’t need much. There are many Sutlers that sell letter writing kits. Don’t ever be afraid to research. The more you know the better your impression can be.

 

Your Haversack.  One thing that I have seen over the years (and I’m guilty of this too) is guys loading down their haversack. Think about what you would keep in there. For the most part you should keep you plate and utensils, food rations, personal items, and extra ammo. For the most part soldier were issued 40 rounds but there were those times when soldiers were issued 60 rounds and the extra 20 would be kept in the haversack. The more weight in your haversack the more you have to carry. Try to stay as light as possible.

 

Modern Re-enactorisms.  It’s hard living in the 21st century and trying to portray a soldier in the 19th century, but there are some things you should think about when out in public. Are all modern items well hidden in the Camp? One mistake I’ve seen made is the wearing of wrist watches. Always double check before you go out because I know it is easy to do. I know there are many of us that smoke. If you can, try a pipe or cigar. There are a number of sutlers that sell authentic looking pipes. I find that when it comes to cigars the “backwoods” brand work best.  When you drink use your canteen or your tin cup. I try to keep up this practice even when the public isn’t around. Another thing that makes me laugh is the re-enactors who pull out their cartridge tins from their cartridge box to try to stuff in more rounds.  Your box holds 40 rounds and looks better with the tins in. Since turning 50, I’ve noticed my eyes aren’t as good as they use to be and I need glasses.  I’m lucky and I only need them for reading. However, I know that one day I’ll need them all the time. A few years ago I started searching for period looking glasses.  I’ve found a few good sources. Don’t be afraid to check flea markets, antique stores and EBay. Who knows you might find one with your prescription.

 

I hope you find this information helpful. Never be afraid to do your own research. There are a number of good books out there and don’t forget the internet. The more you know the better you can make your impression.