As most of you know every year the 3^rd PA Lights has and event in Mt. Holly, New Jersey called the “Battle of Iron Works Hill.” Every year since the passing of Commander Michael Goode, the 3^rd Pa has sent an honor guard to place a wreath, make a small dedication and a toast at his grave site. The “Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church” grave yard on the mount, has many Revolutionary war graves in the cemetery including that of an officer buried across from Michael. Michael wanted to be buried under a large tree next to the Revolutionary war soldiers. That tree fell down and in doing so hit and shattered many of the Revolutionary War soldiers grave stones in front and behind Michael’s head stone, leaving his untouched. Pat Jordan had mentioned at the dedication in December, that the 3^rd PA should try to raise funds to restore or replace the stone markers. I talked to Pat Jordan and he would like to head up the committee to raise the funds. This is open to all members of HMI. If you are interested in helping to get this project off the ground, please call Pat Jordan. Remember it is not enough just to act concerned about preserving history it is helping to preserve history that matters!

WRIGLEY’S ENGINEERS

CIVIL WAR

MILITARY THROUGH THE AGES, JAMESTOWN, VIRGINIA

MARCH 20-21, 2010

AFTER ACTION REPORT

I arrived at Jamestown settlement on Friday, March 19, 2010 at 5:00 pm, along with Barbara, and went about scouting out our assigned camp site. It was narrower than last year, but with a reduced civilian component, we could stretch some of the mapmaking equipment into the fly used by our civilians. Shortly thereafter, the rest of the Company arrived. We set up the bulk of our camp, and bedded down for the night.

Out of the list of 14 people I submitted to Jamestown, 7 reported to camp. These included Captain Wm T. Wentzien, Lieutenant Charlie Evans, Brevet 1^st Sergeant Wayne Schofield, Sergeant Tom Sharpe, Private Kevin Kelly and Private Al Lingsch. Our civilian component was Barbara Wentzien.

Arose at 6:30 am Saturday to prepare for the day’s activities. As field Captain, I reported for the 8:00 am officers meeting held by Jamestown staff. It was reported that we could expect 2,000-3,000 people throughout Saturday, along with buses for children. We were advised to stay hydrated during the day as warm temperatures were expected. All vehicles needed to be out of the camp by 9:00 am each morning. There were 35 units and 6 sutlers present. It was further reported that judging for clothing, camp, material culture and interpretation would be at set times this year. There would be a 6:00 pm reception in the Jamestown visitors center for all re-enactors. The field demonstration will have 4 judges, and we were advised that the demonstration field had additional shrubs and saplings from last year, so be prepared. Lastly, the final parade will be Sunday, and we were reminded to dip our unit banners as we pass by the officiating General.

At 9:45 am it was 69° F, with 30.05" of mercury, sunny/pleasant. The weather is noticeably warmer this year, than last. Jamestown staff told us that this was the warmest Military Through the Ages they can recall.

Wrigley’s Engineers interacted with the public throughout the morning, including our civilian component, through Barbara Wentzien. There were a lot of visitors of all ages. Many were of the more local area, and some were visiting from as far away as Washington State.

At 10:00 am our camp was inspected and judged for clothing. All questions were answered to the best of our ability. We even reviewed our unit source notebook that is kept by our Quartermaster Sergeant Tom Sharpe.

Following the clothing inspection, we proceeded to the field demonstration area to provide our 15 minute demonstration in front of 4 judges. Our demonstration team consisted of: Captain Wm T. Wentzien, Sergeant Tom Sharpe, Brevet 1^st Sgt. Wayne Schofield and Pvt. Kevin Kelly. Prior to this we only had about 1 hour to have Pvt. Kevin Kelly practice distance chaining with Brevet Sgt. Wayne Schofield, this being Wayne’s first field event. We went about demonstrating the art of triangulation, on how to obtain the distance to a far object, without having access to the point. Everyone on the demonstration team performed admirably. Follow the direct presentation several questions posed by the judges were fielded.

At 12:45 pm it was 79° F, with 30" of mercury, sunny/pleasant.

With the nice weather, we continued to have a lot of visitors come through. There was a good deal of interest in our copies of Civil War era maps covering the Virginia Peninsula area associated with McClelland’s 1862 Peninsula Campaign. Visitors were also interested in the Waywiser measuring wheel, the pontoon bridge model, and sun frame copy box. At this event, Wrigley’s set up for the first time a full scale representation of an 8 foot section of a chevaux-de-frise defensive work.

As part of our camp layout, and in an effort to increase our interaction with the public, we set up a table that children could use to color their own copies of a peninsula map we were handing out. During the afternoon, the children seemed to enjoy it very much. Also, many of the visitors made use of our telescope we set out in the lawn area in front of our set-up. Overall, our camp was set up in a more open and visitor friendly manor than then we normally do, to accommodate Jamestown’s public interaction philosophy of historical interpretation. This even included having separate areas for a) field surveying, b) drafting and mapmaking, and c) field construction. Nicely done.

At 3:30 pm it was 80° F, with 29" of mercury, sunny/pleasant.

Several of the visitors were surveyors, and expressed a great interest in the historical surveying equipment, and all aspects of our display. We entertained several detailed questions on the tripod equipment, including the transit and surveyor’s compass.

At 4:45 pm we were approached by event staff, asking if we would be willing to give a special 5-10 minute talk to the group of Jamestown volunteers that gave financial donations to Jamestown to cover the firewood and straw. This was the first time these volunteers had actually came to the event, and it was thought appropriate they be given some recognition. We immediately offered our services. We provided an overview of Wrigley’s Engineers to a volunteer group of about 30 people, and even answered several questions asked. They acknowledged their appreciation of our taking the time to talk to them.

At 6:00 pm all re-enactors were treated to a wonderful appreciation reception in the visitors center. It was interesting to co-mingle and talk with re-enactors of all historical periods from the Vikings to the Vietnam War.

In the evening, it was comfortable enough this year, to be able to sit around under the fly and talk for awhile. A very enjoyable fellowship was had by the entire group. We all retired about 10:00 pm, following a full day of demonstrations, talks and judging.

We all arose a little later today, than yesterday, being about 7:00 am. Apparently a little extra sleep was needed by all, including yours truly. We passed a comfortable sleeping night. I needed to hustle a bit to get to the 8:00 am officers meeting.

At 7:30 am it was 53° F, with 30.5" of mercury, in a cool, crisp morning.

At 8:00 am I reported for the morning officers meeting. We were advised that there would be no judging today, as all units were able to be reviewed yesterday. We could have a relaxing and enjoyable day with the public. It was announced there was about 1000 more visitors on Saturday, from last year.

Sunday was another nice sunny day with many visitors. At the suggestion of Pvt. Kevin Kelly, and to further interact with others, we walked the Waywiser wheel around to all the other camps, and asking them if they know what the wheel was for. We had different answers ranging from a device to plant crop seed to what it actually is, being an instrument to measure linear feet on the ground. The group performing this duty was Capt. Wm T. Wentzien, Pvt. Kevin Kelly and Brevet 1^st Sgt. Wayne Schofield. We even tried to do a little public relations with the other groups, as one of the awards is that of group appreciation, by receiving the most votes of our fellow groups present. I am not exactly sure, but given the way our conversation went, I think we may have gotten the vote of the Orkney Vikings.

At 10:45 am it was 72° F, with 30" of mercury, sunny/pleasant.

We had another busy afternoon, with many of the children using the telescope. At 2:30 pm we formed up the 3:00 pm parade, being a parade of all groups present, lined up in chronological time period. We ended up at the visitors center for the awards ceremony, with the guest speaker, being a Brigadier General of the Virginia National Guard.

I am pleased to report that Wrigley’s Engineers were the recipients of 2 award ribbons. On one, Wrigley’s took Second Place for Best Camp in the Black Powder category. The other was a First Place blue ribbon for the Best Overall Field Demonstration. This was an overall first place for our demonstration, as judged against all other demonstrations from all time periods. A very proud moment for Wrigley’s Engineers. I extend my personal appreciation to our group for all your efforts and participation.

At 4:15 pm it was 73° F, with clouds starting to come in.

We were advised that there were approximately 2,600 visitors on Saturday and 1,900 visitors on Sunday, for a total of about 4,500 visitors. At 4:30 pm we started to pack up our wagons and move on to our next engagement. It was a very fulfilling weekend for all, and beneficial experience for those new to our group. I thank all who were in attendance.

Respectfully submitted, and your obedient servant,

Captain Wm T. Wentzien, Wrigley’s Engineers