May 5th 1813 the ground around Fort Meigs was mud, there was no way to keep our uniforms clean, but at least we kept our powder dry and muskets clean. Inside the wooden stockade walls that surrounded the fort we could make out giant traverses throughout the entire area. I caught word that an officers who had been returned after capture described the Americans as “an army of groundhogs” as they had dug holes into the traverses for shelter. Either way, those traverses will make it difficult for General Proctor to lay waste to the fort, and the mud won’t help either.
The fort’s stockade wall is only broken by seven blockhouses. These blockhouses were not for sheltering troops (they all slept in tents inside the walls), but rather they were guard towers, manned around the clock. Musket and Riflemen in the top floors, while a gun was mounted on the lower floor.
On the British side we had a battalion made up from various regiments such as the 60th Royal American, 41st of Foot, the Royal Scots, and members of the Royal Artillery to participate in the reenactment.
Light Infantry skirmishers take the field to harry the Americans.
Sergeant Newfield, the NCO in command of the 7th Battalion, 60th Regiment of Foot, No. 6 Company.
Even Skirmishers get to give fire in volley form.
It was rather boggy out on the field so it was helpful if you ‘died’ in a dryer location, or against the tree.
A ‘refugee’ column is ambushed by British and Native allied forces while leaving the fort, but manage to escape thanks to the valiant efforts of Kentucky Volunteers.
For the rest (and colour) photos of the event: Visit Flickr
