King's Own: Light Infantry Company of His Majesty's 4th Regiment of Foot Historical reenactors  
   
Join About Events History Galleries Info Contact
 
Galleries
Galleries
 
Galleries
Camp view at Colonial Williamsburg, VA

Under the Red Coat, Colonial Williamsburg, VA

6/27/2008 - 6/29/2008

Crown Forces marched on the capital of Virginia, sending a small force to aid the Provost in town business. We arrived on a Friday in hot, still air, seized Williamsburg, raised the British flag over the Capitol and and commenced occupation of the town. While many in the community said they felt "enslaved", we restored order knowing that the populace would thank us one day.

Still, while the 4th was on guard duty, many scurrilous wags tried to run notes and arms and supplies through the checkpoints. Most were just thieves, terrorizing the town, and they were swiftly brought before the Provost. One "gentleman" - to be polite - had stolen watches from a lady and assaulted her character. He was sentenced to immediate death by firing squad. Marched down to the armory, the poor soul's life was spared by taking the schilling. Unfortunately, it was with the 4th.

On the march in, the 4th and other lights accompanied the Provost to the Capitol Building where the officer read warrants to the publick. There was much boo-ing and crying among the downtrodden. Yet none dared cause trouble. Several effigies of British Regulars with lobster-clawed hands were seized.

There was an unfortunate - and un-called for - incident between the 33rd and the 4th regiments. The 33rd are known to be excessive with libations at taverns and must have caused substantial destruction. When they received the bill of damages, they passed it onto the 4th, claiming it was our men who had done the injury. However, we knew it wasn't our men as they had been quartered and sleeping no later than 8pm. We sent the bill back to the 33rd.

In morning, the 33rd provided us with the bill again, this time with a forged signature by the tavern owner. Being wise, and having our character affronted time and again, we sought out the real innkeeper and had him sign an affadavit that his signature was forged. Both documents were submitted to the provost, who promised to lash the 33rd.