Delaware Gazette
by Henry Kayser
Greetings: Congratulations, to all our Delawares, and our Belles of Delaware who traveled to Yorktown, as well as those who could not make the trip, yet supported and helped the rest of us on our way. Since returning from beautiful Virginia I have received postings from Major Cooke and Quartermaster Maitland expressing their observations and pleasure with the men and women of the Light Companies.
The men of Delaware made up the 2nd platoon of the 2nd company of the Light Infantry Brigade, with the first platoon being composed of the men and officers of the 3rd Pennsylvania. Light companies from Mass. And New Hampshire made up the other two companies of the Light Brigade. Three full companies of Lights, working together in the field, going from line into three separate columns marching parallel, then going back into line again, extending, posting, advancing, firing as platoons, as companies, and as a brigade. The Light Brigade was a sight to see an experience to be remembered. After fighting in “the Battle of the Hook” on Friday afternoon, at Endveiw Plantation, the Lights and the French took part in a grueling practice session, that lasted until dark to get us ready for storming Redoubts 9 and 10. On Saturday morning after a hard workout for the Lights and an inspection by the N.P.S. the Light Brigade took the field and performed before the public at the Yorktown Battlefield Center. After a very short break we were to march to the busses and ride over to Endview for the taking of the redoubts. Since the Delawares did not field a camp, or camp followers for support, the men and ladies of the 3rd Penn., very generously, shared their rations with our boys, not only Saturday, but Sunday as well, truly comrades in arms. At Endview we formed up for the attacks on redoubts 9 & 10. What a sight, the Light Companies in three parallel columns advancing on #10, and the French, on our left going at #9. We are moving rapidly across the field on a light run, the Mass Lights and New Hampshire Lights on our right and left, Delaware and 3rd Penn. In the center, then the command is given to go into line and take the redoubt. Our 2nd co is to take the frontal while the 1st and 3rd are to take the two sides of #10. Major Cooke wrote “ I have herd from our opposition that they couldn’t wait for the order to leave the redoubts as they were concerned that they would be run over by you guys!” The first three over the rampart and into the redoubt were Delawares, well done Sean Weller, James Burk, and Kelly Boyce. The entire 2nd Co were first to flush the enemy out of their fortification, with the 1st and 3rd driving right behind. The Brits reformed and attempted a counter attack, but we defended our position standing inside the redoubt that once had been theirs. The Lights and the French drove back the counter attack and were rapidly supported by elements of the main army, and together we drove the enemy from the field entirely.
Saturday evening we were again on the field repulsing an attempted British breakout at Yorktown, the volleys were coming so fast that the field was covered with a thick layer of smoke, and we could see but little around us. The flashes of our muskets and those of the enemy showing in the oncoming darkness were impressive to see.
On Sunday morning the Light Brigade marched to what remains of the real redoubt #10, and there laid a wreath in memory of the Light Infantry who fought there 225 years ago as well as our fellow Light Infantry re-enactors who have passed on. Chester was sung and Psalms were read “I shall be exalted in the heavens, I shall be exalted in the earth, the Lord of hosts is with me”. I found this little service very moving and my thoughts drifted to George Woodbridge and Ian Anderson as well as others we have served with and not herd from in long years, Charlie Hayden, and Bob Hackler.
A trooping of the colors, thru the camps came next and we uncased our colors and they were proudly borne by Sean Weller along with regimental colors from many companies by their ensigns. This Color Guard along with a small guard of musket men passed before the drawn up main body of the army. Quartermaster, Scott Maitland was one of those in the Color Guard and he wrote of this experience, “During the trooping of the colors the detail marched the length of the Allied Lines. The lines spread from one tree line to the other, gapping only for the roads. As we marched past the Mid-Atlantic Brigade the Light Battalion came into view, standing at 90 degrees to the main line. Even at rest you presented quite a sight of hard worn troops ready to spring into action. I dare say, of all the troops we past, this was the most impressive sight.”
After the trooping of the colors we marched off on the Yorktown death march, Major Cooke states “2 miles” from the light camp to surrender field, under arms, colors flying, the French band, not far ahead, playing, and our own drums beating, and a light rain falling on us as we marched on. We were formed at the head of the American column, directly across surrender road from the French, who by the way, took one look at our Delaware Caps and began to shout “Who does those caps for you? Where can we get some?”. We were ordered to look only straight ahead and not taunt or make any signal or salute to the British who passed before us. The Brits were ordered to ignore the Americans and look only to the French. First Sergeants from the Light Brigade were sent out to receive the British, cased, colors, and Sgt Lenz served on this detail. The Brits laid their arms in the grass and marched off one company at a time. George Neumann narrated the entire scenario, and a very emotional experience it was for all who participated. Mr Maitland wrote “After the grounding of arms by the Crown Forces, we prepared to march. When the order was given to form the column from line, I stepped out with the colors. For a moment I found myself standing in front of the 1st Co., 1st Platoon looking straight down the road at Major Cooke. Standing in line to my left were the 106 men of the Light Infantry Battalion. That moment will remain frozen in my mind.
As a conclusion all forces were paraded on Surrender field, Crown Forces on one side and Allied upon the other, facing each other. All of the participants from the Yorktown Bi-Centennial were asked to step forward, and were saluted. It was a sight to see all these forces sharing this field together, re-enactors working together to time travel a little, to bring history alive for the public, and to keep the memory alive of those who fought and died in the birth of a new Nation where “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” still sets a standard for other nations to follow.
On Sunday Evening, thanks to the efforts of Sgt. Lenz, the Men and Ladies of the 23rd R.W.F. and Haslets Delaware’s dined, men in their uniforms and Ladies in their finery, we took supper at the King’s Arms Tavern. There by candle light, music and song, fine food and much drink, and good company, we celebrated a great Victory, an emotional Surrender, and the Companionship of those who love this hobby as we do. As for myself, this time was every bit as good as it was 25 years ago, I miss those who were there before and could not be there this time, and I take pleasure in the new faces that are with us now. I hope you all enjoyed this trip to Yorktown and have found your way home safely and in good health.
Thanks to you all for your patience, for your endurance, and for allowing me to share this experience with all of you. Sons of the Blue Hen and Game Till the End.
