A Call to Arms

Dispatch from the Field, Spring 1781
by our youngest Musket Company Recruit, First Virginia Regiment

A Call to Arms was the major engagement of large bodies of British and American forces at his Excellency’s fine estate of Mount Vernon.

It was a most hospitable abode and my father and I, along with the rest of our able companies encamped ourselves along the sloping lawns and awoke to a splendid view of the river and the General’s home.  It was a sight to behold!

After a morning breakfast of grits and coffee, our troops set to some drill and were then greeted on the green by our esteemed battalion commander.

It was a marvelous sight to see people, even from the western territories, out to fight for freedom.  Upon seeing the British camp down the hill, we knew battle would ensue without much delay.

The troops began to march to their battle positions with the riflemen taking a skirmishing position to the front and sides while the dragoons on both sides caused confusion and mayhem.



Soon after the British came up the road and deployed into line just out of range of our own.  Without much delay the lines closed in and began to fire.





After a failed British bayonet charge, the patriot forces ordered a counter charge that drove the “bloody backs” away, ending the first encounter with the enemy.





After a bite of lunch and a refilling of canteens and cartridge boxes our forces were again sent out to meet the “lobsters”.  Figuring we had whipped them last time our boys went in with confidence, but were first turned back trying to take a bridgehead and then routed by the main British body after an initial advance.

Candlelight walks were abundant and much in the way of feasting was had at both camps that first night.  Fireworks displays illuminated the skies while both sides indulged in good food and company for the night.

The second day saw some of the forces being drawn off for other campaigns on both sides with two more engagements to finish the day.  The “red coats” had the initial advantage by winning the first battle but our boys held up in the last engagement and turned them back.  Though it was not decisive, the main British objective wasn’t captured and both the 18th and 21st century gentleman and lady had a wondrous time.

Battle Impressions from Agent O1776:

The morning battle on the first day of the encampment was fierce!  Both sides were hammering at each other with artillery and musket fire.  There were also some brief cavalry skirmishes right in front of us!  

I met General Washington as he was coming out of the "necessary" (that means the bathroom), and he was kind enough to take a picture with me below, even though he had troops to inspect and other important things to do.  He also pointed us in the direction of the First Virginia encampment.  

All the time we were watching the battle, I had my ears covered with both my hands and my headphones (darn redcoats, they didn't seem to care that I have sensitive hearing, and they commenced to fire right in front of where we were standing!).  

My impression overall . . . the First Virginia rules!