WINTER QUARTERS

As we move closer to Winter Quarters continues to shape into an event that will not only educate the masses, but also will bring together friend and foe. Craig Flynn is working tirelessly to bring the best seminars, activities, and social activities to life.

If you are new, it is a great way to make new friends. If you are an experienced reenactor, this is a great way to catch up with old friends. You even may learn a thing or two.

For more information on lodging (yep this is an multi-day event) and dining options, or if you want to just day-trip, just visit the website for all the details. PREREGISTER TODAY!

Below is a copy of the schedule of events. Remember that this schedule could change but it is shaping up to a fantastic event!

FEATURED RESEARCH - MASS MEETINGS

Montgomery County Sentinel
Rockville Maryland, Friday Morning, November 30, 1860

Secession Movements
Position of Maryland - An Exciting Meeting in St. Mary's County

A meeting of the citizens of St. Mary's County, Md., was held at Leonardtown, on Tuesday evening of last week, for the purpose of memorializing Gov. Hicks to call the Legislature together. It was largely attended, and considerable excitement was manifested. From the proceedings as given in the Beacon, we take the following:

H. G. S. Key was nominated for chairman. Mr. Key arose and stated that he declined to preside over the meeting, that it had been called without consultation with himself - that he was opposed to any immediate action on the position of Maryland looking to secession, and that he thought she should await action in her sister states of Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina. Mr. Harris took the floor and remarked that he thought Mr. Key was unwarranted in supposing that the decision of the meeting would be in favor of immediate secession; that he had no right to anticipate what might be the action of the meeting, but that for himself he saw no good reason why Maryland shall not act at once without waiting to see what might be done by any other state - that the continued aggressions of the North called for action, immediate and decisive, and that he, for one was in favor of such action. He concluded by nominating for chairman Col. John H Southern, who was then duly elected. Richard S Reader, Esquire, was elected vice president, and J. S. King secretary.

Col. B.J. Hern then offered the following: "Whereas, in the present condition of the country, in consequence of the aggression of the Northern States of the confederacy, the interest and honor of our beloved state are deeply involved, requiring that steps should be taken by the proper authorities of the State in order to protect and defend both,

Be it resolved: That the governor of Maryland be requested to convene the Legislature to consider what steps it is right, proper and necessary for Maryland to take in the present position of affairs.

Col. T. J. Blackstone proceeded to speak in favor of the resolution offered, though depreciating any hasty action on the part of the State. Mr. Key opposed the adoption of the resolution, reiterating that Maryland should await the decision of the border states, and particularly the action of the more populous regions of this State. Mr. V. Dorsey opposed the resolutions on the ground that they did not express the purpose for which the legislature was to be called into convention, that for all that appeared on the face of them, it might be for the purpose of secession; while he looked on the meeting of the legislature as a Union measure, and as a means of preserving our rights in the Union and not as a step preparatory to secession. He concluded by offering a preamble and resolution as a substitute for the resolution offered by Mr. Harris.

This preamble and resolution favored the calling of a general Southern convention, which shall make a formal and ultimate demand upon the North for a recognition of our rights, redress of our wrongs, and a guarantee for the future upon denial of which we cast our lot with our sister states of the South, and pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honors to uphold and defend them; and whereas we are at this time totally unprepared for any emergency, and the best guarantee of our rights is to be in a position to maintain them; and whereas the financial condition of the State requires immediate legislation,” therefore the Legislature should be convened at an early day to take such action as may be necessary.

The two sets of resolutions gave rise to an exciting debate, motions to adjourn, refer, postpone, etc. Mr. Dorsey contended that the resolution of Mr. Harris savored of disunion, and would be so regarded by the public, and therefore would not be followed up by similar action in other parts of the state - and, moreover that going forth without any expression of devotion to the Union or of desire for the preservation, they would not truly represent the feelings of the people.

Mr. Harris concluded that his preamble and resolution did not differ essentially from those of Mr. Dorsey.

Dr. Wm I Edlin insisted that some action on the part of the legislature was necessary.

Mr. Key moved that both resolutions be laid on the table - lost.

Col. John F. Dent moved to refer them to a committee, but subsequently withdrew the motion.

Finally, Mr. Dorsey's substitute was rejected, and the preamble and resolution of Mr. Harris was adopted. H. G. Harris, Joseph Forest, Theophilus Harrison, John F. Dent, Henry I. Carroll and Edward S. Able were appointed a committee to transmit the results of the meeting to Gov. Hicks.

The Author was Jim Little, a member of the Artillery Battalion and our resident ground charge expert. Do you have some research you have done and would be willing to write a short essay? Please contact the Editor.

UNITS IN THE NEWS

It's official. Those little mortars are now a fixture of the battlefield and off probation. Welcome the Washington Artillery to the ranks of the NCWC.

Also, under the guidance of the Union Battalion command, the 4th US Calvary will take the field. Charge!!!

On another note, two units have entered probationary status. The 2nd US Sharpshooters (Derrick Sturgill) and the 1st Louisiana Zouaves (Peter Vrooman). Under the current rules they have until Fort Stevens to raise their ranks to an average of 8 combatants or lose their voting status on the Board. If you know of those who are looking for a unit, help out these two unique units by sending prospects to Derrick or Pete.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Winter Quarters - March 9 to 11
Cheadle Lake - May 19 & 20 (with a skirmish and school day event on the 18th)
Starlight Parade - June 2

Please remember that there will be a school day activities at Cheadle Lake and if you are interested in helping with that please contact Steve Betschart.

A new sactioned NCWC event will be held on July 21 & 22 in Chahalis Washington in conjunction with WCWA. more info

DO YOU BELONG

Do you belong to a unit already? If so it is very important that you get your registration in as soon as possible. Only members of the NCWC with paid dues and registration will be allowed to participate in Winter Quarters.

Getting your paperwork in early means you will not have to wait in the long lines at the first event of the season!

Registartion Form

HELP WANTED

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER - The PR Committee is seeking someone who can be dependable and creative to take pictures a the various events for the website, Facebook, and the Bugle Call. Please contact the PR Committee Chair, Daniel Gering for more information.

SUBJECT WRITERS - The Bugle Call is seeking writers to write on research projects through-out the season. Persons of interest must be able to document research sources, and have some thick skin. There is always someone out there that has a bit of information, time to share it with the world. Please contact the Bugle Call Editor, Daniel Gering for more information.