So tell me again: What's the difference between Tattoo and Taps and why do we have them? (oh yeah, and are they "period correct"?) And why should I care?
(Listen to Tattoo here: http://1stovi-20thmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/12.-Tattoo.mp3)
Tattoo-The final official formation of the day occurred "from nine to half-past nine usually" (Kautz, p. 240) or "8:30 p. m." (Billings, p. 193). It was introduced by the sounding of Attention, followed by the Assembly, about five minutes afterwards, and the tumbling-out of the company from their evening sociables, to form in line for the final roll-call of the day, known as Tattoo." (Billings, p. 193). Once the music ceased, the roll was called as described above. Kautz made it clear that "in quarters the men are not required to fall in with their arms, but on the march, and in campaign, the men should always be required to fall in at Tattoo and at Reveille, with their arms" (Kautz, Customs ... Officers..., p. 240). Kautz also directed Company Commanders to avail themselves of the opportunity afforded by such formations (known in 1860's parlance as "parades") and caused the ranks to be opened, and then make a rapid inspection, to see that the arms and accouterments are in order, that the men's clothes are clean, and shoes blackened." (https://www.facebook.com/notes/civil-war-bugler/top-infantry-bugle-calls-used-during-the-civil-war/353437969008)
(Listen to Taps here: http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/docs/14taps.mp3)
Extinguish Lights-The final call of the day, which occurred at either "9 o'clock" (Billings, p. 196) or "a quarter of an hour after Tattoo" (Kautz, p. 240), is still a subject of some debate. Recent scholarship has identified a call entitled Taps to antebellum literature and manuals. The composition, attributed to General Daniel Butterfield and his brigade bugler Oliver Norton is more an arrangement of an older tattoo call. Kautz specifically mentioned a call entitled Taps, "at which time all the lights must be extinguished, and quiet preserved throughout the garrison or camp" (Kautz, Customs... Officers..., p. 240). Kautz seemed to indicate a place here for the Infantry call Extinguish Lights, perhaps the army's fourth or fifth most-recognized call today. https://www.facebook.com/notes/civil-war-bugler/top-infantry-bugle-calls-used-during-the-civil-war/353437969008
So now you know the difference between the two as well as the historical nature of both bugle calls. And while they aren't 100% accurate (try getting everyone to be quiet and go to bed between 8:45 and 9:45 pm!) they serve an important purpose within the NCWC.
A few more things to keep in mind...
All minors are required to be in their own camps after Tattoo:
Code of Conduct
VI. Children
B. Curfew - All minor children will be in their own camps from Tattoo to Reveille unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or adult sponsor. [Oregon law defines a minor child as anyone under the age of 18]
And this is how the fire watch and others will be able to determine if you are supposed to be out of your camp or not:
NCWC Policies
2005.1 The wording "MINOR" must be entered on sign-in sheets and event cards of participants, so minors can be identified when battle cards are checked. (08/05)
And finally, everyone must carry their event card with them between Taps and Reveille:
Code of Conduct
V. Camp Security
C. Identification - Persons walking through camps between Taps and Reveille shall carry their event cards. They must supply their event card upon request to camp guards or event security.
