Reenactors coming to Jefferson

jefferson-The Jefferson Township Bicentennial Committee will host the 2nd New Jersey Brigade in a day of living history dedicated to the commemoration of the people and events of the American Civil War this Saturday, Aug. 7, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Camp Jefferson, 81 Weldon Road in Lake Hopatcong. Admission and parking are free. The 7th Regiment Infantry, N.J. Volunteers, Company A will reenact an infantry unit during the Civil War. The regiment shows the camp life of soldiers during the years 1862 and 1863. The portrayals of life within the regiment include the captain, NCO's, the field hospital, music, and headquarters with supporting services. The participants nott only reenact battles but also portray routine functions within the military community such as roll call, dress parade, provost guard, and drill and depict camp life including cooking, parading, and soldiers' pastimes. The 1st N.J. Light Artillery, Battery A will portray a Civil War artillery unit of the Army of the Potomac. They field an authentic six-pounder that was built in 1844 by the Cyrus Alger Company of Boston, and restored in partnership with the town of Jamesburg, N.J. A full-scale medical demonstration, including scenarios in everything from amputations to discovering a female in the ranks, will be the responsibility of the 7th New Jersey Infantry Hospital. Consisting of a surgeon, a hospital steward, ambulance corps officer, quartermaster, sergeant, and several nurses and orderlies, the unit has a period ambulance with stretchers and crutches. Their first duty, however, is to care for the men in the field, providing ice, water and minor first aid. The Second Regiment of the N.J. Calvary is expected to portray federal volunteer cavalry as they fought on horseback and as dismounted skirmishers. When dismounted, the horses are picketed - taken out of the line of fire and out of the sight of the enemy. All field commands are by bugle call, and all maneuvers in the field are made in double ranks in accordance with Poinsett's tactics. The 7th N.J. Field Music representing a Civil War Fife and Drum Corps that would accompany an infantry regiment, may join the reenactment as well. The camp will be a snapshot of the vast armies that were raised for the war and quickly disappeared when it was over. Log on to 2dN.J.brigade.org for more information.