Howdy! Unlike most of you, I'm a "mainstreamer" in reenacting (6th NC State troops 1963-1986 & 30th NC Troops/38th Penna. Vols. 1985-present). Some of us older guys in NC recently started a North Carolina State Militia group recently so we're interested in yalls' Fort Moultrie event. I've lived in Eutawville, SC, since I retired from the Charlotte police department in 1999. On this forum, I'm hoping to get to know some hardcore types and help keep my unit current with trends in reenacting, research, etc.

Although we are sometimes accused of being "stitch nazis" and other bad names, we are actually quite reasonable and only ask for reenactors that can make an honest effort to achieve the standards, and work/reenact properly.

Most of us are still involved with some mainstream events, but we are looking for challenges. I can assure you that no one will take a magnifying glass to your gear or slam the vendor of your gear. We just don't allow obvious violations like modern glasses, synthetics, stainless steel, animal parts on hats etc. Abiding by the event standards and postive participation is all we ask. You will have a blast.

For the SC militia a good set of civilian clothing and your family rifle is all you need. The Federal standards are higher and are meant to satisfy that section of the hobby that wants to look the best.

Once you attend a real time event with us, I think you will like our group and it will be memorable. Again thanks!

Greg Deese

Greg: Thanks for the quick comeback. I was heartened to read the description of what yall want
at Moultrie by way of militia, it reads like our militia clothing and equipment regulations. The
subject of the militia and home guard is much ignored and misunderstood. The movie, "Cold
Mountian" sort of poisoned the well. In North Carolina, in particular, they did a great job at
enforcing the Confederacy's conscription. As to authentics and mainstreamers, I believe that
closer association, rather than more distance, is the key to keeping our hobby popular and
cohesive. I invite and look forward to our discussions. Walt. 86th NCSM & 63rd NC Home
Guard Btn.

We are certainly looking forward to it Walt, and I believe our Militia and Federal garrison will be a huge hit. You are getting in at the right time, once we fill the ranks I will remember those that supported our efforts during the early times.

Greg: I've submitted a question to Brian on the Moultrie part of the forum. I was pleased to see John Durham as a militia officer for the event. Today, he told me that his book on NC militia should be out before this Christmas. Are there any copies of the Antebellum SC Militia book around. I figure that a lot of SC information will applicable to NC as well. Walt