This being the first ever official presence of naval forces at this event, we had a surprising active role from the beginning, and yet enough rest and Liberty to accommodate most all. The weather was sunny for almost the entire time, with no rain at all, yet temperatures on Sat. hit an official 101 deg., and not much better on Sunday. While none of the naval forces fell to the heat, as some army personnel in wool did, the heat did take its toll on most of our feet with even seasoned and well worn shoes producing a few blisters from the extended walking distances required in reaching the event area each day and to carry out the evolutions of the day.

There were lots of "Mollies" about to provide water, bread, and cakes, as well frequent trips to the taverns for a tot of non-alcoholic beverage and ice.

The Richmond fielded 4 members (Bruce Cates, Craig Fisher, Frank Rodriques, and the author, as Grit Wickham, foc'scl man) the host naval unit, the H.M.B.V. Thunder (now the H.M.S. Fowey) fielded one captain, the Bos'n, a seaman and a Marine; the H.M.S. Otter, of St. Augustine, FL., provided a RN Lt.; and the H.M.S. Active provided one master's mate. Craig and Frank camped in the naval camp area, the only ones to do so.

The announced Fri. inspection of the Division was a bust with the no show of the captain until 1 and a half hours later than scheduled. Sat. started with all hands reporting to the stables to take the guard of the pay chest from what would be the Fowey to the pay parade area. The chest was picked up by Craig and myself and to be carried some 200 feet to be placed onto the wagon. We knew it was heavy right away, and later we wondered how we made it upon finding it contained some $2,500 plus in real Susan B. Anthony $1 coins which we and all other reenactors were paid $10 each upon presenting our papers at the pay parade.

The rest of the time we went on Press Gang ventures through the streets and taverns to find our Capt. of Marines could do a perfect British accent in which he used in the attempts we made to impress the spectators into joining the RN., or the young boys in the crowd as ship's boys. With Craig and Frank taking active roles as well the crowds would swell around us each time.

We took part in an subscripted hunt on several occasions for rebels hiding in the upper parts of some of the historic houses not open to the public in which were staffed by reenactors in on the plot. This produced not only a look into these houses few get to see, but was well done by all producing a rare experience of being immersed into an unfolding drama of the era. Later there was a shooting on the street by the Doodles and we were dispatched to go after the rebels who did it. Upon my word, in coming upon the poor shot dead victim laying on the sidewalk, I must say he was convincing as he had both eyes open and never once blinked - I think he was reenacting - there were Doodles everywhere and we arrested one and hauled him in for a conformation of his parole papers.

You had better have your military papers with you as there were street guards all over the place hunting for the Doodle spies, and if no papers, off they took you for a bit of hot cell time. With the reenactors and the 380 full time employees of Williamsburg it made for a full town of British occupation and spiteful Doodles taking part in some fashion all though the day.

The Army did a parade on the green in front of the Governor's Place in which we did crowd control. As they did firing excises, the paper residue was left as they marched off the field, and the Fowey's Ship's Company was ordered to pick up after the Army. This was the low point for the event and I assure you would and will not happen that the Richmond will ever, even in the face of loosing some aspect of the event, agree to do such where the Richmond is attending under our name and under the command of Richmond officers.

I found it was great to have a sailmaker present as Frank saved my right shoe from being of no further use at all with his sail needles.

The Bos'n sang a shanty at our camp in which we sang the fall in part and later all were offered a tot of Rum by the Bos'n for all who desired to splice the mainbrace.

There was time to go though the historic buildings (our military papers allowed us free passage to all fee charged places) as well the merchant shops.

ON Sunday afternoon, all hands met with Mr. John Millar, the original builder of the H.M.S. Rose, and other ships of our period. Mr. Millar attended in a RN Commodore's uniform and gave us a briefing on the status of the Rose, his plans for the three period brigs he desires to build and his latest books.

It seems the Rose may not be taking part in the planned movie as not only has it not made any move to the Canadian ship yard to be fitted out for the part, but the director and producer of recent went out on a large well founded sailing vessel in the area where the Rose is docked in calm weather only to return very sea sick, and wondering why they were about to spend time on the water shooting this picture. Mr. Millar feels he needs to see the Rose return to sail training for him to offer the use of the brigs to the same sail training company for making them pay for themselves. He stated again his arrangements would provide for the use of all three in as many reenactment events as possible during their visits to port cities, including the Great Lakes. Each would be named and fitted out to be a replica of brigs active in our era in American waters serving on both sides or in one case the RN only.

If this project proceeds, we will do the Internet site for the project, and Craig's talent will come in handy in the process.

Sea duty depends at the least on the return of the Rose to the sail training company who had her before, either earlier than we had hoped for if Fox does not go through with the movie, or after the picture is finished. The brigs project will be decided at that time as to proceed or not. Each will cost $400,000 and all can be completed in a year in Canada.

There will be sea duty for sure for the Richmond with the now in planning of the Battle of the Capes (Va.) in 2005 or 2006 when the full size French frigate L'Hermione will be on the east coast for reenactments. This we are planning on now as a large crew of professional naval reenactors will be needed to man the host vessels, and Mr. Millar would most like to have the brigs ready to take part along with the Rose by that time. We have lots of work to be done in building the Richmond's ship's company to the level necessary to be the host vessel's first choice for these engagements. Such cannot be done a few days before these events take place. As time draws near, we will see lots of unqualified recruits come forth and want to sign on. We will not be able to take them in on short notice. We must build now while there is time to properly train and equip to present ourselves as professionals and to perform safely.

For those that will make these events, they will experience a likely once in a life time opportunity of being onboard as the frigate or brig comes out, shortens sail, clears for action, and engages the French frigate.

Gentlemen, we have work to do.

Very respectful, &c.

Cha. Hudson