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149th
NYSV – “The Salt Point Rangers”
RULES
OF CONDUCT
- A member in good standing must sponsor new recruits.
- New recruits will be placed on 90-day probation; it is recommended that they purchase no gear during this time. After 90 days the unit will decide by vote if the recruit will be given full membership.
- All new recruits will be mustered into the unit with the rank of Private.
- New recruits, after gaining full membership, will be given one year to obtain their full kit. It is recommended that the first item purchased be their musket, followed by uniform, then accoutrements.
- For historical correctness, women will not be allowed in the ranks, but may still obtain membership in civilian roles. While we acknowledge that women did indeed serve as combatants in some regiments, we find no evidence or documentation of any female soldiers serving with the 149th NYSV.
- For historical correctness and overall safety, weight should be proportional to height, and persons should be in reasonably fit physical condition.
- When purchasing your kit, use recommended sutlers and vendors. We realize that this can be an expensive hobby, and only ask that you purchase the best that you are able to afford. Experience shows that it is better to spend a little more and buy quality goods in the beginning that will last, than it is to buy cheaper quality and have to replace it later because it wears out.
- New recruits must be properly versed in the “Manual of Arms” BEFORE being allowed to take part in any event.
- All members MUST be 16 years of age or older to carry a weapon.
- Members between the ages of 16 and 18 years of age MUST have parental consent in writing and/or a parent present on the field in order to take part in events. The written consent must be on file with the unit.
- Members between the ages of 14 and 16 may serve as musicians, if their ability is sufficient for them to be deemed as “FUNCTIONAL MUSICIANS”, and MUST have parental consent in writing and have a parent present on the field in order to take part in events. The written consent must be on file with the unit.
- All members are to have a FULL canteen during all marches, drills, and battles. It is further recommended that members drink at least one full canteen of water ˝ hour prior to such event.
- Children may accompany civilian members, and MUST be under their direct supervision at all times.
- Public drunkenness will not be tolerated at any time.
- Anyone found to be under the influence of alcohol will not be allowed to take arms or enter battles.
- The use of illegal drugs is prohibited. Any such use will be reported to the local authorities.
- Violation of any of the three above rules may result in termination of membership with the 149th NYSV.
- No littering, members of the unit should leave areas in better condition than when found.
- No firearm is to be discharged in camp unless authorized by an NCO or Ranking Officer.
- An Officer or NCO, prior to each event must inspect all weapons.
- The only weapons allowed for any event are the 1853 3-band Enfield or the 1861 or 1863 3-band Springfield muskets. Officers should have a correct 1850 Foot Officer's sword, and may also use a private purchase pistol of the period if they wish. ONLY officers are allowed to carry side arms.
- Swords or sabers are to be carried by Officers ONLY. NCO's are not to use NCO sabers.
- Cartridges are to be made from lightweight paper, in period style. NO coin wrappers. DO NOT use any wad of any type. Maximum charges are 65 grains for muskets, 30 grains for revolvers.
- Firearms are not to be discharged within 25 yards of the opposing force. Discharges inside 40 yards are to be elevated. NEVER take aim at any individual at any time.
- Keep finger off trigger until ready to fire.
- Fouled muskets are to be taken by a file closer NCO or officer to clear.
- Ramrods are NOT to be drawn on the battlefield at any time except by an Officer or an NCO to check a weapon.
- Sheath knives are not allowed to be carried at any time.
- Bayonets are NEVER to be affixed except for drill and for the stacking of arms.
- FIREWORKS of any kind are strictly prohibited. Anyone that is caught throwing cartridges in a fire will be expulsed from the event and terminated from the unit.
- When at “Rest”, do not place your hand(s) over the muzzle of your musket.
- Treat your weapon as if it is loaded at all times. NEVER point it at another individual.
- If it is necessary to recover from the “Aim” position, lower the hammer gently from the full cock to the half cock position.
- All weapons are to be “capped off” both prior to battle and after the battle.
- When loading, be sure the hammer is in the “fired” position, resting on the cone.
- NO unauthorized “hand to hand” combat is allowed.
- Rear rank soldiers are to make sure that they keep the first and second bands of their musket aligned with the shoulder of the soldiers in the first rank.
- Make sure your weapon is discharged BEFORE you decide to “take a hit”.
- Taking of Colors is strictly prohibited unless agreed upon prior by authorized Officers as part of the scenario being depicted.
- Any beverages consumed other than from your canteen, must be consumed from period correct containers while in camp. No soda or beer cans, or pop bottles are to be seen in camp. Pour beverage into your tin cup or use a period style bottle.
- No modern articles or items are to be visible in camp, if you must use a cooler, you are to keep it in your car. The use of an air mattress, sleeping bag, or cot is NOT ALLOWED. Be considerate of other reenactors, DO NOT spoil our trip “back in time” with 20th century intrusions. Period style bed ticks (mattress ticks) are allowed.
- Try to use first person impressions while the public is touring our camp. Keep conversations pertaining to period topics such as farming or “back home”. Do not use modern day phrases or slang in front of the viewing public.
- Remember, the reenactment does not end when the public leaves. Please maintain our authentic standards through the entire event, even after lights out and quiet hour begins.
- Smokers should be aware that cigarettes did not exist during the Civil War, and cigars were often hard to come by for the average enlisted man. With that in mind, for historical correctness, only pipes should be used when the camps are being toured.
- Regarding jewelry; wedding bands acceptable, no earrings or other types of facial ornamentation. Watches must be period type pocket watch, no wristwatches.
- Food for events is each individual’s responsibility. There will be no unit mess.
- Please follow orders from the Officers and NCOs.
- Officers and NCOs will be added to the unit based on unit needs and the size of the unit at the time. They will be selected based on their length of service, knowledge of the drill and commands, knowledge of history, overall leadership qualities, and their good standing in the unit.
- When it is determined that an Officer or NCO is needed, recommendations will be presented by the ranks and present Officers and NCOs, and a selection will be made.
- There is no minimum number of events that a member must attend during the year. It is recommended however, that new recruits attend at least one small local event before attending any large-scale national event.
- All members are to report any injury to an NCO or Officer in charge.
- All members MUST have a completed emergency contact sheet in their haversack, or on their person at all events.
- Know your limits. Reenacting can be strenuous, with marching and battles in summer heat, the potential for heat stroke and exhaustion is great.
- Let an Officer or NCO know of any physical conditions or limitations.
- For the sake of knowing the history of the regiment that we portray, it is recommended that each member obtains and reads the book; “Memoirs of the 149th N.Y.V.” by Capt. George K. Collins. This book is now out of print, but can still be obtained from many bookstores and is common on ebay.
- When in doubt, always ask!
- Above all, let’s have fun, keep it loose, but portray accurately and bring honor to the brave men and souls that we represent.
- All of these rules of conduct are subject to change.