Philosophy

The 1812 US Marines & Navy take historical accuracy and historical research very serious. Both work together simutaneously to establish and maintain a serious and accurate means of historical interpretation. We endeavor to preserve the memory of the deeds of the War of 1812 period United States Marines and Navy, and to objectively present their contributions to the nation. To achieve these objectives, the 1812 US Marines & Navy applies the basic philosophy that "if you intend to do justice to the persons that you are emulating, then, in some small part, you must become them."

Like many other authenticity-minded living history groups, the 1812 US Marines & Navy practice and employ a philosophy based off of "The Campaigner's Manifesto (A Mission Statement for the Authentically Enlightened)" by Nicky Hughes (a well established champion of the Authenticity Movement in American Civil War reenacting, and an editor/publisher of living history based publications).

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The 1812 US Marines & Navy Manifesto

(Adapted and Based off of "The Campaigner's Manifesto" by Nicky Hughes)

1. I am committed to developing and practicing the most historically accurate portrayals of a US Marine and Sailor of the War of 1812 era now possible. The only limitations I place upon the accuracy of my impression are due to a prudent concern for maintaining modern standards of health and safety, and those limitations naturally enforced by the lack of information resulting from the passage of time since the era of the War of 1812.

2. I obtain and/or reproduce the most historically accurate clothing, equipment, and other relevant items available to me. I insist upon the use of proper materials and construction techniques based on historical research in all reproduction items.

3. I recognize that many vital aspects of the lives of War of 1812 era US Marines and Sailors - diseases, terror and wounds in combat, death at sea and on the battlefield, etc. - cannot be re-created effectively in a living history context. I do not see this failing as an excuse to be lax about other aspects of my impression, but as a challenge to insure that all I can portray is presented as accurately as possible.

4. My impression is based upon serious research into, and careful analysis of reliable sources of information about the experiences of War of 1812 era US Marines and Sailors. I recognize the need to employ the historian's skills, including the ability to evaluate possible sources of information. I place considerable reliance upon documented research conducted by others, but I do not base my impression upon the claims of those who manufacture goods for the reenacting market, reenacting traditions and customs, superficial or outdated publications, entertainment media, or other suspect sources.

5. I am prepared to change my impression to incorporate improvements dictated by historical research as it becomes available. I recognize that our understanding of the details of history changes over time.

6. I limit the items I use when portraying 1812 era US Marines and Sailors to those items that I could reasonably expect to carry upon my person for extended periods of time under the harsh conditions marines and sailors experienced during the era of the War of 1812.

7. I can vary my personal impression to suit differing locations and dates of the War of 1812 depending on the historical scenerio being portrayed/depicted.

8. I maintain myself in a physical condition that allows me to portray US Marines and Sailors of the War of 1812 era with realism. I keep my weight at a level that honestly represents men living on period military rations and performing period military duties. I am able to walk distances and perform chores required of me while depicting marines and sailors of the War of 1812 era. I am willing to accept standards of personal hygiene and grooming consistent with military life in the field or on shipboard during the War of 1812 era.

9. I recognize that a successful impression cannot be superficial. My objective is not to conceal modern items but to re-create a historic time and place in detail. Therefore, my impression is as accurate and complete as I can make it on every level - including all of my clothing and the contents of my pockets, and knapsack. Further, I am familiar with the material culture of the late 18th century and early 19th century, and not just with objects related directly to the military.

10. While portraying a US Marine or Sailor of the War of 1812 era I eat food that simulates as closely as possible the rations available to the men in the situation being depicted. However, I do not endanger my health by consuming food known to be dangerous. I dispose of human waste in a safe manner.

11. I handle and maintain weapons in a manner intended to insure my safety and that of others around me, and which reflects period practice in a way consistent with modern safety requirements.

12. In pursuit of the complete War of 1812 military experience, I am willing to take part in accurately staged re-creations of typical military activities including marching, drill practice, army ceremonies, guard and picket duty, simulated combat, food preparation and other aspects of life on the march and in bivouac. I learn as much as I can about the details of these activities so that I can portray them realistically. If called upon to do so, I am willing to continue the living history experience around the clock during events.

13. I recognize that large-scale infantry maneuvering and combat during the War of 1812 were based upon battalion formations. For the purposes of participation at large events, I associate myself with a battalion run in a manner consistent with the Authentic/Progressive/Campaigner oriented philosophy. I subject myself to the discipline inherent in such a military organization and participate fully in the battalion's activities during events.

14. I realize that marines and sailors from the era of the War of 1812 had life experiences before their military service, and that the lives of civilians continued through the war, affected to various degrees by it. I am committed to learning about Federalist period history, and wartime civilian life to better understand the historical context in which the experiences of marines and sailors took place, and to permit realistic interaction with serious civilian reenactors.

15. I employ first-person living history techniques whenever appropriate. I take great care to avoid behavior, language, and comments that might disrupt accurate living history activities. I strive to attain a mental attitude appropriate to the person I portray when in character.

16. I take advantage of situations that allow me to share my knowledge of the realities of War of 1812 military life with fellow living history enthusiasts and with the public. I participate in living history activities for the primary purpose of educating myself and others about the War of 1812 era, and history in general.

17. I see "mainstream" reenactors as potential converts to living history at higher levels of historical accuracy, and I avoid conflict with them. I conduct my relations with them in a manner consistent with the behavior expected from 18th and early 19th century gentlemen. However, I do maintain my own high standards of excellence for portraying War of 1812 soldiers.

18. The greatest pleasure I derive from War of 1812 living history comes from the knowledge that I am re-creating the experiences of the soldiers who fought it with the greatest fidelity to history I can manage.

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