Untitled 3

FROM THE LIZARD

OK, it’s been a while, but here it is, the Broken Arrow is humming again. Red Eye asked the other day when am I going to put one out? I remember last year when he said, “not another one!” Well here it is.

POLITICS

The NMLRA is Dead! As we know it anyway. As I told you last year the NMLRA is BROKE. The “Board” just approved last week to let the dealers sell Black Powder Cartridge Guns. I don’t care what they say, but we are no longer a muzzle loading club. Read the “Platform” of the NMLRA and that will answer the question, if you don’t know what I am saying.

Hunting Club!! That’s what we are going to be members of in the near future. The new EVP said we have to go after the inlines, and the hunters, if the NMLRA is to survive. I know what he is saying is true, but that’s not the organization that I joined. I’ll support the NMLRA, but I’ll look elsewhere for he organization that deals with old timey muzzleloaders and us the Traditionalists.

It’s real easy to see how the NMLRA got into this quagmire. The Directors are supposed to come up with ideas that make money for the Association. The have not had a working idea in years. It is that simple! I was there when Lang of Lang and Associates, told the Board of Directors just what I told you, new ideas make money. Mr. Lang was backed up by Ben Riddles, another high rolling attorney from out East. This happened about six years ago, the Directors did little.

What happens when you don’t make money? You tax the members without representation! I think I have heard that story before. If the Board would have helped me six years ago on the Blockhouse, and Stockade, the Association could have been making an extra $150,000 to $250,000 every year, with Trade Faires, and reenactment people coming to Friendship to use the blockhouse and stockade on off shoot days. Jim Fulmer is chomping at the bit, to get down at Friendship with 125 reenactors, and to do their thing. There are at least 21 other groups, waiting to do the same. I know, I called them. All this info was given to the directors by me. They would not listen. I talked for 20 minutes on this subject, and all they cared about was, petty shit on the ranges, while the NMLRA as a whole was crumbling around them, well so be it!!

The WIDOWMAKERS

Andy Buckner, Redeye, owns 110 acres, surrounded by 90,000 acres of Hoosier National Forest. We could start our own Nationals. (Now did I hear someone out there say "Bull shit"? Well the NMLRA was started on less land, 5 members and no money!! But those 5 men had something that most people don't have today. They had Drive, Dedication, and the Pride that they took in doing it. To benefit our friends, and anyone else who wanted a place to shoot muzzleloaders whether it be Men, Women, or our Children. When it ended up they had 30 members who put the NMLRA afloat, and each was a board member, so they had every bodies ideas to work with. They did that for US.

The place Andy owns, has water and electricity. What are we waiting on?? Five local members could set this up. and make money, for themselves, the WIDOWMAKERS Club, and Redeye would be in Hog Heaven (He has to maintain the place. The Five Local members, would have to bust ass, but it could be done a lot easier than you think. Yes I'm beating the drum again!! So what do you all think?? Give me a call.

FRIENDSHIP

It was a good time for me. Very little politics, and the Primitive when smoothly, just like in the old days. Preacher had the big part in making it happen. He is now the Chairman of the Primitive Committee, and he don't take no shit off of anybody. Maybe we have my Replacement here people, cause I'm getting tired. If the Preacher can run that damned place, he can sure run our club.

The Blockhouse is 99% done at Friendship, and now I start the work on the stockade. The blockhouse is one of the most impressive things that I have seen for a long time. It is "massive". I love it. It took me 8 years to get it done, but it was worth it. If it takes me another 8 years to get the stockade built I will be too old to enjoy it. The man and his girlfriend who are responsible for building this "Land Titanic" is club member Hugh Covat, or as we know him, Woodman. He is building the Stockade also. Hugh's work will be seen and admired long after we are all gone under. What a Tombstone to remember one of our own. You done good Hugh, and that's a fact!! My Tombstone will probably be one red clay brick stuck somewhere of little importance. Oh Well, LOL!! For you people that don't have a computer, LOL means Laughing Out Loud, DUH!!

Fred Martin won the Valley Mountain Agg. I don't know how. He shot a 4 on the Mountain Man, 7 on the Smoothbore, 1 on the Pistol, 7-1/2 on the Fer-de-Lac, and minus 19-1/2 on the Seneca.

Nailman shot a 99 out of a 100 on the International Match, and set a new record. Good Going Nail. The next thing is when the Nail left the cabin, he said "I am going to do it, Today is the day!!". He did what he said. I remember when I could do that, but that is old history.

NORTHEASTERN

I'm telling you people who have never been to this rendezvous, you are missing the best one the NMLRA puts on. Those people up there are the best, and the know how to have fun. To have fun is the first commandment of the sport of Buckskinning. Do it!

PC'S-(computers)

Yea, Yea, Yea, I know. I only understand sticks, rocks, and flintlock rifles is what I am always saying. BUT, get a computer! You can keep in touch with a lot of members, and other people with these things. You can chat with a whole bunch of members at the same time. The cost is like 5 to 10 cents for as long as you want. Mr. Buzzard is setting up a web page, and he and I are going to get the WIDOWMAKERS on the air waves. People from all over the world will know that we are a force to be reckoned with, when it comes to shooting at the mark.

NMLRA RENDEZVOUS ARE ON THEIR OWN

Well the board will decide whether or not to let all the NMLRA Rendezvous go out on their own, at this coming September Shoot. This means that if we sink or swim, it is up to us. this frees the Association from losing money if one of the Rendezvous goes for a big loss, in big bucks. We will have our own Board, etc. I'm sure they are going to do this. I can't tell you if this is a good thing, or a bad one. The are pro's and con's on both sides.

GLENN DICKEY - THE PROFESSOR

The Professor is the new Chairman of the NMLRA Rendezvous Committee. Now he can fix everything that Pac-Man screwed up in three years. The Prof is also the Moderator of the Primitive Area at Friendship. (Takes care of the Big Problems). I invented the position, and then I volunteered The Prof. If you see the Prof, as him about Squaw Woman, don't forget. You will love this, I did!!

FUNNIES

1) Woodman has finally got himself a good looking, and real nice Lady. I don't know her name ( I Forgot ) So I'll guess I'll call her a rendezvous name. Let's call her WoodsWoman. I think the two Woods will "do it" anyway. Can I be the Best Man, Woodsman? I am glad WoodsWoman is his. Hugh has been bringing some weird ladies to Friendship. I remember the Monster from the Black Lagoon, the one that was half naked all the time (that was cool), the Straw with a Head, etc. Good Luck you two and I really mean it.

2) Buzzard got into the poison ivy at Friendship, and after 3 days of Fred Martin's Voo Doo Weed Cure, (It didn't work, but then I knew that all along). Buzzard went to the pharmacy and got the "right stuff". He took it and became "ME". He just talked and talked and talked, smiled and talked about nothing. LOL.

3) I got a little drunk, and had a war with a chair and a Giant Brazier. Ricky Roberts kept score. Chair 1, Lizard 0, Brazier 0, and Lizard 0. That was a tie. I fell and smashed the new Brazier that the Whip built.

4) Ricky also kept score on the women I was after. (Yes, Me! Mid-Life Crisis or something, but I'll get me one) Hey, People change, DUH! One Blonde was hitting on me, but I wanted the other one. I should have let her catch me, as I need the practice, LOL, anyway - The one I wanted was won by the Preacher. He had something I didn't ( a box of Pringles ) and a ham sandwich. Damn. Lizard-0 Preacher-1

DEDICATION

I spoke at the dedication of the Blockhouse. The Whip and I presented the traveling trophies to the Chief Range Officer, that our club members made. Gifts also went to some of the old timers. 'Doc' Baker, George Shumway, Allen Coon, and Max Egolf. Doc Baker presented me with his Blue Jacket Trade Gun, and pouch. No words could describe the feeling on getting that. It was a cool event, and necessary!!

50TH ANNIVERSARY

Gramps and Grams had their 50th wedding anniversary at Friendship. Cram had a party for them, and I had them recognized at the dedication. This achievement was far more important than the others, including the Blockhouse. It took a lot more work and helluva lot of love to this one off. I love them both and that is a fact.

Well Redeye wanted a Broken Arrow, he got one. Hope to see all you this year, or the next, or the next. I love all you club members out there, but Damn, let me resign as the Head Cheese. I have 28 years in and that is a long damn time. Please (Begging)

LIZARD

PS. To a real nice lady and a good, good friend that I met on the Internet. Good Night Kelly Rose, wherever you are.

Redeye’s Corner

I want to apologize for taking so long to get this out. Lizard sent his part to me about two weeks ago. I got busy. By the time you get this, I will be canoeing down the Missouri River up in Montana. I thought I would send you some manual of arms from the 1821 issue of Scott’s Militia Tactics. I found the trail arms and secure arms to be very useful. The Militia Rifles did not as a rule carry their firearms on their shoulders, but apparently at Trail Arms or Secure Arms. If we are to do American Frontiersmen, we should all know the manual of Arms. Scott’s Tactics borrowed heavily on the Rev War manual so I think this should be pretty accurate.

MANUAL AND PLATOON EXERCISE FOR THE RIFLE

THE POSITION OF THE SOLDIER AT ORDERED ARMS

Shoulder---Arms. Three Motions

1^st, Raise the rifle with the right hand, the height of the advance of the musket, and at the same time seize the rifle with the left hand, immediately above the feather spring.

2^nd, Drop the right hand to the lock, and seize it under the guard, with the fore-finger in front, thumb above the guard, and the other fingers in rear; the right arm at full length.

3^rd, Drop the left hand to its original position on the left thigh.

Present----Arms. One Motion

Spring the rifle with the right hand, opposite the left eye, the ramrod to the front, shifting the fingers of the right hand in front of the small stock, and under the guard; the thumb in rear under the lock; and seize the rifle at the same time with the left hand above the lock, with the fore-arm square across the body; and hold the rifle, with the right arm nearly extended, without moving the rifle.

Shoulder---Arms Two Motions

1^st The rifle is carried again to the right side; striking it into the hollow of the right shoulder with the left hand; and shift the fingers of the right hand, and hold the rifle at the shoulder as before.

2^nd, The left hand quits the rifle and is brought to the left thigh.

Trail---Arms Two Motions

1^st, Drop the muzzle to the front, and seize the rifle with the left hand at the middle pipe, and hold it on an angle of 45 degrees to the front.

2^nd, Let go of the lock, and seize the rifle with the right hand close over the sight, and trail it on the right side at arms length; holding the rifle at the same slope. At the same time drop the left hand to the left side.

Change---Hands Two Motions.

1^st, Carry the rifle to the front with the right hand, and seize it with the left hand just below the right; holding the rifle perpendicularly in front of the body.

2^nd, Let go the right hand, and trail the rifle on the left side with the left hand, the same as before on the right.

Re-change---Hands. Two Motions

1^st. Carry the rifle to the front with the left hand, as before with the right, letting it slip through the hand, and seize it with the right hand below the left, in the same place where the right hand before held.

2^nd, Trail the rifle at the right side and drop the left hand.

Order---Arms One Motion

Drop the breech of the rifle even with the right toe, and resume the position of ordered arms.

Trail---Arms. One Motion

Spring the rifle up and catch it with the right hand, in the same manner as held before at the Trail.

Present---Arms. One Motion

Spring up the rifle with the right hand, and receive it with the left just above the lock, and the right round the small stock, and hold it at the present as before.

Change---Hands. One Motion

Let go the small stock with the right hand, and let the rifle slip through the left, so far as to obtain the proper balance, and trail it on the left side.

Present---Arms. One Motion

Spring up the rifle with the left hand, and receive it with the right at the present, as before directed.

Trail---Arms. One Motion.

Let go the small stock with the right hand, and carry the rifle with the left hand to the right, and receive it with the right in the proper place, and come to the trail on the right side.

Shoulder---Arms. Two Motions

1^st. Throw up the rifle with the right hand, and with the same receive it at the small stock round the lock, and the left hand strikes the rifle into the hollow of the shoulder; the left forearm lying square across the body.

2^nd. Drop the left hand to the left side.

Secure---Arms. Two Motions

1^st. Carry the rifle to the front with the right hand, and receive it with the left, as at the present.

2^nd. Shift the thumb of the right hand in rear of the small stock under the lock, and the fingers in front, and raise the rifle a little, and turn it with the right thumb; the barrel to the front; holding it perpendicularly with the left hand; then, without any pause, throw the breech back under the left arm and drop the muzzle to the front, and hold the rifle at the secure, the same as a musket; and at the same time drop the right hand to the right side.

Trail---Arms. One Motion

When the order is given to Trail Arms, from the Secure, it is done on that side, and with that hand which holds the rifle. As the hand which holds the rifle, is to be turned well on the underside, it is brought to the trail by merely turning the barrel up, and extending the left arm.

Secure---Arms. One Motion

To Secure Arms from the Trail, it is always to be done with that hand and under that arm which holds the rifle, without any assistance of the other.

At the word Secure Arms, the barrel is turned down by rounding the wrist; then raise it under the arm, and drop the muzzle to the front, and hold it at the secure.

Present---Arms. One Motion

Let the breech drop to the front and turn the barrel to the face, and receive the small stock with the right hand; holding the piece perpendicularly as before.

Trail---Arms. One Motion

As before. When the order is give to Trail Arms, from the present, it is always to be done on the right side. If it be wished to trail arms on the left side, from the present, the order is given change hand.

Rest. One Motion

Step back with the right foot six or eight inches to the rear, and bend the left knee; drop the rifle across the left arm, the left hand hold of the left wrist.

Stand at ease

At the word stand at ease, the soldier my be allowed to move his feet and hands, and rest himself in any manner he may choose without leaving his place; which must not be done without liberty from a commissioned officer.

FIRING AT A TARGET

To accomplish this essential object of aiming well, and firing accurately the following means must be used.

A target must provided for each company, five feet and ten inches high, by twenty inches in breadth. The must be marked by three stripes, four inches broad, drawn horizontally across the target, and of a striking colour; one stripe across the top, another across the middle, and the third equally distant from the top and middle of the target.

The soldier must be practised in firing at this object, at the distance between sixty and three hundred yards, aiming at different heights according to the distances. The men must fire one by one at first, with the word, and ascertain if practicable, whether they aim too high, or too low; and when they have acquired the habit of aiming accurately, they fire by word of command.

This method I have practised, and esteem it of essential service; it being so common a fault for companies to fire without any object to fire at, that unless something of this kind be adopted, the object of using powder for instruction will be lost.

I would here suggest to the public, the propriety that the State, or each town individually, should defray the expense of the companies being thus trained to the use of arms. The additional expense of powder and ball would be but trifling; but what would be most conducive to the object of correct firing would be to grant a trifling premium to two or three of the best shot made on days of exercise.

PLATOON EXERCISE FOR THE RIFLE

FIRST DIVISION OF FIRING

Attention, Shoulder---Arms

Prepare to Load. One Motion

Drop the muzzle of the rifle to the front, and seize it with the left hand just above the lock, and hold the rifle horizontal, the right thumb against the hammer, and elbow against the breech, the lock inclining the a little to the body, that part of the priming may enter the barrel. At the same time, half face to the right by turning on both heels; the right toe pointing along the line and the left to the front..

Open---Pan. One Motion.

Throw open the pan with the thumb, and rest the hand on the small stock with the fingers clinched, waiting in that position for the next word of command.

Handle---Cartridge. One Motion

Drop the hand to the cartridge box and draw out the cartridge, which is then brought to the mouth, and the top twisted off, and brought to the pan.

Prime One Motion.

The priming is shaken into the pan, and in doing which look to the powder to see when the pan is full; then place the last three fingers back of the hammer, and immediately after look to the officer commanding.

Shut---Pan, One Motion

The pan is shut by the three last fingers, holding the cartridge between the thumb and forefinger; the right hand is then placed on the small stock, back of the lock, holding between the three fingers and ball of the hand.

About. One Motion

The soldier faces to the front, the breech of the rifle is dropped to the front and placed between the heels, and the barrel between the knees, which must be bent for that purpose; barrel to the front; the left hand takes hold near the muzzle; the right hand with the cartridge immediately under, ready to enter the cartridge at the word.

Load One Motion

Enter the cartridge into the barrel, and seize the butt of the rod with the thumb and fore-finger; elbow down.

Draw---Rod Two Motions

1^st. Extend the right arm upward, full length; drop the hand to the muzzle, and seized the rod at the center backhanded; the thumb in front, and fingers extended upward in rear.

2^nd, Draw the rod from the stock, and turn it with the arm extended, the left then quits the rifle, and grasps the rod the breadth of the hand from the butt, and the right hand slipped down close to the left; the rod is then entered one inch into the muzzle.

Home One Motion

The cartridge is forced down by both hands; the left then seized the rifle at the muzzle, the knees straightened, and the right hand gives two or three strokes with the rod; then hold the small end between the thumb and finger, close to the muzzle.

Return---Rod Two Motions

1^st, Throw up the rod, and catch it at the center with the right hand, the same as when drawing.

2^nd, Draw the rod entirely out, and turn it again with the arm extended, and enter it into the stock, full length, and drop the left hand, and seize the rifle with the arm extended, and pause with the edge of the hand on the butt of the rod.

Shoulder---Arms. Two Motions

1^st, The left hand brings the rifle to the right shoulder, by turning the guard to the front, and the barrel to the rear; the right hand receives it round the lock.

2^nd, Drop the left hand.

Ready. Two Motions

1^st, At this word the rifle is brought by the right hand before the center of the body, the left seizing it so that the little finger may rest on the featherspring, and the fore-finger raised the height of the chin; the right thumb on the cock, and the fingers under the guard, the elbow up.

2^nd, Cock the rifle by bringing down the elbow, and clinch the small-stock with the right hand, keeping the rifle perpendicular.

The rifleman half faces to the right, by turning on the left heel, and stepping back the right foot about eight inches, the left knee bent; and the rifle brought to the aim by dropping the muzzle to the front with out shifting the position of the left hand, which holds the rifle close before the lock; the butt pressed hard against the shoulder, and the fore-finger on the trigger, the head bent and inclined to the small-stock, taking aim through the sight.

As soon as the rifleman hears the word Fire, he will pull briskly, and immediately after drop the rifle to the priming position, and bring up the right foot to the side of the left, toe pointing to the right, and the left remaining in front; the right thumb and knuckle of the fore-finger seizes the head of the cock, ready to half cock at the word.

At this word the rifleman half faces to the right, and brings his rifle to the priming position as before; then open pan and handle cartridge, and perform all the motions of loading as before without waiting for any further word of command. When the rifle is loaded, the private will pause with the right hand on the butt of the rod, without coming to the shoulder.

The men are now put though the firings in this Division the same as in the First; the word each time being given in the priming position, Prime and Load. This is the habitual way of loading a rifle in action or exercise; but the First Division must be practised in the drill, that the officer may have an opportunity to correct every improper motion in loading; it being more important that a rifle be properly than expeditiously loaded.

When the company are sufficiently drilled in the platoon exercise by word of command, they should be put through the firings by files, without the word, as hereafter described.

When the company fire by files, they will advance a prescribed distance to the front, and receive the words, ready---aim, and the rifleman will fire without the word. The firings may commence from one or both flanks, or from the centre. The company should also be put the firings, advancing and retiring by company, and by signal of the drum.

At this word the first file on the right will advance three paces and halt, with his rifle at the shoulder. The word is then given---

On hearing which, the rifle is brought in front of the body, and cocked as before. Then the second signal or the word.

At which the rifleman will aim and fire, and the right hand immediately quits the rifle, and he faces to the right about; the left hand swings the rifle round into a horizontal position, with the barrel downwards, and the rifleman immediately steps to his post in line; and in facing about brings his rifle into the priming position, half cocks, and proceeds to prime and load, and brings his rifle to the shoulder without waiting for any word of command.

As soon as the first file has fired, the second will advance the same distance directly to the front, and receives the same words of command; and after firing he faces to the rear, resumes his post in line and proceeds to load as the first file. Thus the files will continue from right to left till all the files have fired and again loaded.

I thought I should explain these manual of arms. This is only for Militia Riflemen and Light Infantry. The Line Troops shooting smoothbores had a different manual of arms. One story from the smoothbore manual might be interesting.

The author listed a Third Division of Firing for the Smoothbore. The Third Division was a French innovation where they slammed the butts of the muskets on the ground two or three times after dropping the cartridge into the muzzle. The author said that the French claimed that they could get off 5 aimed shots a minute with this system and furthermore, the author said he saw a demonstration where one man got off 16 shot in a minute using the Third Division of Firing.

To my way of thinking, priming first, and hoping the cartridge drops down a hot dirty barrel is a good way to get killed. I certainly do not intend to try it, but it is good to know what the military considered possible. The French and Third Division of Firing would have been a Napoleonic invention and would not have been practiced before 1800.