The Nutmeg Mess is a group
of like-minded individuals intent on a more
accurate portrayal of
the Civil War period infantry soldier. Besides
personal satisfaction,
this benefits the general public by educating them on
the way the infantry
soldier marched, fought, and lived during the ACW. This
often directly conflicts
with the prevailing impression given by Civil War
"re-enacting."
Conceived as an "ad hoc"
unit in 1999, the Nutmeg Mess is available to those
desiring to enhance their
experience by providing a friendly learning
environment. Through
Living Histories, school presentations, and battle
events large and small,
members can further develop their own personal
impressions. This allows
improving not only uniform and equipment, but
gaining a deeper understanding
of prevailing life-styles and politics of the
mid-1860's. The Nutmeg
Mess does not demand exclusive allegiance. Members
can and do belong to
other organizations, and come together for events and
experiences not offered
or sanctioned by their home units.
Our primary portrayal
is of mid-war Army of the Potomac infantry soldiers,
but members are encouraged
to develop impressions to fit other scenarios. We
also have an ANV (Confederate)
impression as a long-range goal to fill a
void in the New England
region.
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I
am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive
it? I will
make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Isaiah 43: 18-19 (Revised Standard Version)