Captain Don McConnell, a former military intelligence officer in “real life,” explains the purpose of the encampment. This view was taken from the southeast facing northwest at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2008.
Sykes Regulars, a reenactment group from northern Maryland, the Gettysburg area, and other parts of the east coast, presented their portrayal of the Bureau of Military Intelligence at the Leister House (Meade’s Headquarters) this weekend. Not only were they camped out showing visitors soldiers life, they presented “skits” showing meetings of army officers in the Army of Potomac trying to decide the strength and movement of the Army of Northern Virginia.
The 2nd United States Infantry and the 4th United States Infantry Regiments make up the reenactment group, Sykes Regulars. During the battle of Gettysburg, the 8th United States Infantry was General Meade’s Provost Guard. This view was taken from the northwest facing southeast at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2008.
Crowds of an impressive size turned out to watch the skits and ask questions. Here the crowd is listening to officers trying to decide the strength and location of the Army of Northern Virginia. This view was taken from the southeast facing northwest at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2008.
This video clip shows the officers discussing the height of the Potomac River following the battle. They are also judging if Lee has enough time to build pontoon bridges across the river and retreat into Virginia. This view was taken from the southeast facing northwest at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2008.
Today brought severe thunder storm warnings to our area, but so far, no thunderstorms. This view was taken from the northeast facing southwest at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2008.
Approximately 20 members of Sykes Regulars showed up this weekend, including some Confederates. This view was taken from the northeast facing southwest at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2008.
Each member had a role to play including this Sergeant who is writing in the orders book… This view was taken from the southeast facing northwest at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2008.
…this soldier on guard duty… This view was taken from the northeast facing southwest at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2008.
… and the officers in the Bureau of Military Intelligence skit. Gettysburg Will Hutchinson is on the right. This view was taken from the northeast facing southwest at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2008.
There was also a tent to display the various aspects of the provost guard, the headquarters guard, and military intelligence units. This view was taken from the west facing east at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2008.
Here is a closeup of the display on the Bureau of Military Intelligence. This view was taken from the northeast facing southwest at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2008.