Laura ran into a couple of despicable characters fresh from fighting Indians in the back country. The dastardly devils seized upon her lovely brown hair while they discussed the value of such a pretty scalp as an addition to their collection. With some persuasion and the announcement that food was available, they lost interest and departed for other prey within the camp. It was in this area that we came across the incomparable, delightful, Jennifer Lee, and yes that is the real color of her hair. This effervescent bubble of a volunteer had to be the happiest person we had met. She would travel with us, off and on over the next several hours. We could always tell when she was near, as the energy level of the surrounding people would seem to rise. She was filled with informative trivia about the park, the revolution, and the people around us, and on top of that she was gorgeous. Although I could do interviews like this all day; time was passing and the sound of war was growing. It was time to move on, so we picked our way through the crowds, working our way toward the American bivouac. On the way we passed a Doctor who was conducting a discussion on the art and beliefs of 18th century medicine. Remember, bleeding was considered a treatment for infection during this time. Soon we were strolling down rows of tents where the regular soldiers lived and prepared for war. These tents are the actual sleeping quarters for many of the presenters during the weekend, as life, both during and after the period of time open to the public, goes on much as it would have 225 year ago. The accommodations are pretty sparse but the camaraderie is strong and all seemed to be totally enjoying themselves. Everywhere there were presenters and docents carrying on activities common to the time. We stopped for a few minutes as one such individual demonstrated the making of a musket ball. We were reminded that fighting men of the time either carried or made everything they needed, as supply trains were few and far between when they existed at all. The call to arms was sounded, and with it the various companies began to form into ranks along the side of the bivouac. Their drill sergeant dressed the ranks and inspected each individual. It made a handsome sight, with all the pomp and circumstance accompanying such an exercise. Soon it was time for the grand march up the road that lead to the bridge that crossed onto the Commons. The formal companies moved out first followed by their civilian supporters. As we gathered along a shallow gully that separated the Commons from the American bivouac, we were in position to see it all. The Americans, who had pulled several cannon onto the field, including a 12 pounder, not often seen at such engagements, took the left side. The representative companies separated and formed lines of skirmish independent from each other. The Civilian riflemen came forth as sharpshooters, seeking out targets of opportunity as they moved back in forth in front of the formations.