Musketeer Alisdair Campbell
Brief info
Meet Musketeer Alasdair Campbell, loyal veteran musketeer fighting in Dutch and Swedish service with Alexander Leslie in the 30 years war for Gustavus Adolphus, the Swedish king who did so much to evolve tactics and organization of a professional army.
Hear how, after returning to Scotland in 1638 with General Leslie, he was appointed by the Glasgow Convention as leader of the Army of the Covenant of Scotland.
Learn about the strong support they received and how the veterans were kept busy training up all the volunteers in the ways of war. Talk about the ‘Now’ with Alasdair and suggest what you would do knowing that Charles 1 is on your borders at Berwick with an English Army, knowing that you have control of every Castle and fortified house in Scotland, forbye Threave and Caerlaverock.
Decide whether you’ll join him in recruiting fresh covenanters to see if we can’t change Maxwell’s mind with a siege!
Activities - Recruits will get taught the use of the matchlock musket, how to cast lead balls, (if fire is allowed) and how to set the ‘Swedish feather’ up as a defence against cavalry, and a musket rest to make for a truer aim.
Props/costume/equipment: Blue bonnet, hodden grey soldier’s coat, linen shirt, hodden grey breeks (different sheep, different grey), wool hose, leather latchet shoes, leather water bottle, belt and ‘pockets’, powder flask, belt of ’12 apostles’ single powder charges, match cord, musket, scouring stick, canvas snap-sack, eating irons, cup and plate, and ‘Swedish feather’ spear/musket rest.
