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Douglass’ Company of Bombardiers, Sappers and Miners
Langham’s Company of 19th US Infantry reenactment unit was created in 1986 by Robert Trumbull, the
company commanding officer. Initially, Langham’s company represented regular line infantry, but after
extensive research into the origins of the company, Langham’s company has evolved into a light infantry
company that occasionally serves as line infantry to better represent Captain Angus Langham’s Company
as it was in 1813. Langham, a Rifle officer before the war, appears to have instructed his men in light
infantry tactics and practices, and his company is mentioned in that capacity in a number of
correspondences from the 8th military district. The company also portrays Lieutenant William McDonald’
s Company of 19th Infantry for engagements occurring in 1814. In 2005, the unit added the impression of
the Corps of Bombardiers, Sappers and Miners (Douglas’ Company). This Douglas’ Company represents
the enlisted men of the engineers. The Company was in existence for a limited period and fought
predominantly at Fort Erie in 1814.
As reenactors representing soldiers in the War of 1812, we seek to present the roles and activities of the
common soldier, non-commissioned officers, and officers of the United States Army of the period in a
respectful and historically accurate manner. Company members are keenly aware that they represent
people who fought and died in the defense of their country and its nascent ideals. In order to better share
the experiences of the men of the Army and associated civilians, we use third person interpretation in our
contact with the public (speaking more from the perspective of a witness to history than as a character
from history). When in garrison or camp, Company members seek to reenact critical aspects of the soldier’
s daily life in the War of 1812 and share our perspectives and understanding with the public. On the field,
we place an emphasis on the military arts of the time period, particularly as they pertain to field
maneuvers from the battalion level through the level of the individual soldier.
1812 Reenacting is unique among living history time periods. Most events are held on original battlefields
and in reconstructed or original fortifications from the war period. Many events provide the opportunity
to recreate pivotal moments in the lives of great 19th century military and political figures like Winfield
Scott and Andrew Jackson. Of equal interest are the tactical engagements – most orchestrated to recreate
original battles- which often include pyrotechnics to simulate cannon bombardments, and sometimes
include scaling fort walls or making amphibious landings. Company members have also sailed aboard
War of 1812 ships like the US Brig Niagara (reconstructed), HMS Tecumseh (reconstructed), and the USS
Constitution. We regularly take part in events stretching from Boston to Nebraska, Southern Ontario to
Louisiana, as well as many closer to our region, like those in Ohio, Michigan, New York and Ontario.
Members of our company share an undying love of history and an intense desire to share that with
others. Our company has a strong sense of camaraderie and team work. Langham’s and Douglas’
companies enjoy an active schedule May through October, with some winter events and social activities,
as well as workshops to assist members in obtaining and making uniforms and equipment. While at
events, we play hard – recreating the soldier’s daily life from reveille through the retreat and actively
carrying out orders during tacticals and skirmishes. We burn a lot of powder, serving often as first the
vanguard and skirmishers, then as flank troops, and last as the rearguard during tactical simulations. We
also work to fulfill the interpretive and coordinating needs for the sites with which we interact to assist
these sites in fulfilling their educational missions and ensuring the continuation of their interpretive
programs. Most importantly, though, during the course of the events, our members take opportunities to
have fun and enjoy each others company. We delight in the experience of history but also appreciate
returning to our own era at the conclusion of the event.
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