Gen. Pettygree's General Orders For Us

PEOPLE, PLANNING AND PLAYING

"Lt. Grandmaison, a word, if you please."

"Sah!"

"Ride back to the telegraph and send this dispatch."

"It is time to attend again to the following General Orders last posted in 1897 (2007)." 

We game with historical miniatures for fun, to understand the past and to model history in a unique way. We are diggers of facts, reflective, artists and builders seeking pleasant hours in rewarding solitude or companionably with others. Social aspects of our hobby are the most important dynamics as we seek peaceful and enjoyable moments with each other.

In 1746 fourteen year old George Washington composed 110 useful rules of behavior within Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior In Company And Conversation. “These rules were drawn from an English translation of a French book of maxims … to polish manners, keep alive the best affections of the heart, impress the obligation of moral virtues, teach how to treat others in social relations, and above all, inculcate the practice of perfect self-control.”  Consider:

#1 “Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.”

 #19 “Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious matters somewhat grave.”

 

#22 “Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy.”

 

#49 “Use no reproachful language against anyone; neither curse nor revile.”

 

#51 “Wear not your clothes foul, ripped or dusty .…”

 

#51 “… and take heed that you approach not to any uncleanness.”

 

#65 “Speak not injurious words, neither in jest or earnest….”

 

#65 “…scoff at none although they give you occasion.”

 

#86 “In disputes, be not so desirous to overcome as not to give liberty to each one to deliver his opinion and submit to the judgment of the major part, especially if they be judges of the dispute.”

 

#88 “Be not tedious in discourse.…”

 

#105 “Be not angry at table whatever happens, and if you have reason to be so, show it not; put on a cheerful countenance especially if there be strangers….”

 

#108 “When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously & with reverence.”

 

The following additional reflections also have merit though stated in a blunt modern style. We desire gamers who are friends rather than toxic competitors, fun-loving instead of mean-spirited, agreeable as opposed to being interminably argumentative and companionable instead of being anti-social. It is also a bonus if they are able to be contributors to the cause in some way, helpful, communicative, honest, timely and will absolutely refuse to commit gross historical irregularities because rules are flawed.

NEW (15 July 2022)

When friends invite you to a game, refusing to participate because you don't like the rules is poor form.    People are more important than rules.

Apologize, accept apologies and forgive more easily.

How do you spell friendship?    T I M E

"Yes, Sah. I'll ride back immediately and rejoin the column at the Khyber Pass."

"Enjoy and treat your friends kindly while they are gifted to you and in your care."

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CLOSING REMARKS

1. Maxims chosen appeared in Batailles de l'Ancien Régime 1740-1763 written by yours truly a long time ago, and worth repeating.

2. Your remarks will be welcomed.

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