Scituate Hunters
Scituate, Rhode Island
The Scituate Hunters were chartered on December 5, 1774 at the Angell Tavern in Scituate, RI. This company was chartered by the Rhode Island General Assembly. This charter was under the command of Captain Joseph Kimball. Capt Kimball was allowed 4 officers, First Lieutenant Gideon Cornell, Second Lieutenant Lemuel Morris, and Ensign Jonathan Smith and 80 men. They were required to meet at least 4 times a year for field exercises and there was a harsh monetary fee imposed on those who abstained. Also stated in the original charter, on all Field-Days they would take the Right Wing of the Third Battalion in the County of Providence. This was considered a position of honor. While serving with the Third Battalion the Hunters would have been under command of the Field Officers in the same manner as the other units in the Battalion.
While the modern day Hunters are not a militia, they are dedicated to preserving the history of the Scituate Hunters and the ancient art of fifing and drumming. The current day Hunters are a mix of children and adults, men and women. All are welcome. The Hunters perform in parades, various civic events in town and throughout RI, and participate in fife and drum musters. A fife and drum muster is a gathering of fife & drum corps where each group marches in a short parade. Then each group will play a short musical performance while others mingle, watch, and listen. After each group has performed "F Troop" will come on stand. F Troop is made up of anyone who can play a fife, drum, or colorguard. Once F troop marches on that signifies the end of the muster and the beginning of the jam session where everyone plays together.
Woonsocket, RI Columbus Day Parade