"‘Effective’ Rifle Musket Range in ACW Games" Topic

DELETED BECAUSE OF DUPLICATION

Just curious if anyone knows.

Considering that in the South, militia units were composed of volunteers with similar interests initially. I would not be surprised if Free Mason militia units did not exist. There were fire brigade militia companies, Ethnic, Irish companies. If a Colonel or captain raised a company and was a factory owner, employees could be expected to join the unit. That is in the big city. Rural units were raised from families of an area.

I have seen privately purchased Masonic emblem pins from the war and have seen them worn by reenactors. I've also read of Mason making a hand sign that means they were in distress to other Masons and getting assistance from them. I figure they had to be wearing something that identified them as Masons so they knew who to make the sign to.

I can't tell you because I would then have to kill you….not that I'm a mason or anything…..

Freemason do have means by which they can identify each other, even in times of conflict. As to wearing badges etc., that would be very insecure, although during the period many men wore Masonic symbols (such as the square and compasses) as watch fobs.

Of course. All secret societies have shiny, big badges for their members to wear…

During the war both North and South were allowed to form military lodges within their regiments. There were approximately 90 Union lodges and 150 Confederate lodges.
It is likely individuals had pins or emblems they wore but they were probably not openly displayed on their uniforms. These insignias were mostly likely on the inside of a jacket, on a watch fob, or underneath a collar.
There are numerous stories of Mason's helping a brother Mason on the opposing side during the war. An insignia is not necessary for a mason to recognize a fellow brother.
This act of Masonic brotherhood is commemorated at Gettysburg with the Friend to Friend monument.

Brigadier General Lewis Armistead was a Freemason, and he and Hancock were in the same Lodge when they served together before the war broke out. The bible that Armistead wanted passed on to Hancock was his Masonic bible.

The sign of distress has been used by Masons on opposing sides in battles for a long time, and has generally led to help being given if it is possible. There were examples during the American War of Independence and the Napoleonic Wars when Masonic Lodges lost their valuables and records when their baggage was captured … only to have them returned by Masons on the other side.

If you haven't guessed yet, I am a Freemason and have written several books on Masonic history. I also give talks to Masonic Lodge in my role as a Provincial Grand Orator.