| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SgtMunro |
Posted - February 02 2004 : 5:08:42 PM
“Saying Goodbye To A Friend” by Sgt. Munro
Fort Burd, The Ohio Country
07 November 1763 / 1330 Hours
The last four days march was interspersed with periods of rain, snow and sleet. This day, the sun was allowed to penetrate the gray overcast and somewhat ease the discomfort of the patrol. Two hours past lunch found them at the terminus of the western spur from the Braddock Military Road, the protective walls of Fort Burd were just ahead.
The sentry at the main gate, a private of the 60th Royal American Regiment of Foote, was somewhat disheveled in appearance, and he looked as if he was leaning on his firelock rather than being ‘at the order’. The sentry could not even be bothered with bringing his firelock to his shoulder, the proper salutation when a sergeant approaches; instead he just nodded and waved the patrol through the sally port. This show of un-soldier like conduct was more than Sergeant Munro could bear; he ordered a halt and turned to address the sentry.
“Private, were you not instructed on the duties, and proper conduct of a sentry at his post?”
“I know my duties well enough.” The private responded, in an uninterested tone of voice.
Sergeant Munro was about to explode; this was just too much insult after such a grueling march. Corporal MacIntyre, knowing his sergeant very well, hurriedly reminded him of the importance of getting the men billeted and fed. Munro chose to ignore the slovenly soldier, for the time being, and ordered his men to continue into the fort.
Turning to his corporal, Sergeant Munro said, “Ian, they can dress them as soldiers, provide them with the King’s Arms, Ration and Bounty, but they still behave as if they are peasants with pitchforks.”
The Lieutenant then stated, “Sergeant, I am going to secure my prisoner in the post gaol. I will then report to the post commander and get quarters for your men, I will also announce that you await him with dispatches.”
“Aye sir.” With a salute, Sergeant Munro then turned to his men, “Stand easy lads and take refreshment.”
A short while later; a serious looking soldier, the first that Duncan had seen at this fort, approached him.
“Gentlemen, I am Sergeant Günter Boehm of Captain Schloser’s Company, 60th Royal Americans Regiment and I am at your service.” He said, with a very heavy German accent and snapping to attention.
Sergeant Munro replied, “It is an pleasure to meet you Sergeant Boehm, I am Sergeant Duncan Munro of Captain Graham’s Company, 42nd Royal Highland Regiment; my men require dry quarters and a hot meal.” Looking over to MacLeod’s body, he added, “We also require entrenching tools and permission to intern our friend in the post cemetery.”
“Ja, you have my sympathies sergeant, and you shall also have my full cooperation.” Sergeant Boehm finished with, “Your requests shall be carried out immediately, I shall show your men to their barracks and you are to report to the commandant with your dispatches.”
“Thank you Sergeant Boehm.” Munro then turned to MacIntyre, “Corporal, see to the men, I shall join you after a while.”
The commandant of the fort, Lieutenant Peregrine Wilkes, was not at all pleased with his current assignment. Banished to this remote corner of His Majesty’s Colonies, with a command that was best described as half lame, half drunk and all mutinous. His only confidant in this colonial backwater was Sergeant Boehm, a kindred spirit of professionalism. The current compliment under his command numbered twenty. Fifteen men, from his own company of the 60th Royal American Regiment, and a five-man detachment from the Royal Artillery.
Lieutenant Wilkes military career started well enough, gazetted in 1757 as an ensign in the 8th Regiment of Foote. It was the same regiment in which all of his family has served in one capacity or another, since 1685. His father had died at Culloden, while serving as a lieutenant in a battalion company of |
| 4 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Fitz Williams |
Posted - February 05 2004 : 12:07:59 AM
Hummmmm. . . The White Sachem, Rich Federici . . . . Rich Federici, Le Sachem Blanc! Got kind of a ring to it. I gotta remember that at the Gathering this summer. |
| SgtMunro |
Posted - February 04 2004 : 09:10:26 AM
Thanks for the kind words guys, I am really enjoying spinning this tale. I look forward to reading your work Dillon, you impress me with your knowledge of the history of 19th century Mexican-American relations, so I know it will be a very good read.
Thank you Mark, I thought you would enjoy 'seeing' some familar faces. The story is fictional, but placed in a historic setting (Graham's Company of the 42nd was stationed at Ft. Pitt from 1763-1767). The characters are based on real people I know personally in F&IW reenacting, actual historical figures, or are completely fictionalized by me.
Even some of the historical figures, have 21st century faces; for Major Campbell, I envisioned Bill Lochen (who portrayed him at the "Siege 1759" event at Ft. Meigs last year). For Colonel Bouquet, he was something of a mixture of Ed Highlander (who portrayed him in 'George Washinton's First War', and looks like a young Henri Bouquet) and Bruce Egli (who portrays him at the 'Bushy Run' reenactment every August).
Other characters were created from people I've met here on the Mohican Board. The 'White Sachem' character (who's real name will be revealed later) was based on Rich Federici, and his longhunter/scout impression. Mr. Goodrich, is of course Private Chauncey Goodrich after the French War, seeking adventure as a scout after Roger's Rangers were reduced with the "peace". CT Ranger is also being written in, and shall make his debut shortly. For Lieutenant Wilkes and Sergeant Boehm, I used Lloyd(aka mnchiefs502001)and his 60th Royal American impression, to give me inspiration in creating those two professional soldiers.
Speaking of inspiration, even though the story is my creation, the inspiration for it came from Seamus, Sjt. MacWilliam/Many Flags, Pte. Davey Gunn/Three Tales and the rest of the lads in the "MacWilliam's Chronicles". The credit for getting me to do this, belongs to them.
Your Most Humble Servant,
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| Dillon1836 |
Posted - February 03 2004 : 8:30:24 PM
Great work Sgt.Munro!
I to am writing a piece....on the Alamo ofcourse.
Your piece was very detailed and interesting.I enjoyed the time I spent reading it! |
| YoungNative |
Posted - February 03 2004 : 7:33:01 PM
This story is great ed, keep up the good work.
I really liked when you mentioned that ouisaw kitehi charecter. something about that name seames familliar 
i also really like the way you use the personas from reenacting, thats really cool.
-mark |
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