| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SgtMunro |
Posted - March 14 2004 : 10:14:27 AM
“Trials And Tribulations” By Sgt. Munro
Fort Pitt, The Ohio Country
11 January 1764 / 0850 Hours
“Sergeant Munro, it is time.” Captain Graham said.
Today was the date set for the board of inquiry, and regardless of his captain’s assurances Sergeant Munro knew that anything could happen. Wearing his formal uniform, dress regimental complete with silver lace, sergeants sash and great kilt, he departed MacKenzie Barracks without any arms. Prisoners were to be unarmed before being brought before the court. Outside, both he and Captain Graham met Corporal MacIntyre with four men of his squad and Drummer Stewart.
Saluting the captain, Corporal MacIntyre said, “Sir, is this really necessary?”
Returning Ian’s salute, Graham replied, “Yes corporal, it is. Have your men fix their bayonets.”
“With all due respect sir, we are treating the sergeant with the same precautions used for deserters.” Ian said, clearly dissatisfied with the whole detail.
“Corporal” Sergeant Munro interrupted, “What you are doing is part of the customs and traditions of the British Army. I would feel slighted if you did not carry out the prisoner escort correctly.” Then turning to address Drummer Stewart, “That also includes the playing of the ‘Rogues March’, is that understood?”
Both men replied, “Aye sergeant.”
Corporal MacIntyre then had his detail fix bayonets, and form a square around Sergeant Munro. Captain Graham drew his broadsword, and assumed his place at the head of the march. As the detail wheeled about and started toward the headquarters building, Drummer Stewart fell in behind, dutifully playing the ‘Rogues March’.
Once at headquarters, the detail halted and two privates from the 60th Royal Americans, who were on Provost Detail, stepped forward. Corporal MacIntyre watched with disgust as the two Royal Americans trussed his sergeant’s hands. It was all too obvious that they were enjoying their job a little too much. It sickened him to watch the two privates tugging the rope, as if they were trying to cause the sergeant to loose his balance.
Once inside the building, Captain Graham turned over his charge to a lieutenant from the Royal Americans, and entered the courtroom to take his place on the board. Lieutenant Wilkes, recently arrived from Fort Burd, chastised the two privates for their unprofessional conduct in escorting the prisoner. Then he addressed the sergeant, “Good to see you again, Sergeant Munro. I only wish it was under better circumstances.”
“Aye sir” Duncan answered, “How is Sergeant Boehm?”
“He is well, and he is also here.” Lieutenant Wilkes continued, “Our detachment was relieved by the Virginia Provincial Regiment, and once the weather warms we shall rejoin our company in the Carolinas.”
The door opened, and Ensign O’Toole of Captain Ecuyer’s Company stepped out. Saluting Lieutenant Wilkes, he said, “Sir, as secretary for this court, I am here to announce that the board is ready for your prisoner.”
“Very good Mister O’Toole” Returning the ensign’s salute, Lieutenant Wilkes turned to Sergeant Munro and said, “Well sergeant, I wish you luck.”
“Thank you sir.”
With that, Sergeant Munro was led into the courtroom, and placed in front of the board of officers. Next to him stood Ensign MacMillan, who would be acting as the sergeant’s advocate. The representative of the Crown was Captain-Lieutenant Ralph Phillips, 60th Royal Americans Regiment. Ensign O’Toole assumed his place at his writing desk, and Colonel Bouquet rose to announce the opening of the proceedings with the striking of his gavel.
“This court is now in session and I, Colonel Henry Bouquet of the 60th Royal Americans Regiment and commanding officer at Fort Pitt, shall preside. The following officers are present,” Each man rose in turn as his name was called by the colonel, “Major Allan Campbell, Captain Thomas Graham of Duchray and Captain-Lieutenant John Graham; all of the 42nd R |
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