| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SgtMunro |
Posted - April 09 2004 : 11:18:08 AM
“We Merry Few…” By Sgt. Munro
Fort Pitt, The Ohio Country
01 February 1764 / 1130 Hours
Captain Graham was visiting Lieutenant Patarcity, who was still recovering at the fort’s surgery. All of the five remaining rangers of Patarcity’s Detachment were alive, thanks to being found by the captain’s patrol. Still somewhat weak, the lieutenant of rangers was starting to show marked improvement, as were the rest of his men.
“Captain Graham, with my belongings was a journal,” Patarcity started, “It contains notes from our mission. It is a very sensitive item, and meant for General Gage’s Chief of Intelligence…”
“Who has it safely in his care.” Major Cooper said, entering the room, “Good work Stephen, and I must admit that I am impressed with how you and your men performed.”
“Sir,” Patarcity said as he started to sit upright.
“Relax Stephen, you are sick in hospital, so we can dispense with the military formalities.” Major Cooper added, “Besides, there are two men with me who wish to see you.”
“Lieutenant! Thank God you are alright!” Ranger Paul Hicks said, as he entered the room with Rifleman Morris.
“Paul, William, it is good to see you boys.” The lieutenant said with a smile.
“It is really good to see you sir.” Rifleman Morris replied.
Surgeon Devon then entered the room and said, “Major, I hope you are not planning on having these men return to service immediately. They require at least another two weeks before they can safely travel.”
“I understand doctor,” Major Cooper replied, “You are the one to determine when these men can return to service, and once that happens they will all be granted an extended leave to visit their families.”
“Thank you major.” Lieutenant Patarcity said.
Turning to address Ranger Hicks and Rifleman Morris, Major Cooper then said, “I must deliver these notes to General Gage in New York. You men may remain here with your fellow rangers, so that all of you may return to Fort Niagara together, when Surgeon Devon deems it allowable.”
Ranger Hicks then asked, “But sir, Major Wilkins said you were not to travel unescorted…”
“To Fort Pitt, Hicks.” Major Cooper interrupted, “The orders mentioned nothing about travel to New York. Besides, once I am in the Susquehanna Valley, there are more than as few intrepid fellows who could assist me if the need arises.” The major then bid farewell to the rangers and departed.
“A most interesting man, lieutenant.” Morris said.
“You don’t know the half of it, Morris.” Patarcity answered.
Captain Graham departed as well, so as to allow the rangers some time to catch up with each other. Once outside, he ran into Sergeant Munro who was returning from fort armory with some much needed firelock parts. Returning his sergeant’s salute, Captain Graham asked, “What is the training schedule today?”
Sergeant Munro answered, “Due to the poor weather, Corporal MacIntyre is conducting fencing exercises at MacKenzie Barracks.”
“Broadsword or bayonet?” Graham asked.
“Broadsword today, sir.” Munro replied, “If the weather clears up tomorrow, we shall have bayonet fencing and drill outdoors, after Divine Service.”
“On a Sunday?” Graham queried.
“Yes sir,” Munro continued, “The men are loosing their edge, and with spring coming soon our operational tempo will probably increase.”
“Very well sergeant, I leave it to you to determine the readiness of the men.” Captain Graham then said, “Which brings me to another subject, we are due some replacement soldiers soon.”
“When sir?” Munro asked.
Unfolding a letter from his pocket, Captain Graham read, “Eight private soldiers to be assigned to Captain Graham’s Company. Soldiers to be retrieved at Fort Bedford, Pennsylvania Colony, on or about the 18th of March.” Returning the letter to his pocket, Captain Graham then commented, “I know that eight soldiers do not bring us anywhere near our authorized strength, but it is still better than none at all.” |
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