| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SgtMunro |
Posted - July 04 2004 : 11:06:39 PM
“A Soldier’s Duty” By Sgt. Munro
Fort Ligonier, The Ohio Country
27 February 1764 / 1350 Hours
With the protective walls of Fort Ligonier in sight, the men of Graham’s Company felt a rush of esprit d’corps. Corporal MacIntyre knew it was time for the men to sing a cadence, so as to give Drummer Stewart’s arms a rest. Taking the lead, as any good non-commissioned officer should, Ian started singing and the men picked up on the refrain…
“… And it’s over the mountains, and over the main… Through Gibraltar, to France and to Spain… Put a feather tae your bonnet, and a kilt about your knee… So up now bonnie lad enlist, and come aw’a with me…”
As usual, Corporal MacIntyre knew the right way to motivate the lads. Sergeant Munro also agreed with the Corporal’s cadence, since the garrison of Fort Ligonier consisted of a poorly motivated company of the 60th Royal Americans. The sight of professional soldiers, in good order and morale, might help raise the garrison’s spirits somewhat.
Marching through the outer work’s Bullock Gate, a lone sentry greeted them with his firelock ‘at the recover’. Captain Graham returned the salute as he led the column to the fort proper. Passing the bullock pen to the south, the men started a new cadence to finish their march and announce their arrival…
“…Black Watch Tartan, pinned to my shoulder… Pick up your weapon and follow-me, I am highland infantry…”
The singing not at all amused Fort Ligonier’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Archibald Blane of the 60th Royal Americans Regiment. He had just received word that his petition for release from active service had again been denied. “Damm Bouquet, will he not let me go?” The Lieutenant cursed as he crumpled the dispatch and threw it in the fireplace. His self-absorbed anger was interrupted by a knock at the door.
“Enter!” Lieutenant Blane answered.
Sergeant Oswald Thomas entered the commander’s quarters; rendering a salute, he then reported, “Sir, a detachment of the 42nd from Fort Pitt has arrived at the West Gate.”
“Was it them who I heard that wretched singing coming from?” Lieutenant Blane asked.
“Yes sir.” Sergeant Thomas answered, “Singing, kilts…and all of that.”
“Wonderful!” Lieutenant Blane said in a huff, “Just what I need, more ‘toy soldiers’ who love the austere life of His Majesty’s Service!”
Lieutenant Blane exited his office, and walked out of the West Gate, where he met Ensign MacMillan and his new guests. “I am Lieutenant Archibald Blane of the 60th Royal Americans Regiment, and commander of Fort Ligonier. Who are you sir?” Lieutenant Blane said to MacMillan.
“Ensign Fergus MacMillan, sir.” MacMillan replied, “Adjutant of Captain Graham’s Company, 42nd Royal Highland Regiment, and at your service sir.”
“Mister MacMillan, what were you and your men trying to do with all of that vulgar singing?” Lieutenant Blane paused while he scanned the wooded ridgeline to the west, “You could have alerted every savage within earshot of this post!” Continuing in his admonishment of the Ensign, “Just because you highlanders love to fight and live to serve, does not mean that you should try to bait any war party that might be skulking near my post, and one other thing…”
“Lieutenant Blane, I presume.” Captain Graham said, as he approached from behind. “I am Captain Thomas Graham of Duchray, Company Commander.” Positioning himself between Lieutenant Blane and Ensign MacMillan, the Captain continued, “I hope that you were discussing as to where my men are to set up our company street.”
“I was just explaining to the Ensign that all of that singing might attract the enemy.” Lieutenant Blane explained, as he continued to eye the wooded ridge nervously.
“So Lieutenant, have your patrols revealed possible incursions?” Graham asked.
“The militia reports no activity.” Blane replied, “But you know how unreliable those types can be.”
“What of your regulars?” |
|
![The Mohican Board! [Bumppo's Redux!]](images/wwwboard.gif "The Mohican Board! [Bumppo's Redux!]")
