| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SgtMunro |
Posted - August 11 2004 : 8:04:56 PM
“A Man Among Men” (Part One) By Sgt. Munro
Juniata Crossing of The Forbes Road, Pennsylvania Colony
18 March 1764 / 0930 Hours
Once the men of Graham’s Company arrived at the remains of the Fort at Juniata Crossing, the Captain ordered a halt. The post, abandoned since July of 1763, was in a poor state, however the men were able to find shelter in the dilapidated buildings within the ‘fort proper’ on the west bank of the Juniata River. This was good news; since the patrol was traveling light, without their tents or camp equipage, and having their great kilts and issued blankets as their only shelter during the march. While the men settled in to prepare their mid-day rations, Captain Graham and Ensign MacMillan were reviewing the map to plan a series of sweeps.
“I want two patrols, of a corporal and six men each.” Captain Graham started, “One patrol will cross the river, and follow a course parallel to the south bank, due east.”
“Aye sir.” Ensign MacMillan replied, making notes in his book.
Graham continued, “The second patrol will back track west on the military road for five miles, then swing due north for another two to three. Let us see if we cannot find the terminus of this new warpath.”
“Aye sir.” MacMillan then asked, “How do you want the recruits assigned?”
“Privates Campbell, MacDougal, and Burns will accompany Corporal MacIntyre’s squad, who will conduct the riverbank patrol.” Graham replied, “Privates Robertson and Grant will accompany the patrol led by Corporal MacLean and yourself for the northern sweep. Privates MacPherson, MacKenzie and Gunn will remain here with Sergeant Munro and the rest of the company; we will act as decoys, marching back and forth on the road to draw attention.”
“Very good, sir.” MacMillan answered.
“Look, Fergus” Graham said, “I don’t like the idea of risking new soldiers like this, but our orders are most critical. Once we locate the junction point of this new warpath, Captain Smith and his rangers will take care of the ambuscade. Right now, we are spread too thin, and every soldier counts.”
“These men knew the inherit risks, when the accepted the King’s Shilling.” MacMillan replied, “They will do their duty, regardless of the final cost.”
“I know they will, Fergus.” Graham said, “And it is my respect and love for these men that makes giving orders like these always difficult. I do look forward to the day when I no longer have to order men into harm’s way.”
“Aye sir, such is the high price of leadership.” MacMillan noted.
“Very well, Fergus.” Graham continued, “We’ll have the lads rest for four hours, then we shall start. I expect to be finished by late-day tomorrow.”
…Later that evening, five miles east of Juniata Crossing:
“Halt!” Captain Graham ordered, “Alright lads, once again, wheel about and we will march back westward.”
This was the third time that the men have done this maneuver. Sergeant Munro then ordered, “String yourselves out a wee bit, and look tired, as if we have been marching westward all day. Try not to look so watchful, we want to bait the enemy into an attack, and they will not do so if we look ready for them.”
“We ‘ave been marching all day.” Private Stewart mumbled.
“That’s good Stewart, grousing will make the façade more believable.” Munro replied.
About two miles into their repeat westward march, the forest to the north of the road erupted in fusillade of small arms fire and ‘war-whoops’. Captain Graham drew his broadsword and pistol, while shouting, “Sergeant, form the men into ranks, and prepare to return fire!”
Sergeant Munro echoed the order, “Hostiles to the right! Form ranks of two!”
The men quickly formed up, and on the Sergeant’s command “Make ready!”, the front rank dropped to one knee. This was followed by Captain Graham shouting, “Volley fire, present! Fire!”
“Prime and load!” Sergeant Munro ordered, as he noticed the war party drawing in closer. |
|
![The Mohican Board! [Bumppo's Redux!]](images/wwwboard.gif "The Mohican Board! [Bumppo's Redux!]")
